With ebay around, does anyone find rare stuff(like sixties Hasbro items)at toy shows anymore? If so, why do you think the dealer sells at the show instead of trying ebay(unless he doesn't have a computer of course)? What has anyone found in the last few years that's hard to find? Any items from the gallery?
I was just looking at listings of toy shows in the PA-MD region...
Are they still worth going to? Well, thanks to ebay I haven't been to a "toy/collectible show" in about 4 years. BUT - Wonderfest has a large dealers area that has quite a few new and used toy dealers. I made out very well on a blushing Frankenstein, probably at a third of what he's been going for on ebay. The dealer was willing to negotiate, something you can't do in an ebay auction (not counting "best offer" items). And there were quite a few other items on display at what I thought were pretty reasonable prices.
At a show I always keep in mind that the dealer has overhead - show fee, travel, probably room and board - so I don't expect a lot in the discount department. But they always want to make some cash and take less inventory home with them, so its worth a shot.
Bottom line, if its not too far a drive and not too expensive to get in, I'd give it a shot.
Do you ever go to auctions? I've had some of my best finds/purchases at them...
Unless it's to get together with friends I'd say toy shows are a horrible place to buy stuff. Hopefully next weeks New York Comic Con will prove me wrong but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Because of ebay, I haven't been to a toy show for many years. I wondered if rare items still turn up there. What type of auctions are you referring to? Estate auctions?
We don't have any shows around here.
Certainly the place for the best overall ''deals" is eBay. But there is nothing like the sensory overload experienced in a large dealers room full of toys. The Chiller Theatre shows feature an overwhelmingly big dealer's room full of just about everything imaginable. I spend a great deal of my time at these shows visiting and revisiting this area. Right up until the last minute on Sunday you still stumble upon thing you didn't see previously. Not only that, but you have access to companies like Moebius and Amok Time, etc where they have current kits/figures and prototypes of upcoming items on display along with company representatives who can give you the latest info on them. Sunday [like all shows] is the day to deal. Like Chris said, sometimes a dealer would rather negotiate on the price rather than have to re-pack something. This is how i acquired both my Great Garloo and King Zor toys at prices way below what i see on eBay. Yes, you do have to consider time and travel expenses on your part, [and DON'T go if you don't like crowds] but after it's all over you can't help but be impressed at what you witnessed over the span of just one weekend.
We have a couple-three shows a year here around the Twin Cities and I go to any of them I can. I'm not talking cons, just toy shows. I have found some decent deals. One way the in which experience differs from ebay is that the seller may not know for sure what he has. Most of the time an ebay seller will have predetermined to some extent the value of an item in order. At a show I've found both Palmer and MPC monsters in "junk boxes" of plastic figures (.25 - .50) and so on. One lady specialized in dolls but had a nice Monster Squad board game under the table without even a price on it, I got it for a buck. I also collect vintage army men and there are tons of guys who will let you put together a custom bag of specific guys I want for a good price. At one large show last year I stopped at a table with all monster stuff, starting chatting to the couple running it, and one of them in passing referred to a "Creepy Jeff" - I said whoa - Creepy Jeepy is my monster little brother! She not only knocked a few bucks off my Funstuff Dracula she gave me her number so we could hook up in the future. I guess you can tell I really like toy shows - except for the one I drove 45 minutes to discover it was all cars, trucks tractors etc. Not my cup o tea.
And you do learn quickly which dealers are clowns to stay away from. If anyone in this area wants to go to the next toy show around here let me know - it would be fun indeed to have a compadre!
pk
HauntedHal - yea, estate auctions. I've done well at a few auctions in our area. At one auction there was a Hootin' Holler Haunted House in good, working condition. It went higher than I was willing to spend, but at $550.00 it was much less than you usually see it advertised for.
I won an Odd Ogg (no box, unfortunately) for 9 bucks, a Barnabas Collins game for 3, and a number of other items. They have been a source of old collectible toys and games that I've sold at shows and on ebay over the years.
