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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 23, 2012 22:55:00 GMT -5
-So, I'm feeling like a materialistic heathen at the moment. Kids are priorities, etc. etc. Just for kicks, what is the consensus out there on selling the RJ collection and living in the present. Blasphomy I know Ed
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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 23, 2012 22:58:02 GMT -5
P.S. What is your realistic "financial" thoughts.
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Post by bt1 on Jan 23, 2012 23:06:45 GMT -5
Depends. If you no longer enjoy the hobby, or it's just a function of collecting rare 'stuff' for the hell of it, then I would say yes, go for it. In terms of monetary values (I'm speaking from vintage perspective), it seems like a good time to let go from the prices I've seen recently.
But if you go that route, you have to ask yourself, can you live with the void when it's all gone? What will take it's place? I know kids/family are a priority - same story here - but I have my toys for my own real world escape. I have few other personal expenses - I don't golf, gamble, go on trips (other than family) etc., so I need something for 'me time', and the toys are it.
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Post by Philo Beddoe on Jan 23, 2012 23:33:07 GMT -5
I agree with bt1 that it depends, but coming from personal experience having sold all my toys about 10 years ago then picking it back up a couple years later, it was painful to say the least. Back then Ebay and internet buying/selling was still in it's infancy stage so it took me years to accumulate what I ended up selling. Now with most of my purchases coming mostly from the internet it has been relatively easy to get the things I look for (with the exception of the vintage stuff), but even then, I'd have to think long and hard before ever considering liquidating everything again. Hopefully I will never have to make that decision.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Jan 24, 2012 0:20:06 GMT -5
Hello Everyone,
Wow. I didn't think that this is how my first post would go on here, but this is what I think:
I selected "qualified yes", assuming it means yes but with some type of rules/boundaries, etc.
As a very brief precursor, I have lurked for a while and have yet to meet Ed but have talked to him a couple of times by email. I'm 28, younger than most of you here, and I have a collection of toys which is somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 strong at the moment - the gist here is I am a vintage heavy collector and I have been collecting since I got my first transformer at age three.
For those of you who don't know me, if you went to the East Coast Summit in MA a few months ago, you met me there and saw "it". I shouldn't have to explain what I am talking about (I will in another thread), if you were there you will know what you saw. Enough about that now.
I have been in and out of collecting for various reasons over the last 20 years, whether it be lack of finding new things I need (even with ebay, cl, etc.), prices getting too high, moving on to other interests (cars, girls, grad school), not meeting enough new people involved in MY areas of the hobby due to obscurity of what I collect, people not taking me or my knowledge of toys seriously due to my age, and even being subjected to the threat of physical harm by a vintage toy pseudo-dealer/scalper/flipper who does said action for a "living", when I was trying to buy some things to fill a huge gap in my collection (story for another thread).
As of late Ed, I have gotten to the same point where I feel I have reached another stage of maturity in my collecting (length of time messing with toys trumps age here lol) - I don't have a house, wife/gf or kids, but I have a job, bills, student loans, a side business that I am trying to start, I'd like a fancier car, etc. Even with all this, I don't feel my toys limit me. I have said lately though, "I definitely don't like this piece/these toys anymore", "Why did I buy this...", and "I have had so much fun with this, but I know someone else can use it more", etc.
If anything, moving into a handful of the older and more expensive toys like many of you here collect, and going after the hard to find pieces I need has made me reflect on my outlook of where I want to be with my collection in the next ten years. Ideally, I'd like to be "done" sooner than later, actually get my collection displayed for enjoyment and then just deal with the occasional upgrade of a piece here and there.
The one thing I have learned from networking myself with fellow collectors, dealers, etc. is that 90-95% of the time, there will always be another one of an item out there, and if I really had to sell it all tomorrow regardless of what I received financially, it's the remaining 5-10% that you should always think about buying up when you have the chance or keeping until you are ready to go in the ground, I find now that those items were such "pinnacle"points in my collecting saga so far that those are the few things I would always like to have around (i.e. the stand, etc.).
I could care less at this point if you told me all the stuff I now view as "keeper" items was worth nothing tomorrow. It's the rest of it that is of concern to me. Like you Ed, I think I am at the point where you know you will need things, whether it be room, money, options for your family, etc. regardless of whether the reason for selling is positive or negative - the key element here is just the "selling" portion more so than the reason. If you really look at it, there are PLENTY of areas you can sacrifice and cut back in to put money in savings, and you can even slow up your buying like I have before you go having a fire sale.
