The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: CottonTALE on August 20, 2016, 11:07:55 PM

Title: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: CottonTALE on August 20, 2016, 11:07:55 PM

This question is going out to all my pony peeps: As a collector, what sort of ponies do you collect? for example some things to think about are:

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!

---
Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
For me, I mainly collect G4 ponies exclusively (with G3 Fluttershy and G1 Posey being the few exceptions)

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
I used to only collect the regular-sized brushables and large playsets but right now I'm branching out into other G4 lines such as Blind Bags, Fashion Styles, BAB plushies, Funko Vynils, FIM Collection and Equestria Girls dolls. I also collect MLP homeware and use them in my apartment (thankfully my boyfriend is also a pony fan and collector, so I don't have to isolate my pony things to one area of the house)

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I have an army of Fluttershy ponies, plushies and other merch. Fluttershy is my favourite pony so if something is out that has her on it, I have to have it. I haven't actually counted how many things of fluttershy I own, but i'm pretty sure it's a high number by now. My boyfriend has a small army of Rainbow Dash things since he absolutely adores her.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I find the availability of ponies since I am collecting a generation that is still on store shelves to be an advantage to me. A disadvantage would be the lack of different characters and when the are released, they are usually harder-to-find due to scarce stocking/scalping.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
My advice to people starting out on collecting (mainly for people starting out on G4 collecting) is to aim for the earlier releases first and work your way forward. Since most of the older G4 releases usually don't have a re-issue, they are much harder-to-find whereas the newer ponies can be found in stores quite easily in most cases.

I also collect certain Amiibos (Animal Crossing and Yarn Yoshis for the most part) and video games (Nintendo mostly, but I also do Sony)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Tak on August 20, 2016, 11:20:24 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I prefer g1, but collect all generations. I'm not very into merchandise, playsets and accessories.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
It's easier to say which I don't, talk-a-lot, DnP, ht, so soft newborns, most plushies, and any that require batteries.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
If an army is three or more of the same, then I have armies of all the US cp ponies, parasol, twilight sparkle, and Apple jack.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I find ones that I want far to easily. The challenge is balancing the low income budget around that. Especially once I've acquired most of the less expensive ponies.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
I would say go for a few mystery lots, learn all you can about identifying the condition of a pony and what conditions are acceptable to you, and always feel free to ask. Just because someone may have asked the same question 4-5 pages down, doesn't make it a dumb question. Lastly, listen to the pros. There are so many experienced collectors on here and most are happy to offer excellent advice.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: northstar3184 on August 21, 2016, 12:51:40 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect G1 & G3.

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I just collect the regular sized ponies, plus I have about 12 petites. I collect only adults, no babies. And most of my ~75 ponies are ones without tinsel. I think there are 4 or 5 exceptions.

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

No, no armies.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

Keeping my collection secret from my family.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Have fun with it and collect the ponies that you like or mean something to you. You don't have to catch them all, unless that's your goal.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Roseprincess1 on August 21, 2016, 02:08:53 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
typically i collect what ever i like, I really only have a few G2's because i dont care as much for the styling.. but they are still pretty nice. Right now its mostly G4 because they are the easiest to get hold of. but i still look for and love all of the gens when i see and can get them.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
typically the animation.. i love animation. So i have a lot of the g4 seasons.. and as much of the g1 as i have been able to locate.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
seems like i have gotten a lot of fluttershys with out even realizing it.. and more than a few pinkie pies and rainbowdash's but no no real armies to speak of.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
hehe collecting ponies is easy period.. they are relatively in expensive and can befound easily.
The thing that is the most challenging for me.. is with my ponies.. like with any of m y collections ... is the amount of NON SENSE i have to put up with from my family about them.
That gets old after a while.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
IGNORE YOUR FAMILY they give you a hard time. Your collections make you happy.. you should not have to  justify them or be shook down about how much money you spend.
If your bills are paid and there is food on the table.. and you are making the ends meet.
then what you do with your spare money is your business.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Shaiyeh on August 21, 2016, 02:50:31 AM

Would it be ok to use this questionnaire on my Blog for a post if I link this thread? I like the questions :)

I'll answer here, too.

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I focus on G1, but am slowly collecting g2 and g3 as well. Not interested in g3.5 or g4.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Anything within my 3 preferred generations goes, pretty much. Though I tend to focus on a (couple) set(s) at a time. Right now, I'm working on TAF, Sea Ponies and flutters, but I won't pass up if I find anything else that goes in my collection.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Yes! I have an army of Collector's Pose ponies, and an army of Lemon Drop within that army. :heart:

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Space! We live in a tiny house, and I can only display half of what I want to display. plus, I can't get proper shelves (with glass doors) because they just won't fit in the house.
Also that thing with when you totally needwant to buy a pony or two, but your bank account has been saying no to ponies for the past couple years or so. THAT'S difficult.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Research and plan what ponies you want! When I started, I bought everything in sight, which made for a very disoriented and chaotic little collection, which to me was sort of an energy drain to look at in the end. once I started adding to sets/poses/generations it all felt much better.
Also,don't be afraid to have them on display. If your friends don't like them - who cares. I wouldn't call someone who doesn't accept my fully a friend anyway. Might be a bit harsh, but eh. If they can't accept you, why should you accept that?

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: daffodil101 on August 21, 2016, 04:25:49 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I only collect G1, though I do have a G3 lurking about somewhere from my sister's ponies.  I've thought about getting another gen pony to put in my car, too   ^.^


What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I have a bit of G1 merchandise, but I'm not strict on what I collect.  (Like my taste in music... I don't just go for a specific artist or genre, mostly just individual songs I like!)  I love early international back cards, and I have a couple of pony magazines in French which are pretty cool.  I'm going through a bit of a petite pony craze at the moment too  ^.^


Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I have a lot of doubles, but I wouldn't say I have an army of one in particular.  Although... I have a whole bunch of the bedtime newborn set, they were the last G1s to be sold here and they were prolific.  My mum, sisters and I did a lot of flea-marketing back in the 90s and recently my sisters gave their collections to me, so any armies are more incidental than deliberate.  Also they tend to me in near-mint condition, which makes it really hard to choose which ones to keep and I sort of gave up, heh

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

The most frustrating/hard thing for me is not being able to do a lot of physical work with my collection cos of chronic fatigue.  I have so much work to do, cleaning them all, comparing and selling (and of course endless hair-styling, restoring, re-hairing of baits and ponies that will be gifts for my niece).  I'm good at the buying side, cos you can be in bed or lying on the couch with your laptop, but I have to reserve my energy for my job and give that priority, so it's a very slow process!

