This guide is intended to assist folks who collect statues and mini busts.

If you are like me you feel overwhelmed by the amount of listings for science fiction and fantasy statues. Whether it's a cool bust of Darth Vader or large poly resin limited edition statue of Gandalf the Grey , these items come in alot of price ranges from $34.99 to $450.00  .

Many sellers use standard pictures (file photos) for their items , this can be for two reasons, the item is a pre-order ( I will cover this later) , they dont have a digital camera  , or they might be hiding a defect. Never assume a item is complete in box ( read their description carefully , what are they avoiding saying? , if im selling a colllectable item and I want the highest bids, im sure going to make sure you know it's complete, if their auction seems to be avoiding details BEWARE of THIS , they are either running so many ads on EBAY that they cant be bothered to make a decent listing each time (and then probably too busy for things like customer service , and mailing their auction goods). The best indicator on a EBAY seller is his feedback score , dont make the mistake of believing  high amount of transactions means a honest seller who is running a steady business. I have dealt with EBAY guys with records going back 3 years, anyone can go sour , check recent feedback carefully, and check their ID history.

All the previous advice applies to everyday EBAY buyer smarts, so lets talk about statues and busts.

RULE 1 - Know your products - some EBAY sellers appear with great prices on some very rare stuff , some of which might be "custom painted"  now im all for creativity and enterprising young artists, but some of these guys are offering repaints of re-cast (bootleg) statues and busts , I re-call one seller offering obvious re-casts of the Gentle Giant OBI WAN and Mace WINDU busts in chrome calling them artist's proofs , those were unauthorised but were sold so fast ($50 a piece)  that EBAY never got a chance to review and suspend the auction. On the other hand the GENTLE GIANT Black hole Stormtrooper busts appeared to be fakes, but turned out to be exclusives from Japan, so again I stress DO YOUR RESEARCH and gain product knowledge on any collectable. Visit the manufacture's website, or stores that carry the items.

RULE 2 - Know what your seller is selling- If he shows a file photo , and neglects to show the condition in the description (or the picture used is very blurry) you might want askquestions on condition before bidding or using bUY IT NOW,...

RULE 3 - How much is shipping and handling?   handling is my biggest bone to pick with sellers, okay your time is worth something?  This isnt a job your getting paid,  for this is an online auction , we the buyers are your customers ,  we pay you for your items (thats your profit) the very concept that we pay you additionally so you can be compensated for mailing or shipping the item ($15 to ship a 3 pound bust VIA USPS Priority) is absurd guys! You are clearly circumventing EBAY fees and EBAY needs tobe notified of anyone using this scam. I do believe that a handling charge for non-domestic shipping is more than fair , as the US Post office requires CUSTOMS FORMS and InSURANCE  for items going overseas, these items cant be simply placed into the mail, they have to be handed over in person, and verified. RULE-3 CLARIFY the shipping costs and whether a tacked on handling fee is expected.......

RULE 4 - PRE-Sell   Sellers are all over EBAY right now , with auctions  for goods not expected available for the next 3-5 months......

BEWARE of these auctions !-  I have gotten ripped off by too many of these buy it now get it later auctions, check for these points in any pre-sell auction - Expected release date?  If the seller does not list it, he probably has no idea , and if he cant  make a commitment on a date , than he might be collecting orders he has no intents on fullfilling. Seller offers money back  after 30 Days?  EBAY requires this on all pre-sell items, the buyer needs to keep track of the seller status within the 30 day period,*(this includes recent feedbacks) because if he drops his account , getting your money back will be tough to do. SAVE ALL EBAY receipts to use for records in case of disputes. On pre-orders it's best to wait 30 days before the item is currently scheduled for a release, and even better if your seller only asks for a 20 percent downpayment on his pre-order. EBAY covers buyers for only so long , then the liability is up to the buyer .  PAYPAL covers their transactions for 45 days only . This is important to remember before spending money in the Summer for that collectable coming out this Fall.. As a side note: i'd stress going only with PAYPAL auctions when possible , PAYPAL sellers tend to be more reliable and courteous.

RULE 5 - checked for damage?  Ok some folks want their statues in the same state as the moment it was taken from a factory case , i'll grant you, but I believe the majority of us want their item to be displayed and would appreciate knowing the items intact upon shipping - so always inquire if you can have the item inspected before shipping MIB items.

RULE 6 - Insurance on item Now whether you think the item can be damaged , insurance is always smart and should never be ignored when offered. Those $2 - $3 you pay  shows the seller you're serious experienced and expect your item undamaged and delivered promptly . He's going to be legally liable for your purchase if he doesn't offer insurance for the item, on the other hand you will S*O*L if  you fail to buy insurance, because he's going to say "sorry you were offered insurance and declined im not responsible" and  he isnt ,  so if the item is worth it to you , BUY INSURANCE , after the item arrives check to make sure the shipping lable states it was insured or demand your money back and report the seller to EBAY for trying to pocket the money.On a PAYPAL receipt when sending money to sellers note in bold letters INSURANCE PAID ON ITEM in the message to seller space....

If your seller drops his account before delivering , or is removed by EBAY , go to the EBAY community link , with the transaction number ready and the seller ID , and report the bad transaction and the seller. If the auction was paid VIA PAYPAL contact PAYPAL also , and file their complaint form..If you file complaint within the time  EBAY or PAYPAL covers the transaction, you should be ok.......

* a seller with over 100 or more same month NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS  is a flight risk , if EBAY does'nt kick him off first, he's very liable to close up his account and leave his auctions unsettled.