Deflocking value?

[paradise-estate]

This has probably been asked before but does deflocking take away a ponys value and desirablility? Your thoughts...

[reanna-mator]

I'm interested in this too... I've got a SS Twilight whose flocking is all yellowed and I frankly think she'd look a lot better without it.

[ApertureScience]

I've wondered too.  I prefer them without flocking; I saw a deflocked Crumpet and I went crazy over how much prettier she was.

[Cadence]

I'm no PC expert, but I guess it all depends on the pony's condition and one's preference. Personally I would rather have a clean deflocked pony instead of a dirty-looking flocked one. But there are collectors who prefer ponies to be in their original conditions -- even if they are very dirty.

I would assume restore pros are more likely to be indifferent, because ponies can be deflocked and reflocked! =)

[Shenanigans]

I know I would pay a lot more for a deflocked one that a SS - whether it was clean or not. I love them deflocked!

[Aerora]

There are probably also some people who would be willing to pay a little more for a pony who's had the deflocking done already than buy one with manky flocking and do it themselves, I'd think. It would definitely depend on the condition, though!

[babystarz]

It depends on how well the pony has been deflocked, but deflocking can actually increase value for ponies with really ratty flocking. It's one of the few alterations that lots of collectors seem to like.

Edit: I just had a gander at completed eBay listings, here some final prices that ponies sold for:

Deflocked Crumpet $68.88
Normal Crumpet $31.01

Deflocked Truly $35.99
Normal Truly $8.00

Deflocked Lofty $20.68
Normal Lofty $17.38 (came with back card & accessories)

So as you can see, there's definitely a market out there for well-executed deflocks!

[knitgirl]

I prefer them without.  I need a deflocked Paradise!

[hathorcat]

Personally I feel there is more "value" in a regular so soft pony.

However, I sold some of my deflocks about 8 or 9 months ago and a few of them sold for prices I would never have managed when the pony was flocked! And when you look at some recent sales prices, including the ones babystarz has quoted above, oddly I think no - I dont think it does devalue and in some cases [Twilight, Crumpet, Angel] it may even increase the price people are willing to pay as curious as this seems.

[Heliodor]

I've wondered too.  I prefer them without flocking; I saw a deflocked Crumpet and I went crazy over how much prettier she was.

I saw that Crumpet too (or, in any case, a deflocked one) and she's simply stunning deflocked. I prefer deflocked also. Personally I'd consider a deflocked SS worth more to me, because then I don't have to deflock her ha, ha.

[HollowZero]

I, on the other hand, adore So-Softs, and even if they have grubby flocking, gladly take them.

I did deflock my childhood Paradise though because there was just no way to get all the ingrained dirt out of her, she was hideous. I would prefer her flocked but I takes what I gets!

[Elisto]

Personally I prefer flocked, even when it's in bad shape, but I'm pretty sure that's the minority opinion, and deflocking doesn't hurt and sometimes helps their value and desireability.

[Silver_mirror46]

I agree with Elisto, the flocking even flawed is so soft and wonderful *_*

[angela22]

So I usually prefer my so softs to be in mint or near mint condition. If the flocking is beyond hope - than I deflock them to give them a second life. I recently deflocked a Gusty and now hubby is making a custom reverse Gusty from her.

[BigBrotherPony]

I like both to be honest, but I am also scared that a deflocking frenzy may start... Which may make it difficult in the future to find any decent flocked ponies.

If the flocking is decent I think keep em flocked! Only if a pony is in really manly condition should you deflock it.