Young collectors and the PVC debt
Since I’m up @ 4am in the morning due to high fever, I thought I should do what any right-thinking sick person would – blog. And the topic of choice today is something close at heart (though closer to my wallet) – the figure collector’s PVC debt
It’s been a while since I updated my PVC escapades (Zyl is covering that amply I believe) and this healthy passion with supposedly heavenly returns has somewhat festered into a financial hell for this tanuki. My request for injection of funds from the government Waifu-chan was met with uncontrollable laughter echoing throughout my estate. A “No” I suppose. So I resorted to the only way a tanuki knew about earning extra cash – selling my plastic daughters.
While I'm no stranger to ‘marrying’ off my daughters, this most recent exercise was quite an eye-opener since the buyers were middle-school students (very responsive and responsible buyers I might add) of which one had to sell off his figure just prior to meeting me so that OUR transaction may proceed. So that got me wondering – how do the PVC collectors especially students manage such an expensive hobby?
This trend hasn’t always been so. Back in 2006, the average 1/8 PVC cost about S$50. The collectors were pretty much folks in their late teens with income from either National Service or some form of part time job (tuition for example) and young working adults. Come 2009, the average price of a figure is now S$100. In the figure forum where I lurk, a huge majority are young folks (many students) with an unquenchable passion for plastic and a collection to match. Just how they do it? After all here I am, holding a full time job and grappling with whether or not to downgrade my car so that I can delve into the dollfie business (Black Saber dollfie is simply gorgeous). Well, maybe they get their figures from nice tanukis who offer huge discounts? XD
Chances are they are funded by their parents/loving uncles. But given PVCs’ exorbitant prices how many families would allow such an indulgent hobby? In fact a quick check with Waifu-chan shows that my poor son (if I’m ever blessed with one) would not be allowed a PVC collection. *Sniff* (I suppose he would just have to procure it under my name – part of his training as a harem lead!! MWAHAHAHA!!).
What about you? How are you struggling with your PVC debt? Would you allow your children to have a PVC bishoujo collection?
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November 6th, 2009 - 10:02
but wait….. i thought ur government is nice to you????? why stop the pain…..unless what you’re talking about is….
November 9th, 2009 - 22:58
Heh she’s the best and powerful testimony that good governments need not be democratic. XD
November 6th, 2009 - 14:27
I have none because all I have is a Fate and a Nanoha.
And self-control.
November 9th, 2009 - 22:59
Self control is a rare trait amongst otaku. I envy your wallet
November 6th, 2009 - 17:39
Lawl, I am one of those few with income trickling in from National Service….. It really isn’t easy these days juggling that money with plastic, magazines and cds/ dvds. Even with severe restrictions, the money is barely enough to cover each month…
November 9th, 2009 - 23:07
I know your pain. For example, just one GSC Saber Lily would easily take out a huge chunk of that monthly NS pay. Actually that was the reason why I dropped my MEGAMI subscription. Deemed plastic more important
November 6th, 2009 - 23:23
Hmm, what a surprise. I hadn’t thought that there would be that many collectors in my age group, seeing as I’m the only collector in my school, or so I can see.
Anyway, I’ve been kinda struggling with my debt as of late… It just so happens that my first year into the PVC collection business involves plenty of big-time releases (Alter’s Nanoha line, for example). Heck, I even cut down on other expenses just to acquire figurines I so greatly desire.
However, this method seems to be ineffective in the long run, as my heart still pains for those other figurines I failed to purchase. Right now, I’m torn between the delicious stuff that will be on sale at AFA, and Griffon’s 1/8 Izayoi Sakuya. While I’m at it, Alter’s Fate is hot on my tail, and burning my wallet. T^T
I just hope I’ll be able to get either SAFOS or SMS from MINDEF after my JC studies, since that will put me on the track of a decent career… And of course, that means bigger budgets for my beloved plastic maidens… =D
As to your second question… HELL YEAH I WOULD! It is only our duty as parents to show them the beauty and magnificence of the (2D) world. I’ll remember to pass the torch on when I have delightful 2D children with Kotori, LOL!
November 9th, 2009 - 23:08
I had such grand dreams once too XD
Married Nemu instead though
November 11th, 2009 - 02:11
I do kind of feel like I’m being taken advantage of whenever I purchase PVC figures. You know they’re marking them up excessively just because they can… Sometimes I think I should stop buying figures since it only supports the ridiculous prices. While I try to refrain from other frivolous hobby spending on things like video games, going to movies, etc. it’s still a bit much…
With the crazy prices of PVC figures, maybe it is worth it to abstain from a few figure purchases and just save up for one big purchase of a Dollfie. I should give that some more thought ^^.
November 12th, 2009 - 19:49
Absolutely.
I intend to cut down my PVC quota from 14-16 to 10-12 next year. This is derived from the average cost of each PVC – a whooping S$145 – I’ve acquired this year. Wish I had pay increment at such exponential rates too XD
November 12th, 2009 - 04:52
This makes me feel a bit bad about my acquiring PVC figures, since I do have to use money given to me by my parents, which is looked down upon for buying anything hobby-related these days ;__;. I’d work if I could find a job, but I can’t drive yet (am terrified of driving and thus out of practice, not to mention my permit expired), and places don’t like to hire people that can’t drive. I don’t see why that’s so horribly looked down upon, though, so long as you’re responsible about it, which I am.
As for letting any children of my own have a PVC figure collection, of course I’d allow it. I’d just expect them to ration their funds and prioritize their spending, etc, so it wouldn’t kill me financially assuming they’re like me right now and jobless.
November 12th, 2009 - 20:00
Heh, I think it’s ok if we managed our allowance responsibly.
But the PVC hobby is indeed an expensive one and worse seen in poor light but those outside the otaku realm. I know not a few figure collectors whose passion is frowned upon by family members. 
Nevertheless am glad your flame burns on and wishing you the best in securing a job!
November 15th, 2009 - 04:26
went to rightstufs figure page the other day and saw the shamal 1/8 figure for 130 usd. absolutely no way to justify after purchasing this
http://www.shin-otaku.com/20090126004527-queens-gate-alice-boost-version.htm
November 16th, 2009 - 23:44
You probably already know this but I almost bought the loli version
http://www.shin-otaku.com/20080910110319-queens-gate-alice.htm
How’s your PVC collection shaping up so far?
November 18th, 2009 - 03:33
it is getting there,
unlike your collection i think is gear toward cool (woman w/ swords) and sexy then moe. doing as quick inventory in my head my collection looks like a invading army
November 18th, 2009 - 14:44
High five, Xellos^_-!
I go much more for cool and sexy rather than moe in my figure purchases too. Out of 18, 8 are weapon wielding (5 swords and 3 handguns).