When you are collecting acion figures you have a few different options for where you buy from. You can pay inflated prices on eBay, you can buy from online retailers, or you can do the classic method of going to your local toy stores. Today we are going to go over a few tips for buying action figures in stores.
There is actually more than you think when buying action figures in stores. You don’t just simply walk in get your figure and walk out. These tips will help you have a successful and smooth trip to a retail toy store.
Researching
Before you even leave your house to go to the toy store you want to be sure you know what stores have the best prices. You may be able to find a “off the beaten path” toy store that not many people know about. These types of stores usually have the best prices. You can also buy many action figures at comic stores.
If you want to stretch your toy funds as far as they can be spread then it could be a good decision to wait for the stores to have sales. When there are sales you can then buy more toys at a time getting the most value for your money. This method won’t work if you just can’t wait to get your hands on that new Marvel Legends Wave 3.
Inside Heaven
Once you make it inside you probably know exactly where you are headed first, the action figure isle. You want to be sure that you search through everything. I don’t know how many times I have found a figure in the wrong spot. Look through everything. Sometimes you will find some toys that people have hid so that they could buy them later.
If you can’t find what you are looking for then you should ask someone that works there. They can usually look in the system and see if any figures may be in the store at all(back room or on display). If you are in Walmart and similar stores then sometimes you may find toys outside of the toy isle that are on display.
It could also be worth your time to check the clearance isle. This is very unlikely that you will find some toy gold but you never know.
Looking the Figure Over
Now you have what figure you were looking for in your hands. You now want to check the figure over from head to toe. Look at the paint on the figure. Look for defects or mistakes on the paint. This does happen quite often.
Also if you are a MIB/MOC collector then you will want to look over the package. Look for creases on the card or indents on the blister.
Once you are finished verifying your figure you are all set to pay. Good Luck!
