darkSpyro

Do you keep them in their boxes, preserving their collectors value? Or do you simply open them up, and grab the bull by the horns. Maybe you guys buy 2 of a variant; one to play with and enjoy and another to keep sealed?
For me so far I have one variant (Flocked Stump Smash) and another coming in the mail (Golden Flameslinger). Also planning on getting Red DS and GITD Cynder. I really want to open them and enjoy them to the fullest but I feel like they will be collectors items one day. But at the same time I don't really plan on selling them in the near future and bought them to play with. Maybe I will open the boxes as neatly as possible and save the boxes.
So, fine members of the Dark Spyro forums, what is your preferred method of dealing with variants?

I have GITD Cynder and GITD Fright Rider, both opened.

Me and my kids open and play everything we get, personally i don't believe they will be worth much years from now. As soon as other company's come out with there own versions of skylander's the value will drop even more, If Disney pulls off there plan to compete they will take it hands down and those will be where the collector's value will be. Don't get me wrong i love collecting all the skylanders and will do so the more they come out with...I just don't see them holding value in the long run.

Usually I'll try to get 2- one to open and one to keep sealed. Personally, I just like having things that I think are "Collectable" sealed and in a nice blister pack. I have 2 of these special Ben 10 figures from a few years back (they only made 10,000 of them) and both are sealed. If I would have found another I probably would have opened it though.

What I have though is a bit different for each one:

-Blue Bash x3- one opened, one sealed and one to use for either a future gift or something else
-Red Drilly x2- one opened, one sealed
-Flocked Stump Smash x2- both sealed. I decided I might be able to use one as trade fodder at some point down the road unless I find someone in my family that needs it.
-L-Trigger Happy x2- one opened, one sealed
-L-3 Pack original x2- first I opened. then they had the big drought and I got worried because I had wanted one for my collection. I ended up getting it though a few months back

For Giants, L-Bouncer, L-3 pack and Granite Crusher I've all left in the boxes. The only reason for that is I'm going to get the regular versions at some point for all of those characters and I'd like to have the "special" ones in their boxes. gitd Sonic Boom I'll get 2 if I can. First one will always be sealed for me though. Flameslinger when he comes will also be in the box, unless it comes bent up or something. Then I'll raise heck with amazon haha

The best way to keep money value: Leave them in the box.
I do that with my variants..

Open them

It depends on how it was packaged. If it's in a starter pack or bundle they get opened. If they show up in game as different from the originals they get opened. All Legendary skylander's get opened. Then if it's a variant of one we already have the original of (Like Gitd warnado, gitd sonic boom, gold flameslinger) I keep them in the package and display them on the bookshelf. I'd say 98% of skylanders that come in the house get opened, I don't but doubles, and I don't go out of my way to get them unless they show up different in game.

I opened my L Trigger Happy and L Bouncer because they show up different in game and don't really consider them as rare as variants. However I'm very hesitant but at the same time so tempted to open flocked Stumpy. The fact that I payed money for it on eBay as opposed to winning it free like most lucky people makes it even harder. But I literally already have half the package open by surgically sliding a pocket knife around the edges. I already got that far so I might as well just rip the band-aid off.

I left my red drilly, flocked smask and blush bash in their boxes since I feel they are more rare than exclusives. Still leaving my goldslinger in the box.

I usually try and get two, one to open and one to keep.

I have Granite Crusher, Amazon Flameslinger, and a GITD Warnado 3-pack still in the box. I don't plan on opening them. I still have all four of my sidekicks still sealed, but I'm contemplating opening those. And of course GITD Cynder is opened.

My nephew got Blue Bash and Granite crusher for his birthday. He opened them though.

It just depends on the variant, whether I open it or not. If I get a WERDS I'll open it. I'll probably get two for $3 each at Walmart on Black Friday by bringing a Best Buy ad.

I cracked and opened Flocked Stumpy. I know it's not the same, but I figure if I ever want to sell it in the future I still have the box which is in good condition. And since I never really plan on selling it, I feel like me opening it gives me more personal pleasure than just leaving it in the package. Maybe one day I'll have the privilege to snag another flocked Stump Smash and keep it in the package. Now, to decide if I want to open Gold FS or not? lol

Well I have a few variants. All of my skylanders for the most part (Even the regulars) are still sealed in their box. I play with them still packaged.
But I did crack open my extra Dragons' peak, and camo/warnado/ignitor 3-pack. But thats it.

