What collecting "rules " do you have?

[LadyZod]

Our rules are simple...

If I see something I want, I inform my husband as I'm buying it.
If he sees something he wants, he informs me that he already bought it.

I shop on ebay. He shops at thriftstores.
We both shop at toy shows.

It's all about communication (and avoiding each of us buying the same thing at the same time.)

[AJ Collector]

Started with AJ's branched off to loose WGSH then everything Mego..... Guess I have no rules!

[bobws]

So far it's been stick with DC only Mego's until you finish those, then move over to Marvel ones. But then i got Waltons,WOZ,OG, S&H and Dinahs as i needed custom fodder. Since then i've tried to get good ones of those to keep as well. i just switched to buying Marvel about 2 months ago as all i need of DC is Villians ( which i don't really collect) and Capt. Marvel ( i won't call him Shazam) whole isn't on my popular list. I just get loose ones as i can't afford boxed or boarded, but hope some of those somehow fall into my lap.

Now the real trick is to control my custom desires. about 80 of those to go!

[HardyGirl]

Most of the toys I collect are from the 70s, although I do have a few 80s toys like Teddy Ruxpin and Grubby. Most of my toys get played with, and if packaged they are opened. A few of them get put back in the box, or just displayed, but the majority of them get played with, (b/c that's what toys are for, after all!) If possible, they are shared w/ other kids so they can see how cool toys of the 70s are.

[Orion]

My Collecting Prime Directive:
Never get into debt buying a toy.

r
o
b

A very wise rule. I also try to keep buying from sellers I trust. When the deal seems to good to be true, it usually is.

[Goblin19]

My only rule is to be patient. I rarely overspend on something. It will always turn up later.

[Thor]

I have a few rules.

1. Look for a fair balance between sculpt and articulation. I'm not into statues and I hate it when sculpt is sacrificed for articulation.

2. Gimmicks and sprigloaded weapons are usually bad but not in all cases. No neon colors also.

3. Collect boxed or loose figures. The loose figures have to be mostly complete and at leasr reasonable.

4. Only collect what you reay want, don't buy things (waste money) on things that you don't really want or perhaps will go up in value someday.

[RG]

just have fun with it all


and to keep it that way ... I buy what I like, and I don't over spend.


another rule I have is I have to spread the toy collecting "disease" lol lol I must get others hooked. whether it's mego or another toy line

[david_b]

I pretty much collect only loose, ultra-minty figures, but I will be grabbing a few MOC figures with the extra $$ I've earning, only because they're small enough for me to buy cases for and store away.

When I started re-collecting C/A 15yrs ago, I started buying the MIB costumes and it just made me too nervous because there were no good 'cases' to put them in for protection. The slightest abount of mildew or moisture and BOOM, there goes the value. I'm still looking for a MIB C/A Captain America or Robin some fateful day.

The only other rule is not to collect complete collections just for the sake of completion. If I could afford it, great, but most of the figures I never really cared for in the first place. All my life, it's always been this: If it enhances the viewing of the movie/TV show it's connected with, great. If not, and it's only being bought to 'complete the collection', screw it. Waste of money. The wife (and others) always see my nice Joe collection of a dozen 60s and AT figures displayed in the office and ask me why I don't invest in more sets. I just reply I have EXACTLY the ones I've always wanted, and that's it. Done.

I would like to pick up a few MOC Trek and WGSH, just to put in a case and hang up for decoration. I done that with some of the Yellow Submarine figures, because the packages were so cool, and they look good displayed with the album covers and concert posters in my music/guitar room.

david_b

[Gorn Captain]

I collect too many lines.
I wish I could focus on something.
Like only Vintage SW.

I just love every figure out there...Sigh....

[Surfsup]

My new rule is to collect only the toys I had growing up, not sure how long it will last but it's good for now. I think what Cat said about appreciating what you already have is the best rule of all.

[JimCem99]

My Collecting Prime Directive:
Never get into debt buying a toy.

r
o
b

I wish I learned that years ago

[boynightwing]

My rules change to suit whatever line I'm into at the time.
1) Batman has to be Batman colors. No "Fire Escape" or "Street Walker" Batman for me. This goes for Superman and Robin too.
2) When it comes to Transformers, I only get characters I loved as a kid. Like Bumblebee and Starscream. The War for Cybertron figures coming out this year could drain my money so only key characters, no more. No whacked out repaints either. No movie figures. Micheal Bay is the Devil.
3) My Mego's focus on WGSH or Trek. EMCE Trek included. I want to have the whole Bridge Crew.

[Meule]

I collect too many lines.
I wish I could focus on something.
Like only Vintage SW.

I just love every figure out there...Sigh....

Yes, you do

[Gorn Captain]

Yes, you do

Is there an Actionfigures Anonymous?