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I think just being involved in the pony community is a great tip!  It's awesome to have people in your life who share your love of ponies and affirm it!  I'm lucky, my mum is a secret pony-lover and I'm her excuse, haha  :biggrin:  Sometimes when I get a new pony she's even more excited than me! I don't talk about it a lot with friends as I can feel self-conscious, but ultimately it's about accepting yourself I think which makes you a happier person :)  It's amazing the way ponies bring people together.  The Arena has got to be one of the best places online, IMHO :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: EnaRocketQueen on August 21, 2016, 05:46:18 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I collect only G4 for now.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Just the brushable ponies

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I only have one of each character in my collection

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I find it easy to buy new ponies once I've found them (almost too easy...)! I also enjoy styling their hair, which with G4 you have to if you take them out of the box like I do. The challenging thing is finding space to keep them, and the shops near me often get new ponies in long after other places.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Just enjoy the ponies you have, and try to be patient waiting for the ones you want to show up in shops/online

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: HorsingAround on August 21, 2016, 06:27:29 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect all generations but G1s are my favorite. I probably have more G3s than any other gen as I've been able to get them the cheapest.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I try to keep my collection mostly limited to ponies vs. merchandise as I have limited space.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I have 5 TAF Yum Yums and some inadvertently collected armies including common G1s and core G4s.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

I think it's wayyyyy too EASY to overspend on ponies! :PThe most challenging things for me are trying not to overspend and organization/displaying my collection. Right now my collection is a hot mess with ZERO organization. It honestly stresses me out looking at it right now.  :shocked:

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

The two mistakes I initially made when I first started collecting, was overpaying for ponies and not keeping a checklist which resulted in buying multiple of the same pony!! Do your research and keep track of what you have! Enjoy your collection and have fun!  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Taxel on August 21, 2016, 06:28:46 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I collect all generations to a degree but my main focus in G1 and I don't add G4 ponies to my collection anymore. With merchandise, playsets, and accessories I'm a lot more picky about what I'll buy but I'd be happy with almost anything as a gift! I'm not a fan of G4 merchandise most of the time, unless its handmade, so I tend to avoid it.

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
With G1 and G2 its just everything, whatever I can find. Ponies, merchandise, mommy charms, playsets, accessories, erasers, random household stuff, etc. I like pretty much all of it! With G3.5 I like customs or babies, but I wouldn't turn down a couple regular ponies. With G3 its sort of random, but most brushables and playset/accessory stuff. I kind of like Ponyville but I want to see them in person. I LOVE Ponyville playsets though! As for G4, I mostly keep special gifts, white ponies, and the little animals. I have one playset and that's it. Although i do love blind bag ponies, they got very stale very quickly for me.

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Sundance! :D My main focus is G1 but I'm happy to grab other generation Sundance stuff whenever I get the chance.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
These days I find it easy to enjoy my ponies. I have okay displays in the process of being upgraded and I actually get to enjoy them instead of shoving them away in drawers. Probably most challenging for me right now is actually getting new ponies. I have a lot of collections to balance and when ponies aren't my #1 priority its really hard to justify things like perfectly fair shipping costs. Its been a few years since I bought a pony for my collection.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Don't listen to the first cleaning advice you hear. Do a LOT of research before you touch your ponies with anything - water or products. If you get a pony who looks weird, research them. Ask if they need to be cleaned a special way. Don't be afraid to sound dumb or like you're asking silly questions. You're not! Its better to ask a ton of questions instead of accidentally ruin a pony and feel horrible about it.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Miniature Sheep on August 21, 2016, 07:13:00 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I mostly collect G1 and a small smattering of G2 and 3.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
 I tend to just focus on the ponies themselves, no proper MLP accessories but I do pick up cute things to complement my display.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Not at the moment, although given the opportunity, I would totally have a Moondancer army!

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Finding certain ponies is a challenge, especially those that tend to be tough to find in the 'right' condition (like Ringlet with unfaded pink hair)

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Maybe start with ponies that relate to your interests, like space-themed ponies or nautical ones. That way you have a nice cohesive foundation to build your collection on. :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 21, 2016, 08:33:34 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific various/generation?:

I collect Gens 1,3 and fakies. I'm not interested in accessories really, but a brush is always welcome, I would like a bushwoolie and there's a couple hats I'd like to have as well as repro shells and if I could find a reasonably priced sea pony with her float I wouldn't turn it down .

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?:

I collect brushables. I'm not fond of the BB ponies and I hear petites are expensive. Wouldn't mind the G3 tin ponies.

Is there a specific army of ponies?:

No. I don't collect repeat characters. I have limited space.

What do you find easy/challenging?:

Easy-I can find alot of ponies for good deals and I do very well not going over my spending limit for a single pony.
Challenging: Trying to limit my collection numbers. I also have several ponies that need new hair and i don't feel comfortable doing it myself. Sometimes I go overboard spending especially since my daughter loves them too. :lol:

What tips would you offer people starting their collection?:

Collect what you love.
Go onto sites and compile your wishlist.
There are resources to help you with price check estimates
There are resources to help you in case you want to clean, restore or customize, including sourcing it out to others if you aren't comfortable in those areas.

Don't be afraid to ask questions; The pony community is quite happy to help.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: CottonTALE on August 21, 2016, 09:09:25 AM

I love all the responses so far! it's interesting to see what everyone finds challenging as a collector because the answers vary a lot.

