Toy hunting questions from a newbie
 

Hi all!

As the title suggests, I'm new to collecting (well, technically I did collect figures as a child). Anyway, I'm starting an MCU Marvel Legends collection and wanted tips on purchasing figures. Now, I'm sure buying online is the quickest (and probably the cheapest) way to build a collection but I prefer searching for figures in person so that's where I'd like help.

1) What stores actually sell Marvel Legends? I've only seen them at Walgreens, Gamestop and Target. No sign of them at Walmart, Marshalls and Ross. I'm in Washington, DC, so let me know of any retail chains or small shops that carry Legends.

2) How often do you check the same store? In other words, how often does inventory change? The Target I went to this week had GotG vol. 1 & 2 figures out. If I go back in a month, will there be new inventory?

3) How do I find out about local toy conventions?

4) I am using Amazon as a price guide for how much I should pay for figures that I find in the wild. Is there an actual price guide for action figures?

Other toy hunting tips would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance!

I think that you are on track with your stores. Walmart does carry them too though. A good bet is to find local toy stores or comic shops. Sometimtes they have older toys or new ones and can give you advice on toy conventions. You have come to the right place, this is a good place to reference for releases, information, etc. You also need to get familiar with a website called "Brickseek". You can search an items product code and store and it will tell you the inventory each store has in your area. Welcome back to the darkside.

I'm no expert as I don't collect them, but I'll try to help.

1. Walmart does carry them, as does Toys R Us. TRU often has exclusive versions, too. Otherwise the 3 you listed are good.

2. I check stores once a week. Sometimes more. It seems that Marvel Legends are cranking them out, so once a month would likely mean that you'd miss entire waves. If you have the above stores close to you, I'd check at least once a week. And, don't be afraid to ask the stores when their shipments come in and if they have anything in back that has not been put on the shelves yet.

3. A local comic shop might help, or just good ol' Google.

4. Not that I know of. I check Amazon and eBay for going rates. And, keep in mind, these fluctuate with frequency, so checking often is the best idea.

Buying figures in person is a lot trickier, but to me, a lot more rewarding. I'm a freak when it comes to paint applications, so I hate gambling with online purchases.

Welcome (back) to the world of toys. Good luck and happy hunting!

Save a lot of money, buy a ticket to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, find and but what you want, return home happy and several thousand dollars poorer!