Question 1

How do I order?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase items using the online shop button. We accept all major Credit and Debit Cards and Paypal. Once your payment has cleared, your item will be packaged up very carefully and then dispatched the next business day. You can also contact sales@toycurious 24/7 for any help with orders or any other requests.

Question 2

What's the difference between a first shot and a test shot?

Accepted Answer

It really is semantics!
 
Prototype and Pre-Production toys have their very own lexicon.
 
Some people use some terms that are interchangeable.
 
Notably the terms First Shot and Test Shot have become sort of all encapsulating for any pre-production / prototype figure that is not the same as the normal produced final product available at retail.
 
At Toycurious.com I use the terms this way...
 
First Shot relates to a prototype figure that does not have any manufcaturer stamp or date stamp anywhere. It is a little earlier in the process when they are testing the molds before going into full produciton and adding the manufacturer stamp and date stamp.
 
Test Shot relates to the next stage in the process, they are still testing the molds for production, but now the manufactuer stamp and date stamps are now added. So for example "Kenner and a year stamp of say 1992" can be found on the figure, usually on the base of the feet, inside leg or back of the figure.
 
Examples of both First Shots and Test Shots can be found in non production colours and either unpainted or painted. You can even find ones that only have some parts painted or fully painted, but the paint applications and colour schemes again differ to the final production figures that were released at retail.
 
First Shots and Test Shots are only one area, there are then Wax Sculpts, Hardcopies, Signed Samples, Engineering Pilots, QC Samples, Kitbashed Bench Build models and more!
 
The Pre-Production and work that goes into toy design involves many steps and the final culmination of all the talented designers is the final poduced action figure you can buy at retail stores.

Toycurious.com specialises in dealing in all these gorgeous and wonderful pieces that were created before the "normal" produced toy / action figure could be made.

Question 3

Where does he get all those wonderful toys?

Accepted Answer

You know the old saying, "If I told you that, I'd have to......"
 
In all seriousness, a large amount of the invetory I am selling today through my business were the contents of factory clearance buyouts many years ago. I was in a forunate position at the time and it really was the case of right place and right time!
 
90% of the Pre-Production items I sell today were from this source.
 
I also have many other contacts and indeed friends in the toy business, from former employees and designers to fellow collectors and dealers.

As a result, I am able to find some truly great pieces for my own collection and also offer pieces up for sale on this website.
 
For me, this is my full time job. It's hardwork, I pay taxes and a huge list of other expenses.

But I get to play with some of the coolest toys going, and true pieces of toy history, so it's all worth it.

Question 4

Do you buy toys?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is YES!
 
I am always buying toys and prototype toys!
 
I do not buy everything across the board, but if you have items for sale. Whether it is one treasured piece, or an entire collection for sale. Then of course you can get in touch and we can take it from there.
 
Please note, I do not offer appraisals or valuations on any items whatseover.

Question 5

Can you sell me a prototype from my favourite toy line?

Accepted Answer

I get so many emails from many toy collectors all chasing prototypes for their own favourite toy lines.

The short anwer is YES, I can usually find a prototype or pre-production toy for your favourite toy line.

I am still working through so much of my own inventory, that every week, there will be new prototypes listed for sale on this page.
 
The best thing to do, is use the contact form to get added to the mailing list. Or use the subcribe box at the bottom of the website.

This way you will be guaranteed to get first viewing of new pieces I have for sale.

Question 6

Can I haggle? Do you take offers?

Accepted Answer

I try and price my stuff very fairly. Some of these pieces I only have one of and once it has sold, it has gone.

However, I do enjoy a good haggle and putting a deal together. So if you see a piece and want to make me an offer on it, then you can always email me and we can take it from there. I might say no, but it's always worth a try!

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