Toy Collector Tips and 3 Rules To Follow! To Buy MORE or LESS?

[@hanschow5457]

And secret rule number 4: Mind your wallet. Great list Ken 👍

[@ToyKennections]

I think i'll pin this comment to the top of the comments feed, lol.

[@hanschow5457]

@@ToyKennections 😂😂😂

[@samanthaadams619]

That's the best one!

[@Csthedirector]

As a collector I only buy what I really like and want at a good deal.

[@macandee7799]

Great advice overall. I'm especially fond of point #3. Nothing tatters your budget and leads to buyer's remorse like following trends.

[@ToyKennections]

I feel ya there on #3. Thx!

[@BrickSomething]

Nice. A little toy self-help.

[@ratface44]

Great advice Ken! Excellent video!

[@ozstradamustoyz]

Great rules Ken sound advice. As collectors I think it's important to curate your collection be picky about what you put your money towards. Make sure what you're buying has meaning to it will help ensure you have the least amount of regrets and buyers remorse. But as long as what you have brings you joy, in the end you're doing it right for you.

[@ToyKennections]

100% Oz!

[@enriqueae7532]

Great tips. I just did this with MOTU Classics. I only bought 4 figures and that’s it.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Okay, core characters...transformers.. just my essential 60 then? Lol 😄

[@ToyKennections]

As long as we see some Wreckers 😎

[@maverickcortez1111]

Your number 2 tip is the core of why I collect in the first place and must be the main reason why you buy toys. Your connection to childhood memories or even from a moment in your life or simply a character that you really like must be a reminder of that piece that your adding in your personal space. Quality must matter than quatity.

[@ToyKennections]

Most definitely. Thank you for the comment.

[@BillLionaire12]

I only get classified and wrestling which saves me a ton of money

[@bobahicks]

Can't argue with any of these rules. The trends one is especially relevant these days. Very easy to be caught up in the hype surrounding a particular line only to buy some products and realise that you weren't really that into it in the first place.

[@MrLourie]

I collect only DC characters, mostly Superman. At least 6- or 7-inch figures, some mega-sized, no cloth capes because they make the figure look cheap. I also avoid Batman at much as possible except as a member of the Justice League. I've been collecting for about 30 years and have maybe 300 figures which isn't really that many. If I had the space, I'd collect statues.

[@JLSComics]

Great advice!

[@tonyrobles1198]

My personal rules are the following 1 connection to the series: what the personal connection I have to the franchise or series being offered by company X 2 easy out: if you wanna stop, have that planned with a certain item. For example my last GI JOE will most likely be Big Ben (not counting figures that are already available plus figures that are up for preorder) 3 cohesion: how well will it fit with some of my other lines? Example: My Valaverse Action Force works with my GI Joe's which works with my Mcfarlane Call Of Duty figures. 4 pros and cons: weigh the pros and cons of buying the item immediately vs later on or if you need the item in question. Example: I want a lot of Hasbro Classified but I really do not want or care about Croc Master 5 budget: Toys in the end are just toys and of you're put in a situation where its collecting vs food, fuel or utilities then you better choose the necessities. You'll be able to find that figure again someway somehow. 6 have fun: it's a hobby where you can meet great friends/acquaintance's and you can share hunting spots or view each others collection maybe get an idea or two for your own that might be fun to try out. Dont be a stuck up or a shill bc collecting is a hobby, not a race. 6A customize: if you have a character you wrote or drew or whatever dont be afraid to buy a few figures to make your character into a reality. It's part of the fun and always makes a collection a bit more unique. This part is optional tho so feel free to do what you want.

[@ToyKennections]

Well said Tony!

[@tonyrobles1198]

I think your rules are still a little better as it's much simpler and intuitive lol

[@aquastar4336]

I grew up in the 80s and 90s. I've been collecting vintage my little pony for a long time. Some of my favorites in my collection are: So Soft (SS) Twilight, SS Gusty and SS Fifi. Twinkle Eye (TE) Bright Eyes, TE Galaxy, TE Fizzy and TE Mimic. Twice As Fancy (TAF) Sugerberry. Rainbow ponies Starflower, Moonstone + Windy. Scent Ponies Cocoberry + Boysenberry Pie. I'm now getting into Magic Mixies + MIxlings. I'm very excited 🥰

[@johnverley388]

I collect wrestling figures. marvel retros. stars wars 6 inch figures i try and keep a budget on them on under 20 or 30 dollars and bidding on Ebay and vintage Mattel toys. but bills come first.

[@paynestoysamples]

Rules will save you from yourself we don’t need to have toy interventions!

