Six months ago I said the STATUE HOBBY was DYING... Well, is it DEAD YET?

A follow up to my Statue Hobby is Dying video.
#statuecollector #statueunboxing #collectibles
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[@olunchb0xo965]

Shipping costs is what really slowed my purchasing tbh

[@juniorlifter369]

With Prime Studios YES!

[@ShadyDBZ4]

@@juniorlifter369With Sideshow too. I’ll never pre order any statue from them again until it’s widely available and I know what the shipping will cost. Last statue I got from them was Storm as soon as she was announced. When it was time to ship they charged me just over $90.00. Her box was light as a feather. They said “oh it’s the dimensions blah blah. That’s bs. I’ve had larger, heavier shipments from them in years past and they were nowhere this expensive. Also yeah, Prime 1 is the absolute worst. That’s why I only own one statue from them. Batman Batcave Jim Lee. Shipping was about $350-$400. Sticking with Hot Toys these past couple years with no regrets.

[@stormshadowctf]

Insane cost. Hard to resell.

[@CaniHaveTheRedPill]

exactly the issue. The resell is so hard that we are no longer in the days when you collected and made a profit in the resale. Now unless ur willing to wait years u take a loss. I got 10 statues and would love to sell and buy but cant do it at a loss.

[@anubusx]

Statue collecting will always have people who will indulge in it.

[@nicolaeionescu4646]

The statue market is barely hanging on. It's not dead, but it's just about there.

[@DrEaMsNoEviL]

It’s not dead till I’m out of bread!

[@sf6ftw833]

Terrible response. Huge fu**in fail boi

[@Pneuma462.]

​@@sf6ftw833whata you mean, it's got the most likes out of any other comment

[@damageinc5752]

It's not like statue collectors all of a sudden lost interest, it's because we have a historic shi#$y economy thanks to you know who. I'm still buying though... for now.

[@Pneuma462.]

@@damageinc5752 true that bro. I agree 100%

[@sf6ftw833]

@@damageinc5752 You got nothing left it the tank. Failure

[@AlfredMontaner]

Nft died physical collectables will be more in demand once the economy gets better

[@kernsanders3973]

I imported to my country and sold as a side business, had to emergency stop around two years ago because prices just became insane, the pieces themselves and the importing costs are now astronomical.

[@chrismurray3224]

Yep, same here ✌️

[@richardkrol5452]

Adapt or die. I feel like SS has increased in quality and sculpt.

[@warthog-facedbuffoncantmak4177]

And price

[@mikeobier7913]

I love Sideshow just because of the fact that they have such great customer service. They are so easy to work with.

[@moneywastedcollecting]

I think a lot of people forget about the silent collectors who aren't really on social media who probably make up 90% of the market, KZbinrs and people in the groups represent a very small fraction of collectors especially for the US, overseas owns the market. Stuff still sells out like crazy especially with PCS so it's not dead at all. People who might only get 1 a year which is fine, you can only do what you do, might get one every couple years or realize based on their income, statues are probably not a great investment with the hike in prices. I think most collectors on social media kind of all get the same things so it's harder to garner an audience to watch the same review multiple times. It's just priced some people out, but people will always collect and then when new people discover the hobby, they will try to get some older stuff then new stuff, cycle never ends.

[@Yosemite25]

Absolutely!

[@GemMintCollectibles]

If I recall, sideshow confirmed this some time back. I think they even said most sales are one and done customers. So not collectors who fill up a whole room.

[@BigD9176]

Tweeterhead is my jam right now - I do have to say though that the Legendary Beasts Batman has the best friggin base I’ve ever seen.

Who else sometimes feels like Why do I buy all this expensive stuff 🧐and a week later you love it again

[@GemMintCollectibles]

When I have money, I want stuff. When I have all the stuff, I want the money

[@FallenHeroEM1]

All of my hobbies are still flourishing. People still collect stamps and coins in a day and age where the industries are mostly digitalized. I think people are still collecting across the board, they may just be cutting back, streamlining or becoming hyper focused within their prospective hobbies.

[@witchblade100377]

It’s not so much dying as it’s just stabilizing back to being a more luxury hobby than having everyone a part of it like it was a few years back

[@artofgarduno]

brick not hit back

[@rrahll]

I just joined your community but I completely agree with the thoughts in the video. You did a very good job of breaking everyone down into different categories. Now you can find almost any statue according to your request, this is good.

[@user-ek4nh8oq8f]

With inflation, customers are hurting just to pay for the necessities like food.

