7 Tips for Buying Art Toys Online: A Practical Guide

Contents

1. Do your research
2. Check reviews and ratings
3. Compare prices before you buy
4. Understand the return policy
5. Consider the shipping costs
6. Be careful with limited editions
7. Buy what you love

Whether you're a long-time collector, or just starting your journey into the fascinating world of art toys, buying them online can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth. But with the right tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can turn this maze into a straight path. Allow me to share seven practical tips that will make your quest to buy art toys online a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Do your research

The first, and most important, step when you decide to buy art toys online is to do your research. It's easy to get lost in the colorful world of art toys—each more intriguing than the last. But not all that glitters is gold, and not every art toy will be a worthy addition to your collection.

Start by identifying key players in the market. Brands like myplasticheart, Tenacious Toys, Strangecat Toys, Rotofugi, Toy Art Gallery, and Martian Toys are well-known for their variety and quality. Each of these brands has a unique style, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Next, familiarize yourself with different types of art toys. There's a vast range from vinyl and resin to designer and limited edition collectibles. Knowing what's out there will help you identify what you're most drawn to.

Lastly, join online communities for art toy enthusiasts. These platforms provide a wealth of information, and fellow collectors are often more than willing to share their experiences and recommendations. Plus, these communities can be a great source of inspiration for your own collection.

Remember: The more you know, the easier it will be to make informed decisions when you buy art toys online. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the vibrant world of art toys—happy researching!

Check reviews and ratings

Once you've done your research and have some art toys in mind, it's time to sift through the crowd. Reviews and ratings can be your best friends here. They provide firsthand insights from people who've already bought the toy you're interested in, making them a valuable resource when you're looking to buy art toys online.

Start by looking at the overall rating of the product. A high rating can indicate a quality product, but don't stop there. Delve into the reviews themselves. They often contain information about the toy's durability, its resemblance to its online pictures, and the quality of materials used. It's these little details that can make a world of difference.

Also, pay attention to reviews about the seller or the online store. This includes the quality of their customer service, their delivery speed, and how well they handle issues like returns or refunds. A reliable seller can make your online shopping experience a breeze.

Tip: Keep in mind that a single negative review doesn't necessarily mean a product is bad. Sometimes, a toy might not meet a person's individual preferences, or there could have been a one-off issue with shipping. However, if there's a trend of similar complaints, then it might be a red flag.

So, when you're ready to buy art toys online, don't forget to check the reviews and ratings. They can save you from headaches down the line and ensure you're investing in a toy that's worth your hard-earned money.

Compare prices before you buy

It's no secret that buying art toys online can sometimes be a bit pricey. However, you can often find the same toy at different prices on various websites. So, it's always a good idea to take a few extra minutes to compare prices before hitting that "buy now" button.

You might be wondering: "Is it really worth the extra time?" The answer is a resounding "yes!" You'd be surprised how much you can save with a little price comparison. For example, let's say you're looking to buy a Kidrobot Dunny figure. On one website, it might be priced at $50, but on another, it could be $45. That's a $5 saving right there!

But remember, while comparing prices, don’t forget to factor in the shipping cost. Sometimes a toy might seem cheaper on a website, but when you add in the shipping charges, it ends up being more expensive. We'll talk more about this in the next section.

Tip: If you're a frequent art toy buyer, consider using price comparison tools or apps. These handy digital helpers can do the price-sleuthing for you, saving you time and money.

So, the next time you're looking to buy art toys online, take a moment to compare prices. Your wallet will thank you for it.

Understand the return policy

Let's talk about something that's often overlooked: the return policy. When you buy art toys online, it's always good to know what your options are if something isn't quite right.

Maybe the toy isn't what you expected, or perhaps it arrived with a defect. Whatever the reason, it's important to know ahead of time how the seller handles returns.

Does the seller offer refunds? Can you exchange the toy for another one? Is there a restocking fee? These are all questions that you should have answers to before making a purchase.

Here's a quick tip: look for sellers who offer hassle-free returns. This way, you'll have peace of mind knowing you can easily return the toy if necessary. And remember, a good return policy is not just a safety net—it's also a sign of a reputable seller.

So before you buy that stunning KAWS figure or adorable Bearbrick, make sure you understand the return policy. It might not be the most exciting part of buying art toys online, but it's certainly one of the most important.

Consider the shipping costs

Imagine this: you find the perfect art toy online, you're ready to buy it, but then — bam! The shipping costs are sky-high. Suddenly, that reasonably priced toy isn't so affordable anymore.

Shipping costs can make or break a deal when you buy art toys online. Some sellers offer free shipping, while others may charge a significant amount. It's important to factor this into your decision.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Location: The further away the seller is, the more you might have to pay for shipping. For example, if you live in the U.S. and you're buying from a seller in Japan, expect to pay more for shipping.
• Size and weight: Larger and heavier toys generally cost more to ship. That oversized Funko Pop might look cool, but it could also cost a pretty penny to ship.
• Shipping options: Some sellers offer multiple shipping options. You might be able to choose between standard shipping, expedited shipping, or even overnight shipping. Keep in mind that faster shipping usually costs more.

So when you're ready to buy art toys online, don't forget to check the shipping costs. It's a small detail that can have a big impact on your wallet.

Be careful with limited editions

So, you've decided to buy art toys online and you've stumbled upon a limited edition. Exciting, right? Well, hold your horses. Limited editions can be tempting, but they can also be tricky.

Firstly, make sure that the toy is genuinely a limited edition. Anyone can slap a 'limited edition' tag on a product, but that doesn't make it true. Look for proof, like a certificate of authenticity or a serial number. If you can't find any, be wary.

• Scarcity value: Limited editions often have a scarcity value, meaning they're more valuable because there are fewer of them. This might make them more expensive, but it could also mean they hold their value better.
• Quality and uniqueness: Limited edition art toys are often higher quality and more unique than regular toys. They might have special features, like unique designs or special packaging. But remember, quality and uniqueness are subjective — make sure you genuinely love the toy, not just the 'limited edition' label.

Remember: just because it's a limited edition, doesn't mean it's a must-buy. Make a smart decision when you buy art toys online, especially when it comes to limited editions.

Buy what you love

Finally, and most importantly, when you're looking to buy art toys online, pick something that truly resonates with you. It's easy to get swept up in trends, recommendations, or the desire for a great deal, but at the end of the day, this is about you. This toy will be a part of your space, and it should be something you genuinely love and appreciate.

Ask yourself: Does this toy bring me joy? Does it reflect my personality? Can I envision it in my space? If the answer to all these questions is a resounding yes, then you've probably found the perfect art toy for you.

Remember, art is subjective. What one person loves, another might not. So, don't worry about what others might think. If you love it — and it fits your budget — go for it!

Buying art toys online can be a fantastic experience if you keep these tips in mind. So, go forth, explore, and find that perfect toy that'll make your heart sing every time you look at it. Happy shopping!

If you enjoyed learning about buying art toys online and want to explore more ways to bring your art to life, check out the workshop 'Bringing Your Art To Life With Animations' by Farid Sukurov. This workshop will teach you how to create engaging animations for your art pieces, adding a new dimension to your creative work.