As for my variants:
GITD Zap (Single)- Still packaged
Flocked Stump Smash- Still packaged
GITD Fright Rider- Still packaged
Granite Crusher x2 - Both still packaged
GITD S2 Cynder- Opened (Had no other choice in that)
Punch Pop Fizz- Opened (Hand no choice in that)
Blue Bash- Still packaged
Red Drill Sergeant (WERDS)- Still packaged
Dark Spyro (Single)- Still packaged
L- 3 pack (S:SA)- Still packaged
L- 3 pack (S:G)- Still packaged
L- Trigger Happy- Still packaged
L- Bouncer- Still packaged

All of them are still packaged. I dunno I'm a OCD sufferer, and I tend to keep ALL of my things mint if I can help it. Especially my Variants. Even my sidekicks are still packaged. I've toyed with the idea of opening them but haven't come to a decision yet.
I don't ever plan to sell any of them unless I feel like it later down the road, but as of now they are staying with me for keeps. I just love the pretty artwork on the boxes C:

My Glow in the Dark Fright Rider is still sealed as are a my legendary and light core but I will open them all eventually when I get around to using them. GITD Frighty may stay sealed though as he no different in game as normal frighty.

I only get true variants. I hunt them down like a lion with an antelope. Then I open em up and look at them for an hour. Then I (censored).

I am a true variant nerd.

duh hell is wrong with you ^

Quote: ThePunchPopFizz

I only get true variants. I hunt them down like a lion with an antelope. Then I open em up and look at them for an hour. Then I (censored).

I am a true variant nerd.

Quote: L-Sunburn

duh hell is wrong with you ^

all variants are opened and played with

Open any in game packs, but for Singles/Triples they stay shut unless I find doubles of the same kind.

I would open any variants that are different colored in game, (Granite Crusher) and leave all others in packages. (Gold Flameslinger)

^ Yeah.

If there is a Single pack Silver Eruptor, or a triple pack with Silver Dino-Rang, keep them! The value quickly rises, and soon, voila! MONEY!

If it is different in-game, then I have opened it.

The only deviations of this rule are where the variant comes un-packaged such as GITD Cynder or possibly Green Gill Grunt.

I really enjoy the cards/stickers and keep them in a binder, sooo, a lot of it depends on if the card/sticker are going to be unique to my collection.

I've opened all of my legendary figures, except for an extra Trigger Happy.
Opened one Blue Bash and left the other in the packaging.
Left my WERDS in the packaging just because I don't need the card for it.
Left my pink-lipped Chill in the packaging not because I think it'll be worth anything, but I think it's better that way to compare the art on the box to the way the figure is painted.

Oh, and the only Skylander I have ever had an inward-struggle with is my Flocked SS -- I leave it in the packaging, BUT I WANT TO TOUCH IT SO BAD.

^This! On the flocked stumpy!

^THIS X3!! That was actually the main reason that triggered me to make this thread. My inner conflict with flocked Stump. I ended up opening him this morning. And honestly it feels good (figuratively and physically lol). I kind of had a little pit of regret in my stomach today for opening it, but at the same time I couldn't live with the temptation every day of not knowing his fuzzy touch on my fingers, taunting me every day to open him up and caress his flocked goodness. I feel a variant who's main appeal is the physical texture kind of is a justification in of itself to open it up and fully appreciate it. (I also am keeping his package in nice condition just in case.) One day in the near future I'll try and snag another off eBay so I can keep one in the package for collectors reasons like others do (just ordered a second GFS so I can open one and keep another sealed.) In the mean time though, I'll enjoy my opened Stump Smash.

edit: and this may sound utterly bizarre, but he even smells like a mossy stump. So not only does the opened figure appeal to a sense of touch and sight (better than if he was in the package may I add since you can see his back), but smell as well. ...I'm not crazy, I swear.

I laugh at how people fall over themselves to acquire them, and then I laugh again at how much they pay for them.

Quote: Himewad

I laugh at how people fall over themselves to acquire them, and then I laugh again at how much they pay for them.

Edit: Realized you were talking about variants in general. Thought you were referring to FSS. So do you completely disregard variants? Or you just don't go out of your way to obtain them/ spend exorbitant amounts on them?

I buy them for my kids, and I enjoy the hunt. All opened. Sounds like some people like to play with their toys, and collectors keep them boxed for future selling. There seems to be a lot of collectors on here! I've never "collected" anything before so I can't imagine telling my kids they can't take them out of the box. Now that I think about it, I guess they probably wouldn't be allowed to touch the box if I wanted them to be in mint condition. I did pay extra for two figures when they had to be shipped internationally (I can be impatient), but I imagine it would be tough to open something if you paid a lot for it. Especially since so many people seem to be keeping them boxed, too! The only S1 variants I have are Blue Bash, WERDS, and FSS. I don't consider Legendaries or Sidekicks variants, but I have those, too.

