Prices of 12backs from 2012 (and earlier) compared to 2014

[Joe]

I've just seen this 12 back Luke on RS (in rather tatty condition) listed at $950: http://forum.rebelscum.com/t1111604/

The seller even states:

There isnt too many opportunities to pick up a 12 back Luke these days for this price! - $950

About two years ago I remember Ryan and I picked up a gorgeous 12 back Luke on RS for Ed as a present and we bought it for $400 (it was originally listed at $450, I offered $350 and the seller countered with $400..which truth be told I almost passed on thinking it was too pricey!)

Just WTF is going on? Are collectors now paying double than they were two years ago for items that are in worse condition??

I honestly think this is the biggest spike in prices I have ever seen in the last 10-11 years (and we've seen a fair few in that time!)

Anyone got any thoughts on this? I don't for one moment believe that everybody here can afford to collect at today's prices so why don't we all just go on a mass break for a year or two till the madness stops! :lol:

 

[Stargeezer]

Prices are nuts at the moment, just follow for example some graded 12 backs On ebay, stuff you picked up 2-3 years ago at 300-400, now sell for 3 digits.

 

[Grant_C]

I remember buying that for Ed.

I think there is a god chance that financial investor collectors are coming into the hobby as I cannot reconcile that collectors who have been in the hobby with just a few years experience are justifying the price hike.

I know some collectors are taking a step back as we have been down this road before in 97-99 with the Episode 1 hype, but it was never this bad.

3 years ago I won pretty much every oddball item as I was the only one, maybe a small group of others bidding on this stuff. Last month I won a single eraser and was outbid on everything else.

I think that what has happened to the market is getting more profound as we get closer towards Episode VII.

 

[Nick_IoW]

There's a HUGE 12 back craze going at the moment on the facebook pages. Its silly. Huge amount collecting 12A's which have just rocketed beyond belief. Anything and everything is being AFA'd. And plenty of the more well known collectors are buying just to grade and flip on for twice the price - and some of these people complain repro is ruining the hobby - well so the **** are they.

Even some American folks buying from Vectis auctions to grade and flip stateside. Using the amazing $15 pricing guide for AFA graded items as a price reference to convince others that these items are worth this much, and in turn inflating prices more - rinsing and repeating.

I may not have been in the hobby long - but I am catching up on what's really ****ing annoying really quick.

 

[jambobbyb]

I have been trying to finish off a beater 12 back run been at it for a couple of years now, I only needed 3po chewie and a tusken raider these three are now totally beyond my budget even as beaters.

 

[theforceuk]

I completed my 12 backs last year and can't believe how much they are going for it's crazy. I turned down £300 for a luke AFA 75 only to see it get relisted and sell for nearly £400. That was October 2012 and I realised then with 4 left to get I needed to hurry up and get the run finished before I would not be able to afford them. Ended up paying £350 for an AFA 60

I also think some people are just going for the 12 backs and nothing else. I mean new collectors who just get the first 12 and then hang them up as a show peice.

I did watch a AFA 80 Han solo go for about £450 6 months ago and then 2 days later another one whent for £800. :? :?

 

[Joe]

I appreciate you posting replies guys, it's crazy to hear people are now priced out of even buying beaters for themselves! :shock:

I guess we just have to blame the Disney buy out on this one guys. Nothing else could have instigated this crazy surge in prices within a two year period.

The buy out happened towards the end of 2012 and when I think about it, the media attention it got at the time must have been pretty in your face for non fans and non collectors. I can only imagine the amount of people the news reached worldwide who suddenly decided picking up "collectibles" was a good investment.

You have to wonder what the fall out from all of this will be, especially if the film bombs at the cinema (I am always on the fence with anything Star Wars..I kind of want it to do well because I enjoy the franchise but at the same time a good series or film only makes our situation as collectors worse). If however the film is a huge success then I fear some of us will just have to bow out from collecting Vintage too soon

Not usually one to scaremonger but all of this is rather scary.

 

[jambobbyb]

Take a look at the front page of this board, most users online ever is 195 (that includes guest users) on October 30th 2012 the exact same day Disney announced the new films.

http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd

 

[theslider]

As much as I'd like to blame Disney Joe, this one I think lands with people who own these pieces and a looking to make a quick buck. It's not just 12 backs (which even at pre 2012 prices are out of reach for 'ordinary' (i.e. poor!) collectors) which has seen this inflation as you seen many auctions on eBay mentioning how prices are going to increase after the new film is released and that their auction will be an investment piece.

