The Energon Pub

[Convotron]

I'm someone who has no problem with buying a loose Transformers figure, particularly if it's in good condition. I would say about 10% of my collection so far is made up of loose figures purchased from collectors. The figures are in great condition as far as paint apps, the joints are tight and show no wear from use. Basically, I've bought figures that have been claimed to be used only for display.

As someone who has no interest in MISB collecting, loose figures can often be a good and cheaper alternative to brand spanking new figures in their packaging. I also feel that it's a shame to not "adopt" a previously owned figure, especially if they have no wear from regular "play".

So, my fellow Seibertronians, what are your thoughts on loose/2nd hand/previously owned Transformers?

[cybercat]

Not really being a hard core collector (although the kids who stopped by my office thought that *that* was my collection, and not just my overflow), I don't really do the MISB thing.

Most times, I crack 'em open with extreme prejudice the instant I get home (though I have been known to, on occasion, open one at a red light....) I am under NO delusion that my piddly collection wll be worth money so there's no point acting like it's for posterity or has any value beyond the fun I can have with them. I don't have and probably never will own any of the holy grail uber rare figure.

As for buying 'previously enjoyed', I'd have to say that's probably half my collection. I prefer flea markets and garage sales for the reasons the Great and Glorious Convotron stated--I can check the figure for wear/missing pieces/loose joints if it's in my slashy little paws. My semi-local comic shop sells unboxed figures for super cheap--I think I got almost all of my TFA figures from there. After a careful check-out, of course. Ebay is strictly for last resort. (Not a lot of BB/Starscream sets in the yard sale arena, alas). And even then I'll buy loose but guaranteed 100% complete before I fall for the fake 'MISB' gimmick again. More than once I've paid a little more for a figure that was labelled MISB only to get it and find out not only was the box not sealed (no biggie, I wasn't going to keep it sealed anyway) but the figure itself was incomplete--missing a wheel, etc.

HK, damn you ebay sellers!!

[Dread_Wing]

I used to focus entirely on old G1 toys, and not being an MISB collector I accumulated a wide range of dirty, broken and floppy Transformers. If nothing else, that got me to take my modelling skills and start to apply them to Transformers to repair them. (Hell, I dug a G1 Smokescreen in parts out of the Sand Pit at primary school, dismantled it, cleaned the rust off and re asssembled it... ...now I am an Archaeologist... hmmm)

Now I focus more on newer toys the ol floppy G1s enter my collection less and less, although when I first got into classics they were no longer available in stores, so I bought a few pre-loved Classics online.

Due to the high cost of Transformers in NZ, I have my friend in the States pick up any new releases for me, then to save costs she opens them and just sends the contents. The only time I open a packet (and have to deal with devilish twistie ties) is when I order something from Ebay.

[Kibble]

My only issue with loose figs is you can't really trust the sellers or know if what they consider "great shape" or "gently used" is the same thing you would. Not to mention it has to be BS 9 out of 10 times when they say their loose fig has never been transformed. If it weren’t for people here saying they have figs out of the package they’ve never attempted to transform I would have thought it BS 100% of the time as I can’t figure out why you would even open it if you had no intensions of transforming it…

Anyhow, I think all my loose TF purchases have been acceptable more or less, but I can't say they've all been 100% accurate to their condition claims.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I have no problems buying loose 2nd hand figures, as long as they're complete and that I can check the quality before making a purchase. If it's online, I'd only buy from reputable sellers (I've yet to do that). Any paperwork, stickers and boxes are appreciated bonuses.
One of my pet peeves when buying are telescoping joints in the legs: I have two figures that had them worn out and now they can't stand properly. Another is yellowing, don't you all just hate that? Aside from those, if a fault in the toy is easy to fix, it's a keeper with me.

[mick1122]

Maybe I have been lucky. All of my loose figure purchases have been from Ebay. Granted I am only talking about a few (Shockwave, Soundwave, BW TM Optimal Optimus and BW TM2 Megatron).

With the exception of Soundwave (he was an impulse buy many years ago), I have been fortunate. The TM's have no wear at all and are nice and tight. Shockwave looks minty fresh. As for Soundwave, he looks good in alt mode but is a bit wonky in bot mode. I have the commemorative one for bot mode anyway.

Sometimes, loose is about the only way to get what you want and you takes your chances. Again, I have just been really lucky I guess.

