BigBadToyStore Review: Legit Collector’s Paradise?

If you’re a collector hunting for action figures, statues, or rare collectibles, you’ve probably stumbled across BigBadToyStore (BBTS). With over two decades in business, this Wisconsin-based online retailer has built a reputation in the collector community—but is it really the best option for your money?

I’ve spent considerable time researching customer experiences, analyzing their policies, and comparing them with competitors to give you an honest, comprehensive guide to shopping at BigBadToyStore. If you’re also interested in gaming guides and reviews, check out our other content.

What Is BigBadToyStore?

BigBadToyStore is a family-owned business that has operated for over 20 years, specializing in action figures, statues, and collectibles from major franchises like Marvel, DC Comics, Transformers, Star Wars, and anime properties.

Founded in 1999 by Joel Boblit, BBTS started as a hobby that transformed into a full-scale operation. Today, they operate from a massive warehouse in Somerset, Wisconsin, housing thousands of products for collectors worldwide.

The Numbers: What Customers Actually Say

Let me be transparent about BBTS’s reputation. Customer reviews show mixed feedback, with a 3.0 rating on Trustpilot from 244 reviews, and an overall rating of 3.7 based on 481 reviews across multiple platforms.

The feedback reveals a pattern: customers appreciate the selection and service quality, but some express frustration with pre-order delays and international shipping costs. BigBadToyStore maintains a rating of 3.5 stars from 132 reviews on Sitejabber, indicating most customers are generally satisfied despite some concerns.

Key Features That Set BBTS Apart

1. Pile of Loot: The Game-Changing Feature

This is where BigBadToyStore truly shines. The Pile of Loot feature allows you to hold and combine orders to ship them together for just $4, with items held for up to 90 days.

Here’s why this matters: if you’re ordering multiple figures released at different times, you can consolidate everything into one shipment instead of paying separate shipping fees. You can save money by combining any number of in-stock orders and pre-orders into a single shipment with a low $4 flat rate.

The flexibility is remarkable. You control when items ship, which items to combine, and how large your shipments become. For frequent collectors, this feature alone can save hundreds of dollars annually.

2. Flat Rate Shipping: Simple and Affordable

BBTS offers $4 flat rate shipping to street addresses within the contiguous United States, with no minimum purchase, product restrictions, or cap. Whether you’re ordering one figure or fifty, you pay the same $4 shipping fee.

Delivery typically takes 3 to 8 business days, and every package includes tracking. For Canadian customers, there’s also an $8 USD flat rate option.

This pricing structure is genuinely competitive, especially when compared to other retailers charging $10-20 per shipment.

3. No-Money-Down Pre-Orders

BBTS operates a customer-friendly no-money-down pre-order system where customers are only charged when items ship. This provides budget flexibility and the ability to cancel if your circumstances change.

You’re not locking up money months in advance, which is a significant advantage over competitors requiring deposits or full payment upfront.

4. Massive Product Selection

BBTS stocks thousands of items, from Marvel Legends to Gundam model kits, including rare exclusives and niche figures that are sold out elsewhere. Whether you’re hunting for Pokemon collectibles or premium statues, they have extensive inventory.

Their catalog includes:

• Action figures from major toy manufacturers (Hasbro, Mattel, McFarlane, NECA)
• High-end statues and premium collectibles
• Japanese import figures and anime collectibles
• LEGO sets and building kits
• Vintage and hard-to-find items

The Downsides: What You Need to Know

Pre-Order Delays

This is the most common complaint. BBTS clearly states that expected arrival dates are estimates with no guarantees for exactly when pre-ordered products will arrive, and they don’t recommend pre-ordering products as gifts for time-sensitive occasions.

Supply chain issues, manufacturer delays, and distribution challenges mean your pre-order might arrive weeks or even months later than initially estimated. Some customers report waiting over a year for certain items.

International Shipping Costs

While domestic shipping is excellent, international customers face challenges. Some international customers report significantly higher shipping costs and extended delivery times, with complaints about the switch to Asendia as a shipping carrier.

One reviewer noted being charged £21.49 for shipping instead of the standard £9 advertised, plus higher tax charges. If you’re outside the US, factor these costs into your budget.

Pricing Not Always Competitive

Some collectors note that certain rare and exclusive figures, particularly from Asian brands, are priced significantly higher on BBTS compared to other US retailers.

