Has the success of Toy Hunter helped or hurt us???

[MegoMoe]

Just curious as to what members have thought about the impact a show like Toy Hunter has had on collectors. While I am new to this site, I've been collecting various toys lines for over 15 years. It was pretty much finding my childhood Mego Hulk and many star wars figures in excellent condition that ignited my hobby.

On one hand, I feel the show will make it much more difficult to seek out that hidden gem at a local show or garage sale. I also feel many sellers will expect a higher price for their items.

On the other hand, I feel it will help the hobby grow and this will push companies to make us more Megos!
Companies like Neca are definitely getting more involved.
Thoughts?

(Just wanted to make it clear, I love the show.)

[samurainoir]

Don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful that Mego gets all this exposure, but if I get one more guy comes by the table at Toy shows pretending that they are some kind of oddball backwoods version of "Toy Hunter", when they start to haggle, Ima scream.

I'd much rather sell to folks that have a genuine love and passion for the Mego format or the characters. Not because they can grind me down five bucks or whatever telling me they are planning on flipping it for big bucks on ebay or whatever.

[MIB41]

While the entertainment value can be measured, I'm not a fan of the massive gaps in information he doesn't share about how he conducts his business. The guy routinely goes to toy shows and says, " I need to make..." and pulls some ridiculous number out of his rear like $35,000 to $55,000.00. And what's funny, if you look at his booth, it's typically covered with many common items that contrast so badly against his showcased pieces, one has to wonder how accurate any of this really is. And if he's truly pocketing tens of thousands of dollars, is there a legal disclaimer stating his tax obligation for these transactions? For me it just sends the wrong message for those who want to enjoy the hobby. He's promoting monetary gain, not any real love of these figures. It's like a get-rich-quick real estate commercial except it's with toys. And anyone who has spent any meaningful time in this hobby knows, buyers do not just show up to pay top dollar for even the most sought after pieces. So this suggested reality is pretty warped. Case in point, he made a big huff over the Mego Justice League playset last week and stated an amount he "knows" he could flip it for. Eh... I walked into my local comic shop and picked one up complete for $20.00 (8 times cheaper and in better condition than his). So while he might be on a show promoting top dollar as the real world reaction, my history suggests quite the contrary. From my vantage point, he hurts our hobby. If the show is going to promote the monetary angle, Jordan needs to be more transparent in how he arrives at those prices.

[jwyblejr]

I'm sure if they didn't use Jordan,they would have used someone else. So I think we'd still be having this same talk but about someone else as host of whatever show they do.

[scoth70]

fair valid comments... as a collector myself I always try to get a bargain... I never pay top $$ for something always wait my time on things I want ..

While the entertainment value can be measured, I'm not a fan of the massive gaps in information he doesn't share about how he conducts his business. The guy routinely goes to toy shows and says, " I need to make..." and pulls some ridiculous number out of his rear like $35,000 to $55,000.00. And what's funny, if you look at his booth, it's typically covered with many common items that contrast so badly against his showcased pieces, one has to wonder how accurate any of this really is. And if he's truly pocketing tens of thousands of dollars, is there a legal disclaimer stating his tax obligation for these transactions? For me it just sends the wrong message for those who want to enjoy the hobby. He's promoting monetary gain, not any real love of these figures. It's like a get-rich-quick real estate commercial except it's with toys. And anyone who has spent any meaningful time in this hobby knows, buyers do not just show up to pay top dollar for even the most sought after pieces. So this suggested reality is pretty warped. Case in point, he made a big huff over the Mego Justice League playset last week and stated an amount he "knows" he could flip it for. Eh... I walked into my local comic shop and picked one up complete for $20.00 (8 times cheaper and in better condition than his). So while he might be on a show promoting top dollar as the real world reaction, my history suggests quite the contrary. From my vantage point, he hurts our hobby. If the show is going to promote the monetary angle, Jordan needs to be more transparent in how he arrives at those prices.

[Aricosaur]

Well part of the reason I, someone who didn't grow up with Mego, is on this site learning about Mego is the Toy Hunter show. His focus is the rare, "super valuable" stuff but he does occasionally spotlight common, yet fun, toys that aren't that valuable. I assume he, or Travel Channel, assumes they need the "super valuable" angle to draw in the non-collector viewers. Don't know if that's true or not.

I do wish he would reflect my toy collecting philosophy more of, "buy what you like, don't worry about what it will be worth later." But I'm not a dealer, just a collector. I don't pay attention to values except when I want to buy something but inflated values would be bad. I wouldn't want there to be a speculator fueled crash like the comic industry.

At the end of the day, there aren't any other toy collecting show on, except for the occasional toy that wonders into American Pickers or Pawn Stars. I'll be watching and enjoying the Mad Bubbler prototype and the peak inside Gentle Giant.

[mikeMc6]

I just recently picked up one of my grails after a long search (robin mask) and the seller cited that "it was the right time to sell" which lends me to believe Toy Hunter season premiere had an influence on this piece going on the market. So I think it helped me, I dunno. It also hurt me because I know I paid too much, ha! So the answer is both!

[Bronxboykev]

Collecting was hurt long before the Toy Hunter came along... The second all of these reality shows came about it started to open peoples eyes about what they had in their Attics and garages, and what they should value things at. Pricing is all what would someone pay fore something at the moment. A sale of something recent does or should not dictate market value. It's all about what someone is willing to pay or what someone is willing to accept at that point in time. Bottom line be a responsible buyer!

