In 2022, the action figure market was valued at a staggering USD$8.27 billion (about $25 per person in the US). And get this — researchers estimate an average annual growth rate of 8.6% between 2023 and 2030. The point? The world of action figure collecting continues to boom.
Whether you’re a grizzled veteran or a fresh-faced newcomer, starting your own action figure collection opens up an incredible opportunity. You’ll get to curate your own miniaturized universe populated by the heroes, villains and iconic characters that have ignited your imagination for years.
This guide will share a few steps to take when starting your action figure collection.
Define Your Focus
What kind of figures get your pulse racing?
You’re probably a diehard superhero fan living for those epic showdowns between good and evil. Or is exploring strange new worlds and civilizations more your jam when it comes to sci-fi? Maybe the vibrant, imaginative world of anime speaks to you on a spiritual level. Another possibility is you’re an unstoppable WWE fanatic in search of WWE action figures to relive those legendary wrestling moments.
Take a step back and pinpoint the franchises, characters, genres — whatever it is that sparks that magical feeling of wonder and nostalgia within you. That way, you’ll be curating way more than just a collection of toys — it’ll be a celebration of your deepest passions made manifest.
Establish a Sensible Budget
The thrill of the hunt can make impulse spending super tempting. But remember, the joy of this hobby should never harsh your financial vibe. A smart move is setting aside a fixed amount each month or year that’s dedicated purely to expanding your collection.
Factor in expenses like display cases to showcase your treasures, shelving to put them on proud display, and maybe even insurance for your most prized pieces. This way, you can indulge your passion without ending up in financial crisis mode.
Immerse Yourself in Research
Start by geeking out over the rich backstories of all those epic brands, universes and characters you can’t get enough of. Get familiar with the different materials, building techniques and quality standards the manufacturers use to craft these beauties. Also, wrap your head around concepts like rarity, limited edition releases and what factors can make a figure a real gem in terms of value.
Whether you’re a wrestling fan looking for toys you’d love or an otaku who’d give anything for the latest edition of Bungo Stray Dogs, keep these tips in mind. Doing so makes your action figure choice even more personal. And isn’t that the point after all?
Uncover Reliable Sources
Unfortunately, the world of collecting isn’t immune to shady business — there are straight-up fakes and counterfeits out there trying to dupe unsuspecting buyers. A 2021 survey found a staggering 65% of US parents would go for a knockoff toy if their first choice was unavailable, and 63% didn’t mind fakes if they were cheaper than the real deal.
Every month, the US Border Patrol also ends up intercepting hundreds of thousands of bogus toys and figures trying to slip into the country. Alarming, right?
But don’t let those stats psych you out. They’re just a reminder to keep your discerning collector’s eye on full alert mode when shopping around to ensure you only score 100% legit pieces.
A smart starting point is seeking out reputable online retailers and brick-and-mortar hobby stores with stellar customer service. At spots like these, knowledgeable staffers and stringent authentication processes can verify you’re getting the real McCoy.
Convention and toy fair season is also prime hunting ground — passionate vendors gather to showcase their prized collections, trade rarities, you name it. Not only can you spot a crazy range of figures, but rubbing elbows with fellow diehards lets you absorb invaluable insights.
Online marketplaces are trickier terrain — exercise extreme caution and due diligence. Always inspect seller ratings, return policies… the whole nine yards. Study up on giveaway signs of counterfeits and don’t hesitate to consult veteran collectors if something seems fishy.
Join the Collector’s Community
As incredible as this hobby is, it’s exponentially better when you can share the experience with a whole tribe of kindred spirits who deeply get it. Lucky for you, action figure collectors have assembled some of the warmest, most inclusive online communities around.
Be sure to get yourself looped into all the hottest forums, social media groups and the works. These are the digital hangouts where hobbyists from all over the world converge to joyfully gush over new releases, trade tips on scoring grails and the like.
In Closing
As you’ve learned from the discussion above, the incredible world of action figure collecting offers so much more than just amassing an assortment of plastic figures. When you approach this hobby with passion and a well-informed gameplan, it can actually become a gateway to forging meaningful connections and crafting unforgettable experiences.
The tips we covered all aim to help you make the most of this journey on multiple levels. So keep these wise words of guidance top of mind as you enthusiastically hunt for those next grail additions to your prized collection.
