A Real Reality Check (1 Viewer)

[Thompyt]

Nooo. Not the most evil of all principles...PROFIT MAXIMIZATION. {sm3}

Of course, some will always be against anything or anyone that engages in Capitalism. Personally, I am pro-capitalism, pro-profits, pro-business, pro-entreprenuer, etc.

Economic theory deals with pricing strategy. Known as "price elasticity", it can be especially acute for discretionary products. Im sure K&C is FULLY aware of the principle.

For those who dont like when companies make profits and think buisness should be regulated to a certain level of profits/return on investment, or perhaps penalized when a "fair level" of profits is exceeded, places like Venezuela and Cuba may better suit your personal beliefs.

I understand price elasticity very well. I condone capitalism and profit maximization. If you wish to become communist, my best wishes, I myself will stay in the capitolstic USA. The point is people balk at percieved overpricing. The publics view provides a large impact on sales. No sales is loss of profit. Loss of profit eats operating costs. Profit margine dissapears.

 

[gk5717]

I think something should be said of the fact that when this board started, are just a few years back, most of us could afford this hobby, getting pretty much of everything we wanted.
But now we no longer can buy everything we want due to the price increases, thus we loose interest. Don,t know about others, but that is what,s happening to me.
Gary

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I particularly think that your post and the seeming rational behind it to be rather strange. Its basically a copy of the start your own company up if you dont like it or don't buy if you don't like.
Your flag waving insults IMO and doesn't see the reality you seem to be informing us of. Its not that anyone is really saying its not a nice aircraft its based on the fact that its not that much difference in size to the P47 or 262 and the cost has risen greatly. Its about a growing number of collectors who have cash but, are being forced out of the hobby and, possibly their choosen manufacturer.

Now we are constantly told that this is a small hobby and a niche market well, if thats the case then its a great idea to price those with cash completely out of it or, to tell them to buy someone else's products.

Your real reality check totally ignores the many collectors who want this but cannot afford it and smacks of I can afford tough if you cannot
Mitch

Mitch, I think more like placing "faith" in the company rather than start your own company would be more accurate . For as long as they have been around they deserve that much. No flags or bantering needed at all.
I think I have said enough here on this subject. Time to get back to enjoyment of the hobby and let others reflect if they so choose. Long live the King !!!!

 

[Mitch]

there you go again my friend waving the flag for no reason when that was not what was said in my post. The point was not about K&C but more your tone which twice now I have tried to explain.
Mitch

Mitch, I think more like placing "faith" in the company rather than start your own company would be more accurate . For as long as they have been around they deserve that much. No flags or bantering needed at all.

 

[Rutledge]

I am not threatening anyone. I simply can no longer spend the kind of money that WW2 matte figures and vehicles from KC now command, and I find that unfortunate and sad. No threat, just fact. -- Al

Such comments come across as as kind of threatening.

IMO, there is no need to post negative comments. If I dont like, or decide not to buy something, I dont tell the company. I just dont do it. That ACTION speaks louder than any words ever could.

For instance, I just bought a new car. After shopping several, I bought one. There was no need for me to go back and berate the dealers I didnt buy from for having what I CONSIDERED a less attractive product. I figure they are smart enough to know the score.

 

[Mitch]

Rob...

The debate may go round and round but, more and more people are becoming frustrated and concerned at the costs each month and, that is very important to them and, to the hobby

As for the specific details of the aircraft that was very much said when it was sneek peeked last month and, for the vast majority of people posting the price has seemingly far outweighed the details

Rutledge...

This is exactly the place to post such concerns whether they are seen as threatening manufacturers or not as this is about all things toy soldiers and, cost is one of the most important points.
Mitch

I think this debate has the potential to go round and round and round. It does come down in the end to a) can the collector afford it and b) is he willing to pay it. If I may venture its the same in many areas of life, Cars, Holidays, restaurants etc. Won't it always be the way, some can and will, some can't and won't. I also think that while the focus has been full on the price ,few have stood up and said what a superb looking release this is. The paint scheme, finish, armoury all look first class to me. It is a lot of money no doubt, but it sure is going to look good in a display scene in my office:smile2:^&cool

Rob

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I think something should be said of the fact that when this board started, are just a few years back, most of us could afford this hobby, getting pretty much of everything we wanted.
But now we no longer can buy everything we want due to the price increases, thus we loose interest. Don,t know about others, but that is what,s happening to me.
Gary

I have lost some interest because I can buy much less than before. But gain renewed interest by focusing on a smaller number of pieces I really like. It becomes more of an interesting collection than just an agglomeration of toy soldiers. I certainly don't plan to quit collecting.

