Statues are a great collectible. They display well and make a collection room or geek cave shine. But what happens when you're finally ready to get rid of them? How do you go about selling them? We've made an easy guide on selling your statue collection, whether the collection consists of Sideshow, Bowen, Iron Studios, DC Direct, Prime 1, XM Studios, or a mixture of multiple companies.
Note that it can be tough to sell statues and our tips and tricks can help give you an edge when selling your collection.
Please note that this article is for entertainment purposes only. Do not use our website when making any kind of financial decisions.
If you're in a bind and need some personalized opinions (for entertainment purposes only), then note that we offer any advice/our opinion on all statue collections completely free of charge. If you need to be pointed in the right direction or need an appraisal, then we're here to help.
Note that we also buy all statue and bust collections big and small. If you want to cut out the hassle that goes with selling a collection of statues, then give us a text, call, or email. We pay cash and offer fair prices.
Make Sure to Keep Boxes
This is suggested from the start. If you're collecting Sideshow, Bowen, or any statues, then we suggest that you keep the boxes and all inserts (including COAs). This will make life MUCH easier when you're ready to sell your collection. Selling a statue without a box makes a major difference. Generally speaking, statues that are missing the original box, inserts, or are damaged sell for much less than perfect, complete pieces.
Missing the box can also mean that you're going to have to deal with much more breakage when shipping. The styrofoam is meant to keep the statue in place, so if it's missing, then small (or big) parts of the statue will likely move around when shipped, even if packed well. We've purchased statues without their original boxes in the past, and it can be a total mess. If you're having difficulty selling statues without their boxes, then refer to our packing section as we offer some tips that can help.
If you've kept the boxes of the statues, then you're ahead of the game. The boxes (while large and inconvenient) can make life easier for anyone ready to ship their statues out. Note that while statue boxes are important, they don't guarantee that the statue will arrive safely. There will always be damage if you sell multiple Sideshow, XM Studios, Prime 1, DC Direct, or Bowen statues or busts online (we noticed that bigger statues tend to break more in shipping). Packing well is usually the best way to ensure that the damages are kept to a minimum. This brings us to our next section.
Learn to Pack Statues
A good packing job can spell the difference between someone receiving a mint statue in the mail or someone receiving a shattered statue. This is where we highly suggest spending extra time and money when packing. It might sound tedious, but trust us, it's worth it. You don't want to send a $2000 Prime 1 Studios statue in the mail without being thorough.
If you have the box and styrofoam, then here are some tips (skip the next 3 paragraphs if you're missing the statue box and styrofoam).
First, make sure everything is put back correctly within the styrofoam. This might be a pain and we've spent hours packing some complicated Sideshow and XM Studios statues, but it's extremely important. Some very useful forum threads help with the packing process. Here's one from Statueforum that has other collectors post pictures of how Sideshow statues are packed when put back into their original boxes.
Once you put everything back into the styrofoam, then congrats, you've almost done. Before you put the statue back into the original box, make sure to tape the styrofoam shut. We notice that a lot of people neglect to do this, and we can't tell you how much it helps. Taping around the styrofoam can ensure that everything is tightly packed inside and doesn't move.
Once you've taped around the styrofoam and everything is firmly in place, then you're ready to put it back into the box. We suggest getting help if you're having difficulty putting a larger statue (such as a Prime 1 or XM Studios statue) back into the box. Sometimes it can be easier to have someone hold the cardboard color box open while you slip the styrofoam back in. Once you have the color box packed, you can do the same for the outer box. If you didn't keep your outer box, then we suggest buying another sturdy box. Try to buy a durable, double-wall box, as this will keep the contents inside from caving in if something heavy is put on top. Also, be sure to use packing peanuts to fill any void in the box. Try to use a generous amount as any gaps in the box can spell trouble.
If you didn't keep any boxes or inserts for the statue, then you might have your work cut out for you. This is where life gets difficult. To pack a statue that doesn't have a box, we suggest buying kraft paper, bubble wrap, tape, and boxes that can hold each piece. The key here is to use the kraft paper to wrap up each statue piece and ensure there are no gaps. Essentially, you want to ensure no small parts get any pressure applied to them. That statue piece that's been wrapped by the kraft paper then gets wrapped up in bubble wrap and the bubble wrap gets taped up. Then you put each individual, bubble-wrapped piece into a smaller box (double wall boxes are preferred). The smaller boxes will then go into a big box (also double wall) and filled with packing peanuts. It will take some effort, but when you're done, the statue will be somewhat ready for shipping. We say this because shipping a statue without the original box can be somewhat of a gamble, no matter how well you pack.
No matter your situation, whenever you sell a statue online, you need to be thorough when shipping. Always make sure to use shipping insurance as well. We can't stress this enough, but selling collectible statues online can be tough and there can be breakage, no matter how well you pack.
Take Good Pictures
If you're a longtime Marvel, DC, or general statue collector, then you'll probably know that statue collectors can be very particular about the condition. Even the smallest scratch can be cause for concern. This is where taking good pictures that show any imperfections or problems can be helpful. If you see anything that might be worth addressing, then be sure to take pictures and note it in the description when selling it online. Missing a flaw with a statue can spell problems if the collector was expecting a mint piece.
Some collectors are fine with damaged or defective statues but note that they usually expect to buy the piece at a discount. This also goes for statues without the box. If you have pieces that are damaged, then just make sure to take good pictures and do your best to describe them.
If the piece is mint, then make sure to take close-ups of every area. eBay allows you to put up 12 pictures for your item, so you should try your best to use that to your advantage. Some collectors also care about the condition of the box, so make sure to take pictures of that as well. While some collectors aren't particular about it, make sure to note if the outer box is included. Some collectors care about this.
