The Epilogue routinely features auctions with low starting bids. It also features auctions with ridiculous opening bids. There are varying opinions, among varying populations, regarding the best way to sell M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would likely argue that you should start low, because if you have anything good M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors will find it and often pay a pretty penny for it.
That’s what makes these first two auctions so interesting. The auctions both feature 101 figures, acceptable pictures, and are made up of mostly Flesh figures but with a few Color figures too.
The first auction, Lot of ~101 M.U.S.C.L.E. men, features a $0.01 starting bid and $6 shipping. The second auction, M.U.S.C.L.E MUSCLE MEN KINNIKUMAN ACTION FIGURES LOT OF 101 FLESH & COLORED!, features a $50 starting bid and $12.50 shipping.
These two auctions will be interesting to watch. They are nearly identical, but which will be the better strategy for selling 101 figures? Past M.U.S.C.L.E. auctions would suggest the $0.01 starting bid will end higher than the auction with the $50 starting bid. Will history repeat itself?
The third auction, 1980’s Lot of M.U.S.C.L.E. Men Figures Vintage Kinkeshi Sunshine Muscle, is another interesting type of auction to watch. When a type of figure (Brick/Sunshine, Muscleman/Kinnikuman, etc.) is grouped together it often brings more of a premium price.
But that premium price is often not based on the “rarity,” but by the popularity of the figures. Some recent examples highlight that character grouping is a great way to sell – as long as the figure is popular. The final price of the third auction will help answer the questions, “How popular is Sunshine these days?”
The fourth auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Hard Knockin’ Rockin’ Ring Wrestling Arena 1985! Mattel! w/men, is interesting because it is a loose Ring that appears to be in very good condition. The majority of the recent rings that have been listed have very clear stress fractures/cracking on the clamps (or other problems).
This ring appears to be in very good condition, has its box, and 10 additional Flesh figures. Will other M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors notice the very good condition of the ring? Will it make a difference in the final price? Maybe. As of writing, the lot was already at $31. The final price will certainly answer those questions.
The fifth auction, KINNIKUMAN BANDAI 1991 “FINISH HOLD RING”CHOJIN POWER SERIES Kinkeshi, is a very curious lot. At first glance it looks like the buyer will get the game and 8 figures. However there are only three unique figures and the rest are doubles.The fifth auction raises two questions. First, is this a fair price for the lot? And second, the auction states:
This product is 100% Japanese original New Ver. and NOT chinese imitation.
Is that actually a problem with Kinnikuman items?
Final Results of the Auctions:
Final Price: $38
Final Price: $50
Final Price: $14.99
Final Price: $86
Final Price: Unsold
