Anyone now feel this is a hobby for millionaires?

[SOJ]

I think a nice loose collection is still within most peoples reach. Most cost no more than than a off the peg modern carded figure.

The last 17 is the exception but that's always been.

I've been collecting 15 years and only this year started in on the ESB MOC's. Back in 2000 when I was a spritely 21 years old I remember looking at the prices of MOC and the prices scaring me off then.

Obviously prices have gone up significantly since, but so has my salary. It's all relative at the end of the day. Don't think I'll ever own at set of 12 backs though.

If you want all AFA 85's and pre-production items, yes you'd need a big chunk of cash. You can get bitter about that or hunt down the bargains that ARE still out there.

Will the MOC bubble burst? Maybe once the hype for Ep 7 dies down but I'm doubting that at the moment.

 

[Caswellbot]

People collect in different ways and like anything you have to adapt to the circumstances you find yourself in. collecting high end items doesn't need to make you broke. I think difficulties often arise when people make that step up from buying loose to carded or carded to preproduction. It is foolhardy to think that you can buy with the same level of frequency unless you have the expendable income.

Buying items on payment plans can work but you have to be strict. All too often you hear of people defaulting on payment plans or actually buying items that they can't afford and having a backlog of items they are waiting to pay off. That seems a bit ridiculous to me.

Andy is right, this is a hobby and is meant to be fun but having finances pushed to the limit is not fun for anyone.

 

[Grant]

The way prices are going these days for high end stuff is crazy. In saying that tho 12 backs used to cost £1.59 pence. So you do the maths. It's the same for everything else. We're dealing with a finite supply that's almost 40 years old. Prices have been on the rise since this stuff came out. I don't expect to see them drop at all.

The hobby is getting mass exposure these days with all the social network sites and TV. Now with Disney stepping up to the plate it's on a whole new level. They will just keep churning out films and toys. If your in it for the long haul I see great returns for quality vintage stuff.

Just my 2 pence worth. G

Ps I should add that with today's prices I can't afford to actively collect anymore AND Even if I could I'd refuse to pay today's what seems like crazy prices...

 

[_Lee_]

It is far from a millionaires hobby. If you are patient you can find what you want without spending mega bucks. Sure, pre production material etc are expensive, but you can get a revenge proof for £200 or so if you hunt around. I think too many collectors with deep pockets hoover up things in one swoop over a small period of time, rather than enjoy the hobby for what it is. If someone has worked hard and is in the position to use their wealth, then thats good for them, but dont for one minute think that they are more of a collector than you.

 

[Grant]

It is far from a millionaires hobby. If you are patient you can find what you want without spending mega bucks. Sure, pre production material etc are expensive, but you can get a revenge proof for £200 or so if you hunt around. I think too many collectors with deep pockets hoover up things in one swoop over a small period of time, rather than enjoy the hobby for what it is. If someone has worked hard and is in the position to use their wealth, then thats good for them, but dont for one minute think that they are more of a collector than you.

All collectors are equal from high rollers to low ballers. Just enjoy what you do. Patience pays off sometimes. I used to collect Pre Prod and before that MOC's but these days the stuff I like is at a level I couldn't and wouldn't go to if I could. Just depends what your after and how you choose to collect I suppose but nobody should think their better than others. We all eat we all sh*t and we all die. Somewhere in between some of us collect toys etc... The end. 8)

 

[Michael Sith]

Great synopsis Grant....

That's what attracted me to SWFUK in the first place...no judgement...just collecting vintage at whatever level your budget allows. Great hobby at all levels and for all budgets

 

[ZippyNL]

Some of best pieces of star wars stuff have cost literally nothing, and recreating those childhood moment can usually be done for a modest amount.

Very true. One of the pieces I was most excited to pick up was an R2-D2 Cliro soap model from 1977, which I had assumed would be impossible to find these days. But after checking EBay for a few weeks, I managed to get one in the box for about 10 quid. That took me back to the day just as much as any Palitoy MOC.

 

[Captainsolo1978]

Good points guys!

Collecting was easier when I was in my 20s, single and on a good income!

Now my wife and wee lad are my priority, so I will pass my collection to him when he is older!!!

 

[MarkG]

I collected a full set of the 96 MOC between 2000 and 2002. Various cards in that too, but not debut (too pricey for me back then).

Prices were reasonable, ranging from £20 to over £300 (yak face). Unknowingly back then I had a few TT editions as well. I sold them all off in 2004.

Recently got back into it and found prices have shot up, but only on certain figures. ROTJ release figures are still obtainable at a good price, but others have increased.

If you go for debut cards you will be paying a high premium, but if your not fussed on card and condition, its still possible to keep your costs low.

 

[Captainsolo1978]

I have a complete run of the first 77 except both C3POs and the original R2, so quite lucky in that respect!!!

I got many of my Carded figures when John Menzies sold them off in 1989/90. Even as a 12 year old I liked the "art" on my wall!!!

 

[Dark Sith Lord]

Some of best pieces of star wars stuff have cost literally nothing, and recreating those childhood moment can usually be done for a modest amount.

Dont get drawn into the "bigger" stuff, a lot of people are addicted to it and it becomes an obsession more than a passion, just collect within your budget and have fun.

+1.
Some great posts in this thread guys!

 

[TheGent]

When I look at how much Iain got for his offerless 21-B, I am tempted to say yes, this is a hobby for millionaires.

 

[x-pack]

No! Check out my sales :wink:

 

[Paul Armory]

Being a rookie collector to many, I decided to start a MOC run, still keeping my loosies, a couple years ago before the whole Disney purchase and I have watched as many MOC's prices have increased. The increases to those prices have made me dedicate myself to only a couple focuses and sell off some of the MOC's I had picked up. Someone mentioned many collectors being older and having that spare cash on hand to put towards those pricey items and I agree indeed but some of the prices for pieces that are not even rare ones is ridiculous.

The bubble bursting on the MOC prices will be fun to watch if that indeed does happen. Many vintage toy sellers did pick up their game with the Disney buy due to that almighty lure of the $ £ € etc., but who can blame them? I figure with the lure of all the new products that will be hitting the shelves, leading up to the release of VII and of course after, it will turn some attention back away from the 77-85 pieces. Maybe

 

[bobbybobs]

The general prices of MOCs are definitely becoming insane but I am still finding some really decent bargains. I guess I'm just having to learn to be more patient than before. I'm finding though that eBay is not the place to look for any bargains....

Although I was stung by TT a couple of times, it actually had a very positive effect on my collecting. I used to only collect c8 grade or higher but the scandal made me yearn a little bit more for non-pristine MOCs with a little bit of character.