This is an auction for “MUSCLES TOY ACTION FIGURES IN A CUP**NO RESERVE**.”
This auction highlights on of the main problems with M.U.S.C.L.E. auctions. The seller is completely unaware of the item they are selling. This is the full description of the auction:
THESE ARE A VERY RARE MUSCLE ACTION FIGURE THAT COMES IN A CUP
Uninformed sellers are normally only a danger to uninformed buyers. Uninformed sellers are only a danger to collectors when they instantly react to offers from potential buyers outside eBay’s bidding policy.
With this lot the latter option is not a concern because there will not be any collectors clamoring for these items. The “cups” are actually two 10-pack trash cans that have been carefully opened. The tops were carefully cut so the shrink-wrap around the majority of the can is still in place.
The seller made the poor choice of not laying out all of the figures. Potential buyers are much more likely to purchase M.U.S.C.L.E. figures they can identify. If there was a “VERY RARE MUSCLE ACTION FIGURE,” then the seller has missed out on the opportunity to reap the benefits by not showcasing it. In addition to not showing the figures, the seller has failed to give an exact figure count.
This auction starts very appropriately at $1.00. Unfortunately the shipping costs are far too excessive. These high shipping costs negate any potential savings from the $1.00 starting bid.
The best aspect of this auction is provided by the pictures. The price tag can be seen clearly. It reads, “Gibson’s $2.47.” This could potentially be Gibson’s Discount Center (an ACE Hardware affiliate) in Kerrville, Texas. It also provides a regional snapshot of the original retail price for a M.U.S.C.L.E. 10-pack.
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Auction Screen Grab
Follow-Up: The can and figures sold for $6.78.
Final Auction Screen
