Tips on Buying Megos

[kissrules78]

I think when you're starting a collection of pretty much anything, the first thing you should buy is a big lot! If it ends up there is stuff in there you don't want, then you've got a trade pile. But at least you'll have a start, and most of the time buying a lot on ebay for example, you'll end up with alot of the commons (Joker, Penguin, Hulk, etc), and not have to buy them and pay shipping. From there I agree, toy shows here in the GTA aren't the greatest, but every now and then you'll find something.
Good luck,
Jay

[ozcollector1992]

I agree about the toy shows..you just have to look for the right seller, there are the ones that are selling it for profit and put it at book value price then there are sellers you can haggle with and get it really cheap. I also go to antique stores around town i picked up a complete mego dorothy and wizard for 10$. I have also gone the route of ebay when i comes to ebay look for hidden auctions from sellers who dont know what they or its value. it takes a while to search around without using the word Mego to find what you are looking for but keywords like "action figure" and "1970's" can help i got a 3$ complete tinman this way..

Good luck on getting some good deals

[timb]

Perhaps I shouldn't have broad-brushed like that. I should clarify when I said the worst place. I have found a couple decent things at a couple toy/comic shows in the last couple years. They were more common pieces, but by and large it's been the exception rather than the norm to find a good mego in the rough (for me).

Back in the 90s, the only option I had was a local flea market, which I did pretty good at. But when I started collecting again a couple years ago, I found that I am always bummed when I comeback from a toy/comic show.

Much in part because I'm used to the price averages I've found on Ebay and the Museum. And so have come to expect that, and I almost freak when I see an unknowing dealer trying to sell a jacked up McCoy for $65.

Sorry to broad-brush: )

[Batman]

You're right though, toy/comic shows have been the worst place for me to find decent buys. I go to the same shows every year, and every year I see the same guys, with the same Megos they had the year before blithely unaware of ebay prices.

Not me I found a type 2 Spider-Man for $10 along with a Hulk & Cap for parts for $10

He even had 3 3/4" Mego Batmobile but I didn't see it until after I left...

[tllgn]

i agree with all that is said,i got some pretty cool stuff by just keep trying to win that bid on that figure when they show up,it will pay off ,i was hunting for a rm robin for a while,they were all way out there$$$$,but i waited,and finally scored a rm robin that was very nice ,it had a repro mask as advertised but otherwise perfect, and i am happy with it got a good deal

[Timothy2251]

Flea markets and garage sales can be pretty good spots to find Megos. I also must agree with folks in this thread and keep checking out the Marketplace - always, always, always find great deals and great sellers here.

Firm believer in repo parts, too. Doc Mego, Classic TV Toys, cast-A-Way, etc. just great stuff from all of 'em, plus parts you never would've thought of. If you're a purist, you can still use the repo parts until that perfect boot or belt pops up.

I'd have to say about half of my current Mego collection is from eBay (you HAVE to shop around, check the seller's ratings and make sure the lines of communication are open. Bid with your head and you'll be fine), and haven't had any problems really. And I agree - be patient. 9 times out of 10 the Mego you want will always be offered at least a couple of times a year; just keep looking!

[SgtPepper]

I have actually found that toy shows can offer some great deals. First, you get to see and hold what you are buying. In most cases you can haggle a price. You also save on shipping charges or other ebay/paypal fees that can add quit a bit to you purchase.
Dont fear repro parts. You can always seek out the original upgrade parts later. You may miss a sweet deal on something if you pass on it becasue it is incomplete or sporting a reproduction cape. Finally, network! Put it out there what you are looking for and perhaps someone in your network will find it and turn you on to it.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Getting them in large groups may save money, but it also takes away the thrill you get each time one arrives in the mail.

One thing I would suggest, is thinking about what kind of collection you would like to have. I went crazy in the beginning, I wanted to collect them all, before I realised how many variations there are. Decide if you want to collect loose figures, carded or boxed (or of course, a mixture if that's what you want). Do you want them to have any reproduction parts or not? Do you want them to be all vintage or a mixture of new?

Just something to think about...

[MeWantMegos]

About those Doc Megos...right...someone was selling 4 of them for 60.

[timb]

Doc mego produces his own bodies as well as a myriad of other parts such as heads, masks, boots, belts, capes, etc. With all these parts (and most molded from original Mego accessories) you can cobble yourself together almost any character. I believe someone sold some yesterday or today in the marketplace.

You're right though, toy/comic shows have been the worst place for me to find decent buys. I go to the same shows every year, and every year I see the same guys, with the same Megos they had the year before blithely unaware of ebay prices.

The market place here and ebay are your best bet. It also doesn't hurt to ask around to friends who may have played with these figures when they were younger. Never know, some may still have them.

[Iron Mego]

I've gotten the best deals on this board, but have won a few nice pieces on eBay for less than what "the going rate" was.
Be patient is the best advice, and stick to your maximum amount on any given figure. One will come around at that price eventually.

[MeWantMegos]

Both of you saying being patient...seems like a very good idea...i'll have to remember that...!

(side note...what are the Dr. Mego Repros (of Batman, Robin, Superman, Shazam)...does he still do those...how much are they...)

And thanks for being nice to a newbie!

[vulcan2074]

I would say take your time and be patient, it also does not hurt to do your research!

I totally agree. Don't be in a rush, theirs always another one down the road. If your ever unsure about prices you can always ask the members here. Good luck on your hunt.
Sammy

[MeWantMegos]

Ideally getting a few at a time from one source seems like a good way to save money.

[AJ Collector]

When I first started I went a bit over board and started buying every thing in site, I would say take your time and be patient, it also does not hurt to do your research!
Ebay is a way to go but be cautious, there are some great members here who offer outstanding deals in the market place, you should be able to build your collection in no time!