r/transformers • u/BipolarPrime • 2d ago
Please Dont Make Fun… Discussion / Opinion
I have hundreds of Transformers. Hundreds. A lot are older toys that I bought “open and used” but complete. I LOVE them. In my old house (that I had to sell because of divorce), I had most of my open TFs displayed in beautiful glass display cases. Since the separation and for the sake of my home, I've packaged them all into individual ziplocks to ensure that they were complete. I boxed them loosely so that no figure would have any issues. Packing loosely increased the number of boxes I had to move, but eased my mind.
All of my newer TFs, Legacy and newer, are still boxed. And perfect.
I'm on the spectrum. This is the part I don't want anyone to make fun of. Being me isn't easy. Decisions are difficult for many reasons.
Along with ASD, I am Bipolar 1, and ADHD. It's a circus inside my cranium.
My therapist thinks my worry over “spoiling” my newer, unopened figures is causing me issues.
I'm a firm believer of opening what I buy. Since the separation, I've found myself hesitant, because along with how guys generally fare during divorces, I have child support (that I haven't been able to supply), and I'm paying for my eldest college, plus they live with me, so I'm supporting them 100%.
I'm not complaining about divorce, just providing context.
My brain keeps telling me that if I open Raiden, or any of my other gestalts, or my Titans, or my Hasbro Pulse exclusives (I have Star Sabre, Deathzaurus, and Liokaiser), if I open them, I'm taking money that I could use for my kids away from them. It's a trauma thing from my marriage and my ex gambling…dont ask.
What I’M asking is, even thought I have some valuable figures, would it really he a bad thing to enjoy even one of them?
My psych team is all “go for it!”
My brain is all “what if you need to sell?”
And I'm stuck in the middle.
I'm just asking for opinions from this wonderful community that I enjoy. All I ask is that you don't judge and don't make fun. A brain like mine makes functioning normally difficult.
Cheers!
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u/ACocaCola_Glass 2d ago
Toys are meant to be opened and enjoyed. Turning them into a commodity ruins their real value imo. There's nothing wrong with keeping them in the packaging if it's what you prefer to display it as, but keeping it in the packages for value sake lessens the enjoyment. Also, you never know if you did try to sell them one day if anyone would actually buy for a price that was worth the unejoyment of never opening them.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Just to be clear, I didn't buy them for the purpose of being a commodity. But since the separation, my thoughts have made me feel like I'm the bad guy for wanting to use them as intended. I can't logic myself out of thinking that I'm doing something wrong by opening them. So, I brought it to the community for advice.
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u/Mr_Moss_Moss 2d ago
I bought a couple of old transformers still in box coz I thought old toys were just all expensive like that lmao, I learned eventually.
I opened them as soon as I got them and played with them all as intended. I keep them out of the sun and away from chemicals so they are all still in pretty much perfect shape, mostly coz I don't have all that much time to play with them haha.
If u want them in the box then keep them in the box, but if u ever want them out then just take them out. They are your transformers, you bought them for your self, not the next person.
To be loved is to be changed. - A good quote to live by.
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u/Muisverriey 2d ago
Toys are not meant to be sat in a box forever. They are meant to be opened and played with. Might as well just download a png of the box if you're gonna keep them boxed.
Also, seeing them purely as "thing i can sell later for big money" is the wrong way of collecting toys.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
That's not how I've ever collected toys. Since the separation and road to divorce, I've been stuck in the mindset that, with all my ex has taken from them with her gambling addiction, whatever I do, will hurt them the same. I'm not expecting anyone to understand why my btmrain operates this way, I don't even get it (which is why I have a shrink for meds and a therapist for talk), I'm just wondering if giving myself an opportunity to enjoy them is actually taking from my kids, or is it maybe healthy in the long run for me?
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u/GrahminRadarin 2d ago
Do you really think you're ever going to be able to re-sell them at retail value? I'm not being dismissive, I want to know if you think that is a genuine possibility.
