The Statue Hobby is DYING! Let's Talk About WHY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- It's pretty clear that the statue hobby is dying. I made a poll on youtube asking if collectors are still buying statues in 2023... the results were STAGGERING!
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I got out in early 2019 when prices became too much for me to justify. I have the money, but refuse to spend that much on such frivolous objects. Can't resale as easily either with those crazy shipping prices.
I got in 2017 and got out 2022. I had a bunch of premium formats but the prices kept going up and it didnt make sense to keep buying them.
This is a great comment that opens up discussion. I got out waaaay long ago lol. The prices are totally insane
Did you guys get into anything else, after you stopped ?
@trajceniceski2968 I got more into omnis. I used to pick up floppies but I even stopped doing that. Stuff has gotten too expensive lately. Economy is in the dumps.
Same.
When a statue is as much as my monthly house payment… I’m out.
Prices have gotten out of hand. Just cancelled a P1 Berserk statue after they increased the shipping from $150 to $450. Been collecting for 10 years and I’m starting to slow it down.
What??? That's crazy!
I couldn’t justify the shipping prices, 300$ for shipping when I paid maybe 70$ a few years back
Man I thought my game collecting was crazy. That much for shipping is insane
True but everything that’s Berserk is extremely overpriced because the creator passed away and it’s such a influential iconic anime but I’ve seen statues for two grand and above and that’s insane.
Yup, they did that to me too. I was quoted something like that for the 1/3 scale Alien Big Chap, and then when it came time to ship, $455. I don't recall seeing the economy shipping option either, which was annoying because I would have went that route, but alas. When I got the statue and unboxed it though, man it was glorious.
The aftermarket in almost all hobbies are crashing. People would pay the increased prices because they could move the statue, now prices are dropping and the investment based on speculative assets is absolutely gone. For a long time people were buying and selling statues because the aftermarket was hot. Again its almost all hobbies,comics, cards, sneakers etc.
The sports cards aftermarket is completely dead
I noticed this change on Q4 2022.
Yes, after that COVID spike, I think people realized these assets aren't all that valuable and are really just something of a hassle, and the FOMO and frenzy over them has died down. Obviously the aftermarket has slowed, or more accurately, died. Retailers also began selling as aftermarket prices.
I came here to say just this it's a Bear market right now I say next year it'll hit rock bottom across all hobbys at least mine comics retro game market vinyls music realm and sports card market
Yeah that was when ppl had stimulus money to spend
As you said, the biggest issue is that income has remained more or less the same while cost of products have skyrocketed.
Thats called inflation and its happening in every market not just statues , time be more selective and not just buying anything and everything .
@@obiwan7701 Yes, inflation is the cause. But, ideally, the wages should increase at a similar rate to match the inflation. Then, the buying power remains the same. What has happened in the past couple of years is that the wage increase has been far behind the inflation rate. It’s probably at a point now where the required wage increase to counteract the total inflation is something too high to even ask as a raise.
You can thank the last stimulus package for this inflation
@@drrightwing4435sure blame it on one stimulus. Inflation was going to happen in the whole world because of Covid. Blame it on Covid. Multiple stimulus and people not working.
We are in Depression Era levels of inflation. Times are hard for a lot of people, big effect on luxury hobbies for sure. Hope we can turn things around as a nation and globally. Things are going to keep getting worse if we keep heading this way. Happy thanksgiving Gem, been following you for years and always appreciate your honesty 🤙
Wrong. Inflation has been coming down for weeks. Look at the economic data
@@drrightwing4435the inflation rate is decreasing but the realization of that is behind, also that doesnt mean prices will go down immediately if ever. This is compounded by interest rates going up so if you're paying a debt/mortgage etc your cost of living has gone up dramatically.
@@vincenthoran6209 So you know more than economists?
@@vincenthoran6209 what's your point?