[@ToyKennections]

Yup... though it's hard to have self control sometimes 🙈

[@hegga_nm]

I would add one very important thing to this list, which new collectors rarely have in mind when they go on their inaugural "I'm a collector now!" shopping spree, and it's shelf space! Collection should be planned with available display space in mind (or ability to expand available display space in the future). What is the point of spending a crapload of money on a collection which is sitting in a storage unit because you live in a small apartment and only have two shelves you can display your figures on. With Transformers, limited shelf space can mean you would be better off by going with the legends scale collection where you can literally have season 1 and 2 bots on a bigger shelf where you would only be able to jam pack 10-12 masterpiece scaled bots, maybe few more, depending on their size.

[@scubapete9500]

Great advice Ken! (Unless your friend, let’s say his name is “Ken” for this example, is a toy enabler. He shows you beautiful Transformers and…you find yourself picking up just a little G1 Warpath today. “It’s just a small Transformer” you say to yourself while eyeing the boxed G1 Megatron. Help!!! 😉😆

[@ToyKennections]

Oh man. Yeah that's bad influence. You should see my buddy... who installed a custom floating shelf perfect for the size of a Flagg box... some underwater "Scuba" diver dude 🤣 (PS: now i want a box too........)

[@scubapete9500]

@@ToyKennections Touché pal! 🤣

[@nostrem82]

absolutely Ken great points 🤘

[@ToyKennections]

🤘✌

[@kieronball8962]

Excellent rules / advice Ken. I'm not going to be able to follow it / take it, but it's always nice to know why I'm in SO much trouble! :)

[@ToyKennections]

Been there myself so i feel ya, lol.

[@FirstLast-fc7dt]

I usually feel buyers remorse on modern toys but never on the vintage lines🔥

[@santiinx737]

Didn’t grow up in that era but vintage inch figures are my crack

[@damon6524]

Truths! The low hanging fruit danger…so true. I was at a Target and heard a Dad tell his son, “if you can’t find something you really want, don’t spend your money.” I just smiled, nodded, and put back the thing I had picked up! I should have thanked that rando Dad. 😉

[@ToyKennections]

Maybe he'll read this message 😎

[@damon6524]

@@ToyKennections Right? 😀 But you never know! I actually have run into a few toy collectors at Target recently, one from Canada, but not too surprising as Windsor is only across the river.

[@wheelsofchaoticdoom8946]

Great video, my friend, and very sound advice, too. I’ve been a (using my own $$$) collector since 1989 and i’ve always adhered to the rule of: I buy what i like. As a kid of the 70s and 80s i had the usual suspects….M.A.S.K, Lego, SW, Transformers, MOTU, Thundercats etc etc etc. great times forged great memories. My collection consists of many lines: . Kenner SW . classic/vintage Smurfs . 1989 Batman . NECA 1990 TMNT . G1 Transformers . McFarlane Batman . MOTU . Hot Wheels . Matchbox . Mad Max (HUGE FAN) . NECA Predator . Star Wars Black Series . Star Wars 3.75 (modern) . G.I.Joe (core characters) . Deadpool Star Wars Black Series i dropped once the PFP came in I’m not in competition with anyone and i don’t pay any attention to toy groups online (i’m not on FB so that’s a plus)….i just do my own thing and collect what i like my way and buy what appeals to me and tickles my nostalgia itch. I don’t buy to impress others. That’s pointless in my eyes. To me i believe a collection should be yours and yours alone. Not something determined by group think or what the hottest item is that week. Collect for YOU and YOU only.

[@ToyKennections]

Bam. Well said 🤜🤛

[@wheelsofchaoticdoom8946]

@@ToyKennections man, i tell ya, i go to a few collectors fairs and there’s lots of collectors there selling off stuff they got into then the trend died and now they’ve gotta sell off what they weren’t into in the first place and often selling stuff off below retail just to get rid of it. Every table had Funko Pops, Power Rangers (modern) and i notice a lot of modern Jurassic Park stuff as well. A Stop, Think, Do I Really Want This should apply (with everything) before making a sound decision.

[@dennischen8887]

Only 2 rules for me. Buy what I like. Do not buy what I don't like.

[@iansweeney8406]

I enjoyed the video and agree with much of what you said though I do slightly disagree with "peg-warmer low hanging fruit" generalisation. Operating on a very limited budget myself, the peg-warmer sales are what both enabled me to begin my collecting and to continue to add to it. The first 6-in Black Series figure I ever got was the Jynn Erso from a discount store I think for about £7 and it was also the figure which started my adult collecting life. If I was to see another peg-warmer at around the same price within the Star Wars franchise I would likely purchase it. As long as you accept that you have very limited funds then the peg-warmers way of collecting enables you to experience finding, building and enjoying a collection. Am I envious of those with bigger budgets or better budget management? well yes, but I love my collection and the relative scarcity of the purchases means each purchase is an event. Keep up the good work and never, ever apologise for using Transformers as an example. Peace.

