Open Poly Bag Minifigures or Not?

[S1DIMMER]

Over the last year or so I started collecting Lego minifigures. Mostly I buy off of Bricklink, eBay or full sets. Recently I've bought 2 poly bag minifigures which are still sealed. I buy to display them so I'm thinking I'm just going to open them but was curious what you all do. Do you keep them sealed or just open them and does it effect the resale value? I buy them because I like them and it's by no means an investment for me. I'd just like to get around what I paid if I ever were to sell them off. As far as eBay goes it doesn't seem to really change the value.

[legohunter]

I keep a complete set sealed from each series to avoid any damage or scratch. One day I may put them inside the frames. On top of it, I would not hesitate to open my favourite minifigs for display, so far I have already opened over 100 of it, including those for army build.

I would consider factory sealed item to be more valuable than opened item.

[Luciant]

The way I feel about is, I enjoy the minifigs and perhaps wan to use them in a moc so I open them. So long as you keep them in good condition the resell value is nominally different. The few dollars in value lost is worth it for the enjoyment I get out of them. If anything I buy 2 so I can open one then sell the other unopened later to offset my minifig cost or Even make it free. If I ever decide to get rid of my personal collection, either way I'll generally get what I paid I more, and if I am wanting to make an investment (like chrome storm troopers) then I buy one or more extra specifically for that purpose.

[Brick & Blue]

I open them, but sometimes I have extras that are normally sealed unless I want to check I have the right mini figure.

[slacker]

I generally buy everything new. I don't bother with Ebay open items since I don't know where they've been. But if I do buy from Ebay, I make sure they are sealed.

[dr_spock]

I keep my polybags sealed until I need to use the minifig in a MOC I am building.

[S1DIMMER]

Thanks all. Since I only have one of each I will likely open them as I don't get any enjoyment out of leaving them in the poly bag. If I had more than one I'd leave the extras in the bag and put one out to display. I originally started collecting only original trilogy Star Wars minifigures but it's expanded to a number of other areas most recently the super hero lines. I need to get another display case soon.
The rash of knockoff minifigures from China has made buying online a little difficult. You have to be careful. I've even seen knockoff figures on Bricklink recently.

[dqfritzke]

Is that even legal on Bricklink? I might be wrong but I think you can only sell official Lego products there.

[S1DIMMER]

I thought it wasn't allowed either but I got an alert on a new minifig posting a while back and when I checked it out it was a knockoff. It was disclosed in the details as one I believe. I can't seem to find it now so maybe it's gone but I thought it was odd.

[Luciant]

I believe that is correct, only official Lego products are allowed, however it relies on users to flag them for removal. They are opening moc pages which might allow custom minifigs there. Also keep in mind if you determine your product was not authentic and not in the description on eBay, you can easily dispute it and get money back since eBay is so buyer friendly