{"id":55527,"date":"2018-02-16T15:24:00","date_gmt":"2018-02-16T21:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=55527"},"modified":"2018-02-16T15:24:00","modified_gmt":"2018-02-16T21:24:00","slug":"collectibles-column-beware-repackaged-figures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2018\/02\/16\/collectibles-column-beware-repackaged-figures\/","title":{"rendered":"COLLECTIBLES COLUMN: Beware of Repackaged Figures"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-356224852\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><div class=\"m_5150591226370568862gmail_signature\">\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div>\n<p>Since I started this column in 2011, one of the most common questions I\u2019ve received from readers is, \u201cHow valuable is a figure of Wrestler X in the wrong package?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For the longest time, this was a common occurrence and an honest mistake; just like one baseball player\u2019s stats may wind up on the back of another player\u2019s card, companies like Jakks Pacific occasionally put wrestling figures in the wrong packaging.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-55529 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image1.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image1-169x300.jpeg 169w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image1-576x1024.jpeg 576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But over the last few years, mispackaged figures are more often the result of scammers, cheats and thieves. More and more often, these individuals are buying expensive figures and taking them home, opening them, and replacing the figure with a junky old figure. Among other terms, these have become known as \u201cswaps\u201d to collectors.<\/p>\n<p>This repackaging most often occurs with Mattel WWE Elite figures. These figures are more expensive than basic figures ($20 compared to $10) and are more detailed, with more points of articulation, better head sculpts and more accessories, such as a robe, T-shirt or title belt.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image2.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-55530 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image2.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image2-768x1024.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>Elite figures are designed to appeal to collectors. They come in boxes with windows that allow a better view of the figure, whereas basic figures come on a more traditional basic card with a plastic blister. Because of this, Elite figure packaging can easily be reopened and the figure replaced. When a person does this and returns the figure to the store, the employee working at customer service often doesn\u2019t know enough to spot the swap.<\/p>\n<p>A gallery of more than 300 of these awful swaps are available from Heroes &amp; Legends on Facebook at Facebook.com\/HLProWrestling.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the swaps might not be very obvious to the untrained eye. Some unscrupulous person may buy a $20 Elite figure of Charlotte Flair, take it home and replace it with an old $10 basic figure. Collector @nyrbfan15 on Twitter posted a picture of a fairly recent Elite figure of Triple H repackaged in an Elite Series 50 package for the Warlord.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image3.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-55531 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image3.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image3-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Torch reader @CeeHawk on Twitter recently shared pictures of an old Jimmy Snuka figure swapped into a box of a new Elite Flashback figure of Yokozuna. Oddly enough, the person took the time to wrap the Snuka figure in the robe that came with the more expensive Yokozuna.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-3507592318\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Other swaps are more blatant, to the point where it\u2019s hard to believe nobody caught the discrepancy before replacing the returned figure on the shelf. Twitter user @52pointsofart recently shared a photo of what was supposed to be an Elite Series 54 figure of Rich Swann \u2013 but in the box was an old, beat up Jakks Figure of Bobby Lashley, with a random Goldust T-shirt also stuffed in the package.<\/p>\n<p>One of the worst examples of figure swapping was posted recently by Jef Toon (@FullyPoseable): a figure that consisted of a Ric Flair body and a Kane head with a moustache drawn on that was repackaged on an Iron Sheik card.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-55532 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/image4-768x767.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>Figure swapping isn\u2019t unique to wrestling toys; any time there is a higher end toy in a re-sealable box or package, someone will inevitably try to pull a scam. Torch reader Mike the Cleaner on Twitter recently posted a picture of a toy of Giant Man crammed into a Marvel Legends box for Deadpool \u2013 even though the Giant Man figure was about twice the size of the box, with the head and legs breaking through the packaging and sticking out.<\/p>\n<p>For the most part, collectors aren\u2019t going to be caught off guard by these types of swaps. Unfortunately, kids and parents who buy a $20 figure may end up with some junk swap and not even realize it.<\/p>\n<p>If you happen to come across a figure like this that looks suspicious, take it to customer service and make them aware of the swap. Multiple collectors have posted stories of finding a bad swap, turning it in to customer service and then finding it right back on the shelf, so be persistent if you see that happen.<\/p>\n<p>Have you seen a bad figure swap that you\u2019d like to share with other Torch readers? Tweet them to @MMooreWriter using the hashtags #TorchSwaps or #FigLife.<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOW CHECK OUT THE PRIOR COLUMN:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2018\/02\/05\/collectibles-column-interview-florida-indie-star-salina-de-la-renta\/\">COLLECTIBLES COLUMN: Interview with Florida Indie Star Salina de la Renta<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><i>PWTorch Collectibles Specialist Michael Moore can be reached at\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"mailto:michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com\"><i>michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com<\/i><\/a><i>. Follow him on Twitter @MMooreWriter.<\/i><\/p><div id=\"pwtor-811116028\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-148916886\"><div id=\"pwtor-372114650\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>Since I started this column in 2011, one of the most common questions I\u2019ve received from readers is, \u201cHow valuable is a figure of Wrestler X in the wrong package?\u201d For the longest time, this <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2018\/02\/16\/collectibles-column-beware-repackaged-figures\/\" title=\"COLLECTIBLES COLUMN: Beware of Repackaged Figures\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":55528,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,52,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-specialists_collectibles","category-opnionandanalysis","category-specialists"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2018\/02\/CollectiblesRepackagedFigures.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55527"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55533,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55527\/revisions\/55533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}