Shaiyeh, of course you can use my questions in you link the thread :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Shaiyeh on August 21, 2016, 10:20:18 AM

yay, thanks CottonTALE! Just posted ^^ http://shaiyeh.webs.com/apps/blog/show/44129100-let-s-talk-about-my-pony-collection-

I agree, it's nice to see everyone's different answers and tips for beginners :D

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: mlp4me on August 21, 2016, 01:16:03 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
My main focus has been G1 which is quite a bit of individual ponies. I have a few select G3's; under 20 total.
-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
My main focus is just ponies. I've slowly worked on play sets, with only having the dream castle complete, other sets I'm in no rush to totally finish up. I do have quite a few puzzles, but not a ton of merch.
-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I unintentionally have 3 Nightgliders (and the coolest part is all of them cost me under $10!). Bluebell is my only army pony that I purposefully have purchased other country versions to add to. Currently Megan and Sundance have a good sized grouping...
-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
At this time my challenge is that I'm down to about 20 ponies left between US store & MO's. The sheer cost to finish up is difficult to cope with. That and some are just not that easy to track down!
-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Look for lots and if you're not picky you'll be able to add more quicker!

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!
Rainbow Brite is my second favorite, I wish I had a pic of everything together, but the majority is stored at this time.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: zombienixon on August 21, 2016, 05:36:17 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect anything that catches my eye, but it's mostly G4 and to a lesser extent, G3.  I have a few G1s, but am not interested in G2.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

For G4, almost everything.  Brushables, Blind Bags, Funkos, EqG, POP ponies, trading cards, comics, books, you name it.

G3 is just brushables, no real interest in Ponyvilles yet.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I have a large G4 Pinkie Pie army. She's been my favorite ever since I first got into MLP, and I can and will buy pretty much anything and everything of her.

I have more or less the same attitude toward Princess Celestia and Cadance, but they're not released anywhere near as often as Pinkie.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

It's not too hard to find a lot of what you want, once you know where to look. And it's pretty easy to find bargains, especially with G3 and new G4s.

One of the biggest challenges is space managment, especially when a collection grows to a certain size. Planning and organization help out, as do basic carpentry skills (for modifying/creating new shelves).

One of the biggest challenges for me (as well as a few guys I know) was not being too embarrassed to buy them in person, or at all.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

For brand-new stuff, always wait for a sale, never pay full price. 

You can tell yourself that you'll only get a few, but that's just not going to happen.

You can never have too much shelf space.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Blue Haired Ken Doll on August 21, 2016, 06:12:28 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I collect G1 mostly, I used to collect allot of G3 as well but I have so many I decided I'm taking a break for a while.
-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
I guess I just collect the ones I want :) I never turn down a G1 found in the wild, but I'm not trying to have every single pony or anything. I've recently gotten super interested in G1 merch too <3
-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I don't, but a peachie army would be cool
-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I find it hard trying to make things not look cluttered, I really hate clutter, but I have allot of ponies and limited space. I'm about to buy some new shelves and put some of my childhood plushies and toys away, so that should make things look a little better :) Also that way I'll have room for my collection to grow <3 :)
-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
All grails are possible! If you work really hard and save up you can get that dream pony <3 It may take a long time, and you may not be able to buy a bunch of other ponies while you're saving, but it will be sooooo worth it when that package arrives at your door step <3 :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: invaderhorizongreen on August 21, 2016, 06:29:57 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

Well for me it started with gen one, then they got packed away. I found them again, and fell back in love, then found some gen 3, and 4 at a flea market, and fell in love.


-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

None really just the pones honestly.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

Army wise I am looking for any and all breezes they are so cute and tiny.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

The most easy is finding them at the flea market, hard part is finding ones I do not have right now. I have a huge list yet keep seeing the same ponies.


-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

Start with the cheapest ones first, as well as on in not so great shape. Always check yard sales too you never know what you will find.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Haruna on August 21, 2016, 06:33:41 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I focus on collecting the G1s I think are cute/pretty/interesting. And even though I don't focus on them, I have a sizeable G2 and G3 collection and a few cute G4s. You think you're only going to collect one generation and then they multiply . . . :shocked:

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Although I focus on ponies proper (especially baby ponies!), over the 15ish years I've been collecting I've picked up cute stuff along the way -- playsets, pony wear, accessories, petites.

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Nope, no armies!

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
Easy -- I love how ponies are popular enough that they're not impossible to find; some of my other toy collections are a little more obscure and it can be discouraging waiting to find what I "need" (vintage Littlest Pet Shops, for example).

Challenging -- saving up for the more expensive ponies, now that I have a lot of the less expensive ones. 

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?
Stay within your budget and buy what you like; I think it's more fun if you truly like every pony you own. Use popular ID sites to learn ponies' names and more. Also, look at numerous completed pony Ebay auctions to get an idea of the going prices for ponies so you'll be prepared when you buy them.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Flitter on August 21, 2016, 06:36:26 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
G4 only.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Brushables only. In the past years I had collected much more but have pared down to just the brushables now, which were what began with initially.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
No, I have a strict one per character rule (Luna/NMN I guess possibly being the exception as I have both and technically they are the same pony).

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Collecting the current gen I guess makes it easy, that I can purchase from stores instead of searching 2nd hand. This hard part is the wait between reveals, like at toy fair, or taobao/ali/ebay finds and when the pony is actually in stores. The way things were earlier in G4 when there were international exclusives that were harder to get and prototypes that never made it to stores still makes me anxious.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
It's easy to be excited and go crazy buying things when first starting out collecting. Try to be mindful of all your purchases and have a vision of the direction you want your collection to go to avoid buying a bunch that you don't really want or getting overwhelmed. It's easy to fall into a "gotta catch 'em all" mentality.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Featherwurm on August 21, 2016, 10:23:37 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I have my childhood collection of G1, a bit more G1 I've collected as an adult, a couple G3s, and a few G4.  I also have a few fakies I found charming.  My collection overall is quite spesific and small, consisting of fewer than 50 ponies overall and including that the majority of that count are G4 blind bags (because they are small and easy to display).

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I really just prefer the ponies, both brushable size, and petite or blind bag if you prefer.  I do like to complete them with their accessories, although I'm not that picky about it.  I have a few G1 playsets from my childhood but they (along with my childhood heard) are currently stored and I don't know if I might part with them some day.  While I do find some other merchandise charming, I don't really care to collect and store that sort of thing.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

Not really my taste, I prefer just the few ponies I really like the look of, one of each is just fine, and I'm not fussy that it be the best example, just so long as they look nice.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

Getting the ponies I wanted was fairly easy, keeping to a limited number and not turning into a completionist is harder.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Personally I really prefer to focus on just the things I love, not worry on completion or buying every pony I see.  I think it can be really important to find what you love in collecting and embrace it.  It's really different things for different people, but the most important thing is that is fun and not a point of stress.

