I've recently been sucked back in to Transformers courtesy of my daughter deciding robots that turn into trucks are pretty cool.
Mostly for a fun I started figuring out how I'd go about building a collection if I was starting from scratch and only had $25 - $30 a month. Again for "fun" I decided to set myself some ground rules:
1) This strategy has to be repeatable for others. By this I mean e-bay auctions, conventions, trade boards cannot really be used (since my winning the auction for a steal doesn't help the next person)
2) No Third Party pieces.
3) No Used pieces.
* I'm not knocking any of the above methods, they are great ways to build a collection up from scratch and are probably more cost effective.
So here is what I have come up with, I'd love your feedback. If anyone thinks this is fun or useful I may make it a regular thing.
Starting the Collection:I figure to start out with, you'd like to grab An(or some) iconic characters. I figure you can go QUALITY, QUANTITY, or BLEND both.
QUANITY PICKS: With this strategy you will be buying more transformers of the lower tiers. This will be a great way to get a lot of bots in a hurry. I recommend this strategy for younger kids or for a collection that will be on the go. It seems that currently if you are going this route you are probably picking up a lot of Robots in Disguise (RiD) figures.
o First Pick – Your Favorite Hero. Optimus Prime RiD Legion Class. 5.99 Hasbro Toy Shop
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 33caf4690aOr Optimus Prime vs Bludgeon 11.97 Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Transformers ... k/49760506o Second Pick – A villain, preferably an iconic one. Starscream RiD Combiner Force Legion. 5.99 Hasbro Toy Shop.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 4b13aa114eo Third and Fourth Picks – Any two legion figures you like.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 33c7d62d5ahttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 33b1c99d54 If you elect the four Hasbro Ebay Store options you will have picked up Two Heroes and Two Villains. The best part is you’ve stayed under budget at $23.96 (MSRP 35.96 you saved 33%)
Personally, I’d go with the Walmart Option for Prime vs Bludgeon. You pick up an extra minicon plus the optimus figure has a lot of fun add-ons. Since Optimus is the “main character” of this collection I think it is worth the splurge. Note You’d still want to buy three figures totaling at least 14.99 from Hasbro otherwise you are paying for shipping. $29.94 (MSRP 41.96 you saved 29%)
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QUALITY PICKS With this strategy you will get getting fewer toys but they will be higher quality figures. The Focus will be scooping up sweet deals, to have a few really nice pieces. This would be what I’d suggest for older kids or collectors on a budget. Note you will have the most options as far as which lines to choose from.
o First Pick – An Iconic Hero or Villain.
http://www.target.com/p/transformers-ge ... A-21510945http://www.target.com/p/transformers-ge ... A-51806940http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ge ... 4b10ac7663BLEND quality and Quantity With this strategy you’ll try to pick up iconic characters or your favorites at higher levels while filling out your collection with lower quality pieces. This strategy can work for anyone. If you want to avoid the animated look of RiD bots, you’ll probably want to start your collection as “Quality” above. If you enjoy the look or want to collect a broad variety, then the suggestions below are for you.
o First Pick an Iconic like Warrior Class Bumblebee
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 33a77d7a7fo Now some villains
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 33b1c99d54http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-Ro ... 4af1a31ea3 This version gets you a solid figure for your hero and a couple of other bots to get to playing with. You’ve spent $26.97 and MSRP is $34.97 (Saved 23%)