De-flocking: Why? Higher or lower value?

[Peppermint Pie]

I'm just starting to learn my way around the mlp collection world and I have thought about deflocking. Why is it done and what does it do to the value of the pony?

What should I think about when considering buying a deflocked pony?

[partypony566]

It definitely adds value to the pony. I usually sell a deflock of Ribbon or Paradise for example for £20. Of course asome deflocks wont have any added value, such as Gusty, Posey, Lickety Split or Cherries Jubillee for example, as the non so soft versions exist and are so easy to find.

People like deflocks because you cant get a non so soft version of some of them and it's the novelty of it I guess. Also the value goes up because of the complexity and time it takes to deflock a so soft.

When buying a deflock, get close ups of the symbols and eyes to make sure they are not damaged in any way at all.

[Peppermint Pie]

And Ribbon and Paradise doesn't exist as non so soft versions?

[Galactica]

Well personally I might pay a bit more for a de-flocked pony because it is kind of a pain to do yourself, and they look so nice and bright!

[flyawayraven]

And Ribbon and Paradise doesn't exist as non so soft versions?

Well they do, but only as Nirvana (non-US) releases, so they are more costly. Many of the So-Softs were released in either Europe or Brazil as non-flocked ponies.

[SpookyTrees]

Surely a good-condition SS is worth more than a de-flocked one? I could see deflocking a ratty patchy pony to increase sake value but I would never think of it as being worth more than an original one, even with minor rubs in the usual spots.

[Mirnyj]

As Party said it's the time and effort it takes to deflock the pony that adds to the value. 

[Elisto]

I think it also depends on the buyer. Personally, I'd rather have a decent flocked pony than an otherwise mint deflock.

[ButtercreamDream]

For me, it all depends on condition.  I love So soft ponies, and I've only attempted deflocking ponies that were already missing tons of flocking.  They look completely different without flocking, bright coloured instead of pastel. 

[SpookyTrees]

As Party said it's the time and effort it takes to deflock the pony that adds to the value. 

I've deflocked a lot of ponies so I do understand, I just really use it as a last last last resort. I will spend just as long as a deflock will take trying to clean and restore a flocked pony before I will consider deflocking one. So I just assumed that original in good condition would always be better. I see now it really depends on the individual.

[Eurocoin]

Personally I would not pay more for the deflocked pony, actually I would never even buy a deflocked pony. In my eyes any alteration to pony's original shape (repainting, rehairing, deflocking etc.) makes the pony defective and no-no for my collection.

[cyberunicorn]

I know personally I would buy a deflocked pony over a flocked one. Cannot stand them with flocking.

But I would never attempt to deflock one unless the flocking was in really bad condition because that would be a waste of a pony in my eyes

[LadyMoondancer]

I would definitely buy a deflocked pony over a flocked one.  I've never like the flocking.  They're so bright and vibrant without it.

[mlp4me]

I think it also depends on the buyer. Personally, I'd rather have a decent flocked pony than an otherwise mint deflock.

I second this!

[brightberry]

I think it also depends on the buyer. Personally, I'd rather have a decent flocked pony than an otherwise mint deflock.

I second this!

Me too.  But I can see why people like them de-flocked.