Originally published October 5, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
I have been collecting for about 5 years, and I have probably had 200 or so figures pass through the collection in that time. Some of these were bought in person, on eBay, or in other places online. If you are a collector as well, you will likely find yourself in a position where you may want to buy a figure online. Marketplace protections can help, but no sales platform makes every seller trustworthy.
You could buy figures on various forums or even Facebook groups! However, in my time I have picked up a few Safety Tips For Buying Figures in Facebook Groups. These tips may be particularly useful for collectors who are new to buying figures online.
Paying with PayPal? Don’t use Friends and Family.
For a purchase, use PayPal Goods and Services rather than Friends and Family. Eligible Goods and Services payments may qualify for Purchase Protection; Friends and Family payments do not. Read the requirements before paying, because protection is not automatic for every transaction.
Keep the listing, messages, payment record and promised shipping date. PayPal uses deadlines for opening and escalating disputes, and the deadline can depend on the type of problem. Check the current Purchase Protection terms for your account’s country rather than assuming a long preorder will remain covered.
Check for References
Facebook is a social website, which means that if you’re conducting a sale with someone on that site you can look them up. There is no shame in asking around for references on the person you are buying from.
Some buy/sell/trade groups keep seller-feedback records, but a lack of complaints is not proof that a seller is reliable. If you have mutual friends, it never hurts to ask them about any experiences either. Use the group’s search function to look for the seller’s name and previous transactions. A little research can go a long way in online sales.
Check the Figure and the Seller
It seems so simple, but sometimes you let your guard down. I would be lying if I said I was never screwed by a seller. It sucks and is not a fun thing to deal with. Payment protection and checking the seller both matter.
If something does not feel right or is too good to be true, trust your gut. Make sure you ask for as many photos of an item as you can so you know exactly what you are getting. Check around and be careful as dealing with this takes a lot of fun out of the hobby. You can definitely find great deals online, just make sure you’re careful. Do you have any tips on Safely Buying Figures in Facebook Groups? We’d love to hear them!
Photographs That Answer the Important Questions
Ask for one recent photograph of the complete figure and accessories together, then close-ups of the face, joints and any known wear. Include the box and its product label if the edition is in doubt. A seller’s older display photograph may show a piece that is no longer included; the current inventory should be agreed before payment. Keep that inventory with the rest of the conversation.
