Tips For Collecting Vintage Action Figures - Vintage Toy Collection

[@thebritishmarksmanairsoft628]

I’m probably the youngest action man collector ( I’m 11 )

[@ryanfoley8035]

I collect G.I. Joe and I’m 12 And the 12 inch G.I. Joe

[@RealMasterpieces]

I started collecting vintage Star Wars figures when I was 9 or 10. I don't collect as much now, but whenever I find a vintage Star Wars figure I don't have for I good price, I purchase it.

[@thatamericankid.]

I started collecting 1964 G.I. Joes when I was 8 (I'm now 12).

[@jonesstephen4579]

Me too

[@mfdriller8863]

I started at 9 with a little kenner star wars figure then this year I got an at at the first one im restoring it.I collect Halo,Star Wars,and Masterpiece Style Transformers.

[@MozziMono]

"Simply collect what you love". That is the best tip of all, and that is what I do. Thanks, Tony!

[@679iceman]

Buying in bulk is the best deal by far. I buy lots all the time and really get both trade bait and nice figures for my collection.

[@deanmartin6468]

I'll never forget the first time i saw your Action Man collection Tony, 'Blown away' probably describes it best, i didn't realise that the AM range was so vast 😀

[@AnalogToys]

Thanks Dean, hope you’re keeping well mate!

[@Yankeesjetsfan71]

Great video. I'm a Mego WGSH, Spider-man & Star Wars collector. I took a number of years off collecting vintage toys & now I'm looking to getting back into collecting again. Great tips in this video that will help me ease back into the hobby.

[@redblack1517]

I was born in 1999 and even I gotta say 1970s -1990s toys are the shit 👌

[@gazz_N7]

I set a budget just after I started collecting Joe's, best choice I made. Stinks though when you come across something you really wanted at a decent price, and you already spent you allotted cash..but there's where patience comes in right? lol. Thanks for this guide to collecting!! Later!

[@ryanbarker5217]

this is something a lot of wanna-be collectors fail to understand, so i'm glad you mentioned it ~ collecting as an investment is a bad idea! then, just collect what you want. some folk are completists, some pick and choose specific toys from a varied range, but sometimes you don't know what kind of collector you are until you start doing it, lol. price guides... nevermind that stuff. price guides are always too high so the seller can show a customer just how 'good a deal' he's getting. know how much something is worth before buying it off some guy's shelf or convention table, a great way is ebay (and not the asking price, but note if someone actually bought it). then learn how to negotiate. a lot of sellers will offer about 30-40% what they think they can sell something for when someone brings in an item. for rarer items that percentage can go a lot higher, but for normal toys i always wanted to double my money when i sold used toys. understand a dealer needs to make a profit, too, but don't believe him when he says, 'that's what i paid for it.' it could be true, it could be a flat-out lie. a dealer always marks up their stuff to leave room for negotiation, so if you walk away paying full price you're paying too much, lol. negotiation is a game, and it's part of the fun. if you can, buy more than one thing ~ this gives you more bargaining position. buying in bulk is great when you're first starting out. you'll find that later, when you begin to have a full collection, that most bulk sales are filler full of commons. that's fine, but bear in mind that at some point you're likely to want to get rid of 17 greedos unless you want to have a greedo army, then it's on you to offer them for sale and hope you find a buyer. so, it's off to feebay ~ you take a lot of pictures, hope you sell them for about what you've got into them, box them up and take them to be shipped. unless you're a 'dealer' it's kind of a hassle for a couple of bucks, and i suppose a lot of folk just have a drawer full of beat up hammerheads somewhere. that's my advice for buying in bulk, that it's better to buy a better condition harder to find item once your collection takes shape than it is to buy a bulk lot to get that same figure at a worse condition and wind up with a load of common crap you have to deal with later all for the same price. nice video, lots of good information.

