What's your style to complete sets?
- jagpop
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What's your style to complete sets?
When you go to complete a set of mystery minis, what approach do you take? Do you:
1. Buy a case/s in hopes to complete your set?
2. Buy the set from a reseller?
3. Trade dupes?
4. Combination of 1,2,3?
With the Batman Arkham Series I went with a little of both. I got a few cases/single boxes and ended up buying the missing pieces from eBay. With the recent Ad Icons, I went the route of purchasing individuals or lots. I figured it would be the most cost effective method for me. Although, I might end up buying a box or two just for the thrill...
1. Buy a case/s in hopes to complete your set?
2. Buy the set from a reseller?
3. Trade dupes?
4. Combination of 1,2,3?
With the Batman Arkham Series I went with a little of both. I got a few cases/single boxes and ended up buying the missing pieces from eBay. With the recent Ad Icons, I went the route of purchasing individuals or lots. I figured it would be the most cost effective method for me. Although, I might end up buying a box or two just for the thrill...
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Depends on ratios of case i.e. if it's a 1/12, then I'd get a whole box. For hard cases like HT with exclusives and high ratio ones, I try to field the rares first as much as possible and then will trade/buy 1/6 commons later on when they go for less than retail... #mystyle
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
billydarector wrote:Depends on ratios of case i.e. if it's a 1/12, then I'd get a whole box. For hard cases like HT with exclusives and high ratio ones, I try to field the rares first as much as possible and then will trade/buy 1/6 commons later on when they go for less than retail... #mystyle
That's true, when there are company exclusives like Walgreens, it gets tougher. I had to wait a while to get the Batman Walgreen ones. Eventually they dropped in price into my wheelhouse.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I dont collect too many minis so my approach is to buy them separately.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
joecolt wrote:I dont collect too many minis so my approach is to buy them separately.
Makes sense. If I don't go for a full set, and the ones I want are 1/6 or similar, I like going that route solely. Have you ever lucked out with the exact ones being sold as a lot?
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I try a combo of all but have yet to complete a full set. I’m too random and all over the place. Need to focus on one at a time.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
divade23 wrote:I try a combo of all but have yet to complete a full set. I’m too random and all over the place. Need to focus on one at a time.
I know the feeling. With so many lines, sometimes it's hard to complete a full set. I only have a couple and the others I just got distracted...
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:When you go to complete a set of mystery minis, what approach do you take? Do you:
1. Buy a case/s in hopes to complete your set?
2. Buy the set from a reseller?
3. Trade dupes?
4. Combination of 1,2,3?
With the Batman Arkham Series I went with a little of both. I got a few cases/single boxes and ended up buying the missing pieces from eBay. With the recent Ad Icons, I went the route of purchasing individuals or lots. I figured it would be the most cost effective method for me. Although, I might end up buying a box or two just for the thrill...
Definitely a combination of all 3, especially on the sets with several different store exclusives!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
My usual tactic was buy one full case from somewhere (depending on series, 1/6s, exclusive stores, etc), then try to hunt for the rest. Then trade if needed, and buy any remaining ones. Now I don't have as much time to hunt, so I usually just preorder a case then buy the remaining ones. I also haven't been as hyperfocused on finishing sets lately. I guess having an 8 month old will do that
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
kihou wrote:My usual tactic was buy one full case from somewhere (depending on series, 1/6s, exclusive stores, etc), then try to hunt for the rest. Then trade if needed, and buy any remaining ones. Now I don't have as much time to hunt, so I usually just preorder a case then buy the remaining ones. I also haven't been as hyperfocused on finishing sets lately. I guess having an 8 month old will do that
That's a good way to approach it. Then if you get lucky and get a 1:72, that worry is out of the way. Plus, the excitement of opening up 12 boxes. That's always fun.
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Hunt for rares first (especially if store EX), then trade/buy lower ratios.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
thejosh2010 wrote:jagpop wrote:When you go to complete a set of mystery minis, what approach do you take? Do you:
1. Buy a case/s in hopes to complete your set?
2. Buy the set from a reseller?
3. Trade dupes?
4. Combination of 1,2,3?
With the Batman Arkham Series I went with a little of both. I got a few cases/single boxes and ended up buying the missing pieces from eBay. With the recent Ad Icons, I went the route of purchasing individuals or lots. I figured it would be the most cost effective method for me. Although, I might end up buying a box or two just for the thrill...
Definitely a combination of all 3, especially on the sets with several different store exclusives!