[@marcusgoulart4963]

One thing that rarely gets mentioned between collectors is the rise of affordable and really good resin 3D printers from brands like Elegoo or Phrozen. That, along with some really good digital sculptors selling STL files (like Franco Carlesimo and a bunch of Patreons), might also contribute to the regular statues hobby shrinking a bit or being a luxury niche again. Of course, even though most 8k printers right now can achieve the level of quality seem on some official prototypes, the final product will not be the same. The painting, the weight, the lack of post-processing, etc. will not match the final products delivered by statue companies, but for a lot people that doesn't really matter that much. Anyway, just something to consider. Love your videos!

[@c2keyboardsamurai604]

I think this is a great time to get into the hobby. I learn so much from everyone’s experience and opinions. Hope we can all continue to love these statues.

[@joel4166]

I hope that things continue and even improve. Although not a collector of statues myself but who does build or print and hand paint statues and busts. I can appreciate and marvel at the talent that goes into creating these collectable art pieces. I've always enjoyed watching you unveil your latest acquisition. Stay Minty Fresh!!!

[@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter]

Great overview as usual! Glad to see you still going strong!

[@dannyjoyce4809]

People will always collect statues. With the price increase people will be more selective but as you highlighted it forces companies to be more competitive and creative to get our money again.

[@FineSculptGlory]

It's just evolving, Sideshow is keeping it stronger than ever. Many jaw-drop moments of anticipation for their latest reveals.

[@jordangreen4518]

The hobby, in my opinion, will never go away. The increasing cost and shipping prices will drive people away and for those like myself will just be very picky about what we buy. The hobby will still go on with new people just getting in, but if prices keep going up, the amount of people who can purchase these things will go down. I still plan on collecting but only what really speaks to me and is Conan the Barbarian related.

[@rrahll]

Thanks Gem Mint! I'm glad statue hobby isn't dying.

[@luxaeterna8170]

Shipping is insane now and breakages have been increasing during transit.

[@dazdaz105]

It’s now for those with deep pockets.

[@bio1656]

Sideshow need's to bring back a new Sabretooth statue .

[@user-hx4br8to3q]

Prices may be high, but many of the best statues ever are being done right now. There is also so much variety, something for everyone. Hard to keep up. Only issue is secondary market has softened quite a bit which hurts selling older pieces.

[@MattMatt77]

Within the 6 months how many companies have Closed? Not to mention. It's hard to get excited for a $1,000.00+ Statue with QC problems and Stuck up and nasty customer service if you have a problem when it gets to your door. It may not be Dead. But is it health? No. Are the customers happy? No Are the prices going down? No Are they listening to customers? 😕 sometimes Overall I'm taking my business elsewhere. But I know in 🇺🇸 that doesn't matter much because there will always be someone to take my place. With a bigger credit card to add... 🇺🇸

[@LoveToSeeLiberalsCry]

Never saw the point. So much money for it to just sit there. 1/6 figures on the other hand. Unlimited options.

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

I've been tempted by Bowen stuff. And let it stop before it started 😂🗿

[@rrahll]

1/3 Legendary Beast are incredible. The base... oh... the base is so good, man.

[@angeldeleon2686]

i got out a while back, way too much in costs all around. Also, love you GemMint - You’re starting to look like the John Wick of comic/statue collecting. Take care brother.

[@babtanian]

Certainly the state of the economy over the last few years has damaged the hobby, which makes statue collecting unremarkable against just about any other factor involving discretionary income. Any sort of economic recovery should result in an equivalent rise in statue collecting.

[@KashDaGemini]

I’ve only slowed down just due to having to be very selective and make sure what you are buying that you 110% want, that helps cut down the chances of selling unless you just don’t want anymore or you have a different direction

[@vmlprop1]

What would really be cool, 3D comic book statues like a Giant X-men 1 comic book replica capturing the moment the X-Men characters literally, physically bursting out of the comic book in a statue form

[@user-ge7pu8ve4k]

❤ YOUR STUFF!!! THANK YOU!!!!❤😂🫶👍🤙😆🤎🙏

[@fabricioonate7540]

XM is going out of business within 1 year. They spent too much money in their new shop and had to raise prices

[@NickGregorio]

I think they need to cut prices. I have been seeing sale prices on some statues I never thought would go on sale like the Metal Superman statue. I do think 1/10th scale is going to make a big splash.

