The ability to purchase a single desired M.U.S.C.L.E. figure allows a certain level of convenience. This practice is especially easy for collectors that are part of a community (e.g., LittleRubberGuys.com). For buyers that do not participate in a collecting community, eBay is often the next easiest resource. Most of these auctions, or Buy-It-Now options, for singular figures have higher than normal prices and questionable shipping fees.
This auction makes a bizarre offer. The buyer can either use the BIN for approximately $2.43 for one figure or make an opening bid of approximately $0.81. However, based on the auction title VARIOUS M.U.S.C.L.E MEN FIGURES KINNIKUMAN it is not abundantly clear that the winner will select only one figure. This rule is stated in the third sentence of the auction description, but there seems to be an intention of snaring overly anxious buyers.
This type of auction also seems to border on being prohibited. A full description of eBay’s rules and policies can be read here. The UofM would suggest that the auction is not allowed, because they items offered are not the same. Only auctions featuring multiple versions of the same figure seem to fit within the rules.
Regardless of the appropriateness of the auction, it faces two other main flaws: (1) it relies on the seller to properly identify the figures; and (2) does not provide pictures of each available figure.
Interestingly, the seller has also provided links to Soupie’s M.U.S.C.L.E. Colors Image Archive and Raumhafen’s website, which features a section on M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. These are helpful links, but seemingly hope to capitalize on Soupie’s ratings of: Common, Uncommon, and Rare.
Auction Screen Shot
Auction Picture
Follow-Up: A single, unknown figure sold for $4.52.
Final Auction Screen