[@williamfrankferge1957]

Thank you for your videos

[@jasontorres4034]

Very helpful guide

[@thehobbyist1162]

As a 19 year old collector I completely 100% agree with you. Setting a budget and checking the condition on the items is always a good idea. I always prefer used and loose figures over mint in good condition but sometimes I don't mind near mint, near complete, complete, or missing pieces. broken parts if they are cheap or going for a good price and there in the same country. I also like to buy in the bulk lot so long its the same or similar toy line and mould . I'm a Japanese robot collector that collects G1 Transformers, Machine robo, DX Popy Chogokin, Diaclone reboot and so much more.

[@impgonzales9594]

Q+

[@impgonzales9594]

!

[@vinylrevenge558]

Watching this a second time to write down this list, I've been collecting for.....??? ...well a long time lol, but this list is good and will help keep me focused. I am going to share this one a lot. I like the way you focus points. Such HQ vids, love em!

[@pbailed8007]

I started to collect M.A.S.K. This year! By far my favorite!

[@80sfreak42]

Nostalgia has no price

[@Playitstraight44]

Excellent, excellent overview on collecting. I would add that auction shopping is sometimes best done by thinking in terms of a layman. When it comes to figures like Mego, it's often far more probable to find people, not of that era, selling off these toys from their attics that have no real knowledge of them. So sometimes the manufacturer will not be in the title. So when looking online it sometimes helps to reference terms that might be used by someone NOT familiar with the marketplace. I once picked up a boxed Mego Spider-man for $24.00 shipped. I lie not. It gets better when you realize it came from Canada. I'll also say this... Don't be afraid to look at items closing when no one is looking all that often...like on Christmas eve. There's a freebie for you. (; Great review!!

[@AnalogToys]

Great advice Rick Baker, thanks for sharing your comments!

[@anthonywhitehead5576]

Another great video Tony... keep up the good work.

[@martinroskilly9994]

Hi Tony, thank you for this informative video… I’m currently complying my list of all my collection (Star Wars Vintage, Black Series and TVC/Six Million Dollar Man/Transformers and Ghostbusters) - ln your opinion; what would be the best site to sell these items without me worrying about incorporating selling fees? As I don’t want to over charge and I want give collectors mint condition items for near retail prices. Thank you for your time. All my best. M

[@oddpodshow]

Great vid :)

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

One other thing to understand what can happen. I went to a toy show back in 1998 the Hasbro Star Wars was revving it up al over the place. There were people going after the red cards or green cards and so on. The Grand Moff Tarken had come and there were other things. I saw a Cinema scene "Cantina Showdown" With Obi Wan and Ponda Baba and Dr. Evazan. I saw only one there. And the seller said it was only going to be released with less than one thousand and only in mail order. His price was 85.00$ I paid it and the next week going to Mall-Wart they had it there for 19.99$ the collector I went to was trying to get me not to buy that set. He thought it was too high a price. I've noticed in the past when I was in that moment of saying what if I never see it again. Now here and now that will never be something that I will say again. Just recently a toy shop here in town sent me a message from Facebook he had a Golden knight on his steed with about 97.99 percent of all of the weapons. The sword and mace and shield and body armor for both the Knight and horse was there. The cost he had for it was 65.00$ with the box for the knight. I only have a redone Marx knight the black one. So now I have a couple of knights. My main collection is GiJoe-Action Man. Great tips there thanks for another great video.

[@nostalgicforthe70s18]

Thanks for your helpful hints. When I started collecting Kenner Six Million Dollar Man toys I saw that complete in box figures cost a lot so instead I collected loose Mint Figures. I later decided to make my own unique collection. If you have a chance please take a look at my Custom Kenner Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Women Project facebook.com/CustomKennerSMDM/

[@heatherninneman558]

Couldn't find a way to message you...what is the brand/ character name of the "She-Devil" character on the shelf that has a red body with large Red wings and black thigh-high boots? I would like to secure her for my own collection but couldn't find her in my own search on ebay..

[@andrewcarrasquillo7934]

Hello I found your video helpful I'm getting back into collecting again I've been trying to find action figures & die cast cars from movies looking on Ebay & Goggle but haven't found what I'm looking for if you could help me I'd appreciate it thank you!