[Starroid Raiders Dagon]

Sorry, a bit off topic but I hate "Collection Intervention" where the go to someone' place and get them to try and part with part of their collection for some type issue? There was one guy with this amazing collection of Hanna Barbara characters (it was this fellow here.. http://beyondthemarquee.com/3137/
and she was trying to get him to part out his collection and get rid of some of the pieces he thought he could do without. I don't get that one bit.

[Chris]

For me it just sends the wrong message for those who want to enjoy the hobby. He's promoting monetary gain, not any real love of these figures. It's like a get-rich-quick real estate commercial except it's with toys. And anyone who has spent any meaningful time in this hobby knows, buyers do not just show up to pay top dollar for even the most sought after pieces. So this suggested reality is pretty warped.

The constant money grubbing theme kills me, however, the spotlight on Mego helps the reMego format. For you guys who collect the vintage stuff you might not find the deals you once did.

[starsky]

i definitely think he's exaggerating on his profits. i don't think he factors in his costs such as air travel, hotel, food, gas, rental car, booth expense, etc....

[hollywoodheroes]

i definitely think he's exaggerating on his profits. i don't think he factors in his costs such as air travel, hotel, food, gas, rental car, booth expense, etc....

Hey guys...

Oh boy.. I feared this thread would come along some day. It's my worst nightmare... especially to think that I may have hurt the hobby I love so much.

Please remember a few things:

I was a dealer and collector long before TH was on the air.. and i will continue to be.. long after it wraps. I would never, ever do something that I think would directly hurt collectors or dealers... especially those making a living and supporting families from their "toy deals."

The producers and network added the "money aspect" of the show. I read comments about me "not being transparent" about my business.. and the simple answer is: there is nothing to be transparent about. I am told that my goal needs to be "X", and it's up to me.. to make that goal.

You also need to understand.. the "monetary gains" and "haggling" is part of a formula right now for TV. Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and other shows all deal with the money aspect of shows. It appeals to the people who think "I may have that in my basement too!" It draws people into the show... and keeps them captivated.

While I may not agree with all the time... the final word is coming from the Executives above me.


Now.. as I have said before on these groups.. and in real life.....this is a SHOW. Some aspects are produced for TV. It makes for good television and brings in a wide audience, which ultimately is good for the hobby I believe.

However, as far as "reality television" is concerned, this is about as real as it gets. I am using my own money.. and I am really a dealer in my private life. I do travel to the shows ( and yes, production DOES pick up some of the cost).

But, for the most part.. what you see is real.

If you have any questions, please.. please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always here, and love speaking to people.

Thank you again for accepting into this incredible community of people, I love coming here.

All my best
Jordan

[Mego Magyar]

I haven't really watch Toy Hunters ( only the one with Vinny ) or Comic Book Men ( only the one with Nichelle Nichols ) and while they seem like fun shows if that's what you want to watch the only thing I really see as a minus to these shows are the unreal pricing. TH had an incomplete Big Jim Camper in a crapy box that was give a "market value" of $150.00 when in reality my complete camper in nice box would sell at best ( on ebay ) for around $50.00 and on CBM they said that they'd sell the MOC Mego Uhura for $150.00 when they have been selling on ebay for $20.00 to $60.00. The exposure for toys is great but with pricing like that everyone will think that there toy is worth a fortune and the market will get artificially inflated and it will become harder for anyone that became interested in these toys from watching these shows to actually be able to buy them because of the unrealistic inflated prices.

My 2 cents and it might not even be worth that.

[batmanmc]

I think it does both because it brings new collectors and also it makes people who have stuff in their closet or attic put it for sale for us. It hurts a little by making some people think they have gold because something similiar went for high dollar on shows like this. Overall i think it helps more then it hurts. Keep up the good work jordan. Mike

[enyawd72]

Hey guys...

Oh boy.. I feared this thread would come along some day. It's my worst nightmare... especially to think that I may have hurt the hobby I love so much.

Please remember a few things:

I was a dealer and collector long before TH was on the air.. and i will continue to be.. long after it wraps. I would never, ever do something that I think would directly hurt collectors or dealers... especially those making a living and supporting families from their "toy deals."

The producers and network added the "money aspect" of the show. I read comments about me "not being transparent" about my business.. and the simple answer is: there is nothing to be transparent about. I am told that my goal needs to be "X", and it's up to me.. to make that goal.

You also need to understand.. the "monetary gains" and "haggling" is part of a formula right now for TV. Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and other shows all deal with the money aspect of shows. It appeals to the people who think "I may have that in my basement too!" It draws people into the show... and keeps them captivated.

While I may not agree with all the time... the final word is coming from the Executives above me.


Now.. as I have said before on these groups.. and in real life.....this is a SHOW. Some aspects are produced for TV. It makes for good television and brings in a wide audience, which ultimately is good for the hobby I believe.

However, as far as "reality television" is concerned, this is about as real as it gets. I am using my own money.. and I am really a dealer in my private life. I do travel to the shows ( and yes, production DOES pick up some of the cost).

But, for the most part.. what you see is real.

If you have any questions, please.. please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always here, and love speaking to people.

Thank you again for accepting into this incredible community of people, I love coming here.

All my best
Jordan

I really enjoy watching your show...the last episode with the case of 12 backs had me virtually in tears...to see so much toy goodness in one place.
That said, I do wish your program would focus more on exploring individual toylines, going in depth into their history, design, production, and impact on popular culture in a more educational documentary type format. I'd love to see complete episodes on Mego WGSH, Star Wars, MOTU, Super Powers, etc.