Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
- StarvinMarvin
- Banned
- Posts: 1649
- Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:20 pm
Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Honest question.
I'm not trying to judge anyone, or shit all over someone's pastime.
I just want to better understand what drives some fans to buy so much Kiss merch.
I for one really only care about the music, and the live performance. I might buy a t shirt, but I would never spend money on most of the products that Gene comes up with. The merch overkill doesn't really bother me , but I am not interested in collecting anything, Kiss related or not.
I can somewhat understand why someone would want to collect vintage Kiss items from the 70's. Although I know little about the value of collectables, I think it's probably fair to say that some of the older, rarer stuff could have money earning potential.
So what I want to know is why do some of you buy multiple copies of new Kiss albums? Or purchase newly issued Kiss dolls like they're going out of style? Is there money to be made with the new merch too? Or is it purely a hobby? A bit of both?
Help me to understand what this phenomenon is all about?
I'm not trying to judge anyone, or shit all over someone's pastime.
I just want to better understand what drives some fans to buy so much Kiss merch.
I for one really only care about the music, and the live performance. I might buy a t shirt, but I would never spend money on most of the products that Gene comes up with. The merch overkill doesn't really bother me , but I am not interested in collecting anything, Kiss related or not.
I can somewhat understand why someone would want to collect vintage Kiss items from the 70's. Although I know little about the value of collectables, I think it's probably fair to say that some of the older, rarer stuff could have money earning potential.
So what I want to know is why do some of you buy multiple copies of new Kiss albums? Or purchase newly issued Kiss dolls like they're going out of style? Is there money to be made with the new merch too? Or is it purely a hobby? A bit of both?
Help me to understand what this phenomenon is all about?
-
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 2567
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:07 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I ONLY collect merchandise from 70's-90's (pre Reunion). I had some items when I was a child that were available in the local Woolworth and Kmart stores (such as the '78 bubble gum cards, colorforms, rub n play, 2 mego dolls) and these items always make me think of my childhood now. I also collect Kiss memorabilia for re-sale purposes. I have doubles, sometimes triple of merchandise items now as I find them at very good prices and therefore will make more of a profit if I have to turn around and sell them again. There will always be a collector interested in buying Kiss merchandise so if nothing else, buy items that you can find at a good deal and hold on to them until you need to sell them.
As a matter of fact I was just in contact with a gentleman selling the 4 original Mego dolls through craigslist and he is willing to negotiate the prices (very reasonable already) and he is wiling to sell them individually if I am not interested in the set. There are no nose rubs, makeup mishaps and all the costumes items are present. In talking I discovered he also has the Colorforms set that he would be interested in trading or selling as well. I already have 2 sets of Mego dolls (1 set in the original boxes) and 3 sets of Colorforms but again if I can get a great deal for an item I will purchase them... Im becoming a Kiss merchandise HOARDER I think LOL.
As a matter of fact I was just in contact with a gentleman selling the 4 original Mego dolls through craigslist and he is willing to negotiate the prices (very reasonable already) and he is wiling to sell them individually if I am not interested in the set. There are no nose rubs, makeup mishaps and all the costumes items are present. In talking I discovered he also has the Colorforms set that he would be interested in trading or selling as well. I already have 2 sets of Mego dolls (1 set in the original boxes) and 3 sets of Colorforms but again if I can get a great deal for an item I will purchase them... Im becoming a Kiss merchandise HOARDER I think LOL.
- blackdiamond77
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 8896
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:58 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
-
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 2567
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:07 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I prefer older stuff. THOUGH the creatures and Alive action figures were cool and I do have those now that I think about it. So I guess there are certain "new" items I purchase. It all depends on the content I guess.
- kisshall2
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 3344
- Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2007 1:24 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
All toys are not created equally.blackdiamond77 wrote:It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
Check the values on the older vs newer in five years. The vintage 70s toys will have appreciated further in value. The contemporary toys for the most part will have lost almost all value. They have over saturated the market with too many soulless "The Demon" "The Spaceman" "The Catman" and "The Starchild" items.
Try to give away most of the merchandise they have produced in the past three to five years. See if newer "used" stuff sells at a KISS convention, because it doesn't
-
- KISS Army Kadet
- Posts: 157
- Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2012 10:34 am
- Location: Denmark
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Some of the few KISS merch i ever wanted were these KISS puppets. were they for sale?