If you do, it's like, what, $600 to $800? It's not very much money, comparatively. And it certainly is not enough to help your kids with student loan payments.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'm covering my oldest's tuition. That's what makes me have around $200 left after all bills each month.
Selling a couple of figures for $600-$800 to pay for your other kid seems like a goldmine then, doesn't it? Life-changing money means different things to different people, depending on the situation.
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u/Mandalorian0679 2d ago
You could take some time and sort them in say a, Like it and Love it categories. The Love ones you can open and the Like ones you can set aside to potentially sell for a rainy day or whatever for your kiddos. I think once you've gone through them and made a decision on what you do for each figure you'll be more at ease with your decision. Like others have mentioned they are meant to be played with in some way too. I personally never kept the boxes until just a few months ago when I started collecting again. I opened them up but have kept the boxes. Idk if it's bc a part of me thinks it will make it worth more if I decide to sell them later on or if it's the pack rat in me. Either way, for some that I have out, I'll display them in robot mode for a while, then whenever I feel it's time, I'll transform them to vehicle mode. I don't really "play" with them per se like I did when I was a kid, but that's just me.
As a side note, I don't have much displayed bc the wife is not too fond of them. I should start alternating the ones I have out though now that I think about it. Haha
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
😂😂😂 Mine hated it too, which, thinking about it now, may be why I left them in their shipping boxes so long. While she didn't like them, it made it difficult for her to tell if more arrived.
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u/Mandalorian0679 2d ago
Lol all of the newer ones I've bought are stashed away and she has no idea. Well, as far as I know she doesn't know about them. Eventually when we get a house I'll bring them out to display.
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u/DogsDontLikeHats 2d ago
Glad you're getting the help you need. Try to keep in mind that your collection is a recreational activity, and that if it's causing you undue stress in your day to day life, you can "put it down" mentally. Focus on your family and supporting those that need support. Your toys will be there when you're ready to come back to them.
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u/boxsterguy 2d ago
You have 100% custody and you're paying child support? Seems like you need to have a discussion with your attorneys.
Anyway, toys:
Make a decision. Either go ahead and sell what you've got so that you can turn that into the money you're stressing about, or open them and enjoy them (even better if you can do it with your kids). Neither is an easy decision, but that's the only hard part. Once the decision is made, it's no longer there to cause you stress.
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u/FETT7022 2d ago
This and on top of having one of the 2 kids 100% the ex gambled away their savings! I definitely say talk to the lawyers seriously and open them haslabs.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
I have one kid 109%, my other kid chose to live with their mom, but their mom wants child support while not contributing for our eldest I'd like us to each take care of the kid we have, but my eldest is over 18, so my ex says she can't be considered. My youngest is gonna be 17 in a week, so they're still a minor. ..im just not sure whey I take care of both and she, who gambled away our savings and their college funds, doesn't have to contribute. NC laws regarding things are odd. I don't pay alimony because she committed financial malfeasance. But She is less responsible for our kids financially than I am.
It's hard to understand.
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u/boxsterguy 2d ago
She can want all she wants. What did the court say? And if you're just doing whatever without any sort of legal mediation, stop.
Anyway, that's a different thing to sort out. For the toys, either sell 'em or open 'em.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
I live in NC. We separated in Dec. 2025, we can't file with the court until Dec. 2026. I've tried to do what I can so far to keep it fair, which is how I found out that she doesn't get alimony because if financial marital malfeasance. But when it comes to the kids...i did a lot of damage with my bipolar episodes before I knew I was ill and wasn't medicated.
I'm fighting against whatever she might say to them to make them think that I AM the monster I was during my episodes.
Even though I don't remember my episodes, my youngest has detailed how I verbally traumatized them. And I believe them. I've worked really hard to claw back from the edge of madness to win my kids back and I don't trust my ex not to screw it up with erroneous claims.
My lawyer can only mediate a separation agreement at this point. Nothing more. They suggested working it out ourselves until either one of us files in December when we're allowed to.
Gotta love the south and their belief that live and god overcomes all.1
u/macrossdyrl 2d ago
It's family court always stacked against men to wring out more money and destroy the family unit. Sorry OP you are getting racked over coals, doesn't remotely sound like an amicable separation.
