Just got my set of CMF14 Halloween minifigs from my favorite toy store via the "feel" method. I've come to really get the hang of it since I first started with the Simpsons Series 1. That time I was still a rookie and had 2 duplicates.
After that, all my purchases were 100% on track.
I spent close to 45 minutes for this set. Here are my tips.
1. Wolf Guy: Feel for the bone. Shake the bag to find the bone and then verify both ends to make sure it is the same. The bone is longer than you think.
2. Pirate: The sword is a dead giveaway. But some beginners might not know how it feels. If you can find the beard part which feels like a small ring, you're spot on. Also the hat can be easily felt.
3. Scientist: I found the beaker to be the easiest to identify. Feel for the round part, verify the neck. If you have Prof Frink's beaker, you can practice that at home. Don't get confused with the pumpkin.
4. Witch: Those familiar with the cat piece can feel for the cat. I find it easier to find the broom piece. Feel the end to make sure it is not the bone.
5. Plant monster: The head piece is the one to feel for. It is large and will have a large opening. Move your finger into the opening and follow the shape to make sure it is the one you're looking for. Don't get confused with the Tiger lady's hairpiece (it's way smaller) or the spectre's hood (also smaller).
6. Fly Monster: I find the easiest is to look for the head. The antennae are the features you need to look out for.
7. Spectre: Look for the leg piece. If you are not familiar with the piece, (like I was), feel for the chains. They are unique to the series. Then try to get a feel for the leg piece so that you can later identify the banshee.
8. Cheerleader: Feel for the pom poms. Rub your finger a bit on them to feel the rough texture. Find another one to confirm. Also, they are not completely spherical so feel for the openings.
9. Tiger woman: Most guides say to feel for the whip. The whip is quite thin and can get stuck in the instructions. Try to feel for the head piece. It has 2 ears and the hair curls up a the back.
10. Gargoyle: Feel for the short legs. That's it. To verify, this is a trick I do. Find a leg piece and feel for the 2 studs that go into the torso. Then try to bend the legs.
11. Skeleton guy: Look for the pumpkin. It is smooth and round. The top has a larger opening than the bottom. Or you can try to find the handle piece. Shake the bag to let it fall and if you find the handle piece, you're golden.
12. Monster rocker: The guitar is what you should feel for. But may be confused with the broom. I found mine by feeling for the head piece. It feels like the pirate beard part, but larger and has a rough flat top.
13. Zombie businessman: The 2x2 tile is the dead giveaway. But sometimes the tile might be stuck in the booklet. I felt for mine be finding the briefcase. It is very easy to identify.
14. Banshee: Like the spectre, feel for the legs. Than go for the hairpiece. The hairpiece is fairly large and rough.
15. Square foot: I found it easiest by feeling for the camera. The camera's handle is bent at an angle and has a stud in front. Very unique piece. The head piece can be felt to verify.
16. Spider lady: Look for the slope skirt piece and you're golden. Easiest fig to identify.