where do I buy hot toys?
So you’ve decided that you want to delve into the world of Hot Toys but now you need to know where to buy from. I’m here to help.
Intro
Deciding where to buy anything is a troublesome task but when it comes to Hot Toys it’s even more. So just a little background to start you off, Hot Toys is a Hong Kong based company so it is possible to buy directly from Hong Kong sellers but some people may prefer to get them from a more local source like a Sideshow or Popcultcha. All these sellers have different prices and taxes that you may need to pay if you're not from the country you’re purchasing from so here’s where this list comes in handy. Some of the sites I’m going to talk about I have personally bought from but I will specify if I haven’t. Enjoy!
Sideshow Collectables
Sideshow Collectables or Sideshow for short is for me the easiest and best place to buy from. I’m from the UK and technically Sideshow is the official North America and Europe distributor of Hot Toys, that being said if you’re from outside the US you’ll most likely have to pay taxes when receiving the figure on top of any VAT and price of the figure.
I currently buy all my figures from Sideshow, I love the payment plans and the Rewards have helped me buy figures for a lot less than I would normally. Being based in the US Sideshow’s prices are on par with the other sites in the US so if you’re from the US I strongly recommend them. If you live anywhere else in the world the Import Tax might be the killer for these. I wasn’t aware of this when I bought my first figure from them and got a lovely shock when I received a $50 (this varies from country to country and on the size of the box the figure comes in) charge from DHL just to get it into the country.
Also it must be said the customer service is stellar and I’ve only ever had good and quick interactions with them.
Overall
I would highly recommend Sideshow but do your research as the import charges can be a turn off for some people.
Here’s a link to Sideshow feel free to have a browse around.
Zavvi
I love Zavvi, I mainly use them for buying Steelbooks or any other type of geek culture murch but I have bought a couple of Hot Toys from them before.
As with the UK sellers the prices are higher due to the import charges but if you want them (figures that are in-stock) quicker then they are a good option. They ship to most places but I would only really use them if you’re from the UK.
Overall
Solid company, great customer service and sell a lot of good stuff not just Hot Toys.
If you want to check them out click here.
Forbidden Planet
Not the first choice for buying figures but I have bought from them before. I would only recommend them if you are from the UK and are willing to pay higher prices to get the In-Stock items quicker.
The big turn off with Forbidden Planet and all UK sellers would be the prices, the reason they are higher is due to them having to pay the import charges so you don’t have too but you do pay more to make up for it.
Overall
Like I said if you’re in the UK and want any Item that’s in-stock within a week then I would consider Forbidden Planet. I’ve never had a problem with them and the customer service is really good.
If you’d like to check them out and see for yourself click here.
Planet Action Figures
Another UK seller but this time a smaller operation. I haven’t bought from these for a few years that being said I have kept up with them and do check on them for prices every now and again.
Again the prices are high but not as bad as the other UK sellers I’ve talked about. They have great customer service and offer payment plans and a rewards scheme.
Overall
Honestly a great company run well and with good prices. Check Planet Action Figures out here.
Some honourable mentions
Ebay