[@jimgalla540]

Hulk. With insane shipping and pricing, how could it not die? While some companies have controlled their costs and reduced offering to stay focused on delivering what was ordered. Most statue companies are backlogged and can't deliver what they sold 2 years ago. This turns off buyers, so yes, it's dying because of the statue companies' poor decisions.

[@vividcollectibles]

I completely agree with your take on the state of the hobby. This hobby is probably never going mainstream, but it can still thrive at the niche level that it's currently in.

[@PhillMcgroins]

Damn bro I haven’t visited this channel in a while and I just wanna say that hair is majestic

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

I’m collecting mostly anime PVC scales, mostly 1/6 & 1/7, I’ll still pick up some 1/4 Prime1 Berserk statues. But I’m delighted with these PVC figures, they’re absolutely excellent.

[@HeyImSupercoo]

Im just now getting into statue collecting! I got my first ever 1/4 scale sideshow statue power girl. Next im getting prime 1 studio Harley or xm studios Rogue

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Welcome!

[@daimons7261]

I think it is dying, but idk if itll be gone completely itll be a hobby geared towards the affluent. Also cost constantly are going up including shipping rates and import fees. Space also is another thing in addition its not always easy to sell off old pieces to help fund new stuff. I have a few stuff on preorder that ill finish up and taking a long break after until i can find a solid Berserk Guts piece that fits my display.

[@juniorlifter369]

I still do, but only with specific pieces I REALLY want in my collection! If it doesn’t give me the wow factor then I’ll wait for the Winter or Christmas sale.

[@benniemartin78]

Definitely some interesting pieces still in the pipeline. I’m with you on PCS for sure. I’m getting all the 1/3 scale turtles and got the underground on preorder. I’m definitely more selective regarding what I spend the money and space on though

[@alemander_01]

I have stopped buying comic book statues but have been interested in Sideshow and their original stuff.

[@Ermac97]

I was an ardent statue collector. Before covid, I was buying nearly anything and everything related to any sort of property I liked. For example, the Batman Arkham statues by Prime 1. I was buying all the characters left and right until I stopped and asked myself why. Needless to say, I sold off all of those statues and only kept the Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Batgirl statues. The same goes for Hot Toys, though they fall more under FIGUREs but still. I was buying every Iron Man Mk. III variant until I realized it was a waste of money. People are just being more selective among the rising prices. Come on Gem mint, you know the most recent PCS TMNT manhole cover lifesize statue is NOT worth over 2K! It's literally a manhole slab with tiny turtle faces on it. The Prime 1 statues have more detail and they cost half as much.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I thought it was expensive, but collectors seemed cool with it

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Yea I agree 100% about that life size Turtles, no idea why people want that.

[@shazam2323]

I'm only gonna buy absolute must-haves...been making too much bread elsewhere to wanna keep buying depreciating assets lol

[@bullseye8841]

I think Legendary Beast Studios injected some much-needed excitement, but the prices/shipping ARE a problem. If anything kills interest in this hobby, it's going to be people feeling priced out.

[@itchieBs]

anyone ever tell you, you look like a House of Pain member? lol love ya!

[@GemMintCollectibles]

lol yes. Many times.

[@Naturessightsandsounds7040]

I got recommended that video from 6 months ago yesterday randomly and I have been subscribed for over a year, Matrix confirmed.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

😂

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I’m glad I finished my collection and I stopped collecting. I like what I have. They’re beautiful pieces, but I’m good.

[@EmmanuelDELCOUR]

YES 🙌🏻 WE'RE BACK ⚡️😄🌟✨👏🏻

[@Dano6sic69]

Im 44 and have been collecting toys since I was a kid. How do you justify the prices for these statues in this economy ? And postage costs ? Im from Australia the prices adjusted are absolutely insane.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

It’s been hard this year for sure. Havent bought nearly as many as I used to

[@Dano6sic69]

I'm a hot toys collector. I can't even justify buying those anymore lol.

[@OilersWorkshop]

I completely agree with everything you said here, 1/6 figure companies are honing their work and choices and responding in kind

[@TheVirginPrime]

I just started… so it’s all new and fun for me.

[@SilverWolf04]

Well damn, I did not know LBS had gotten the marve license back. I might be getting that Thanos after all.

[@bpbp7407]

People are broke man. I wish I could get my favorite pieces but people are hording and prices keep going up and up. lol

[@USMCKong0311]

Haven't watched ur videos in so long I hardly recognized u with that hairstyle. It suits u well.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Thanks!