- shupey
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 5278
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:25 am
- Location: Outside Jennifer Love Hewitt's house
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I collect because I like to I guess. KISS is such a visual band that collecting merchandise seems like a no brainer to me. I have a KISSTASTIC Man-Cave in my basement and can go in there and sit and just veg out. It's a way to show my "alliance and loyalty" to the KISS Army. If I don't like it I don't buy it. Just becasue it has KISS on it doesn't make it good. There will be NO Hello Kitty crap in my house! I like to show it off to people who want to see it. I have 2 kids and they like to take their friends down to see what dad collects too so it's kind of a connecting point with them as well. The music has to be first though. If the music sucked, the stuff wouldn't matter to me.
- kissalive90
- Trained by Tommy!
- Posts: 814
- Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:08 am
- Location: Harrisburg, PA USA
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
It's pure hobby for me.
I tend to stick to the 70s stuff, but I do have some post reunion things. The McFarlin figures (all of them), Reunion Halloween costumes and masks from 1997, and the new 8 inch megoesque dolls that have just been released are some of the newer items I chose to collect. I would never collect everything that comes out, even if I had the funds and space to display it.
I really don't have a problem with any of the merch that is out there. To each their own. It's all in fun, and was never to be taken as seriously as some people do. I will say the casket and urns are a bit over the top, but whatever. It keeps people in jobs. Gene and Paul aren't the only ones who benefit from this stuff. People make a living producing and distributing it too.
Like I said, it's all in good fun.
I tend to stick to the 70s stuff, but I do have some post reunion things. The McFarlin figures (all of them), Reunion Halloween costumes and masks from 1997, and the new 8 inch megoesque dolls that have just been released are some of the newer items I chose to collect. I would never collect everything that comes out, even if I had the funds and space to display it.
I really don't have a problem with any of the merch that is out there. To each their own. It's all in fun, and was never to be taken as seriously as some people do. I will say the casket and urns are a bit over the top, but whatever. It keeps people in jobs. Gene and Paul aren't the only ones who benefit from this stuff. People make a living producing and distributing it too.
Like I said, it's all in good fun.
- blackdiamond77
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 8896
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:58 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Rationalizing toys......kisshall2 wrote:All toys are not created equally.blackdiamond77 wrote:It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
Check the values on the older vs newer in five years. The vintage 70s toys will have appreciated further in value. The contemporary toys for the most part will have lost almost all value. They have over saturated the market with too many soulless "The Demon" "The Spaceman" "The Catman" and "The Starchild" items.
Try to give away most of the merchandise they have produced in the past three to five years. See if newer "used" stuff sells at a KISS convention, because it doesn't
Your view point is strictly based on value rather than enjoyment. Even collectors find enjoyment in their hobby. It's no fun if its all just about the money.
As far as "try giving it away" ....I'm sure giving or donating toys to children (for which they are made for) would have a great deal of fun with them
Last edited by blackdiamond77 on Thu Oct 11, 2012 7:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Ace's Silver Suit
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:11 pm
- Contact:
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Nostalgia and coolness.
I have so many pleasant memories tied into the '70s KISS, and I also think that most of the stuff from that time is just so awesome from a rock and pop culture perspective ...
CURRENT WANTS:
1) Originals II - how cool is this thing? I wonder if it sold well in '78 in Japan?
2) Official Dynasty album cover poster - which I once had, mint, and sold around the Reunion! This poster wasn't around much during '79!
3) The Elder promo poster - "The New KISS Album" one.
Anyone? The wallet opens ...
I have so many pleasant memories tied into the '70s KISS, and I also think that most of the stuff from that time is just so awesome from a rock and pop culture perspective ...
CURRENT WANTS:
1) Originals II - how cool is this thing? I wonder if it sold well in '78 in Japan?
2) Official Dynasty album cover poster - which I once had, mint, and sold around the Reunion! This poster wasn't around much during '79!
3) The Elder promo poster - "The New KISS Album" one.
Anyone? The wallet opens ...
