Best Time to Buy Hot Toys?

[Chouzi]

not sure how long it takes for hk ebay store to reach States side...but i use ABC express and it takes 3 days to reach me after they got their stock.. very fast and great packaging!

 

[kaponokeona]

I think the best thing to do is to try a few different venders out for yourself to see which one works best for you. Everyone has his/her preference.

 

[wookster]

When you want them, you have the cash and it's available, definitely the best time.

 

[Wanderer]

not sure how long it takes for hk ebay store to reach States side...but i use ABC express and it takes 3 days to reach me after they got their stock.. very fast and great packaging!

Yep..."Bullet Proof" packaging
I'd agree ABC are the best out there PERIOD. Great customer service, fast safe shipping and they get stock in from the off. I also use Toys2 who are another reliable and trustworthiy seller.
Started using Wai Man's Onesixthbruce for my Enterbay stuff and occasional Hot Toys product. Again, he's brilliant, reliable and trustworthy. All three are the nuts.
Finally for my Sideshow brand stuff i use Play.com. Free shipping on everything but they get their stuff quite a bit later after release...
Oh and to answer the question, I think pre order is the safest option. Sometimes you can get away with ordering maybe just after release however, for popular figures like Arnie Terminator, snooze you lose...

 

[The Ringer]

Probably around Midnight.

 

[breakersrevenge]

Ye
Started using Wai Man's Onesixthbruce for my Enterbay stuff and occasional Hot Toys product. Again, he's brilliant, reliable and trustworthy.

Thanks mate!!

Hot as hell outside and I'm stuck in my unit packing your order!

 

[Wanderer]

Thanks mate!!

Hot as hell outside and I'm stuck in my unit packing your order!

Bro i cant wait!! Thanks for acceptin my friend request on FB btw
More business comin your way when those Scarfaces start showing up for P.O
Nash

 

[AW177]

All the Iron Man 2 figures are limited edition except War Machine? What does it mean when they're limited edition? I don't see it say that on SS....?

I am thinking about getting War Machine, however it's sold out on SS; I found him on other sites, but was thinking of maybe waiting until he gets released and then see if I like him. Is that a bad idea? Is War Machine that popular that it may get sold out before I get a chance to buy at retail, and then get stuck going to eBay for more $$$????

Also, when do you suggest I get the Mark 1 figure and/or Blade? Should I wait or just go for it on eBay?

 

[Chouzi]

my guess is the word "limited" to HT is release only once?..as in no re-issue of the same figure(exactly the same release) few years down the road... so far there's no reissue of HT figures.. not counting DX version which according to my understanding is improve version...

 

[galactiboy]

It seems that most HT figures are available for about a month or so after they are released in the US beore you see much change in price. It does seem that most of them will increase in value, but that is not always the case (most of the aliens, MJ Thriller, a number of Jokers and Batman figures, etc.).

I'm actually surprised how quickly Blade shot up in value... kicking myself I didn't jump on one sooner. Wolverine looked to be the one who would jump but he's still not too hard to find for around retail.

 

[willocrew]

Hot Toys are generally pretty expensive and there isn't really a "best" time to buy them. If you want to buy a figure, you need to be prepared to pay some serious cash even at the pre-order stage. The prices generally stay at or slightly above the original price (e.g. $20-30 more) because there is a constant demand.

Some sellers on ebay may throw out some ridiculously expensive prices, but usually most people won't bite (I certainly won't) because Hot Toys have a habit of producing several versions of a particular item.

The only way you're going to get a really good deal is if you either buy 2nd-hand or if you get it off from a personal contact (e.g. on forum boards or local shop). If you're collecting movie props/helmets, statues or polystone pieces etc, it might be worth looking for 2ndhand but for 1/6th scale items, I don't see the benefit in purchasing 2nd hand (unless you're a customiser).

What I find works for me is to selectively choose your purchases and go for it - i.e. don't just buy something just because it looks interesting.

I haven't bought anything from Hot Toys in nearly a year because I've decided the only items I really want is a set of Matrix characters made by Hot Toys.

The best advice most people on here would give is for you to wait after the pre-order has started shipping read what people have to say about the item & then just go out and purchase the item IF you still really really want it.

If you are not willing to spend the extra $50 then it is probably an item that you do not need.

If it is something that you must have at all costs, then go for the preorder.

Much better than jumping the gun on a preorder only to regret when the piece sucks or if you decide you didn't really want it and just bought it due to the hype.

 

[AW177]

Thanks for the advice all, really great tips to keep in mind! Do people usually buy up figures to flip on eBay? I've seen this in the vinyl toy world, not sure if it works the same here; I would rather then pre-order a toy than give it to some flipper a-hole who buys it just to resell at a higher price.

 

[realpic]

almost most of HT figures goes up in price..and worst on ebay... best time to buy is during Po..but do be warn that there were occasions when the actual item varies from the promotional photos... eg. MJ thrillers/battle damage ironman...

to get older HT figures...the only way is buy/trade loose or display figures from the sales forums here..

yes, the best time to buy HT figure is on pre-order time for most of figure. In the past, HT figure may be lower than the orginal price for some figures (usually head sculpt quality not good one). However, as Hot toys do better and better now. I don't think it is easy to get something cheaper. So keep on search on the ebay, and on line shop to get the best price.

 

[ebor]

1) I pre-ordered T-800 for $140 USD 6 months back on the Bay. + side good price, - side past Bay dispute dates, must rely on "honesty" of seller. Fingers crossed, communication has been good since NA e-tailers reports of shipments.

2) ordered Dutch early in HK release, scored for $108 USD... pure S.H.Luck. did the research on the seller and took the plunge.

I have been noted to pass on on-line sales and purchase figs for higher than norm board prices, ie. HT HellBoy for $200 at a local shop(however this led to a lead on early HT Preds [AV Elder, Chopper and others] at good prices so YEAH)

If you feel guilty for purchasing something at a certain price then perhaps you should not puchase in the first place...ala hype of upcoming SDCC releases. my 2C

 

[PJB-1138]

Of course, if you play your cards right, you can score great deals from places like eBay (where I was able to get a Martian Ambassador a month ago for well below retail) & goHastings.com. Thanks to our fellow boards here, I managed to pick up the Big Chap Alien for $108 plus shipping!

 

[karamazov80]

No tax for you from Hastings?

 

[Bullet]

Best time to buy Hot Toys is anytime! All the time if possible as many as you can fit in your house

But on a more serious note pre ordering is def a good idea.

Always deals to be had if you wait a little longer but you def run the risk of the figure going up in price also so.....

I always pre order

 

[Balsquat]

I preordered a Hot Toys T-800 for $155....but then delayed buying a second. I was just able to secure a second from the same retailer and it cost me $169.... I have not even received my first order yet. The price jumped as soon as it went in stock....they had 2 available, I bought mine and the other was gone in minutes....

Valuable lesson learned....PRE-ORDER IS KEY

 

[PJB-1138]

Yes, tax was an extra $10 on my Hastings order since they have do have a retail store here in Washington state.