Also if you are going big, do consider documenting everything for insurance purposes if needed.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: scarletjul on August 21, 2016, 11:26:56 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
Mostly G1s, with a handful of special G3s and a couple of G4s (I only own Twilight and Starlight of the G4s.)

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
In terms of merchandise, I like the G1 coloring books and puzzles.  I do collect playsets but only if I run across them in person.  I also wouldn't turn down those g1-esque tee-shirts that you see nowadays at Target and Hot Topic. 

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
No.  No room.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
I don't have any problem remembering who I own; I keep very good track of my collection and what I have for sale.

I hate cleaning ponies, so I'm always behind on that.  :)

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Do as much research as you can before you start buying.  Actively look around for good deals and don't get all wound up by the need to own all the ponies at once.  We've all been there and we've all overspent on something, so don't feel badly about asking questions.  We were all new collectors, once.  :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: SilverHorsey on August 21, 2016, 11:56:10 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I focus mainly on G3, but I also have a few G4s.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Brushables, molded hair ones(Ponyville, Blind Bag)

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Nope, but I really want to complete my Sunny Daze pose conga c:

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I like that even past genration ponies are not hard to find and the collecting community is so big that I don't have to wander around internet to find ponies. Hard is that I've yet to see a collector from my country and shipping to and from US, where majority of collectors live, is quite expensive and because of that I haven't got any MIBs yet :(

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Always analyse and do researches before you buy. Don't hesitate to ask and be kind and polite :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: princessluna11706 on August 22, 2016, 12:24:47 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
G1s, G2s, a few G3s (favorites) and non-double G4s (one of each character, not 20 variations of each)

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Besides the ponies and accessories themselves, I collect merch that I find is cute.  Some things I sell, some I keep.  It really depends on the item I suppose. 

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I have unintentional armies of some characters, consisting of nirvanas/variations of each.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
It's amazing how they multiply when you're not paying attention!

I really dislike cleaning ponies, I tend to put it off.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Research, patience (a good deal will come up when you least expect it!), check thrift stores, ask plenty of questions and make sure you know what you are buying (condition) before you buy, especially if you're a picky collector.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Moonbreeze on August 22, 2016, 03:20:36 AM

Fun read! Here'smine!

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
Mostly G2. I have a tiny wantlist for G1 and G4. As for G3 I have the ponies I've wanted (which are...around 30)

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
G2 everything, except that I'm not going for each and every MOC anymore. I just don't have the room. G1; specific sets and some nirvanas. G4 are brushables only (new characters mostly)

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Not really. I have different releases of the same pony (only for G2). But I'm not aiming to collect the same pony over and over.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Challenging... accessories! Especially for the late G2 releases, but I'm getting there... slooowly.

Eeasy peasy; keeping track of the ponies I have because I don't own tons of G1, G3 and G4 :P

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Begin with the more easy to find sets which appeal to you. Ask around for prices or check ebay's completed listings. Don't worry about overpaying a bit for something you really want (at least once in a while, don't go beserk xD), I may have done that two or more times!

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Aflame on August 23, 2016, 07:32:28 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
G1 every thing G3 for customising and G4 some comics /merch
What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
magazines
Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
not an army but i do have a few apple jacks
What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
finding g1s on eBay ,buying g1 off eBay for a good price !!!
What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?
start with the more common and easy to find at first :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: SkyCakes on August 23, 2016, 08:34:56 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

Anything G1 although I mainly have G1 ponies. Though I do also have G3 and G4. I like pegasus ponies the best.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I am still on the look out for accessories now I dont have and playsets. I would like more G1 merch but im happy with what I do have.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

 I like to collect Baby Surprise and Surprise for my armies.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

When I went to Ebay or via online here ect. I found it must easier to collect. I also am on here so I was involved in past swaps alot. So I was able to build up my collection very fast.
What I find challenging is when I buy ponies locally I dont have a car so it makes it quite harder to collect. :/
-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
When I first started out I collected by set and I found it was must easier than just to go willy nilly all over the place. I think it set the stage for me. Now when I collect im all over the place. I find it harder sometimes to focus in on what I want to buy. Im more selective too.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Mermaid on August 23, 2016, 10:54:50 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I collect all generations. But g1 and g2 are my main focus. I buy g3s second hand if I see them, but not actively collecting them. For G4 I buy just the ones I like. Specifics? I like g1 hair accessories like combs/brushes, and barrettes.

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
other than the ponies themselves, a few blind bags, and g1 accessories.

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Not intentionally. I do have several doubles of my childhood ponies just because.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Challenging? Not spending all my money on them.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Do your research!!!

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: FarDreamer on August 23, 2016, 07:23:14 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?:  G1 is my favorite, but I collect all the generations.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?: I'm not sure exactly what you mean.  I like ponies, playsets, and accessories the best.  Merch is just kind of meh.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?:  I don't really get the army thing, but I did end up with 3 Parasols.  My very first pony ever, a near mint condition one, and an Italian one I won in a contest.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies:  Once you get to a certain point, everything you don't have is expensive.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections:  Be patient, don't buy everything all at once!

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!:  I also collect Fashion Star Fillies and will pick up any colorful horse related thing if I like it.  The more colorful, the better.

:)

---
Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
For me, I mainly collect G4 ponies exclusively (with G3 Fluttershy and G1 Posey being the few exceptions)

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
I used to only collect the regular-sized brushables and large playsets but right now I'm branching out into other G4 lines such as Blind Bags, Fashion Styles, BAB plushies, Funko Vynils, FIM Collection and Equestria Girls dolls. I also collect MLP homeware and use them in my apartment (thankfully my boyfriend is also a pony fan and collector, so I don't have to isolate my pony things to one area of the house)

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I have an army of Fluttershy ponies, plushies and other merch. Fluttershy is my favourite pony so if something is out that has her on it, I have to have it. I haven't actually counted how many things of fluttershy I own, but i'm pretty sure it's a high number by now. My boyfriend has a small army of Rainbow Dash things since he absolutely adores her.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
I find the availability of ponies since I am collecting a generation that is still on store shelves to be an advantage to me. A disadvantage would be the lack of different characters and when the are released, they are usually harder-to-find due to scarce stocking/scalping.

