The Travel Channel served up a special treat for us toy collectors on Sunday night. A new show called Toy Hunters aired, which follows around toy collector and dealer Jordan Hembrough on his quest to find rare and valuable toys.
The show is a carbon copy of the American Pickers formula, but while Mike and Frank search for rusty gold, Jordan is searching for action figures. Jordan has been collecting and dealing in toys for 25 years, which seems like a stretch since he looks about 30 years old. The first (and hopefully not “only”) episode has Jordan searching the attics, basements, and garages of America for toys he can sell at New York’s Comic Con.
The search begins in toy country, USA — Cincinatti, Ohio — home of Kenner Toys before it shut down in 2001. Many of Kenner’s employees still live in the area, and when they were employed, they apparently stole a lot of the products and prototypes they developed (kidding — sort of).
Jeff is a former Kenner toy designer who worked on the M.A.S.K. toy line, and he designed the Slingshot vehicle, among other things. The toys were designed after the cartoon, and Jeff had three mint in box (MIB) vehicles–the Slingshot, Firefly, and Switchblade. Jordan offers $100 for all three, but Jeff will not sell the Slingshot for any amount (good for him!). He lets the other two vehicles go for $75.
The show is great for collectors and non-collectors alike because it offers some interesting tidbits that you may or may not already know. However, there was one statement that made me scratch my head. The show mentioned that M.A.S.K. toys were introduced in 1985 and were a precursor to Transformers. Huh? The last time I checked, the Transformers were introduced a year earlier in 1984.
After rifling through some more boxes, Jordan finds a Six Million Dollar Man Steve Austin figure (nope, not a doll) and a bunch of Care Bears and an Ewok plush doll, and buys all of these items for $210, thinking he can sell them for $600.
Jordan has toy scouts across the country who are always looking for toy collections that are for sale. Rob Meyer is one of his scouts, and he takes Jordan to visit a guy named Geoff, who owns the Queen City Comic and Card shop. The store is located down the street from the old Kenner headquarters, and its employees would frequent the store and trade some of their (stolen) toys and prototypes for comics and sports cards.
Jordan searches through the storeroom and finds boxes filled with vintage Star Wars carded action figures. I would be thrilled to own any of those figures, but the show focuses on a Wicket Ewok figure on a Squidhead card. This is not an error, it’s actually a packaging sample that was used internally at Kenner.
This was part the show that I found pretty informative since it told us about the original Star Wars 12-back cards and how the figures were painted rather than photographed, since the figures didn’t actually exist yet. This is common knowledge for Star Wars fans, but its interesting to other collectors and viewers who mightbe watching. This show has to have a fairly narrow audience, but the more they can inform people, the more attractive it will be to non-collectors, and get them excited about the hobby and make them want to tune in again.
In the box of action figures is a small plastic bag with a light blue, unpainted figure in it. Check this out…
The mythical rocket-firing Boba Fett mail-away action figure with its red rocket. Geoff obtained the figure in a trade 25 years ago for ten dollars worth of baseball cards. After having it authenticated by a Kenner engineer, Jordan tells him the figure is worth ten thousand dollars. I particularly enjoyed this part because I learned a good bit about the figure and the history behind it. I knew the basics, that the figure was never produced because kids would shoot their eyes out, but I never knew there were L-latch and J-latch versions of the spring housing produced. Now I know what to look for next time I come across one (Ha!).
Geoff agrees to have Jordan act as a broker in trying to sell the figure at the New York Comic Con. As Jordan leaves, he says this figure brings the “wow factor.” Doesn’t he know that Darrell the Gambler on Storage Wars is the only one who can use that phrase?
Next up is Ron, another former Kenner designer. The show dubs him as a “Newbie” because he has never sold his toys before, which I think is kind of rude, especially after watching Jordan proceed to lowball him with his offers. Ron worked on toy lines such as the Real Ghostbusters and Batman Returns.
Taking a note from American Pickers and Pawn Stars, the show puts up the occasional information screen, which I fully applaud.
Jordan finds an Arctic Batman action figure which isn’t an amazing toy on its own, but it has a green card attached to it which was used in Kenner’s internal review process, which bumps up the value by $20 or so. For $40, Jordan also buys a 1977 Star Wars Death Star game which Ron had as a kid.
