Carded vs. Loose Action Figures

Toy Collecting
Carded vs. Loose Action Figures
By Randy Herkowitz
Oct 24, 2008 - 6:52

There are primarily two types of action figure collectors, those who prefer their action figures mint in package (never opened) and those who like to free their action figures from their plastic prison cells. First and foremost, no one should dictate how a collector should collect. There are benefits to both ways of collecting. It all depends on what you want to get out of the hobby.

Starting with the packaged collector, there are obvious fiscal advantages here. By keeping an action figure in its original casing, the value of the toy is generally going to result in a better return. This is obvious, since if the action figure has never been touched it is most likely mint and the better shape the packaging is the, more desirable the figure becomes. Another advantage is a packaged action figure can be nicely displayed, as for many toy lines the packaging art is sometimes more impressive than the action figure itself. However, I feel some of the drawbacks to collecting action figures in this manner is it usually results in more storage space needed. A packaged toy takes up far more space than a loose one does and unless you have unlimited storage space these collections can quickly take over a house. Another possible drawback is the speculative side of the hobby. Just because an action figure is mint in package doesn’t automatically mean it is worth more than the original purchase price no matter how old the toy is. Collecting action figures solely for monetary gain is a risky business and perhaps not the greatest way to invest your money as no one can predict the future and what collectors will desire ten to twenty years from now.

Loose action figure collectors tend to be in it more for the passion and love of the sculpture or play value of the toy. There are great advantages with removing your action figure from its package. The obvious benefit is the ability to play and pose the action figure. Whether you actually play with the toy or just pose it and put it on a shelf is your business but it will usually result in greater enjoyment than leaving it in the package especially when dealing in such toys as Transformers which contain a great deal of play value. Other benefits are less storage space is generally needed. Whether you put the action figure on a shelf or store them in bins, space is less of an issue. As far as resale value, surprisingly, the value does not depreciate a great deal as long as the item is mint and complete with all the accessories it came with. Some collectors would much rather buy an already opened toy than to have to open a vintage one itself just to ensure a mint item. Some people might find opening a vintage action figure sacrilegious. However, I’ve no problem with it and have done it several times. Some people would want to kick me in the head if they knew some of the vintage action figures I’ve opened just to get a mint complete toy.

As I may have just revealed, I prefer my action figures loose. Action figure collecting has always been a hobby for me and I love to free the toys from their package. I wouldn’t say I play with my toys but I certainly get enjoyment from holding the actual item in my hand and seeing what it can do.

No matter what your preference is when it comes to collecting action figures, the most important thing is to enjoy it. What is the point of having a hobby if you don’t enjoy it? Even if your main purpose is for a potential monetary return, you can still admire the items you purchase for resale. If you don’t, you are most likely better off playing the stock market or something perhaps more stable.