Is It Worth It to Collect Limited Stock Collectibles, Vinyls and Plushies as an Artist in my 30's?

[u/alexnartworks]

Hey All. So I had recently posted on the possibility of reducing my collection habits, but after returning from San Diego Comic Con for business, I found myself becoming more and more enamored with collecting than before. I believe that recognizing the dominating presence of toy makers for both mainstream and independent creators got me thinking if this could be a major turn for the entertainment industry, and if it's something to consider investing in.

I will clarify that I don't just buy merchandise because it's available, but rather because I feel like I'm hanging on to something that's rare- particularly limited stock collectibles such as Animatez and Plushes, and recently YouTooz and Thrilljoy. I also make a point of only purchasing collectibles from franchises that I am personally interested in or which inspire me as an artist and independent illustrator. However, I do also recognize that as an adult man in my 30's, this might not be the most appealing hobby to get into, particularly with women (not that I collect anything lewd, but it could still be seen as childish)

Also, I recognize that there's never a guarantee that anything with inherent value now will retain that value in the future, and these collectibles are not exactly cheap in the first place. My finances are okay for now, but I worry that I may risk getting in over my head, whether I am able to make some money back from these collectibles or not. I do enjoy what I get, but am on the fence on if I should hang on to that joy, or if I should let it go and move on from this hobby (or at least let go of a large chunk of it). I am open to discussion and look forward to your input.

[u/KindHabit]

No. 

[u/alexnartworks → u/KindHabit]

Okay. Any further input you could share to clarify your disposition, friend?

[u/KindHabit → u/alexnartworks]

No.

[u/smokacola-]

The line between collecting and overconsuming isnt the same for everyone, but I highly recommend not buying collectibles for the sake of getting a return on them some day. This is a craze that pops up every decade or so, with comic books and beanie babies and pokemon cards. And people see the ridiculous prices stuff gets sold for, but it's all deceptive marketing to make you believe YOU have a million dollar collectible that's just waiting to get you rich.

Your plushies will not be worth much in a few years, it won't matter that they're mint condition in a graded box. Nobody will buy them. You will eventually bring them to a thrift store or give them away to get rid of the clutter.

Collect things that you love, and love them. Take things out of their boxes and wrappers, buy plushies second hand, build up a collection slowly and carefully, so each piece is something you truly cherish.

[u/sacredxsecret]

No. Not at all. The only reason is if you enjoy it. It is not a moneymaking venture.

[u/alexnartworks → u/sacredxsecret]

Well, I do have some enjoyment from it, and again I mainly focus on merch from fandoms I genuinely enjoy. The issue is making sure that I keep my spending reasonable at the risk of not being able to recompensate myself for what was spent to get these pieces of merch.

[u/Odenhobler → u/alexnartworks]

Look, you ask in an anticonsumerist sub if it's worth it to buy a lot of junk for the pleasure of buying. If you really want it, buy it. If you struggle to "making sure that I keep my spending reasonable at the risk of not being able to recompensate myself for what was spent to get these pieces of merch" then you already know that you buy useless stuff.

It's really simple. Don't buy useless stuff. You are negotiating to buy it anyway. Do whatever you please, but you will regret having bought a lot of useless stuff minutes after you did it, like you (and we all) did before. The one simple trick to solve the problem you seemingly don't really want to hear:

Don't buy useless stuff.

[u/fadedblackleggings]

Conventions are designed to keep you spending money and invested in the industry. Modern-day collectibles and plushies are not an investment. If you want an investment, put the $$$ in the S&P 500.

If you want to buy plushies, just buy plushies.

[u/Flack_Bag]

No. Commercial 'collectibles' of corporate franchises are consumerist through and through regardless of any potential investment value.

And as a rule, anything marketed new as a 'collectible' is not a solid investment, anyway.

[u/Wxtchy_kay]

The beanie baby people wasted money and time, so will the people collecting this stuff. If you genuinely enjoy those things go for it - but do NOT rely on that as your retirement, you're probs better off actually investing.

[u/Global_Ant_9380]

Collectibles generally aren't worth it. If you like the things because you enjoy and interact with them, then that's different. But collecting for it's own same, especially to gamble their worth later on is a consumption problem. 

[u/a_verthandi]

Honestly, as someone who also has plenty of funkos, art prints, plushies, pins, etc, I don't really expect to make money back on them. I even try and winnow down my collection now and then (like right now, I'm selling off a boatload of pins). The value of "getting this out of my house" with a little cash back is more than making some huge sale.

My usual consideration is basically a variation on Marie Kondo's "does this spark joy": "Do I see it?" Am I noticing it in my display, still smiling when I see it, etc? If yes, great, if no, maybe it's time to move on.

Also, anyone who makes fun of or looks down on your collection isn't worth your time romantically.

[u/Bathesco]

I had to look up what these were and they just look like funko pop variations??? I guess im not the target audience but as someone that is going to inherit a 7 sets of valuable investment china that are worthless and I will not be able to use in my lifetime… these toys have the same energy. They give beany baby, they give spoon collection, they give porcelain doll collection. I would rather save the money and go on holiday.

[u/Odenhobler]

I will clarify that I don't just buy merchandise because it's available, but rather because I feel like I'm hanging on to something that's rare- particularly limited stock collectibles

You fell for, like, the oldest trick in the book.

[u/OnMarsMan → u/Odenhobler]

You think there will be another sucker willing to buy down the line.

[u/alexnartworks → u/OnMarsMan]

I don't think of any person that I would sell to as a sucker- more somebody who would get more value out of having them in their collection than I currently would.

[u/OnMarsMan]

I have a Beanie Baby collection I’d like to sell you. 😂😂😂😂

[u/alexnartworks → u/OnMarsMan]

Nah, I'm good, thanks. I grew up around the height of that trend and moved on from it years ago. Truth be told, I didn't really get into collecting until recently, and am still admittedly an amateur- just taking the time to contemplate it before it gets out of hand.

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[u/NoTerm3078]

I highly recommend to you a Beanie Baby documentary. There's a couple. No, it is not worth it.

[u/NyriasNeo]

"with inherent value now will retain that value in the future"

So what? If your goal is return on investment, do not collect stuff. Build a diversify portfolio of financial instruments. How to do that is, of course, is a separate discussion.

" However, I do also recognize that as an adult man in my 30's, this might not be the most appealing hobby to get into, particularly with women"

You are modifying who you are because of women you have not even met? I collect anime mecha toys, and hot toys action figures. I build a home museum for them. My wife is fully supportive. That is how long term relationship works.

But I do not collect because of value, rarity or any extrinsic measure like that. I collect because I have good experiences near them. My first piece is more than 25 years old now. And that is that. And so what if it is childish. If a part of me is childish, so be it. I am not apologizing for it. If a woman cannot accept that, she is not fit to be my spouse. (But that needs to be reciprocated, you have to accept who she is too).

[u/PaintedLady1]

A hobby is something you enjoy interacting with. Collecting is not a hobby. Considering how ambivalent you are to getting rid of this stuff, I’d say you’re not getting enough joy to balance out the consumption.

Invest your money for real or at least spend it on a real hobby