While climbing around in some boxes, Jordan yells, “Do you know how much I can get for this?” which turned me off a bit. I really wish the show focused more on the collectors and their toys rather than the pursuit of the almighty dollar. I understand we all want to get rich with the ultimate find, but I would prefer more enthusiasm from the “collector” in Jordan than in the “profiteer” in him.
So, what was in the box? Some Corgi Batman vehicles that Ron designed. Jordan buys a Batmobile, Batboat, and Batcycle for $70.
Apparently, The Toy Hunter has a “Danielle.” His Danielle is named Nikki, and she finds him leads across the country and sits at a desk covered in action figures (that were probably put there for the show).
Tom (Yoda) in Dayton, Ohio is the publisher of Tomart’s Guide and has a warehouse full of 400,000 toys. He’s not to keen on selling anything but when Hollywood calls and asks you to be on a TV show, I guess you feel obligated to let them come take a peek.
Jordan searches through a display case and finds a couple of great Tron lightcycles from the original 80’s toy line. When Tom refuses to sell them to him, Jordan whines like a high-pitched five year old, “Come on!”
One of the big problems I had with American Pickers in its early shows was that they ripped off people and strong armed them into selling items they didn’t really want to sell. I’d hate to see that happen on this show, which deals in toys — remember, toys are fun!
Jordan is offered the chance to look through the warehouse, which turns out to be his dream come true — 300,000 uncataloged toys. He finds a Battlestar Galactica 12″ Colonial Warrior in the box and offers $15 for it. The toy originally cost $24.99 when it was released in the 70’s so the $15 was pretty insulting in my opinion. Tom grudgingly agrees to sell it for $20.
The next find is an original Oscar Goldman in its box — of the 40-Year Old Virgin fame. Six Million Dollar Man toys were Kenner’s first action figure line, and Jordan takes Oscar home with him for $40, along with a Kevin doll from Home Alone.
Jordan heads to Miami, Florida to meet with José, who has an amazing collection of rare Thundercats toys and prototypes. I wish the whole show focused on looking through José’s collection. The pride and joy of his collection is the prototype of the Thundercats’ Mad Bubbler figure, which was never released to the public.
Jordan geeks out a little bit at this point, which I actually enjoyed. When a collector sees a true holy grail, it’s always fun to see their reaction. Jordan thinks he can sell the Mad Bubbler for $15,000, and José reluctantly agrees to let Jordan broker it for him.
After all the hunting, it’s finally time for the big event — New York Comic Con. Jordan hopes to make $2o,000 at the show.
The toys fly off the shelves fast and furious. A Boba Fett cosplayer and his giddy friend look like they might be the perfect buyers of the rare Rocket-Firing Boba Fett figure. They are incredibly enthusiastic about seeing it, but when Jordan tells them it is $20,000, they are quickly deflated and walk away. It looks like Jordan won’t be able to sell either the Boba Fett or the Mad Bubbler, but then a heavily-tattooed guy in a Tap-Out hat walks up. After seeing a bunch of carded Star Wars figures, he says he already has all of them and wants to see something else that’s hard to find.
“Miraculously,” the Boba Fett figure is the only figure that is missing from his collection and he agrees to buy it on the spot for $17,000!
He holds up the figure like he’s about to smoke it and says he is very happy to now own a “very expensive Bobabett.” Yes, he called it “Bobabett,” I watched it three times. At least he knew what he was buying with that $17k. The skeptic in me has a tough time believing this transaction really occurred, but how much of reality TV is actually real on any show?
So, Jordan made his target of $20,000 and all is right in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and hope to see many more episodes in the future, and I’m sure if you are a toy collector or fan, you will enjoy it as well. If you didn’t blink and were lucky enough to catch it, what did you think?
Great write up! This is probably the most positive thing I’ve read about this show. It seems that whenever Hollywood makes something FOR us, we immediately hate it because it’s
“pandering”. I’m glad you were able to point out the positives.
That said, I had the same issues as you. You don’t just go into Tomart HQ and start lowballing folks. I know the economy has affected the collectible market, but I was kind of appalled by the offers he was making, on both the low and high sides.
