Loose
Loose is a term indicating that a dispenser is no longer in its original packaging.
About Loose
Why Loose?
Since Pez dispensers are candy-distributers, to get to the candy and eat it, one has to open the package. A loose Pez dispenser is usually, by definition, a used dispenser.
If the dispenser is still in its orignal condition, it can be considered "near-mint," but to truly be considered in mint condition, it has to be in its original packaging.
Many collectors remove Pez dispensers from their packaging on order to display them better. Loose dispensers take up much less space and can be seen much better than if they were in the original packaging.
Other Packaging Types
Effect on Value
Pez is one of the few collectibles where original packaging does not significantly affect the value of the item. Exceptions to this rule include:
- Dispensers with small, removable parts, such as the Make-a-Face dispensers or the baseball glove with bat and ball.
- Dispensers with production errors. These need to be in the original packaging as proof that they were not tampered with.
- Dispensers in the wrong packaging, such as the Scrooge McDuck dispenser on a Halloween card at right.
- Collectors boxes or tins, which are often shaped to reflect the characters or include extra items, like the Elvis tin with a music CD.
- The Space Trooper Pez, which was only sold loose.
