When selling a statue, should I open the box to inspect it?

[TheGreenPanther]

Hey everyone. I'm brand new to this forum and hope this is the appropriate location to ask this question. If not, let me know where I should redirect this question within the forum

(I know literally nothing about statues, so excuse my ignorance!!)

Recently I won a horror package at an auction and it included a statue that is made by Gentle Giant. Specifically, it's a Nightmare on Elm Street statue where Freddy is sitting on a chair with dolls. I am planning on selling the statue because someone else would appreciate it much more than I would. The thing is- the box looks almost brand new, and the packaging/Styrofoam inside is taped up. I'm assuming the statue has never actually been opened and taken out of the box. So I am wondering if I should open the styrofoam and inspect the statue before selling? It seems really risky to sell a statue without first inspecting it. At the same time, I am not sure if opening it diminishes its value, and a collector would actually prefer the statue to have never been taken out of the box at all. What do you guys think?

One other question...

Is the number of the statue relevant? There were 1,500 of these made, and this one is numbered below 100. Not sure if that makes any difference when selling.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[Dan_Lebou]

I would say open it, inspect it, and then repack it straight away.

You will then know exactly what you are selling (i.e. if there are any issues with it) and when selling you can then advise that it has never been displayed and has only been opened for inspection purposes.

[qz33]

Despite the risk for existing breakages many collectors prefer new unopened statues even 2nd hand and they usually can command somewhat a higher price.

There are also collectors that prefer things fully inspected and documented for eBay purposes. Whether you open it or not you will be responsible for any breakages in eBay's eyes so opening it and documenting pics can assist in proving a case with eBay or a shipper claim.

Personally I try to only buy unopened statues and have purchased fewer than 5 opened/used.

EDIT: as far as the number maybe MAYBE an A/P or #1,2,3 might get a little more interest from buyers but other than that nah nobody cares about the #.

[qz33]

Also I tend not to trust the "opened for inspection only" claims.
Who knows what all the "inspection" entailed.
Truth is statues are just too easy to damage especially when first removing from the box or initial assembly.

Personally for me displayed or inspected both = used.
I'm an unopened guy all the way and can tell when sellers are trying to lie something is still sealed. I prefer the risk of a sealed statue to the risk of used.

[TheGreenPanther]

Originally Posted by Dan_Lebou

I would say open it, inspect it, and then repack it straight away.

You will then know exactly what you are selling (i.e. if there are any issues with it) and when selling you can then advise that it has never been displayed and has only been opened for inspection purposes.

Yeah, my concern is not knowing what I am selling. This statue was made around 2008, and as I said, I received it in auction. The box is in great condition, so I am assuming it's been treated with care, but considering these statues are worth hundreds of dollars, I'm hesitant to blindly sell it. The buyer can claim the statue was broken, and I would have no idea if they are being truthful or not.

[TheGreenPanther]

Originally Posted by qz33

Despite the risk for existing breakages many collectors prefer new unopened statues even 2nd hand and they usually can command somewhat a higher price.

There are also collectors that prefer things fully inspected and documented for eBay purposes. Whether you open it or not you will be responsible for any breakages in eBay's eyes so opening it and documenting pics can assist in proving a case with eBay or a shipper claim.

Personally I try to only buy unopened statues and have purchased fewer than 5 opened/used.

EDIT: as far as the number maybe MAYBE an A/P or #1,2,3 might get a little more interest from buyers but other than that nah nobody cares about the #.

Yes, my main concern is if I sell it on eBay, I don't know what I am selling, and if the buyer claims it has a problem, I would have no idea. It doesn't help that I am not the original owner, but instead got it via an auction. Despite the statue being from 2008, the box is pretty much mint condition, so it's safe to assume it didn't fall or anything. But when I sell something worth a few hundred dollars (which this statue seems to be worth), it's a little nerve-racking to have no idea what is inside. Doesn't help that I know nothing about these collector items.

Thanks for clarifying the number question. I found only one result on google of people discussing it, and the consensus seemed to be number isn't too relevant.

[ZenLogikos]

I agree with everything qz said in both posts.

[SDguy]

Yeah, but the OP is asking as the seller. You do realize as the buyer on ebay your aren't taking a risk, it's wholly the seller taking that risk, because if the statue is sealed, and defective or broken from the factory, it's still on the seller. Furthermore, in the very unlikely event you get a scammer trying to replace something broken he already owns, you have zero proof that broken statue wasn't your "sealed' one. I also personally think the pool of people you may lose as buyers because it's sealed or nothing for them is factionally tiny.

[MrYac]

Originally Posted by SDguy

Yeah, but the OP is asking as the seller. You do realize as the buyer on ebay your aren't taking a risk, it's wholly the seller taking that risk, because if the statue is sealed, and defective or broken from the factory, it's still on the seller. Furthermore, in the very unlikely event you get a scammer trying to replace something broken he already owns, you have zero proof that broken statue wasn't your "sealed' one. I also personally think the pool of people you may lose as buyers because it's sealed or nothing for them is factionally tiny.

exactly, cover your own ass and inspect and document the stuff you sell. Ebay is always going to default on the side of the buyer so unless you can 100% prove your case you are out the money.

[qz33]

Originally Posted by SDguy

Yeah, but the OP is asking as the seller. You do realize as the buyer on ebay your aren't taking a risk, it's wholly the seller taking that risk, because if the statue is sealed, and defective or broken from the factory, it's still on the seller. Furthermore, in the very unlikely event you get a scammer trying to replace something broken he already owns, you have zero proof that broken statue wasn't your "sealed' one. I also personally think the pool of people you may lose as buyers because it's sealed or nothing for them is factionally tiny.

Yes regardless eBay will side with the on the seller so opening and documenting some proof does what?

Buyers will still just claim it and suggest it broke during shipping which the seller is still liable for. Only thing I see it helping is a claim with the shipper but boy is that not a fun headache, long wait and still 50/50 as the shipper will claim poor packaging (both noun & verb).

What does this statue sell for? If a couple hundred bucks probably not worth the hassle

As far as buyer interest in sealed do an eBay search and note the # of watchers and sale prices for sealed statues vs "pre-owned". I'll wait.