The Energon Pub

Hi guys, Im new to this forum so bear with me. I've recently gotten into collecting some transformers, and Im trying to find some of the older movie transformers at an actually reasonable price. Specifically, I think I'm trying to go for hunt for the decepticons bumblebee and that optimus. However, I've been looking all across ebay, and the prices are what seems to be at least quadrupled the original price, which I don't think I'm going to be willing to pay. So, what sites or places would be the best to get these older transformers at a more reasonable price? Thanks.

If you are into G1 here are my tips.On ebay

Inquire inquire inqure. If no response then don't get from them.

I had 2 incidences where I purchased a somewhat damaged fig. I could have returned it but it would have cost me more to return

1. Wheeljack G1 original had a paint chip on his right side. Vendor DID NOTinclude that angle in his images. I did not give him a negative as the figure itself was indeed original and higher than fair but lower than mint condition. I did give the vendor a polite piece of my mind not to pull that stunt again. (Source USA)

2. G1 Countdown complete loose above fair but the vendor did the same thing like the former I mentioned. Only showed the rocket with his good side. The other half was yellowed. Same thing I did with he previous (Source Netherlands)

Lesson? If a particular figure you are interested in is white, expect discoloration and also inquire with the vendor if there is indeed some. Also, request an updated image.

Research the type of fiugre you want. Some may have conditions like GPS. If it's G1 especially, there will be some discoloration. Expect it to be such.

If the image isn't complete, request one. I recently had the same issue with a Canadian vendor. He was very polite and helpful. I purchased the Countdown replacement rocket which was very bone white. It was a win for me.

There are times at ebay when there is an option to offer a lower bid. Don't low brow on the option as it may miff the vendor.

Beware of China vendors. Some are honest but only a few. Some admit their product is a re-issue aka KO.

Magic price? I do go into bidding sprees but learn your limits. Let it go if you loose as a much better version will come about (it took me 3 years to get a loose but perfect G1 Motormaster and about 5 years for G1 Siren)

Try the purchase in mass quantities strategy if a particular vendor has all the stuff you want. You can ask him if he could lower the price if you get mass quantities in one purchase session.

Vintage TFs break. Depending on the source (temperate regions) figs usually don't break easily compared to the tropics. So put that in mind.

Hope this helps.

In short: eBay and patience. I also recommend www.transformerland.com for older stuff. They update weekly and while they focus a lot on G1, about half the time they update with other lines including Movie product.

thanks for the answers guys. G1 isnt rlly my thing, but thanks for the advice. Anyone else any other websites that possibly could have some good deals on transformers, or any other tips? Thanks.

Dunkatron1337 wrote:thanks for the answers guys. G1 isnt rlly my thing, but thanks for the advice. Anyone else got more advice to give?

So what is your thing?

fenrir72 wrote:

Dunkatron1337 wrote:thanks for the answers guys. G1 isnt rlly my thing, but thanks for the advice. Anyone else got more advice to give?

So what is your thing?

Older Movie stuff, with some specifics in the first post of the thread.

Here is what has worked for me on ebay, I start off by just viewing the whole transformers category and then narrow down my search from there. I also keep my searches simple, like just the character name, obviously this has drawbacks if you are looking for a character with many, many toys, but works well for the more limited ones. Keep in mind that some sellers may not know if a particular toy was from the movie line or not, so it helps to start with a wide search and narrow it down from there.

If you are interested in an auction type listing, do not bid until the last minute, then swoop in with your maximum price. I usually wait until there are only 20 second or so left. This also helps avoid getting drawn into a bidding war.

Some of the best deals I've found usually don't get as much viewing simply because the seller forgot to include something important in the title like "Transformers" and so anyone who searches "Transformers" + "Character name" will not pull any listings without "Transformers" in the name. That's how I got the Botcon Rainmakers for $120.

Another great tip in a similar line of thinking is doing a search with a misspelled character name.

One other tip to consider if you also sell on ebay is buying a group of figures to get the 1 or 2 you want and then sell off the rest. I've generally found that selling the toys individually pulls in more money that selling in a group, so from a buyers perspective, you may get a better value this way once you sell off what you don't want. Bonus, you also get an extra few figures to play with a little before you sell them.

One last tip is looking for listings that end at odd hours. I've set and alarm to wake me up at 3:00 a.m. before. There is a much lower chance of someone outbidding you at the last minute.

But the best advise is knowing the price you are willing to pay and patience. Those Botcon rainmakers I mentioned I waited over a year until I found a price I was willing to pay.

Yea. A lot of these older movie figures are so much more expensive now. Only reason i like the older figures better are the looks and transformations compared to the normal stuff nowadays. While on this topic, do you guys have an opinion on whether hftd bumblebee is better than dark of the moon bee or not?

Depends on your personal preference.

Dunkatron1337 wrote:Hi guys, Im new to this forum so bear with me. I've recently gotten into collecting some transformers, and Im trying to find some of the older movie transformers at an actually reasonable price. Specifically, I think I'm trying to go for hunt for the decepticons bumblebee and that optimus. However, I've been looking all across ebay, and the prices are what seems to be at least quadrupled the original price, which I don't think I'm going to be willing to pay. So, what sites or places would be the best to get these older transformers at a more reasonable price? Thanks.

Do you have a site that has local listings?

I use this site to meet up with people and find good bargains: http://www.kijiji.ca/

You can also check for local toy shows, people sell for a good price there and you dont have that added shipping expense of e-bay.

For anything Japanese, this is the best site, I have found inccredible deals:

http://jungle-scs.co.jp/sale_en/?page_i ... =309&vw=nk

https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/

Plus, look at our buy and sell section on this site, I find that fans want to help other fans out:

carbombya-buy-sell-or-trade-f36.php

This is how I built my colection without spending much money.