How do I know what I am buying is not a total rip-off?

Hi everybody!

I've never purchased props/replicas before but was thinking that I might start. Namely in the Batman area of things but some of the items seem very expensive. The question I have is, are props/replicas known for their appreciation (especially when there is a limited number)?

Educate yourself about the seller and the item you want to buy, read reviews. Just like in real life.

Don't buy any props as an investment. Though a lot of prop replicas can appreciate in time, it is not smart to assume that they will. Just buy them to enjoy them.

Thanks for the quick replies.

I wasn't going buy them on the basis of making money...but like you said, to enjoy them...namely because they're a work of art.

But because some of the items I'm led to believe are rare (500 items), this has meant a doubling of the initial price. In that case, I'm not sure if a doubling is normal or not.

...apologies if I'm being too vague.

They're basically worth what you're prepared to pay. If you feel you're being taken for a ride, don't do it!

Rich

Here's an example:

Batman Returns 1:1 Scale BAT COWL Fiberglass Replica - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop

That's $1600 US, which is up from an initial price of $475 US.

To me, this looks like it is far too much (apart from the fact that I can't afford it)...but maybe this is normal.

Always research. One person might claim the item is rare and commandsbig bucks, then you find it a week later for $20 and it is commonly found. Before you buy it, google search it, check out other sellers on eBay or online sale sites to compare and ask questions to the knowledgable people here. People here usually can tell you if it is a good deal or not.

A good philosophy. If you think the price is too high. Just wait a little, search a little, and you may find the same item or better at a cheaper price or getting a better deal elsewhere. Never rush into a purchase. Spend your money wisely.

See this is a prime example. You post one at $1600 and my first search pop up
Is this

HCG Japan Batman Returns 1:1 Scale BAT COWL Fiberglass Replica

For $799

And I am sure after a few minutes I would find it cheaper

Actually, I saw that price as well but I mentioned the $1600 on the basis that props/collectables can vary hugely (I should have added both in my example). It shows that my example is far too expensive. However, I'm left wondering if the $799 is still too much since that is almost double what the price was when it was first released.

Looking at other forums, it seems the build quality is pretty good, however there seems to be some concern that the cowl is asymmetrical and it isn't exactly 1:1 (suggesting that because it is a cast of the original so the rubber/latex had shrunk).

webraft said:

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Actually, I saw that price as well but I mentioned the $1600 on the basis that props/collectables can vary hugely (I should have added both in my example). It shows that my example is far too expensive. However, I'm left wondering if the $799 is still too much since that is almost double what the price was when it was first released.

Looking at other forums, it seems the build quality is pretty good, however there seems to be some concern that the cowl is asymmetrical and it isn't exactly 1:1 (suggesting that because it is a cast of the original so the rubber/latex had shrunk).

You have to realize that after researching, you might find that limited editions have just gone up. Once they are sold out, the people that own it can dictate how much to sell it at. Of course, they will only get what people are willing to pay, but if they are not in a rush to sell it, they may sit on high prices.

Master Replica sold Muppet photo puppets. They were pretty expensive to begin with and were limited. But after a year, they hit eBay cheaper than when they were retail. So people snagged them. Kermit originally sold I believe at $300-$400. I bought him brand new at $175. Now since collectors snagged them... They are commanding $800-$1200
On eBay. It is supply and demand.

Brad (Jedifyfe) once wrote these words of wisdom..." if you want an item, be patient". There will be a collector who paid top dollar and now needs cash for bills and will sell it cheap. Just keep the item on your want list and one day you will get it for pennies on the dollar.

Moviefreak said:

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You have to realize that after researching, you might find that limited editions have just gone up. Once they are sold out, the people that own it can dictate how much to sell it at. Of course, they will only get what people are willing to pay, but if they are not in a rush to sell it, they may sit on high prices.

Master Replica sold Muppet photo puppets. They were pretty expensive to begin with and were limited. But after a year, they hit eBay cheaper than when they were retail. So people snagged them. Kermit originally sold I believe at $300-$400. I bought him brand new at $175. Now since collectors snagged them... They are commanding $800-$1200
On eBay. It is supply and demand.

Brad (Jedifyfe) once wrote these words of wisdom..." if you want an item, be patient". There will be a collector who paid top dollar and now needs cash for bills and will sell it cheap. Just keep the item on your want list and one day you will get it for pennies on the dollar.

Someone on here was selling a kermit for around $300 a while back and I was extremely tempted to buy it. Decided to wait and find one later and now, the majority of them I've looked at have been $900 + . Kicking nyself.

A lot of people get into this hobby for the wrong reasons. One of those reasons being "Oh, it's an investment!" like the comic books were back in the 90s.

The simple fact of the matter is, no matter what you buy, it's going to be up to you to look at it and go "I am satisfied I spent x amount of $$ on this paperweight/dust catcher".

Get into the hobby to enjoy the pieces, by all means. Find something you want and buy it if it's affordable, but under no circumstances should you think of this as a "will increase in value" even for a short while.

For every "official" piece out there, there are tons of variations and versions and builds that are slightly different and "unofficial". Some of these are more detailed, some of these are much better quality, some of these are recasts of the released item. Just do your research before you buy.

Me personally? I just buy what I like and what's going to sit on the shelf. A limited edition is pretty awesome, but at the same time it's also kind of pointless in this hobby. Perfect example would be the "Tony Stark Has A Heart" arc reactor piece from the movie. I own the official limited edition one that was released around the time of the movie. It's a beautiful piece. Something like 500-1000 pieces worldwide. Do a search on "arc reactor" or "iron man" on the forums, in the junkyard, or on ebay and you will see hundreds for sale that are all pretty much identical in size, shape, color, etc. My limited editon is only really "limited" by the fact 1 company put that piece out officially. Unofficially there's a crapload of em and you can pick and choose anything from a hardware built hot glue gun based one to a machined out of plexi with real copper wire and an insane price to go with it version.

Buy what you like, for a price you are comfortable with. Be patient, keep an eye out, and you can find some pretty cool bargains

I know the 89 keaton mask is pretty popular, so you can always find a bust of it somewhere. It might not be THAT particular bust, but again, I prefer a piece that's awesome and in my budget to awesome and not in my budget

Chris

Research the crap out of screen names you want buy from. If buying from ebay I nnever buy from anyone with less than a 100% to 95% review score and I READ the negative reviews.

Hey thanks for all the replies. Your answers have been a real help.

What did you decide to do?

I'm sitting on it for the moment. It's a lot for one piece but damn it if it isn't the coolest thing I've seen.

Never buy anything labeled limited edition.

Because it's not.

Are you able to elaborate? I'm assuming that you mean there will be another official release of the cowl?

Is your reservation related to the quality of the item?
I think they may have addressed the asymmetrical issue.
Have you seen it in person?

Quality is certainly an issue because of the significant price and I haven't seen it in person which is why I have so many questions about it. What do you mean they may have addressed the asymmetrical issue? Did they come out with a bad batch to begin with and then another 'fixed' version?