I also hated that he was telling everyone he was going to “Comic-Con”. This might be a bit of inside baseball, but New York Comic-Con is NOT “Comic-Con”. Sure, it’s a sizable show that is quickly becoming our East Coast version of SDCC, but San Diego is the only show you colloquially refer to as “Comic-Con”. This is important for one reason: everyone in those circles has heard of “Comic-Con”, even if they’re not huge comic nerds and whatnot. If I’d never sold anything before, and you came to my garage telling me you were going to sell my stuff at “Comic-Con”, I’m fully expecting the spectacle of San Diego, which gives my stuff a better shot at being sold. I’m sorry, but NYCC just doesn’t have the clout nor the clientele to move a $17,000 Star Wars prototype.
“He holds up the figure like he’s about to smoke it” – best line and so true!
Thanks Will! There were certainly some things I would change about this show but overall, I really did enjoy it. I think if a niche show like this has any chance of coming back for a second episode, as toy collectors, we need to cheer for it loudly and proudly.
As sellers and collectors, we really ought to not be proud of a show where unique, valuable, rare items are advertised… with such a show out there, good luck getting any great deals! The only people who need to know the specifics about collectibles are those who are interested in them… now you have people rummaging through their parents’ basements to try to make a quick buck.. it totally devalues/cheapens the hobby if you ask me.
Hey buddy your analysis of nycc couldn’t be further from the truth.even 2 years ago there were people dropping big bucks in nycc.actually these ny nerds have big money.you definitely don’t know what you are saying. But as far as the mma guy dropping that money in the last minutes or hours of the show.yes a reality lie.
GREAT review. It is apparent that you worked hard on this with all of the screen shots and breaking down every segment. I DVRed it and have only watched the M.A.S.K./Care Bears segment so far, and I also scoffed at the Transformers comment. This guy is a bit of a clown.
It was a labor of love. 😉 Thanks!
Hey guys, this is Rob from the show. I just wanted to say, thanks for watching! The response has been great and we’re excited about the possibility of new episodes.
I want to let all of the collectors out there know that, first and foremost, we are HUGE fans of this hobby. It’s our business, but it’s also our passion. Our goal with this show is to share this fun with the viewers.
If you enjoyed the show and want to see more, let Travel Channel know!
Thanks for the support!
Rob
Hey Rob, thanks for stopping by! I have no doubt that you are passionate toy collectors. I hope that the show is a HUGE success and that there are plenty more episodes in the future. Best of luck to you!
I got a boxed eternia parts still sealed in bags and a beautiful unused sticker sheet.
I really got a good laugh when he told the comic store owner the Boba Fett was worth $10k and then offered him HALF that for it.
I don’t know if it’s Jordan or the way the show was done (or both) but I really felt like he was a jerk the way he was lowballing people. I understand he’s in it to make money but it was kind of disgusting. The same feeling I have when I go into my local comic shop (or on Ebay) and see something you can get in the store for an inflated price.
I did really enjoy seeing the toys and the hunting of them and especially other people’s collections.
I have so many problems with the Fett sale. First, since it had “wow factor” shouldn’t it have been on display instead of Jordan having to pull it out?
I’m not one to judge someone by appearance alone usually, but TapOut guy had an extra $17k he could drop on a figure? And there was no back and forth about it being real or not.
It looks like he takes Jordan’s word at face value that this is the real deal, no questions asked. I know if I was dropping that kind of money I’d be asking all kinds of questions!
Ha! Yeah, Jordan had to call in a pro to authenticate the Boba Fett, but this guy took him at his word. Like you, I was floored that this guy’s credit card would allow him to charge $17k. Maybe he’s George Lucas’ son?
I remember in the early days of American Pickers, the public outcry was huge in regards to the guys ripping off old people. They got much better about it over time and now offer fairer prices for the items they buy (usually).
The guy owns Tapout clothing….I think he got it covered
I really want to watch the show, but I live in a cave and don’t have cable…:( Any chance it will be on the Travel Channel website?
I hope it makes it to the site, because every toy collector should watch it. Get on that Travel Channel!
Am watching this one tonight on the recorder!
I hope I didn’t spoil it for you. Something tells me you are going to like what you see, Jboy. 😉
Just finished watching it and i really enjoyed it and there was lots of great stuff he found. The MASK and Six-Million Dollar Man toys were what caught my interest the most.
