UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

As the Epilogues have shown, when auctions declare an item to be rare it usually turns out to be anything from garbage to spectacularly mundane. This auction, OVER 290+ Muscle Men – Action Figures “Kinikuman” 80’s, probably falls into the latter group.

From the auction pictures it is incredibly difficult to identify the specific figures. However, the seller claims Snellville, Georgia as the item’s location – which has not historically been associated with desirable figures.

While it is unlikely any buyer will discover a gem in the group, the real attraction is the sheer size of the group. The auction states that there are over 290 M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. One of the downsides to purchasing lots that large is that the shipping can often be expensive. Only adding to the attractiveness of the auction, the seller is offering free shipping.

The biggest drawback to this auction is the reserve price. M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors seem especially averse to reserve prices. Given that the seller, mikess10ss – who currently has perfect feedback, is selling USB Cables with a starting bid of $0.99 and a reserve price, a basic pricing approach can be suggested. The cables normally sell for $99. He claims that the have only been used for a few months, which suggests he still views them like-new. It would be prudent to think the reserve is, at least, in the $75 range – which is a 7457% increase from $0.99.

Given that the seller is comfortable with large price increases, it is not unthinkable that the reserve could be in the $200 range.

The final price of this auction will be $175, but will it meet the reserve price?

The sale price of M.U.S.C.L.E. posters fluctuate almost as much as the condition of the posters. It almost seems as if the sale price of a poster has very little to do with condition and much more to do with the impulsiveness and impatience of the M.U.S.C.L.E. collector. This is why this second auction, 1985 MATTEL VINTAGE M.U.S.C.L.E. MAN POSTER, is so interesting and so unique.

The poster’s price started at $0.99, plus the shipping price was incredibly reasonable – maybe even low. This auction was truly given the opportunity to let the marketplace decided its value. However, the auction description is incredibly important:

ORIGINAL POSTER OF THE MUSCLE MEN COLLECTION. THE POSTER HAS NUMEROUS RIPS ALONG THE EDGES AND HAS BEEN STORED FOLDED. ALOS, MY SONS MARKED THE ONES THAT THEY HAD ON THE POSTER WITH BLUE INK DOTS WHERE THE POSTER HAS A SPOT FOR YOU TO CHECK OFF IF YOU HAVE THAT MUSCLE MAN.

Condition is clearly an issue, which is even more evident in the auction’s picture of the poster. However, will the honesty of the seller (uncas789) and low price help to diminish those concerns?

This type of auction could see several bidders drive up the price on each other in the last few seconds. Each bidder thinking their slightly higher than desired bid would insure winning the auction.

Or the auction appeals to nobody because the poster is in terrible condition.

The final price of the second auction will be $18.50.

Follow-Up: The first auction, with the large lot of figures, sold for $137.50 which is $37.50 less than the predicted price of $175.

The second auction, for the poster, sold for $9.75 which is $8.75 less than the predicted price of $18.50.