Should Figarti Increase Their Production Numbers (1 Viewer)

[PanzerAce1944]

A lot of collectors have been dissapointed lately by missing out on some of the recent offerings by Figarti, due in part to very low production numbers and fast
pre-order sales. To me it just makes sense to have 200 or more made, maybe 300 of each offering.To me this would accomodate current demand and prevent the
price gauging on E-Bay when new items are released. With a miniscule 99 made of this or that, even dealers sometimes have to decide which customers get the new
releases and who gets put off to the wayside. To me....increasing the numbers will solve a lot of current problems, to include having replacements to deal with
damaged or broken product sent to the collector.

 

[Warrior]

The mold will only hold together for a certain number of units before it goes south and you no longer can get a decent product out of it.

IE, they can only produce a certain amount, 100 of each.

 

[Jack]

When a maker says 99 units, does that literally mean 99? Is a maker bound by that claim? I know that there have been many discussions about a rather elastic understanding of scale across the various makers, but would it be a major loss of credibility if it was discovered that 99 was really 150? If you stick to 99 minus a few for the archives, minus a few more for the major collectors known to the manufacturer, minus one for the secretary's uncle etc, it might well mean that 99 is actually 80.

 

[jazzeum]

As George said, because if the way Figarti makes tanks, they are only capable of making around 100 of a given tank before the mold gives out. More than that is not possible.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

As George said, because if the way Figarti makes tanks, they are only capable of making around 100 of a given tank before the mold gives out. More than that is not possible.

How about 2 molds done per tank, or are the molds too expensive for that to happen ^&confuse

 

[villagehorse]

My understanding moulds are for some reason very expensive to make so producers would be reluctant to make many, as is would cut into their profits. For me knowing some producers like TG have limited numbers means preordering and holding off other new releases that are more numerous. Puts the pressure on, but it's sort of adds to the excitement of collecting with a time frame driven aspect. Nice to have a limited piece occasionally as it becomes a bit more special knowing you are one of the few that own the piece in the entire world. One hundred does sound low though and would be easier on the collectors if this was lifted or a second run done if the item proved popular. Cheers, Robin.

 

[Mitch]

I really don't think Figarti need to address release size. Its simply the way that certain collectors hord these items. I know collectors who bought more than five each!!! That is not a collector liking an item like say I do the Tunisian Tiger and buy multiples for my own collection to repaint in various styles thats just to up the price and make a killing.

Figarti have long set their stall out on what they see as viable in terms of mold usage and what they think they are happy with selling to the collector world. Its easy for us to say well, they could easily sell another X but, we don't know. they could make another 50 and they could not sell. The 100 range fits their operation and, IMO folks its rather sad to blame the issues on Figarti as some are doing or, making out that its a shame for collectors who miss out. I agree with that part but, then, some should not buy multiples with only one intention whilst charading under some other illusion. George you mentioned in the other thread the numbers don't add up PM me and I will tell you and show you where the stuka's are going

Sadly, it will always be the case where limited numbers mean abuses will happen and, sadly again, at the end of the day its the decent collectors who would like this item for their collection who loose out.

For me, the question of capacity increase is mute its how and who they are sold to that is the problem
Mitch

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I really don't think Figarti need to address release size. Its simply the way that certain collectors hord these items. I know collectors who bought more than five each!!! That is not a collector liking an item like say I do the Tunisian Tiger and buy multiples for my own collection to repaint in various styles thats just to up the price and make a killing.

Figarti have long set their stall out on what they see as viable in terms of mold usage and what they think they are happy with selling to the collector world. Its easy for us to say well, they could easily sell another X but, we don't know. they could make another 50 and they could not sell. The 100 range fits their operation and, IMO folks its rather sad to blame the issues on Figarti as some are doing or, making out that its a shame for collectors who miss out. I agree with that part but, then, some should not buy multiples with only one intention whilst charading under some other illusion. George you mentioned in the other thread the numbers don't add up PM me and I will tell you and show you where the stuka's are going

Sadly, it will always be the case where limited numbers mean abuses will happen and, sadly again, at the end of the day its the decent collectors who would like this item for their collection who loose out.

For me, the question of capacity increase is mute its how and who they are sold to that is the problem
Mitch

Yes, You are spot on Mate ! Good Post !!! You are right about everything !!!

 

[wayne556517]

No......:smile2:

 

[Rob]

No......:smile2:

I think Figarti should make Wayne minister of armaments, there would be Tigers for all!{bravo}}

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Another thread receiving the "be all know it all" comments. So now if the other forum members would like to comment, feel free to do so.
Your opinion "does" matter

 

[Mitch]

Wayne in charge of a TS company. Would be some interesting releases for sure!!
Mitch

I think Figarti should make Wayne minister of armaments, there would be Tigers for all!{bravo}}

 

[6th Wisconsin]

I kind of like the current number because the quality and low numbers give my Figarti items a special place in my collection. Unfortunately it does lead to the issues with people buying for resale at huge prices, but I think Figarti's business model sets it apart.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Another thread receiving the "be all know it all" comments. So now if the other forum members would like to comment, feel free to do so.
Your opinion "does" matter

Wayne,
Since you started the thread and asked for opinion I hope you will not mind a response.

I agree with Mitch. It has long been known that Figarti only do 100 of an item due to mould issues.