This is one of those hobbies I'm glad I never got into. I'm already into other expensive hobbies such as watches, sneakers, collecting baseball cards, omnibus, etc. have all taken a hit obviously because of the economy. Luxury goods are just too expensive when basic necessities like food and groceries are already expensive enough. Crazy times we live in now.
People forget that it's a "hobby" not an investment. That's what the word hobby means. A casual activity you do for fun, and not spend too much money. It's not supposed to affect your main finances.
I just collect figures and omnibuses. I just eat cereal and sandwiches and cheap soda and sometimes 711 pizza.
I dont even understand calling this a "hobby" honestly. A passion sure, but not really a hobby. And I said the same when I was a game collector too. I never saw that as a hobby. Just spending my money on goods
@@SlentVce seriously? You’re spending money to buy things you like. You collect that makes it a hobby.
Sounds like me. Figures and books, cereal and canned soup.
I think that's the case with everything. As an artist who's been selling my sculptures at conventions, I had to raise my prices due to the increase of vendor table costs, as well as supply costs for my work. People are paying more for tickets and autographs at these cons, which means they're not spending as much $ in the vendor rooms & thus, us vendors are feeling the pinch.
Don’t forget all the inflated materials to build anything. Inflated gas inflated shipping cost of all the materials then ontop of that inflated shipping on the final product because it all relies on gas fuelled transportation. It’s not just us artist that have to raise prices. Everyone has to. That’s what BS pro taxation politics does
I’m so happy you made this video. I also have a problem with the order always being delayed and only thing they do to compensate you is send you an email saying that the order has been delayed.
My biggest issue is space. I predominantly buy unlicensed statues at 1/6 or pop scale, so price is fairly cheap. I have enough space for about one more shelf in my computer room, then I maybe done collecting after that.
that's the way, we need more smaller scales than 1/4
Was great having my comment read by Gem!! Yeah I remember when a pf was 325 to 450. Prcing has gone crazy and the hobby isn't as fun anymore.
This applies to many hobbies these days like collectible cards, retro video games, etc. Too many people who see it as "financial investment" and don't actually care about the hobby itself. "Grading companies" have just wrecked hobbies and raised prices.
It's no surprise that $1000 statues aren't selling. Not to mention that most statues from Sideshow are artificially scarce with their "limited" runs. They think this justifies raising their prices to ludicrous amounts, but all it's really done is make it easier for people to avoid their products.
I think the statue companies need to start taking some notes from the anime collectable market and mass produce their statues. The lower prices would be a boon.
It's called "sucking all of the profit."
Limited runs are important to people who value the art, paint, and effort that went into it. A 250-500 edition size is very special.
Yup. They know they gonna slap Limited edition tag and impatient buyers gonna buy it no matter the cost.
Rubbish. If sideshow could make a run of 5000 and sell most of them, do you think they’d leave money on the table by only doing 500? The runs are getting smaller because there are less willing buyers at current prices.
i always admired ur statue collection but I mainly tune into your content for omnibus reviews, hauls, single comic reviews/rundowns and your insight on different series and the mcu etc. Keep it up man love ur content!
All very valid points. Let's hope that more people start getting into the hobby around the world - and keep the companies in business. I got into this less than a year back - hope there are others like me in other countries.
For me the money was the SECOND factor. Yes I got burned out due to the way too high costs, but it was actually my IMPATIENCE in wanting very specific characters that felt like they NEVER were ever going to make them!
Ironically now that I'm out of the hobby, some of the ones I thought would never get made, now exist lol.
Great video!! I feel like I got lucky...bought a few PF statues when prices were "low" (I thought $375 was crazy back then)...and luckily found a buyer for a 1/3 Batman Noel. I'm kinda done except for the occasional Hot toys. Cheers.
You provided a good perspective on this issue. I was wondering why so many statues / figures have been going up for sale in my area for 50%+ off of the value. I talked to 1 seller and he was saying how his house he bough 2 years before covid renewed and his rate went from 2% to 6%.