Think of a Proper Venue to Sell
If you've decided to go the online route when selling your statue collection, then note that there are some options.
Amazon is one option for selling statues. You can get very good money for Bowen, Sideshow, Iron Studios, DC, Prime 1, and XM statues on Amazon. The problem with selling statues on the Amazon marketplace is that customers expect top quality. Customers are very particular and the condition of the statue and box. Even having the tiniest blemish can warrant a return or partial refund. The Amazon Marketplace also charges the highest fees at slightly over 15 percent (plus other fees). Finally, Amazon does not allow most sellers to stay on their marketplace from November to December (the holiday season), and you need to meet a certain threshold to sell during that time.
eBay is the most obvious option when selling statues. They have auction and buy-it-now formats, and if time isn't an issue, then we suggest using buy-it-now. eBay auctions can be a gamble and you never know what the statue will sell for, especially if it's not a popular piece. If you need money fast and have to do an auction, then we suggest having it end on Sunday at 9 PM EST, which usually nets the best results. eBay fees are generally lower than places like Amazon, and if you're thorough with your pictures and description, then you'll find that most buyers can be reasonable. Just be careful with expensive items as there are scammers that are running rampant. Always make sure to ship items with insurance and signature confirmation, and be sure to ship all international items using eBay's Global Shipping Program.
Online forums such as Statueforum and the Sideshow Collectors forum can be something to consider but note that Statueforum only allows premium members to sell on their site.
Apps such as Mercari and OfferUp can be an option for selling collectibles, but we don't think those are good for selling statues as we don't see many valuable ones for sale on these venues.
If you want to do things the old-fashioned way, then selling statues at local conventions is an option to consider. Note that this option is probably the most labor-intensive and your back might not agree with going this route (trust us, we speak from experience). This is especially true if you're planning on selling big statues such as Prime 1 Studios, Sideshow, XM, and Iron Studios. From our personal experience, we've noticed that high-end statues don't sell very well at conventions unless you're at a very big con (ex: SDCC or NYCC). This is because most convention-goers aren't looking to lug a giant box around the con floor (or lug it home). Shipping is way easier for them. Smaller, lower-priced statues can sell at conventions, depending on the audience. We generally find small cons to be tough to sell statues at.
Consider a Local Statue Buyer
If you're looking to make life easier for yourself, then you can find a local buyer for your statue collection. This can be one of the easiest routes to go when selling a collection of statues, especially one that has a lot of big pieces (ex: Sideshow, XM). You eliminate the major hassle that comes with shipping each statue online. It also prevents breakage issues. Most bulk statue buyers know what they're doing and pack each statue they sell like a professional, keeping damage and loss to a minimum. They aren't going to hassle you too much on statue condition if they're buying multiple pieces (unless they're very expensive pieces). You'll net less money when selling your statue collection in bulk, but it will save you a lot of time and headache.
Some local statue buyers will even help you pack each statue into the original styrofoam. This will make life much easier. Make sure to ask them if they can help with this before you make any kind of deal. We've helped a lot of customers repack statues in the past.
If you have a collection of statues and are missing the original boxes, then we suggest trying to find local statue buyers. Even if you get less money from the local buyer, then you're most likely still going to be better than shipping them online as you're going to save yourself the headache of breakage and refunds that come with it. This is also true if you have a collection of statues that have defects or issues. Finding a local buyer for statues can be tricky, so here are some tips that can help.
How to Find a Local Statue Buyer
If you have a collection of statues or busts and have decided to go with selling the statue collection to a single buyer, then we have some tips that might help.
Making a list of what statues you have can be a huge help to buyers and they can make a much more solid offer if they know what you have beforehand. If the collection isn't too big, then you can just take some group pictures to show them what you have, which is just as useful. Note that you can also provide some details over the phone or email, and that might be enough by itself, depending on the statues you're trying to sell.
First, make sure to do research and find someone who knows what they're talking about. This seems obvious, but having an expert buy your collection can make a big difference in the price you get. Call or email local comic shops and see if they're interested. Try to find pictures of their inventory to see if they sell statues. If they do, then you're headed in the right direction.
We highly suggest keeping away from Craigslist. You're much more likely to find scammers and frauds on Craigslist and you just want to keep away as there are much better options these days.
Don't ever take your statue collection to a comic store. Hauling a collection (no matter the size) to a store is usually a bad idea because the store knows that you won't want to take it back home, so they'll purposely make a low offer. If you talk to any local comic stores, just tell them over the phone, text, or email about the collection (provide a list or pictures if you have them), and have them come to you if they're interested. This will put the ball in your court. If you don't like their offer, then you can simply decline and move on the to next buyer, since nothing has been moved.
Also, try not to sell to any pawn or thrift shops. They generally don't pay much and don't know anything about statues from Sideshow, XM, Prime 1 Studios, Kotobukiya, or Bowen.
Selling a collection of statues can be difficult, whether they're smaller pieces like Kotobukiya/Bowen or bigger pieces like Sideshow/Prime 1. If you're careful and have a game plan, then life should be much easier when you're ready to sell. Note that any opinions we provide in this article are for entertainment purposes only and you should always do thorough research before buying or selling statues (or any collectibles). Be sure to consult as many sources as possible so you can understand the process of selling a statue collection.
Note that we buy statue collections of all sizes. Whether you have a few Bowen busts that are missing the boxes or a collection of mint (or damaged) XM Studios statues, let us know. We travel to you and pay cash for your statue collection. We also offer completely free, no-strings-attached advice if you're just looking to be pointed in the right direction (we would never pressure you to sell to us). Give us a call, text, or email if you're looking to sell or if you need an appraisal.
NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT USE OUR WEBSITE WHEN MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS.