I almost suggested that we’d start to see a flood of listings this week, but credit card bills probably aren’t yet showing the full holiday damages. The flood should start in January. In the meantime, what’s worth talking about on eBay?
The first auction, 2pcs Imaginext Series 11 MUSCLE MEN Kinnikuman LOOSE figureS Blind Bag, was unexpected in many ways.
What stopped me first was the $2.90 BIN. Since these Imaginext Figures aren’t much fun to have in the packaging, what would be the downside of buying them loose? For most collectors, odds are they will sit (as pictured) on a shelf in the exact same way as pictured.
I was intrigued I clicked on the listing. It became so much more intriguing to me.
The seller seems to be one of the many China/Taiwan sellers on eBay that sell “extra” production figures. I have heard multiple explanations: (1) overrun; (2) secretly run; (3) damaged; and/or different combinations of those things. I had previously experienced this type of seller when I was actively collecting Star Wars figures. This is the very first time I could remember experiencing this with anything related to M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.
My brain would absolutely melt is vintage M.U.S.C.L.E. figures started getting produced in original M.U.S.C.L.E. plastic.
An argument could be made the Super7 stuff was the first M.U.S.C.L.E.-related thing to experience this trend. I don’t really consider the Super7 stuff to be M.U.S.C.L.E – that’s just me.
Even though I already own the figures, I’m curious is there are any differences.
Finally, who would have thought there would be a price war taking place with these silly figures?!?!
The second auction, 1985 Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. BATTLIN’ BELT! Both Versions!, had me momentarily indecisive. Was this a good deal? Or, more accurately, is this a fair price?
My position has been that good, sealed belts can command $50 and slightly more for the window-box. Maybe $125 for both – to give a firm example.
This lot of belts has a $150 BIN – not far off from what I think is a generally fair price.
However, I would not suggest these belts are in “good” condition. My opinion is that they are, at best, “ok” or “fair.” The most damning piece of data is the masking tape on the back of the window box. The other box has an open flap too. Plus the seller even said, “…to my knowledge have never been used.” That’s CYA language is I’ve ever heard it.
It’s not a horrible lot, but certainly not $150. I wish this had been an auction format. There would have been far more interest.
The third auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Color And Flesh Posters!!! Great Condition., is connected to the second auction.
When I first saw the listing I thought, “Those look pretty good – $200 is pretty defensible.”
When I clicked on the auction I saw that the seller was the same seller as the belt auction. I felt very strongly that his “great” was “ok.” Does that mean I should be worried about his “great?”
I don’t know. The posters to look to be pretty nice.
I wish these posters were broken up into two different auctions. I think you would have a lot of up-graders interested. I’m willing to bet the seller just wants the posters gone. But will they go at $200?
Maybe, but not to me.