[@Romin.777]

As a kid i never had the real dolls, that's my luck now i guess. Always knock-offs but with real uniforms. Now i only own two real dolls. Both wich are eight years older as myself. But i'm not a real collector. My latest edition i just came acros because i wanted that as a kid and it came with another outfit. To populate my knock off armoured car. ;))

[@gorefest9939]

I'm somewhere between XandY,but my favorite is Big Jim.Exellent video!!!!! I own a few original Action Men to,but nothing near the level of what you have!!Cheers from Belgium!

[@Dave-rf1zj]

Another tip to add to your list is to have fun. If you're not having fun collecting toys....why do it?

[@mrcherrrysoda1324]

This did help me alot on how to find good deals on old toys, btw can you do a video on 90s - 2000s toys? It would help me out alot because I collect alot of toys from that era, if you want to see too see some of my vintage toys then check out my channel!!! : )

[@mfdriller8863]

I started at 9 with a little kenner star wars figure then this year I got an at at the first one im restoring it.I collect Halo,Star Wars,and Masterpiece Style Transformers.

[@Zpt_Essi]

Hi there! Just wondering which Action Man Vintage figures you would suggest? Also, could you give the prices? Thanks in advance, love your content!

[@ComicsReMIXed]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Your tips were very knowledgeable and on the money. I agree wholeheartedly and I'm very happy that I came across this video and see that there is someone out there who shares the same views I do. Good job sir!

[@MissAmazanda]

I like collecting vintage toys but i also like buying the new toys that come out also....

[@dex7721]

Great video, Mr. Tony! Most informative. Hope you'll post new toy/cartoon review videos again soon.

[@roguehorncellar6115]

I love collecting but hate BOXED toys! Lol

[@javontamartez5171]

Anakin Skywalker for. star wars episode1 lol prize

[@Qui-GonJohn]

Hey Tony, Analog Toys I'm John a new subscriber, here thanks to Toy Polloi. Great video

[@robthetimekeeper2423]

This video is chock-a-block full of great info! :)

[@AnalogToys]

Thank you

[@nicholasdickens2801]

I’m 45, born in ‘72, and I love so many toys from Action Man in the 70s through to the late 80s. Along with the newer Character Options Doctor Who - which I’ve waited for all my life. :)

[@Romin.777]

Me too! :))

[@marceloillanes175]

I could hear you talking forever

[@eerieitroll4999]

I collect these now even though I didn’t grow up with them

[@Slipperylilsuckers]

Great tips. Wish I could’ve watched this 20 years ago.

[@AnalogToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chinapat6708]

Great tips, excellent vid!

[@dalehanna389]

Thank you, great information and advice.

[@unclelou4839]

Gen Xer here. 1974. Was there for it ALL, and wouldn't change a minute. I haven't been an 'avid' collector/hoarder for many years, but I've still got my share of beloved items. (My original Krusher, Thingmaker sets w/ovens, bunch of random 70s/80s figures, my MEGO dolls, large collection of original Topps Rubber Uglies/jigglers, etc.etc.) You seem to be more of a military/vehicular/action adventure fan; I was (am) much more of a 'monster kid', heh. I'll send some pics of my (terribly messy) large closet/small spare room, overflowing with boxed goodies, if you'd care to see...

[@TracyA123]

Well done!

[@AnalogToys]

Thanks

[@jamaaltillery7061]

wonderfull tips

[@markrobinson6279]

how do you find out toy fairs?

[@brianc1889]

Love the video I subscribed! My problem is having too many varied collections at once. I like too many different things lol

[@TheNightBadger]

Just looking at the Action Man Space Ranger in box gives me nostalgia pangs! On top of that you have two of my most wanted childhood toys (that I have since collected); Star Wars Landspeeder and Mego Hulk (Mego Hulk was the toy more than any other I wanted as a child, but never got). How much would an in-box Space Ranger go for on eBay I wonder...

[@andrewboreham7377]

Nice video

[@gutz1981]

Finding vintage toy fairs near London is proving a little difficult as it is just something I can't seem to narrow down online as it shows me random listings, of either past fairs or modern day toy business fairs. Anyone know of any good toy fairs near London coming up this year? Cheers.