I think the issue of speculators activity has played a part in the Stuka and probably other items. A look at Ebay now reveals one for sale by a USA seller who has previously sold 6 Stukas at a nice profit. That means that seller has got at least 7 Stukas we know of and probably 8 if keeping one for himself. I note on the Figarti main web page there are 11 dealers in USA listed so that Ebay seller could have got one from multiple dealers without the other dealers knowing. I am assuming he got so many because he was quick to pre order. This speculators activity is very obvious and I am sure many on this forum know who he is. I know.

Whilst I am a dealer I am not a Figarti dealer. However as a dealer I am not a fan of speculators. Basically if one buyer gets 8 and sells 7 it means there are 7 collectors who can not get it at retail and have to pay a premium.

It is an interesting dilemma for the USA dealers who may or may not be aware they are selling to such an obvious speculator.

Since I am in Australia it does not affect me but those are just my thoughts.

Regards
Brett









.

 

[Vezzolf]

YES....Absolutely......Figarti needs to increase production numbers to 200 especially on much wanted items like Tigers and Stukas.....Why they don't do it remains a mystery^&confuse....especially for products that would sell out within a year for sure (but I guess that's not fast enough)......Figarti would increase sales, PROFITS and keep the speculators out....I have "always" spoke out against speculators on e-bay who crawl out of the woodwork when a Tiger or Stuka is released or some other hot selling item.....Also unfortunately some TS companies and some dealers thrive on "creating panic buying" by employing "Strictly Limited" and "Retired" labels to various products..... It is possible to have a master mold and a working mold....So please don't keep telling us it can't be done.

 

[buffalohibernia]

YES....Absolutely......Figarti needs to increase production numbers to 200 especially on much wanted items like Tigers and Stukas.....Why they don't do it remains a mystery^&confuse....especially for products that would sell out within a year for sure (but I guess that's not fast enough)......Figarti would increase sales, PROFITS and keep the speculators out....I have "always" spoke out against speculators on e-bay who crawl out of the woodwork when a Tiger or Stuka is released or some other hot selling item.....Also unfortunately some TS companies and some dealers thrive on "creating panic buying" by employing "Strictly Limited" and "Retired" labels to various products..... It is possible to have a master mold and a working mold....So please don't keep telling us it can't be done.

For us guys who have a limited budget and have to plan when to buy an item, the idea of strictly limited is not so good. In most cases though, it works out with the numbers produced by manufactures and one is then able to purchase in a reasonable time frame what needs to be added to one's collection. The problem is created when the magic number of 100 is reduced drasticly creating this panic buying by speculators.

I only speak for myself in that I just want a fair shot at adding items to my collection.

Fran

 

[theBaron]

On a question of how many units to produce, they can produce as many or as few as they like. I may not like it, but a merchant must be able to make those decisions for himself. As a consumer, I can choose to buy or not.

Who knows? Figarti is based in the PRC. Maybe the Party tells them how many units to produce.

Prost!
Brad

 

[sammy719]

For us guys who have a limited budget and have to plan when to buy an item, the idea of strictly limited is not so good. In most cases though, it works out with the numbers produced by manufactures and one is then able to purchase in a reasonable time frame what needs to be added to one's collection. The problem is created when the magic number of 100 is reduced drasticly creating this panic buying by speculators.

I only speak for myself in that I just want a fair shot at adding items to my collection.

Fran

Agree with Fran, I have always loved the style/design of Figarti Tanks/trucks/vehicles in general (not much on the figures though) and would love to have some of the vehicles for a collection but as my toy soldier budget is just that..a budget, I can't just pre-order any time I feel like it so when Figarti new items come out they are swooped up in days I have no chance to pick that item up unless it's a ebay over price payoff or if I am lucky a collector here may sell me one as I got the winter 88/ primemover a few years ago, so again I would love to collect Figarti and contacted them about this very issue, they were strait forward and told me the policy would not change at that moment and it was a nice email but that's Figartis call, maybe one day they will increase the numbers but I'm not betting on it, so I guess that leaves more money for First Legion for me...Sammy

 

[tdubel]

Hey guys, here PA is a "know it all" comment b/c in this case I do and so does any member of the forum for the last 5 years as Rick and Peter have both come on and said this many times. George and Brad reiterated it here. THey make anywhere from 92 to 120 of each model, that is about the max their proprietary mould process will accomodate and it is also from what Rick has said is a magic business number, in other words the number that makes them money. 100 is the key. Could they choose to redo a popular model, yes, but they have always chosen to do it in a variant, color, etc. Its their choice and while disappointing on some models, it is a live with it scenario.

As for ebay speculators, it is a free market, hard to begrudge someone making money in this world. Now, should a dealer reserve the right to sell 1 to each customer, sure, that is the dealer's perogative.

IMO

TD

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Hey guys, here PA is a "know it all" comment b/c in this case I do and so does any member of the forum for the last 5 years as Rick and Peter have both come on and said this many times. George and Brad reiterated it here. THey make anywhere from 92 to 120 of each model, that is about the max their proprietary mould process will accomodate and it is also from what Rick has said is a magic business number, in other words the number that makes them money. 100 is the key. Could they choose to redo a popular model, yes, but they have always chosen to do it in a variant, color, etc. Its their choice and while disappointing on some models, it is a live with it scenario.

As for ebay speculators, it is a free market, hard to begrudge someone making money in this world. Now, should a dealer reserve the right to sell 1 to each customer, sure, that is the dealer's perogative.

IMO

TD

Very well said,I guess there is no getting away from the magic number of 100. Just a point of discussion ! Thanks TD !!!