[Chaoslock]

I have no problems buying loose figures, if they are cheap, or there're some particular figures that I'm after. Sometimes, when I find a better figure from a previously owned figure, I buy the better one, and sell the older, or just leave it until I can arrange a good trade.

Sure, some figures can be in not perfect shape, but from vintage G1-BW figures nobody can expect them to not have some paint wear or Vac metal flanking.

[Convotron]

I've been fortunate so far with respect to purchases of loose Transformers. They're complete, in good condition, and most joints are nice and tight.

On one occasion, I did have an issue with really dusty figures but that's because they were probably displayed in bot mode for the majority of their previous ownership and the owner didn't dust them off. Also, the owner seemed to really like incense. So I dusted them off and aired them out and now they're good as new.

The rest of my numerous purchases of loose figures have been spot on. The eBay sellers were reputable with high number of sales and 99.5% or higher feedback rating. No yellowing, no wear as far as I can tell, and no odours. I really look out for item descriptions that list "smoke free" environments.

I also look for cheaper alternatives to Takara/Japanese versions of figures in the way of Sonokong manufactured figures. My BB & Starscream, Micron Legend Shockwave and Megatron, and Car Robots Build King are all Korean made. Shockwave and Megatron were loose but only used for display and are complete. I managed to get them for $50 shipped, which is much cheaper than the average going price of MISB Takara versions of those two figures.

[Windsweeper]

I have no problem with the loose figure issue. Lately, I've bought several loose TF's. I got G1 Scourge, Runabout and Metroplex with no accessories. All 3 are in great shape, colours have not faded and theirs that stiffness normally associated with newer toys.

The accessory thing was not an issue as I already had each toy but sadly, they did not pass the test of time. I did retain all their accessories so the loose figure route was a cheap and easy way to replace them.

I'm currently awaiting G1 Ratchet, Snapdragon and Runamuck. Again, I had all 3 already so I could go the cheaper no accessories route.

The loose option is also good for replacing lost/damaged accessories. G1 Galvatron and reissue Prowl are patiently awaiting 2 new rifles. Galvatron's been waiting over 20 years.

So yes, unless you're into the MISB thing, the loose option has it's merits. Especially in these times of recession.

[Mkall]

Here's a good example:

MIB Micron Legends Shockwave (Purple Armada Tidal Wave): 60 USD
Loose, Complete and in good condition: 32 USD.

I love loose figures. They've saved me so much money over the years.

[bvzxa]

This is an example of how much you can get when collecting loose toys from the right dealer:



I have been doing this since last year. I have gotten a lot of missing Cybetron/Armada/Energon toys this way. Not to mention some Japanese store exclusives. The guy I buy from is pretty strict on the condition of the toys he gets in. He will sell at low prices if a few things are missing, other than that, I have had no problems at all collecting loose.

I do the flea market because it's close to my house. I got Classics Prime complete, and a slightly busted Classics Ultra Magnus missing the white gun both for $15. Then a month later picked up another Classics Ultra Magnus complete for $10. I also got Classics Skywarp complete, and new looking for $8. Since I had to sell my first set of classics in 2007, I retained the Target exclusive box it came in, pretty sweet deal for me. I got a Black Unicron that was opened, but kept in the box for $47 shipped. Target nemesis Prime, who was opened, but not removed from the inner package, twisty ties intact for $25 Shipped. The reason I got those great toys for cheap becasue lots of people want MISB. The weird pictures that the auction sellers used were odd with even odder descriptions. I could have gotten a bum deal, but I took a chance. Not all sellers have big reps, but have excellent toys.

So I'll keep collecting loose toys until the end of time......

[Omega Charge]

I love buying loose figures from other collectors. You can find great prices and usually the figures are in great condition. I prefer loose because it's usually cheaper, saves on shipping, and I don't have to stress about opening the mint package of an older toy.

[Mykltron]

Trypticon and four of my G1 dinobots, most BW, half my Rid, Unicron, some BT/Alts and Armada figures are second hand. It's much nicer to open a toy for the first time, kind of like an induction ceremony for the new guy, but if it's in good condition I don't have a problem with 2nd hand figures.

[SJ21]

I would rather buy them second-hand than brand new. It is much cheaper to get them that way. I am looking for representations of G1 characters, so I am not concerned whether they are new or not. As long as I can put them on the shelf and play with them from time to time, I am happy with it.

[Counterpunch]

This is an example of how much you can get when collecting loose toys from the right dealer:

Why's your Superion have a red Energon Chip?

