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

Normally the appearance of a Spinning Head Ashurman (SHA) brings a fair amount of anticipation and wonder to the M.U.S.C.L.C. community. This SHA auction could currently be the least well received auction for a “Super Rare” figure – which begs the question, “Why is this auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. men figures LOT OF 87, being met with such cynicism?”

The greatest cause for concern with collectors is that the seller has zero feedback. For some collectors zero feedback is just as bad a “purchased” feedback. This is when the eventual seller purchases incredibly inexpensive items solely to increase their feedback scores. For example, a seller like draycheva1 is currently “selling” feedback. With either questionable or non-existent feedback, buyers are very leery to assume that the seller with be 100% honest or trustworthy.

The auction description does not instill confidence either:

This is a LOT of 87 figures. These are the original flesh colored. About 7 (ones along the left mostly) have some painting on them and there’s 1 blue one. They are a little dusty but over all in good condition.

Shipping – to the United States Only, with Paypal Confirmed Address.
ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING.
REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER GOOD DEALS!!!
THANKS FOR LOOKING!

Upon closer inspection, buyers could become concerned for several additional reasons:

1. The seller has changed their ID just days before the auction. After almost 5 years of total inactivity, the seller has changed his ID a few days before his auctions begin.

2. The seller has refused to answer emails. This is especially disconcerting because the auction states, “ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING.”

3. The seller’s other items. It may be a coincidence, but in two of the four auctions the seller happens to have desirable pieces (i.e., the SHA and the POTF Luke Stormtrooper Helmet). Plus the Battle Beasts are listed as Takara Battle Beasts. Again, it could be a coincidence but it appears more bizarre in the context of these other issues.

Ultimately the greatest concern is that the SHA does not have his head. A replacement head could be cast, but this may not be a viable solution for the collectors willing to spend more than a few dollars on the figure. Of course, buyers may also feel that this situation is a prime opportunity to acquire (even partially) a SHA figure.

With much of the M.U.S.C.L.E. community questioning the reliability of the seller and questioning the merit in owning a headless SHA it is difficult to guess the final price of this auction. There also has to be consideration of shill bids impacting the final price.

As time is running out a few collectors will likely view the auction as a great opportunity to swoop in and “steal” a SHA. This will likely drive the price higher than most people expect. The final auction price will be $145.

Follow-Up: The final price of the auction was $91.00, which was $45 less than predicted.