How to Determine the Value of Your Action Figures
Got an old G.I. Joe laying around? How about a really cool original Obi-Wan Kenobi? Well, dust off those old toys and learn how to turn them into cold, hard cash.
Up next in How to Make Money with Collectibles (7 videos)
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You Will Need
- Action figures
- Price publication
- Internet access
Steps
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Step 1
Check your inventory
Check your inventory. You must figure out exactly what you have before you can determine its value. Many toys have increased in value over time, while some have decreased.
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Step 2
Determine the condition
Determine the condition of the action figure in question. The condition of the action figure, one of its most important assets, is measured by a grading scale that ranges from "Mint," which is perfect condition, down to "Very Poor" or "Bad" condition.
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Your best bet is to leave the item in the box -- out of the box the value decreases about 30 percent.
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Step 3
Check the value
Check the value of the action figure by visiting a local comic book shop or antique shop. You can also check a publication that lists action figure values. For a rough estimate, check auction websites to see what current figures are selling for.
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Step 4
Determine the selling time
Determine if it's a good time to sell your action figure. The market is fickle, and timing is everything. Keep your eye on sports figures, movie release dates, and other events that might drive up the price. You never know, you could have a closet full of more than just childhood memories.
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In 2003, collector Steve Geppi paid $200,000 for the first, hand-crafted G.I. Joe action figure, made in 1963.
