No longer is collecting action figures only for kids; many adults have become passionate about these small, posable plastic characters that are often genderless.
Action figures vary from comic books, TV shows and films to bands—and the rarest of them all can be worth thousands per piece even without their original packaging! This has fostered a worldwide collector’s market that continues to flourish today.
Want to be a part of this movement and start selling action figures online?
Keep on reading.
Is It Worth It? Action Figure Market at a Glance.
The action figure toy industry has experienced an impressive growth spurt in 2021 and is projected to reach a value of $15.2 милиард от 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.3%. The Asia-Pacific region is likely to lead the way as the major driver of this expansion over the next ten years.
The market for action figure toys is immensely successful, thanks in part to their staggering profitability. The mark-up on these toys is typically twice the wholesale price—a remarkable advantage that has only strengthened its success among shoppers worldwide.
As disposable income rises and urban populations all around the world expand rapidly, demand for action figures is projected to surge during this period.
Допълнително, the presence of major manufacturers and retailers also significantly increases sales volume which results in considerable revenue generation for key players; thus propelling overall growth during the next few years.
The expanding number of web-based stores has rendered goods more inexpensive, as well as easily accessible. Следователно, it’s predicted that these factors will motivate potential customers to make purchasing decisions.
4 Quick Steps to Start Selling Action Figures Online
В крайна сметка:
- Doing a market research
- Gathering your stock
- Creating a listing
- Launching ads
Now one by one.
Market research
Determine which action figures have the most potential to be lucrative investments.
According to different sources, some of the most desirable brands for reselling are G.I. Джо; Masters of the Universe; Micronauts; Robotech; Space 1999; Star Wars (pre-1990) and Transformers (Generation 1). You can refer to sites like Action Figure Checklist или AFT in order to learn all about pricing & details on new as well vintage action figures!
Складова наличност
Buy some figures, keeping in mind the three aspects that make them valuable:
- their rarity
- състояние
- popularity.
To find your desired item, make sure to browse the online marketplace of eBay. Алтернативно, you can search offline and attend garage sales, flea markets or swap meets near you. Don’t forget to post a “wanted” ad in local stores or media as well!
Before making any purchases, carefully examine the figure and its packaging for potential damage. If buying online, always ask for pictures from multiple angles to ensure the condition of the product. Common issues that can decrease a figure’s value include torn or creased cardboard backing; staples, glue or other indicators of repackaging; cracked plastic with discoloration; as well as scratches and general wear on the actual figure itself.
Listing
When creating a listing for any action figure, make sure to include the character’s name and where he appeared, what series/generation they are from, their age (if available or can be estimated), grade of condition it is in, plus if there is a certificate of authenticity included.
After doing your research on the toy, determine what price you’d like to list them at—with this knowledge you’ll have all the details necessary for potential buyers!
Optional: Create your action figure online store
Do you sell action figures online? Създавам free Ecwid store and boost your revenue by expanding your reach: sell on social media, Google, твоят уебсайт, или лично. We don’t take transaction fees, so your profits stay where they belong—in your pocket. Try making money by selling action figures online with Ecwid.
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Promote your collectible figures across a wide variety of online platforms, from eBay and DealBid to more specialized sites you find on the web. To cast an even wider net, take advantage of Google Shopping, Facebook Ads and Pinterest. And the best part is that all this can be done right from within Ecwid’s control panel!
As you wait for those sales to come in, make sure you store your action figures safely – keep them out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated room away from pets and children..
The Best Places to Sell Your Action Figure Collection
If you’re ready to get rid of your Marvel Legends, DC Universe Classics, Star Wars, McFarlane and/or NECA action figure collection, then look no further! This guide is here to provide you with the best places for selling off your action figures so that you can reap all the rewards.
Selling your action figures can be a tricky process, since what works best for one individual may not do the same for another. Например, someone might find that Amazon is their preferred option for selling their collection whereas another person could find success with WhatNot. Ultimately it all boils down to personal preference as well as how soon you need to get rid of everything in your possession.
Selling action figures on Amazon
Amazon Marketplace offers an amazing opportunity for those who possess the right items. Action figures can be sold at a much higher price than other stores, и listing them is surprisingly effortless—simply click a few buttons to get your action figure listed on Amazon!
Selling action figures on Amazon comes with a few restrictions.
