"New" condition of listed Marvel items for sale...

[ChrisCJ99]

So I've been doing some shopping around for some Marvel SS statues. A LOT of them say that they're in "new" condition yet still say "only open for inspection.... So how do we know if it was never displayed??? For all we know the seller couldve had it displayed and still proclaims it to be "new"....

The reason I ask this is because I just bought a SIM and the seller had claimed it was "new" and only removed for inspection.... However I noticed that the base had some subtle scratches, as if it were made while moving this across a table or desk when put on display.... I haven't noticed any other signs of wear yet since I haven't given it a thorough inspection yet. But if I'm paying more than DOUBLE retail for something than you better be telling the truth!!! I don't mind if it was displayed, but just be honest about it. I also notice small things like trapped dust in crevices. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I'm sure people can understand my frustration...

Another question, did the SIM come with batteries? I noticed this had batteries installed, so I'm not sure if that's another sign of being used. I don't wanna accuse when I'm not informed. Lemme know what you think guys

 

[FQRizzo]

Sounds like it was displayed to me.

Looks like you, my friend, need to stay away from Evilbay...

 

[ozzfan84]

I'm sure there are honest people who mean that, but there are also people who are looking for ways to get the most money on it on ebay.

 

[Mesa]

my replacement SIM had batteries, and the base was dusty, like it had been on display, but this was straight from SS.

It's hard to be a perfectionist in this hobby. You should never tolerate breakage or paint scracthes that obviously detract from the piece, but these are hand painted pieces and you will get some workmanship issues in each piece. Also, especially on exclusives, there will be paint rubs where pieces can be swapped out, say a replaceable head.

If you still require undisplayed "MINT" pieces, only look for pieces that have the SS QA seal still intact, but then you risk breakage that may have occurred from shipping and never inspected.

 

[El Roranous]

I'm glad I know your ebay name already...

 

[ChrisCJ99]

I'm glad I know your ebay name already...

Oh come on Roranous! It can't hurt to ask. This is the first time I've paid an inflated price for a sideshow piece... I'm sure you're particluar with details when it comes to your items, right? Give the rookies a break huh?

 

[El Roranous]

Oh come on Roranous! It can't hurt to ask. This is the first time I've paid an inflated price for a sideshow piece... I'm sure you're particluar with details when of comes to your items, right? Give the rookies a break huh?

hha ha. I know where you are coming from but you just can't be so picky sometimes, especially with this stuff. When I first started this hobby I was probably the same way (although I don't care to admit it). You will soon come to realize that all these pieces come with minor imperfections that you can either live with or you can't. Also, most people suck at selling things. Some just flat out lie about the condition of their items and don't care- others are just blissfully ignorant about what a collector needs in an item. Your best bet is to avoid ebay... learned that the hard way too.

 

[Mesa]

I'm glad I know your ebay name already...

Oh come on Roranous! It can't hurt to ask. This is the first time I've paid an inflated price for a sideshow piece... I'm sure you're particluar with details when it comes to your items, right? Give the rookies a break huh?

No, I think he was talking about me.

If there is anything that I see that needs to be disclosed, I do so. Trust me, it's easier to handle any complaints if you are completely honest in the description than if you hide something and then have an unsatisfied buyer.

But some people are more critical than others when it comes to inspecting pieces. If it's something that looks like it was done at the factory, you can't fault the seller for that.

I always try to disclose everything, but unfortunately, many pieces I haven't had on display before I decide to sell them, and it's hard to get a 100% inspection when it's been sitting in it's box.

Speaking of boxed items not on display, I think I've found a 2nd curio, looking at after work today.

 

[El Roranous]

No Scott, I was talking about Chris. Just messing with him for being so ana l

 

[ComputerFly]

The scuffs could easily have happened at the factory. Sideshow is pretty infamous for pieces not being perfect. As far as the 'dust', every statue I have received from any manufacturer usually has some type of dust on it. I'm guessing these are painted and stored in the same manufacturing facility where they actually mold and clean up the rough castings. I'm guessing the air there is full of contaminants.

I wouldn't say this seller has done anything dubious.

