So about to head back into full time study after many years of working and being able to buy transformers often. So my question is how are you or how did you manage to survive being a poor student while trying to satisfy your plastic crack addiction.
Space out your purchases. Only buy if you really want it. It's easy to fall into the "gotta have them all" mindset.
I remember those days. It is funny, I wanted to buy many things but have no money for all, now I have no space enough for my collection.
It's probably not the best advice considering how it worked out for me, but I spent a loooooot of time scouring ebay (all sites), forums, classified ads and stuff for bargains when I was a full time student. I was reaping the rewards of getting stuff at great prices for years afterwards, especially if things had to be sold. A different era though in the late 90s and early 00s as it was still mostly a G1 hobby for me and many back then. RID/CR was just kicking off when I finished my studies. All the best Maz
eBay, keeping track of release schedules, and a pretty keen (or lucky) sense of what figures will sell out quickly versus what will still be available later. Also, I ate pretty poorly.
At the time when I became a "poor student", I was also a brand-new father. I stopped all collecting: toys and comic books. Every penny was needed elsewhere. Obviously, if you're not a father then this isn't the case. But education is really expensive these days so you have to look analyze your priorities. Last think you want to do is sell things because you can't afford a text book or class fee.
Let me give you some advice that my family has passed down from generation to generation Never pay full price on anything (Whether that's the normal aftermarket price or the retail price) eBay has a lot of great deals if you save your searches and keep an eye on bids. I've gotten a lot of five dollar chug purchases like that, including a thirteen dollar henkei sunstreaker and a 25 dollar henkei Ratchet. If you miss a deal or don't have the money, don't worry because there will always be another one, it's just a matter of patience. Set eBay to send you text updates and remain vigilant. And make sure you budget everything. If you have leftover money from one thing (I;e didn't spend a lot on food in a month), either put it in savings or put it in a "Plastic crack fund". Split the difference if you need to. And know what you want to collect. Buying everything Willy nilly gets you on your ass fast, so make a list and check it twice and buy only from the list.
If you're patient you can find GREAT deals. Hardly ever do you need to jump on things as soon as they come out. They can almost always be had for less later. In recent memory the only outlier has been Combiner Wars Skyline. Check eBay, check Amazon, buy in lots. Shop Amazon from October-December as they usually have some really good deals. If you're on a really tight budget you should have a focus and a plan. Don't get everything that is cool. You'll be broke in a week. Narrow it down to a line that you like, characters that you like or groups that you have memories of. In the grand scheme of things toys are toys. You need food and a place to live. Stick to your studies and that will help you get a good paying job where you can then splurge on more toys down the road.
Sell old things on eBay, keep the money in PayPal, and only buy things with PayPal on sale. Make a rule not to buy at full retail. Keep toy money away from real money. It's basically budgeting but if you can buy toys with money you made from selling toys you'll feel you come out even
I was a full time college student (15-17 hours) and worked 32 hours a week. Had enough money for Beast Wars, some BWII/BWNeo and a trip to Transcon '97 and Botcon '99. It is doable.
I started college back in the days prior to ebay. This was a time I could find old 80's toys at thrift shops, yard sales, and flea markets. So money wasn't really an issue. However, I wasn't able to work at all while a was student teaching. Missed out on a great deal that I still regret to this day: over 20 M.A.S.K. vehicles (75% were complete) for $200.
Cheers for all the good advice, if 2016 is anything to go by i know 2017 will be a struggle with all the MP & 3rd Party coming out
wait for sales, sell off old stuff you don't want anymore. i know i'll get flack for this but: don't be afraid to scalp (ethically, of course). -
When a student I didn't collect at all. Don't think I'd have been able to afford it, either - I spent any money I had left on travelling between the Netherlands and the UK, and on buying books. What my student days tought me is that, in material terms, you actually need very little to be happy. I really enjoy this hobby, but I'm sure I'd be fine without it, too.
When I was a student, I started by setting aside a very small part of what money I had left over from what I had coming in (if anything after the important things like bills and food) and put that into an "extra fund" for TFs or other little luxeries when I had built it up enough. Also, like most everyone has suggested, look for eBay or maybe forums for bargains or check places like Ross or TJ Maxx. Might also be worth considering doing trades if you have something you would be willing to part with for something you want more and not having to worry about draining the extra funds. Trades dont work out, then Id suggest selling some things too to use those funds to buy more stuff (minus the important things). The hardest part though is having to prioritize what you want now vs. what you might be able to find later on at better prices. Being a completist while studying is pretty tough.
When young, study hard so that parents will buy Transformers as reward. When slightly older, budget my sending and looking around for good bargain.
As a student, what I do is work and sell. I havent bought TFs in a while but in the last month, after budgeting for years, I've spent as much as I have made from my sales. I've been buying figures with the money I have been making, not only from work but from selling old figures and things. It's a good way of clearing out space to make room for new things, and make some cash on the side. They key is to have a form of finance, and then budget those finances. Most importantly, remember your goal while at school so that you do not become distacted (I write on a school night as I scour for good deals on Titan Returns Sixshot and Takara Soundblaster).
