poppetmaster wrote:In box for me. All POPs are in box and Hikari will be too. Thats like taking a vintage Kenner Star Wars figure out of the package and expecting some to still be worth thousands of dollars. Maybe 20 years from now these too will be worth thousands. Hell, some POPs already are and they are only a few years old.
Here is the difference, and no disrespect meant (this is directed at the topic in general and not you), this comes from someone who owned a comic book/toy store for 8 years and just my observation from that time (and what I told many a customer planning to pay a college tuition with their collections). Nothing is like vintage Kenner Star Wars figures. Their rarity and other pieces from that time period come from the fact that very few "collected" them back in the day. The overwhelming majority opened hem up, tossed the boxes and played with them. Now the sheer volume of product at the time left a few still mint in their boxes but it just a few. That is why they are considered rare and holds value today. Modern toys (since the late 80's really) fall into the tome of the collector. Those would buy 3 of each figure or comic, bag them and stash them away in their basement or attic. There is a more than adequate supply in storage to meet future demand. Access is not longer an issue as well thanks to the internet/eBay. With then added to the equation where anybody in the world can find someone and have it shipped to their doorstep within a few days. No more hunting in a catalog, a local shop or convention where you were at the dealer's mercy.
Beanie Babies are a perfect example of a rise and deep fall fad. They blew up, values sky-rocketed, folks stock piled them and then the fad/values crashed hard. Today most are worth next to nothing. Sound familiar? Sounds a lot like the direction of POPS! Funko has the extra benefit of using licensed product so there is an emotional connection that might fuel a longer term value but ultimately minus a few early and exclusive releases the supply will outlive the demand. People are stock piling pops. eBay will make sure we always have an avenue to find them and to unload the stock piles. Fads fade. Collectors of certain brands will stay loyal but ultimately how long can Funko keep churning out pops that people buy blindly? Space and finances will eventually take over. Again see Beanie Babies and the 90's Star Wars explosion.
If you want to invest, go see an investment manager. Collect what you love. Look for connections and experience. Take them out of the box and enjoy them.
Again, just my $.02. Your milage may vary...