Times are rough out there.
I love your channel. I've been watching for a couple of years now. I collect action figures mainly but havee always wanted to start but the prices and space confinement are the two reasons that have kept me out. .
I wanted to start collecting after falling in love with sideshow's Killer Croc (The one with the sewer splashing foot) however I've only ever seen him go for £700 to £900+ which is incredibly disheartening...
I would have to save for almost a year to justify buying him thanks to the cost of living crisis in the UK. I don't have a 3D printer either, so I'd have to hope and pray the price doesn't inflate further.
Sadly I doubt I'll ever get to start collecting statues. I only want a few, but I just can't justify it or afford it.
Here’s to better days ahead 🍻
Can we get an updated Man Cave tour please?
I’m always buying only things I absolutely love. But when a character is redesigned and I like that one more I’ll usually upgrade. My main issue is getting my initial funds from my original purchase. I don’t have a ton of space, and the boxes take up too much room. But this down tick is across all hobbies..comics, cards, etc..economy is killing most people. Additional soo many people look at these things as investments as opposed to what they really are, big flosses..thats it
I have one statue. Only bought it because you reviewed it.
I normally collect keys and action figures. Omni's in the last 2-3 years.
Small house and limited space, plus the kids and the economy, really hyper focused my collecting hobbies.
Indeed
Keys? Like keys to the house, car, lockers?
Sideshow doesn’t charge tax. The U.S. Government does
Yea not their fault… and you know how much I love SS ❤️
I’m agreeing with pretty much everyone’s reasons for stopping or taking a break. I personally sold all my statues and every time I get the itch to go back I see everyone’s horror stories, and I remember how difficult it was between storing boxes and paying for shipping and having to lug the boxes back in the house to pack up the statue.
Hey Gem thanks for keeping it real and putting the truth out there ! Honestly since I moved into the first house I bought I don’t even bother taking out the statues for display I couldn’t even find them I’m a bibliomaniac and books are my passion but I always balance heavy philosophy or science works with Marvel Steve Gerber Steve Ditko DC Bob Kane Alan Moore Eddie Campbell Chris Clairmont from back in the day comics were a way for me to escape the drug scene and bullies who overdosed and are now 💀.
You know me I used to collect XM preordered through you. I got out of the statue collecting almost 3 years ago. Prices got out of hand no more space. Im only collecting hot toys and action figures now.
I'm keeping all my statues til the end end 😂 .. boxes are gone .. but all collectibles are bouncing around now .
Statue collecting is 100% the "1%" hobby!
I wish I was in the 1% lol
@@Konuvis Believe me, you don't! What's the point to be able buy most things? The passion will be lost! 😅
i stopped collecting in around 2018, started collecting in early 2000s, could get a 1/4 ninja turtle statue back then for 250 dollars. now a 1/4 statue cost you around 800 dollars. its just nuts.
thats insane
I agree. The omnibus game too. Omar and others choose not to believe but it's true.
I have lost interest in comics in general have (after 30+ years of collecting). Comics these days have fallen from grace. So much "agenda" being pushed down our throats along with sub par writing/art has made me want to stop collecting even the older classic books that I loved. I refuse to buy any books made past 2014.
Then tack on the increase in price for these books and statues, along with the fact that I deleted my Paypal after what they did to you (as well as other reasons), now I dont really have a way to easily resell my collection. Not that they even resell for as much these days. The entire industry is a giant mess these days and its no wonder that the collectible market is crumbling.
Just to many companies pumping out statues these days, so it’s killing resale. As far as prices on new pieces, prices go up on everything if people are buying bottom line. So as long as people line up to buy, prices will rise like with everything. It shows the economy is strong. Don’t believe media lies about the economy. Just my opinion 💎 I like what you do.