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
My advice to people starting out on collecting (mainly for people starting out on G4 collecting) is to aim for the earlier releases first and work your way forward. Since most of the older G4 releases usually don't have a re-issue, they are much harder-to-find whereas the newer ponies can be found in stores quite easily in most cases.

I also collect certain Amiibos (Animal Crossing and Yarn Yoshis for the most part) and video games (Nintendo mostly, but I also do Sony)
[/quote]

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Princess Lala on August 24, 2016, 02:19:43 PM

Ooo Im excited to read everyones posts! Making this before I read anyone else's!


-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
We [husband and I] collect only G4 merchandise.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Bits of everything G4 from all the toy/figure lines to toothpast to stickers! We own almost all the hasbro brushable characters including prototypes, LE toys, and the bigger playsets. But we dont limit ourselves to Hasbro toys! We collect most Funko pony related products, blindbag and blindbox figures, fast food prize toys, stickers, stationary and school supplies, books and media, charms, jewelry, IDW comics, toothbrushes and toothpaste, clothing (especially pony socks!), christmas ornaments, lunchboxes and tins, mugs and cups, birthday supplies, multiple types of pony figurines, posters, trading cards, journals and diaries, lanyards and keychains, pillows and bed supplies, coloring books, playsets, a pony tent, puzzles and board games, equestria girls vinyls & dolls, valentines day cards, mlp sandwich bags, mlp candy,  and so many pony plushes from so many different companies! All G4 related!

Someday, someday, we hope to own the biggest G4 collection in the state of Texas! Its a dream in progress... :P We want to make a G4 ponyroom so epic and sensational! We even want to paint the tree of harmony one wall and the Crystal Empire on another!

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
We have quite an impressive unintentional army of Twilight Sparkle, and an even bigger Pinkie Pie one from my husband! He loves everything Pinkie Pie so that one was intentional. We also have armies of many other ponies but those two are the biggest that stand out.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

What has been easy about collecting is not doing it alone- when my husband recently came over to me and helped me print off pictoral checklist sheets over 200 pages long he indulged himself in organizing and got really excited about the pony collection we have and realized just how many items we actually do own! My collection turned into "our" collection and it has been so fun having a partner who is as passionate at my hobby. He is determined that we will have an amazing ponyroom and he really wants to help me make it happen. Sure he used to buy me ponies now and then, but now that he is collecting them with me it makes it both helpful and collecting more meaningful now that he shares my passion. I find it very romantic when we go out pony hunting together!

What has been hard as a G4 collector is the poor distribution of Hasbro's products in the US. Ever since Rainbow Power it seems like wave 2 of everything is likely to not arrive here in the States except for sometimes my State (Texas) and California. There are times before a toyline is released I have to predict what will and wont make it here and grab those items online while I can for a cheap price before they are impossible to grab. I also hate when ponies turn into international exclusive items! Its stressful as a collector when things are advertised then not released.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

What helped me out the most is to know what you want to collect before you buy. Start off small and don't overwhelm yourself! Use your resources like websites with toy release databases to make yourself a printed pictorial checklist of what you want for your collections. I decided I wanted to be an everything collector including variants and multiples, so it was very handy to view databases on items that are released! Also communities like the Arena are awesome because it helps all of us obtain information where stuff is being released, new toy spottings, and fun things like someone posting they found out cheats for blindbag codes to make collecting easier! Keeping in touch with other collectors is an important thing to do because then everyone sharing the same passion with you can help each other out!

For those who want a large G4 collection here are my words of wisdom- ALWAYS be a smart shopper. Don't jump to buy new ponies right away as soon as you see them! I see soooo many people on IG make this mistake and I shake my head every time I see someone post that they bought a new released item right away. Even if you make bookoo bucks and have more than enough money, be stingy on every pony item you intend on buying if you want a big collection. Online discounts a coupons. Monthly sales at Target and Toys R Us where ponies are 25% off or sometimes BOGO 50% off. Resale stores. Thrift Stores. Ebay. Compare prices online. Wait for the end of summer or end of winter when retail stores do toy planular resets and mark stuff dramatically down in price. Black Friday Sales. Pre-Black Friday Sales. Christmas Sales. Pre-Christmas Sales. Sales EVERYWHERE throughout the year! WAIT on store exclusives to be marked down: almost always do these go on sales, get clearanced, or make it into resale stores. Its always nice to save even if you consider yourself rich. I cant stress this enough as a collector!

If you want more money for ponies, be stingy when you grocery shop too! Im not telling you to starve yourself with a diet of only $.13 ramen noodles, but cut out literally ALL the junk food and buy the cheapest brands of what you need for the pay period! Also at home try finding ways to cut down your electricity and water bills, leave lights off as much as possible and be very stingy with water. More saved money for ponies yaaay!!! Even if you make lots of money its always important to save money, anyways. Being a stingy and sometimes patient shopper will not only help your collection grow bigger but those savings can definitely stack up towards a nice vacation- trust me on this! :ohyeah:

Don't be discouraged of other people's collections that are bigger than yours. I cant count how many times I have had people tell me on IG they hate their G4 collection because mine is bigger- a few people have even told me they stopped collecting altogether because they got so jealous of my collection. Everyone starts their collection off somewhere small- I remember when my collection was blindbags, fluttershys, and a MIB wedding ponies and later it exploded and grew because I was a smart shopper and used my online resources to find the ponies I wanted. Take pride in your collection and don't let it feel like a chore, a collection should always be very fun! Collect what you can handle space-wise and financialy and go as slow as you need to.

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!

Disney dolls, Disney Mugs, Disney LE dolls, japanese candy wrappers, Pokemon plush and anniversary merchandise, random anime figures, Sailor Moon accessories, crystals/fossils/rocks, and Tsum Tsums!

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Broken Irishwoman on August 24, 2016, 03:11:55 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect G1 only.


What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

Obviously the ponies, but I will take G1 anything. XD Merch, petites, comics...


Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I have an unintentional Baby Cuddles army, I believe I have four of them. I think I also have three or four Lemon Drops and Cherries Jubilees. But none of these doubles are there on purpose. XD


What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

What's easy is that I know exactly what to look for and how to look. If I spot a tail sticking out of a box of toys at a fleamarket, I can already tell from a distance if it's a pony or not. I also have my own "technique" for scanning fleamarkets, which always works well.

What's challenging... This is going to sound really stupid, but I'm gonna say it anyway: Being afraid that people think I'm "one of those". Bronies, hipsters, anime people, whatever. I am just an almost 30-year-old woman who collects the toys she loved as a child. I was always proud of that because it was cool and unusual, but since collecting ponies has become a "thing" with the rise of G4, I am much more hesitant to show it.


What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Start with the ponies that make you happy! Also, always be there SUPER early at the fleamarket.  :nerdy:


Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!

I also collect halloween/autumn/fairytale/forest-ish figurines and decoration, like mushrooms, birds, hedgehogs, leaves, pumpkins, witchy stuff. No elves or other LOTR-stuff! Why do people always assume that I do? >__<

And I love to collect T-shirts (band shirts, but also T-shirts with a cool print) and (gothic) jewellery. ^.^

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Taffeta on August 25, 2016, 10:14:42 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect G1. I have some of all generations, but I only really consider my G1 stuff a collection. The rest is for fun. And grooming.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Ponies,  G1 plushies (though if I can persuade sister I want to downsize those), dream beauties, Petites, accessories, playsets. Comics. MIP. Backcards! This is my real obsession, I have over 200, some of which are very difficult to find. They're all part of my piecing back together the history of ponies through the eighties, I guess. I especially love the UK ones, of course - my childhood.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I don't really go in for armies, though my sister has a Posey one and a Cotton Candy one. I guess I have two accidental ones, though -small ones. One is Tropical Breeze. I had her as a child, so that's one. I bought a mint upgrade one to display, so that's two. I snared one MIB in European box, so that's three. I bought one from a seller in the US who had bought her from Harrods in the UK and thus had her UK box with her, and I liked her story so kept her, that's four. Then I have one that I adopted because I felt sorry for her for $3 and who I take on trips with me, so that's five. Plus there's one in my trade box at present, which would make six. And my Dad has one, because he always liked Tropi's bright colours, so technically seven in the family?

The other is Dancing Butterflies. I had her as a child, so one. My friend gave me her ponies when she stopped playing with them and obviously I wouldn't sell those, so I have hers too, so two. I bought one recently with her backcard, so three. My sister has one in her box, so four. And I have one in the trade box with her UK card now, so five.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

These days it's price. Price and the fact the ponies I need are really scarce and expensive. Also the risk factor these days seems much higher in terms of scamming. And the current exchange rate isn't helpful. Most especially, though, it's finding backcards and packaging stuff people have actually kept and not destroyed after 30 years. Every single one I obtain is a little piece of treasure to me, but to most people it's just a piece of card...

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Buy what you like and can afford. Don't be swayed by other people's opinions or by what you think is hard to find or rare or desireable. Pony collecting isn't about value but about affection for what you are buying. That's true of all collections. You should do it because you love it, not because you think it's a good financial investment or you want to be able to join in all the people sharing their Mimic pictures. Ponies may or may not ultimately hold their monetary value, but the emotional value is permanent, so far more important. Your collection is fine the way you want it, even if it isn't the collection someone else has :)

It does help though if you are new to check with people more experienced about prices to pay for ponies, so you don't get ripped off on ebay. But still, find a pony you like and start there. (Just try not to start of by liking Rapunzel, or you're in for a hard time!)

Oh yes! Also, DON'T RUSH! Take your time. There are thousands of ponies out there. If you don't win the exact first one you saw on Ebay, take a breath and go again. There will always be another one of most ponies. Don't get caught in a bidding war.

Other Collections
Jem and Monster High, the latter of which is casual/when I like a doll I go after it so long as it isn't at a stupid price. Jem has different collecting rules to MLP, though. Not least be careful who you deal with, as some Jem people are lovely, but some are ruthless. While that has happened in the pony world too, I have not seen it quite as fierce here.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Epona on August 28, 2016, 11:01:05 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I collect all gens.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Anything I come across. But my favorite is anything G1

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
I have a blossom Army and an applejack/apple family on purpose. As well as unintentional armies of the Mane 6.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Because I collect from every gen its hard to decide which gen to spend my "pony money" on each pay period. And there is usually a bunch of sales on all at the same time, then the next time I go shopping there are only ponies that I already have.
There are also a bunch of pony collectors in my area so its hard to get there before all the new ponies have been picked over.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Buy the Summer Hayes books. To ID the ones you have, keep track of what you have and ID the ones you want.
Check out thrift stores. You can pick up ponies cheap and if they aren't the ones you want you can sell/trade them for the ones you do.
Also get friends or family to help you hunt. My husband and mother love to hunt for ponies that I don't have and are just as excited as I am when they find something I want.

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!
decorative eggs, crystals and real live miniature horses

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: GypsyTails on August 29, 2016, 12:04:30 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect g1s, though I do have a few g3s (mainly because they were on clearance and looked sad at the time)

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

Mainly loose figures and accessories but I'm also working on playsets. I love cells and posters too. The only exceptions for me are the SHS ponies - just not into those.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

 Nope, no armies.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

With the G1s it's very rare to go out and find them at flea markets or yard sales (I've never found one) People who aren't collectors also seem to think they're worth A LOT more then they are half the time haha


-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

hmmm Join the arena? :)

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Duenia on August 29, 2016, 12:23:01 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
I'm working on collecting all brushables of G2 and G4, otherwise it's just whatever I happen to like.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Brushable ponies, the regular Funko figures, and some plush for the most part I think?

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Besides the mane 6 I somehow ended up with 3 pink heart Dazzleglows who I absolutely adore. I don't know if I will add to that or not, I quite like having an army of her.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Easy is finding ponies I'd love to take home, challenging is having the money to take them home lol.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
Patience is key

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!
Kitty Kitty Kittens, Merwees, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, Lion King - Jungle Friend Babies, 90s Littlest Pet Shop. I'd also like to start collecting Disney Palace Pets.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Rachel8125 on August 30, 2016, 06:06:30 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

G1 only.


