The Ultimate Action Figure Collectors Guide

I am not ashamed to admit that I love collecting action figures. Plain and simple: this is a super fun and highly rewarding hobby! The mere mention of action figures reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when Jerry gives his girlfriend sleeping pills to play with her extensive action figures collection! I completely identity with that thought and would love to feel like a 10 year old any chance I get. If you do too this guide on how to collect action figures is sure to appeal to you.

Whether you loved Superman, Seth, or Spiderman, collecting action figures is a way not just to celebrate your love for your favorite comic book or movie character but to can also be a fantastic financial investment, since the value of many action figures are calculated in several hundreds of dollar on the action figures collectible market.

Before you begin collecting action figures, there are three very important questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Why should I collect action figures?
2. What are the best places to start looking for action figures?
3. How do I start collecting action figures?

Why should I collect action figures?

The first reason that comes to mind is because it’s COOL! But there is a bigger reason involved here. And that reason is the VALUE of some action figures. Understanding this will not just help you build a worthy collection but also prevent you on buying just about any other action figure.

If you are a comic book fan or movie buff, then you should limit your collection to these areas. Let’s say you loved the comic series Justice League of America, then focus on collecting the figures of the main characters from this series. Being FOCUSED and sticking to your reason for collecting action figures will prevent you from making impulse buys and wasting your hard earned money.

Whether you decide to collect action figures because you had them as a child, or you want to do it because you love the craftsmanship put into creating action figures, or you want to sell off your collection and make some money, remember knowing what you want is the KEY.

What are the best places to start looking for action figures?

Once you have completed Step 1, it’s time to start making your first purchase. Best way to go about it is by researching the Internet. Reading online about types of action figures, understanding action figure terms, and visiting action figure websites will give you an idea about what’s in and what’s out!

Look for action figures here:

• Toy sections in your favorite stores, such as Walmart, Target etc
• Action figures websites, such as www.Cheapactionfigures.net
• Garage Sales, Thrift stores, and flea markets; these are actually one of the best places to get vintage action figures at very cheap prices!

How do I start collecting action figures?

Step 1 and 2 answer the why and where questions about collecting action figures. Step 3 take the entire process a lot further. Purchasing just about any action figure you can lay your hands on is hardly a recipe for success. Therefore, it’s important for you to have a clear idea about what action figures to snap from the market. The best way to know if an action figure is worth the money is by buying from authentic action figure stores online. Websites like Cheapactionfigures.net sell authentic action figures dating back to the 60s. Here are some pointers for a wise purchase:

• Remember not to give into any sort of temptation!
• Always read about the history of the action figure you want to buy over the Internet, so that you invest in an original action figure only.
• Beware of fake figures, there are plenty available out there.
• You can either buy action figures “loose” or “in mint” condition. Loose refers to figures that have been taken out of their original packing for display purposes. There are mixed feelings about this, with some collectors feeling that loose action figures are lower in value. On-the-other-hand, mint refers to action figures that are still in their original packing and therefore in top condition. You’re bound to stumble across terms such as MIB (mint in box), MIP (mint in package), and NM (near mint) on various action figures collectible websites.

Whether you buy loose or mint figures, the choice is yours!

Conclusion

One of the most important, yet often neglected aspects to collecting action figures is displaying them. Buy only well displayed action figures so that you can store them with ease in your house or workplace. You can even display your collection in bookshelves or special display cases. Exposed action figures require protection and maintenance. So keep the toys away from direct sunlight, UV light, and protect against humidity.

We hope this Ultimate Action Figures Collector’s Guide will help you begin your brand new hobby on an upbeat scale…so have fun!