While their standard retail items are fairly priced, exclusive or limited-run collectibles may carry premium markups. Always comparison shop before committing to expensive purchases.

Customer Service Response Times

Customer feedback indicates that response times can vary during peak periods like major convention seasons or holiday rushes. While many customers praise the service quality, getting timely responses during busy periods can be challenging.

Is BigBadToyStore Legitimate?

Absolutely. BBTS is 100% legitimate, having operated for over 20 years as a family-owned business with a strong reputation in the collector community.

Third-party verification shows BBTS has a relatively high safety score, indicating the site is safe to shop and leave your data. They’re not a scam—they’re an established retailer with genuine products and real operations.

The mixed reviews stem from operational challenges (pre-order delays, shipping issues) rather than fraudulent practices.

How BBTS Compares to Competitors

vs. Entertainment Earth: Entertainment Earth offers similar selection but typically doesn’t have the Pile of Loot feature. Shipping costs are generally higher without consolidation options.

vs. Amazon: Amazon offers faster shipping through Prime, but selection for collectibles is more limited. BBTS specializes in hard-to-find items Amazon doesn’t carry.

vs. Sideshow Collectibles: Sideshow focuses on premium, high-end statues with higher price points. BBTS offers broader selection across price ranges and better shipping consolidation.

My Verdict: Who Should Shop at BBTS?

BigBadToyStore is ideal for:

• Serious collectors who order frequently and want to consolidate shipments
• US-based customers who can take advantage of $4 flat rate shipping
• Collectors seeking rare or exclusive items not available elsewhere
• Budget-conscious buyers who appreciate flexible pre-order policies
• Gaming enthusiasts looking for video game merchandise and collectibles

Consider alternatives if:

• You need items immediately (Amazon Prime might be better)
• You’re international and shipping costs are prohibitive
• You’re buying a single common item (local retailers might be faster)
• You need guaranteed delivery dates for gifts

For collectors passionate about specific franchises like Star Wars, BBTS often carries exclusive variants not available elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Shopping at BBTS

Maximize Your Savings:

1. Use Pile of Loot aggressively—combine as many orders as possible
2. Monitor their daily deals (weekdays at 10 AM CST)
3. Check clearance sections for discounts up to 90% off
4. Take advantage of their 7-day price guarantee if items go on sale
5. Look for popular character releases during promotional periods

Manage Pre-Orders Wisely:

1. Don’t pre-order time-sensitive gifts
2. Budget for potential delays of 2-6 months
3. Add pre-orders to your Pile of Loot for maximum flexibility
4. Remember you can cancel most pre-orders before they charge

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

1. Don’t let items sit in Pile of Loot past 90 days (they’ll auto-ship)
2. Compare prices on expensive exclusives before buying
3. Read product descriptions carefully for Collector’s Grade options
4. Keep your preferred payment method updated to avoid automatic cancellations

The Bottom Line

BigBadToyStore isn’t perfect, but it remains a solid choice for serious collectors. The Pile of Loot feature and $4 flat rate shipping create genuine value that’s hard to find elsewhere. Yes, you’ll encounter pre-order delays and occasional pricing issues, but the selection, flexibility, and established reputation make it worth considering.

For US-based collectors who order multiple items throughout the year, BBTS can save significant money on shipping while providing access to items you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re collecting figures from popular franchises like Deadpool or niche properties, just manage your expectations on pre-order timelines and always comparison shop on high-ticket items.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

The combination of innovative features, competitive domestic shipping, and massive selection outweigh the downsides for most collectors. Just understand what you’re getting into with pre-orders, and you’ll likely have a positive experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does BigBadToyStore take to ship?

In-stock items typically deliver within 3 to 8 business days for domestic orders using the $4 flat rate option.

Can I cancel my pre-order at BBTS?

Yes, you can cancel most pre-orders anytime before payment is processed, which happens when the product arrives at their warehouse.

Does BigBadToyStore ship internationally?

Yes, but international shipping costs are significantly higher than domestic rates. Canadian customers can use $8 USD flat rate shipping, while other countries pay weight-based rates.

What is Collector’s Grade at BBTS?

Collector’s Grade is an option for in-stock items where you can specify the condition of packaging you prefer, from mint condition boxes to items where packaging condition isn’t guaranteed.

How does the 90-day Pile of Loot limit work?

Items in your Pile of Loot can be held for up to 90 days, after which they automatically ship together to your preferred address. You’ll receive email notifications before items reach the limit.