Very good video. Thanks. I'm a collector from Belgium. For me the main problem is the space to expose all my collection and above all the storage of all boxes ... a nightmare! 😞
Yo gem, great video I'm not a statue collector (have a couple) and I'm more of an anime scale collector (usually 1/7 to 1/4) and a lot of what you're talking about is prevalent in our game too.
It's just expensive even with how much the yen's buying power has dropped, money here in the USA is just on a tight leash right now for most people and they're saving for a recession, shipping charges have skyrocketed, space is limited, the aftermarket is tough, and pre-ordering has become pointless because most of these pieces just get re-printed or get discounted not even a month after they're released so the people that pre-ordered got punished for doing so.
Y'all should keep in mind that these figures and statues aren't limited experiences, sure you might have to pay up in the aftermarket or maybe you won't be able to find it later down the road, but the money is better spent on doing something like traveling while you're young and healthy, or if you're looking to invest there are safer and more beneficial options. That being said I'm gonna stay collecting but I'm just much more selective right now until we're in better times as a country and as a world.
Better times are coming baby, keep your heads up guys, whoever's reading this I hope something good happens to you today 💪
nice video Gem...here i'd like to add that there is a " ceiling" price for everything, a price above which it's better to go 3D print or even spend your money on something else...the comic industry failed to notice that point and now statue hobby makes the same mistake...going " full growth" regarding their prices/revenues is not wise when crisis hit hard...
I honestly feel 1/10 scale is the way Togo. Cheaper shipping, prices and less space with all the fun of collecting with amazing detail to boot.
Without watching the video, here are my complaints:
Statues are too big
Prices are astronomical
Oversaturation of characters and poses
Tax + Shipping making the statues 50% more in price
Designs are trash now
My solutions:
1/6 scale
Use AI to design pieces
Keep pieces under 500 units
Premium big statues are just really expensive, plus they can take up alot of space. Its a pretty niche market based on those two factors
Prices have gone up everywhere on everything. It's also oversaturation of the market, insanely high edition sizes, same characters, same poses...some companies have 3 of the same scale statues of the same character in stock. I've been going after Iron Studios because they are able to take chances on characters and poses at that scale and real estate is at a premium.
Great video! Digital statues and collectibles solve a lot of the problems talked about in this video, storage, shipping, reselling, etc.
I got out a few years ago. Prices got out of control after COVID. Not worth the prices anymore nor the time to deliver. I switched to Omni's, since it's more affordable, more fun & still have my favourite characters in some art form & learn more about those characters.
I don't understand that collecting is dying, but a lot of what was said: lack of space, rising prices, bad economy, owning too many pieces, lots of offer of the same character and a bad market for used/old pieces.
Space with not only the statue but storing the box for potential resale. Costs are a concern but also there’s too many options now when in the past there was only a few, this includes customs. With the flood of options there’s a lot of lackluster poses and choices from peoples favorite characters
I recently bought a 3d printed version statue of venom ,it’s been one I wanted for a while but the price of the original was close to $5k so this is one way to get something close to the one I wanted but also not bankrupt me in the process
Great video GEM. Right on all points. Price points, shipping costs and the oversaturation of the same 9-10 characters are driving this hobby straight off a cliff. Many collectors have already turned their attention and wallets elsewhere. For me and my collection, I see the end coming. I have just enough display space for one more 1:4 scale and one maybe two more 1:3 scale. Which I anticipate will be from LBS. At that point, I will have no more display space for statues or storage space for the boxes. It will be a sad day, but it is inevitable. That day will come for ALL of us collectors. Not a question of "IF", but rather a question of "WHEN". And when it's here, what do we do? I guess there will be two choices... A- start selling off some old pieces to make room for new pieces, regardless of the sale price, or "B" make the difficult decision to simply admire new pieces from afar.