- blackdiamond77
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 8896
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:58 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Do I like some stuff? Sure I do. But it's something I like. It's not all about "Ooo, it may go up in value". It may or it may not. That's not why I buy it.
- pete8475
- 2,000 Man, baby!
- Posts: 2202
- Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:23 am
- Location: Canaduh
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Man you should NEVER have sold that. It's such a great poster, I have one framed and hanging in my bedroom.Ace's Silver Suit wrote: 2) Official Dynasty album cover poster - which I once had, mint, and sold around the Reunion! This poster wasn't around much during '79!
- Ace's Silver Suit
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 3583
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:11 pm
- Contact:
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I know - a great image, in my opinion made better by the poster! Their heads are like bigger than life size!
I WILL get it again!
I WILL get it again!
- Almost Human
- KISS Army Kadet
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 8:28 am
- Location: USA
- Contact:
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I have a pretty substantial collection of Kiss stuff. I haven't really analyzed it all that much. I was never able to get any Kiss stuff when I was a kid. So, when I was able to buy the Mego dolls and stuff like that, I really enjoyed getting to pick up all the stuff I couldn't have as a kid. I don't buy everything, but I love the toys. I think this comes from wanting the toys so much as a kid. Anyway, I just find it all very fun. It's great to kind of be immersed in your own "Kiss World" with all sorts of Kiss items around. I love to unwind by cranking some 70s classics and going for a new high score on the pinball machine. It's just all fun for me. I'm not interested in things for investment purposes because I don't ever want to sell any of it. Bottom line... it's fun, I like the stuff, and it makes me feel like a kid again. :mrgreen:
- MONSTER Magnet
- Super Elite KISS Fan
- Posts: 1428
- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:31 pm
- Location: GOOGLE:KABD! KISS Tour Reporter!
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
It aint for $$ . It isnt for anyone else. I buy KISS merch because it makes me happy.
And just so ya know GENE doesnt come up with all this crap. Its proposed and Paul and Gene decide. What a wierd query ?
Why do people collect Beer Cans?....Stamps? It provides food for the Brain and satisfies the Looking for....finding....and owning. That we all do in one way or another . Its fun. To find KISS in almost every place I go is awesome and I want to remember how cool it was to see it ....by buying it !
My name is Bob and Im a KISS ADDICT........"HI BOB !"
And just so ya know GENE doesnt come up with all this crap. Its proposed and Paul and Gene decide. What a wierd query ?
Why do people collect Beer Cans?....Stamps? It provides food for the Brain and satisfies the Looking for....finding....and owning. That we all do in one way or another . Its fun. To find KISS in almost every place I go is awesome and I want to remember how cool it was to see it ....by buying it !
My name is Bob and Im a KISS ADDICT........"HI BOB !"
- kisshall2
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 3344
- Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2007 1:24 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
First of all, I take it from your opinions that you don’t collect anything. While I am happy for you, it doesn’t make you qualified to make social or psychological judgments on the millions of people who do. Just because you don’t enjoy something is no reason to mock others and assume it makes you a better person somehow, which was the point you made with the crack about donating and giving away toys to kids. I donate thousands of dollars worth of toys to kids every year through Good Will and Battered Women’s shelters in Central Kentucky…Every year! I don’t put KISS stuff in the donations because most are not safe for children. I suppose you will even mock me for actually taking the tax deduction, but only a fool wouldn't take it. I assume you are a decent person and actually do charitable acts and donations yourself.If you want to compare charitable donation receipts I would be glad to do it.blackdiamond77 wrote:Rationalizing toys......kisshall2 wrote:All toys are not created equally.blackdiamond77 wrote:It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
Check the values on the older vs newer in five years. The vintage 70s toys will have appreciated further in value. The contemporary toys for the most part will have lost almost all value. They have over saturated the market with too many soulless "The Demon" "The Spaceman" "The Catman" and "The Starchild" items.
Try to give away most of the merchandise they have produced in the past three to five years. See if newer "used" stuff sells at a KISS convention, because it doesn't
Your view point is strictly based on value rather than enjoyment. Even collectors find enjoyment in their hobby. It's no fun if its all just about the money.