Those store exclusives are killer at times. I remember having a relatively hard time completing my Arkham set because of those Walgreen exclusives.
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
divade23 wrote:I try a combo of all but have yet to complete a full set. I’m too random and all over the place. Need to focus on one at a time.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Mine is going for a full case first, then it varies from there. If the exclusives are easy to get, then I would probably lean towards online purchase. If the exlcusives are hard to get or there are many, I will try to hunt them down first and then resort to online when I get tired/desperate. On rare occasions if the odds are really good I will buy two cases (like Ad Icons).
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Patience is key to maximizing a full wallet I wait it out and slowly piece it together. Expensive ones first and less expensive ones later.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:When you go to complete a set of mystery minis, what approach do you take? Do you:
1. Buy a case/s in hopes to complete your set?
2. Buy the set from a reseller?
3. Trade dupes?
4. Combination of 1,2,3?
With the Batman Arkham Series I went with a little of both. I got a few cases/single boxes and ended up buying the missing pieces from eBay. With the recent Ad Icons, I went the route of purchasing individuals or lots. I figured it would be the most cost effective method for me. Although, I might end up buying a box or two just for the thrill...
I tend to go hardcore at a set initially - if I can find a full case, that makes it easier to figure out if there's a layout, or similar weights for the 1/6. I buy in store, and go on quests to multiple locations if need be. All of my friends know that they're in for a day of driving and adventures if we're questing! Then if I get lucky, I either trade or resell my duplicates. And yes - patience is needed! Was able to get my Ragnarok Fenrir after the craziness died down for a decent price. I tend to compare the secondary market prices as a trade off against what I'd spend in gas money questing!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:divade23 wrote:I try a combo of all but have yet to complete a full set. I’m too random and all over the place. Need to focus on one at a time.
I know the feeling. With so many lines, sometimes it's hard to complete a full set. I only have a couple and the others I just got distracted...
It's so much easier when there's just one set going at a time! This year is the first year I've had multiples going for most of the year, and it's not only expensive, but stressful! Funko just keeps putting out great stuff though!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I'm so incredibly impatient when it comes to completing a Mystery Mini set...and anything else, really It's bad. I usually take my chances and buy a few from retailers and then buy what I need online. I really should incorporate trading into that routine
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
sadly, i turn to ebay all the time. its just become easier and less of a pain for me.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
mongoose12 wrote:sadly, i turn to ebay all the time. its just become easier and less of a pain for me.
This is true. For the Ad Icons there were some bargains. I saw a few lots that came out to $4-5 per mini.
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:mongoose12 wrote:sadly, i turn to ebay all the time. its just become easier and less of a pain for me.
This is true. For the Ad Icons there were some bargains. I saw a few lots that came out to $4-5 per mini.
hunting has gotten harder for me...having a kid etc. not making excuses just realizing that i don't have time and i can just buy the merch.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
mongoose12 wrote:jagpop wrote:mongoose12 wrote:sadly, i turn to ebay all the time. its just become easier and less of a pain for me.
This is true. For the Ad Icons there were some bargains. I saw a few lots that came out to $4-5 per mini.
hunting has gotten harder for me...having a kid etc. not making excuses just realizing that i don't have time and i can just buy the merch.
I call it being efficient...
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
mongoose12 wrote:jagpop wrote:mongoose12 wrote:sadly, i turn to ebay all the time. its just become easier and less of a pain for me.
This is true. For the Ad Icons there were some bargains. I saw a few lots that came out to $4-5 per mini.
hunting has gotten harder for me...having a kid etc. not making excuses just realizing that i don't have time and i can just buy the merch.
Yep, I'm the same way now! It's harder to drive all over town to hunt when you have to lug an 18lb toddler (who is usually NOT interested) in and out of stores
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:kihou wrote:My usual tactic was buy one full case from somewhere (depending on series, 1/6s, exclusive stores, etc), then try to hunt for the rest. Then trade if needed, and buy any remaining ones. Now I don't have as much time to hunt, so I usually just preorder a case then buy the remaining ones. I also haven't been as hyperfocused on finishing sets lately. I guess having an 8 month old will do that
That's a good way to approach it. Then if you get lucky and get a 1:72, that worry is out of the way. Plus, the excitement of opening up 12 boxes. That's always fun.
It is pretty fun to get the box in the mail It's also helpful for weights and layouts, because it can help you know the info before going to hunt (if you can manage to get the box before other stores get theirs).