One thing nobody seems to mention is the movies and shows these days are horrible. In particular comic book movies, which is such a huge percentage of statue collectables. Even if people are after the non movie statues or classic varaints, its still tarnished by the failure of the family orientated style of the Marvel/Disney movies or the failure of DCEU & Star Wars, etc. Put inflation on top of that, as well as a global recession. Then of course nobody wants to get them anymore. They'll just watch youtube vids of what they look like.
100% gem, agree.
I’m over 150 statues into my collection and a lot of money later, but I don’t buy like I used to. The 2nds market can get peices 2 - 3 years old for alot cheaper.
I only buy pre O if it’s a piece I really like.
Not sure where this hobby will be in 3 - 5 years.
I like this formula 🤔… you ask questions and show answers and start a discussion … ❤
1) space - the terrible trend of ever bigger and elaborate bases is out of hand. Now you can hardly find a 1:4 that fits in a 24 inch height cabinet.
2) sideshow used to charge $10-40 for shipping, now it’s $50-150, you always have to add $100-250 to the msrp just for shipping and tax, so I stopped buying from sideshow
3) the market is so saturated, used to be you got 1 Ironman from sideshow every 2-3 years and it’s an event, now dozen of companies + even more non licensed customs are being made for every character at all scales.
But mostly for me it’s space, there is only so many 25-30 inch statues one can fit..and I am not even looking pass 1:4
The boxes. That’s another reason I’m being strict. Yes I got rid of a lot of 1/4 scales but 1/3 boxes are bigger. I built display cases and I’m actually able to store additional boxes inside the cases, completely unseen and unnoticeable, which has been really helpful.
Agree 100% that adds to the cost. And if you plan to sell, even at a loss, you will need these huge boxes stored somewhere, which means storage, which means rental space. Combined with statue pricing, space, and reselling vendors, it's just too much
Bowen designs was one of my main purchases from 90’s till about 2012-14 I think. Space definitely became an issue when I found my better half and concentrated on her and our house. Few pieces I’d like to get but prices/economy have definitely become an issue plus the fact that I’m retired around 2 years now
*Never saw the pizazz in statues other than the Psyloche and Chun li ones I purchased at a local Hello Kitty shop many years ago.*
Great video Gem. Hobby is definitely in shambles. I’ve only pre-ordered one statue this year and will likely only order one more if it goes up. This year I technically had about 5 come in, but it was all pre-orders from 2020-2022 that finally came around. Space is now a limiting factor.
Agree 💯 I just collect the statues I really love now. Like the MOTU line.
I always thought it was dying but when I found your channel it pulled me back in.
Amazing video. Great points. Unfortunately because of space (born and raised in nyc) I’m only getting 3 video game statues in 2024. All the last of us prime 1 pieces. I also collect sneakers, vintage tees, and video games and I’ve noticed that the aftermarket on those hobbies are running dry too. The economy is starting to get everyone. Its time to slow down and start making smarter decisions.
It is, the last purchase I had was 2 years ago. The prices have gotten out of hand. Also, it helped that the MCU has been putting out garbage films, with people losing interest in comic book franchises, it also hurt the demand for the hobby. Usually, newcomers are the ones who are willing to shell out more because of FOMO. Also, some people have gotten over the phase and started new hobbies that are more affordable. For me it's mechanical keyboards, flatbox hitbox controllers
I would love to buy some of the bigger versions. But I can barely afford those unless I really want it. I perfer the iron studios, kotobukiya, because of price point on those statues stuff is best for me. Space is also a factor, life expenses have kind of caught up. But I wanna continue for sure.
It's interesting to see this hobby as an outsider. I own a resin 3D printer, and I can paint my own statues, but I never had the desire to buy a pre made and painted statue. Instead, I can buy a $20 model and $35 dollars worth of resin with a lot left over and a few hours behind an airbrush, I can have something I enjoy more. I made this will always be better than I bought this.
Gem you nailed it. Inflation+insane price hike+high shipping+poor resale market= Dead Hobby 😢
The real reason.. people have no more room.