 

[Nick_IoW]

I'm hoping the bubble will burst and they'll all be of little value - I've put quite a big chunk into my collection, but not for investment. So if the bottom does fall out - just think of all the goodies we could buy at reasonable prices!

Ahh if only.

And the one who dies with the most toys wins, right?

 

[theslider]

And the one who dies with the most toys wins, right?

correct!

 

[Joe]

Take a look at the front page of this board, most users online ever is 195 (that includes guest users) on October 30th 2012 the exact same day Disney announced the new films.

http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd

:shock: I guess that confirms it lol!

As much as I'd like to blame Disney Joe, this one I think lands with people who own these pieces and a looking to make a quick buck. It's not just 12 backs (which even at pre 2012 prices are out of reach for 'ordinary' (i.e. poor!) collectors) which has seen this inflation as you seen many auctions on eBay mentioning how prices are going to increase after the new film is released and that their auction will be an investment piece.

Oh yeah totally, I'm not blaming Disney (in fact I thought it was cool that they over from George) - just the "Disney effect" (the media storm that followed the buy out) because it seems to have brought out all the people with cash to burn and no sense.

In a way it would be quite satisfying to see the film flop, prices fall and all of those "investments" turn into a waste of money but ... deep down I would love to see a great film..

Torn.

 

[Joe]

I'm hoping the bubble will burst and they'll all be of little value - I've put quite a big chunk into my collection, but not for investment. So if the bottom does fall out - just think of all the goodies we could buy at reasonable prices!

I agree with you Nick, I never got into this hobby to make money it was simply a connection to my childhood that I had lost and wanted back. I wouldn't even care in the slightest if everything I own devalued to less than I paid for it because it would mean I could collect again and for me that's what's important - not making a profit!

 

[Michael Sith]

I'm hoping the bubble will burst and they'll all be of little value - I've put quite a big chunk into my collection, but not for investment. So if the bottom does fall out - just think of all the goodies we could buy at reasonable prices!

I agree with you Nick, I never got into this hobby to make money it was simply a connection to my childhood that I had lost and wanted back. I wouldn't even care in the slightest if everything I own devalued to less than I paid for it because it would mean I could collect again and for me that's what's important - not making a profit!

Great ethos Joe,

If as a collector, you buy what you can afford, and buy what you want, then the speculative investors can go about what they do, until they tire and look for an alternative, then maybe things will settle.

If you have a love of SW you are in it for the long haul, and no matter what happens you will still collect......

 

[Grant_C]

The film will be the biggest success of all time and we will be up to our necks in plastic. :wink:

 

[Richard_H]

Priorities Joe, priorities!


http://www.starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21356

 

[Joe]

Priorities Joe, priorities!


http://www.starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21356

:lol:

You caught me Rich, I rarely check the SWF classifieds these days

I'll get me coat!

 

[Stargeezer]

..... Using the amazing $15 pricing guide for AFA graded items as a price reference to convince others that these items are worth this much, and in turn inflating prices more - rinsing and repeating.

You know, this so called price guide is just a compilation off last years eBay sales, so if items sell for those prices, then there is no other way then to say thats the current market value...


I also would like to upgrade my 12 back chewbacca, but like,many others, i also am priced out off the hobby as i cant afford to spend 1000 On a single MOC.

It a great time for Sellers, bad time for buyers... Also the people who buy 12 backs these days for the current prices are not gonna sell them later for the "used to be" prices, so i dont think prices Will ever come down again.

 

[yogi]

Hi Guys, just noticed this thread. Yes my items for sale, perhaps I was a bit heavy handed with the pricing :lol: however Im open to offers as always. To be honest this is the only luke I have had. I based my price on a slightly nicer but very similar one on RS thats the seller is asking $1,200. Thats and eBay sales. It took me ages to get a Luke and he wasnt cheap. I am only selling this as dropped a huge chunk of cash yesterday and I have a takara luke on the way

Interested to see the opinions on 12 back prices

 

[Lee Gregory]

I've been.thinking this for the past year or so Joe, not just 12 bks,but lots of ESB figs are the same.

Few years back I struggled to shift an afa 80 48a Fett for £300......

I honestly think it is not all down to collectors, where can you put your money these days and get any sort of return on it??? I believe that some people are just investing in vintage items to get a return on their money...it is the only explanation I can think of