I do a haunt for Halloween and have gotten a number of cool props - my favorite so far is an authentic old fashioned hospital gurney. I describe it as the kind you expect a re-animated corpse to be rising from. The cost? 2 bucks...
(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm131/ChrisWhiteStudio/Halloween%20Part%202008/HPIM1285.jpg)
I have not been to a toy/collector show in maybe 4 years. At the time my thing was the 60s pressed steel trucks like Tonka Structo etc. The prices asked were literally double of Ebay for the same condition. People looked , laughed and got nowhere when the seller would not come down much and everyone lost out and went home empty handed. ::)
I find flea markets and house sales the best. Just sold a Mighty Men and Monster maker set for $48 on ebay and I only paid $1 at the flea market this summer for it. Consignment shops are good and so is the salvation army sometimes.
Hauzy
Here is my set up, at the Glendale Toy, show a couple of weeks ago. You might have found something there. ;D HHW
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd4/hhwolfman/100_1586.jpg)
Nice set up, HHW.
I still prefer toy shows to eBay, and I do find things for my collection. Nothing beats personally inspecting an item before you buy it.
There's an interesting story at the Mego Museum about a recent find at a white elephant sale:
http://megomuseum.com/community/showthread.php?t=21470 (http://megomuseum.com/community/showthread.php?t=21470)
The poster found a rare Mego Red Haired Dracula figure for .50!
George
Short of going to a monster show, most toy shows are now non-existent here in Pennsylvania. The few that remain focus on cars. While Ebay is a joy, I have to agree with Gasport that there is nothing like going to a toy show and actually seeing these gems close up.
i used to sell used toys as an outside vendor at a flea market (been out of it for going on ten years now, got everything sold off by now). my biggest customers were other vendors! i always had something 'new' they were too lazy to go out and find themselves, and the vast majority of what i picked up came from garage sales. of course, it was all used, rarely did i have a box, etc., but it's practically the only place you could find old stuff someone thought was junk for cheap. usually it was someone's mom clearing out the basement or someone desperate to sell because they were moving. nothing is funner than just buying a big box of junk for five bucks knowing that the few items on top will pay for the whole box then finding a treasure at the bottom once you've dumped it out on the living room floor.
i believe ebay to be the best indicator of an item's real worth (caveats apply to this general statement), but you're apt to also pay top dollar for it. i've found a few good deals on ebay, though the overwhelming majority of what i've bought i wouldn't consider a particularly great deal. real life auctions are better because you're not in competition with the entire world. what's bad about that is it's much easier to get carried away and overbid, so you really have to excercise control unless you love buyer's remorse.
indoor 'vendors' at a flea market are great because you see the item, don't have to worry about shipping and handling charges/insurance, not waiting and worrying, and can often negotiate with the seller. as a rule, we didn't like to pay more than 30% of what we'd ask for. be cool and you can get him to knock off a little bit. go in with 'i just saw this for ten bucks cheaper on ebay!' and you might be told the same thing i'd tell you ~ 'then go buy it on ebay.' there's always one guy with a nice selection. pricing is often based on collecting magazines, then a little bit is taken off to make you think the dealer is giving you a better deal (these price guides typically overprice for this reason. the savvy buyer knows this). these guys tend to have a ton of stuff in storage, so ask for something if you don't see it, and more often than not operate an ebay store.
of course, it really amounts to simply finding the item, who's got it, and how much you personally are willing to spend.
I started going to toy shows in the late 70s/early 80s.
My funds were fairly limited; I would pick up what I could.
When I think back, incredible treasures were bountiful!
If I'd only had "money to burn"!
The last couple I've gone to were a wasteland.
IF I am fortunate enough to see a toy show I'd like to go. We used to have lots of them across Pennsylvania before Ebay, but I can't find any now. Howvere, with Ebay restricting what you can sell and postage rates going up up up and away, I am seeing an increase in general flea markets. If they pick up, I think toy shows will return here. And let me tell you, you still find bargains at flea markets because now people just want to get rid of stuff.
There are two toy shows in Toledo this weekend. I'll proabably check them out and report my findings.