-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I have a "thing" for certain types of pony. I love so-softs and any ponies with ringlets and lots of hair to style- so Brush and Grows! I love the princess ponies too. I've started to get into Big Brothers and I'm also a Cool Breeze away from a full set of Windy Wings. I don't collect accessories, playsets, sea ponies or baby ponies (except Baby Princess Sparkle who I adore!). I'd love to collect backcards and comics.


-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

No, I don't have space, and (I might be slated for this) but I think it's not very fair on other collectors if they're looking for that certain pony that you have an army of.



-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

Easy- communicating with other collectors via the arena/Facebook etc, which makes it easier to buy, and most collectors I've bought/sold from have been lovely. People are generally very honest about the condition of ponies.

Challenging- having to say no to myself. I would buy a massive amount of ponies if I didn't. Having to be sensible with money. Getting obsessive about collecting too- I tend to go through phases where I buy and sell more ponies than usual. It's also quite a lonely hobby, despite the online communication. I'm still aware that friends and family think it's a bit weird to collect ponies. Space to display them.


-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?[/b]

I think I'd agree with what others have said about setting limits on which ponies you will buy, and budgeting for them too. I like what Taffetta said about not getting caught up in the hype for certain ponies, like Mimic and Rapunzel. My favourite ponies in my collection are the ones I love to look at most- for me that's the Raincurl ponies and my So-softs. I think also, allowing yourself not to feel like you have to complete a set of ponies. When buying from abroad expect to pay customs fees! Leave enough money in your budget for this.


Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!

Angels, fairies, unicorns, pegasus, fantasy art.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Primaltimediamond on August 30, 2016, 09:35:34 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

G 1,2 and 3 I'm not a huge fan of the G4 look 

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I try to collect as much as I can :3 though my collection is pretty small, I'm looking into restoring some of the ponies, some were second hand so their manes are all tangled D: poor darlings

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

No :c

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

Looking up the ones I wish to own, findinf them on the other hand...specially since I know I'll have to look online, accesories are going to be difficult too since most break/get lost over time :c

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

I'm no master collector I could use the tips myself haha xD

Also, if you collect things other than MLP, feel free to talk about those too!

I'm really into megablocks dragons! they are so cool! :D even though it took me many years to discover there were also playsets of it, in my country we only got the dragon eggs

I also collect sleich fantasy toys, horses, animals and dinosaurs. I also am attempting to collect Champion horses

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Baby Crumpet on August 30, 2016, 10:50:22 AM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

bit of both, really. I have every generation on my shelf, but my favourites are G1s. I just buy what I like, regardless of generation. I reign it in a little and focus on G1/3 because otherwise I would have no room in my house.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I love the weird merchandise. I have an apron, stickers, mugs, that sort of stuff. I'm looking for a radio, and the records/casettes at the moment. I'm a record collector, so having a pony record would be a nice crossover.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I have a rainbow dash army, but I only add to it in small amounts. It's not huge, but it's not tiny, either. I also had a Gusty army, but I haven't added any more to the three I have. There are so many common ponies I don't have, I love the idea of armies, but with the ponies I would want to have an army of rising in price, I don't see the point when I could just buy different ponies. One day I'd love to have a custom Tex of each generation and made a Tex army.

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies

It's easy to find ponies I like and don't have, very easy. It's also very easy for me to buy ponies if the price is right. On the other hand, I'm pretty tight, so it's hard to find a price I'm happy with. And it's also hard to let go of ponies.

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

Make a list of the ponies you like, look at the styles and types you like. Figure out what you want to collect, or you'll end up like me. It looks like my collection is neat, but I have two bins of G3's under my bed to sort through!

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Draikinator on August 30, 2016, 11:48:34 AM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
Theoretically all! But mostly I just collect brushables. I'll pick up periphery stuff when I can, sure, like if I'm in the dollar store and see some mlp puzzles I'll buy them, if I see a cool castle playset I'll buy it, but in the spreadsheet I keep track of my collection in I don't actually include that stuff. I mark down the plushies I pick up, but I don't go out of my way looking for those, either.

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
I think probably my biggest and buffest collection is G4s- they're just so EASY to pick up, you know? I go to the target for milk. oh look! there's more G4s. I'll just buy them I guess. G3s I have a lot of too, mostly because I keep finding lots of them at flea markets haha. I wasn't originally intending to collect g2s, but now that I have some in hand I think they might actually be my favourite orz. g3.5s I keep in a box in my closet. lol

I am a HUGE sucker for gimmicks. :heart: My favouirte g1s are a tie between twice as fancy ponies and boy ponies and i would die for a twice as fancy boy ahahahha

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
G4 pinkie pies, but not on purpose.  :rolleyes: I try not to hang on to doubles if I can't help it.

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
A lot of pony collecting for me is the thrill of the hunt! My favourite thing is digging through flea market bins for a dirty g1 to restore. I actually much prefer to buy something in Really Not Good condition and restore it than buy it in collector condition, believe it or not. There's really something valuable about giving something very well loved a forever collector home, I guess. What I find is most challenging is hunting in the north where I live now, because yard sales just dont seem to be popular here. >:x I find restoring ponies and spa days really easy and relaxing. I love spending nine hours doing pony hair and scrubbing dirt. i luv it.


What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?
hmmmmm I guess start off by buying some big lots off of craigslist I suppose, and then you can work on getting individuals after you have a bunch of them for a much better price? That, or sit down and decide which ones you want and which ones you dont if you dont want to just go for All and stick to that list.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: tikibirds on August 30, 2016, 02:11:46 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I collect G1, G3, G4.

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
What?

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Nope

What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?
Finding room to put them all

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: respositob on September 05, 2016, 03:13:52 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I only collect G3 because those were the ones that were on the shelves when I was younger.

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

I collect the regular G3 ponies. Like, not Ponyville, Tiny Tin, Prize, Plush, or Breezies. I do, though, collect the babies.

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

Well, I have two different versions of Sparkleworks, but two isn't really an army.  :P

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

Since G3 ponies are no longer in stores and are discontinued, I think actually finding them is the most challenging part. I usually have to rely on garage sales and flea markets. Sure there's eBay, but sometimes ponies on there can be expensive, which leads me into my next challenge. Money. I'm only fifteen so I don't have an official job and I and my parents don't buy me everything (which they shouldn't) so I have to save up in order to go on a pony shopping spree. Also, I can't drive yet, so I have to have my parents chauffer me to the garage sales and flea markets. That's another challenge.
One thing I find easy is having fun while collecting. I love the high I get when I find a pony I've been looking for, and it's tons of fun to check ponies off my wishlist. 