[@ToyKennections]

That's a good point! I didnt address the fact that the pegwarmer could be on sale/clearance and could still be a gateway into a brand. So that's another angle to go about it.

[@citadelli]

I would add instead of getting a core line, get one you really like. See if it works for you. Is it any good? don’t chase emotions. Be inspired by them, but not a slave to them like anything in life 😜

[@masterversal-toyhunter]

Yes wise words indeed there my good sir ☺ i find myself thinking more on how i collect given the ol finances there

[@ToyKennections]

Ahhh we all could use more finances and display space 😃

[@bentonrp]

Three Rules for Toy Collectors: Rule #1) Put Down Dat Funko Pop, Man! Rule #2) Yoo wanna keep da cardboard packaging?? Then Don't live in an Igloo!! Rule #3) If you only collect what is valuable, you will run out of space! If you only collect what you like... you will run out of space! -_- And bonus rule: You ARE now the guy at the outdoor bizarre who you met as a kid, as your younger self wondered at the impossibility of why he thought it was a good idea to get rid of all his valuables for so cheap!

[@impossiblepie]

Where am I going to fit that new Roboskull into my toy room🤔 great tips Ken!

[@ToyKennections]

Haha. Garage storage!

[@AMVH2012]

I'd say I wish I saw this before I bought that MP test shot but probably would have bought it anyway.

[@ToyKennections]

Test shots don't come around often, so i'm sure it's all good!

[@draggonrage1950]

Started getting into collecting again. Ive had buyers remors and am learning to only buy something that means something to me like xmen 97 line. I grew up with that. I also realized there are differant variants of lines to chose from, and to do some resarch before comiting to a line. For example i started collecting dragon ball figures then realized i only want the shfigurts line. So ended up getting rid of all my dragon stars cuz i changed my mind on that particular line. Now i feel alote better when i do pick something up. Thanks for the good info appreciate it.

[@ToyKennections]

Glad you found the video helpful. Seems like you're well on your way!

[@garethsgeekretreat]

great setup.

[@SculptviperTommy]

Solid advice Ken Masters!

[@Cowboytoycollector]

Saw you on mega jay channel took me awhile to track u down really interested in this video glad I found you

[@ToyKennections]

Thanks and hope you stick around!

[@AO33x33OK]

I kind of see this as very helpful I have some questions though im starting fresh again I like collecting knock off electronics (might not be the right place) But do you have any locations or online stores you recommend Also your rule that makes it means something to self i like that one I like showing off my small collection cause they all have a story and were i got it from so i feel happy that But do you have a specific price range to set like 1 to whatever or would you recommend a specific total amount (probly one of my most dumbest questions) But yes nice video

[@ToyKennections]

Lot of great online shops. Start with Big Bad Toy Store or Ages 3 and Up imo. Price range I can't say... you'll find a comfort zone as you get deeper into collecting.

[@AO33x33OK]

@@ToyKennections yeah I'll look into those stores thank you Also I belvie at max 100 is that a little to high should I lower it if so what amount would you prefer Mostly been excessively but electronics but I been slowing down So yeah any ideas or preferences you have would be great

[@ToyKennections]

@@AO33x33OK i'd say go with 100 if youre comfortable with it

[@AO33x33OK]

@@ToyKennections thank you for the advice my fiance said to stay at 100 or lower so yeah your video and advice has been helpfull thank you

[@TexasForever88]

Awesome tips

[@ToyKennections]

Happy to help

[@captaindeadpool980]

I always, and only buy the characters i would buy and open, boxed or vacuum sealed, packaging. Like you said having a personal connection too the characters is that retro connection. I feel people watch these video's and think the odd $25 + figure's don't hurt the wallet, In my first few months of collecting i had spent over $2500 on probably 200 action figures. Also try not to switch between between brands as a 7" Gambit from Diamond Select will not fit in with your 6 ' Marvel Legends characters. PLEASE DON'T BUY WHAT YOU DON'T NEED. Especially with WWE action figures, Plus don't worry about seeing only 1 left in stock that is just one advert from one supplier. There's definitely a few other sellers out there, yes the price may have increased. I would rather collect something for myself than something that might increase in value overtime. That's collecting Sorry for the long rant...

[@alanrosario4624]

Nice collection. For me i was aiming for too many franchise figures i had to narrow it down.Slowly buying what I'm in too.Quick question how long you been collecting action figures?

[@ToyKennections]

In my adult life? Since 2002.

[@MonsterKidCory]

Ken: "Is it worth starting a new collection and going down that rabbithole?" My wife, listening in: "NO!"

[@ToyKennections]

HAHAHA!

[@Lostinfo_90]

I just buy what looks cool I don’t buy based of sets