I want to meet the person who would buy this

Anovos, a company that produces high-end science fiction and fantasy movie related prop replicas, is promoting its upcoming Captain Phasma 1:1 scale helmet prop. It’s made from fiberglass (not metal) and it will cost a whopping $799.99.

It will not be available until late this year, but you can pre-order one now from Entertainment Earth.

I am curious about the person who would buy something like this. What do they do for a living that would allow them to drop eight hundred bucks on a fake metal helmet from a Star Wars movie? Do they own their own home? What type of car do they drive? How much debt do they have? Have they ever been late on an electric bill?

Don’t get me wrong. I like Star Wars. I especially liked the latest movie from the franchise. I also liked the character of Captain Phasma. I thought she looked pretty bad-ass in her metal stormtrooper get-up. When I first saw this replica helmet, I thought it would be something nice to have. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted a replica stormtrooper helmet. Not a flimsy toy helmet, but something indistinguishable from the real thing. This Captain Phasma helmet appealed to me.

I then saw the price.

I can afford the helmet, but I wouldn’t even think of spending that much money on something that would only sit on the shelf, look awesome, and collect dust.

Knowing the Star Wars collecting community like I think I do, I am sure some people will buy this expensive prop even though they are not yet in a station in life that would make buying something like this economically feasible.

I have seen people spend thousands of dollars on nerd-centric collectible, yet they live with their parents even though they were making enough money that they could afford to live on their own. I used to work with a guy who was 30-years-old, lived with his mother, and would spend hundreds of dollars each month on original comic book art. Art he would place in special binders and keep in his closet. At least that is what he told me.

Years ago I used to frequent a Usenet message board dedicated to collecting Hot Wheels. An active member on the board posted a plea for financial help. He had a large electric bill that he could not pay and was facing the prospect of having his electric cut off. He asked the rest of the group for money to let him keep his lights on. Of course he had children and he made sure to mention them in his appeal for free money.

I did not give him any money, but lots of people did.

About two weeks later, this same person asked on the same Usenet message board if anyone had some specific Treasure Hunts Hot Wheels for sale, cars in the $30 dollar range.

People began to question how he could ask people to pay his electric bill and then later, buy $30 Hot Wheels. I didn’t chime in because I didn’t give him any free money. Plus, I assumed from the beginning he was going to do this. I remember finding the whole thing to be highly entertaining.

It is fine to collect things, but just make sure you can afford the things you collect. Make sure you are not taking money that you should be spending on necessities and blowing it on crap you do not need.

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