I will basically say that you are reason I joined this site, and from my perspective you should take a hard look at it this way: This has been a long adventure for you, as it has been for many here with their collections. Unlike myself, who has nothing really "cataloged" and just has alot of stuff to enjoy along with my memories from youth, you have that AND MORE.
You have your toys, your collective knowledge of them and this hobby, your friends, this community - even better you have your family appreciating your dedication to something unique, and you have text, photo and video record of practically everything to whip out at a moment's notice of you feeling nostalgic, or one of your kids saying "Hey Dad, can you show me that (Insert Robot here) again?" even if you physically don't have the toy anymore. Not many of us can say that at this point, even though we've been in the game a long time.
You want to sell a handful of things - or if you want to sell it all, go ahead. You know what you'll be able to pick up again, whether on your own or with the help of people here. Financially, I don't really have to comment, but unless you really need the money (again regardless of whether the reason is positive or negative) don't sell it all. I for one don't ever think it's worth going all the way, even if there are reasons to make you think so (i.e. the experience that the Hartmans went through in the TF hobby years ago).
My advice lies in what I alluded to earlier in this post - keep and work that 5-10% remainder and WORK IT HARD - mix it up a bit though, keep the toys you truly, truly love regardless of value, and then keep those PINNACLES - I refer to them as the Heartbreakers and Heartstoppers - the toys that you know you can't get ever again without a super rare warehouse or closet discovery. The toys that made this quest of yours worth all of the time and bull*hit - the stuff you said "I can't believe I passed on/missed this" only to be given a second chance later, and the stuff that is "the equivalent to what dreams are made of", basically toys that kept you pushing for a goal in this hobby, or that you having them kept us pushing for that "find" of our own when we saw you showing them to us.
Sit down and look at 10 or 20 toys a day. Just look at them and close your eyes for a second and you'll know whether it is going to stay or go. Just look, and you'll know, you won't even have to weigh the love vs. money issue or any question at all really.
I know now that I will never be able to have it all, but I can choose to have lots and lots of stuff one day, and just 100 or less items the next because I'd pick the stuff that still puts a smile on my face time after time. I couldn't say that 10, 5 or even 1-2 years ago.
I think my advice will be similar to what most people here will offer you Ed, but I think that is the way to go. You can even add this in - give each of your kids the following: one piece that you know is THEIR favorite robot/toy (regardless of reason why) to keep and play with if they like, and one more piece each that YOU LIKE for them to keep unused and remember you and your awesome collection by (even if you have to buy just a couple more pieces) if you're into that sort of thing. For what it's worth, my Dad is a vintage 60's toy model and slot car collector in the process of selling a lot of his stuff, and he has set aside a few things for my brother and I to hold on to.
Whatever you choose, good luck, as it is ultimately your decision. In closing, I will say thanks so much for keeping a lot of us going. Your love of this hobby is nothing short of awesome.
- Mike from the Northeast
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Post by rodman75 on Jan 24, 2012 2:36:26 GMT -5
If you're in dire straits financially, sell by all means...You are the patriarch of your family and it's your duty to make sure your family is financially secure. The key word(s) being 'dire straits'. If it's needed to make a mortgage payment or something along those lines, you really have no choice. It sounds as though it might be just to put a little more cash into your bank account or children's college fund. If that's the case sell some of your lesser desirable items, recoup a little cash and feel good knowing that if worse comes to worse, you could liquidate your collection and make an immediate positive financial impact in your family's life. Be cognizant of the fact that once your collection is gone, it's gone. I would never sell the entire collection as a whole. Piecemeal would be the way to go (if at all). Good luck with your decision.
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Post by rayar on Jan 24, 2012 9:33:59 GMT -5
In my opinion I believe at least 90% or more of the people here will sell off most if not all of their collection eventually (Including me). And trust me, if your collection outlives you then chances are quite high that someone will sell them off for you.
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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 24, 2012 10:11:38 GMT -5
These are some great replies, thanks guys. See I'm at that point where, simply put, I OWE it to my family to think about all options. I am the bread winner and I do appreciate having options in life. At times it gets sad to think that our "toys" cost so darned much to purchase. So I get saddened to see so few reasonable deals. Mike Z of Mass I beleive had this same issue. Anyways, there isn't a case of dire straights. We are a dual income family. It is just that I wonder about how much the collection for "me" is now best for "us" as a family. It is a good process to re-evaluate "toys" in light of being the head of household. Many of you will get there too! LOL. BUT....I'm still having fun. P.S. Oh, I live on a sand bar in St. Petersburg. It is a bit frightening if there is a hurricane E
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Post by KingboyD on Jan 24, 2012 10:42:36 GMT -5
NEVER!!!!
I've been in a bad financial situation over the past few years, but it is REALLY hard for me to let anything go. I did sell a few things here or there, but no mass fire sale. I just can't do it.
With all the trials and tribulations of everyday life, this hobby is a much-needed escape from the stress. But I can understand how viewpoints can be skewed. What keeps things exciting and fresh are new purchases - getting to hold a new (to you, not manufacturing date) toy in your hands, seeing the craftsmanship firsthand, checking out the gimmicks, feeling the cold metal, etc. The light of older purchases fades over time - its just natural. I certainly still get enjoyment out of looking at my older things, but its the new stuff that keeps things fresh. With the market for these toys as bad (i.e., high-priced) as it is, its getting harder and harder to add to collections. So over time, if your collection remains stagnant, the interest level might wane. Whether the light burns out completely is another matter. I suppose its possible that I would one day sell a large portion of my collection if I had stopped collecting for a very extended period of time, but I doubt I could ever sell it all. Some pieces have been with me since my childhood, and they will remain so until I die. They are part of my history. And of course, other toys are just so damned cool that I will still always want them no matter what. Others can be passed on to my kids (or grandkids?).
Anyway, welcome Mike from the Northeast!
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Post by rayar on Jan 24, 2012 10:51:06 GMT -5
Well I don't mean to sound negative, but its all about "ME". None of my kids show interest in these items, and if they did it's probably a lot less than a $15 toy at Toys r Us. And our spouses might tolerate it, but secretly I know they think it's insanity. Yes we give up a lot of for our collections and our spouses might spend an equal amount of money on things they like, BUT the difference is they throw out stuff and then buy more. Some of our collections just keep growing to a point were it is just taking up too much real estate and will not go unnoticed. Someone looks at it and go "hey" that's a lot of money spent. The new stuff has reached an insane level in price. We have kind of been eased into it for the past couple of years and now I refuse to spend $500.00 plus on any new collectable unless I sell off some of what I already have. Problem is I know most of it has to be sold, but all i do is add to it year after year.
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Post by sketcher on Jan 24, 2012 16:09:46 GMT -5
As many phases as I've gone through, and always seem to come back to the fold, I would be heartbroken if I sold my collection on a whim. I know i would regret it later. I've spent a good portion of my adult life trying to track down all the pieces I had when I was younger, and then some. I'd still have those original toys if they had not been stolen. I say put it away. Store your toys for a while. When you come back later on, you'll be thanking yourself that you kept them for yourself. If you must sell, do as others have suggested and keep the most precious. If you don't need the money, you should really think about what it is that compels you to collect. Look inside. This IS something you should be selfish about. How many other things in your life are yours, and yours alone?
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Post by Kidchuckle on Jan 24, 2012 17:40:15 GMT -5
trim down keep your favs. Family is important. Take photos...make it into a book. I Stiill have the urge to collect. But life has turned for me.. and my priorities are different. I love looking at RJ for the latest news.. Maybe one day I'll be back in the game. But I have what I wanted most. I'll probably trim down myself one day. Just keep the essentials
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Post by Chen on Jan 24, 2012 18:16:10 GMT -5
I think the moment your toy collection starts to become a burden and seems like work is the time to maybe re-think things. I wouldn't sell it all but just keep a few cherished pieces, honestly once you go through your collection and categorize the toys you really love and the ones you just find "cool" and just have it because you want it in your collection you'll find out that honestly you may only have 5-10 truly special pieces.