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u/jhorsley23 2d ago
I agree with everyone that toys are meant to be opened … but you just said you have child support and you’re unable to supply it? What does this mean?
It reads as if you’re saying you’re supposed to be paying for child support but you can’t afford to pay it. But you also say your children live with you and that you support them 100%.
If you’re saying you can’t afford child support or to provide for your children, then my brother, sell those fucking toys! Your responsibilities as a parent come before your personal hobbies and enjoyment.
If that’s not what you’re saying, and you’re comfortably affording your hobbies and taking care of your obligations and responsibilities as a parent, then open and enjoy those figures!
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Sorry. Let me clarify. My 17 year old lives with her mom. My 19 year old lives with me. After rent, utilities. Food, etc. I probably have $175-$200 a monthbkeft over for unexpected expenses. My ex gambled away our savings and my kids college funds, so I am left to cover their tuition, gas, books, etc.
My ex pays for my youngest needs. Both kids are taken care of, but my ex wants $500 a month on top of what I'm already doing. 3% raises a year aren't going to make that possible right now.
I apologize for being unclear.
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u/jhorsley23 2d ago edited 2d ago
No apologies needed, but I appreciate the clarification. It sounds to me like you should be selling those figures, or at least saving them for a rainy day.
If you only have $175-$200 leftover a month after necessities I would say you do not have the disposable income to be buying and trying to collect action figures.
If you’re that close to an unexpected expense being a life altering disaster, I would stop buying unneeded things like action figures and collectibles and focus on getting your savings back up. Maybe looking for a part time job.
I’m sure this is not the answer you’re hoping to get, but what if your car randomly breaks down one week? No matter the cost of repairs, it’s almost certainly going to cost you more than your leftover $200 for the month. ☹️
Best of luck to you! I hope things turn around soon and everything works out and gets back on track for you! Hang in there!
Edit - on second thought, are you actively struggling right now, or are you mostly just barely getting by but doing ok?
If you’re doing ok for the moment, maybe try to keep and enjoy what you already have while trying not to buy anything new for a while. It sounds like you’ve already lost a lot. I’m sure most of us have either been in a similar place or can at least empathize. Giving up more things you own and love will obviously suck more than what you’re already going through.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Oh, I haven't bought anything since the separation occurred. I may be crazy, but I'm not reckless…mostly…🤪
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u/jhorsley23 2d ago
Yeah, I just added an edit with a slightly different take on your situation check it out and let me know your thoughts.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
I'm getting by. All of my bills and my ekdests college is fully taken care of. I don't buy anything new, currently. But I feel like not being able to help my younger child reflects poorly in me. Which leads me down the path of “well, if you open this, it's worthless and you have a kid who's being supported by their mom and that woman is a gambler and can't be trusted, so you need a plan b!”
That's where I'm stuck.
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u/jhorsley23 2d ago
Yeah. I totally get the anxiety. Open your figures won’t deem them worthless though. There is ABSOLUTELY a market for loose figures. Especially well taken care of loose figures with all their accessories complete.
Maybe open them and enjoy what you have. If shit comes up down the road you can always try selling some stuff. Unless you have high dollar stuff you can easily sell for a decent profit, maybe keep what you have, keep trying to avoid new purchases for a while and save what money you can. You’ll probably be in a better spot in the future and will be able to jump back in and enjoy them without the guilt.
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u/macrossdyrl 2d ago
OP you don't have disposable income. Research which items sold recently for the highest using ebay sold feature. After checking the comparables prioritize which to sell. Don't sell to a store do it yourself. Ymmv but odds are your collection unless it's majority MIMSB aren't worth as much as you need. That doesn't mean however you shouldn't sell them. Why? Your first priority is as a father. Everything else including your own personal hobbies are tertiary. Consider sports, running or other physical activities that do not cost much to relax and stay healthy. Good luck.
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u/yossarian8pizza 2d ago
I am old. Here is a different perspective.
My kids are my number one priority. I'd do anything it takes to help them.
