MISB Question

[GoktimusPrime]

I preordered my MP Soundwave before it first came out, so mine was the first TakaraTOMY issue and it wasn't double taped. I'm not even sure why this matters.

For what it is worth, as long as the duplicate tape matches the original I don't think it has much impact on the value. 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.

As long as the toy sells for what you paid for then you're not making a loss. So unless double taping reduces the value of a sealed toy then I don't see how it's an issue.

[UltraMarginal]

I figure if the factory cuts the tape to get into the box for some reason, unless they're doing something with the instructions or it's a visual inspection they can perform without opening the clamshell, the likelihood of there also being double tape on the clamshell is extremely high.

Now that you've talked about it a bit more I vaguely remember something about double taping on the clamshell of a MP soundwave someone bought from Robot Kingdom in the last 12 months.

[Ravagecat]

I've seen the double taping on the inside shell. I'd have to look through my MP boxes to find out exactly which figure it was I saw it on, but if memory serves I think it was one of the cone heads. If/when I get time I'll take a look for ya

[Bladestorm]

Perhaps they sourced from a reseller in Hong Kong or China.

Double taping happens over there for various reasons: to add security measures, to add/remove additional inserts (especially Mainland China), to check for no defects (allegedly HK Hasbro sometimes do this but I've never had it confirmed by someone from Hasbro).

I've never heard of a double taping INSIDE the box however so I feel you are justified in questioning the source of the product. When I buy MISB I like to know I'm the first person outside the factory to put my hands on the figure.

I used to buy from HK stores I knew pulled their stock straight out of the case into my hand as I too got sick of questioning why boxes were double taped.

[ampoldj]

I figure if the factory cuts the tape to get into the box for some reason, unless they're doing something with the instructions or it's a visual inspection they can perform without opening the clamshell, the likelihood of there also being double tape on the clamshell is extremely high.

Now that you've talked about it a bit more I vaguely remember something about double taping on the clamshell of a MP soundwave someone bought from Robot Kingdom in the last 12 months.

Ahhh RK...my first and only purchase a $220 MP Dirge which came with a ripped tape (not even resealed) asked them said it was normal factory inspection??? I had my first double tape TF which is the Takara DotM Optimus / Jetfire leader. It drove me nuts as i bought it from an internet seller, good thing there were lots of shops in Manila that imported that one and i was able to check all of them were double taped. I dont mind it as long as it is cut properly and resealed.

[GoktimusPrime]

Just out of curiosity, why is this an issue?

[DaptoDog]

Just out of curiosity, why is this an issue?

Double taping of the box clamshell may imply that the figure is not brand new. This could upset a MISB collector (eg Meister as he stated in his opening post) since they can no longer claim it is MISB and as such would expect it to sell for less than if it was single taped. It could also annoy those looking to open it since they may take that as a sign that it is second hand.

[GoktimusPrime]

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

Not meaning to sound facetious, just trying to understand this. I do understand the desire to not want to pay full price for something that isn't brand new though. I agree that any toy that isn't MISB isn't worth full quid, and this is something that I found disagreeable about the MPMs sold at Zing! stores here. But in this case the toys that I saw in store didn't just have their boxes opened, they were handled and transformed by staff for display purposes. They were essentially selling ex display items, which I think ought to be sold for cheaper. Hence skipping those toys was easy peasy for me.

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?

I suppose if this sort of thing bothers a buyer then it might be better to source toys from sellers that indicate if a toy is double taped or not (e.g. Mandarake).

[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.

[Galvatran]

I preordered my MP Soundwave before it first came out, so mine was the first TakaraTOMY issue and it wasn't double taped. I'm not even sure why this matters.

Seek to understand the position of a MISB Collector. You may not agree with or appreciate their collecting habits but at least you'll have a better understanding why it matters to these collectors.

I would have thought a person like yourself who has been actively collecting Transformers toys for several decades and been in regular contact with the local Transformers fandom would have conversed with a few MISB Collectors by now.