BK
Wanna go!
Stuck in Atlanta. darn it. :(
Oh yeah! If you have friends to go with!
Quote from: poseablemonster on January 27, 2009, 11:28:39 PM
Nice set up, HHW.
I still prefer toy shows to eBay, and I do find things for my collection. Nothing beats personally inspecting an item before you buy it.
Agreed. Plus, the hunt is more than half the fun for me.
Quote from: Bogey on March 07, 2009, 01:10:30 PM
Agreed. Plus, the hunt is more than half the fun for me.
Me, too. I have always been that way.
Quote from: ChattyLMS on March 07, 2009, 12:54:46 PM
Oh yeah! If you have friends to go with!
Very true! It's so much more fun when you have friends to share your enthusiasm with. ;D
Well, here was my day of toy shows.
1st one was a Train & Toy show. 98% Trains, 2 % Toys, best monster toy was Hasbro Creature. My only expense was admission.
Next one had lost of die cast and model kits of cars. I did see some Marx Figures a couple soakies, but nothing really to speak of. I did see a Marx Super Astronaut I like, but was too expensive.
Major purchase was my $6 admission to the first show.
BK
Quote from: poseablemonster on March 07, 2009, 01:49:21 PM
Me, too. I have always been that way.
Andy, you just went to a real live toy show today, didn't you? How was it?
Quote from: raycastile on March 08, 2009, 05:35:47 PM
Andy, you just went to a real live toy show today, didn't you? How was it?
It was a decent show today. No major finds, but I sold a bunch of junk. I bought a Cesar glowing Dracula mask, a Honeycomb Wolf Man Aurora glowing monster head, a few little jigglers, a Tomland Yeti wearing a loincloth and some assorted little figures and such. I bought a lot of resale stuff mainly. Still, much better than not going.
I didn't get this at a toy show, but rather a vintage toy shop here on Long Island, NY. The store is called Just Kids and is about to close their store down within the next month, or so. Sad to see the physical location go, but they will continue to operate online. Anyway, i went there around Valentine's Day and discovered this monster-nik Franky troll at a discount price of only 20 bucks. He even still has the original outfit, which is rare. I have a pretty good size collection of these things and was very happy to find him. Nothing like going into a real store and smelling all the aging pulp and plastic when making a purchase. Gonna miss this place...
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/Gasport2000/frankytrolljustkids09.jpg)
Is this Just Kids Nostalgia? I used to buy stuff from them all the time. I didn't know they were still around.
Hell yes, Raymond! Did you also participate in their phone in auctions back in the early -mid 90's? One of my fondest collecting memories. I saved all the catalogs from this time.
Yes, I did participate in their auctions. I used to love getting their catalogs in the mail.
I believe I bought a Kenner Alien doll in the box from Just Kids Nostalgia back in the day. I had a trade worked out for a Mego Penguin MIB, sent him my trade item and then he contacted me letting me know he no longer had that item. I just had him send back the item I had sent him.
What was the name of the guy in the toy shop that used to sell old serials on VHS for a mint? Max something.... I bought a Green Hornet postcard from him, but thought his prices on most things too high. He had cool looking adds though.
Other than the dealers at monster shows, are there any toy shows anymore? PA used to have a lot of them until EBAY came along. I haven't seen one listed in ages.
There was actually a "monster toy" show here in Atlanta two or three years ago. I went with high hopes. I walked away with a Frankenstein Soakie, but that was about it. I was very happy to get the Soakie; wish I had the complete set. I almost bought a set of those monster drinking glasses. The price wasn't bad but I'm such a butter-fingers, I figured I'd end up breaking one eventually. The various plastic inhabitants of my domain have taken numerous dives over the years, generally surviving the fall.
Yeah, i really miss those Just Kids phone auctions. Always the perfect excuse for staying up til 3AM , or so watching old horror movies [On the VCR, of course] with one hand on the phone to check on the bidding every so often. As the night wore on i always got the impression the guy on the other end of the line wasn't having as much fun as i was!
