How much is your collection worth?

[kurdt_the_goat]

I haven't calculated mine accurately, frankly even at around 150 toys it's too much effort, so i feel sorry for the 1000+ collectors on here!

But, i was looking just across my top shelf of Masterpiece, Binaltech etc and that alone clears about 2k. I'd estimate the lot cracks 10k?

When someone asks, i just say it seems like a lot since they're not disposable things (like going out to fancy food places/alcohol/smokes etc), so i can't say it really bothers me (how much i've spent).

So how much do you think your collection is worth, even if it's only a guess?
And how do you feel about it!

[1orion2many]

:confused:Next question:D If I think about how much money I've spent I may cry:eek::D

[UltraMarginal]

retail price at purchaes, sale value or second hand market value?
I've spent a hell of a lot, could have spent more if it wasn't on special, and some of it's worth a lot more now than when it was purchased, some is also worth a lot less.

[GoktimusPrime]

... I don't know. I buy most of my TFs from retail stores while they're current, and I'm absolutely craphouse at estimating aftermarket value so... <shrug>

I'll just go by the wording of Sharky's counting method and say "lots and lots." :)

[kurdt_the_goat]

I was thinking mostly just how much you spent initially.
A basic scary calculation might be number of toys X an average cost? Maybe $40
Using that, my collection is worth less than i said in first post so maybe i was well off! :D

[UltraMarginal]

I like how much spent initially, hard to average legions against leaders... perhaps average on size class or something.

I am in the middle of packing to move at the moment, I intend on doing an official count when I unpack so I'll do a valuation at the same time and get back to you .. I would guess though, between MP's, Alternators/Binaltech, G1, classics and Botcon, at least 5K, probably close to 10K:eek:

[Paulbot]

Once you open something the value goes down instantly, so unless you're a dedicated MISB collector, your collection is probably worth less than you spent on it. :(

I know I have spent a lot over the years, and at times I have questioned "is it worth it" and then I try not to think about it. :o

[griffin]

If you've bought enough exclusives when they first came out (before they go right up), especially BotCon ones that cant be sealed, I think it would offset anything you lose in the items you've opened up. And those out-of-packet general release items that are more than 15 years old would on average be equal or more than their retail prices at that time.
But yeah, a sealed collector of general release items has 2-3 times the value in their items bought in the last 10-15 years.

I've probably spent more than 100k over my 25 years of collecting... more if I count the cost of 12 BotCons as an expense to add several hundred toys to my collection.
The estimated (sellable) value of the collection is probably 150k though, while the replacement value would be at least 300k (most would need to be sourced in packaging to be complete and in good condition).
So I'd probably make a profit if I sold my collection right now, but since I have most out of packaging, if it was all suddenly lost, it would cost 2-3 times what it is worth (and what it cost me) to replace.

[Reflector]

i would have spent $20k+ easily. I spent $1200 alone on my Soundwave standee, and some other things i paid rediculous amounts for. But i dont care, i open those doors and see them sitting there and i have a massive sense of satisfaction. I can sit in there and play for hours...

Give me 12 months and that figure will probably double.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I've probably spent more than 100k over my 25 years of collecting... more if I count the cost of 12 BotCons as an expense to add several hundred toys to my collection.

To this i would just break it down, i mean you're averaging 4k a year which isn't really breaking the bank for a decent earner/saver! :)

Another thing i've been thinking recently: if i've amassed 150 toys in 4 years, and i keep this going... my house will be seriously overrun with toys.
I know you've got the big collection room, but have you given any thought to what happens in 25 years from now when your collection has doubled?
Shame you can't charge the toys rent! At some point (when it's more like a theme park), you could charge admission i guess!

[griffin]

Most of that expense was during the last 10 years, with a better job (to catch up on older figures) and more current product being released (to keep up with). It just makes it feel a bit better to average it out over the entire 25 years.
Similarly, it won't take another 25 years to double, at the current release/purchase rate.