As far as "try giving it away" ....I'm sure giving or donating toys to children (for which they are made for) would have a great deal of fun with them
My view point on collecting stuff and displaying it on my shelves is based on the laws of diminishing returns and defined space constraints. I am not interested in keeping something in the finite space I have that is not going to appreciate in value. I cant enjoy it all, so what I keep is going to increase in value.
For the record I enjoy my hobby and collection immensely. In fact through books and official KISS releases there are thousands of others in the world that have enjoyed my collection through the years. As far as the psychological reasons I collect, I don’t have any idea. Maybe because we were so broke when I was a kid and didn’t have anything…I don’t know…I don’t care. I just enjoy it now...and my kid is going to make a killing off it all when I die.
- ObiWanFrehley
- Super Elite KISS Fan
- Posts: 1585
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:07 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I collect KISS merch for my music room primarily. I still have a room dedicated to music where my stereo, cd/vinyls are at. I make music listening a priority as I always have.
- Cold-Gin
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 2957
- Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:38 pm
- Location: Springfield, MO
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I started collecting KISS on Vinyl since the 1970's, so I still collect the vinyl. I have all of the cassette tapes up until ALIVE III (I think?) and most of the CD's , but other than the music I don't really collect much else. I do have an original 1970's Destroyer Puzzle, and a handful of magazines (I threw out about 200 or more magazines featuring KISS back in the late 1980's) I do collect the KISS trading cards, bought them new as a kid back in 1978-79 and have most of the newer sets as well. I use to have most of the 1970's merchandise, but sold it, traded it, or simply trashed it back in the 1980's I do have a complete set of the Psycho Circus comics I bought new at the time of release. Also have 3 or 4 puzzles that were released back in the 1990's . Have a few posters. I think thats about it.
I do have somewhat of a collecting addiction, but it's not KISS, I have a library of about 15,000 books. What can I say, I like to read.
I do have somewhat of a collecting addiction, but it's not KISS, I have a library of about 15,000 books. What can I say, I like to read.
Last edited by Cold-Gin on Thu Oct 11, 2012 9:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
- blackdiamond77
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 8896
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:58 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Hate to break it to you but I have a very large kiss collection and yes I am qualified to respond to your comments. Do I have kiss items that are deemed valuable? You better believe it. But it's only worth something to someone that's willing to pay the price. My collection means something to me & not because of its supposed value. I've posted many times pictures of what I have. You've totally missed what I was saying and went off in left field.... They're toys...kisshall2 wrote:First of all, I take it from your opinions that you don’t collect anything. While I am happy for you, it doesn’t make you qualified to make social or psychological judgments on the millions of people who do. Just because you don’t enjoy something is no reason to mock others and assume it makes you a better person somehow, which was the point you made with the crack about donating and giving away toys to kids. I donate thousands of dollars worth of toys to kids every year through Good Will and Battered Women’s shelters in Central Kentucky…Every year! I don’t put KISS stuff in the donations because most are not safe for children. I suppose you will even mock me for actually taking the tax deduction, but only a fool wouldn't take it. I assume you are a decent person and actually do charitable acts and donations yourself.If you want to compare charitable donation receipts I would be glad to do it.blackdiamond77 wrote:Rationalizing toys......kisshall2 wrote:All toys are not created equally.blackdiamond77 wrote:It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
Check the values on the older vs newer in five years. The vintage 70s toys will have appreciated further in value. The contemporary toys for the most part will have lost almost all value. They have over saturated the market with too many soulless "The Demon" "The Spaceman" "The Catman" and "The Starchild" items.
Try to give away most of the merchandise they have produced in the past three to five years. See if newer "used" stuff sells at a KISS convention, because it doesn't
Your view point is strictly based on value rather than enjoyment. Even collectors find enjoyment in their hobby. It's no fun if its all just about the money.
As far as "try giving it away" ....I'm sure giving or donating toys to children (for which they are made for) would have a great deal of fun with them
My view point on collecting stuff and displaying it on my shelves is based on the laws of diminishing returns and defined space constraints. I am not interested in keeping something in the finite space I have that is not going to appreciate in value. I cant enjoy it all, so what I keep is going to increase in value.
