One thing that I have learned from the past and I am sure it is nothing new to toy collectors - or most savvy collectors everwhere - is that some companies (Hasbro especially) make variants of toys and other products, so having access to a mobile or a good memory can be an essential asset if you are wanting to make sure you are looking at something particular. (Yes, I know good old fashioned pen and paper works too)
I regularly browse ebay searching with the words Star Wars Variant - not only is it a good tip off for a variant that mght be around, but it may give an idea to the value of it.
I had known for several months the locations of Toys R Us shops in Bangkok - usually about a 40 baht trip away (80p ish), and had visitied a few to browse. I had been looking for a Captain Phasma standard action figure from the new movie - daftly I had seen one and gone seen a movie and when came out it was gone. Just buy it you damned fool !!! (We've all said it !!!)
I will mention here that when someone (Thai guy) saw me rummaging in the Star Wars section and came up and asked if I was looking for a Phasma and offered it at a much higher cost I politely said I already had it !! (Liar, but I'm not paying extra for something probably still on the shelves somewhere - not yet anyhow). I searched many other shops - all missing it. I got the feeling the staff in the shops were probably removing them from the boxes as they put them on the shelf - or tipping off their friends. Then again maybe dealing with too many unscrupulous vendors has made me too sceptical !!
I knew there was a variant of this figure (ebay ref) - one figure having a black pouch and another a silver one. I had done my homework. To be honest - I would have settled for either until today !
So, as luck would have it, at the back of the Toys R Us in Central World Siam, there is a second Star Wars Display - much smaller than the shop fronts promotion of the movie - and today next to the display were some sealed boxes of the Force Awakens figures. Quick nail along the tape when no-one looking and viola ! Three Captain Phasmas in the box. Not only that, but two were the silver pouch and one the black variant.
No mucking about this time. Bought the two on the spot (475 baht - £8.90 each). Idiot Buy it now price on ebay at time or purchase - £20 each !
Note : pictures are for reference only and off Yahoo, not actual items bought.
