How To Sell Marvel Action Figures - All You Need To Know

eBay

With over 180 million active buyers, eBay is the premier auction site to sell collectibles like Marvel action figures. You can create fixed price or auction style listings and leverage eBay’s large user base. Make sure to have detailed descriptions and high-quality photos. eBay takes a cut of around 10% from the final sale price.

Pros of Selling on ebay

eBay offers many advantages that make it one of the top platforms for selling Marvel toys and collectibles. The enormous established user base provides instant access to millions of active buyers globally. eBay’s robust shipping infrastructure and buyer protection programs give both sellers and purchasers peace of mind for transactions. 

The advanced search features and filtering capabilities allow you to closely compare sold prices to optimize listings. Overall, the high visibility of eBay combined with the tools for managing listings, payments, and shipping streamlines the selling process.

Cons of Selling on eBay

However, there are some downsides to be aware of when selling Marvel figures through eBay. They charge listing fees and take a 10% cut of the final selling price, reducing potential profits, especially on high-value items. Returns and buyer disputes can tie up funds until resolved. 

Listings also have to compete with a flood of other toy sellers, so it can be challenging to stand out. eBay also requires closely monitoring your account and listings daily to maximize exposure and finalize sales. For very rare or expensive pieces, the risky open marketplace dynamics may steer you towards more specialized collector platforms.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook’s buy and sell platform has over 800 million users. Join relevant Marvel collector groups and list your figures for local pickup sales. Pricing is flexible and you keep 100% of your profits minus minor listing fees. The platform is completely free to use.

Pros of Selling on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace provides an easy and convenient platform to connect with interested local buyers for your Marvel toys. With over 800 million active users, you gain instant access to a huge pool of potential customers. 

Listing fees are minimal, and you keep 100% of your sales proceeds. The familiar Facebook interface makes creating and managing your listings simple and intuitive. You can also join relevant Marvel collector groups on Facebook to directly market to ideal buyers. The platform is completely free to use and leverages your existing network and community presence.

Cons of Selling on Facebook Marketplace

However, there are some limitations to selling Marvel figures through Facebook. It is restricted to local pickup and cash sales, which substantially limits your possible buyer reach. There is very little seller protection compared to managed marketplaces like eBay. Listings have limited organizational and search capabilities. 

Competitive pricing can be challenging when buyers expect deep discounts compared to online prices. Facebook also provides minimal useful metrics on listing views and engagement. And you have to handle all communications, negotiations, coordination and transactions yourself without a centralized infrastructure. Overall, Facebook Marketplace works best for selling common, lower-value figures locally.

Online Toy Forums

Dedicated communities like ActionFigure411.com feature classified sections to connect sellers with interested collectors. Great for networking and getting your figures in front of an ideal audience. May take more effort to coordinate shipping and payment.

Comic and Collectible Stores

Local comic book and hobby shops may offer Marvel toys consignment programs. You get an upfront partial payment, then the rest once it sells. Benefits include exposure and avoiding selling hassles. typical consignment commission rates range from 40-60% of the final price.

Craigslist

For a straightforward local sales platform, Craigslist is hard to beat. Create a listing for your Marvel figures available for pickup in your area. Meet in a safe public place for the transaction. Craigslist is 100% free to use with no fees deducted.

Effective Marketing and Descriptions

To maximize interest and sales prices, you need to market your Marvel action figures properly online. Follow these tips:

• Write detailed titles including the character names, series, manufacturer and year released.

• Fill out item condition, defects, version details and any other relevant info in listings.

• Show figures from multiple angles in bright, high-resolution photos. Capture any unique markings.

• Note rare attributes like limited editions, retired releases or mint packaging.

• Research the backstories and contexts of more obscure characters and storylines.

• List individual pieces from a collection separately or as a group lot depending on value.

• Be responsive to collector inquiries and offer fast shipping with tracking.

Taking the time to create accurate, insightful listings builds seller reputation in the Marvel collecting community.

Pricing Your Action Figures

Determining the optimal asking price for Marvel toys on certain marketplaces requires balancing maximizing profits with maintaining competitiveness. Here are some pricing strategies:

• Start on the higher side but allow room for offers and haggling from interested buyers.

• Compare with other current listings for similar condition figures to stay in line with market rate.

• Consider bundling less popular items together into lots at reduced per-unit pricing.

• For rare or highly sought after pieces, using an auction format lets the market determine the fair price.

• Allow extra margin if selling on platforms like eBay that take a percentage of the sale price.

• Offer discounts for combined shipping on multiple items or local pickup orders.

Remaining flexible on pricing will help your Marvel figures sell faster. You can always start high and lower as needed.

Best Practices for Photographing Your Marvel Figures for Resale

Taking well-composed, quality photos is one of the most important aspects of successfully selling Marvel toys online. Follow these photography best practices:

• Use a clean, neutral background like a white poster board to avoid distracting from the figure.

• Ensure there is plenty of diffuse, soft lighting from multiple angles to avoid shadows or glare. Natural daylight is best.

• Take shots from varying distances – mix full figure shots with detailed close ups of faces/markings.

• Capture front, back, sides and 3/4 views to give a complete visual inventory.