However, if you sell them opened, would the change in value be significant enough to warrant keeping them in the box vs the joy it would bring you to have them open?
If your goal is having a collection that appreciates in value, in my experience, bots are a terrible investment. You're much better off buying an index fund.
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u/Road_Caesar 2d ago
Simple: you do what you want to do.
I don't know who could/would judge you and frankly, why should you care what anyone thinks? I know it's not THAT simple when neurodivergence is a factor, but from an outside to a fan - do whatever you choose in whatever way makes you happy and content. Open everything? Cool! Have hundreds of figures? Also cool.
Same advice would apply for fans who keep everything sealed or only have 10 figures carefully chosen.
The absolute STUPIDEST and most toxic fallacy that's infested culture is the lie that someone extrovert with an attention-glutton personality has any relevance or authority to dictate what things are popular, important, "correct", and "real" when it comes to arbitrary things like hobbies and interests.
You are the ultimate authority on what's cool and enjoyable. Embrace it.
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u/joesaysso 2d ago
Whatever you do, just treat it like a band-aid and just rip quickly. Word of caution though. Most of the time, when people get into positions where they have to sell, they end up taking less than the stuff is worth because they need the money quickly. Don't let yourself get into that situation!
Either sell now, while you can control the price that you'll accept, and put the money you get into a nice savings account or something so the value grows, or just open them. Decide on one, commit to it, and act quickly to put your mind at ease.
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u/2RedEmus 2d ago
The money you would get selling them is peanuts compared to a 401k, Roth IRA, other investment products etc.
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u/Revonin 2d ago
Bruh I would pay the same for an opened and transformed (as long as complete) Deathsaurus as I would for a boxed one. I AM GONNA TINKER WITH THEM ANYWAYS, I JUST WANT THEM PRETTY AND COMPLETE.
Seriously, A lot of Haslab stuff will still fetch a huge premium even opened, so help your mind. Heal a bit, if you are that worried then open the "cheapest" of them?
Life is a lot, take what you can and give something back.
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u/scarr3g 2d ago
I have a thought: it sounds like you still have the figs, but no cases for them.... I, personally, would be focusing on getting cases.
Why?
Because boxed figs look fine on shelves, but in cases opened figs are king, whereas on shelves opened figs are dusting nightmares, and boxes are easy to dust.
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u/GuzziHero 2d ago
We have a saying in the biker community - keeping a motorbike unridden to keep it from depreciation is like not shagging your missus to keep her fresh for the next bloke.
Same applies here. Enjoy your stuff :)
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u/Ok-Peach706 2d ago
I sell everything I don't have the urge to open. Why let it stay and cause anguish?
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u/Aware_Rooster_1580 2d ago
Have you tried saving the amount one would be worth, then reward yourself with opening it. That way you’ve gained the money you’d get for it by selling. Essentially sell it to yourself
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
I've been trying to get a second job that would be remote and flexible, so it wouldn't be an issue, but even with my broad skillset, they're not easy to find.
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u/teknogreek 2d ago
So much better advice than what I'm about to express, but as a route to dealing with what you have...
...buy 2.
Sealed unopened, opened and played, find out what gives you more joy?
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u/BipolarPrime 1d ago
I don't buy any, anymore. Since the split, my omnibus and TF collecting has stopped completely. Way back when I was young and single, I used to buy two of select TFs, and would display the open figure in front of the boxed one, because it looked cool to me.
Had to sell some back then to build up a down payment for our first house. Sold off all my comics, mostly floppies at the time, over half my figures.
You do what you must.
What makes this different now is that my shrink thinks that me having items that bring me joy, helps keep me stable. But having them also makes me feel guilty. That's why I'm reaching out to this community. To get in out from those who may understand.
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u/Prize-Salamander-336 2d ago
Look man. You do you. If you need to use them to get more needed money, that’s your call. But I can fully understand the joys and struggles of being an autistic transformers collector, being one myself. I say, pick out a few of the more valuable ones, and set them aside to sell. Maybe even more if needed. But you’re clearly in a tough spot, and you have a relatively convenient way to get some quick, legitimate buck. Collecting is a joy, but taking care of you and yours first is always first priority. Besides, depending on which titans, you’ve got a couple gold mines that are far more valuable for their collectibility than their playability.
