NOTE: I'm pretty sure everything I discuss in this topic has already been touched on in some form by a variety of people throughout this board, but I don't know if there's a comprehensive thread for it. So, with Cybertron gearing up to be the biggest thing since...well, Energon, I took it upon myself to collect what knowledge I have of collecting Transformers on a budget. These tips are what I've used to make sure I don't run out of money when I'm buying toys.

 

So, I present The Poor Man's Guide To Collecting Transformers:

 

Basic Rules of Thumb

 

-Set a budget for yourself: this is probably the most important rule when doing anything regarding money (duh). However, this varies depending on who you are and what you do for a living. We'll use my budget for an example. I try to take about $10-$20 a week and set that aside for TFs, depending on what I have to pay off that week/month. I usually spend that money on one TF over the weekend, or a handful of smaller ones like the Scout class, or save it for a few weeks to get something bigger. Now, if you absolutely have to buy that King Starscream or Megatron right now, but it's out of your budget range, you'd better be prepared to hang on for the next few weeks. If you buy that Megatron at $40 but you only save $10 a week, then not only is your budget shot, but you might need that money tomorrow and not know it. It's all about willpower, first and foremost.

 

-Don't spend money you don't have yet: seriously, don't try to overextend yourself just to collect everything all at once. This falls under the budget rule, but it also applies in cases where you know you'll be coming into some extra money. If you know that next week you'll be getting holiday pay or you're expecting a birthday check or two, don't rationalize running down to Toys R Us to pick up Jetfire because you know you'll be getting that money. Something bad could happen between you and that payoff--you could get sick and have to miss your holiday pay, the check(s) could be delayed or even stolen, your car could break down, etc. It's better to actually have the anticipated money in your hand/account rather than projecting your spending based on what you're going to get.

 

-Rationalize: many of you may laugh at this rule, but trust me when I say realize that what you're collecting are toys. They're not really useful in a rational sense, and really it should be a hobby--not a way of life. :D I realize that they can be worth big bucks down the line, but really: do you want to explain to your girlfriend that you can't take her to the movies because you had to buy that Lio Kaiser because it'll be worth hundered of dollars someday?

 

-Know your limits: like I said, it's a hobby and shouldn't be a way of life. If your world revolves around TFs, it might be time to reconsider your priorities--unless you're only 15. Even then, though, understand that there's a fine line between collecting and obsessing. Just because you have Energon Kicker and aren't happy with the missing paint applications doesn't mean you have to run out and import Superlink Kicker from Japan so that it's accurate. This isn't a dig at anyone in particular, but if you're that hung up on a toy that's missing a bit of paint on it's head, calm down. Unless you have the budget for importing--or you're not the one paying for it--really, it's just paint. On a toy. And even if someone else volunteers to buy it for you, don't take advantage of them. They probably have financial concerns of their own. Also in this vein, buying one TF doesn't mean that you instantly oblidged to buy the entire line. If you think it sucks, leave it on the shelf. Seriously (cough*Swerve*cough).

 

-Try to use the same account to buy stuff: often this is overlooked, but try not to use both checking and savings accounts to buy TFs. It's going to come back to bite you in the butt if you spread your purchases across two accounts. If you're not careful, you might mix up your balances and forget that one account has less than the other, buy a Metroplex off of eBay and find out that you're $200 overdrawn. Keep track of what you buy with what account so that you're not tapping your resources needlessly. That way, you still have enough money in one account for something that might happen suddenly--car breaking down, hospital time, etc.

 

Now, some other tips that aren't essential, but they sure help.

 

-Use layaway: if your store has a layaway program, take advantage of it. There's no shame in having to wait to get 3 Alternators just because someone else beat you to the punch and posted pics first on the INTERNET. The bottom line is you're going to have the Alts you wanted, not that you're the first to get them. And it sure beats hiding the TFs only to come back the next day to find they've been reshelved and some 3-year-old is chewing on the box.