Great video and content as always... For me, I never brought a collection statue, but I am in the home arcade space! Right now, I sit on fifty-one (forty-six arcade1up, two Atgames, Unico Mvsx, one iircade and two toy shock pinball) machines, I can say it horrible out if you decide to buy brand new or used! In last two years, I only brought one Arcade1up MK3 because I was trying to complete my collection for MK series, but with prices, the skyrocket and the FOMO disappeared I will enjoy what I have for now! I think the world is talking to all wholesalers, retailers, and third-party sellers that customers understand that inflation is real, that the dollar isn't as strong as is once was and everyone is saving their pennies because the recession is coming!
I knew this was going to happen. I said around 2017 that Sideshow had about a 10 year life line. Inflations a bitch and the market is flooded. Hot toys is in trouble too. The new marvel movies aren’t great so those toys aren’t going to sell like before. Also before people would buy a statue as soon as it dropped because they were trying to get all the X-Men or all the Justice League. Now I don’t really need anything and without actually seeing them in person at SDCC I don’t really want anything. Seeing them in person was a huge selling point. Also the OG collectors are out of space or money and the Hobby isn’t getting new fans because of the cost now. If the prices were this high when I started I wouldn’t have gone in.
Yeah, it's sad sideshow will probably never finish the xmen line.
Ive been in the statue collecting game since 2018, i love the hobby, but throughout the years ive become more picky, mostly because of space and pricing issues, but still trying to make room for new future pieces.
For me, my process going forward is also, i will keep what i own and i wont sell ever, so i will just enjoy and feel lucky that i have what i have.
I have always liked statues. And it’s a pricey hobby to get into. But what you get is amazing. For me, the example of why I avoid it is the example of Iron Studios… every video I see on the 1/10 Jurassic Park Explorers Dino breakout are damaged. I don’t want to spend thousands and still have a restoration on my hands. That being said, I have seen some amazing collections that I do envy. I hope that the hobby continues for those that have a passion for it.
I’ve definitely cut down. I only have one PO at the moment (Prime1 T-800 1/3) with no plans for anything els for a bit.
great video gem. timely, as i just cancelled a statue i’d been looking forward to because it’s just an unjustifiable outlay. and i’m fortunate enough to have a good income. i’ve been collecting statues since Punisher comiquette in 2010ish. it’s sad, but the prices are wayyy out of hand now. sideshow are actually the most reasonably priced vs sculpt quality imo, but even then, it’s hard to justify the outlay.
I just got the joaquin phoenix 1/3 scale statue from iron studios for $400 from $1,100 that was a steal, at those prices they are good
Companies need to solve the shipping dilemma. With the aftermarket crash and paying almost half the price of the statue just to get it, is insane.
I have 4 statues pre-ordered and dreading the shipping cost.
I still have hope though. Companies need to adapt. Hopefully this video helps. Thanks Gem 💎
Prices of pieces are insane, cost of living is constantly rising and quite honeslty they're a waste of money.
I'm out of space, so that along with higher prices has slowed me down, and that's okay. I still love the hobby and don't want to fully get out. If I want something new, I need to sell something to make room, which can take a while. So I get 2 or 3 statues a year, maybe. I've been enjoying it more this way though. I still love looking at everything coming out, but now it's easier to pass on stuff, especially at the new price points.
It’s not dying. It’s evolving. And companies need to evolve with it. Products will change also.
I hear what you're saying... But it's evolving for worst, which ultimately will amount to dying in the long run.
@@mitchelllawrence2798 I do not see it yet. I had a business model years ago, 2018, when we first started that used to be bizarre to some hard core statue guys. We just had another successful 2023 year. A statue company. You need to evolve. 2020 - 2022 was an outlier year for this industry, it was make believe land. It is just going back to what it used to be. IMO of course. Now evolving for worst is a point of view and I get yours for sure. Come talk to me about it. I love the subject.
