Basically, collecting Transformer toys is just like collecting any other toys or action-figures.
It is considered to be a trend by some and for others, part of a growing urban culture.
Transformers toys were the first 'transforming robots' (robots that could change their robot-forms to other forms such as vehicles like cars, airplanes, ambulances and many other forms) in the US in the mid-80s.
There is a whole world to it and all sorts of related topics - like the trading of the toys, market and price for it, demand vs supply, scarcity and many more.
For most fans like myself, Transformers Generation 1(G1) have been the best-ever toy line series in the Transformers Universe and would actually be the best for those intending to start collecting them as a hobby or/and investment.
This is due to the fact that most of the characters in Generation1 are said to have made the biggest impact and have remained since then.
Imagine buying Optimus Prime as an 8-year old - not knowing the value it would come to be 20 over years later and not thinking much of safekeeping it.
There are generally those who buy the toys for hobby and those who buy them as an investment or even those that buy them for both purposes.
For those who buy them for investment purposes, the condition of the toys remain an important factor in determining the price when(and if) sold in future.
Those who buy them for investment purposes either keep them as it is - with the box intact and unopened even or open them but handle with utmost care.
When opened, do make sure that none of the accessories, which are normally small in size go missing or any part gets missing or damaged.
This would come to be referred to as Mint and Near Mint conditions.
The scarcity and number of production is also a major factor when price is mentioned.
Of course a toy figure which is mass produced would not be as sought after and hence, not as highly priced as those limited-edition releases.
Limited-edition could simply mean a release that has a different colour-scheme than that of the original or released as a Commemorative issue ( for example, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the series ).
Some of these limited-editions come with certificate of authenticity and are numbered accordingly - say, 1-1000 ( a limited edition of 1000 toys produced ).
Do bear in mind that Transformer toys released in different parts of the world could differ due to the different releases in US, UK and Japan.
Some same characters have different names.
For example, Optimus Prime is known as Convoy in Japan.
Many other characters are named differently in Japan and comes in different packaging ( obviously with Japanese characters and all ).
With the release of the 2007 live-action film and the upcoming sequel to it, Transfomers : Revenge of The Fallen, demand and thus pricing for Transformer toys and other related merchandise are expected to be on the increase.
For current collectors, be on the lookout for more of these toys and for would-be collectors, this would be a good time to start collecting.
If you are unsure of which toy to buy, just check out the many sites that are fan-based for some tips and a useful Transformer Toy Guide.
It is considered to be a trend by some and for others, part of a growing urban culture.
Transformers toys were the first 'transforming robots' (robots that could change their robot-forms to other forms such as vehicles like cars, airplanes, ambulances and many other forms) in the US in the mid-80s.
There is a whole world to it and all sorts of related topics - like the trading of the toys, market and price for it, demand vs supply, scarcity and many more.
For most fans like myself, Transformers Generation 1(G1) have been the best-ever toy line series in the Transformers Universe and would actually be the best for those intending to start collecting them as a hobby or/and investment.
This is due to the fact that most of the characters in Generation1 are said to have made the biggest impact and have remained since then.
Imagine buying Optimus Prime as an 8-year old - not knowing the value it would come to be 20 over years later and not thinking much of safekeeping it.
There are generally those who buy the toys for hobby and those who buy them as an investment or even those that buy them for both purposes.
For those who buy them for investment purposes, the condition of the toys remain an important factor in determining the price when(and if) sold in future.
Those who buy them for investment purposes either keep them as it is - with the box intact and unopened even or open them but handle with utmost care.
When opened, do make sure that none of the accessories, which are normally small in size go missing or any part gets missing or damaged.
This would come to be referred to as Mint and Near Mint conditions.
The scarcity and number of production is also a major factor when price is mentioned.
Of course a toy figure which is mass produced would not be as sought after and hence, not as highly priced as those limited-edition releases.
Limited-edition could simply mean a release that has a different colour-scheme than that of the original or released as a Commemorative issue ( for example, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the series ).
Some of these limited-editions come with certificate of authenticity and are numbered accordingly - say, 1-1000 ( a limited edition of 1000 toys produced ).
Do bear in mind that Transformer toys released in different parts of the world could differ due to the different releases in US, UK and Japan.
Some same characters have different names.
For example, Optimus Prime is known as Convoy in Japan.
Many other characters are named differently in Japan and comes in different packaging ( obviously with Japanese characters and all ).
With the release of the 2007 live-action film and the upcoming sequel to it, Transfomers : Revenge of The Fallen, demand and thus pricing for Transformer toys and other related merchandise are expected to be on the increase.
For current collectors, be on the lookout for more of these toys and for would-be collectors, this would be a good time to start collecting.
If you are unsure of which toy to buy, just check out the many sites that are fan-based for some tips and a useful Transformer Toy Guide.
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