Why? The auction features a very large lot of Flesh figures. It is also very difficult to see each specific figure. The auction also comes from the New York area. Admittedly, New Jersey isn’t New York – but it’s much closer that Oklahoma or South Dakota. The last, and perhaps most important factor, is that the auction features a very low entry point – $19.99.
This price invites even experienced collectors to take a chance on this auction. At worst, a collector will end up with 170 Flesh figures that appear to be in great condition.
The final price of this auction will be $87.
The second auction, L@@K!!! M.U.S.C.L.E. MEN SATANS CROSS #236 FREE SHIPPING L@@K!!!, is a classic overpriced Satan Cross. The $75 Buy-It-Now price is absurd – even with free shipping. However, there is a glimmer of hope with the “Make Offer” option.
Given that the BIN is $75, a price of $65 seems like a fair guess in predicting the seller’s minimum price. Even at $65 the Satan Cross figure is still significantly overpriced. Economics 200 tracked Satan Cross prices for five years, a realistic value for Satan Cross is probably $30. Impatience and/or inexperience probably push the price to the $40 to $50 range.
The second auction will not sell for $75.
The third auction, m.u.s.c.l.e. men lot of 9, is a lot of nine figures – but one specific figure stands out, the counterfeit #3 figure. The figure looks very similar to the Type O #3 figure, but properly identifying counterfeit figures from pictures alone can be very difficult. Often the texture and firmness of the figure are some of the best indicators of its “type.”
The remaining eight figures are of almost zero interest. This auction will likely sell exclusively on the value assigned to the counterfeit #3 figure. Because the auction has a $0.99 starting price it will likely attract #3 collectors, Sunshine figure collectors, and counterfeit collectors.
The final price of the third auction will be $5.50.
The fourth auction, Lot of 206 M.U.S.C.L.E Men Figures * 80’s * Mix Colors, like the first auction is perfect for the optimistic collector. There were not any Class A figures that immediately jumped out while looking at the auction pictures. However, the auction pictures don’t really provide a perfect view of all of the figures. It is entirely possible that a desirable Class A figure is hidden under some other figures.
Given that the starting bid and Buy-It-Now price are so close, any interested bidder is likely to opt for the Buy-It-Now price of $139.99. The shipping costs are also exorbitantly high, so many collectors will likely factor the shipping cost into the price – which results in a per figure price of approximately $0.80.
Will a collector be willing to pay $0.80 for 206 figures? If they turn out to all be Class C figures, then a terrible price will have been paid. However, if a collector can add even one Class A figure to their collection, then they will likely feel that they have scored a tremendous deal.
A collector will use the Buy-It-Now option, and the final price of the forth auction will be $139.99.
The fifth auction, Rare Muscle Toys – M.U.S.C.L.E KNOCKIN’ ROCKIN’ WRESTLING RING – Vintage 80’s, is too ridiculous to miss. A concerted effort is made to highlight positive auction with Auction Watch. However, some auctions are so unbelievable that they need to be mentioned.
At first glance, and based on the nearly $100 starting bid, it appears that the auction is for a badly worn, but sealed Hard Knockin’ Rockin’ Ring Wrestling Arena. Once a bidder looks at the auction description it becomes clear that is not the case.
This auction is simply terrible. The box is not sealed and in terrible condition. It does not include the ring figures. The ropes look quite worn. And worst of all, the red clasp has been broken and glued back together. This auction is simply garbage. It would be better for the seller to recycle the paper and plastic.
The fifth auction will not sell.
#1 by Andre on March 1, 2012 - 9:04 am
I bought the 5th auction, Only rings I’ve ever seen at auction prior to this one have had no ropes, and either one, or both, broken clasps…and unfortunately, including P+P to the UK, there was no way i was paying around $100-$105. So for me, £45, instead of around £65 with no ropes or clasps or figures was the best i’ve found.
I’d found the Buffaloman figure in a mixed collection for roughly $7 and for $5 i’d gotten hold of Kinnikuman, mis-sold as Figure #141.
I know i’ve paid over the odds, but there’s nothing like completing a collection!…minus Satan Cross!
#2 by Chad Perry on March 1, 2012 - 11:17 am
Each collector has to make their own choices.
In a million years I wouldn’t pay that. I think it’s a stupid price for that item. I think the value, for a loose and incomplete ring, would be $30~$40 – tops! However, if the rings are going to be selling for your price, then I’m going to dig some of mine out and sell them.
#3 by Andre on March 2, 2012 - 6:10 am
Well, I’ve only seen poor quality rings for the same price, never seen one in better condition, other than a Mint one which was around $300. HA!!!…so i took my chance. However, I do tend to get impatient/obsessive.
Dig out yer collection Chief, you may find someone out there to exploit!
#4 by Andre on March 2, 2012 - 6:41 am
Sorry, English humour looks rude in text format.