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
kihou wrote:mongoose12 wrote:jagpop wrote:This is true. For the Ad Icons there were some bargains. I saw a few lots that came out to $4-5 per mini.
hunting has gotten harder for me...having a kid etc. not making excuses just realizing that i don't have time and i can just buy the merch.
Yep, I'm the same way now! It's harder to drive all over town to hunt when you have to lug an 18lb toddler (who is usually NOT interested) in and out of stores
Exactly! I tried it a few times...just isn't the same... must faster when it was me riding solo . Not complaining really, my son is best bud.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
kihou wrote:jagpop wrote:kihou wrote:My usual tactic was buy one full case from somewhere (depending on series, 1/6s, exclusive stores, etc), then try to hunt for the rest. Then trade if needed, and buy any remaining ones. Now I don't have as much time to hunt, so I usually just preorder a case then buy the remaining ones. I also haven't been as hyperfocused on finishing sets lately. I guess having an 8 month old will do that
That's a good way to approach it. Then if you get lucky and get a 1:72, that worry is out of the way. Plus, the excitement of opening up 12 boxes. That's always fun.
It is pretty fun to get the box in the mail It's also helpful for weights and layouts, because it can help you know the info before going to hunt (if you can manage to get the box before other stores get theirs).
That's a good idea. Weighing your fresh box for future reference. Nice!
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I do my best to get as many for retail as I can, and then just hit ebay for the ones I’m missing.
At the end of the day, it’s just a lot easier and sometimes cheaper
At the end of the day, it’s just a lot easier and sometimes cheaper
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Pryde72 wrote:I do my best to get as many for retail as I can, and then just hit ebay for the ones I’m missing.
At the end of the day, it’s just a lot easier and sometimes cheaper
Good approach. Buying boxes and hoping for the best is fun but sometimes not the most economical way to go.
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:Pryde72 wrote:I do my best to get as many for retail as I can, and then just hit ebay for the ones I’m missing.
At the end of the day, it’s just a lot easier and sometimes cheaper
Good approach. Buying boxes and hoping for the best is fun but sometimes not the most economical way to go.
Exactly right. There comes a point where you have to try and balance the time spent and the number of dupes you get, verse “screw it, this is easier”
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:kihou wrote:jagpop wrote:That's a good way to approach it. Then if you get lucky and get a 1:72, that worry is out of the way. Plus, the excitement of opening up 12 boxes. That's always fun.
It is pretty fun to get the box in the mail It's also helpful for weights and layouts, because it can help you know the info before going to hunt (if you can manage to get the box before other stores get theirs).
That's a good idea. Weighing your fresh box for future reference. Nice!
I could definitely see that approach being beneficial.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I usually only collect the Minis that I like from sets.. I dont feel the need to have to complete the whole set.. it gets really expensive
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
A-Okay wrote:I usually only collect the Minis that I like from sets.. I dont feel the need to have to complete the whole set.. it gets really expensive
It can get expensive, especially with the lower count ones. But they display so well, especially if they have a Pop/Dorbz counterpart.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
jagpop wrote:A-Okay wrote:I usually only collect the Minis that I like from sets.. I dont feel the need to have to complete the whole set.. it gets really expensive
It can get expensive, especially with the lower count ones. But they display so well, especially if they have a Pop/Dorbz counterpart.
Oh yeah..I bet!!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I will say trade the dups and get the couple of last one's from a reseller.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Depends on the ratios. I probably wouldn't buy a case if the set had four 1/6 minis.
If a set has varied items in a case (say, only two 1/6), I would take 1 case at least. Then just fill out the missing ones from resellers or by lucky pulls.
If a set has varied items in a case (say, only two 1/6), I would take 1 case at least. Then just fill out the missing ones from resellers or by lucky pulls.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
I just look for each one!
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Option 4 for me. It's tough completing sets though
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
For me I usually shoot for certain ones from a set. I haven’t went for a whole set since BvS. Thankfully my local scene knows I want certain ones and when they get multiples they shoot me a message.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Kal-El-051 wrote:For me I usually shoot for certain ones from a set. I haven’t went for a whole set since BvS. Thankfully my local scene knows I want certain ones and when they get multiples they shoot me a message.
Great to have someone helping you to complete the set.
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Re: What's your style to complete sets?
Kal-El-051 wrote:For me I usually shoot for certain ones from a set. I haven’t went for a whole set since BvS. Thankfully my local scene knows I want certain ones and when they get multiples they shoot me a message.
This definitely helps out a lot. It's always nice helping someone complete a set. That BvS was a good one to complete.
I am not in danger, I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!
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