[@iamtheesuprememoosie]

I have noticed anime statues have a higher purchase rate among statue collectors. Not even just in Japan either. I'm not quite sure WHY that is, maybe a few theories like how popular anime has become in comparison to American comics, and the fact that there's so many tiers of anime collectibles that are high quality across the board, but like I said, I'm just guessing. No matter what though, collectors are BUYIN TF outta em, the stats prove it. Just an observation.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Anime 1000 times more popular than comics.

[@NIRDSTUFF]

All the heat is coming out at the end of the year lol I’ve got more statues on preorder than ever this year

[@phreakyq]

been collecting hot toys for a year and a half and i finally got hit by the statue bug. first statue on PO!

[@garyinthefrozen]

Where’d you get that shirt?

[@GemMintCollectibles]

From deadstockluis on IG

[@ronmichaelsubang]

I agree with what you said about Sideshow and PCS. They have been releasing really good statues this year. I'm not even a Batgirl fan, but I got the latest Batgirl premium statue. The best design I've seen of the character. And PCS! They made a Tiamat from D&D. I also preordered that statue.

[@doncne]

They need to hollow out the pieces to reduce materials costs and shipping costs, so they can pass the saving on to collectors. I don't like paying for heavy solid pieces when only the surface is visible, not to mention the extra cost of sturdy displays to hold that extra weight.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I think a lot of them are. I think the bigger issue is the dimensions of the box

[@doncne]

@@GemMintCollectibles I know the bases on the LBS Hulk Premier Statues are solid and heavy, the legs and torsos are hollow. With other statues, some are and some are not. As for the box dimensions, I think the big scale statues would require the statue be made up of smaller pieces (more seams) and then you end up with more smaller boxes in the shipment. It's a trade-off. For me the weight is the bigger issue in terms of shipping costs and the cost of displays that can hold that much weight. It was the weight and shipping cost of Maestro Ver B that made me pass on it.

[@aaronbrooks5697]

I just started collecting Statues in the last year ish. I love them. I just ran out of room in the room my wife let me have lol. When I get a bigger room. I’ll probably start back up with some statues. I started with some smaller ones. But then I got the Thor vs Hulk from Ragnarok and a Mando from Mandalorian. Those are bigger but I’m much happier with the over all look of those

[@Twistedbunny69]

First love the vid keep up the good work 🐰❤️

[@GemMintCollectibles]

🙌

[@tubernery]

I've sold 80% of my collection and kept the favorites, lines I grew up with and love. Got my PCS classic green Guile, Blitzway Bruce Lee, Gecco Berserk, HT Empire Boba Fett, Soul Chogokin Voltron, and classic Bowen museums Thor, Wolverine, and Daredevil.. oh, and 1/6 Leon Remake statue. Also glad I kept my 80's and 90's comics and TPB HC's. Not much interest left with modern comics, Disney, Mcu.. Godzilla Minus One was top notch though and continue to read Dark Horse Fist North Star and Berserk.

[@Dan14thPrime]

I think statues went through a level setting phase and we’re back to smart editions, a wider range of prices and quality etc. P1 is going super premium - like Ferrari. I don’t mind. Plenty of other options for everyone and good value showing up at SS and PCS. I was down to just a few open POs a few months and not much space but I’ve recently loaded back up to 10 and thinking I’m going to change some things around and keep the collection evolving. 👍

[@ianloveland2726]

Just feel times are tough and when economies start to turn I think a lot will regret selling.still love mine not sold 1.

[@FineSculptGlory]

Yeah I've had two I regret cancelling PO's of, long sold out now 😯

[@heartbreakerh2o]

It's only dead due to inflation. I used to be able to afford groceries and a few statues each month on my paycheck. Now I have to choose.

[@Nevrix123]

It just seems like some studios are seeing what they can get away with charging right now. It'll adjust accordingly

[@matthewcordeiro2073]

With inflation and the current price of everyday items going up. It will definitely be impacted. I think they should do pieces in smaller scales.

[@secretmulletman7984]

Only 2 i have on preorder is red sonja and batgirl im gonna get a few more then im done for a good while...

[@Bus_Driver117]

It's slowed but I do installment plans hahha

[@PyroClit]

As someone living in EU. I sold everything last year. The shipping and the taxes was just too much. Made the prices double the original. But if they make a Watchmen series. I might come back, but until then, i have to wait.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

The customs charges I have here of over 25% are a total killer for me, especially since they charge you even on the shipping cost.

[@PyroClit]

@@InfamyOrDeath-__- That is how they total the import tax. It includes the shipping on the calculations. Its what really killed it for me. But thank god i quit. It took a burden off my shoulders.

