Vintage drying up on eBay?

edd_jedi

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I have noticed for a while that the number of MOCs has massively declined on eBay since some genius ruined the categories several years ago, but as I've just started putting a loose set together I'm amazed how few complete loose figures are now on there too. For example, there isn't a SINGLE loose complete B-Wing Pilot on there right now. There are a couple of graded ones, several MOC and a few with repro weapons, but not one ungraded with original weapon. I thought there would be dozens!

Where have they all gone? Are people hoarding because of the new films? Or have sellers all moved to Facebook?
 
I have only been collecting for just under 2 years and vintage for less but I would tend to agree with this, even in the last 3 months. I don't really do facebook but I do pop on every now and again and there never seems to be a shortage although it seems to be what you happen across rather than searching for specific items. If some knows how to do this then please let me know btw.
 
I agree , there is getting less and less of good decent figures and very little 12 inch figures either !

Maybe more people are starting to hold onto them and waiting
 
I am probably one of them hoarders :oops: I have quite a few job Lots from over the years. Looking for complete figures and ships. I have them stored up in the attic i must get them out and move them on soon before the wife sees them :)
 
I have about 20-30 loose complete listed each week

(Link in my signature)
 
I know I wish I had found this forum years ago before I spent a fortune :shock: I have to sell some of my collection before I buy much more :D
 
Yep been thinking this for a while, part of me has given up in a way. Unless you want to pay a fortune for an AFA whatever. :roll:
 
Theres plenty on there for sure just not high quality. Asides of iains and jamies ebay stores of course :)
 
poncho said:
Theres plenty on there for sure just not high quality. Asides of iains and jamies ebay stores of course :)

My store is empty at the moment too I'm afraid. Got all my funds tied up in a major purchase which is still ongoing and has been for months.

Fingers crossed it gets sorted soon and I can get back on the trading train.
 
There maybe a few factors involved.
1 more people collecting at the moment.
2 Facebook
3 eBay itself (I used to trade quite a bit on eBay but got sick of the bell ends using it)
Just my opinion.
 
Maybe it's some sort of Star Wars recession for eBay. I suspect it's more to do with the success of FB groups. Why pay fees on eBay when you can sell for nothing on Facebook?
 
I'm glad it's drying up. Firstly, this stuff is supposed to be rare. If collectors are hoarding them, well that's what collecting is about. The more I see come up for sale, the more I worry what I have isn't that unique.

I'm also glad becuase the little bit of money I had to play with this year is well and truly gone lol. I'll be happy to make a small buy every 2-3 months. Like others have said, collecting vintage is a marathon, not a race.
 
How's are they supposed to be rare? There will tens of millions produced and many people kept their collections. These aren't disposable toys.

As to lack of stock FB might have something to do with it, but I just think there are more collectors out there - so supply is out-striping demand. I know Vectis have stock, but in the past there was always stuff coming up at other AH's as well, and these just don't seem to happen much any more. The lack of stock is particularly noticeable for items with htf accessories like R2 pop, Luke Stormtrooper, maybe even some of the harder to find blasters - like B-Wing pilot.

Really though, I think the lack of MOC's is killing things - U-grading, AFAing everything and (probably) things getting damaged in the post or otherwise or deteriorating over time means that finding a good quality ungraded MOC is next to impossible now.
 
jedisearcher said:
How's are they supposed to be rare? There will tens of millions produced and many people kept their collections. These aren't disposable toys.

That's exactly it, I'm not talking about rare MOCs or variants, I'm talking about loose production figures, of which there are literally millions still in circulation. The vast majority are not and never will be rare. That's why I'm surprised there are so few for sale.
 
I'm glad there is a dry spell too. FB and forums like this are bringing out alot of quality items at good prices now. Ebay is becoming ridiculous with fakes and crazy high prices.

There's still alot of sellers on ebay US but that global shipping program is killing off sales from overseas buyers. Prices on general mocs are good, but once that gsp goes on... forget it.

I must have bought my last 20 or so mocs from FB groups. (Only coz Iain hasn't had ones i needed here) Good prices, reasonable shipping & genuine buyers. Just about does it for me.
 
Namelesswarrior said:
Totally understand what you guys are saying, would love to know what FB Groups your on about MarkG?????? :) :)

There's a few about..

Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
Yavin 4 - UK based group
Echo Base UK Trading Vintage

Plus many more but those are my main haunts.
 

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