Where Should I Start?

[canuckjoefan]

So, as I mentioned in the intro thread, I'm interested in collecting a "core" collection of my favourite figures (mostly 1982-1992-ish, but I have a feeling I will end up collecting more than those!) and I've been trying to read up on stuff here at the site as best I can.

My question is where should I start with my collection, in terms of which figures to buy? Should I buy the 1982/83 figures first? The first figure I ever got was Grunt, so that one has some sentimental value, if nothing else. Also, for MOC/MISB items, where is the best place to go for these? I don't mind eBay prices, though they can be a bit high at times. I've also looked here, and prices seem reasonable on things.

I guess I'm just looking for some direction as I start a collection.

Also, is it worth me selling my old, loose joe items to fund the MOC figures? I'm going to go through what I have this summer and "cull the collection". I literally haven't looked at them for years, so it should be interesting!

Thanks for any help or advice ahead of time!

[Kronz]

I would suggest keeping an eye on the seller forum here, I have gotten most of my best MLC figures here, and often by people who were selling them at fixed, reasonable prices, before putting them up for auction on ebay. Collectors here seem to really take care of one another.

If I were you I'd make a list of what you want, and just go at it methodically piece by piece. These toys generally exist in the millions of copies so you aren't going to miss out on getting one if you really want it, at least as far as the core retail toys are concerned. All you need is patience. As for MOC, you can expect to pay between 10 and 100 times the price per figure for early stuff. It's really only when you get into the later years (say, 87-94) that MOC becomes generally more reasonably priced. If you want MOC Canadian items you can probably expect up to 200x MLC prices, I think I saw a Canadian Snake Eyes v1 MOC for over $3k a few years ago! If you're looking to spend a lot on a collection, I would say get one loose to enjoy and one MLC to preserve. But as an avid proponent of fun, I think a minty loose collection is just as impressive. Have fun!

[canuckjoefan]

I would suggest keeping an eye on the seller forum here, I have gotten most of my best MLC figures here, and often by people who were selling them at fixed, reasonable prices, before putting them up for auction on ebay. Collectors here seem to really take care of one another.

If I were you I'd make a list of what you want, and just go at it methodically piece by piece. These toys generally exist in the millions of copies so you aren't going to miss out on getting one if you really want it, at least as far as the core retail toys are concerned. All you need is patience. As for MOC, you can expect to pay between 10 and 100 times the price per figure for early stuff. It's really only when you get into the later years (say, 87-94) that MOC becomes generally more reasonably priced. If you want MOC Canadian items you can probably expect up to 200x MLC prices, I think I saw a Canadian Snake Eyes v1 MOC for over $3k a few years ago! If you're looking to spend a lot on a collection, I would say get one loose to enjoy and one MLC to preserve. But as an avid proponent of fun, I think a minty loose collection is just as impressive. Have fun!

Thanks for the info and advice, Kronz! I appreciate it!

[Lt. Night Viper]

I'd say start collecting where you want. Your collection is what you want it to be. Seems like you have a plan, go after the loose ones you want, then if you get to the point where you want to fill in the holes in you collection, go for it. If you have the money and time, you can collect MOC/MISB examples at the same time as you find them. Or you can save that till after you're done collecting loose items.

As far as your old childhood joes, never sell them. You can never get them back once you do sell them. With all the memories you made with them, the figures are irreplacable.

[canuckjoefan]

I'd say start collecting where you want. Your collection is what you want it to be. Seems like you have a plan, go after the loose ones you want, then if you get to the point where you want to fill in the holes in you collection, go for it. If you have the money and time, you can collect MOC/MISB examples at the same time as you find them. Or you can save that till after you're done collecting loose items.

As far as your old childhood joes, never sell them. You can never get them back once you do sell them. With all the memories you made with them, the figures are irreplacable.

Also some excellent points here, especially about the joes that I have. Thanks!

[grunt 4 mvp]

I agree - keep your old stuff. If it's incomplete and you want complete ones, buy another one and put the accessories with your old figure; trade/sell the new figure on it's own. Nothing gave me more joy than completing the Thunder Machine that my grandpa gave me.
Also, decide now if you want incomplete figures, loose complete or MOC. Some people start with just figures and then trying to get accessories after can be costly.
Finally, buy lots rather than 1 at a time. Save shipping and lower price point. You can usually trade what you don't want anyway.
PM me about where you are in Canada - I can point you in a couple good directions!
Cheers!

[Kronz]

that's a good point about completing figures. sometimes the gear piece by piece will set you back more than just buying a complete set with a well-used figure. it's also always good to have extra figures around for t-bars, screws and the ever-so-fragile crotches.

[canuckjoefan]

This is all great info, and thanks to everyone!

[FireFox91]

Start with with the stuff you were the most fond of as a kid. Mine was the Wolverine. I got that and a Skystriker and then it took off from there. I now have all sorts of stuff I never had as a kid, but I love it all.

[GIJeff]

Let's talk I have a lot of the 82 v1 figures cept for clutch rock n roll and zap
Also have toys from 82 these are not in the box or on the card but I have all file cards and blue prints