Debate: Inbox collecting vs. Out of Box collecting

 I know there has been an argument about whether to keep a toy in the box or to display it out of the box for quite a long time, but it seems like the argument really ramped up with the Funko Pop craze. So how does one decide whether to leave a toy in a box or take it out. It comes down to a lot of factors, the first is being personal preference. Are you collecting something to possibly resale in the future? Do you have limited space but a large collection, so out of the box makes more sense? These are just two of many reasons that someone might either leave a toy or collectible in it's original packaging or decide to display them. Of course, they are toys. Though the market dictates that most action figures or pop culture collectibles are purchased by adults vs. for children, the feasibility of someone actually taking a toy out of its package to play with it are getting less and less. 

I have collectibles that are both in and out of the package. I'll state for the record that nothing that I personally own in the collectibles/Action Figure genre is bought for the sole purpose of resale. I buy things that appeal to me, and while I have gone on to sell off a lot of my Funko Pops, it wasn't for a big payday as much as it was that I was running out of room for them and to me, what is the purpose of having them if I am not seeing that collection. Not to mention that there were too many different properties that I had bought into I had lost interest in (Stranger Things being the biggest one). But like some collectors, when I decided to keep some of my figures in the box, a lot of it came down to how the boxart presented itself along with the figure. There are many figures which are awesome, but the packaging really ties it all together. Another factor can be excessive accessories. If you have a figure that comes with multiple hands, weapons, heads, etc, sometimes it is easier to just leave them in the box than try to keep track of everything. 

There is no wrong way to collect (well, i'd put an asterisk beside the no because I don't look at people who purely buy things to flip and make a quick profit collectors. Of course, that is only my opinion.) My advice when it comes to collecting is: Have a focus on what you want to collect. What I mean by that is limit how random you collect. Collect things that genuinely interest you and excite you. Sure, there is always the possibility that something you collect might be worth a decent amount of money, but at the end of the day, you have to ask if you are collecting for the love of toys or as in investment. I could be wrong, but most action figures today are heavily produced and unless they are a limited convention exclusive, it is highly doubtful that you'll see the kind of demand and prices like you do for toys from the 80's.