Tag Archives: Vintage collecting

How much is this figure worth?

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Okay just a quick post to discuss my views on the dreaded “How much is this worth?” posts on Facebook and the forums. I’m not going to focus on the issue of whether or not these posts are annoying, as I think, in moderation at least, that they have their place. What I’m more interested in analysing is the nature of the responses to these valuation questions.

So how do people respond to these questions? I often see the response, along the lines of “They are priceless because they are your childhood toys” etc etc. While I absolutely agree with this sentiment, I’m not sure this is the response the OP is looking for.

I’ve also noticed the response “They are worth what someone is willing to pay for them.” Of course, in a black and white world, this seems to be correct. Or is it? I’m not going to explore the philosophical nature of ‘value’ (which really is a social construct) as this would probably bore most of you. Plus I’d probably start dribbling and make a fool of myself as I usually do with my philosophising. Is something really worth what someone is willing to pay for it? Worth to whom? To the person buying it or selling? How about the person watching the sale who thinks it’s worth more or even less? To me this response is not useful and relates only to the one specific buyer’s concept of value.

What’s more important though, is that the two responses above do not really help the OP in assessing the value of the item on the current market, which is what they are really inquiring about. I’m pretty sure most people know that as well….While I do think these type of respondents are intentionally taking the piss, I understand that the constant flow of “How much is this worth?” posts can be annoying. But like I said, this article isn’t about that.

So how do I think we should respond? Well I respond to others in exactly the same way that I would like someone to respond to my valuation questions. By guestimating how much I think is an appropriate financial value for their item on the current market. Of course this isn’t easy as prices can vary significantly between sources such as eBay and the forums or even within eBay itself. But when I sell items, I somehow manage to come up with what I believe to be an appropriate price point so for me it is possible to come up with at least an informed guestimate for a fellow collector.

So what do you guys think? Am I missing the point?

Thanks for reading.

200 likes on the FB page! Thanks everyone!

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Well just a quick post to say thank you to everyone for all of the support since this blog and its sister FB and Twitter pages started.

Yes that’s right –  we hit 200 likes and we are extremely happy about it! As usual, some of  my Luke Skywalker variants were pretty pumped about it so they decided to put on another show. No they are not re-enacting the human centipede and yes that is meant to read ‘200’ and not ‘ZOO’ as my wife read it…Wampa was a little bit angry though.

Yep, the photo shows that I’m a crap photographer and that my creative flair is basically zero. Thank god I’m good at my day job

200

While some likes were spammed but most weren’t so that’s a win in itself! The accumulation of likes and subscribers is not the blog’s mission, but we are attempting to spread the SW vintage collecting message as wide as possible, so hopefully this is some kind of indication that we are on the road to some success.

I really hope you guys are enjoying the blog so far!

Christian

Mexico strides to the lead!

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Hi guys,

A funny thing happened the past few days since my short interview with Mexican collecting superstar Adolfo Martinez. This strange occurrence is based on stats and while this might make you yawn, it was a significant moment for the blog.

In case you missed it, Adolfo’s interview is here:

Collector Snapshot #2: Adolfo Martinez aka ‘Merlin(72)’

Since the blog commenced, U.S based readers have easily ranked number one in daily visitors to the site, usually followed by those based in Canada or Britain. Now this is no great shock considering they are Anglophone countries (my blog is in English after all) and that Star Wars vintage collecting is huge in those countries. But since Adolfo’s interview, Mexico has ranked first every day! Wooooohoooohh for Mexico!

mex

This really is great news for me as I was really hoping this blog would appeal to all corners of the collecting world. It’s cool too because from what I’ve seen Mexican collectors absolutely love this hobby and they seem to be extremely positive in their interactions with their fellow collectors.

If you’re interested in joining Adolfo’s and his friend Moises’ Spanish speaking Star Wars Facebook group then check this link out. I’m a member there and even though I have nada idea what they are talking about it looks like they’re having fun!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/287849803307/10152573343323308/?notif_t=group_comment_reply

coll

I already have some interviewees set up from some other regions so it will be interesting to see what happens then as well.

Thank you Mexicans for reading! I’ve always thought you guys were cool dudes. Anyway, no matter where you are from, I hope you are all enjoying this blog!

Veteran Vintage Collectors and Facebook

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Just a quick post today to reiterate a point that was recently made on the blog. Recently we blogged in relation to five things that the Facebook groups could learn from the vintage collecting forums. Well there was a discussion yesterday on a similar topic on Rebelscum and one of the most knowledgeable and popular collectors mentioned that he was removing himself from several Facebook groups. Other collectors also raised their distaste for the Facebook groups. This is just one example of the current sentiment that is prevalent among the community of veteran collectors and which was clearly evident in this Rebelscum thread.

This attitude towards the Facebook groups is a real shame because these old school collectors have a great deal they could contribute to discussions on Facebook but are being pushed away by poor behaviour and people who are unwilling to listen to educated opinions. I know this doesn’t bother a lot of users, but I know on the other hand that there are a lot of serious up and coming collectors on Facebook who are missing out. While it may be easy to simply label some veteran collectors as snobs and say good riddance, we need to take responsibility for our own behaviour in these groups. Let’s do our best to encourage collectors across the whole spectrum of experience to contribute.

Here is the article that relates to this discussion:

http://vintagestarwarscollectors.com/five-things-facebook-star-wars-groups-can-learn-from-the-forums/

While I’m on my rant (they don’t happen often so stay with me!), I also made a new resolution today. I often engage one post wonders or other individuals who simply use Facebook to suck the blood out of us and give back nada. So rather than be bothered by it, I will simply scroll past posts such as ‘How much is this worth?’ or ‘What is this figure?’ I have no problem with these posts but I do have a problem with people making no effort to greet the group before they ask for help or to thank people who take their time to respond. Getting help either on the groups or the forums is a privilege not a right so a little bit of manners would be fantastic. Please join me in ignoring these posts!

And another past blog article relevant to the above:

Ten tips for dealing with other collectors on social networking sites