[spot138]

MOC collectors in general dont have souls, let alone the afa ones...






Just kinding

[ROC Solid Snake]

I don't down a persons preference on how they collect. I do both! I love loose for my Dios; I prefer MOC/AFA for my collection. I've read here that AFA destroys the hobby and is worthless; THAT comment is "worthless". If a national news show was doing a story on action figure collecting, a well kept AFA collection would represent the hobby well. There is a difference between a G.I. Joe collection and a toy assortment. Alot of you haters only have mediocre assortments.

[M_renegade]

I'd totally collect AFA graded figs.
I love to open my toys

[Zefram]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROC Solid Snake

I don't down a persons preference on how they collect. I do both! I love loose for my Dios; I prefer MOC/AFA for my collection. I've read here that AFA destroys the hobby and is worthless; THAT comment is "worthless". If a national news show was doing a story on action figure collecting, a well kept AFA collection would represent the hobby well. There is a difference between a G.I. Joe collection and a toy assortment. Alot of you haters only have mediocre assortments.

[Mercenary696]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzy

there are so many bad graders out there that it can really ruin your day when "you" think something is mint and the item you receive is in good condition because the seller thought it was mint.

AFA is a peace of mind for alot of people, knowing exactly what grade they are getting.

I personally try to avoid buying afa items because the cost is too much, but if I ever see something that I want at a reasonable price I would get it.

I only have a few items I would consider getting afa, but many items I want to get custom cases for (boxed items) I don't need those graded.

I agree completely. I have dealt with many unscrupulous store dealers and sellers over the years. Getting something that is sealed and graded gets past the rose tinted glasses for sellers and the xray vision for buyers. It helps out a lot too when you are selling. Nothing is worse than getting a buyer on eBay who thinks the mint in near mint box is supposed to be a perfect 10 and emails you about it complaining. If it's an 85, then it's an 85.

I dealt with this all the time when I collected vintage 60's GI JOE's. Back then, it was a c-1 to c-10 grading scale. I got people selling crap that was at best c-6 and they tried to pass it off as c-8 or c-9. I would of loved to of had some mediator type grading service back then.

On the negative side of AFA, I would have to agree that the end result is way over priced. Not only is the grading expensive, but carded figures should never cost that much graded. I only like AFA because they are graded and sealed in a nice protective case.

You know it's over when we all saw Hasbro Toy Store selling 25th anniversary figures AFA graded. It was funny watching Hasbro trying to get in on the action. Notice how they didn't even bother with ROC AFA graded figures?

A great example of overprices AFA items is the new Sideshow GI JOE figures. I spotted 2 AFA graded Cobra Commanders on eBay going for about $400.00 each. It's crazy to have something that is less than a couple of years old that sold for about $100.00 new worth that much because it is in a plastic case.

sideshow afa, Toys Hobbies. Great deals on eBay!

[CG76]

If you've got something worth a lot money or of great sentimental value, say unopened mint vintage item, it's worth paying a $50 to a hundred or two to get it graded and encased in a nice display case, that will also protect it. It'll last longer than otherwise.

It's like buying a ring for your girl. If you are going to spend over a certain amount, you should get it verified and appraised for peace of mind. That's just my opinion.

[CVdelgado]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROC Solid Snake

Alot of you haters only have mediocre assortments.

wow, did you just insult my toy collection? lol.

[CVdelgado]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zefram

im stealing this. where do you get all of these anyway?

[ROC Solid Snake]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG76

If you've got something worth a lot money or of great sentimental value, say unopened mint vintage item, it's worth paying a $50 to a hundred or two to get it graded and encased in a nice display case, that will also protect it. It'll last longer than otherwise.

It's like buying a ring for your girl. If you are going to spend over a certain amount, you should get it verified and appraised for peace of mind. That's just my opinion.

I like the way this man thinks!

[Zefram]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercenary696

I agree completely. I have dealt with many unscrupulous store dealers and sellers over the years. Getting something that is sealed and graded gets past the rose tinted glasses for sellers and the xray vision for buyers. It helps out a lot too when you are selling. Nothing is worse than getting a buyer on eBay who thinks the mint in near mint box is supposed to be a perfect 10 and emails you about it complaining. If it's an 85, then it's an 85.

The problem is, as have been discussed (see CIAD's post) that a lot of times the AFA has their collective heads up their asses and aren't anywhere near as reliable as people would like to think.

I'm ideologically opposed to the idea of the AFA, but it's a moot point if they can't even be consistent with their grading or even identifying of toys.

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CVdelgado

im stealing this. where do you get all of these anyway?

I could tell you but I'd have to kill you. >_>;;;