A few years ago I visited a local vintage toy store where I live. The guy who ran the place was a jerk, not helpful at all, didn't have prices on anything and looked up his prices compared to what was up on ebay! I bought about 2 items that day and never returned due to the poor customer service and high prices. About a month ago, I decided to give that shop a chance again. Maybe things had changed over the years? I was met & greeted by a friendly employee who was ready to help me find what I was looking for and more than happy to talk toys and NBA. He still looked up the prices on ebay, but was willing to negotiate. The place was a mess with boxes everywhere and no real organization, but the customer service was above what I was expecting and this time I left with a nice collection of Playmates TMNT toys! Here is what I picked up and added to my collection.
Original April O'Neil (1988) & April: The Ninja Newscaster (1992)
Walkabout (1991) & Zak The Neutrino (1991)
Rappin' Mike (1991) & Mona Lisa (1992)
Toon Raphael (1992) & Monty Moose (1992)
Robotic Bebop (1993) & Slice 'N Dice Shredder (1990)
Machine Gunnin' Rocksteady (1991) & Head Spinnin' Bebop (1991)
Slam Dunkin' Don (1991) & Tattoo (1991)
Mutated Don (2006)
Got some pretty great stuff in addition to that Collector's Case. The biggest surprises were finding a Mona Lisa. I had been searching for her figure for years and was never able to find one in my price range. After all was said and done I got her for around $5! Another surprise was the "Mutated Don" figure. I am not too well versed on the 2000's TMNT toy line and I knew this was a Turtle toy, just didn't know what. The guy at the counter thought he was a Leatherhead figure. Not having this in my collection, I had him put it in my pile. I guess "Mutated Don" is a pretty rare figure? Just glad I was able to get him and the rest of the toys above home, cleaned up and in my TMNT collection. I'll have to go back sometime soon and check out this store's comic book offerings. I'll let you know if anything good comes out of that trip. Until then enjoy some retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy commercials!
COWABUNGA!
Dude, that's the worst when you go to a vintage toy shop and the people who run the place have zero interest in the hobby. People go to vintage toy stores just as much for the experience as they do the toys. It's about connecting with like minded people, not dealing with a scalper who just so happens to have a brick and mortar store.
ReplyDeleteIt is not my favorite place to go, but every now and then I can handle it, for the Turtles of course!
DeleteAwesome haul. Glad the latest trip was a better experience.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hope to go back again soon. Hopefully it will be another pleasant trip.
DeleteThe old, dilapidated toy store. Some have a nice, nostalgic throwback feel to them and some feel like you've just walked into Bates Motel. Congrats on the loot!
ReplyDeleteThis one is not well organized at all. Boxes all over the place things on the floor. You really have to dig if you want to find the good stuff!
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