- Първо, only sealed items may be listed, and the packaging must retain its mint condition. If customers receive an item that is not up to their standards (e.g., dings on the card or bubble), they are likely to request either a full return or partial refund from you as seller.
- Следващия, during the holiday season, Amazon holds a stringent policy that only allows top sellers who meet a certain threshold to market on their platform. If you do not reach these sales requirements, then your presence will be removed from Amazon starting in November and continuing throughout December.
- Накрая, Amazon charges hefty fees for toy sales. От друга страна, if you have the ideal products and are willing to pay a bit extra, it might be worth considering using Amazon when looking to sell action figures.
Selling action figures on eBay
eBay is an ideal platform to sell your collectibles, especially action figures! Whether you possess a few NECA pieces or a voluminous collection of DC Universe Classics, eBay offers the perfect space. Sell individual items or multiple collections; keep them sealed in their packaging or let them go off into the wild loose—whatever works best for you!
eBay provides both auction and buy-it-now style listings, so you can choose whichever works best for your preference. If you’re willing to wait a bit longer in order to earn higher profits, then we highly recommend using the buy-it-now option. You’ll be able to set prices for your action figures that are fair and realistic while still accepting offers from potential buyers – it’s win/win!
Keep in mind that auction prices are often lower than those available through buy-it-now listings, so be ready for potential discounts (and sometimes very steep ones). Those auctions ending on Sunday at 9 PM EST tend to garner the best deals.
To ensure success, важно е да learn how to photograph the items for your listings. Since collectors tend to be meticulous about the condition of boxes and figures, you should make sure that you are thorough in documenting any issues with each item. Например, if there is a crease on a card or joint problems with a figure, take detailed pictures and include these details in descriptions so buyers know what they are purchasing before hitting ‘buy now’.
With eBay’s strict policies, it is essential to remember that only genuine action figures can be sold on the platform. Failure to comply may lead to your account being terminated – so stick to selling authentic figures!
Selling action figures on forums and social media
Participating in online forums can be an effective way to offload your extra action figures, such as DC Universe Classics. Например, на Fwoosh forum has a dedicated section for selling items; въпреки това, you may have to accept lower prices since members who frequent these outlets are not always willing to pay full price.
A tremendous advantage of online communities is that you can find a large number of collectors who are willing to purchase broken and/or loose action figures for their parts.
When attempting to sell a range of action figures, social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram can be unreliable. While some products may perform admirably on sites like these, others might not do so well. По-популярните артикули ще се окажат най-успешни при продажба чрез социални медии.
Продайте екшън фигурки чрез приложения
С непрекъснато нарастващата популярност на различни приложения, продажбата на екшън фигурки върху тях се превърна в обичайна тенденция. Предлагаме две особено забележителни платформи, които да опитате: Да се купува и WhatNot. И двете имат удивително ясни процедури за изброяване, така че ако цените вашите колекционерски предмети умно, тогава успехът трябва да е неизбежен!
С WhatNot, имате достъп до един от най-добрите пазари за играчки. въпреки това, becoming a seller on this platform can be tricky as meeting all their requirements is not an assured thing. To gain approval from WhatNot, potential sellers must offer verifiable social media handles and references like Amazon or eBay feedback. It’s completely up to their discretion whether they approve your application but with enough diligence it is possible!
How to Price Your Action Figures or How Much is Your Action Figure Worth?
Действие figure collecting is a smart investment once you understand what both your collection holds and the market value of each item. If you’re looking to resell several figures in the future, it’s vital that you recognize their worth based on its state as well as how strong of demand there may be for them. As serious collectors know, knowledge is everything when it comes to profiting from this hobby!
Evaluate сondition
Стойността на една колекционерска фигура до голяма степен се определя от нейното състояние - и има шест конкретни критерия за определяне на това колко добре е запазена. Те варират от девствени до силно повредени, както следва:
Перфектно състояние (Q10): Екшън фигурка в перфектно състояние е тази, която е в перфектно състояние, недокоснато състояние. Трябва да изглежда така, сякаш току-що е изваден от кутията и сглобен – няма драскотини, драскотини или стърготини по неговата боя или части, и всички налични и отчетени аксесоари. Екшън фигурките в безупречно състояние могат да изискват по-висока цена от повечето други поради тяхното първокласно качество и желаност сред колекционерите.
