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The Rules of Collecting MPs (opinion piece)
There are some ground rules if you're going to be 'serious' about collecting MPs (toys r serious business, the internet sez so):
1. Budget accordingly. Don't collect a line you can't afford (and with MPs, you're starting at the top). Don't use false 'prices' to plan your budget: use MSRP and the average (sometimes even slightly higher) price to plan your purchases. You just may come in below budget at the end of the year. MPs are expensive, m'kay?
2. Take advantage of pre-orders, domestic or overseas, to get the best prices for MP products. This is the only 'sale' equivalent you'll get for MPs from Takara, but some locals sellers will discount stock from time to time (rarely).
3. If you want to save cash, buy from overseas. Realize there may be a trade-off in customer service, and you may get hit with border fees (fees which are worse with USA-based dealers) Buy locally if you want the best customer service. This will cost you more. See Rule 1.
5. Pre-plan your purchases annually, if you can. Being spontaneous can be fun, but ultimately a waste if it doesn't a) stay in your collection for the long term or b) can't be sold for retail value at a later date. Since MP announcements can be quick (last 3 come to mind), come up with a number you think works for you. Between repaints, reissues and new product, you can get over budget pretty quick. Really think about your collection and what you want in it. For many of us, this is the hardest rule.
6. You will probably not see MPs 'in the wild' unless you live in a large city. Pre-order or purchase with the big stores online to avoid the dreaded 'out of stock' blues. You will only get so many chances before it's gone for good online.
7. You must balance your wants versus your budget, but don't choose thriftiness over your collection goals: do you want to save $20 on MP Starscream, or do you want MP Starscream? This is NOT the same as blowing your budget: this is about you trying to get a deal at the risk of missing a product entirely. You can't always win on timing sales, so don't get unreasonably upset when you didn't get a deal that dozens of (essentially imaginary) people brag about on a forum. Trust me on this one: you won't remember the savings six months afterwards. See Rule 1.
8. If you can only afford to buy MPs when (if) they go on sale, then you probably shouldn't be collecting MPs. This shouldn't be a problem if you stick to Hasbro MPs only, but remember Soundwave and Prime had their issues (Starscream in the States was also a PITA online). If you ONLY collect Hasbro MPs, then your only problem should be locating product, not the price.
9. Don't blame scalpers. We all hate them, yet our internet karma seems to bounce off their slimy, repugnant, basement-dwelling, parasitic skin. This hate is useless and largely inconsequential if you plan ahead. Any member of this (or other) forum has a big leg up on any scalper: information, networking and desire. We want it more than any f#%king scalper. Use that to your advantage.
10. Enjoy yourself. If you find yourself not doing that, start over at Rule 1 and see where you f#$ked up.
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"You're an idiot, Starscream!"
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