Wheeljack’s Lab Vintage Toy Blog

An international variant is a foreign release of a toy that features slight modifications than the toy’s release in its country of origin. Regional exclusives are similar but have differences that set them apart from international variants. These are specific figures or entire toy lines sold only in select regions for various reasons. Follow along in our blog with us to see the differences explained between regional exclusives and international variants. 

Vintage toys show damage and wear much easier than newer toys. However, properly and regularly cleaning your vintage toys will help tremendously in keeping their value and condition up. Follow along in our blog with us to see how to clean vintage toys safely without hurting their value. 

In some areas, the toy market is booming! In other areas, the toy market is cooling off. There are many reasons for this including the oversaturation of toy lines or the growth in popularity of previously forgotten toy lines. Follow along in our blog with us to see why some toys are cooling off and others are heating up.

The two terms “collector” and “accumulator” are thrown around a lot within the same context. Yet, these two words are actually very distinct from each other. Follow along in our blog with us as we mention the difference between a Collector and an Accumulator. See the main difference between the intention of each along with the many other differences.

Production runs, how many toys were produced for a toy line and the strategy used, plays a big factor into the long-term value of toys. Follow along in our blog as we mention short runs, long runs, and artificial scarcity along with collector demand, brand prestige, and what really determines long-term value.

Since toy grading became standardized by grading companies rather than the collectors themselves, many people have benefited. However, toy grading is not a good fit for every single vintage toy. Follow along in our blog to see the pros and cons and if you should grade your toys.

With pop culture reboots coming out, vintage toys are changing in prices. Follow along in our blog to see the impact of pop culture reboots and how they drastically change the prices of loved vintage toys.

Though hobbyists and collectors have a lot of similar difining characteristics, a hobby and a collection themselves are actually different. Yet, often, a hobby does connect to a collection and turn into one over time. Follow along in our blog with us to see the defining factors between the two and how they connect.

Sometimes toys and collectibles undergo factory errors and misprints which get released and eventually land in collectors hands. Are these toys flaws or actually hidden gems? Follow along in our blog as we dive into how these toys are seen by collectors and the secret value they may hold.

Follow along in our blog with us as we dive into the best storage for your cherished toy collection. Join us as we mention climate control and what really matters with toy storage.

Toys from the 1980s are highly collectible today and give so many people nostalgia as they desire to add them to their collections. Are these vintage toys still climbing in value? Follow along in our blog to see if the toys from your childhood are still rising in value

Millions of people all around the world collect toys. Why is this? What is the appeal? Follow along in our blog with us to see the psychology behind vintage toy nostalgia and why people collect vintage toys

Though variants can sometimes look just like the original items, even the slightest difference can play a huge factor into the value of a vintage toy and collectible. Follow along in our blog with us as we dive into the different ways a toy appears as a variant and the value that comes along with it.

Carded action figures often rise to high values when they remain in their original bubble packaging. However, a lot of damage can easily harm this value. Follow along in our blog to see how to protect your carded figures.

The vintage toy market has changed dramatically within the past decade. Follow along in our blog with us as we dive into the details of how this happened.

Most of the time, a toy collection will get passed down and loved for many years. However, there almost always comes a time to sell. Follow along in our blog to see how tracking your toys makes selling your collection less stressful.

Appraisals, insurance, and selling are all a part of toy collecting and each one takes some prep work. Join us in our blog to see the value in each of these and the preparation each one takes.

Does organization really matter when it comes to a collection? Won't my items still be valuable if they aren't organized? Follow along in our blog with us to see the great value of an organized collection.

Did you know that tracking your toy colleciton can aid in growing its value? Follow along in our blog to see why tracking can make your collection more valuable.

Do you have a collection but don't know how you should organize and catalog it? Join us in our blog to avoid overthinking and overcomplicating the process. Through our blog we will show you how to make cataloging simple yet effective.

If you have a vintage toy collection, you might be suprised by how underinsured it is. Follow along in our blog to see signs to watch for to get your collection up to date on insurance.

There are many differences between homeowners and collectors insurance. Follow along in our blog to see the differences and how it affects your toy collection.

Should you take the next steps to insure your toy collection? Follow along in our blog to learn what collectors should know about insuring their items including the good, the bad, and all the little details.

Have you been stuck in a government shut down and losing money? Follow along in our blog to see some valuable items you can sell to hedge against this and get an independent source of income.