I texted my buddy Scott who is a big time Star Wars guy about the Boba Fett and he was mad he missed the show so i saved the recording so he can come over and watch it lol.
Let’s hope enough people tuned in that we’ll get another episode. I’d love to see a Hasbro focus with a bunch of 80’s GI Joe toys.
I loved the show. I can’t believe those people sell that stuff so cheap. I rarely have that type of luck. I hope there are more episodes in the future.
Agreed. I thought Jordan’s prices at Comic Con were pretty good too (not counting the big ticket items of course).
Hey guys, I can’t go into a ton of detail but I wanted to shed light on a few things.
First, the Fett transaction. Just because you didnt see a back and forth question and answer session on the episiode doesn’t mean it didn’t take place. What actually happened was a lengthy conversation about the authenticity, history and ultimately the price. Trust me, the buyer was pleased and so was the seller Geoff (who is a close personal friend). I believe Jordan filmed over 30 hours at NYCC all for about 8 minutes of air time. Things got cut, that’s just what happens.
As for what Jordan initially offered Geoff, it’s pretty standard to offer half of what you plan on retailing it for. It happens on every show and in real life too. If someone brings me their collection, that’s what I offer… half of what I think it might sell for. We are always up front and they are under no obligation to take the offer, it’s just business.
Jordan has an extensive list of former Kenner employees as clients. They all have been treated extremely well and continue to sell through Hollywood Heroes to this day. No one is being bullied, or taken advantage of. The system works for everyone, trust me.
We are already working on several ways to tweak the show, should we be fortunate enough to get a chance to make more.
Like I said before, the goal was to tell the history of modern collectible toys. We want to talk to designers, collectors and fans. We want to have fun, tap into the nostaligia and show people things they’ve never seen before.
I only ask that people give us a little break on the first episode and know that we’ve heard the complaints as well as the positives and we hope to make an even better show going forward.
Thanks again for watching and thanks for letting my speak a bit on the matter!
Rob
“… the goal was to tell the history of modern collectible toys. We want to talk to designers, collectors and fans. We want to have fun, tap into the nostaligia and show people things they’ve never seen before.”
Sounds great to me!
Rob, you really don’t need to defend anything. The show was a ton of fun to watch and you taught new things to collectors old and new.
The nature of the show is to get people excited about finding the “treasure in the attic.” I get that, heck, a good portion of this website is built on that ideal! I’m just happy to see a big studio TV show produced that talks about 12-back MOC Star Wars action figures!
Kudos to you, Jordan, and the rest of the crew for a job well done. Believe me, we want to see lots more!
Hi Rob
I was sure the back and forth must have happened, it’s just being a Star Wars collector for 30+ years the Boba Fett was something that really grabbed my attention on the show. Obviously you can’t focus in on everything in an hour slot. Probably could have done an entire episode just on that piece!
Hi Rob,
Here Jeffrey from Holland.
What a brilliant show! Love every second of it!
Maybe make a whole ep of MASK, than a transformers ep, gijoe, etc.
Cant wait for the nextone!!!
Kind regards,
Jeffrey from Holland
Hmm, I totally missed this. I’ll have to check out a re-run. Sounds interesting.
$40 for a MIB Oscar Goldman? Seriously? That’s insulting to the previous owner. First of all, Oscar is one of the more rare figures because no one bought him. Who wants a toy of a guy in a suit? You know what I mean? So they are super rare now. Especially his “office playset”. If you can find them, Oscar Goldman figures with a beat up box on eBay can go for about $200. A factory fresh MIB Oscar Goldman would be a nearly $500 figure.
However, if the guy sold it for $40, that’s his own mistake I guess. Yeah, Brian, I agree with you. I would prefer they focus on the “collecting and obtaining” aspect and not focus so much on “how much can I get”.
I might be mistaken, but I THINK they ended up selling both Steve Austin and Oscar Goldman for a combined $120, which was a great price for the buyer. Maybe Oscar wasn’t as MIB as he appeared. I thought Jordan’s selling prices were very fair, if not downright low, at the end of the show, and I would be happy to buy from him sometime.
