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So you've decided to start collecting Lemax's Spooky Town, well, first thing I can tell you is there is no 12 step program or rehab clinic to help you're addiction (and trust me, it IS an addiction) so, you're on your own.
When to start looking? - Try to start looking about the end of August at your local "Brick and Mortar" stores. You can eBay it anytime (Of course, in the middle of March, selection might be alittle thin.).
Where to look? - (In the United States, you can call their toll free Retail Locator Line)
Best thing I can tell you is to do some research before you go spending the kids collage fund on one of the most addicting things in the known world.
Hope this helps and if I can think of anything else, I'll update when i get a chance.
When to start looking? - Try to start looking about the end of August at your local "Brick and Mortar" stores. You can eBay it anytime (Of course, in the middle of March, selection might be alittle thin.).
Where to look? - (In the United States, you can call their toll free Retail Locator Line)
1) Michaels - Has a great selection but they are also the highest priced store I have ever seen!
2) American Sales - Good selection and good prices.
3) "Mart" stores - Meijer yes, Wal-Mart doesnt carry any that I'm aware of, not sure on others but I will update as I learn more.
4) Menards - They have a large selection with great prices. The thing is, all there stuff is repackaged in "Pumpkin Hollow" boxes. Same EXACT product, just different box. Dont ask me why, I have no idea. (UPDATE: This year they dont seem to be repackaging items)
5) Online - Since eBay frowns on posting outside links in these things, lemme just say that you should search for Lemax-SpookyTown or just Spooky Town and go from there.
eBay - This gets it's own section because I feel the need to enlighten you in a few things.4) Menards - They have a large selection with great prices. The thing is, all there stuff is repackaged in "Pumpkin Hollow" boxes. Same EXACT product, just different box. Dont ask me why, I have no idea. (UPDATE: This year they dont seem to be repackaging items)
5) Online - Since eBay frowns on posting outside links in these things, lemme just say that you should search for Lemax-SpookyTown or just Spooky Town and go from there.
If you can't find it here, they probably never made it.
The Spooky Town collection started in 2000 and except for 2001, they have added new pieces every year. And they did not retire ANY untill 2005.
Before you bid, it would be wise for you to have a checklist. Where can I get one you ask? Well they just happen to have one at Lemax-Spooky Town (search it remember). Look in "Odds N Ends" for "Spooky Town Checklist". It lists all the pieces ever made and the year of retirement. Also if you want to see if a piece is retired or not is to go to the Lemax site where they have a online catalogue. And if you dont see it there, it's probably retired (or youre looking in the Christmas Village section). For all too often have I seen auctions that state "Rare" or "Retired" when I can go down to my local store and buy 10 right off the shelf.
Shipping prices vary GREATLY. It would be wise to check out a number of similar auctions and compare shipping costs. For again, there are too many people out there trying to turn a profit by charging eleventy-billion times the actual shipping costs. And if your in the mood, excessive shipping charges are a violation of eBay policy and you can report the seller (look at the bottom of the listing). Search eBays help section for "Excessive shipping charges Policy" for some examples. And or you can go to the web site of whichever shipper that will be used and calculate shipping charges. Handling fees are different. Just use common sense, a cardboard box doesnt cost a billion dollars (but if you got the money, I have a cardboard box i'll sell you!).
What to do with your collection? - Show it of!! There are a number of sites where you can post photos of your collection. And there are a number of groups and forums to join (closest thing to a support group you'll find)Before you bid, it would be wise for you to have a checklist. Where can I get one you ask? Well they just happen to have one at Lemax-Spooky Town (search it remember). Look in "Odds N Ends" for "Spooky Town Checklist". It lists all the pieces ever made and the year of retirement. Also if you want to see if a piece is retired or not is to go to the Lemax site where they have a online catalogue. And if you dont see it there, it's probably retired (or youre looking in the Christmas Village section). For all too often have I seen auctions that state "Rare" or "Retired" when I can go down to my local store and buy 10 right off the shelf.
Shipping prices vary GREATLY. It would be wise to check out a number of similar auctions and compare shipping costs. For again, there are too many people out there trying to turn a profit by charging eleventy-billion times the actual shipping costs. And if your in the mood, excessive shipping charges are a violation of eBay policy and you can report the seller (look at the bottom of the listing). Search eBays help section for "Excessive shipping charges Policy" for some examples. And or you can go to the web site of whichever shipper that will be used and calculate shipping charges. Handling fees are different. Just use common sense, a cardboard box doesnt cost a billion dollars (but if you got the money, I have a cardboard box i'll sell you!).
Best thing I can tell you is to do some research before you go spending the kids collage fund on one of the most addicting things in the known world.
Hope this helps and if I can think of anything else, I'll update when i get a chance.
Guide created: 10/21/06 (updated 08/21/08)
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