MISB Question

[KELPIE]

In fact I've read that someone was able to get an AFA grading on a double taped MP so hopefully that's of some comfort.

AFA have really lowered their requirements in what they consider MISB. It's very frustrating really.

Is the RRP for double-taped figures less than that for single-taped figures?

You need to stop thinking about it in terms of RRP. Yes some purchase for flipping purposes however there are a lot who don't. Remember we're collectors.

Also, if a person is the first to purchase and own a toy from a retail source, then it's not second hand, is it? So long as a person isn't selling a toy for less than what they purchased it for then they can't be making a loss. And if you are the first to own the toy after initial retail purchase the it's a first-hand purchase.

There is no way of telling now is there? It could have been a returned product for all the customer knows.

Also, if you take pride in having a MISB collection, it's akin to having a loose collection with a KO Mirage, he looks the same, no one really knows it's not unless you investigate closely, so why does it matter (remember we aren't talking about any financial implications here)?

It matters because the collector knows and their collection feels incomplete.

Do double taped toys stand a better chance of not having both tapes naturally run out of stick in time? Because in 1998 I got a second Transmetal Optimus Primal -- from the USA (and was a slightly different variant than the one we had released here). But a few years ago one of the pieces of sticky tape that kept the toy sealed just naturally fell off, so technically my toy isn't MISB despite the fact that I have never opened this toy. Even after the tape fell off I didn't open the box to peek inside; it's still unopened. But I suppose without that piece of tape there's no way that I could absolutely prove it. But still... if I wanted to sell this toy for the equivalent price of a Voyager Class figure today (say around $50), would I be able to sell it for such or would people insist on paying less because that bit of sticky tape came off?

Double tape does not guarantee that it will hold better.

As for your example, it will depend entirely on the collector. some will look past it and purchase, others, like myself wouldn't buy it no matter how much you're asking for it. It simply isn't an MISB any more, the "S" standing for Sealed, not closed after all.

Also correct. There is no way for you to prove it. If you had the item AFA'd prior to the tape popping, then you'd probably have a better chance.

Hope this helps.