1985-95 - only 200 toys obtained during those first 11 years.
1996-2002 - most years I bought 50-100 toys
2003-2005 - most of these years I got around 200 toys
2006 - I got about 250 toys
2007 - I got about 350 toys
2008 - I got about 400 toys
2009 - I got about 310 toys
2010 - I got about 380 toys
2011 - so far I have about 400 toys (should pass 500 if we ever start seeing new product here again)

So if the trend continues at 400-500+ per year, it would only take me 7-9 years to double the collection (which is currently at 3,405).
(hope no one feels intimidated by these numbers - I don't throw them around much anymore in case it makes newer fans with smaller collections feel less important in comparison... I just wanted to illustrate the sheer amount of product we've been getting in recent years)

[1orion2many]

:)I used to be that obsessive:D Then they brought out the Movie lines, what a boon for my wallet, I have collected movie lines just no where near as much as the other lines. I must admit I've been catching up on some items I missed out on years back:o Alright maybe I'm still a little obsessive:D Just for curious people, I have my collection insured in the 6 figure sum:o

[UltraMarginal]

Most of that expense was during the last 10 years, with a better job (to catch up on older figures) and more current product being released (to keep up with). It just makes it feel a bit better to average it out over the entire 25 years.
Similarly, it won't take another 25 years to double, at the current release/purchase rate.

1985-95 - only 200 toys obtained during those first 11 years.
1996-2002 - most years I bought 50-100 toys
2003-2005 - most of these years I got around 200 toys
2006 - I got about 250 toys
2007 - I got about 350 toys
2008 - I got about 400 toys
2009 - I got about 310 toys
2010 - I got about 380 toys
2011 - so far I have about 400 toys (should pass 500 if we ever start seeing new product here again)

So if the trend continues at 400-500+ per year, it would only take me 7-9 years to double the collection (which is currently at 3,405).
(hope no one feels intimidated by these numbers - I don't throw them around much anymore in case it makes newer fans with smaller collections feel less important in comparison... I just wanted to illustrate the sheer amount of product we've been getting in recent years)

I read that with a mixture of Jealousy, awe, terror and wonderment.
though, like you said and Reflector too, it's not the size that matters, but how you enjoy it...

I've been folding up most of my collection over the last few weeks getting ready to move and I am constantly enjoying the way they fold back up into vehicle mode, especially last night, some of the animated figures are pure brilliance.

[Paulbot]

I read that with a mixture of Jealousy, awe, terror and wonderment.
though, like you said and Reflector too, it's not the size that matters, but how you enjoy it...
I read it and think: I had 200 toys by 1998 (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=8408), if I'd really put in the effort I could have all of G1 by now, but I was too lazy. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Once you open something the value goes down instantly, so unless you're a dedicated MISB collector, your collection is probably worth less than you spent on it. :(

I know I have spent a lot over the years, and at times I have questioned "is it worth it" and then I try not to think about it. :o
Collecting toys is a poor form of financial investment IMO (unless you keep the sealed - but even then not all sealed toys will appreciate well... I still find MOSC Darth Mauls selling for $5 at collector fairs). If people want to invest, go buy blue chips or stock market shares or throw your money in a long term savings bank account.

To me it's been worth it simply from the joy I've received from playing with my toys rather than a monetary value. :)

[yoshi594]

Collecting toys is a poor form of financial investment IMO (unless you keep the sealed - but even then not all sealed toys will appreciate well... I still find MOSC Darth Mauls selling for $5 at collector fairs). If people want to invest, go buy blue chips or stock market shares or throw your money in a long term savings bank account.

To me it's been worth it simply from the joy I've received from playing with my toys rather than a monetary value. :)

I like to buy two of each toy if I can (if i like it and it's not too pricey). why you ask? I learnt my lesson back when was a kid when I had an european g1 gold box reissue of wheeljack. His right spoiler was stepped on and now the hole is filled up with the broken peg stuck inside. I wish i had money so i could have bought two, one to play with, the other for backup/Money if really needed.

I don't go for every toy in a particular series, so space isn't that much of a problem.

[GoktimusPrime]

I like to buy two of each toy if I can (if i like it and it's not too pricey). why you ask? I learnt my lesson back when was a kid when I had an european g1 gold box reissue of wheeljack. His right spoiler was stepped on and now the hole is filled up with the broken peg stuck inside. I wish i had money so i could have bought two, one to play with, the other for backup/Money if really needed.