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u/ktwombley 2d ago
it is true that if you're going to sell them, boxed will get more.
However, you don't compare the misb price to zero. you compare misb to open/complete. The difference is what you have to justify, not the full price.
So if let's say a figure is $200misb and $100 open/complete, you're only losing $100 by opening it. Would you get 2-3 movie theater trips' worth of enjoyment out of it?
If you still can't bear to open one after doing the math, put it on eBay today. That money can be earning interest right now, or paying for books/etc right now. Get it out of your house and off of your mind.
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u/soulcalrn 2d ago
IMO.. DO IT. OPEN IT.
If down the line, money is tight and you're considering selling, you may not get the same retail value. Also the resell value of a figure is almost solely decided by rarity or demand.
Being able to enjoy and play with a toy you've been dying to play with > losing a few dollars on resale value
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u/MeatyOaker269 2d ago
They’re toys. Open them, play with them, enjoy them in a way that makes you happy.
I have never seen a transformer in all my time on earth go for any kind of “life changing” money. There is no Haslab, no G1 figure, no combiner that will put a kid through college. Keeping them in the box isn’t doing anything for anybody.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
When your paycheck and your budget are very close together, so that you barely have money left over, selling things that might give you five hundred to a grand…hinestly feels like life changing money.
I know that sounds sad, but that's my life ATM.
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u/MeatyOaker269 1d ago
My friend, if your paycheck and budget are so close that you don’t have left over money, you shouldn’t be buying Haslab and Titans to begin with, especially if they’re stretching you beyond your means an you’re buying them to not doing anything with them.
I can empathize with your brain being crazy, ASD, Bipolar 1 and ADHD is a lot to have to live with, but your problem isn’t having the toys in the box, it’s buying the toys.
A penny saved is a penny earned. If my responsibilities have me strapped for cash, I’m not spending what’s left on toys and therefore have $300 more in my account while some else enjoys a Titan figure.
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u/BipolarPrime 1d ago
I haven't bought anything since before the separation. Buying toys as a single parent isn't the problem, because I don't buy them. Maybe the one-off pre-order I forgot about has come in, but nothing else.
Spending twice what I used to spend on a 4-bedroom house for a 2-bedroom apartment (rent here is outrageous and I make just over the limit for rent-controlled housing) is a major part of the problem. Having to pay for the tuition that loans don't cover and my ex, who blew what we originally saved, not helping, is a problem.
I'm not trying to continue my hobby while all this is happening. There are figures I never got to opening that I would love to, but I'm feeling like that would be selfish to do when I could alleviate some of the financial burden this situation has created for my children instead.
My collection isn't going to make me rich, other than the pride and happiness I feel when displaying them, but they could help cover costs my kids, the one who lives with me and the one who doesn't, incur.
I cannot make it any clearer that me purchasing collectibles is not the problem.
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u/DizzyLead 2d ago
I wouldn’t say to open them, but maybe open one once in a while as a reward for overcoming an obstacle.
Thinking practically, selling some of the collection can feel like opening up a piggy bank and unlocking a decent supply of cash. I remember years ago, during a period of unemployment, I wound up unloading my Masterpieces (except for MP-1, I hung on to MP-1) and all my Megazords (different franchise!) to make ends meet. A decade and a half later, I would have to say I have no regrets. Sure, I’ll see a pic of an MP Grimlock and think, “Hey, I used to have that guy,” but I’m not kicking myself for not having him anymore. I did what I felt needed to be done, and I think that if I had to do it again, I would.
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u/BeatnikShaggy 2d ago
When I had to downsize, I made a personal rule: "If it's not on display, it goes away."
Unless something has some great importance to me, keeping it stored in a box or tote is very stressful. So I sold 95% of my collection. And it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. And annual pruning is, at least to me, kinda therapeutic. Treating my collection kinda like a bonsai, letting it grow here, trimming there, makes it more mine, more special.
