How to Find a Great Bobblehead Deal on eBay

A golden bobblehead is a collector’s dream, but it can be costly. Fans lined up for hours before Wednesday’s game to get their hands on the first 40,000 Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads. And while many will keep the memorabilia, others will put it up for sale. The gold Ohtani-Decoy bobblehead is already popping up on eBay, where the lowest asking price is $200.

The value of a bobblehead can vary dramatically, depending on the subject, size and quality. Bobbleheads are typically made to celebrate a popular player, team or mascot. They can also be used to commemorate a significant event, such as a retirement or induction into the Hall of Fame. Occasionally, they may be limited edition or include a relic, such as infield dirt or a piece of jersey.

Values tend to spike upon release and when supplies run low. But once the initial interest has died down, prices usually settle. And, if you’re patient, you can find deals on almost any bobblehead.

It’s no surprise that the most valuable bobbleheads are those that are signed or feature a limited run. They can also be oversized or feature high-quality materials. The most valuable bobbleheads also tend to be rare, which means they’re more likely to be in good condition.

One way to increase the chances of getting a great deal on a bobblehead is to look for them during a promotion. Oftentimes, companies will give away these souvenirs to reward their customers or fans for their loyalty. For example, if a team gives out a bobblehead during the final game of their home season, it’s a great way to say goodbye to fans and to thank fans for their support.

When searching for a bobblehead, make sure that you know the definition of “NIB.” It stands for new in box, which implies that it comes as it was issued with all paperwork and packaging included. This is important for collectors because they want to be able to display the bobblehead as it was originally intended.

Although the craze for bobbleheads started in the 1950s, the phenomenon really took off right before the millennium. This was largely due to the Willie Mays bobblehead giveaway by the San Francisco Giants in 1999, which set collectors on fire. The craze peaked in the early 2000s and has since declined. The popularity of these collectibles should return in the near future. Whether you’re collecting for value or just for fun, bobbleheads are a fun addition to any collection. The best way to protect your investment is by using a bobblehead case.