Yeah, I hated those phone auctions. They were the only thing available at the time though. It always bothered me that I never knew if I was actually bidding against another person or simply giving the auction place the amount they expected for the item. As much as Ebay is an annoyance I can at least fell a little better about bidding.
I've never really gotten to attend any big toy-only shows, but I really enjoy going to AdventureCon, which is held a little over an hour from my house. It's dedicated to lots of different things, of course - comics, sci-fi, etc. - but I really enjoy it and invite all of you to attend this year's in June if you can.
My advice: take your children or nephews/nieces or any other kids you can! I would have thought I'd died & gone to Heaven if I could have gone to something like this at 10 or 12 years old.
Quote from: Jscareshock on March 10, 2009, 10:33:19 AM
Yeah, I hated those phone auctions. They were the only thing available at the time though. It always bothered me that I never knew if I was actually bidding against another person or simply giving the auction place the amount they expected for the item. As much as Ebay is an annoyance I can at least fell a little better about bidding.
Probably better, but I would not put it past some dealers to have it set up with a friend to keep bidding on an item. That is why I set a limit and never go over before starting my bids. I have lost some that way, but there is plenty to be had.
In about an hour I'm heading out to the "Fat Albert Toy Show". I like to have paid my five bucks and be in line when the doors open. Worth going to? For me yes, just to look at stuff and talk to folks. I don't often get to be in a room full of toy collectors, they're really great people. Admittedly there aren't that many deals. What I look for is under the radar - I once found a Palmer Kong and Cyclops in a bag of jungle animals. Waddington and Pressman games with non-monster stuff and so on. Hopefully I'll have a "weekly find" to show! I'm also looking for some older plastic military vehicles and Marx dinos and ...? There is no end
Quote from: packy120353 on April 05, 2009, 07:11:48 AM
In about an hour I'm heading out to the "Fat Albert Toy Show". I like to have paid my five bucks and be in line when the doors open. Worth going to? For me yes, just to look at stuff and talk to folks. I don't often get to be in a room full of toy collectors, they're really great people. Admittedly there aren't that many deals. What I look for is under the radar - I once found a Palmer Kong and Cyclops in a bag of jungle animals. Waddington and Pressman games with non-monster stuff and so on. Hopefully I'll have a "weekly find" to show! I'm also looking for some older plastic military vehicles and Marx dinos and ...? There is no end
Thread duty, Packy. A full report of your day is in order. :)
QuoteThread duty, Packy. A full report of your day is in order
Thread reporter Packy reporting on Fat Albert toy show - - - -
Swamp Thing Venus Fly Trap playset - never opened
Swamp Thing Color by number sets (3) - never opened
6" GI (no markings) probably made in Mexico
small lot of 50s-60s 55mm Tim Mee and Werner
small plastic (modern) Godzilla stepping on a building - not pictured
Pics are: new toy unpackaged, then assembled with captured Creature added, Coloring set box, some of the army men.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3416049778_4cb5828767_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3415242941_383679949f_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3415243021_c835488127_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3415242991_f4c3f06c94_o.jpg)
I'm not a giant SwampThing fan but i am a toy Venus Fly Trap fan, the guy just threw in the coloring sets. I like the artwork.
Was it worth going? Definitely. I spent exactly 20 bucks including 5 for admission. I got what I went there for, some armymen I didn't have to pay shipping on.
The Marx 6" Marine is sweet, Packy!
The FX show in Orlando is coming up this month. There are a lot of dealers of toys in general that still attend this show. It is starting to move tword a clone of Chiller as they try and add more and more celebritys each year. Still lots of stuff to look at.
QuoteThe Marx 6" Marine is sweet, Packy!