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections?

Since I don't know much about the other generations, I'll just give advice on collecting G3 ponies. :)I suggest you go to http://www.strawberryreef.com/index.html (Mods: If this is a competing site, please remove this link. Thanks!)  to look at the different ponies, decide which lines you want to collect, and choose your favorites so you know which ones to look out for. My tip then is to go to lots of garage sales and flea markets since those are the best places to find G3 My Little Pony.

My collection includes:

•   Amberlocks
•   Bee Bop
•   Butterscotch
•   Cheerilee
•   Desert Rose
•   July Larkspur
•   Loop-de-la
•   Petal Blossom
•   Pinkie Pie
•   Pink Sunsparkle
•   Rainbow Dash
•   Rainbow Flash
•   Rainbow Sunrise
•   Rarity
•   Scootaloo
•   Sky Wishes
•   Sno-Glo
•   Sparkleworks (x2)
•   Star Catcher
•   Sunset Sweety
•   Tink-a-tink-a-too
•   Twinkle Twirl

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Crystal-Sushi on September 05, 2016, 05:32:00 PM

-Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?

I mainly focus on G1 and G2 but a few G3s and G4s have caught my eye from time to time (in addition to my childhood G3 herd)

-What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?

Err... ponies? I'm not too fussed on merchandise. There isn't really any lines within G1 and G2 that I wouldn't collect though, I don't really have a focus on particular sets, just random ponies that I like :)

-Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?

I've got a few duplicates here and there, but no real 'armies' to speak of, unless you count my accidental G3 Rarity army (5 and counting...), I swear she's the most common secondhand pony around these parts!

-What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies?

I can't think of anything that I consider 'easy', but the challenging part is the price! I live in Australia and shipping from the US in pretty damn pricey (certain states may as well be located on the moon with shipping costs like those for such a small item!) and people who do sell ponies over here tend to price them higher than what they're worth as a result, I guess...

-What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections

Buy bait lots and fix them up - you can find some real gems! A perfectly white Princess Tiffany whose only flaw was a scratched eye in a lot of nine for only $30ish AUD has been my best find so far! That and SS Taffy for 50c in an online store...

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: Al-1701 on September 05, 2016, 05:58:13 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific product/generation?  I mostly collect G1s.  I have the two G3's I've really wanted.

What lines or products do you collect?  I'm concentrating on Years 2-5 of G1.  I know they're common, but they're the ponies I like.

Ponies I have an army of?  I have So Soft, deflocked, and Euro Wind Whistler best pony ever

What's easy and what's challenging?  It's easy to find ponies.  It's difficult have the income to sustain purchasing them.

Tips for beginners.  Figure out what pony is your favorite and start from there.  Your first pony will form the nucleus of your new collection.  From there go with other ponies you really like.  Your collection is an expression of your love for this franchise.

Other Collections.  I have collections of Star Trek light up/sfx ships, original Thomas the Tank Engine die cast toys, a tube of Pogs, and Star Trek, Star Wars, and Babylon 5 Micro Machines.  Oh, and I have both sets of Marble Works.

Title: Re: Let's Talk About Your Pony Collection!
Post by: FantasticFirefly on September 05, 2016, 06:17:22 PM

Do you collect all products or just a specific variety/generation?
Seriously collecting- G1. I love them. Most of my fondness is the US/Canada set. My next big goal would be UK exclusive ponies. :)
G2's what I can find.
G3, G4 whatever I think is pretty that will still fit in my other gen box (I limit anything that is not my G1 pony collection to strict amounts of space- once that space is gone something needs to be sold for a new item to fit in)

What sort of lines of pony products do you collect?
Ponies, accessories, softies, merch.

Is there a specific pony or ponies you have an army/armies of?
Anything I like. Seaponies, Plush/clean so softs, pretty curls, and Surprise (the pegasus) seems to be my weaknesses.


What do you find to be easy/challenging about collecting ponies
Availability and cost. I miss out on many deals exclusive to USA shipping addresses. Exchange Shipping/customs is making me more careful about when and when not to buy (i.e I wouldn't buy one comb I am missing and pay $14 in shipping if I know I can find it in a lot of many pony items at some point). (Not the postal services fault. postal employees need to make a living too)

What tips would you offer people starting their pony collections
1) ID websites and books. look at them, ask for links. take your time and see what's out there. The biggest, ponies are often themed, for G1 remember the details and the SET types fuzzy one = so soft, knob on chest = dance n' prance. If you know the set a pony could have come from she/he is SO much easier to look up and find a name for!

2) Set aside a safe place for the collection you plan. (best is cool, dry, dark. if yellowing or faded would make you sad, you need somewhere protected from sunlight. pets sometimes think ponies are awesome chew toys!- eek so keep em out of fuzzy monsters reach!)
Also, plan to keep your collection catalogued. keep information like where you found each pony/lot (place, seller, country), what came with them, what you spent, what condition did the seller sell them in, did they get fixed up by you, what did you do to them? :)

3) make a wishlists of the ones you really love from browsing cool sites, or the collectors guide (year released, set name, pony name- how that pony should look in the condition you want- save online photos for reference!). Use ebay completed listing to price your wishlist. :) keep copies on you. you will know when you spot an amazing deal if you have your list handy.

4) How someone else collects is irrelevant. Collecting anything is a waste of money if you are doing it in a way to "fit in" and not for joy. Just remember you do not need all the accessories or walls of MOC's to be a real collector. Think of how do YOU enjoy the hobby!  Do you like finding destroyed ponies and making customs? so you like restoring sad, neglected ponies? Collector value is irreverent, so is what other people say is hot or popular is irrelevant if those ponies don't bring you any awesome feelings.

3) bait ponies (poor condition ones which are not rare or worth much) are PERFECT practice ponies for fixing and testing. these are the ones to test out flat ironing frizzy hair, or trying a mark remove method on, etc etc. if you make a mistake, you haven't mistakenly damaged one of your collection ponies. :)