[@Paulie-276]

www.actionmanhq.co.uk/pages/template.html

[@greglemieux9809]

Wow man. Those Action Man figures are the Balls. 👍

[@dailyjmyers148]

LOL

[@TheClaudeHopper]

Sweet video thanks for the tips. Love my Kenner Star Wars, G.II. Joe, Masters of the Universe, and Gen 1 Transformers.

[@manuelramos3588]

Awesome vid

[@johnwild8336]

I started collecting MEGO Planet of the Apes in the early 1980's when I was just 10 years old. I still haven't finished this collection. How is that for patience? This video is good advice for collectors. You forgot that your channel is a great way to research collectible action figures. Thanks for your efforts in making the Action Figure Hobby a fun, rewarding experience. Best to you!

[@AnalogToys]

John Wild you are one my earliest and most consistent supporters, many thanks for always tuning in to watch my new videos!

[@davidpyott3710]

Vice Nid

[@Ap-lc4ry]

I can't find ant action man original 1964 action soldiers exc only gijoe

[@martinanderson8815]

great tips having patience is difficult but key look forward to the next video

[@willischalepah9488]

Setting listening with my wild weasel and snow serpent right by me drinking some Dr pepper

[@sportscards88]

Fantastic video as always . Love seeing your action man collection. Did you film a lot of footage from the action man meet ups? Would love to see more. Also when you filmed the story of , you interviewed a few collectors. Do you have any footage of their collections ?

[@AnalogToys]

Thanks for watching. The footage is from the welsh action figure show from 2011 (or maybe 2012 I'm not quite sure). Yes I have footage of other collector's collections but I agreed it would only be used for the Story Of Action Man Documentary so unfortunately I won't be uploading it here...

[@billpagan3070]

Great advice Tony! Thanks

[@aladdintoys4703]

what vintage transformers g1 toys

[@BEACHLIFE78]

Hi nice video

[@bear740able]

Another great video

[@autoneurotic]

I started collecting a few months ago after many years away. I've been building up a vintage Star Wars collection, and a lot of what you've said here I've already found to be quite true. Focusing on one area at a time, and bulk lots are really the way to go. What's your take on reproduction weapons? The vintage ones are so costly as to be out of reach, but the repros are quite affordable.

[@AnalogToys]

Each to their own mate. Many die-hard star wars collectors hate repro of kind and while I always prefer original, I can see why some people would prefer repro just to make it affordable. The only time I have a problem with it is when sellers try passing repro off as original and scam other collectors!

[@autoneurotic]

That's one of my concerns actually, especially with buying online. I don't trust any weapons I see listed as "original" because the markup is so high. And in that vein, vinyl-caped Jawas fetch a substantial premium and are awfully easy to fake.

[@AnalogToys]

You either stick to trusted, well respected sellers or go for graded stuff but there is always a risk unfortunately. It's not just Star Wars either, in the Action Man world reproduction stuff is very prevalent too!

[@bear740able]

loved seeing my 2 favourite toys as a kid on your display. steve austin and the hulk.i was wondering tony if you remember a toy we could gt in the u.k.from newsagents. they were little action figures that came in roughly cigarette sized boxes with loads of accessories. they were mainly military but you could firemen etc.they were cheap looking and they were everywhere like those polystyrene planes . I've been trying to remember they're name and find info on them to no availe.

[@AnalogToys]

I know exactly what you mean, www.google.com.au/search?q=action+jack+toys&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjw57fM_uPSAhUBj5QKHUu6AP4Q_AUICCgB&biw=1920&bih=1014

[@bear740able]

Analog Toys sweet.thanks Tony. I knew you'd come through👍

[@AnalogToys]

I remember them well, I used to have them when i was a kid too, fantastic little cheap toy for newsagents!

[@TrigsTimeVault]

Thanks for the tips, Tony! Really great stuff to get someone started off on the Right foot. One question, if you might indulge me: Is there a single place to go that lists all the vintage toy fairs/conventions happening, or do you find out about these simply by attending and Google searches?

[@theirishgerman538]

My deal isn't collecting toys, rather i'd like to get in to selling them. But I'm still figuring out the right course of action.