• For group lots, take overview shots as well as individual photos of key items.

• Use a tripod, remote shutter and low ISO to eliminate blur and get crisp focus throughout.

• Watch out for any photoshopping “tells” like warped areas or clone brush marks if editing.

• Color balance optimization in post processing helps figures look their true vibrant shades.

• Listing more photos consistently results in higher selling prices. Feature packaging and accessories.

• Maximize image resolution and size – aim for at least 3000×2400 pixels at 300 dpi.

Great presentation sells. Taking the extra effort to master figure photography improves response rates and final prices.

Safely Packing and Shipping Your Toys

For any online sales, proper packaging of your Marvel action figures is essential to prevent damage in transit. Here are some tips:

• Each figure should be bubble wrapped or placed inside a plastic bag. Use more padding on vulnerable areas like limbs and heads.

• Pad the outer box generously with packing paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to avoid shifting.

• Place tape over joints, limbs, and accessories to keep everything securely in place.

• Choose a sturdy outer box slightly larger than the items with at least 2 inches of packing material on all sides.

• Seal boxes securely with high-quality packing tape designed for shipping.

• Include insurance and tracking for valuable items in case they get lost or damaged.

Your diligent packaging provides peace of mind for the buyer and protects your reputation.

Determining the Value of Your Marvel Toys

The first step in selling Marvel action figures is determining their current value. This will help you price them appropriately and maximize your profit. Here are some tips for assessing Marvel toy value:

• Use our toy pricer – For an instant quote on your Marvel action figures, use our toy pricer for an immediate price.

• Check sold listings on eBay – Search for the specific figure you have and filter for sold listings. This will show you the actual selling prices.

• Consider condition – Figures in mint, unopened condition fetch higher prices than used loose figures. Check for any damage or wear.

• Research rare variations – Limited editions, early releases, rare characters/costumes can significantly increase value.

• Browse price guide books – Annual printed price guides like Overstreet give average values for figures.

• Join collector forums – Connect with other collectors to get advice on pricing for rare/obscure items.

Knowing the fair market value for your Marvel toys ensures you can turn a decent profit without overpricing.

Preparing Your Figures for Sale

Before listing your Marvel action figures for sale, you’ll want to clean and organize them to display in the best possible condition:

• Carefully dust figures with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.

• Check joints and limbs for any stuck or stiff areas and loosen them up if needed.

• Replace any missing or broken accessories like weapons or display bases.

• Freshly insert batteries in any electronic/lights features to test operation.

• Group together any related sets, vehicles, or pieces from the same collection.

• Research instructions, certificates of authenticity or other inclusions and bundle with the figure.

Taking these steps allows buyers to clearly inspect your Marvel toys and increases their value.

Authenticating and Verifying Rare Marvel Figures

When dealing with highly valuable vintage or limited edition Marvel toys, it is crucial to authenticate the pieces and ensure they are genuine before purchasing or selling. Here are some tips to avoid counterfeits:

• Examine the copyright markings molded into the figures and packaging. Make sure the dates match the alleged release.

• Compare paint application, sculpting, articulation, and other production qualities against confirmed legit examples.

• Research the specific product codes and model numbers to verify they are correct for that character and release.

• Review the style and variations of older Marvel logos and graphic art on cards and packaging.

• Analyze font and grammar used on included paperwork for inconsistencies.

• Inspect the overall craftsmanship and quality of materials – cheap plastic, flimsiness or lack of detail are red flags.

• Request high resolution photos of all angles, markings and damage areas from sellers.

• Consult with experienced Marvel collectors and ask for second opinions on forums if uncertain.

• Trace the ownership history and provenance documentation if available.

Taking the time to thoroughly authenticate before purchasing Marvel figures gives you confidence in reselling them as genuine articles at maximum value.

Securing Collector’s Insurance for High Value Marvel Toys

For those dealing in particularly scarce or expensive Marvel figures worth thousands of dollars, it can be prudent to invest in collector’s insurance plans. These policies from companies like CollectInsure and State Farm provide protection in case of theft, damage, or accidents. Here are some tips for coverage:

• Provide detailed appraisals of each item’s current fair market value from reputable dealers.

• Set coverage limits based on the total value of your entire Marvel collection, with extra buffers.

• Inspect your home’s security measures – advanced systems may earn premium discounts.

• Ask about protections when transporting your collection to conventions or shows.

• Note policy limitations like acts of war, natural disasters or mysterious disappearances.

• Request complete replacement cost value compensation to account for appreciation.

• Explain any special display or storage accommodations needed.

• Review how claims are processed and payout timelines.

Insuring prized Marvel figures adds peace of mind in case of an unforeseen catastrophe or disaster striking your collection. The costs are reasonable compared to potential losses.

Staying Up To Date On Marvel Toy News and Releases

As an active Marvel action figure collector and reseller, it pays to stay constantly up to date on upcoming releases, current toy news, rumors and announcements. Great ways to stay in the loop include:

• Regularly checking toy sites like Toyark, ActionFigureInsider, ToyNewsInternational for breaking Marvel toy news.

• Following fan sites like MarvelToyNews and IdleHandsBlog that report on all Marvel collectibles.

