As one of the biggest film franchises, which has also expanded into television shows, video games, and books, Star Wars is universally known and has hundreds of millions, if not billions, of fans around the world.
Because of this, the movie memorabilia market is huge, and with the 25th anniversary in 1999 Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menacethe first of three prequels, now might be a good time to sell your collectibles.
Users searched for Star Wars-related items on Ebay more than 220 times per minute in 2023, according to the e-commerce giant.
Meanwhile, live-streaming site Whatnot said nearly 300,000 Star Wars collectibles were sold on its platform in 2023, with up to 11,005 live shopping streams dedicated to Star Wars memorabilia.
Unpopular: The Phantom Menace is one of the worst-rated installments of the Star Wars franchise
The site said that a Funko Pop signed by Mark Hamill! The Luke Skywalker figure sold for more than £8,000 last year.
However, the Phantom Menace prequel is notoriously viewed as one of the franchise’s underdog entries by both casual viewers and Star Wars megafans alike.
According to movie review site Rotten Tomatoes, Phantom Menace scores a measly 53 percent, besting only 2019’s Rise of Skywalker, and pales in comparison to a 95 percent score for The Empire Strikes Back.
But has the lack of passion for these films reduced the value of his collectibles, or could selling his memorabilia prove to be a lucrative move?
This is Money spoke to a Star Wars collector to find out how you can make sure the force is with you and make an out-of-this-world profit.
Ryan Toomey, Star Wars collector and Upbeat Geek editor, says that despite the prequel’s poor reception, “The Phantom Menace merchandise was immensely popular, with everything from action figures to lunch boxes made in anticipation of the release.” “.
“However, with the lackluster reception and high volume of merchandise produced, the market became oversaturated and very few items were of much value.”
As a result, Return of the Jedi figures can cost thousands of pounds, while similar figures made for The Phantom Menace will only sell for around £40, even in perfect condition.
However, with Disney’s latest Star Wars installment, The Acolyte, arriving on Disney+ today and coinciding with The Phantom Menace’s recent 25-year milestone, the market is at a high point.
“Fans who were kids in 1999 are rekindling their love for the prequels,” Toomey said.
“Toys and other products that were considered run-of-the-mill in 1999 are now highly sought after by fans looking to recapture a part of their childhood or simply give the prequel series the recognition it deserves.”
One of the big hits is Star Wars Lego, with the original 1999 sets being the most sought after Lego products for the first preview movie.
“The original 1999 sets have a level of renown that makes them highly sought after by both Star Wars and LEGO enthusiasts,” Toomey told This is Money.
According to Toomey, the original Mos Espa Podrace game could net sellers up to £300 if still in box, or up to £100 if used.
Boxed: Mint condition Lego sets from 1999 can cost over £100, and the value of used sets is significantly less.
Another popular option, the Naboo Starfighter set, sells for around £110 new, but may only earn you £30 if used.
Meanwhile, away from the Lego face, a Darth Maul wristwatch could cost £250, as one of the rarest collectibles from the prequel.
Similarly, a cooler for battle droids from the movies will probably sell for upwards of £350. However, since most of the Pepsi collaboration products are sold in Japan, getting one may not be so easy.
How can you know if your items are worth anything?
While you may be an avid collector, chances are every Star Wars collectible you own is sitting somewhere collecting dust.
Whether you’re a big movie fan, a more casual collector, or just have a ton of children’s toys, there could be a gem hidden in the rubble.
A good starting point is to make the most of the modern technology at your disposal.
Using websites like Ebay can give you an indication of which sellers order your items.
However, “sometimes prices can be overinflated, so it’s good to look at sold listings so you can gauge exactly what prices collectors consider fair,” Toomey said.
If you are looking for a more foolproof method of valuing your items, you can choose to have them appraised by a professional.
Obviously this will come at a cost, but if you think you have gold on your hands then it could be worth the investment.
Toomey said appraisal can “give you a more accurate idea of its value and provide you with a ‘standard’ that collectors will understand, making it a little easier to sell your items with less back and forth.”
Similarly, auction houses could give you the peace of mind you need to sell your memorabilia.
‘For rarer or higher priced items, such as original posters or spirits, auction houses that specialize in selling movie memorabilia may be the best option as they will be able to authenticate your collection and generate a lot of interest from parties interested.
“You will have to pay a commission, but this can be a safer way to sell your items without them being damaged or ripped off,” Toomey said.
On the other hand, your article may not justify the amount a professional opinion would cost. In this case, there are several online and social media forums and groups that can help indicate the value of your collectible.
Some of these websites may also give you the ability to sell or trade your items on the platform, or direct you to the best places to sell.
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