Suggestions & Complaints (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Fresh ideas and constructive criticism have always been welcome at K&C. I've posted several times on this forum that some of our best figures and fighting vehicles have come from individual and collective discussions, talks, emails and letters that I've received from K&C collectors.

That does not mean I have to agree with every single complaint or satisfy every demand from a customer. That would be impossible and no company could successfully operate under such strictures.

I genuinely believe that I do my level best to balance the requirements and desires of the average K&C collector with the day-to-day running and operations of a company that designs and produces more new items every single month than most of our competitors combined.

Unfortunately in this business, as in every other, you get the occasional disgruntled character who simply cannot or will not ever be satisfied with either what you say or do. Alas this is something this particular poor manager has to learn to live with.

Very best wishes...and happy collecting!
Andy C.

"Nae matter how ye shake yer peg...the last wee drap runs doon yer leg!"
Robert Burns.
Scotland's National Poet.

 

[Firebat]

My confession. I complained about the inaccurate flag on the 101st airborne Normandy figures, no big deal.......I didn't like the raised stars and serial numbers on some vehicles, you don't do that any more.......I know you have to be working in improving the treads, because Honour Bound proved it can be done....So where does that leave us...You are still the guys to beat, but I would watch out for Figarti Vehicles although they are 1/32 scale. We mentioned figures in casual poses, you sort of did that with the new Normandy Paratroopers. Wait until you see the diorama I did with them. It will be published soon. The casual figures lend themselves to interesting dioramas. My suggestion would be to do more like that. Men washing, cleaning their guns, eating, at mass services with a chaplain. playing baseball etc. Firebat

OK here is a little teaser It really dosen't show the main attraction so my sponsor said I could show it......................

 

[Njja]

I think you are doing a terrific job, I especially enjoy the photos you allow

visitors to take of your shop and offices. It is terrific when they are posted

on the Forums for all of us to enjoy. You are living a life many of us would

love (I recognize the work involved though), and it is nice to share your office

on occasion.

Njja

 

[kilted vampire]

Andy you have probably heard this before but, the bubble packs are wearing on the figures. Not to good. I have seen some damaged peices come back because of rub marks. The packaging is a loser. Your products are not. Bad marriage.

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

I have been receiving a lot of my vehicles lately with some kind of damage. My new US medic jeep front stretcher holder broken off. The new Meyer 251 arrived with both head lights broken off. I managed some repairs, but when I am spending 200 bucks on a "Limited Edition" vehicle I don't expect to have to do repairs on them out of the box. Now when ever a new K&C vehicle arrives I hold my breath as I open it. Tanks seem to make it undamaged. It's the wheeled vehicles that seem to be the problem.

 

[jazzeum]

That's not good. I've had a few (not to many, fortunately) bad experiences so when I order from Minuteman (George Guerriero) or Treefrog, I ask them to please open the box and inspect before they ship. Obviously, with some packaging like the recent cycle, that's not possible. But I think that helps cut down on the possibility of damage.

At the very least, I think you ask your dealer to replace damaged items. There's no reason you should have to fix them.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Andy,

You are and have long been the best and most innovative Toy Soldier company president in the business. If we complain or make suggestions, for most of us its because we love what you are doing and have (what we think are) great ideas to help you keep improving your product. Truth be told, I am more interested in what you come up with on your own than what I can suggest (except of course, when it comes to you producing more wood warbirds!!).

 

[victory]

Andy, I must say your willingness to keep an open ear is greatly appreciated. I echo Louis' sentiment and would leave future set developments to your talent. My only suggestion comes unfortunately without any good recommendation on how to achieve it. My suggestion is to find someway to lower the customer cost of the sets. Now I know the prices are comparable and you have the best quality imo, but please keep in open mind. You have so many wonderful sets and from my perspective would enjoy collecting new eras but hesitate because of the cost. I tend to collect all sets in an era (for the most part with few exceptions) and am not one to particularly pick and choose. Branching off into other themes is very tempting but the expense dictates my decisions.

 

[OzDigger]

I'm certain that Andy C includes me in his list of "occassional disgruntled characters", therefore I feel obliged to respond to this thread. But don't worry guys, I'm reducing my forum time, so future comments from me may be rare. Did I hear a 'hurrah' from some members

* Tank Tracks. I'm sure many collectors will be pleased to note that the K & C track issue is going to be addressed. I should mention my comments on this matter have been rare lately, my latest remarks being a response to Andy's 'Congratulations OzDigger' thread.

* Increased attention to product detail. Most of King and Country figures and vehicles are of a high quality. However, I feel there have been a few pieces that have slipped thru the net, such as some comical horses and that Eisenhower figure. I realise some were early releases, and no doubt such unrealistic pieces are unlikely to reappear.

