As collectors start to expand on their collections, either they start to run out of room or, they learn how and where to get the pieces they need. When it comes to looking at conventions and what they have to offer, it’s often times best to look around before jumping completely in.
At a local convention here at home, there were many different Funko Pop! Vinyl booths. Most of the people know each other and sometimes with together across their platforms but in the end, everyone is their to make sure their business is thriving. Having competition is a necessary evil but some businesses goes as far as to pull out all of the stops just to get the attention of the crowds filing by.
For example, with the constant changes to the layout of convention floors, space is limited but also changes frequently. This allows vendors to create a massive display when allowed to do so. The bigger the booth, the higher the chances of getting people inside to look at all the merchandise. One booth in particular this year had such a massive display of Funko items that easily 20 or more people could all go in and stand side by side to browse. Not finding anything specific was very hard to do. For this show, they even had some older convention exclusives such as the Dean with Baby Chase from 2016. Sadly, the seller was asking price guide prices, which made this bad boy $175. So, no one picked him up.
Compared to other booths however, there were some that had vinyls scattered throughout their merchandise, common items and whatever else they could find. Most kept their items way in the back making them hard to see. All-in-all though, everyone is looking for the prices of these gems and will often know right away if they are getting a good deal. Even though the first massive booth was amazing, the prices were too high. The other smaller booths however were somewhat over retail value but not completely unaffordable.
When businesses start to compete with pricing, the items themselves start to become distinct. For example, businesses might compare their stock prices and drop some values to get more sales, or they will run a special. They have even gone as far as to drop prices on common items but reserve exclusives, chases and other popular items and try to get the most value for those instead. Basically, they have to cover their costs of being a vendor too, it’s just business.
So when shopping around and stopping to look at different pieces you may want, as you’re visiting a local convention, think about the different price points businesses have to offer. This can be frustrating and overwhelming but there just might be a better deal somewhere else unless you can’t go without the item. What you buy will affect the value of your collection as well. All of this is a lot to think about but conventions and events can be pricey so shop smart!
Pop Pick of the Week: Jack Skellington (Hot Topic)
This is the 25th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas so Funko has produced some more Pops from this classic movie. There are quite a few cool designs, but this version of the Pumpkin King is especially eye catching. There are designs on his skull and sharp eyed collectors can spot a familiar face. Hand on over to Hot Topic and pick this up as well as the others.