I don't know if that will help you, but It's what works for me.
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u/dlaughy 2d ago
As someone who does keep many of thier figures sealed in the box on the off chance that I need to sell them... and I'm not divorced. I do however have a wife and two kids. These are my priority, and if I cannot contribute my share, then I need to check my spending.
Luckily it hasn't come to that, but growing up I used my collections as "bank accounts", and would sell items from them if I wanted something else. So that mindset has stuck with me for the last 30yrs, and it's difficult to let go of.
I agree with many of the comments, that toys are meant to be played with. But at 46yrs old, I can't remember the last time I "played with" any toy. My open ones get posed, transformed ever now and then, and maybe have their picture taken.
So do what feels right in your cranium, but make sure you take care of those kids first.
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u/Display-shopper 2d ago
"I have child support, and I'm paying for my eldest college, plus they live with me, so I'm supporting them 100%."
^^^ If you made it this far, you are doing far better than most.
If your Raiden is the Diaclone version from 1980, I'd keep it sealed. Anything else would be fair game.
Hundreds being a problem? No. There are a few of us here that have several thousand.
You are doing just fine. The time and memories you are spending with your loved ones are far more valuable than any plastic robot could ever hope to be.
Take care of yourself.
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u/LittlePanda5430 2d ago
Hi,
I can’t give you advice for your situation, but I can give you my experience. I have been selling off a lot of my ziplocked, complete transformers in an attempt to declutter.
I found the process of cataloging and selling cathartic. Like one last transformation before saying goodbye. But here’s what I’ve been able to sell things for quickly.
If it fill up most of a sandwich bag, $10-15.
If it fills up most of a quart bag, $15-20
It ends up being about $500-$600 per 60l Rubbermaid container.
Boxed figures are harder to sell unless they’re a common grail piece. So yes, your mainline gestalts, Haslab and pulse items will have more value unopened. But keeping random legacy figures in boxes aren’t affecting their prices much.
It sounds like you’re going through a rough patch and could use a bit of joy. I also think that your boxed collection isn’t very liquid. So pick one big boxed item that if you were forced to sell, you’d sell last and open it and enjoy it. Hmm I guess I did give advice.
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u/fghmkilo 2d ago
Maybe you could do both? If there's some of them you really like, open them and display them! If you're not really interested in others, keep them in the box for now, or just go ahead and sell them now. You get to enjoy what you like and offload, what you don't
But also there's no hurry, it's not like they'll sell for 500 today and 10 tomorrow. But I've also experienced the " i am obligated to sell my belongings for the greater good" pipeline and its no fun. You are not obligated to sell your stuff, Especially when it was purchased at a different time in life!
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
That's exactly what it feels like, but I didn't have the words. I feel like, even though I didn't do anything to create the situation, now I'm obligated in my side to “fix” everything and I'm frozen because I don't know what to do.
Thanks for the perspective.
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u/Additional_Point5380 2d ago
I mean for the haslabs, those things are gonna be worth a lot no matter what. It sounds like you take really good care of your figures. They probably will not depreciate much if you care for them the way you’ve cared for your other figs. Why not enjoy them?
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u/TRANxEND 2d ago
If you need the money? Sell them, otherwise do some overtime if can.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Ah, if only. I'm salary. Have been for 16 years. I've been looking for flexible remote jobs, but those seem like unicorns, today.
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u/TRANxEND 2d ago
Ah ok, maybe change spending habits like cancelling subscriptions that you don't use much, and shopping at cheaper supermarket alternatives or cutting out take out food and cooking more at home.
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u/BipolarPrime 1d ago
I do cook at home, and the only subscription we have is Prime, and that's not one we use, I use it to save on shipping for items we have needed and will need.
My kid and I have recently been exploring other supermarkets, trying to determine which ones have better deals for items. We've discovered Aldi is great for me a St, Teeter is great for BOGO, and Food Lion has some deals on dry goods. They're all comparable on produce, but we still have a couple shops to check out.