• Subscribing to email newsletters from Marvel and major toy manufacturers.

• Attending conventions like San Diego Comic Con and New York Toy Fair that showcase new products.

• Connecting with other collectors on forums to share latest announcements.

• Checking retailer sites daily for new preorder listings.

• Following Marvel toy insider social media accounts on Instagram and YouTube.

• Signing up for fan club memberships from companies like Mego and Sideshow.

• Setting Google Alerts for new results on popular Marvel characters and franchises.

By staying diligent on all Marvel toy news, you can capitalize quickly on preordering upcoming hot releases well before street dates and demand causes prices to spike.

The Most Expensive and Rare Marvel Action Figures

Marvel action figures have become highly sought-after collector’s items over the years, with some fetching extremely high prices at auction or on the secondary market. The rarest and most valuable Marvel figures tend to be older releases from the 1960s to 1990s, limited edition exclusives, figures with errors/variations, and items still in their original packaging.

One of the most expensive Marvel figures ever sold was a rare 1979 Moon Knight action figure, which fetched $18,000 at auction in 2016. Only a few thousand of these figures were produced by toy company Mego, making them very hard to find today. 

Other valuable vintage Marvel figures include the 1967 Captain Action Spider-Man, the 1974 Mego Spider-Man, and the 1990 Toy Biz hologram Iron Man – all of which can sell for upwards of $10,000 in mint condition with boxes and accessories.

More modern Marvel figures can also command high prices, especially exclusives from events like Comic-Con. For example, a 2012 SDCC exclusive Phoenix action figure sold for over $6,000 due to very limited quantities. Other valuable exclusives include the Galactus figure from that same year, which can cost $2,000 to $3,000, and the massive 3-foot tall Thanos statue from 2018 that sells for around $1,000.

In terms of new releases, certain chase variants and figures with 1:100 rarity ratios like the Venomized Ghost Rider can sell for $300 to $600 each right after launch. 

So for collectors looking to invest in Marvel figures, focusing on exclusives, chase variants, older releases, and mint-in-box items offers the highest potential resale value down the road. Monitoring auction sites and collector forums is key to tracking the latest rare and valuable figures in the aftermarket.

Keeping Marvel Figures in Original Packing vs. Removing Them

For Marvel action figure collectors, one of the big debates is whether to keep your figures in their original boxes or take them out for display. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue.

Many collectors choose to keep their Marvel figures boxed up to maintain their condition, prevent damage, and maximize resale value. The original packaging helps verify authenticity and that the item is truly mint. 

This is especially important for very rare or valuable figures that you may want to resell later. The box and inserts add context and contribute to the collectibility. Additionally, the packaging makes storage and organization easier, with key info clearly displayed. You don’t have to worry about losing accessories either.

However, there’s also a strong case for freeing Marvel figures from their boxes to fully enjoy and display them. The craftsmanship and finer details are often hidden or obscured in packaging, so you miss out on appreciating the figure design. 

Posing and interacting with loose figures can provide greater fulfillment for collectors too. Displays come alive when you can position a wide variety of Marvel characters together in dynamic action scenes. Loose figures also take up less space than bulky boxes. Just be sure to keep all packaging materials in case you change your mind.

Ultimately there’s no right or wrong way to collect Marvel figures – it comes down to personal preference. Some alternate by keeping especially valuable or meaningful figures boxed while freeing others. As long as you take proper precautions to prevent damage, either approach is valid for enjoying these iconic Marvel toys.

Conclusion

Selling Marvel action figures can be a fun, rewarding and profitable experience for collectors and toy enthusiasts. By properly evaluating your items’ values, leveraging online marketplaces, intelligently marketing your listings, carefully packing orders, and providing great service, you can attract interested buyers and maximize your sales. 

Use this guide as a roadmap to jumpstart your own Marvel toy selling journey. With a few figures from your personal collection, you may discover a new passion for buying and reselling Marvel toys!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most valuable Marvel action figures?

Some of the most valuable Marvel figures include early Spider-Man and X-Men releases from the 1960s-70s, limited edition prototypes, San Diego Comic Con exclusives, and unopened classic Mego dolls and playsets. Rare variations and pieces in pristine condition also fetch top dollar.

How can I determine the current market price for my Marvel toys?

Check our toy pricer for an immediate quote or check recently completed eBay auctions provides real-time data on current prices. Browse price guide books, collector forums, and online databases to cross-reference. Condition, completeness and rare attributes greatly affect values.

What’s the best marketplace to sell Marvel action figures?

eBay is the top marketplace due to its massive reach, built-in shipping infrastructure, and trust in the buying/selling process. For local sales, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist allow you to maximize profits with no fees.

Should I sell Marvel figures individually or as a lot?

More sought after characters and rare items generally sell better individually. Common figures can be grouped in thematic lots at reduced per-unit pricing. Split up any sets or collections into logical lots based on projected demand.

How should I ship my sold Marvel action figures to prevent damage?

Each figure should be securely wrapped in bubble wrap and packing materials. Use a sturdy box with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Tape accessories in place and joint limbs. Include insurance and tracking on higher value shipments.