 

[ChrisCJ99]

No Scott, I was talking about Chris. Just messing with him for being so ana l

Haha. I guess I just don't know hat to expect when paying more for this... If I were to have bought it from sideshow for retail, I'm sure I wouldn't be paranoid. But none the less, I've looked over the SIM and it's all good Maybe one tiny lil paint chip, but nothing huge. I'm happy I just wanted peoples opinion on the matter. Thanks guys!

Like I said, I'm a little new but not BRAND new to sideshow. Live and learn right?

 

[El Roranous]

Haha. I guess I just don't know hat to expect when paying more for this... If I were to have bought it from sideshow for retail, I'm sure I wouldn't be paranoid. But none the less, I've looked over the SIM and it's all good Maybe one tiny lil paint chip, but nothing huge. I'm happy I just wanted peoples opinion on the matter. Thanks guys!

Like I said, I'm a little new but not BRAND new to sideshow. Live and learn right?

No doubt. I get pickier the more I pay. I have for the most part, stopped buying anything fragile like statues on ebay. It sucks when you pay so much and it's not perfect- happens to me all the freakin time.

 

[vangeta]

Yeah, I was surprised my Hulkbuster had a layer of dust in areas where it couldn't be dusted off.

 

[SKARY]

The dust I would not worry about as 90% of the stuff I get from SS has some form of dust on them.

Now go use a brillo pad to dust that puppy off!!!
JK

 

[The Mike]

If you want something Mint and New you gotta buy from SSC directly. Anything from eBay you have to assume its a displayed secondhand piece. Sometimes you are surprised and you get a piece that is actually new and sealed up but most of the time there is a tell. I've bought stuff that was opened from the bottom so when it was packaged up the top portions looked sealed and mint, the seller figuring you'd just open it up and not check it out.

 

[SquiderM3]

So I've been doing some shopping around for some Marvel SS statues. A LOT of them say that they're in "new" condition yet still say "only open for inspection.... So how do we know if it was never displayed??? For all we know the seller couldve had it displayed and still proclaims it to be "new"....

The reason I ask this is because I just bought a SIM and the seller had claimed it was "new" and only removed for inspection.... However I noticed that the base had some subtle scratches, as if it were made while moving this across a table or desk when put on display.... I haven't noticed any other signs of wear yet since I haven't given it a thorough inspection yet. But if I'm paying more than DOUBLE retail for something than you better be telling the truth!!! I don't mind if it was displayed, but just be honest about it. I also notice small things like trapped dust in crevices. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I'm sure people can understand my frustration...

Another question, did the SIM come with batteries? I noticed this had batteries installed, so I'm not sure if that's another sign of being used. I don't wanna accuse when I'm not informed. Lemme know what you think guys

The batteries for my SIM came installed with the little plastic thing to prevent it from turning on accidentally. Most people would check to make sure the lights work anyway.

90% of the stuff I bought has "never been displayed" and only open for inspection, yet there's dust, the wrapper looks like it's been through war and/or the base is scratched to hell. This description in a listing means absolutely s#!t to me now. Tell me it's been displayed, I don't care as long as the statue is intact.

 

[Khev]

Its always an interesting trade-off.

Mint in Sealed Box is typically the pinnacle of condition and the most sought after for buyers.

By the same token if you buy something MISB you don't know if you'll be the one to open your newly arrived $500-$1500 PF only to discover a glaring factory defect.

 

[nash]

Its always an interesting trade-off.

Mint in Sealed Box is typically the pinnacle of condition and the most sought after for buyers.

By the same token if you buy something MISB you don't know if you'll be the one to open your newly arrived $500-$1500 PF only to discover a glaring factory defect.

exactly. In my opinion, yes some people may use "only opened to inspect" to try to get the most money for their sale on that item...however the only thing that I as a buyer am concerned with is that it was actually "visually inspected" somehow by the seller, so that in case of any defects or things not listed in the item description, the fault is now on the seller for not accurately describing the piece. If you buy sealed items, how can the seller be at fault for any defects that you may find while opening the package.

As long as the item is in mint condition and has been well taken care of, I could care less if it was displayed. MISB items tend to cause more headaches especially when you are buying high dollar items that are virtually non-replaceable because of the scarcity on the secondary market.