[@JMAGEEK]

❤❤❤

[@jowats3540]

I have to disagree with Iron Studios. They used to have a good price point for their 1/10 scales, especially for the Avengers line. Then it got more and more expensive, $200 for a small statue (less than 10” tall in most). I was excited to see the Antman 1/10 scale but I decided not to get it cuz it’s only 16” and $500 without tax and shipping. All in all it’s about $600 for a 1/10. For an additional $100 or so, I might as well get a decent size 1/4 scale. To me, that’s not worth it I also have been buying used old PF statues from FB marketplace that are in great condition and good price. I haven’t bought a “New” statue in awhile

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Their prices are too high. They usually end discounting them. Cheaper to wait

[@rwmendesDF]

the act of collecting statues is not dying, on the contrary, is evolving.

[@rrahll]

I still can believe I missed PCS TNMT Classic Cartoons series. They are awesome! The best TNMT statues.

[@DanSikelia]

I would like to give a shout out to Iron Studios too. They do 1/10th which kind of make collecting statues affordable to most people. Their quality has increased MASSIVELY! See for example their latest Mr Sinister or the Unleashed version of Cyclops, which is so good and nothing like the goofy Cyclops for the Sentinel diorama.

[@LuxMorgano]

Final prices for me in Scandinavia are too high, even from SS.

[@candyman02]

I need a namor the sub-mariner sideshow collectibles statue ASAP

[@sade281]

Yooooooooooo GEM I did not sell my 40 Plus statues but I don’t hav any more room so I kinda stopped!! I do t hav the platform to sell like u do so I jus hav them I still love mine I hav grails but I am good with what I got 😮

[@AspenKaraZor-El]

I have never bought more statues per year then I have done this year. So for me the hobby is fully alive 👍☺️💪

[@mlee777]

I collected from 2018-2022. Mostly got what I liked at the time. No more space or strong desire. Just watch videos of other people spending their cash on the latest and greatest on KZbin 😂.

[@marcusleestudios7612]

I sold my superhero statues that I bought originally because of the cool factor. Now I only collect Conan statues because I've never grown tired of him. I have the 1/2 scale warpaint on preorder.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Stick with what you love 🙌

[@aoshi68]

I live in France and a french compagny Oniri Creation have been recently ransom after a bankruptcy

[@1madzilla]

Got tired of statues when the shipping prices went up, when they got much bigger, and experiencing breakages for such expensive pieces. You learn to do without with some pieces, when they get to over $2k range before shipping.

[@Megatronwasright]

I wish McFarlane would allow these companies to do a good Spawn statue. Also love your content

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Seriously… and thanks!

[@luisd7636]

if a group of ppl post on some claim online it doesn't necessarily make it true. only problem is that I am out of space. sideshow has some amazing pieces coming up in next six months.

[@mdb9920]

It is just too friggen expensive

[@momo.maru-kun]

When I finally took the dive into these expensive statues, they were already niche and priced at 300usd before. Now it is double starting at 600, so for me it is a new level of niche that I can no longer afford. So I simply returned to buying those small 1/12 or 1/6 statues.

[@rohanj6362]

The import tax and fees in the U.K. is extortionate due to HMRC increasing that YoY. So, i've had to be super selective now with pieces, and stop entirely - moving into collecting artworks or prints. Holding out for a better Punisher from SS (Garth Ennis inspired)...

[@timothyceballos651]

I started this hobby last year in May, 2023. Your videos and a few others jump started me into the hobby. These companies need to be better at marketing to people outside of the bubble I think. Every time I show people my collection they're blown away. They just never heard of it. I have been lucky enough to get new/state of the art pieces to build my collection. For example, Maestro, LBS hulk, etc. Sideshow's 30th year hit at the best time and I've PO'd a few of those pieces. If the hobby can continue and attract new people like me, they'll be okay. But damn is this hobby expensive

[@jacobmontes8530]

I think the statue hobby is not doing so well because shipping cost is unrealistic.

[@Kaitschi]

Xm is done, but P1 is still rockin', Sideshow is also on a good Way and LBS is maybe the most exciting Company at the Moment. Their upcoming Joker will be a big Hit, if the Price won't be too crazy.

[@B-rock34]

I think it will always be out there and have collectors. I try not to overpay for anything at all and get deals when I can since I only collect and not a reseller. Could it slow down, yea for sure. Might just mean us who keep collecting can get vintage stuff for cheaper. I will collect no matter what anyone else does I guess. I do like sideshow stuff right now as well.