 

-Use the Endcap: a lot of posters here are scared to use it because we're technically all total strangers, but truth be told, this is one of the best B/S/T forums I've ever seen as far as the fandom goes--and I've seen quite a few. I've never had a problem dealing with people here, and the prices are usually really reasonable ($10 for a loose complete G1 Insecticon? SWEET!). If you're really scared or unsure, check the Positive Feedback thread and talk with some others here to see who they trust. But really, it's all good.

 

-Get some help: if your mom or your girlfriend/wife offers to buy something for you, take them up on it. C'mon, it's a free toy! But again, don't push your luck with them--if they offer to buy Optimus Prime, don't go and try to add a Unicron or Minicon pack to the deal. It might send the wrong message--TRUST ME ON THIS. And who knows? You might be creating a potential fan in the process.

 

-Try to stay loyal to a few stores: I'm guilty of violating this rule every month, but for the most part I try to limit my shopping to a handful of stores in my area. Not only does this save gas and keep the mileage down, but you might get something out of it. At TRU, they take your phone number for a reason. I've already got a 25% off card from them for repeat business, and the cashiers remember me so they've kinda gotten into the habit of setting aside a couple of TFs if they can. This is doubly true if you work somewhere that sells toys--employee discounts ROCK.

 

-Seek specific toys & garage sales: big ups to ErikB for pointing this one out for me.

Here are some easy to get G1 toys for those on a budget, all MiB:

 

Countdown he can run from 60-100 dollars, but look around a bit and you'llk find this Micromaster comand base for 40-50 in most parts.

 

Top Spin/Twin Twist, possibly the easiest to get MiB g1 toys ever! these guys are everywhere and the demand for them is low. I've seen people give these away just to get rid of them.

 

the later run Targetmasters can be found at times for the 30-50 dollar range.

 

these are just a few ideas. If you are not picky about complete loose toys here are a few ideas:

 

Grimlock, that's right...you heard me...he was the most bought out of all the Dinobots, and can be found in loose condition all over the place, i see about 3-4 four a year with 1-2 of them is displayable condition. these are usualy at garage sales and antique stores for the 5-15 dollar range.

 

the easiest to get team is the constructicons though finding them with the combiner parts is a bit tougher. Individual bots can be found as low as 3-5 bucks if you look hard enough.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You want real deals? real finds? GARAGE SALES! yes, your chances at finding mint perfect TF's is next to 0, but you will find more than you ever dreamed. I average 1 tf per day from garage sales alone, 350 TF's a year right there. now figure in antique dealers and auctions that number goes up to 10 TF's a week, not a bad haul for around $30 a week. However, remeber to haggle and haggle a lot. If a person is unwilling to haggle they are not worth your time. Most dealers mark up thier goods and should be willing to lower them. and as always, make sure to have fun and never forget to budget!!!!!!!

 

-Go piecemeal if you have to: don't feel like you have to buy the whole toy at once. Just because the figure is in excellent condition but is missing the accessories doesn't necessarily mean you should pass on it. Some hobby shops have "grab bags" full of loose acessories that you can root through, and most of those pieces are in excellent/good condition. Often the figure ends up costing far less than list price because of the missing acessories, and adding the acessories can sometimes only cost you a handful of quarters. Also, don't overlook the Endcap for the parts, as well as Reprolabels for some nice stickers.

 

-Try to stay domestic: from Skullfire.

Well, we are talking about being on a budget here not whether or not bt's are better than alt's.

 

Basicly, stay domestic if you are a collecter on a budget. Otherwise if money is no object then yeah spend spend spend......

 

As far as a quality in comparison to transformers from takara vs transformers from hasbro.....my experiance is tat this is a moot point.

 

Well, that's all that I can think of. I hope that this has been informative for some if not all of you. I appreciate any feedback from anyone--positive and negative--and if there's anything you feel I missed please let me know and I'll add it in later. If a mod feels this is important enough to pin (hint hint :P), then thanks for the acknowledgement.