Terry

 

[Rob]

Such comments come across as as kind of threatening.

IMO, there is no need to post negative comments. If I dont like, or decide not to buy something, I dont tell the company. I just dont do it. That ACTION speaks louder than any words ever could.

For instance, I just bought a new car. After shopping several, I bought one. There was no need for me to go back and berate the dealers I didnt buy from for having what I CONSIDERED a less attractive product. I figure they are smart enough to know the score.

This is what I was kind of hinting at in a previous post. It happens all the time, I loathe Peanut butter and wouldn't buy it unless it was the last food product on earth, but I don't ring up Mr Peanut Butter man and say ' Your product stinks I'm not buying it and time will tell if your company can last so yaa boo':tongue: . As Mr Rutledge just said, I don't buy the bloody horrible stuff and buy Chocolate spread instead:wink2:

Rob

 

[ecuriel]

To Produce or Not to Produce. That is question. I believe that K&C makes a difficult decision in producing their products. When they calculate all that is involved in bringing a product to market, I am sure that they consider the backlash of having to charge a higher price. What sould they do? If they cannot produce it at a number that they cannot keep their margins - do not produce or produce the product that makes economic sense for them. I for one, am glad that they produce.

As far as affording the hobby, I believe having to make choices is good. If we could afford everthing we wanted, we would not appreciate it nearly as much.

 

[Rob]

To Produce or Not to Produce. That is question. I believe that K&C makes a difficult decision in producing their products. When they calculate all that is involved in bringing a product to market, I am sure that they consider the backlash of having to charge a higher price. What sould they do? If they cannot produce it at a number that they cannot keep their margins - do not produce or produce the product that makes economic sense for them. I for one, am glad that they produce.

As far as affording the hobby, I believe having to make choices is good. If we could afford everthing we wanted, we would not appreciate it nearly as much.

Good point. Someone said the other day that if you won the lottery and went out and purchased every item you've wanted , it would spoil the actual enjoyment of collecting as the challenge would be gone. Also, for those who don't get the Typhoon they will most probably get something else that a lot of others may not have. Almost no one has every item thats released, its all about choice.

Rob

 

[lancer]

Such comments come across as as kind of threatening.

IMO, there is no need to post negative comments. If I dont like, or decide not to buy something, I dont tell the company. I just dont do it. That ACTION speaks louder than any words ever could.

For instance, I just bought a new car. After shopping several, I bought one. There was no need for me to go back and berate the dealers I didnt buy from for having what I CONSIDERED a less attractive product. I figure they are smart enough to know the score.

I don't see how voicing a "complaint" is in any way threatening. Feedback of a one-sided nature is pretty useless to all concerned. I agree that actions are much more important than words. I have bought and enjoyed KC products for about 13 years and the lament was I can no longer afford them. How is that any kind of threat? KC will surely not miss the money or lose sleep over it. Simply my sadness at having to stop buying the product. -- Al

 

[Rutledge]

This is what I was kind of hinting at in a previous post. It happens all the time, I loathe Peanut butter and wouldn't buy it unless it was the last food product on earth, but I don't ring up Mr Peanut Butter man and say ' Your product stinks I'm not buying it and time will tell if your company can last so yaa boo':tongue: . As Mr Rutledge just said, I don't buy the bloody horrible stuff and buy Chocolate spread instead:wink2:

Rob

A great example because I LOVE Peanut Butter! Couldnt disagree more with you on PB vs Chocolate spread, but guess what: Your call, your right and your freedom to buy, and not buy, whatever you want!

