Buying Guide
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You are checking out a vintage GI Joe or Cobra figure on Ebay and the auction states in the title and description that it is rare. Maybe the seller even states that this particular Tan Grunt from 1983 is so "extremely rare" or "hard to find" (HTF) that you're given the impression that it is the last one left on the planet Earth. Is it rare? Probably not. This technique is used to take advantage of new or casual collectors. Established and trustworthy sellers will know that truly rare figures will sell at a fair price whether they are labeled rare or not. Collectors will know how scarce a mint 1983 Silver Grand Slam is and will bid accordingly.

14. Apparently, for reasons similar to those that cause the relatively low sale prices of GI Joe "lots", vehicles and their accompanying figures sell for less together than they do separately. While these complete GI Joe vehicle sets may be a good deal, you may have to store or resell vehicles that you don't want. Shipping will also be higher. It's a tradeoff.

15. MLC - Mint Loose Complete: This is more of a tip for GI Joe sellers who want to avoid angry buyers. Mint Loose Complete means mint and complete. Paint should be perfect or near perfect. There could be minor paint imperfections present from when the figure came out of the factory. All original accessories should be present. Joints should be tight. There should be no elbow cracks. There should be no rust on the screws. Personally, I would be satisfied with a loose or replacement O-ring.

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