* Packaging. I believe the wire tie system will work provided adequate foam protects the models from the wire ties.

* Less pot stirring from Andy. This forum is rather unique as it provides input from actual company owners and Andy has often graced us with his updates, together with some sarcastic comments. I would suggest more updates, and less, or even better, no sarcastic comments. No doubt these may be deserved on occassion (myself included). However in the long term it can only be counter productive for K & C, members, and the forum in general.

* Model suggestions (includes some repeats)

Allied: 155 mm Long Tom, 5.5" Field Howitzer, LRDG Chev truck and or jeep, 25 pounder with ammo limber and crew (no truck please), M3 Lee/Grant tank, Dodge Weapons Carrier.

Axis: Recovery Tiger Tank (only needs a crane and winch on existing mold), Rommel's Fiesler Storch, Kettengrad, Sd kfz 251 with rockets or one of the other many 251 variants.

 

[Njja]

Here.......we........go........again!

My question would be, if you state that you will no longer buy the product

why then the need for complaints?

Why not address your comments, concerns to the product lines you intend

to buy?

And enough of the cheap shots trying to draw Andy in.

Njja

 

[Gideon]

Andy,

THANKS FOR THE KNIGHTS!!!!!!!!!

How about a secondary range under the K&C banner that kids (say 12 and up) can buy for about $10. - and, no, I don't mean the series you alrady produce.

 

[OzDigger]

Here.......we........go........again!

My question would be, if you state that you will no longer buy the product

why then the need for complaints?

Why not address your comments, concerns to the product lines you intend

to buy?

And enough of the cheap shots trying to draw Andy in.

Njja

The sad fact is that there are still many members that are to afraid to make complaints or even suggestions about King and Country products because they fear personal attacks from Andy and other members such as yourself.

I have had a number of posts and personal messages from worried members asking that I don't leave or even reduce my input on this forum. Apparently they fear it will return to the bad old days when just about everyone was attacked for negative comments.

What is the point of threads such as this if members aren't encouraged to make their feelings known without fear of some reprisal, especially from vindictive individuals such as yourself.

Look to your own ship njja, and leave Andy to make his own judgements. My comments in the above post are meant to improve K & C sales and relationships with their customer base and not to draw Andy in as you suggest. And as I said above, subsequent posts on 'K & C' will be rare from me in future. Unless people like you wish to make a further issue of it.

 

[Njja]

I have made several comments in the past about issues concerning King

and Country but I never to my knowledge attacked Andy personally. I think

it is quite nice that he takes the time to address issues brought up on the

Forum and should be made welcome. I think it would be a loss for all of us

If one persons attacks drove him away.

My point is quite simple, I do not see the need to express my point of view

on products I do not intend to buy. So if you are so unhappy with the

current style, offerings, production of King & Country why bother to

comment?

This is not a personal attack, simply a point of view I am expressing.

My comments in support of Andy again are my point of view.

Nuff Said.

Njja

 

[erniesstudio]

ANY CHANCE ,FOR A NEW ROMMEL STAFF CAR??.... ERN

 

[Rob]

I've always thought that the trick is trying to balance on the one hand everyones right to their own opinion, freedom of speech etc,and on the other hand the constant moaning and sniping that goes on.Its always good to hear everyones views and ideas,and to a degree their complaints.However two salient points remain.Firstly it is Andy's company and he can make what the hell he likes,we are only consumers and really have no say in what is produced.(although he does kindly lend an ear and takes on board what is said.)Secondly if you don't like it DON'T BUY IT!. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything.And as i say although it is good to hear all views, it can get depressing listening to all the moans sometimes.Frankly all name calling is just sad and i think does little to help.

I have always thought (rightly or wrongly)that for me this forum is a bit of K&C fan club and i love it.I am a K&C addict but also appreciate other products NMA/HB etc. Whilst if people have a real gripe fair enough,but i would like to see a more celebratory air to things.After all the majority of people here do love K&C products.

Some people here take the opportunity of having Andys participation on the forum to hurl abuse/digs and moans at him.There is of course every chance that sooner or later he will get fed up with it.Cease all contact with us and be like the majority of other producers and not invite any type of contact.And that would lead to some moaning on an industrial scale.

Rob

 

[Njja]

Rob extremely well put, and I find it hard to believe with the robust

participation we enjoy of this Forum that anyone would be afraid to post their

comments.

It stands to reason, that someone that does not like a product, and states

that he will not buy it, is going to be much more critical then those

purchasing it. I would hesitate to travel up to Boston and ask the folks their

honest opinion of the Yankess and Georgie S.......

