The Great Collector's Debate: Explore the pros and cons of keeping figures in their original packaging versus displaying them openly

To Unbox or Not to Unbox? The Great Collector’s Debate

Posted by By The Collector 8 Min Read

Explore the pros and cons of keeping figures in their original packaging versus displaying them openly.

It’s a moment every action figure, statue, or collectible toy owner faces: that pristine, unopened package, begging to be torn open. On one side, the desire to admire your figure in all its glory, pose it, and truly interact with it. On the other, the whisper of future value, the allure of “mint in box,” and the fear of diminishing its worth.

This isn’t just a minor decision; it’s a fundamental philosophical question in the collecting world. “Mint In Box” (MIB) or “Opened, Displayed, Loved” (ODL)? Both sides have passionate advocates, valid points, and their own unique rewards and risks.

Let’s dive into the great unboxing debate, exploring the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide what’s right for your collection.

The “Keep It MIB” Philosophy: Preserve and Protect

For many collectors, the original packaging is an integral part of the collectible itself. It’s not just a box; it’s a piece of art, a historical artifact, and a protective shield.

Pros of Keeping Figures MIB:

  1. Maximum Resale Value: This is often the primary driver. An unopened, factory-sealed item in pristine packaging almost always fetches a higher price on the secondary market than an opened one, even if the opened figure is in perfect condition. The “new in box” status offers buyers assurance of completeness and untouched originality.
  2. Authentication: The original packaging, especially with factory seals, serves as a strong indicator of authenticity, making it harder for counterfeiters to pass off fakes.
  3. Protection from Elements & Damage: The packaging acts as a barrier against dust, UV light, moisture, and accidental bumps or falls. This keeps the figure itself in pristine condition, free from yellowing, scuffs, or lost accessories.
  4. Aesthetics of Unopened Display: Some collectors find beauty in the packaged presentation, appreciating the artwork, design, and product information on the box as part of the overall experience. Stacking or arranging MIB figures can create a striking display.
  5. Sense of Discovery: There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing you possess an item exactly as it left the factory, with the potential “unboxing experience” still waiting, perhaps for a future owner.

Cons of Keeping Figures MIB:

  1. You Can’t Fully Appreciate the Figure: The figure’s details, articulation, and full scope are often obscured by the packaging. You can’t pose it, accessorize it, or fully appreciate the sculptor’s work.
  2. Storage Challenges: MIB figures often take up significantly more space than unboxed ones, making storage and display difficult, especially for large collections.
  3. Potential for “Card Creases” & Packaging Damage: While the box protects the figure, the box itself is vulnerable. Dents, creases, tears, or fading to the packaging can still reduce value.
  4. Limited Interaction: The whole point of many figures is their poseability and accessories. Keeping them boxed means you miss out on the intended play or display experience.
  5. “Grail in a Box” Syndrome: You own a treasure, but you can’t truly enjoy it. It sits as an untouched monument to potential value rather than a beloved display piece.

The “Open and Display” Philosophy: Engage and Enjoy

On the other side of the fence are collectors who believe that figures are meant to be seen, touched, and posed. The joy comes from interaction and aesthetic display, not from an untouched box.

Pros of Opening Figures:

  1. Full Appreciation & Display: This is where figures truly shine! You can create dynamic poses, swap accessories, and arrange them in dioramas or themed displays that tell a story.
  2. Interaction & Play (for some): For many, toys are meant to be played with (carefully, of course!). Opening allows for that tactile connection and appreciation of engineering.
  3. Space Efficiency: Unboxed figures generally take up much less space than their packaged counterparts, allowing you to display more of your collection in a smaller area.
  4. Accessibility for Photography: Many collectors love to photograph their figures. Opening them allows for endless creative shots and poses that are impossible while in the box.
  5. Personal Connection: There’s a deep satisfaction in freeing a figure from its plastic prison and giving it a place of prominence in your personal space. It transforms from a product into a beloved object.

Cons of Opening Figures:

  1. Reduced Resale Value: This is the biggest drawback. Even if you carefully open and re-box a figure, it’s generally considered “used” and will command a lower price than a factory-sealed item.
  2. Risk of Damage/Loss: Once opened, figures are susceptible to dust, UV damage, accidental falls, paint rubs from posing, and the dreaded loss of tiny accessories.
  3. Packaging Preservation: If you want to keep the box, you now have to find a separate storage solution for it, and it’s prone to wear and tear from being handled.
  4. Potential for Defects: Sometimes figures have manufacturing defects that aren’t apparent until unboxed. While you can usually get a replacement, the act of opening has still “devalued” the original packaging.
  5. Fading/Yellowing: Exposed plastic, especially lighter colors, can yellow over time due to UV exposure, even if not in direct sunlight.

Making Your Decision: A Hybrid Approach?

There’s no single right answer to the unboxing debate. Your decision should align with your personal collecting goals and priorities.

  • Are you collecting primarily as an investment? Leaning MIB might be your best bet, but be prepared for significant storage needs and less direct interaction.
  • Are you collecting for personal enjoyment, display, and interaction? Open that box and enjoy your figures! Just be mindful of proper display and storage to protect them.

Many collectors adopt a hybrid approach:

  • Keep highly valuable or rare variants MIB for investment potential.
  • Open and display “playline” figures, common releases, or figures you deeply connect with.
  • Buy two of an important figure: one to keep MIB, one to open and display! (If your budget allows!)

Ultimately, the best way to collect is the way that brings you the most joy and satisfaction. Whether your treasures are displayed proudly on a shelf or waiting patiently in their original packaging, what truly matters is the passion you have for your collection.