On Chistmas day, the variants my kids will be opening are Stone Zook, GITD Fright Rider, Gold S2 Flameslinger, and (hopefully) GITD Sonic Boom. I like the clear ones from S:SA a lot, but I think the price on those is still way too high. I'd rather buy a Xerokills custom (I've bought a few!) than a figure all one color.

P.S. Flocked Stump Smash is my favorite. He is the only variant that makes any sense to me (mossy tree guy). Love the way it feels!

Depends what kind. An easy and assured one (like Granite Crusher or Polar Whirlwind) I'd open. A clear or gold I'd keep boxed.

Quote: DRAGONPIECEZ

^THIS X3!! That was actually the main reason that triggered me to make this thread. My inner conflict with flocked Stump. I ended up opening him this morning. And honestly it feels good (figuratively and physically lol). I kind of had a little pit of regret in my stomach today for opening it, but at the same time I couldn't live with the temptation every day of not knowing his fuzzy touch on my fingers, taunting me every day to open him up and caress his flocked goodness. I feel a variant who's main appeal is the physical texture kind of is a justification in of itself to open it up and fully appreciate it. (I also am keeping his package in nice condition just in case.) One day in the near future I'll try and snag another off eBay so I can keep one in the package for collectors reasons like others do (just ordered a second GFS so I can open one and keep another sealed.) In the mean time though, I'll enjoy my opened Stump Smash.

edit: and this may sound utterly bizarre, but he even smells like a mossy stump. So not only does the opened figure appeal to a sense of touch and sight (better than if he was in the package may I add since you can see his back), but smell as well. ...I'm not crazy, I swear.

Hahaha, that was great. Though almost...sensual?

Since I'm not planning on opening mine, can I sniff yours?

Quote: DRAGONPIECEZ

^THIS X3!! That was actually the main reason that triggered me to make this thread. My inner conflict with flocked Stump. I ended up opening him this morning. And honestly it feels good (figuratively and physically lol). I kind of had a little pit of regret in my stomach today for opening it, but at the same time I couldn't live with the temptation every day of not knowing his fuzzy touch on my fingers, taunting me every day to open him up and caress his flocked goodness. I feel a variant who's main appeal is the physical texture kind of is a justification in of itself to open it up and fully appreciate it. (I also am keeping his package in nice condition just in case.) One day in the near future I'll try and snag another off eBay so I can keep one in the package for collectors reasons like others do (just ordered a second GFS so I can open one and keep another sealed.) In the mean time though, I'll enjoy my opened Stump Smash.

edit: and this may sound utterly bizarre, but he even smells like a mossy stump. So not only does the opened figure appeal to a sense of touch and sight (better than if he was in the package may I add since you can see his back), but smell as well. ...I'm not crazy, I swear.

So beautiful. :'D

if ever even I just got my hands on the only Glumshanks toy in existence (like if there was such a thing), his packaging would be carelessly torn from his perfect figure and I would appreciate him every day. <3

Like it wouldn't even have to tempt me. No second thoughts.

I don't really collect variants though, I just get the ones I like.

^ yup

Some people like to look at the pretty boxes. D:

Quote: Skylandscaper

Sounds like some people like to play with their toys, and collectors keep them boxed for future selling.!

I beg your pardon, but not all collector's (Such as myself) keep them boxed with plans to sell them in the future. I have NO intent on selling mine...
Keep in mind not everyone is in this for the money. I play with mine still boxed (I do recall stating that before in my first post).

As for everyone else who seems to be too closeminded to realize it; Some of us like to keep things boxed because thats how WE enjoy them. Its not your call to tell us how we can or can not enjoy the things we spend our hard-earned money on.
If us "collectors" wish to keep them boxed, thats our choice not yours.

Not trying to sound rude but I find it really annoying when people say "its a toy open it" yes thats YOUR opinion. And I respect that, but stop making it sound like your trying to shove your opinion down our throats in hopes to encourage or rather "Annoy" us into changing our minds cus it won't happen. Mine will stay boxed for as long as I wish them to be.

If they count as 'special' in the game, I keep them and open them. If not, they go back to the store I got them from. Though in my case, I open them more because it makes displaying them a lot easier, given I've already got an Attack Pack/Transformers collection they're cohabiting.

