Thanks to the constant popularity of toys, among kids and adults, vintage toy shops are on the rise. They can typically be found at malls or through online shops. When asked the popular question, “Do you have Transformers?” they would usually give you the Transformers list of characters available at the store.

To be categorized as a vintage toy dealer, one must be in the loop of everything collectible- item-related, from memorizing the complete Transformers list of characters to when each edition of Bumblebee was released. A toy dealer could also specialize in a specific line or go for the most popular ones like Star Wars, Star Trek, He-Man, G.I. Joe or Barbie. Both collectors and dealers have to embark on a long journey searching for a toy that would complete their collection.

Calling Something a Collectible and Starting a Collection

Collectors usually apply the “20-year rule” to be able to categorize something as a collectible. When a toy is about two decades old, and the kids who played with them are already adults who want to relive their youth, it has entered the collectible status. The toy’s value further increases when there are three parties involved: end-users who played with the games or toys when they were kids, collectors who wish to use the opportunity for business, and those who perceive the items as an investment.

Owning one rare item, however, does not automatically make a collection. Going through great extents and thoroughly searching for the last piece to complete the set brings a sense of accomplishment that is familiar to every collector.

All About the Transformers Collection

Released on September 17, 1984, the Transformers G1 (Generation 1) remains one of the most sought-after collectibles in the market. Collecting any G1 Transformer action figure is no laughing matter. In fact, some of these go up to thousands of dollars like the Takara Transformers Original G1 Grand Maximus C-311, which is being sold for $9,500 on eBay.

Because of the comics, books, cartoons, and movies, every kid back then wanted to get their hands on the transforming toys and re-enact each scene. A wave to “collect them all” began because it meant that the more toys in possession, the more scenes could be re-played in the living room. Eventually, any other robot or action figure had huge shoes to fill because no one ever had the same revolutionary effect as Transformers.

Transformers G1 Characters

Below are some of the main characters from the first generation of Transformers that were even more popularized by the 2007 American science fiction film:

• Optimus Prime (Autobots)
• Bumblebee (Autobots)
• Megatron (Decepticon)
• Ironhide (Autobot)
• Ratchet (Autobot)
• Starscream (Decepticon)
• Jazz (Decepticon)
• Barricade (Decepticon)
• Frenzy (Decepticon)
• Bonecrusher (Decepticon)
• Devastator (Decepticon)

Some of the best stores online also sell contemporary Transformers editions from both Hasbro and Takara. Transformers G2, Beast Wars, Titans, Beast Machines, Alternators, and Combiner Wars are examples of the more recent editions of the brand that are popular among collectors. A quick search on the Internet for a specific model would yield many results with varying conditions and corresponding prices.

The beauty with collecting toys such as the Transformers line is that as the year’s progress, the toy of today if kept in pristine condition could increase in value. There is always that sense of excitement in owning something that could be worth thousands of dollars in 20 years.