To open or not to open?

The “Should I Open It” debate will never go away. In this modern age of toys where it seems everything is collectible, everyone seems afraid to open the box. It doesn’t matter if it’s action figures or diecast cars. At some point in the past 15 years toys went from being disposable enjoyment to becoming exclusive look-but-don’t touch museumware. We never used to have that problem.

When did toys become investments?

There was a time when toys were never collectibles. They were toys. Personally I think the “instant collectible” status of toys has killed some of the joy in toys. Not only has it inflated prices, it makes everyone scared to open the box and have some fun – because you never know if the toy will be worth $100,000 in 20 years…right? Whatever. You’re not going to give up that toy.

One reason is, you won’t be around long enough to see any toy reach a value of something more than a couple hundred dollars…and that’s if you’re lucky. Secondly, you LOVE the toy, so you’re not going to get rid of it.

Along with being a Hot Wheels fan, I’m also a Star Wars fan. I have boxes full of Star Wars toys, both old ones from my childhood and new ones (some open, some not). I have to admit I got suckered into the whole collectible craze and kept things in the box. I had plans of eBaying them for triple the price but that never happened. Since Star Wars and Hot Wheels are toys I truly love, I’m not going to give them up unless someone is willing to offer me a stupid amount of money without effort.

It’s more fun to own than it than sell it

Why? Because there is joy and pride in just owning something you really love. Especially for toys you had when you were young that have some sentimental/nostalgia value, something that is supposedly priceless. It’s hard to part ways with something you truly enjoy. And that’s a good thing.

Would you open this car?

So lets say you’re at the store and find an error car. It’s mis-painted or has one wrong wheel…something minor but something that makes the car instantly more “valuable.” You instantly think to yourself, “awesome, I’m never going to open this because it’s special.” That’s great if you’re actively going to try and sell that toy, but if you’re here reading this post I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re not one of those people. I’m not. I don’t buy toys as an investment, I buy them for fun. I’ve found several error cars and I’ve opened them all…raced em, some of them even became donor part cars.

Value only matters if you plan on selling it

If you’re not going to peddle the error car around town or on-line, why keep it in the box? Why not open that up and play with it? Race it…let your kid play with it…whatever. Error cars and special editions are only valuable if you plan on selling them, otherwise they’re just toys being stifled.

The minute you start worrying about the price value of a toy is the moment you become unable to enjoy that toy. The second you sell a Hot Wheels car for a profit is the same moment when you start looking at all Hot Wheels as money-making opportunities. Lets assume by some odd chance someone offers you $10 for a car you just bought for a dollar. Would you sell it? Or would you start thinking, “gee, if this guy wants to give me $10 for it then maybe it’s worth more,” so you pass on his offer because you think you could really make more?

If you want to have fun investing and selling toys, I suggest doing so with toys you don’t have a passion for. I love Hot Wheels, I don’t love Barbie. So instead of trying to sell cars, I should sell dolls. I have no attachment to dolls, so there’s nothing in my head or heart telling me I shouldn’t. I can’t say that about Hot Wheels and Star Wars toys. I’m not saying you can’t put some select items aside for collectible purposes – I have cars that are unopened too – but 99% of the time it’s not going to matter. I can tell that the toys I have boxed up are in an attic doing nothing but collecting dust. The toys I have open are sitting around my house getting regular use and being enjoyed. What sounds more interesting to you?

Just open it and have some fun

But we’re not stupid. If someone offered me $100 for car or toy – hell, even $10 – I’d take it in a heartbeat. I’m not saying you can’t sell toys if that opportunity presents it self. But if you’re here and you love Hot Wheels, and you’re debating whether or not to open a “special” car, here’s your answer: open it. You’ll get more value out of the fun that car brings you, than the money you won’t make with it sitting on your shelf all boxed up. You just have to be realistic.