Announcements from empire military miniatures (1 Viewer)

[Empire MM]

Hi Everyone!

Here is a flyer for the Empire Open Day at Magpie on September 12th. Are you coming? Are you not coming?

Either way, to help us plan this event, and many others, we have created a VERY short survey with Survey Monkey. If you could (PLEASE) click the link below and take 2 minutes to answer the questions and give us some feedback I would be very grateful.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TLZDDBW

In other news..........
New sculpts continue to go through the process, a new range has been decided upon this week and also, a partnership that will see a very interesting development for Empire has started to take place. This will be announced, along with details of the new range very soon. Until then......patience will have to be a virtue
smile emoticon

Have a great weekend all and thank you for your continued support of Empire Military Miniatures.

Malcolm. :salute::

 

[Empire MM]

Hi Everyone!

Here is a flyer for the Empire Open Day at Magpie on September 12th. Are you coming? Are you not coming?

Either way, to help us plan this event, and many others, we have created a VERY short survey with Survey Monkey. If you could (PLEASE) click the link below and take 2 minutes to answer the questions and give us some feedback I would be very grateful.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TLZDDBW

In other news..........
New sculpts continue to go through the process, a new range has been decided upon this week and also, a partnership that will see a very interesting development for Empire has started to take place. This will be announced, along with details of the new range very soon. Until then......patience will have to be a virtue
smile emoticon

Have a great weekend all and thank you for your continued support of Empire Military Miniatures.

Malcolm. :salute::

View attachment 175722

Hi, We have had one survey reply saying the event is too far off the beaten track and asking why our figures are so expensive against say, Britain's. The respondent left no contact details and does not want any further contact?

I find this odd but, in the spirit of being a professional and fair business, I will answer the criticism / questions below AND make them open to ALL to see.

If you want to take part in a survey and make comments / ask questions, at least give a manufacturer the right and opportunity to reply please.

1. Magpie is my biggest retailer and has room for this event. They are also middle of the UK so, where else should we go? We attend ALL LTSS shows....

2. We are more expensive than say W Britain for a number of reasons, most I would have thought logical to work out.
a)We only produce 100 of each item. That alone has a MASSIVE impact on costs. (is 450 / 700 really a limited release?
b)It is my opinion that our quality is better than W Britain, the costs are what they are and the retail price has to reflect that to enable us to make a (sensible) profit.
c) We are cheaper than K&C and, due to a slightly lower quality being produced, cheaper than First Legion.
d) We sell on quality not price.
e) We employ one of the industry#s top sculptors, a master class painter and the best casting company around, these all have costs.

So, there it is. :salute::

 

[jazzeum]

Would love to attend but unless you're paying the air fare, I guess not!

Best of luck and hope it's a smashing success ^&cool

Brad

 

[Empire MM]

Would love to attend but unless you're paying the air fare, I guess not!

Best of luck and hope it's a smashing success ^&cool

Brad

Hi Brad,

Buy enough product and you never know....{sm4}

Thank you so much, will do all we can to make it fun and a success.

Are you going to the Chicago show? If so, we will meet there as I am in attendance, details to follow.....


Have a good one,

Malcolm.:salute::

 

[Gazza]

Hi, We have had one survey reply saying the event is too far off the beaten track and asking why our figures are so expensive against say, Britain's. The respondent left no contact details and does not want any further contact?

I find this odd but, in the spirit of being a professional and fair business, I will answer the criticism / questions below AND make them open to ALL to see.

If you want to take part in a survey and make comments / ask questions, at least give a manufacturer the right and opportunity to reply please.

1. Magpie is my biggest retailer and has room for this event. They are also middle of the UK so, where else should we go? We attend ALL LTSS shows....

2. We are more expensive than say W Britain for a number of reasons, most I would have thought logical to work out.
a)We only produce 100 of each item. That alone has a MASSIVE impact on costs. (is 450 / 700 really a limited release?
b)It is my opinion that our quality is better than W Britain, the costs are what they are and the retail price has to reflect that to enable us to make a (sensible) profit.
c) We are cheaper than K&C and, due to a slightly lower quality being produced, cheaper than First Legion.
d) We sell on quality not price.
e) We employ one of the industry#s top sculptors, a master class painter and the best casting company around, these all have costs.