 

Thanks for your time and happy collecting!  :thumb

Yay, way to go Strikeback. Excellnt topic.  I'm gonna have to hire you as my financial advisor

Excellent, thanks for the advice!  :thumb  I'll start using it as soon as i get my allowance back (i am still working at paying off the new computer). Thanks.

I applaud this topic... good for those of us who are on a budget for a reason (divorce recovery :-D)

 

Layaway and putting back for specific TF's works if you have somewhere that actually gets things in, as well as if you aren't someone to whom having it first matters.  I just got a lot of Energon *Thanks to Mattimus Prime* and though I had knocked the Autobot combiner feature... I find that it's very cool.

 

Also a thumbs up for the board.  I'm someone that only purchases from high feedback on eBay.. just b/c I'm a cautious person.  But on here, I've restored most of my stolen collection and for less than half of what I paid for them retail.  So evilBay is gone for me, unless it's just something rare. 

 

It also helps when you have a g/f that understands your hobby and is just as willing to catch Law and Order as go out :-)

 

My 2 cents

Ash

TRU gives discounts to repeat buisness?  I had no idea!

 

How much do you have to go there to get that?  and why don't they advertise it?

TRU gives discounts to repeat buisness?  I had no idea!

 

How much do you have to go there to get that?  and why don't they advertise it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

*Also did not know that

 

Tell us please!  :clap  Need the info!  :thumb

Excuse my ignorance but how does "layaway" work and do Canadian Walmarts have this?

I was planning on this topic, but never got around to it. But I'm glad you did this, lol, way better than I cou have dreamed of doing it. Here are some easy to get G1 toys for those on a budget, all MiB:

 

Countdown he can run from 60-100 dollars, but look around a bit and you'llk find this Micromaster comand base for 40-50 in most parts.

 

Top Spin/Twin Twist, possibly the easiest to get MiB g1 toys ever! these guys are everywhere and the demand for them is low. I've seen people give these away just to get rid of them.

 

the later run Targetmasters can be found at times for the 30-50 dollar range.

 

these are just a few ideas. If you are not picky about complete loose toys here are a few ideas:

 

Grimlock, that's right...you heard me...he was the most bought out of all the Dinobots, and can be found in loose condition all over the place, i see about 3-4 four a year with 1-2 of them is displayable condition. these are usualy at garage sales and antique stores for the 5-15 dollar range.

 

the easiest to get team is the constructicons though finding them with the combiner parts is a bit tougher. Individual bots can be found as low as 3-5 bucks if you look hard enough.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You want real deals? real finds? GARAGE SALES! yes, your chances at finding mint perfect TF's is next to 0, but you will find more than you ever dreamed. I average 1 tf per day from garage sales alone, 350 TF's a year right there. now figure in antique dealers and auctions that number goes up to 10 TF's a week, not a bad haul for around $30 a week. However, remeber to haggle and haggle a lot. If a person is unwilling to haggle they are not worth your time. Most dealers mark up thier goods and should be willing to lower them. and as always, make sure to have fun and never forget to budget!!!!!!!

TRU gives discounts to repeat buisness?  I had no idea!

 

How much do you have to go there to get that?  and why don't they advertise it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

not at the one I work at. its probably the manager's choice, unless you've befreinded an associate who's willing to give you their wopping 10 percent discount.

 

btw, where was this thread a year ago?

Excuse my ignorance but how does "layaway" work and do Canadian Walmarts have this?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

you take the items you want but can't afford (no food or perishible stuff) to layaway (usually in the back near the bathrooms) and pay at least 10% of the price.  then you have 3 or 6 months to pay off the rest with NO INTEREST.  If you don't pay it by the end of that time, they'll either give you an extension or put it back on the store floor.

 

I think all wal-marts do it, but I've never been to a canadian one.

 

and you need some type of ID to get it after paying for it, but you don't have to be a certain age.  I think they'll let any responsible looking person open a layaway account (free of charge).