For the record I enjoy my hobby and collection immensely. In fact through books and official KISS releases there are thousands of others in the world that have enjoyed my collection through the years. As far as the psychological reasons I collect, I don’t have any idea. Maybe because we were so broke when I was a kid and didn’t have anything…I don’t know…I don’t care. I just enjoy it now...and my kid is going to make a killing off it all when I die.
You commented on "all toys are not created equal". Then you imeadeatly fired with "check the value"..., if you read others responses above they are expressing hobby & enjoyment first......
Last edited by blackdiamond77 on Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
- gothunder
- Prized Position Claimant
- Posts: 18793
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:07 am
- Location: The Kiss Garage
- WI KISSfan
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 4230
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:12 am
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Why do people collect Beer Cans?....Stamps? It provides food for the Brain and satisfies the Looking for....finding....and owning. That we all do in one way or another . Its fun. To find KISS in almost every place I go is awesome and I want to remember how cool it was to see it ....by buying it !
My name is Bob and Im a KISS ADDICT........"HI BOB !"
Hi BOB! My name is Chris and I'm also a KISS ADDICT!......Love that one.
I collect it because it's fun IMO to do so. My kids joke that after I kick the bucket they'll make a mint off Ebay with my collection but whatever.
I remember putting that first KISS poster up in my room, the one that came in Dynasty, and how "offended" my mom was by it. That immediately made me want more posters / pics out of defiance. Their a visual band so the collection is also a visual and tangible thing.
-
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 2567
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:07 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
another reason I prefer older merchandise to current is Gene and Paul get NOTHING out of the deal. I would much rather pay a fan or someone who needs the money then G&P anything.
- blackdiamond77
- Qualified to wear Ace's makeup!
- Posts: 8896
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:58 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
lol, they already got paid on it.... Years ago it's secondary market at higher prices is what fans pay to other fans...and sometimes they are not even fans... Just scalpers!!!!johnkissfan1974 wrote:another reason I prefer older merchandise to current is Gene and Paul get NOTHING out of the deal.
-
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 2567
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:07 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
They might have already been paid years ago but not from me. I have been getting great deals on older merch with the market the way it is and people needing money. Why would I care if I am purchasing items from a fan or a scalper. The bottom line is the price and its a no brainer to purchase the original 78 megos mint- condition for $50 each (which I am in the process of aquiring) then $85 each for the new ones they just came out with!blackdiamond77 wrote:lol, they already got paid on it.... Years ago it's secondary market at higher prices is what fans pay to other fans...and sometimes they are not even fans... Just scalpers!!!!johnkissfan1974 wrote:another reason I prefer older merchandise to current is Gene and Paul get NOTHING out of the deal.
- 120 Decibels Jr.
- Prized Position Claimant
- Posts: 16808
- Joined: Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:27 pm
- Location: The 'Electric Swamp' ...
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Because of a Zerb-A-Tronic Mind-Control Implant ...
- asamford
- Spends too much time FAQ'ing off!
- Posts: 3549
- Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:46 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
gothunder wrote:To make my garage look better.
https://plus.google.com/photos/11367484 ... 6024873553
i still can't believe you'd park a car in there with all that stuff!!
- KISSTRONAUT
- Prized Position Claimant
- Posts: 16074
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:01 am
- Location: The Kingdom of the Spiders, The Empire of the Ants.
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Because I don't fish or play golf.
- 67321
- Might as well be the Admin!
- Posts: 25000
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:25 am
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
blackdiamond77 wrote:It's funny when people take issue with "newer toys" as opposed to "older toys"......They're still T O Y S!
The '96 onward toys (at least 90% of 'em) SUCK and REAL KISS FREAKS know it!!
- Jordvan123
- 2,000 Man, baby!
- Posts: 2217
- Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 3:53 pm
- Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
I collect a bit of Kiss stuff. Namely the action figures (action figure collecting is my real vice in life.) the trading cards anything else that appeals to me. I buy it because I like the items that I buy (and I only buy the items I like so none of that Hello Kitty stuff!) and to a lesser degree, to support the band.
- Australia1980
- Prized Position Claimant
- Posts: 19392
- Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:13 pm
Re: Why Do Some Of You Collect Kiss Merch?
Sick garage, dude!gothunder wrote:To make my garage look better.
https://plus.google.com/photos/11367484 ... 6024873553