Почти перфектно състояние (C8-9): Екшън фигурка в почти перфектно състояние е тази, която е почти перфектна, но с малки недостатъци. Те могат да включват малки драскотини или драскотини по боята, липсващ аксесоар и/или леко огънати части. Екшън фигурките в почти идеално състояние обикновено са по-достъпни от тези в перфектно състояние, и обикновено струват малко по-малко от монетните артикули.
Добро състояние (C6-7): Екшън фигурка в добро състояние ще показва признаци на износване от боравене и игра. Може да има драскотини, драскотини или стърготини по неговата боя или части, разхлабване на ставите, липсват дребни аксесоари, и/или обезцветяване поради възраст или излагане на слънце или влага. Общо взето, екшън фигурка в добро състояние все още се счита за желана сред колекционерите и може да изисква премиум цена в зависимост от наличността на артикул в по-добро състояние.
Добро състояние (C4-5): Екшън фигурката в добро състояние обикновено показва повече признаци на износване от тези в добро състояние. It may have scratches and scuffs on the paintwork, discoloration and/or joint looseness due to extended play or age. Some pieces and accessories may be missing or slightly bent, but it should still be attractive enough to make a nice addition to any collection. Good condition action figures are usually priced lower than ones in better conditions and can be great finds for collectors.
Poor condition (C2-3): A poor condition action figure will show extensive signs of wear due to handling and play. The paint may be heavily scratched, discolored, and/or faded, and some parts may be loose or missing. Joint looseness and missing pieces can affect the figure’s stability and playability. Poor condition action figures often come at a lower price than those in better condition, but they are not advised for use or collection.
Very poor condition (C1): A very poor condition action figure will typically be in bad shape, with paint heavily scratched and heavily discolored. Joints may be extremely loose or even missing, и части или аксесоари могат да бъдат огънати или счупени. Тези фигури често се намират близо до монетен двор или почти ново състояние. Те все още могат да направят страхотни находки за колекционери, но не трябва да се използват за игра и обикновено са на съответната цена.
Намерете разумната цена
След като прецените състоянието на фигурата си, време е да започнем да изследваме стойността му.
Преди всичко друго, винаги помнете, че цените за колекционерски предмети непрекъснато се променят и варират в зависимост от мястото. Например, a figure’s price in an isolated hobby shop may be far lower than its cost at a large toy convention in a massive city. Следователно, bear in mind that any value you calculate is just an estimate of today’s current rate.
Go online
Want to know the exact market value of a figure? An online search on well-known auction sites like eBay is your best bet. To get precise results, be precise with your queries. Например: hunting for “Batman Figure” won’t give you reliable pricing compared to searching for “Batman Timeless Bushido“. After finding several figures, find an average of what they are going for and use that as a template when looking at other figures.
Open the books
If you’re looking for an accurate and up-to-date price guide, look no further than your nearest bookstore or Amazon. With dozens of action figure guides to choose from, it’s easy to find the most recent edition which is sure to be reliable and trusted by collectors across the nation.
Scan th magazines
For the action figure enthusiast, action figure price review magazine is a fantastic resource for staying up to date on the most recent figures in circulation and an extensive price guide. With subscriptions available, you can rest assured that each month brings fresh updates of current market values straight to your doorstep!
Pricing mistakes
When investing in collectibles, be sure to keep an eye out for any changes in the market value of your pieces. Prices can fluctuate quickly and drastically from year to year, така че е важно да проверявате често, за да сте сигурни, че получавате най-актуалната информация за цените. Инвестирането разумно сега ще се изплати, когато дойде време за препродажба по-късно!
Допълнително, бъдете внимателни към най-новите тенденции и внимавайте да не се увлечете от мимолетните модни прищявки. Някои фигури могат да станат популярни за кратко, след което бързо да избледнеят в неизвестност, докато други се изстрелват към славата, само за да паднат също толкова бързо.
Още, независимо от паричната му стойност на настоящия пазар, никога не забравяйте колко много означава вашата екшън фигура за вас.
Затваряне
Пазарът на екшън фигури расте. Поради ниската инвестиционна бариера, бизнесът с продажбата на екшън фигурки може да бъде много печеливш. Особено ако ги продавате онлайн. Искате да започнете странична дейност или сериозен бизнес, Ecwid може да ви помогне да стартирате своя онлайн магазин за фигурки за минути.