The Statue Hobby is DYING! Let's Talk About WHY
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- Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2023
- 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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 🍻
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!
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.
Sideshow doesn’t charge tax. The U.S. Government does
Yea not their fault… and you know how much I love SS ❤️
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.
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.
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.
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’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’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.
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! 😞
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 💀.
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?
Can we get an updated Man Cave tour please?
I'm keeping all my statues til the end end 😂 .. boxes are gone .. but all collectibles are bouncing around now .
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
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.
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...
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! 😅
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'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.
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
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
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.
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
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..
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
Great video! Digital statues and collectibles solve a lot of the problems talked about in this video, storage, shipping, reselling, etc.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
I am hyper selective of any statues I pick up now. I keep eyeballing a ton of them and then never pick them up.
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 💎
I always thought it was dying but when I found your channel it pulled me back in.
I like this formula 🤔… you ask questions and show answers and start a discussion … ❤
A thing I noticed that might have a bearing on the hobby is I noticed the other day in the mall I saw about 5 different shops that had statues some in a store front others in spot in the middle of the walkway. So it could also be it's so easy to get one now that the novelty has worn off? Just a thought.
Prices of pieces are insane, cost of living is constantly rising and quite honeslty they're a waste of money.
I got a little into Sideshow/hot toys 1/6th scale stuff. I got an TESB Tautaun, It has been out of the box once, it is too big, I have nowhere to display it
I see this happening with most hobbies now, lots of fans and collectors used to buy limited series and hard to find collectibles to be able to resell… seems like these companies caught wind of that and just adjusted the prices so high that very few people can resell anything for profit after the increase in shipping and fees taken out by these other sites
Main problem is waiting on statues to come out, pre order is a year out from now. Plus no room for boxes like everyone else. Plus price is a factor
I needed to move earlier this year so I ended up getting out and sold about 2/3rds of my collection off. I kept the pieces I really really couldn't see myself selling, especially pieces sculpted by people I know who used to work at Sideshow. Those I'll probably just keep as nostalgia. I may even sell off my comic collection, but I'm waiting to do that as it's a much harder thing to catalogue.
I think the only thing that would get me to buy another statue after this sell off is a 1/4 scale comic Batman by Daniel Bel, not the Dark Knight he already did though. Or maybe that Del'Otto standing Batman that Prime 1 teased. Other than that I don't know if I'll get back into it again even though I truly enjoyed my time collecting statues over 20+ years.
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 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.
In some cases stays prices for 1/4 statues are $2000.00. Because I’m not willing to chase the statues and rising prices I’ve decided to start getting rid of statue line that I thought I’d never part with.
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.
I've spent the past few years getting into collecting art/artisan/gallery edition books of my favorite comic artists. I'm only dealing with prices in the low hundreds and even I feel it hard to justify it the same going into next year. I can only imagine what you guys are dealing with entry into the statue game being in the thousands.
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’ve bought a lot of statues this year due to my local comic shop having so many sales and statues that I find awesome but probably not gonna buy any for a while due to space
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.
I buy a ton of Anime statues each month but there are so many companies saturating the market its like limited game companies, they are everywhere. I settled down and found some ground with iron studios 1/10th scale, just collecting up some x-men. There is so much temptation with all the statues going on sale some down to 30 to 60 dollars, down from 200+ no joke, but I now bought a storage unit just to fit all the new stuff coming in. As for larger scale figures I used to buy maybe 8-10 a year but besides space issues, they have become so expensive i cant continue even if i wanted. I noticed ebay prices with statues are really going down on certain items that used to be expensive on the resale market, especially statues from many years ago.
I luckily snatched an old perfect condition Magneto 1/4 scale Sideshow statue from a local seller on FB MP. I inspected every square inch before paying. It was fairly priced too with NO SHIPPING since I picked it up myself. Otherwise, I keep to my one 1/4 scale every 4 months to stay within my "Budget."
I wish I could say this don’t have a bunch on pre order but I still do. I’m more selective but still going after certain pieces.
First time viewer, not a major collector, I have a few 7" figures... wow, I enjoyed this content, gonna check out your other videos.
Kind of the same thing, I collect anime figures. I hadn't brought anything since 2018/2019 due to not as much space to display I stopped I had a list of characters if they specifically got nendoroids I would get them. A few characters ended up getting them this year and was shocked with how much the prices were now. I knew the re-sale market for that line got wild with price increases but didnt realize new stuff did too
I collected statues way back. I stopped for the following- cost more, they don't resell well, break easier than a 1/6th scale figure ( affecting resell), take up the room.