Thanks Brian, I really appreciate the support!
By the way, I love your site. I was following you on FB long before Toy Hunters even existed.
Rob
Thanks, Rob! and I appreciate YOUR support. 😉
I meant to set the DVR to catch this but forgot!. I’ll be joining Paxton in catching the re-run.
I hope you can find it. It’s not showing up on the Travel Channel’s site at all. 🙁
We’re hoping to hear more about the future of the show today or tomorrow. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Rob
Good luck! Thanks, Rob.
This was on my radar, but I missed it! Maybe I can catch it on demand, or a re-run. You know me, I’m very 80s-centric when it comes to toys, so this looks to be right up my alley.
Maybe these guys would be interested in your recent MOTU score. 🙂 Although I’m sure you’d get more than half the value by selling it on your own. I just couldn’t resist.
Ha! I’ll be selling Eternia on my own. 😉
Reason why I loathe the American Pickers show is that they DO strong arm people (who very obviously need the money) into selling items to them they dont want to part with. Its one thing to have a stranger call you and say “I want you to come check out my place and see if you want to buy any of my stuff” its another thing for them to stop at a run down property, knock on the door, tell the old man with the cane they want to buy this “little sign over here”, give him $20 and then sell it for $500. American Pickers suck.
I liked the idea of this show–seeing all the cool stuff people have and that you have never seen before–but the “find it for profit only” is lame concept. I hope they focus on the toys going forward because its always cool to see this stuff even if you may never own it yourself.
I agree that a show focused on vintage toys would be great, but there’s no way it would ever see the light of day as an ongoing series. I think the reason this show got made was BECAUSE of the success American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and Storage Wars. Americans want to get rich quick and if they can’t do it, at least they can watch other people try.
Liked the show, but would rather have seen the focus more on the cool collectibles than what they are worth. There were some awesome finds on the show. Would love to be able to find some of those vintage toys for those kind of prices, especially the M.A.S.K. stuff. Hope the show gets picked up.
I rest my case… do your own homework people, stop expecting information to be spoonfed to you… what we really need is to make it easy for people to compete in the market… give me a break.
I saw the show and yes it is American Pickers the toy version. I have no problem with that I like American Pickers. When I use to work at a comic/toy shop and would sell on my own we did have the offer half of what it is worth policy. Now after many years of buying and selling I am fine with buying toys and only making 5 bucks in profit. I have a full time job so the money I get from toys is just extra pocket money. Now you also have to factor in time spent driving, shipping cost, and a few other factors that will always increase the cost of an item. If you bought a star wars figure for 20 but also had to have it shipped for 5 then really you spent 25 on the item. While the prices he offers are low I don’t have an issue with them.
Now the pushing to sell an item I did not like. You walk into Tomart’s Guide office and whine to him to sell something to you something? Really? While I liked the show I just don’t see it catching on I would rather see geek love come back as a regular series.
I’ve dealt with Jordan before, and yes, he is kind of a d*****e to deal with.
Hey guys- thanks for taking the time to watch the show. We did score very high in the ratings, and hopefully will be seeing you again soon.
A few things I wanted to address really quick:
1. Carl: I am sorry that you had an unpleasant experience with me in the past. Was I at a show? Was this in person? If I came across nasty in any way, please accept my apologies. Better yet, contact me privately through the site and let me know how I can regain your trust and confidence and let’s move forward.
2. I am a try Geek at heart. However, please remember… this is a show. Sometimes, the producers asked me to get “overly excited.” Not that I wasn’t already having a ball doing the show… but at times, it was asked that I “turn it up a notch.”
So please, understand… I dont normally sound like a 13yr school girl. LOL
3. Tomart and Prices: Tom is one of my best friends. I have known him 20 years. The prices I offered were all discussed at length and the haggling was actually fun. We have spoken almost every week since this was filmed at I am looking forward to having him on future shows.
4. They guy who purchased Boba Fett is the founder of TAP OUT clothing. He had the money, trust me. He is also a huge collector, and really knows his stuff.
Rob will tell you as well as me… this show is for the fans. We are fans!!
It was a pilot.. we are finding our way into the market and I am trying to find a balance between the niche collector audience and the broader market. I have been in meetings all day with the producers and we are doing our best to strike the right chord.
