blindbagging
Blindbagging refers to the practice of purchasing sealed, opaque packages containing collectible toys or items. The contents of each package are unknown to the consumer before purchase, leading to an element of surprise and randomness in what is acquired. This method of distribution is commonly used for small collectible figures, trading cards, and other merchandise. The appeal of blindbagging often lies in the thrill of the unknown, the desire to complete a set of items, or the possibility of obtaining rare or chase variants. Consumers may engage in blindbagging with the intention of collecting a specific character, completing a series, or trading duplicates with other collectors. The products are typically sold individually, making them accessible for impulse purchases. The manufacturing and marketing of blindbagged items often involve tiered rarity systems, where some items are more common than others. This encourages repeat purchases as consumers attempt to find the less common or highly sought-after pieces. Blindbagging is a popular strategy in the toy and collectibles industry, leveraging psychological principles of anticipation and reward.