The goal of any statue collection should be to get some pieces that look cool, to get a variety across your favourite shows, anime, movies or games etc, to fill out your space and then call it quits. Things are expensive but I don't think you are supposed to buy forever. Call it quits and enjoy what you have. Sometimes you need to get out.
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
Gem you nailed it. Inflation+insane price hike+high shipping+poor resale market= Dead Hobby 😢
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.
I have the Vampirella from Prime 1 on order, it's 440 dollars shipping to me, and that is not even considering the import duties I'll have to fork out on it. I'm going to wait a few months to see in what financial spot I am and see if I have to cancel or keep it.
I live in Canada and with the exchange duty taxes and shipping you can almost double the cost of any statue have ot be very picky of what I want.
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.
The real reason.. people have no more room.
During this Christmas weta Sale I bought the 7 Classic series 1/6 and paid 920 euros in shipping and taxes to Malta EU :(
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.
I started the hobby back in 2006 with CS Moore statues and then of course Bowen. I have since sold a good majority of them (mostly Bowens) back when it was good to sell on eBay. Nowadays, like you said, it's not a sellers market and I don't know what to do with the statues I want to sell. I slowed down years ago, so I've ordered maybe 1-2 a year, IF that, and they've been characters you don't really see or get any releases of. The biggest deal I snagged recently was both 1/4 scale Gantz statues from P1 since they had a BOGO deal going on, so I got them both for the price of 1 of them, which I couldn't pass up.
But yeah, as most people have mentioned, it's just getting to expensive, inflation sucks, not having enough space sucks, all to the point that it's really taking some of the thrill out of it all. I also could be a bit bitter due to the fact that I haven't been able to display my stuff in YEARS, due to life changes, etc, but still.
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 am a second hand collector, that doesn't help the studios much, other than the re sellers buying more statues from them. One of my Ebay statues came straight from Sideshow, but the rest were private seller. I end up drooping that statue the following week. It was the MK larger Shao Kahn 1/4 scale. it even broke in half. I was able to fix most of it, but I killed the value.
I'm going to start selling my statues soon. The prices are a little hard to keep up with. I'm keeping my Omni's and putting statue money towards other things for now.
Once you go 1/3rd you can never go back to the smaller pieces. I remember when I first found this hobby, I spent $12000 right off the bat on 7 statues. Crazy. Definitely not doing that these days and you just can't sell anything now without taking a huge hit. Money is too tight and prices (particularly shipping) have put a kibosh on buying just anything. My last couple of Prime 1 pieces really hurt me with the shipping and customs duties. Won't be doing that again anytime soon.
The price is killing me. I started around 5 years ago when I paid anywhere from $100 to $300 a statue, but now...I really want that Red Sonja statue preorder with Sideshow but can't and won't pay nearly $700 for it BEFORE shipping.
Mygod
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.
[3:35] I'm not much of a physical statue collector. I find this topic interesting coming from the McFarlane Digital space they recently allowed one of their Dragons, the Eternal Dragon, to be downloaded and printed at home. I seen on X someone 3d print it in fact. I find this fascinating that a big toy company like McFarlane will allow the file to be downloaded. WIll it eat away at their physical toy series? IDK. Do other big IP/toy companies allow this or just non-official STL files can be bought typically?
Prices are out of control. If companies want to continue selling they better drop those numbers real fast.
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.
even the 1/6 scale figures from HT have gotten expensive to the point where folks are no longer POing them and just waiting for them to be released so that they can buy it cheaper .
I’m done I have the money to buy but running out of room and if I want to resale for a new piece I gotta take a loss because most statues now adays the ES is so high it never sells out
I just got into collecting 1/4 scale statues and have gotten them all from eBay US sellers at around $300-$500. A lot of folks are selling their collections during these hard times. I had no clue they use to be alot cheaper I just assumed they have always been around the $700-$1000+ range.
Scammers is also an issue id say. At this point I wouldn’t buy a statue from a seller for fear of not getting the item or it coming damaged. That goes for selling as well.
Damn! You haven’t popped up on my feed in a hot minute but you’re looking good man!
☺️
I 3D print all my statues and other figures. The only bought statue I have is the Black Cat from the J. Scott Campbell collection.
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 got my "final" (at least for the time being) statue last month, the Ahsoka Tano PF, got it for sale at about 460€. For me, that's a reasonable price for a Premium Format, these were the prices when I stated collecting, 400-550€ range. Nowadays, the prices are too high, the hobby has gotten so expensive, its no longer worth it. Quarter scale pieces are now nearly as expensive as 1/3rd pieces used to be, this is absurd. For the time being, I'm done with larger statues, I may occasionally collect smaller scale pieces.