The Epilogue often points out mixed lots of figures that contain M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. The lots often vary significantly with the quality of figures and the opening bid price. The first auction, Action figure mix lot G.I. Joe Star Wars Batman MUSCLE Swamp Thing, may be the best mixed lot ever.
It has a great mix of figures and accessories, and most importantly isn’t delusionally priced. Sure there are some Star Wars or GI Joe figures, but this seller appears to understand they aren’t mint, collectible examples of the figures. This is the perfect lot for kids and/or customizers – maybe even army builders.
The second auction, M.U.S.C.L.E Men Figures Kinnikuman Full Set Claws inc RARE PURPLE Claw Hand 153, was actually pointed out in the last Epilogue – but it has changed from its $850 BIN.
The seller, John, has been a long-time supporter of this website and is an experienced, well-known M.U.S.C.L.E. collector. This should erase any legitimacy concerns that buyers often have when a Purple #153 shows up on eBay.
For US bidders the shipping may seem a bit high, but that won’t matter for someone that wants a Purple #153. The fact that the seller is in the UK certainly makes this an ideal auction for UK bidders. The final price may not hit the original $850, but starting the auction very low will probably bring in enough bidders to get close enough to the $800 price tag.
Auction Watch #150 (and some other recent examples) highlight the popularity of selling types of figures together. However the results of these auction suggest the make-up of these lots greatly influences the final price. The third auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Sunshine figures lot kinnikuman, seems to be a fairly decent assortment of Brick/Sunshine figures.
As of writing the lot already has an opening bid of $15. The question becomes, “Will this lot even get to $20?”
The final auction, Musclemainia Select Toys M.u.s.c.l.e Red Warrior, is for a single Red #7 MUSCLEMANIA figure. However, the opening bid price is $9.99 with a $19.99 BIN.
MUSCLEMANIA auctions are very hard to predict. Not because of the MRT, but because MUSCLEMANIA collecting is a tiny, tiny, tiny niche of collectors. With that said, it is always easy for MUSCLEMANIA collectors to quickly spot terrible deals. And this fourth and final auction could be a long-time AOTW champion.
Even in the most gracious of pricing, the opening bid is probably double what MIGHT be considered fair. The $19.99 BIN (plus $2.50 shipping) for this Red #7 is downright comical.
Small footnote, final price screen captures have been added for Auction Watch #148, #149, and #150.
#1 by John on May 15, 2014 - 6:35 pm
Shipping is just what it costs to send Int Signed for via Royal Mail, nothing more. I cannot influence costs for shipping, I just want to protect myself and the buyer