Njja

 

[sceic2]

I've always thought that the trick is trying to balance on the one hand everyones right to their own opinion, freedom of speech etc,and on the other hand the constant moaning and sniping that goes on.Its always good to hear everyones views and ideas,and to a degree their complaints.However two salient points remain.Firstly it is Andy's company and he can make what the hell he likes,we are only consumers and really have no say in what is produced.(although he does kindly lend an ear and takes on board what is said.)Secondly if you don't like it DON'T BUY IT!. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything.And as i say although it is good to hear all views, it can get depressing listening to all the moans sometimes.Frankly all name calling is just sad and i think does little to help.

I have always thought (rightly or wrongly)that for me this forum is a bit of K&C fan club and i love it.I am a K&C addict but also appreciate other products NMA/HB etc. Whilst if people have a real gripe fair enough,but i would like to see a more celebratory air to things.After all the majority of people here do love K&C products.

Some people here take the opportunity of having Andys participation on the forum to hurl abuse/digs and moans at him.There is of course every chance that sooner or later he will get fed up with it.Cease all contact with us and be like the majority of other producers and not invite any type of contact.And that would lead to some moaning on an industrial scale.

Rob

I could not agree more. You have put many of my thoughts and feelings regarding this forum into a well worded response. I too am a K&C addict. Now, that does not mean that I do not appreciate others, because I do. I personally do not find a problem with this being a K&C fan site and so what if it is. If others find fault in that, well I really don't care.

 

[johngambale]

I Just Received the (WS - Hotchkiss Self Propelled Vehicle; and the Figures are SmaLL like ( DWARF'S)? And the Vehicle is a Little Bit Smaller in Size? They're aren't 1/30th Scale Size figure's? Please Bring back the other Previous Sculpture's! Send this Sculpture back to the Drawing Board! Maybe he could Cook Better than he could Sculpture!

 

[OzDigger]

njja, Rob, sceic 2 et al, I have limited forum time these days so let me reply to your comments together.

Surely you guys have been around this forum long enough to note that Andy has a history of making personal attacks on members that make negative comments about K & C. Yet, the vast majority of these comments (including mine) are to improve K & C products. Take johngamble's recent post for example. I recall a number of times when Andy has gone overboard with what he said about him, yet clearly John is a keen collector of the range.

Why not take steps to address some of his complaints such as his recent size issue as these will clearly impact other collectors. Perhaps it's because Andy has less control over some of the figure sizes than we may believe, if so, why not say it. Yes, johngamble's continued requests for this and that may annoy Andy and some others at times (but not me). However, what excuss is there for a company owner to single out individual members other than to belittle them to reduce the impact of their comments, none in my opinion.

I've said before that I was on a number of forums, and where an owner makes replies to members posts, they are invariably courteous and without even a hint of sarcasm. Why should Andy's actions be tolerated, I guess some members have their reasons. However, based on posts and pm's I've received there are a number of members that don't like to see Andy makes these posts as it reflects poorly on him and his company. Yes, I admit that I can get over personal in my arguements, but then I'm just another member, not the owner of a company selling these products.

When did Andy recently make a personal attack on me? The latest was his sarcastic "Congratulations Ozdigger" thread and his "....backsides" thread. Wherein, amongst other statements, he suggested that I, together with other Australians were somehow stupid. Which is not only racist but entirely false considering Australia has one of the highest levels of education in the world, and well above the US for example. Consequently I felt obliged to reply to Andy in kind, but sad to say, it did get out of hand.

As for why I continue to comment on K & C etc despite that I said I collect 1/72 pieces. I have been collecting both 1/72, K & C figures and FOV vehicles in harmony for some time. However as a result of a combination of events I've recently decided to drop K & C entirely. Therefore my interest in K & C will certainly be diminished, but as I said I will continue to comment on the range where I consider appropriate. Afterall, there are a number of members that don't buy Honour Bound, but that doesn't seem to stop them commenting on that range.

In addition, I have received requests from a number of other members to continue my input on this forum, including K & C threads, because they appreciate my wide experience of collecting, military knowledge and my objectivity. With this extensive knowledge and objectivity I can still make rational comments on models that I no longer collect. However I will certainly be less personal from now on, and expect others to do the same.

 

[gk5717]

I personally enjoy Andys "snipes" at others. If they post their negative comments about Andy,s products, he has every right as a MEMBER of this board to post his.
As others have posted, don,t complain about a product that you have not even bought.
I have no problem with this board being somewhat of a King & Country fan club. Isn,t that why we all joined.
As for Andys participation on this board I think he is thick skinned enough not to take it so personal that he would just walk away, at least I hope not, as I truely enjoy his comments, good and bad.
Gary