[kirbenvost]

I have no problem at all buying loose or used figures. For most main-line domestic releases, I don't even keep the packaging, so I'm all for saving a few bucks by purchasing used figures in good condition, as long as they're complete. I've bought a few slightly-incomplete ones, but always regretted it, unfortunately. I've owned 2 JRX's, because I couldn't stand having an incomplete one.

For pricy or exclusive figures which are more collector-oriented, such as Reissues or MPs, I have to have the box and paperwork, but I don't mind if it's been opened or displayed as long as it's all complete and in good shape.

[bvzxa]

This is an example of how much you can get when collecting loose toys from the right dealer:

Why's your Superion have a red Energon Chip?

When we were looking for the 5th blue chip, it was missing, so he gave me a red one. I took this picture right after I got back form shopping at the flea market and other places. I took red because I can always place it on the back of Afterburner and use the other 4 blue ones on the individual limbs. My choices were red, or pink...so I took red.

[Counterpunch]

When we were looking for the 5th blue chip, it was missing, so he gave me a red one. I took this picture right after I got back form shopping at the flea market and other places. I took red because I can always place it on the back of Afterburner and use the other 4 blue ones on the individual limbs. My choices were red, or pink...so I took red.

Ah, that would drive me nuts.

THAT to me, is the one danger of buying second hand.

[Convotron]

Yeah, missing parts is something that's part of the situation. I've been fortunate in getting mainly complete figures and sets. My Alternators Swindle is missing its gun and my Energon OP is missing the missile for its gun.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I love buying loose figures from other collectors. You can find great prices and usually the figures are in great condition. I prefer loose because it's usually cheaper, saves on shipping, and I don't have to stress about opening the mint package of an older toy.

Same here buddy Especially when the money is for a good cause. Like my BWII Magnaboss and Tripledacus (MIB btw), I got them from a collector who was saving up for his wedding ^^. I prefer seeing the seller in person overall.

[bvzxa]

When we were looking for the 5th blue chip, it was missing, so he gave me a red one. I took this picture right after I got back form shopping at the flea market and other places. I took red because I can always place it on the back of Afterburner and use the other 4 blue ones on the individual limbs. My choices were red, or pink...so I took red.

Ah, that would drive me nuts.

THAT to me, is the one danger of buying second hand.

Well, I'm not worried about Energon/Superlink chips, or Cybertron/Galaxy Force chips because I have extra of both lines. I'm sure I can always find a blue chip in one of my bag of loose weapons/parts I keep for repairs or things such as this. I would not have passed up the opportunity to own the Superlink version because of a different colored chip for the price. So it was 99.9 percent complete.

Now minicons for Armada/Superlink are a different matter. I told him to check for Run-Over because the Run-Over I have goes with the Armada Nemesis Prime. The Japanese Exclusive TV Boy Black Convoy I have has a silver-colored with pink trimming version of Run-Over, which looks like Armada bendy Prime's Over-Run. Yeah it's driving me nutz right now, but for $10 for a limited to 5000 piece toy...nah, not really gonna complain.

[DevastaTTor]

I've got no problem buying loose figures and have bought a few in the past. Also started selling a few open or loose, just to keep the size of my collection in check - ie. my Alternitys below. Decided to keep the black versions and sell the silver and blue I already had.

It's definitely a great way to back fill and build a collection.

[T3c4x3r0]

I care about the figures/toys first. Accessories/ weapons are a distant second to me. My restart of collecting began because of recieveing, as a gift, about 12 (first)Movie Transformers and the next few I purchased "Gently used" have been welcome in my collection ^^ Just nice to know they have a home that cares ^^

[SnapTrap]

When we were looking for the 5th blue chip, it was missing, so he gave me a red one. I took this picture right after I got back form shopping at the flea market and other places. I took red because I can always place it on the back of Afterburner and use the other 4 blue ones on the individual limbs. My choices were red, or pink...so I took red.

I thought that only the limbs (Scouts) came with the blue energon chips; the team leaders didn't come packaged with them...


Anyways, I will usually get my G1 figs loose but occasionally I'll find a MISB G1 figure that is too good to pass up (aka cheap & in good condition).

[Skyfire77]

I'd have to say close to 75% of my collection is second hand. MISB, especially G1, are too expensive. Hell, I bought broken G1 figures just for the fun of repairing and repainting them.