@CollectorZown Ah ok, it's interesting to hear your view and insight on this. I'll make a mental note.
@@mitchelllawrence2798 likewise. Love to hear opinions.
@@CollectorZown Good to know.
I wonder is this why Prime1 has moved into PVC with their Prisma Wing line? Because I’m buying anime figures now and it’s going strong, the prices are a little lower, usually $100 - $400.
I see you gem 💎. This is a dope topic especially given the trajectory the economy is going. Life is more expensive and unfortunately that means the hobbies are more expensive too. I've always had a set limit that came with space. So I'm coming up on that now. After I've gotten the predators from avp & whenever the P1 Sub-Zero drops I'm out 🎤 ⬇️
I totally agree with everything you mentioned. I slowed down due to higher prices and the shipping cost,also im dealing with my mom who has cancer so, that takes priority. At this moment I have 2 on preorder Queen Studios 1/3 Iron Man and Blitzway 1/4 scale Bruce Lee statue,but like everyone im very picky on what I want .and Im running out of space.
Easy answer. Because they are expensive AF. Some are also huge so even if we have the money there is not enough space in our homes.
Lol...I bought a 1:6 scale XM Batman Rebirth today after notification of availability from Speculative Fiction. Also got a 1:10 Iron Studios Batman on Batsignal after Sideshow notified of availability. Smaller statues with small "they will go through the trap into the attic" boxes, lol, but they still provide a measure of the collecting need, I guess. 😮
The XM Batman, like the Hal Jordan Rebirth, will be smaller than the Tweeterhead 1:6s and, once their Batman arrives, the XM may have to depart. 😢
This has been a conversation that has been going on for years. I remember 15 years ago when people were questioning the prices and the longevity of the hobby. That was when PFs were $250! Hobbies evolve, everything has been rising in cost. I think the problem now is the saturation of the market. There are too many producers, too many options. Eventually, some are going to disappear.
Is a good thing that are many producers and too many options.
Why?
Well look at nVidia..
Hey Gem, I’m also cutting back. I collect Hot Toys and a few smaller Statues. But I’m running out of space to display and store boxes. I’ve canceled a few as well. My income isn’t getting better so 2024 looks like I will have stop all together. I’ve been wanting to own a Prime1 statute and queen studio but it’s looking like I will never be able to. And I currently have a few of my own collectibles on eBay trying to sell some away. I don’t want to lowball myself but I might have. Tough times!
When I started on some statues, they weren't meant to be like action figures. You weren't supposed to be collecting them like you're collecting 3 inch or 6 inch figures.
You get one or two or three as some statement pieces in your collection. You buy it over years. Maybe one, once a year as a treat to add to your comic collection. You're fav character.
Then the space. Where do you put them all. Many need deeper shelves.
Two...they're extremely fragile. It's not like a vase you can move easily. Statues with ridiculous extras sticking out like say wolverine claws can break so easily if handled wrong.
Look at them. For some that are so expensive, these large statues actually look cheap. Regardless of the price. They look like expensive tchotchkes.
The amount you spend on it, would be better to collect original art, original comic art.
And finally the material. A Vader I have, for now 17 years from Sideshow, the black fake leather on the pants, I picked up the statue, flaked right off. Now that expensive statue I bought years ago looks like shit. Same with a Ray Harryhausen X statue. Kali...one of the swords warped...all on it's own, looks stupid, and another sword easily snapped. Part of a hand, the stone texture flaked off, seeing the white polystone or resin beneath. These were expensive and were billed as meant to last because of the price. Should've just spent the money on higher grade comics or original art.
I've definitely gotten a lot more selective with my buying, for some of the same reasons you already listed in the video:
- Prices, as you point out, have gotten ridiculous.
- Economy is not great, and there are more important things to spend on.
- I'm running out of display room, and I don't sell my collection.
Love your vids. Been following for a long time! I've definitely run into a space limitation. Collection is big, but prices and aftermarket lately have really been a deal breaker and, honestly, a little offensive. Like they are trying to weed out the collectors who aren't rich.