I don't go for every toy in a particular series, so space isn't that much of a problem.
I find collecting one of each toy that I want to be darn expensive enough as it is! Don't think I could afford to go all Noah's Ark and collect two of every toy I want! :eek:

[yoshi594]

I find collecting one of each toy that I want to be darn expensive enough as it is! Don't think I could afford to go all Noah's Ark and collect two of every toy I want! :eek:

I couldn't imagine your collection x2. But yeah if the 2nd copy of the toy is a fraction of the first, why not? :)

[AJ_Prime]

I'm a relatively new collector and still haven't cracked the 100 (although I'm fast approaching that figure and getting close now), but I would estimate that I have probably spent about $2,500K on my collection.

Although that pales in comparison to some of the other members here (I'm still in awe and completely envious) I would agree that the intrinsic value far exceeds the monetary value. The sense of enjoyment I get from playing with them easily justifies the expense, as does the feeling of accomplishment from acquiring the figures I am after. I often just stand there and stare at my display in admiration (I know it's sad).

I figure that the appreciation of my (meagre) collection is something that lasts far longer than more consumable alternatives for my hard earned dollars ever would.

In summation: money well spent with no regrets.

[Bumbleb33]

176 Fellas = $5748.89

Yeah! :P

[Demonac]

I had an european g1 gold box reissue of wheeljack. His right spoiler was stepped on and now the hole is filled up with the broken peg stuck inside.

With a bit of care and a small enough drill bit, you can remove the broken peg.

[liegeprime]

Im too lazy now to count even how many Ive got, but yeah it's worth a lot and insured as well. G1 alone would be prolly enough for the downpayment for my house at that time... Im basing this on what Ive spent on it not what the current after market is though. Oh and the fact that I army build on certain figures, and purchase doubles doesn't help with the cost hehehe Ah well Im happy though, that's more important for me.:)

[5FDP]

I have mine insured through my house and contents for a $$$ value, however that has not been updated for a number of years. It's the only value that I'm interest in as I have no plans to ever sell my collection.

[UltraMarginal]

The sense of enjoyment I get from playing with them easily justifies the expense, as does the feeling of accomplishment from acquiring the figures I am after. I often just stand there and stare at my display in admiration (I know it's sad).



Hell, no that aint sad, that's just one of many ways of enjoying the collection, I certainly do that, though part of the staring is trying to decide which one to pickup and tranform.:D


176 Fellas = $5748.89

Yeah! :P

so accurate:eek::p

[LordCyrusOmega]

600 toys = approx $100 000. Thats at retail though, probably worth a lot less now. Though the sentimental value is so much more and thats whats important to me

[liegeprime]

Hell, no that aint sad, that's just one of many ways of enjoying the collection, I certainly do that, though part of the staring is trying to decide which one to pickup and tranform.:D


or which one to dust out first:p... need glass shelves :o:o

[Mr Ed]

Retail for me is about $12,000. I have around 400 TFs.

I nearly have all of the Diamond Select Toys and Palisades statues. A lot of cash spent there.

[SkyWarp91]

I don't even want to count because I'm going to feel so guilty for spending that much on toys!!!

[reillyd]

I haven't calculated mine accurately, frankly even at around 150 toys it's too much effort, so i feel sorry for the 1000+ collectors on here!

But, i was looking just across my top shelf of Masterpiece, Binaltech etc and that alone clears about 2k. I'd estimate the lot cracks 10k?

When someone asks, i just say it seems like a lot since they're not disposable things (like going out to fancy food places/alcohol/smokes etc), so i can't say it really bothers me (how much i've spent).

So how much do you think your collection is worth, even if it's only a guess?
And how do you feel about it!


This is very very very dangerous Kurd. You should have a standard line, they might seem like a lot, but once you take them out of the box, they lose almost all their value. They'd be hard to find a seller who would even want them now, sigh......


You never want to tell people eg pizza delivery men, casual friends, acquaintances, tht you have a valuable collection.

Not if you want to keep it :)

[valkyrie_76]

I don't even want to count because I'm going to feel so guilty for spending that much on toys!!!

+1

Between the Transfomers, figma, statues, Macross and certain anime cels I dont really want to know how much I have blown on this plastic crack.

Even though I have reduced my TF collection, the Takara G1 stuff is usually worth maybe two to three times more than the Hasbro version. So even though its smaller, its actually worth more.