No need to get defensive, Dunkin. I wasn't trying to list all possible reasons for someone to leave figures boxed. I'm sorry if I offended you by saying that. Personally, I don't care what anyone does with these things. I'm happy you plan to keep them forever. Please don't feel like other people are forcing you to open your figures. They are stating their opinion on a site that is FULL of opinions. Just remember, they can't make you do anything.

I opened the ones that are different in-game (Granite Crusher and Legendaries) and keep the ones that are the same in-game (GITD Wreaking Ball, FSS, BB, WERDS, GITD Fright Rider, Arena tour Dark Spyro) sealed and displayed with the rest of my collection.

I wish to keep them sealed, they are still being admired and should I wish to use them I can. I have ZERO plans to resell them in the future, I just like them in the packaging. The "Sealed" are on the bottom and top of my display and seem to "hold in" the rest of the collection

Quote: Skylandscaper

No need to get defensive, Dunkin. I wasn't trying to list all possible reasons for someone to leave figures boxed. I'm sorry if I offended you by saying that. Personally, I don't care what anyone does with these things. I'm happy you plan to keep them forever. Please don't feel like other people are forcing you to open your figures. They are stating their opinion on a site that is FULL of opinions. Just remember, they can't make you do anything.

I wasn't trying to sound defensive, my apologies if I came off that way. I'm just sick to death of "Certain" individuals on this site constantly moaning about this subject; I won't name names, but...they've already made a whole topic deticated to complaining about people leaving theirs in the packaging. When one person can't seem to leave it alone, thats what makes me angry. Not what you said, I was mearly pointing out not all of us plan to sell, and thats definitely not the reasonings for me keeping tham packaged No offense taken.

And I know they can't. I don't plan to open them unless I feel the need to do so. lol.

Beta doll, Kurui, you guys may sniff my Stump.

"I'm just sick to death of "Certain" individuals on this site constantly moaning about this subject; I won't name names, but...they've already made a whole topic deticated to complaining about people leaving theirs in the packaging. "

hey, Dunkin how's about a group hug?

most times threads are just started to started to begin a discussion.

in the real world i truly believe that everyone is their own individual and as long as their choices don't cause real harm to others ... then don't give a crap about what anyone else thinks. if a choice makes an individual happy then it has nothing to do with anyone else.

some of us rip open the packages and some of us leave them unopened all down to whatever makes an individual happy

Quote: t7gga

"I'm just sick to death of "Certain" individuals on this site constantly moaning about this subject; I won't name names, but...they've already made a whole topic deticated to complaining about people leaving theirs in the packaging. "

hey, Dunkin how's about a group hug?

most times threads are just started to started to begin a discussion.

in the real world i truly believe that everyone is their own individual and as long as their choices don't cause real harm to others ... then don't give a crap about what anyone else thinks. if a choice makes an individual happy then it has nothing to do with anyone else.

some of us rip open the packages and some of us leave them unopened all down to whatever makes an individual happy

Aha, we'll call it truce.

I don't care what everyone else thinks, by no means. I'm just letting out the frustration of constantly seeing people complaining about this subject. Know what I'm say'n? The fact that it just keeps being brought up over and over and over again. Is why I complained about it.

If you wanna rip your's open, then I applaud you for having the noids to do so. Wish I had that, for sure.

Either way, I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Its nice to see others keeping their's sealed as well. I just want people to understand not all of us keep them closed up for "Furture selling foder" Cus it couldn't be farther from the truth in my situation.
My skylanders aren't the only things I keep packaged.

.....

If I had any I'd open them, for sure..

Quote: LevanJess

If I had any I'd open them, for sure..

! Thank you for the laugh.

Does anyone know of a place where someone can trade Skylanders? I know trading on here is forbidden and I'm not looking to trade using this forum but I have a couple of GITD Fright Riders I would be interested in trading and besides the obvious such as Craigslist I cant think of another place. Is there such a place that anyone knows about? Again I'm just looking for ideas on places to trade variants and collectible Skylanders. Thanks

You can trade here, but you need to do it strictly via PM.

Quote: DRAGONPIECEZ

Quote: Himewad

I laugh at how people fall over themselves to acquire them, and then I laugh again at how much they pay for them.

Edit: Realized you were talking about variants in general. Thought you were referring to FSS. So do you completely disregard variants? Or you just don't go out of your way to obtain them/ spend exorbitant amounts on them?

I dont go out of my way to get them. We have a flocked Stumpy, but I only called that number one time. We have the sidekicks on the way, but it was only because we bought chip packages for our son's school lunches. That's all we have for variants I would buy one if I saw one (a truly rare one - not the red Drill, for example), but I'm not sure what I would do with it if I got one.

They just hang on my wall
Unloved
Unwanted