In Singapore, a growing number of residents are selling prized collectibles ranging from trading cards to vintage comics to manage increasing living expenses. Industry retailers report a sharp rise in sellers, many of whom are younger adults and working professionals. The funds are typically used for housing down payments, renovations, weddings, newborn costs, or business needs, with some using sales to tide over job transitions. Collectibles offer fast liquidity, with card transactions sometimes completed in minutes and prices from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Retailers note that while some sell out of financial necessity, others treat collectibles as an asset class, exiting when values peak and sometimes rebuying later. However, emotional attachment remains strong, leading some to keep treasured items despite monetary pressures. The trend has sparked online debate, with opinions ranging from seeing it as a symptom of broader affordability issues to questioning the motivations behind the sell-off. Experts caution that viewing collectibles solely as investments carries risks.
From small figurines to decades-old comic books, a growing number of Singapore ans are selling off their prized collectibles. Industry insiders point to rising living costs as a major driver, with younger couples and working professionals being the most common sellers.
The proceeds are often funneled into housing down payments, home renovations, wedding costs, expenses for newborns, or business cash flow. Some individuals also sell to bridge financial gaps during periods of unemployment. According to a local trading card retailer, the number of collectors looking to sell has jumped by about 50% compared to four years ago.
Trading card shop owner Chong Yong notes that due to the increased cost of living, consumers are now more selective, purchasing only items they truly enjoy and frequently negotiating prices. He shares a specific example: 'There are cases where people got laid off… one particular guy was getting a bit stressed, so he tried to sell some cards to tide through while he searched for another job.
' One appealing aspect of collectibles as a financial buffer is their liquidity. Authentication and payment for trading cards can sometimes be completed in as little as 10 minutes, with transaction values ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Malcolm Wong, another collector and retailer, explains that some treat their cards like any other asset class, strategically exiting the market when values peak.
He recalls buying a Pikachu card for S$3,500 and selling it for S$6,500, even though it once peaked at S$35,000. The most expensive card currently in his shop is valued at S$15,000, while the cheapest goes for S$1. Wong also dispels a common misconception: emotional attachment often leads collectors to view selling as a temporary reallocation of capital. Many eventually repurchase items they sold once their financial situation improves.
'When they need (money), they sell first to free up cash. They will buy back later when they have more disposable income,' Chong adds. In the graphic novel sphere, collector Kieyron Maldin has observed a 45% increase in people parting with their prized books over the past two years. He remarks, 'Recently, there's been a lot of people selling their collections because of the cost of living.
It's been quite sad to see.
' Maldin himself has sold some comics, earning around S$600 in the last year. His typical clientele includes students, national servicemen, and young adults balancing their passion for comics with rising daily expenses. While common comic books might fetch only a few dollars, rarer editions from the 1970s to the 1990s can command thousands. Despite financial pressures, Maldin keeps certain books off the market due to sentimental value.
'It's not the money, it's the memory it holds. Some books have gotten me through tough times. Some characters have gotten me through a lot of sad moments. I want to keep them for my kids, for future generations to see,' he explains.
Certain collectible brands carry deep emotional resonance for adults who grew up with them and now have the spending power to indulge in nostalgia. One major retailer handles up to 1,000 transactions monthly and attracts international buyers from countries like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Many buyers prefer physical stores over online platforms to verify authenticity in person, a growing concern as counterfeit goods become more sophisticated.
The phenomenon sparked extensive online discussion, with many sharing personal frustrations that extend beyond the collectibles market. One commenter wrote, 'As a collector it's difficult to let go of items that have sentimental value but because of the bad economy now we need to sell just to survive,' highlighting the emotional toll of what appears to be a simple financial exchange. Others pointed to broader structural issues: 'Rent is driving everything up.
The government should relook into their spending and control land prices,' framing the sell-off as a symptom of a larger affordability crisis. Some voices offered caution: 'This might be a bad sign to people who see cards as a gold mine rather than their intended purpose,' suggesting the trend could negatively impact the hobby if viewed solely as an investment.
Skeptics questioned whether cost of living is the sole factor: 'Are we really sure people are selling because of cost of living? And not because of the crazy inflated values these cards are going for?
' This acknowledges that for some, selling at peak prices may be a deliberate financial strategy rather than a necessity. Most likely, the reality is a mix of both, varying significantly from seller to seller. Chong offers a final caveat for anyone considering collectibles purely as an investment: the market carries risks and emotional considerations that should not be overlooked
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