PS: You really are missing out...:tongue::wink2:

 

[Rob]

I don't see how voicing a "complaint" is in any way threatening. Feedback of a one-sided nature is pretty useless to all concerned. I agree that actions are much more important than words. I have bought and enjoyed KC products for about 13 years and the lament was I can no longer afford them. How is that any kind of threat? KC will surely not miss the money or lose sleep over it. Simply my sadness at having to stop buying the product. -- Al

Al, will you have to stop altogether or could you collect less and be more choosy?. Would be a great shame for you to have to stop altogether.

Rob

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Good point. Someone said the other day that if you won the lottery and went out and purchased every item you've wanted , it would spoil the actual enjoyment of collecting as the challenge would be gone. Also, for those who don't get the Typhoon they will most probably get something else that a lot of others may not have. Almost no one has every item thats released, its all about choice.

Rob

So right you are !!! Part of the "FUN" of collecting is the slow acquisition process !

 

[Rob]

A great example because I LOVE Peanut Butter! Couldnt disagree more with you on PB vs Chocolate spread, but guess what: Your call, your right and your freedom to buy, and not buy, whatever you want!

PS: You really are missing out...:tongue::wink2:

^&grin

Peanut butter is doomed, everyone is moving to the Chocolate way of thinking , soon the cocoa bean will rule the world!^&grin:wink2:

Rob

 

[Rutledge]

I don't see how voicing a "complaint" is in any way threatening. Feedback of a one-sided nature is pretty useless to all concerned. I agree that actions are much more important than words. I have bought and enjoyed KC products for about 13 years and the lament was I can no longer afford them. How is that any kind of threat? KC will surely not miss the money or lose sleep over it. Simply my sadness at having to stop buying the product. -- Al

As with many things, its not what you say, its what you dont say. What you imply by your language, as it were. Your message is to K&C is essentially: "I am taking away my (considerable?) business unless you lower your prices, so you best pay heed."

Ever bought a home? You can threaten a seller all day long about what you will or wont pay. At the end of the day the only way to get their attention is to make a specific bid - or not. Everything else is just noise.

 

[lancer]

Al, will you have to stop altogether or could you collect less and be more choosy?. Would be a great shame for you to have to stop altogether.

Rob

Hi Rob. No, I don't plan on quitting the hobby. I am just halting matte WW2 because the vehicle and plane prices have moved beyond what I can spend. I intend to stay with gloss and intend to keep SOE on the list. And I won't rule out a Tiger tank here and there, in special cases.:wink2: -- Al

 

[Rob]

Hi Rob. No, I don't plan on quitting the hobby. I am just halting matte WW2 because the vehicle and plane prices have moved beyond what I can spend. I intend to stay with gloss and intend to keep SOE on the list. And I won't rule out a Tiger tank here and there, in special cases.:wink2: -- Al

Excellent news Al. I myself am thinking a lot more about every purchase now as opposed to the old days where if I wanted it I pretty much just hit the button, funnily enough its made me appreciate every single purchase I make even more.

Rob

 

[lancer]

As with many things, its not what you say, its what you dont say. What you imply by your language, as it were. Your message is to K&C is essentially: "I am taking away my (considerable?) business unless you lower your prices, so you best pay heed."

Ever bought a home? You can threaten a seller all day long about what you will or wont pay. At the end of the day the only way to get their attention is to make a specific bid - or not. Everything else is just noise.

Interpret what I write however you please, add or subtract. I am NOT threatening, just lamenting that I can no longer afford the product. How does one misinterpret that? -- Al

 

[HAWKEYE]

i like to think that everything i've asked k&c to make i have purchased when they did (d day brits,arnhem,spitfires etc). I have asked for the typhoon and now i'm going to buy it, yes its a lot of money and i will have to delay other purchases, but i'm sure i will be more than pleased with the aircraft and i most probably will never need to buy another typhoon again. I'm not rich by a long way and £300 is a great deal, but its what i want in my collection and i'm happy to pull the trigger on this, some agree with me and some will not, but thats what its all about, freedom of choice. I appreciate the views of those who don't want to spend that much and those who do, its what helps make this hobby very enjoyable.

Rob

rob, i have a problem, the b-17 aluminium overcast is coming to davenport iowa this weekend and they are offering rides. My question is do i buy the typhoon or go for a $439 ride on my favorite plain the b-17 ? What a dilemma