How much for a MP collection?

[species5618w]

Thinking about starting to save for a MP collection. Hasbro if possible (unless Takara is cheaper). What would be a target to shoot for? Initially, probably just unique molds to save money and add repaints later on.

[Masta_Skidz]

I know this has been asked before I think one of the fellow member could answer but you should always go with Takara as they are the designers of that line and always have the new mold months/years before Hasbro ever even thinks about releasing them over here. That is just my 2 cents

[CdnCollector420]

I have a few for sale... Check out my sales page

[Team Jetfire]

With the current mainline offerings being less than good (looking at you RID) I have started picking up some of the MP's that I have missed out on over the years and unfortunately they ain't cheap.

My advice is simple:
Look locally first. Comic, Hobby or Asian stores may have a few with a limited markup. These should be equivalent to online prices, but without the shipping or conversion. If that fails, check out local conventions and fan meet ups. With Takara constantly re-releasing these and TRU eventually getting them the demand is lower and some are willing to part with them for cheaper.

Look at the sales thread on Fan boards. I actually picked up Smokescreen from CdnCollector for a great deal. Shipping can be expensive, but if you are in the same area you can meet a fellow collector.

Canadian Online stores: Prices are decent and they usually have direct shipping.

Asian Online stores: A great resource if you know what you are looking for. I have never debt directly with any, but I know some members swear by them. The currency conversion is a little better, but the shipping can take a while.

American Online stores: The recent drop in the Canadian dollar has made this option harder. That said, they typically have a great selection is you are willing to pay. Shipping is also pricey.

Ebay- Only as a last resort.

Knock-offs. This could be a little controversial but there is a decent KO market for these things and the prices are much more reasonable. That said, mileage varies on these so check reviews and make your own judgement. If anything, KO's are great to pick up the repaints.

As for pricing:
Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Soundwave and Rodimus: $160-$250
Seekers, Hotrod, Grimlock: $90-$150
Cars: $70-$110

[ccsquinty]

I laughed when i recently saw someone on kijiji selling a hasbro mp rodimus prime for $320

[Rev]

I wouldn't save up, I would just start buying them as I see them starting with

1. New Releases (cheapest)
2. Figures you like most

[wervenom]

Originally Posted by Rev

I wouldn't save up, I would just start buying them as I see them starting with

1. New Releases (cheapest)
2. Figures you like most

Great advice. Trying to get into MP's later in the game is a tough thing to do. To species5618w best of luck, great figures and worth having but pricey for older ones

[Rodimus Prime1]

Originally Posted by Rev

I wouldn't save up, I would just start buying them as I see them starting with

1. New Releases (cheapest)
2. Figures you like most

Originally Posted by Team Jetfire

With the current mainline offerings being less than good (looking at you RID) I have started picking up some of the MP's that I have missed out on over the years and unfortunately they ain't cheap.

My advice is simple:
Look locally first. Comic, Hobby or Asian stores may have a few with a limited markup. These should be equivalent to online prices, but without the shipping or conversion. If that fails, check out local conventions and fan meet ups. With Takara constantly re-releasing these and TRU eventually getting them the demand is lower and some are willing to part with them for cheaper.

Look at the sales thread on Fan boards. I actually picked up Smokescreen from CdnCollector for a great deal. Shipping can be expensive, but if you are in the same area you can meet a fellow collector.

Canadian Online stores: Prices are decent and they usually have direct shipping.

Asian Online stores: A great resource if you know what you are looking for. I have never debt directly with any, but I know some members swear by them. The currency conversion is a little better, but the shipping can take a while.

American Online stores: The recent drop in the Canadian dollar has made this option harder. That said, they typically have a great selection is you are willing to pay. Shipping is also pricey.

Ebay- Only as a last resort.

Knock-offs. This could be a little controversial but there is a decent KO market for these things and the prices are much more reasonable. That said, mileage varies on these so check reviews and make your own judgement. If anything, KO's are great to pick up the repaints.

As for pricing:
Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Soundwave and Rodimus: $160-$250
Seekers, Hotrod, Grimlock: $90-$150
Cars: $70-$110

Good advise ^

Also 3rd P figures are 100 -200 cdn

You just have to do the math now

10 main figures easily = $ 1,750.00 roughly

[Pascal]

Originally Posted by Team Jetfire

Ebay- Only as a last resort.

That's not always true. Some of the stuff there can be had dirt cheap. Sometimes there are so many people trying to sell the same thing that it ends up selling for next to nothing due to lack of bidders.

[Einstein]

Originally Posted by Pascal

That's not always true. Some of the stuff there can be had dirt cheap. Sometimes there are so many people trying to sell the same thing that it ends up selling for next to nothing due to lack of bidders.

I have never seen that happen.