Thanks Bogey - - - - It's not marked with Marx marks! Alot of knockoffs. But I agree, I like this guy alot, grenade in one hand and a tommy gun in the other, and it's in fine condition! I'm slowly building my "big guys" collection. Are you a fan?
pk
Quote from: packy120353 on April 05, 2009, 07:01:55 PM
Thanks Bogey - - - - It's not marked with Marx marks! Alot of knockoffs. But I agree, I like this guy alot, grenade in one hand and a tommy gun in the other, and it's in fine condition! I'm slowly building my "big guys" collection. Are you a fan?
pk
Indeed. I sold mine (about 20-30) about two years ago (actually traded for some boxing cards from the 1950's) . However, I kept my astronaut set. Have flirted with recollecting, but "where to put" is always the first question I ask myself as the others were in a plastic bin for years. New rule for me and my wife is, "If it can't be displayed, don't buy." Kind of stinks, but has been good for the whole family. ;D Always liked their WWII line (especially the Russians....cool molds), the Viking set, and the Knights. Heck, I liked 'em all. Thanks for complying with the thread duty.
I had a bunch of those "big guys" back in the day. The ones I remember having were Germans, one with a long ammo belt slung over his shoulder.
Another about to throw a grenade. They were both gray.
Somewhere around this house I have a couple of white astronauts and silver knights. The Mrs. also has some of those varied colored Disney figures. Were they Marx?
Rob
Rob-
If they are painted multi colors, they are Disneykins by Marx. If they are solid pasel colors and soft plastic and 'look' 50s, they are probably from the Marx Disneyland Playset. Can you show a pic of one?
Quote from: monsterphile on April 06, 2009, 06:36:32 PM
Somewhere around this house I have a couple of white astronauts and silver knights. The Mrs. also has some of those varied colored Disney figures. Were they Marx?
Rob
You bet they were, Rob. I have a Goofy and a Mickey on the shelf. Very colorful and each figure could be found in the different colors. They usually go for a few dollars each, but neat to have. The ones that seem to bring the most (not including the harder plastic painted ones that were an earlier release) are the Nutty Mads. I guess they also made some Nutty Mad type military figures, but I have not seen one before.
Here is an EBAY lot:
(http://i4.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/3e/42/cf90_1.JPG)
There are more figures in the set, a Pan, Tink, Minnie, Goofy....oh, and Jiminy!
Rob,
The astronauts also came in blue, but my set is white..=
Here is a shot from EBAY:
(http://i23.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/3d/c3/185f_1.JPG)
Oops...thought you were talking about the smaller figures.
Quote from: Monster Bob on April 06, 2009, 07:28:20 PM
Oops...thought you were talking about the smaller figures.
No, but hey, you are right on with your take about them, Bob. In fact, they are much more valuable than the above. I tend to gravitate to the non-painted ones (have a few). Just my preference, but some of the Disneykins fetch a hefty price.
Have you heard of the Military type Nutty Mads?
TOY SHOWS ARE COMING BACK PEOPLE ARE GETTING TRIED OF EBAY FEES AND THEY LIKE TO SEE TOY IN HAND........IF ANT ONE IS IN CHICAGO ON MAY 30TH AT THE PORTAGE THEATER 4 MONSTER MOVIES AND A LOBBY FULL OF DEALERS ......ALL KINDS OF GOODIES ......ALL FOR TEN BUCKS DOORS OPEN AT 4.00 TILL MIDNIGHT........MODEL KITS...POSTERS.......MONSTER MAGS.FIGURES ....LOTS OF STUFF.........GHOUL BYE.......
I have honestly never been to a "toy show" in my life. However comic shows..and on the flip side, I also collect Lionel Trains, I have been to plenty of those. Dont get me wrong eBay is great and about 60% of my monster stuff has come from there, the other 40 from my childhood or elsewhere.
However, because I've been to so many local train shows..as far as the overall "feeling" goes, the people that Ive met and keep contact with. What I've learned and actually being able to hold the item in my hands. Ebay cant compare to the personal experiance you can have for a few hrs with actual people! I have yet to go to a show that wasnt fun, even if I didnt buy anything. A room full of people with something in common is almost always a fun and friendly experiance.
BUT and its a big but. Regardless of what you collect, ebay seems to always be the default. 99% of the time I got what I wanted in the ballpark area of what I was willing to pay.
I'd prefer more local shows...or just 1 local show! But ebay too has been an incredible tool.