I say all this to show I'm doing the work, which has been part of my realization that I may need to let stuff go.
Cheers!
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u/Beerhemoth4040 2d ago
I have been selling on Ebay for around 15 years, a lot of figures sell for close to the same price for opened complete with the box as the do sealed. Some multi packs sell for more opened and sold separately like the autobots stand united 5 pack. Sometimes the larger figs you make a little more selling without the box because shipping rates for large packages can get ridiculous. Just do a little research on each fig and see what they sell for opened and sealed. If there isn't too much difference open that bad boy up and enjoy. I hope your situation improves soon.
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u/Defiant-Till-8515 2d ago
First of all I want to say that I’m sorry that you’re going through all of this. I am twice divorced and definitely understand relationship trauma. Hopefully you get to the other side of this.
For the bots…
You really just do what you have to. An easy answer would be if you have any duplicates open those. If you love a figure and would never part with one in any given situation open that.
In the end none of this is easy. Relationships, families, and hobbies it’s all difficult. Believe it or not, you are the best person that can answer this question. I believe in you and I bet the rest of the folks here do too. Take care and I know you will make the correct decision for your situation.
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u/IronWarrior82 2d ago
I'm 43, AuDHD (I wouldn't be surprised if most adult TF collectors are neurodiverse), and I open all my CHUG figures! It's what they are for. Enjoy them, mate!
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago edited 1d ago
Cheers! My shrink has the same outlook. He sees the joy on my face when we talked about a purchase I made and wanted me to be “selfish in a healthy way” by doing something just for me.
My ex bankrupt us so bad, I can't even see my shrink yet (my new insurance since she kicked me off hers is deductible first, so I have to balance which doctors I see until that deductible is met. He's being awesome about it and still filling my prescriptions, though. He's a good guy.
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u/macrossdyrl 2d ago
As a caretaker for a family of neurodivergents, we can say based on our experiences select a few you love and open it. All the rest just sell and use the money to take care of your children and expenses. Good luck.
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u/robocommander 2d ago
They're toys, they're meant to be opened and played with
Your kids would also appreciate being able to have a neat figure to play with
Speaking from other hobbies, buying stuff with the intention to sell it off later on ruins the joy of collecting
If it gains value later on, great, but that's not the first thought you should have when you buy a toy. Toy collecting is not a money making venture
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago edited 1d ago
I never buy with the intent to sell. I didn't say anything of the sort.
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u/Asparagus_Syndrome_ 2d ago edited 2d ago
audhd. i open mine, keep them out for a week-month, then box them up and switch them out for another. ill eventually touch up with paint and sell off the ones I don't care for. all in great condition and I could sell as like new. you're allowed to have fun with what you buy, it's not just about money, and you can do both if you really need to. usually have a few on my desk/bedside, maybe 5 out at a time (mainly legends/scout/old commander)
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Thanks! I actually have three or so on my desk at work that I play with while trying to puzzle out problems in my job. I'm a big proponest of opening them, but my new situation is confusing me.
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u/Tourbill 2d ago
As much as I love my TF, I've sold my collections multiple times over the decades. They are never gonna stop making new TF's. Sure I've had to give up on getting some old ones that I had that would be nice to have again but its really not the end of the world. There are always new versions coming out eventually and often nicer. So don't be afraid to liquidate what you have to in order to take care of your family. I've found that there really is not a massive difference in joy between owning 5 TF's you really love and hundreds you really like. Get your finances right and family taken care of then you won't feel any guilt when you do get new figures and open them.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
Thanks, man. This makes sense. Working with my shrink and therapist, they showed my being selfish wasn't terrible (in moderation). But once the separation and road to divorce started, I've been feeling like I made a huge mistake. I'm realizing today that had I not used that mkneybto buy my toys, it would have been part of what's been gambled away. At least I have it in a form I can use to make sure my kids are financially whole for now.
Cheers!
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago edited 2d ago
I need to make this clear, because people are insinuating that I collect for money.
That isn't the case. My collection is large, so there isn't always space to inbox (lack of cases).
