Welcome collectors and fun-seekers to the wonderful world of vintage toy hunting…. we are so glad you are here! Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your very first collection, there is absolutely nothing like the rush of finding that one-of-a-kind treasure in an online auction. Here at Funky Junk Auctions, we see so many cool things pass through our doors, and we want to help you get the best "goodies" for your shelves. Spring is finally coming (honest…. we promise!) and it’s the perfect time to clear out some space and fill it right back up with some awesome vintage finds.
If you've ever spent time browsing our online auctions, you might have noticed that some toys sell for a few dollars while others go for hundreds or even thousands. A lot of that comes down to something we call "variants." These are the special little differences that make one toy way more rare than the thousands of others that look just like it.
What exactly is a "Variant"?
Think of a variant as a "happy accident" or a special edition that didn't stay on the shelves for very long. Back in the day, toy companies would change the color of a figure’s cape, or maybe they’d run out of one type of plastic and switch to another. Sometimes they even made a mistake on the box! To most people, it’s just a toy…. but to us collectors, it’s a BIG DEAL.
Finding these rare treats takes a bit of a sharp eye, but once you know what to look for, you’ll be spotting the GOOD STUFF in no time. We love seeing our customers find these hidden gems in our listings of….
- Vintage action figures
- Die-cast cars
- Retro dolls
- Building sets
- Miniature figurines
- Rare board games
- And so much more!
The Power of the "Oops": Manufacturing Errors
Sometimes, being wrong is actually very right. Manufacturing errors are one of the most exciting types of variants you can find in our auctions. Maybe the factory printed the wrong name on the card, or perhaps the figure was packaged with the wrong accessory. These "oops" moments create instant rarity because the company usually catches the mistake pretty quickly and fixes it for the rest of the production run.
When you are looking through our photos, keep an eye out for….
- Unpainted faces
- Misprinted labels
- Backward limbs
- Wrong colors
- Double-taped boxes
- Sealed packages with the wrong figure inside
- And much more!
Why Condition is KING
We always say that condition is everything in the world of collectibles. A rare variant is great, but if it looks like it’s been through a blender, the value is going to take a hit. A vintage Star Wars figure in MINT CONDITION can sell for a whole lot more than one with a bit of paint loss. We do our best to take clear photos so you can see every detail of the "fun stuff" we have for sale.
Check out these awesome Warhammer figures we had recently!
When you are bidding, look for….
- Bright, unfaded colors
- Tight joints on action figures
- Clean stickers
- No teeth marks (we've all been there….)
- Original capes and weapons
- Shiny chrome parts
- And so much more!
The Magic of the Box
If you find a toy that is still in its original packaging, you’ve hit the jackpot! This is what collectors call "MOC" (Mint on Card) or "MIB" (Mint in Box). For things like first-edition Barbies or classic G.I. Joes, having that original box is the difference between a nice toy and a museum piece.
We often have some incredible boxed treats in our inventory, including….
- Sealed Lego sets
- Boxed model kits
- Carded superhero figures
- Original board game boxes
- Vintage doll trunks
- And much more!
There is nothing like a classic Lego set to bring back those childhood memories!
Spotting the Small Details
Sometimes the difference is tiny. It might be the color of a lightsaber or the date stamped on the bottom of a foot. This is why we encourage you to look at every single photo in our listings. We try to capture all the angles so you don't miss a thing!
Recently, we’ve had some truly GREAT items like….
- Warhammer miniatures
- Lego Minecraft figures
- World of Warcraft collectibles
- Vintage comic books (like Superman!)
- Antique jewelry
- Sports cards
- And so much more!
Even modern classics like this Barbie doll lot 5170 are fun to collect!
Tips for Online Bidding at Funky Junk Auctions
We want your experience to be as smooth as possible. Our online-only format means you can bid from your couch, your bed, or even while you’re out getting a coffee! It’s all about convenience and finding those special goodies without the stress of a crowded auction hall.
Here are a few tips to help you win….
- Watch the Clock: Our auctions have a set end time, so don't wait until the last second (though we do have "soft close" to keep things fair!).
- Check the Photos: Use the zoom feature to look for those rare variants we talked about.
- Read the Descriptions: We try to note any interesting features or condition issues.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill, so know your limit!
- Ask Questions: We are always happy to help if you need more info on a lot.
Details matter! Check out the paint on this miniature.
Getting Your Treasures Home
Once you've won your AWESOME new toys, we make it super easy to get them. We offer scheduled curbside pickup for our local friends, or we can ship your items NATIONWIDE. (Just a heads up: you pay the shipping and packing fee, but we promise to wrap your goodies with lots of care!)
We handle all sorts of treasures beyond just toys, such as….
- Fine china and glassware
- Estate jewelry
- Vintage comics and books
- Sports memorabilia
- Unique household goods
- Antique furniture pieces
- And so much more!
Join the Fun!
There is always something new and exciting happening at Funky Junk Auctions. We are constantly adding new lots and finding eclectic pieces that you won't see anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a specific rare variant or just a fun piece of nostalgia, we’ve got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our current auctions and see what treats are waiting for you today. You never know when that $10 bid might turn into a $1,000 discovery!
HAPPY BIDDING EVERYONE! We can't wait to see what you find!
…. and remember, those toys aren't just plastic, they're memories! Stay tuned for our next auction update featuring….
- Rare collector cards
- Vintage toy cars
- Estate jewelry finds
- Comic book collections
- Art glass pieces
- And so much more!