Nowadays, a wide variety of figures are available for a variety of content, including numerous anime and games. Even today, many collectors enjoy collecting figures and displaying or admiring them in their rooms. However, your collection may become so intense that you run out of space to store them. You may also find yourself wanting to sell your figures for reasons such as getting bored of them or having to move. To help you in these situations, we'll explain some tips for getting a high price for your figures.
Key Points for Selling Figures: 1. Make sure they come with their box
Naturally, figures will fetch a higher price if they're unopened. However, it's rare for them to be unopened when you want to sell them. However, even with opened items, having or not having the box can make a big difference in the appraisal. In fact, there are many cases where items won't be purchased without the box, and even if they are purchased, the appraisal value will likely be significantly lower.
Keep the box
If asked whether they would prefer to buy a used figure with or without the box, many people would naturally say that the box is a given. While it's true that the box can often be a nuisance after opening, the box is also a collector's item, so if you purchase a figure, be sure to keep it safe. The condition of the box can also affect the appraisal, so if possible, keep the box.
Point 2 for Selling Figures: Accessories Included
Some figures come with accessories, such as replacement parts. It's a good idea to have those accessories as well. Figures from a series are compatible, and parts can be swapped out, but it's best to leave them in their original state. Having all the parts is crucial when it comes to figures.
Point 3 for Selling Figures: Pay Attention to Storage
This goes without saying, but if you simply display a figure, it can wear out over time without you even realizing it. In other words, if you don't pay attention to how you store it, your appraisal value will be lower when the time comes. Here are some things to keep in mind when storing your figure.
① Store away from direct sunlight
Figures are sensitive to UV rays and heat, so prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause deterioration, discoloration, and stickiness. Store away from direct sunlight. Even if you store them in a box, be careful not to damage the box itself.
② Store in a well-ventilated place
Figures contain plasticizers, which cannot evaporate if stored in a sealed container, causing stickiness. Storing them in a box can cause stickiness due to poor ventilation, so even if you store them in a box, it's best to store them in a well-ventilated place. Figures are also sensitive to heat, so avoid storing them in enclosed spaces where temperatures can easily rise.
③ Clean figures you no longer use before storing them away.
To maintain your figures in good condition, it's best to regularly remove dust. While regular maintenance can be quite a hassle, even if you're storing them in a box, it's a good idea to at least remove any dust or dirt before storing them away. Leaving dirt behind can cause deterioration.
Figure Selling Tip 4: Clean the Figure Before Selling
When selling, be sure to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. The better the condition of the figure, the higher the appraisal value. However, removing dust too forcefully may result in damage, so use a soft brush or other soft tool suitable for detailed work. If the figure is sticky, remove it by soaking it in warm water with a mild detergent. However, figures are sensitive to heat, so handle them with care.
Figure Selling Tip 5: Sell in Bulk
Figures often receive a higher appraisal if sold in bulk rather than individually. Buyers also benefit from purchasing multiple figures at once, and if they're part of a series, you can expect an even higher appraisal. Since selling in bulk can be a time-consuming process, it's recommended.
Figure Selling Tip ⑥: Make a Quick Decision on New or Popular Figures
The market price of figures is constantly fluctuating. Selling extremely popular or rare limited edition items while they're still trending can lead to high appraisals. New releases generally command high appraisals, but appraisals often drop over time, so if you're unsure, it's best to make a decision early.
Figure Selling Tip ⑤: Sell to a Specialized Figure Buyer
There are various ways to sell figures, but selling to a specialist figure buyer is the most cost-effective option. While you can sell your figures at auctions, flea markets, or general hobby shops, used figures may not fetch as much, and you may not be able to sell them in bulk at auctions or flea markets, which can result in high additional costs.
We recommend this website: 1. Figure Kaitori Net
There are no shipping or handling fees for appraisals, so you pay absolutely nothing! They offer high purchase prices, and bulk sales can even increase the appraisal value. As a figure specialty store, you won't be ripped off by premium or popular items. The website also lists which figures they are purchasing at high prices, so it's a good idea to check.
We recommend this website: 2. Moetaku!
This site primarily deals with beautiful girl figures. However, it also carries a wide variety of other figures. Its comprehensive search function gives you a rough idea of how much a figure you want to sell will fetch.
Summary
We've compiled a list of things to keep in mind to sell your figures for a high price. When selling figures, their condition and the presence of their boxes are key factors that significantly increase their value. Maintaining perfect storage can be a pain, requiring storage space and effort, but a little care and knowledge can make a big difference. Even if your figure isn't in perfect condition, you can still increase the appraisal value slightly with some ingenuity, so be sure to pay attention.