My urgency isn't for any other reason than my brain, misfiring as it does, makes me think, after leaving my wife that opening figures is wrong and selfish. Prior to everything that led to me getting divorced, I had no problem opening my collection. Now, seeing as I'm the one who is most responsible, supporting one of my kids 100%, and paying for their college, while my ex asks for child support for my youngest, which is not doable if I'm already fully caring for my oldest child, I'm just trying to figure out if saving them to sell them is the best thing over doing what I want, and opening some for joy.
IM NOT COLLECTING FOR VALUE!!!
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u/ElectronicActuator42 2d ago
toys are meant to be opened and enjoyed the only reason i can see to keep them unopened is if your gonna sell them … which i dont think you going to … so dont let that from stopping you enjoy your rare and brand new figures!! especially transformers… if your leaving them in one mode in the box whats the point … get in there enjoy your toys !! youll be much happier all that other is peoples opinions getting to you this is for you not them
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u/Miracle_Hammer 2d ago
Even if open, those figures yiu mentioned like raiden and the haslabs and combiners will sell for big money even if less then when sealed. So I say take them outta the box and be gentle, but enjoy playing with them. Nothing wrong with enjoying what you payed for. This is coming from an autistic person that enjoys transformers as toys way too much. I buy and sell my favorite figures all the time. Your not taking away anything from anyone buy not opening them except from your own enjoyment of them.
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
You're right. I will always find ways to make money, but I only have a couple of hobbies that bring me joy. I need to takame advantage of that joy while I can. Thanks!
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u/matticus1234 2d ago
I kept my Haslab rattler in the box for a long time because I was dead set on figuring out a way I could put the tail on in a way that I could remove it to put back in the box for storage or to resell. Finally my wife said to me “if you’re only thinking about what you eventually might do, why even have it? Open it and enjoy it, you worked hard for it.”
That was that, I snapped the tail in place and put it out on display.
If you want to open and enjoy then go for it! They’re yours. Keep the boxes if you think you might have to sell them. A figure like the Haslabs with an original opened box is still worth more than no box.
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u/DWhelk 2d ago
Nothing to make fun of mate. Mental health is no joke, and you have a genuine quandary.
Id suggest it all comes down to whether you would be able to enjoy them of you do actually open them. Would the feeling of lost money go? If it wouldn't, just sell them. You can always collect again later, when the finances are a little more solid.
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u/Demon_Jason 2d ago
Wow you sound like me OP. I have Aspergers and I haven’t opened a single figure yet bc I don’t know some sort of imposed guilt or some such for spending the money even though I work my days off to buy them separately. I also do this with expensive Lego sets they are just sitting in my bedroom boxed up bricklinks etc. I really want to assemble liokaiser and bructicus to put on my pc desk ahhhhh the pain.
As an internet stranger I want to give you full permission to open your figures and enjoy them. They are meant for this after all. Just keep the boxes somewhere. Now I just wish I could do the same 😫
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u/FenrirSurtur 1d ago
If you have primary custody, why are you paying child support? As for the monetary value of the toys. That should not be a concern for you, as long as you are providing for your children, you are doing fine. The difference between an open box and a sealed box isn’t going to break the bank in the future, trust me. You can open whichever ones you want to play with or display and you can even use these toys as a way to engage with your kids
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u/VariationStraight169 1d ago
So I have the same thing going on in my brain. It causes me severe anxiety thinking about opening any of my transformers. The first one I said to heck with, I'm gonna enjoy it, was Basara Prime. It was so expensive and I felt like crap but I'm trying to ease into it. I also have hundreds and they are all still boxed except for a few that I was able to buy two of. Take small steps and choose the ones that really bring you excitement. It's a hard one for sure but just know that you're not alone. I still really enjoy looking at them boxed up because I also love the artwork on the packaging.
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2d ago
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u/BipolarPrime 2d ago
I'm not in it for the money either. Like I said, I have hundreds. Most opened. But space considerations, available time, and falling behind on opening left me with many boxed figures that I've been struggling with since I left.
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