Of course home and family come first and if you think selling your collection will allow more time with the family then do it. But I've learned from experience that collecting is in the blood and you will either start again when the kids are older or move to another hobby. It's a hard habit to kick :-)
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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 24, 2012 19:59:15 GMT -5
"I think the moment your toy collection starts to become a burden and seems like work is the time to maybe re-think things." TRUE, brother TRUE! With the 2 kids I'm seeing a need to "rebalance". I appreciate the feedback guys, and the burden came more into focus with the 2nd kid . NO, I won't rent out the kid, LOL. It is interesting, and I don't know how many of you have considered this, but calculate the cost of one room for just toys. I know another ES in Cali that pays a premium for a toy room. With my home, the toy room comes in conflict with the extra kid room; so space is a big thing. What I probably will be doing soon is selling some of my bulkier newer items, and items that just don't hold me still. Right now the collection is pretty comprehensive so as to photograph for the site but it is definately time to thin things out. BTW, I REALLY wanted to get the site to support my overhead for a room, servers, cameras, etc. RJ has turned out to run at a loss, not that that was a big deal, but it does put static toys in opposition with overhead. The site runs over $140 a month for dedicated server costs and I really want to pay some of my helpers. So possibly a corporate sponsor or fund raiser may help here. Now that I'm thinking on it, the site funding does drive this sell off interest too..... dumb I know. Balance may be the goal of the day.....fund raising wouldn't help either but I won't hold my breath. It is a hobby for fun
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Post by xTIMMYxCOREx on Jan 24, 2012 20:30:57 GMT -5
I personally struggle with this often. I hate to seem materialistic, and just collect for collections sake. But I do love what I love, and it makes me happy and smile when I come home and look at my favorite robots. I have had to keep a smaller collection since moving to California just because I don't have the space i used to. I deal. It's tough, i miss some of my toys occasionally.
But Ed you have the most amazing collection i have ever seen. I would make a trust or something and sell your collection to it. Then you can make a museum out of it. People should see your collection. To break it up and sell it would be such a shame!
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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 24, 2012 22:29:53 GMT -5
Hmmm. Trust....., interesting Timmy.
I'm also looking into a few local galleries to see if an exhibit would work for a while. -Anyone have experience with Galleries and if there is any "rent" to be had?
E
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Post by repairtechjon on Jan 24, 2012 23:02:00 GMT -5
Exhibit you say, huh? hmm hmm
I remember one of the collectors near you Ed, Charles Key, had some of his collection on exhibit at a local shop at one time. Maybe see where that was?
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Post by admin1 aka Ed on Jan 24, 2012 23:06:10 GMT -5
I'll check with Chuck, good idea Jon. That and I need to follow-up with my buddy at a local studio. Maybe this will get the fun back into the hobby without the ca$h thing getting into it.
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Post by godaikincolector74 on Jan 25, 2012 17:11:30 GMT -5
I have been in robots for as short time (about 14 months), but my robot connections as a kid goes back to the early 80's, and I do believe Ed you are born in 74 as well, as I see you are Godaikin74 perhaps on ebay.....
I have this "if it is not nailed down, I will sell it" mentality. I work two jobs bar-tending and at a gold an coin/jewelry shop, (broker basically), and I run the ebay business as well. I just qualified for top seller an power seller rating, as I sold about 16 grand on ebay last year, even though half or more of my money was tied up in that stock....
I built up a real nice collection last year, about 17 or 18 robots, and sold them all around fall. I made some money, the market went up a bit in the short time from buying to selling it seemed. But, of all the things I buy an sell, I regret selling the robots more then any. I mean, I look at it like this real freakin simple.....
Would you like a few things of high value to enjoy for the rest of your life, or would you like to own 1000's of different cool things for a short time, passing them own to others to enjoy, adding more an making money along the way?
I picked the second of the two, as buy low sell high is the name of survival in this most unforgiving world we live in today....
Now, I have gotten back into the robots, adding a real solid Combattra missing only 3 missiles of different types, and suspender belt. Box is sold C-6, and 397 in price was a steal in a bad winter economy IMO. I have also added a solid Dairugger with no box, and a real nice Treadmaster Voltron 1997, missing only missiles, something I can add from ebay....
Lastly I will say these robots are not growing on trees, and they will only become harder to find and more costly to replace, so keep that in mind. On the flip side to that, I see nice new stashes pop up from time to time, like Atomic Candy for example, and the new Godaikin seller with no feed-backs who has 1000's of mint he claims, and I help him out with info an pricing an such....
In the end, an item not moving is just tying up money and space, but I have that space available for a Tet 28 deluxe or Combattra, and always will. If I can sell them for way more then what I have in them, then I will always consider doing so, and putting that money back into another high dollar robot or robots I have always wanted....
I guess for me you have to own something cool, then loose it, to really appreciate it the 2nd time around. It is funny, they sell a heck of a lot faster, and the money spends way faster, then it takes to build the collection, remember that.....
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Post by Chen on Jan 25, 2012 18:49:24 GMT -5
If moneys the issue to run the website I think getting sponsors is a good idea. Also stores like BBTS, Amiam, Angolz and the like seem to be willing to advertise on websites considering I see them everywhere.
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