I sent them a list last week, got a response today saying they're only buying sealed figures now. I'm pretty bummed, because that was a great way for me to unload old stuff i didn't want anymore in one quick, easy deal, but now I guess I'll have to take my toys to my LCS or see what Captured Prey and TFSource have to say about my list... I did send my list to both of those places as well, but haven't heard back, hoping I do though, because I want to sell this stuff soon. Does anyone know when they made this change? It seems pretty recent, as I know people who've sent them things in the last 2-3 months.
Yeah, I got that same message from them not too long ago. It really sucks, since I've done it before and I've had virtually no problems from them.
Yep, I got the same email too, Lumpy. It sucks and like you I don't know how this change came about, but hopefully to sell some of my things too either here or some other means.
That sucks. I've never sent them anything before, due to low offers. If TFSource and Captured Prey are still taking them, then thats good, but not for those that want to unload their non-tfs.
Coming from the buyer side of it that sucks as well. When I got into Animated I was able to get a bunch of used deluxes for $5-$8 per TF.
So from their perspective it's the same. There are more people selling them than buying secondhand. We must be hitting the ceiling with collectors...
I'm sure they've got good business reasons behind it, it's probably not worthwhile to have to create an individual listing for each and every loose figure that comes in, and they've probably sat down and looked at how many figures come in and how quickly they go out, plus storage for those figures, etc. it all adds up. it's just a drag. oh well. my LCS gives me a good amount for stuff, so I might take them my list. I just wanted trade with BBTS cuz I'll get more than cash from my LCS and I want some more MP's...
I guess I must have hit them at the tail end of them still accepting loose toys as we drove over to their HQ back in August. (I live in Minnesota, so I'm right next door state wise to them) I used them twice actually to sell some huge lots of toys I had sitting around this year. The other time was in March.
They just emailed me back to let me know they stopped about 2 weeks ago. They're cutting down the buying department and it's easier to just scan and shelve figures that are barcoded, while loose figures need sorting, grading, pictures, etc. and they just don't get the amount of good items they used to anymore.
That's sad, the only way I managed to finish my BW collection was because of their loose and opened figures. Hell, there's still Animated figures I want I was hoping they'd get.
Would they still accept high end toys with the packaging in like new condition such as BotCon toys or Platnium Edition Transformers?
I just grabbed a loose MP-04 from them couple months ago for $125. Thought it was a great deal so I grabbed him. Oh well, those days are over.
That's too bad, I've bought many loose figures from them over the years. I'll buy loose if it saves me a few bucks, as long as it's not afu.
I buy loose stuff. I have a small shoppe that sells loose figures and I always need stock. I don't know what BBTS offers I doubt I can match that as my operation is very small. I've bought several large collections from TFW members over the years so anyone looking to unload loose figures can always feel free to shoot me a PM before going to ebay. I should add I don't buy high end items.. I like TFTM toys and old 90's Marvel guys.. incomplete Spawn stuff etc.
Damn, would've loved to sell some of the domestic stuff I have and some of the import stuff. Oh well.
They said they might start buying again in the future, but who knows. I doubt it'll happen anytime soon.
This just leaves the door open for anyone wanting to take over this niche market. BBTS doesn't want your loose stuff? Doesn't have time to sort it? Hey - someone else will/does. I wouldn't worry.
I tried selling them my collection a few months ago but they were offering about 10% of the actual value, maybe less. I think they were offering me $400 for the whole lot, and selling things separately, I got more than that just selling 2 toys from the list.
With the people who are running the vintage department currently, I am not surprised. The offers they have been giving people in the last 18 months or so have been ridiculously low and the items they sell have been ridiculously high.
