SS Stealth Iron Man Comiquette: First Run Vs. Replacement

[Chapter 2099]

So I'm getting ready to purchase a SS Stealth IM Comiquette from Ebay. (I know, I know.....) But I had a question about the first runs vs. replacements. I want to find a first run that had no damage. (I don't want a replacement even though I know they look identical to first runs and basically, one would never be able to tell the difference.) I've heard that replacements were sent in different safer packing compared to the first run. If this is true, I should be able to distinguish a first run from a replacement based on its packaging. I don't want someone to sell me a replacement, while stating its a first run. (Hopefully, you see my dillemma.) Can someone describe or even take pics of their first run packaging from their Stealth IM Comiquette and can someone describe (or take pics of the packaging) from their replacement? I would greatly appreciate it. I want to get this resolved, so I can be able to pick off the differences and not get taken to the cleaners. Thanks everyone!

 

[Rook]

This seems silly. Help me to understand why you think this is important. The original packaging will only serve to cause more damage to the comiquette when it's being shipped to you. It was the packaging that was the problem. If you proceed this way, you're only asking to be "taken to the cleaners." Do you understand?

So, unless you have a real masochistic streak, I'd recommend abandoning this plan.

 

[Chapter 2099]

This seems silly. Help me to understand why you think this is important. The original packaging will only serve to cause more damage to the comiquette when it's being shipped to you. It was the packaging that was the problem. If you proceed this way, you're only asking to be "taken to the cleaners." Do you understand?

So, unless you have a real masochistic streak, I'd recommend abandoning this plan.

Yeah, I see what your saying. I'm just deterimined to find a first run w/o damage. Since I was unable to order one directly from Sideshow, I want a first run. And honestly, I would rather have a first run w. minor damage than a mint replacement. Simply because its a first run. I know if anything the first run would be worth less due to the damage but it's for my own peace of mine. And I know, the first run and replacement side by side look identical. I guess I'm just extremely paranoid with all of the frauds and copies that are being produced lately.

 

[Natrix]

I don't get this either. All I would care about is if it is not damaged. It is not like one is going to skyrocket in price or be more valuable.

Packaging is the same except instead of the hard plastic trays inside of the styrofoam they used a soft foam wrap.

 

[Amir]

This seems silly. Help me to understand why you think this is important. The original packaging will only serve to cause more damage to the comiquette when it's being shipped to you. It was the packaging that was the problem. If you proceed this way, you're only asking to be "taken to the cleaners." Do you understand?

So, unless you have a real masochistic streak, I'd recommend abandoning this plan.

!!!

Seriously this seems very silly.

 

[Amir]

Yeah, I see what your saying. I'm just deterimined to find a first run w/o damage. Since I was unable to order one directly from Sideshow, I want a first run. And honestly, I would rather have a first run w. minor damage than a mint replacement. Simply because its a first run. I know if anything the first run would be worth less due to the damage but it's for my own peace of mine. And I know, the first run and replacement side by side look identical. I guess I'm just extremely paranoid with all of the frauds and copies that are being produced lately.

If your worried about fraudulent pieces don't buy from Ebay, there are quite a few reputable members here that are selling there replacement piece they got from Sideshow. Buy one of theirs that way you know the piece is legit.

 

[El Roranous]

I think you are being absolutely ridiculous! If you buy a SIM from the first run that packaging will mar your perfect statue right up. Not only that but both runs are absolutely the same.

 

[Chapter 2099]

Here's my thinking. Most of the first runs are damaged. A replacement will (if any) be mint. But so would a fraud. I guess I should have reworded this whole thread: What details should I look for to distinguish the real deal from a fake? I figured that the statue itself will look identical, so naturally I assumed packaging would be different. Someone direct me in the right direction here, since my way of thinking is flawed. As I stated earlier, I assumed if I could figure out if the statue was a first run, I would have no second thoughts on its authenticity.

 

[El Roranous]

There are no fake SIMs out there due to the complexity of the light up feature. Bam- problem solved. Happy bidding.

 

[Chapter 2099]

HERE'S THE SITUATION: I have a seller on Ebay, who will sell me his for $585 + shipping. I've dealt with him in the past concerning Sideshow pieces, and I've been happy with the results. But this price seems too good to be true. Advice?

 

[Chapter 2099]

There are no fake SIMs out there due to the complexity of the light up feature. Bam- problem solved. Happy bidding.

I like this guy. Gets right to the point. Seriously though, that's the info I need to know. Thanks.

 

[El Roranous]

If his feedback is good and he has been around for a while, plus you have dealt with the seller before then I say go for it. Pay with a CC through Paypal and you will have nothing to lose except your time.

 

[El Roranous]

I like this guy. Gets right to the point. Seriously though, that's the info I need to know. Thanks.

You're welcome.

Only fake Iron Mans out there right now are the exclusive versions w/ the Tony Stark head. You will be able to tell because the paint will be bad and the statue and base may be deformed or inaccurate looking. Also, the boxes are extremely different in most cases.

 

[Chapter 2099]

I knew starting this thread, I would get blasted. But that's why I come here. So I can hear people talk some common sense to me. (Something I don't have when it comes to this piece.) I don't know why but buying a SS Iron Man scares me!

 

[Amir]

Also buying from a trusted board member should put your mind at ease, like I said there are quite a few selling their sims on here that they bought direct from sideshow.

 

[Chapter 2099]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: This is why I come here for all things Sideshow. (And I do apologize if this thread sounds crazy because after re-reading my first post, it does sound pretty bad....)

 

[Chapter 2099]

Also buying from a trusted board member should put your mind at ease, like I said there are quite a few selling their sims on here that they bought direct from sideshow.

I agree. It's just the price on this one is difficult for me to pass up. But you're right, I may just hold off and dish out the few extra bucks to someone here to keep my own peace of mind.

 

[El Roranous]

I knew starting this thread, I would get blasted. But that's why I come here. So I can hear people talk some common sense to me. (Something I don't have when it comes to this piece.) I don't know why but buying a SS Iron Man scares me!

Buying such an expensive piece probably should scare you... I know it scares me.

My honest opinion though, if you want this statue and you are worried about buying it on ebay then buy it from someone on this board instead. Ebay can be a dangerous place and sometimes you can get burned really bad. At least here, most members are really honest and they are looking out for each other.

 

[tylerd]

pay with paypal. if it's significantly different, dispute the transaction. the first run had many problems because of the packaging and the grease applied. some fool in shipping actually thought, 'if it's going to rub, we'll apply some grease in the rubbing problem area." so a first run sim, is going to be more often than not, trouble. for all you know, a seller advertising first run never opened the original packaging. the replacement wave was repackaged, eliminating the grease and wrapping sim with a bubble material and filling the boxes voids with cushion. i own a replacement sim, and it looks awesome!!!!!
i would confirm with the seller that the sim he's selling is free from scrapes and scratches and lights with no problems. that's what's important.

 

[Chapter 2099]

Here's the other kicker: I'm using the live.com 20% discount which takes it down to $465ish....Which is why it's so tempting.