Just remember,,, I read all your comments and take them to heart. I welcome anyone to contact me or call me at my office. All the information is on our site.
Thanks again guys-Rob and I are trying to do a great show.. and I want everyone to contribute!
Jordan Hembrough
One more point: after reading this incredible review.. ( I truly love it).
This show was made for the purpose of the “found money” genre, currently riding the TV wave. So.. yes, it was skewed more towards the financial aspect of collecting and toys… this was done by request of the network.
If it was up to me, I could spend the entire show just talking about toys and packages and 1970s TV.. but we need to consider the broader audience.
It’s people like you, and this forum, that will ultimately help shape the future of the show.
I am glad to be here with Rob, speaking to you.
Debt of gratitude.
Jordan
Jordan, thanks so much for adding your thoughts to this discussion. The show really was a treat for us collectors. That’s great news that the show did well in the ratings, and I hope to see you guys on a regular weekly schedule soon. Best of luck to you, and if you’re ever in the DC area, look me up.
Knowing that guy is the founder of TapOut would certainly have been a wow factor while watching the show!
It’s great that you guys are interacting with your hardcore audience! Let us know if we can do anything to help get more shows made.
Hey Dex!
Thanks guys, so great of you to want to help. It’s simple really.. call Travel Channel and ask for the show. If enough people call and say “Hey, this is a GOOD show and we want more.. when is the next episode?” , they will have to give it another look,
Go to google, and type in “TRAVEL CHANNEL CONTACT NUMBER” and you will find it. They are located in Chevy Chase MD. Travel is owned by Scripps, so you will need to say “Travel Channel” when you call.
Please let me know what they say!
Jordan
I just looked it up. The number for the Travel Channel is 301-244-7500. I’ll give them a call in the morning!
Thanks guys…
Rob and I appreciate it.
All the best –
Jordan
I called the Travel Channel this morning and was told that the show was a “special” and they don’t know when it will be on again. I also asked if they would put it up on the Travel Channel web site so people could watch it if they missed it, but was told to just keep checking the site to see.
Great review! I really appreciate watching a collecting show that involves something other than old oil cans and beat up signs. Jordan I am very interested in a very rare toy that I have been trying to track down for years! Can you please help?
Hey guys, just wanted to check in again and let you know that Travel Channel is re-airing the pilot episode this Sunday at 6pm.
While we haven’t heard much about the show being picked up as a series, this is a VERY good sign. We feel like Travel will be watching the ratings for this rebroadcast very closely and perhaps making some decisions regarding our future.
This is only speculation on my part, but I’d like to encourage everyone to help spread the word and watch the show again. Thank you all for the support!
That’s great news Rob! This is certainly a much better time slot, so hopefully you’ll get big ratings.
The guy that bought Boba Fett is the owner of that TapouT clothing company. They say he’s worth millions of dollars or something like that…
Sure hope this gets picked up as a series! Even though the toys I collect are vintage dollhouses and dollhouse furniture, this is the closest thing I have seen to my own collecting obsession so I really enjoyed it! Good Luck!!
Janet
Great stuff! and thanks for the excellent break-down.
Saw Toy Hunters for the first time tonight….oh the memories!!!! I have to see more of the show…..please tell me there is a series? I had/have some of the toys and my son was so excited when I pointed out all the ones I still have and the ones I had. Great show and I have to say what an honest bloke Jordan is……I like American Pickers…but sick of them buying something for $100 and selling it for $500. Jordan…top bloke!!
There is a show in production. I’ve been following Jordan’s twitter account and he’s been posting info on filming. Who knows when it will air, but it is being developed.
The “guy in the tap out hat” well….happens to be one of the founders of TapOut clothing brand………..so the price tag I’m sure he could handle.
According to Travel Channel website: “We’ll Be Back on 9/12/12 With All-New Episodes”
i have the the biggest star wars collection in all all of brooklyn and queens and mahattan.You need to come check me out and i also have other rare item like old comic old baseballs signed and certifited ans mini helmets call me or e-mail. If you dare i also have a old darth vader bank in working condition. peace from brooklyn
Badboy Bobby starwars
may the force be with you
love your show
Hi, I am living in Mexico City, and I have a son of 7 years old. I promised him to buy a SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN action figure. As well as BIG FOOT. I will be in December in NYC, does any one can advise me where to go?
hey….how can i find out a toy’s worth??? i have a vintage michael jackson doll i just found in my closet. the clothes are odd but its not billie jean clothes OR thriller…..