Money and space get tight, and this is an easy place to cut back.
I’m still buying and will likely grab some Moducases this year.
Also, you’ll set yourself up for failure if you go into collecting as an investment. Buy the characters and IPs you truly love.
I lost my job otherwise I'd be copping a few new pieces. Hopefully I find some work soon, so I can at least get one for Christmas.
I got into statues just as Covid hit and was out of it by the end of covid with the increase in shipping prices, I had ordered the Lobo Prime 1 statue and that came in 2 over sized boxes with the dolphins they wanted over $450 shipping... I just live up the I5 free way 1 state from California in Oregon. That was that, the 1/4 scales are bit too pricey for what you get imo and while I appreciate the artistry of the pieces I'm not into gallery priced pieces. At the end of the day I just bought a Resin 3D printer and now I can make all the statues I want now but I have to paint them myself. $25 or so for a bottle of resin, you may use 1 or 2 on a 1/4 statue. I just refuse to pay such a hefty % towards shipping.
I am hyper selective of any statues I pick up now. I keep eyeballing a ton of them and then never pick them up.
Prices are nuts. Sticking to books.
Really feeling this video. Been collecting about 15 years, finally got my new house for display, but I fear there are too many statues to display, will probably have to really comb through my collection and sell some. Got a garage full of boxes, most I haven’t even opened yet. Had to stop collecting mainly because of space, but the prices are getting crazier. Might get the TMNT Last Ronin statue if it’s still in inventory down the track. But gotta clear out some of the old stuff first
One of the biggest mistakes collectors make is buying a statue not because they like it. Instead they will buy the statue just to sell it and make money off it. If you are doing that, then this hobby is not for you. It just pointless if you are already thinking about selling a statue you haven't even bought yet.
The way the economy is its tough. And have equity space is hard. Great vid!
I collect only 1:10th scale X-men for space , and most recently premium format Spiderman. The thing that kills it for me is the shipping cost to Canada plus duty charges from the border!!! Only thing I would like to pick up in the future is a Hulk statue but pretty much done for now.
First time viewer, not a major collector, I have a few 7" figures... wow, I enjoyed this content, gonna check out your other videos.
Totally on point here sadly o can't afford it myself either. And many if my pieces that were worth more after I bought them are now losing value
I’ve always only bought statues that I do not intend to sell only having a couple I actually wanna get rid off. I agree the biggest problem is storing the boxes and of course the prices especially for us in Canada with the dollar exchange and duties/taxes on shipping(companies really should include that in their shipping prices). At this point for me I love SPAWN statues and thus usually only pick up a few customs out there & again have no intent on selling them.
I have no statue preorders , not buying anymore statues. Anything over $1k is my cutoff now. Not gonna sell any statues either now. Gonna sit on them for now.
I'm single and can blow my money on whatever I want so I still collect statues...although I mostly only buy customs now. The companies raised their prices so much that customs are the same price (or cheaper) plus custom groups actually make the characters I want. I now have Krypto, Steel, Superboy, Cyborg Superman, Eradicator, and properly sized/comic book looks of Darkseid and Doomsday in 1/4 scale.
Same. I gotta learn new skills so I can keep up with the rising costs. I don’t want to slow down on this hobby😅
It's the same problem with stuff like Hot Toys....Great video....Great insights.
I’ve only ever bought one statue, from Sideshow, and was so appalled with Sideshow’s customer service that I’d decided against buying any more.
Well they're overpriced, less and less people don't have disposable income and they don't make statues for everyone. Only rich people. Also more and more people are 3d printing and with the quality that I've seen at the highest level It's shocking how nice some of the custom print look. Actually I've seen way nicer 3d printed Statues made at home and painted better. Its not for me because of the quality, but I can't afford statues anymore. Sucks but greed ruined the hobby .