Hi Georgette- a great way to find out what an item is worth is to look on eBay at similar items that have sold. Asking prices are all over the place, but selling prices are usually pretty consistent. Do a search for your item on eBay and then click the “Advanced Search” button and select the “Completed Listings” button. Items that sold will have their price displayed in green while unsold items will be in red.
I hope this helps!
Hi there, I did not see the episode personally, but I was recently told that the Corgi Batmobiles were highlighted in a recent episode. I checked out this site to find out more. When I read the writing on this site, that a designer named “Ron” took claim that he designed these vehicles, I was outraged. I, and another designer designed all of those vehicles! I am very proud of the line that we created and I will be damned if I was going to let that comment go. My name is Tracy and I worked at Corgi USA as Director of Design, and never was a “Ron” involved. Go create your own successes Ron and leave mine alone.
This probably won’t get to Tracy but she does not know what she is talking about. If she wants to see the original 3D models she can email me. I did a batcycle for Corgi as well.
And Dick Smith of Smith Prototypes built the models.
First let me say I am an avid fan of both toy hunter and pickers. I myself am a picker and know from experience the trials of buying and selling vintage and antiques. It may seem these people are being low balled, but people don’t often understand the prices you have to pay to do this line of work. First there is travel fees, food, lodging if you are away from home, and possibly shipping if you can’t haul everything with you. Then you have to consider selling it. Is the item going to sit in storage or on a shelf in your store? If so you are paying for space everyday it doesn’t sell. If you are going to a convention or show then youyy
Oops hit the enter button, sorry. At a show you have to pay for booth space and to get good space you have to pay good money. If you get a sale that $500 value you placed on your item just came down to $400 or lower. So you see that your profit margin fades fast. This isn’t even mentioning auctions which fees can go up to 50% of your winnings. It may seem that people are getting lowballed but then these people also don’t have to deal with the work and cost of trying to sale these treasures. In most cases the people that I purchase from don’t have the time or want to go through the hasel of selling the items at retail. These items are either sitting forgotten and wasting away or are in some sort of storage never to be seen again until sold at an estate auction or worse yet trashed. Personally when I find an item I try to give a fair price so the person can have cash in hand and I might make alittle money also. I think its a general rule among us that we don’t just take to make a buck, but to find these treasures a home where they will be cherished. Also letting your source know what you might make or what an item is worth is a fair and respectable way of not (for lack of a better word) screwing someone over. I hope this gives a better insite as to why it seems like us as pickers are paying way less then what an item may be worth, but in reality we are just the retailer and we purchasefrom the whole saler.
My father, Ted Wolf, created Thundercats back in the 80’s. I Loved seeing the classic and prototype toys and still have a lot of interesting pieces from The Day. So glad it’s back on TV and still keeping my fingers crossed for a movie. My dad died in 1999. He would be thrilled to know that there is still such a following!!!!
Wow, Janice you must have had a fun childhood! I’d love to hear what it was like growing up surrounded by the Thundercats–they played a huge role in my childhood, but that can’t hold a candle to your experience!
If you ever wanted to show some of the cool items from your collection, I know a site that would be honored to present them. 😉
Thanks for stopping by here and leaving a comment. Your dad really did have a major impact on 80’s popular culture, and I’m honored to meet you here virtually.
Just wanted to say I found this article after googling what others thought of the show.
Choice TV over in our small country of New Zealand began to air the series on Free to Air Television on Thursday Night! (YAY!)
I seriously think..rather know you are underestimating the ny comic con when you say it is’ nt big enough to have collectors come in and drop 17k on a action figure or any collectable.i’ve personally witnessed 25 grand dropped on a comic and know of bigger purchases that where made at the nycc .ny has true die hard fans and big money to drop on items.after all this is the Empire State.nycc is fast becoming the best comic con without even trying.
I have an Oscar Goldman In a box box is not very good shape but Oscar is Looking for a buyer reply to my gmail