So, there it is. :salute::

You have a survey and I chose to provide feedback and also chose NOT to put my contact details.

I was providing you with feedback – I thought that was the purpose??? :rolleyes2::rolleyes2: As only you see the results, not sure why you feel the need for a right to reply???

You have decided in the interests of ‘professionalism and fairness’ to focus on only one response???!!! That to me is odd. ^&confuse^&confuse

It hardly encourages others to respond….:rolleyes2:

Some might say your response is even ‘unprofessional and unfair’ :wink2::wink2:

As to your event:

Magpie is the main dealer I buy FL, TG and WB from. I have been to the store and met Darren and Neil – both great guys. I would thoroughly recommend Magpie to anyone.
For me, location and Magpie are two different points.

You can hold your event where ever you chose. Evesham though is not exactly the most accessible place is it – which was my point.

I think the question about price is valid. If you think it is logical as to why you are more expensive so be it. But T Gunn produces small volumes and is priced below yours. Kronprinz is equally another manufacturer to compare with. JJD might be another. You are cheaper than KC but your figures are a lot smaller than KC. As to comparing with FL, that is not logical.

The other questions in your survey relate to ‘the event’ – as I am not going it was not appropriate to answer them. Perhaps you should change the wording…

I liked the idea of the BEF, saw the sculpts in London but at that price point I chose to pass.

If you only wanted positive feedback then perhaps put that up front next time. If you want contact details to challenge any feedback you disagree with, put that up there as well. ^&grin^&grin

I hope the event is a success

Gazza

 

[Empire MM]

You have a survey and I chose to provide feedback and also chose NOT to put my contact details.

I was providing you with feedback – I thought that was the purpose??? :rolleyes2::rolleyes2: As only you see the results, not sure why you feel the need for a right to reply???

You have decided in the interests of ‘professionalism and fairness’ to focus on only one response???!!! That to me is odd. ^&confuse^&confuse

It hardly encourages others to respond….:rolleyes2:

Some might say your response is even ‘unprofessional and unfair’ :wink2::wink2:

As to your event:

Magpie is the main dealer I buy FL, TG and WB from. I have been to the store and met Darren and Neil – both great guys. I would thoroughly recommend Magpie to anyone.
For me, location and Magpie are two different points.

You can hold your event where ever you chose. Evesham though is not exactly the most accessible place is it – which was my point.

I think the question about price is valid. If you think it is logical as to why you are more expensive so be it. But T Gunn produces small volumes and is priced below yours. Kronprinz is equally another manufacturer to compare with. JJD might be another. You are cheaper than KC but your figures are a lot smaller than KC. As to comparing with FL, that is not logical.

The other questions in your survey relate to ‘the event’ – as I am not going it was not appropriate to answer them. Perhaps you should change the wording…

I liked the idea of the BEF, saw the sculpts in London but at that price point I chose to pass.

If you only wanted positive feedback then perhaps put that up front next time. If you want contact details to challenge any feedback you disagree with, put that up there as well. ^&grin^&grin

I hope the event is a success

Gazza

Hi Gazza,

Wow!

OK, to answer point by point.

One should always be given the right to reply in a democracy, plus, if that is one persons opinion it could be others so, in fairness I chose to post.

I fail to see why this would put others off to be honest?

Should I be acting unprofessionally and unfair I will wait to be told by a moderator.

Location and Magpie go hand in hand. They are my No1 retailer in the UK and the event is as much about them as it is the brand, if I am to be a responsible to my retailers, where else should I hold an event? What next, being in Chicago in support of Treefrog is not good enough for collectors in California?

Kronprinz sculpt in house and, in my own opinion are at a lower standard than Empire, just my opinion but they hit a price point.
Yes, scale is slightly smaller than K&C but paint and sculpt is, in my opinion, of equal quality and numbers produced significantly lower.
Comparison to FL was made as, should we choose to increase paint quality we could but we would be at FL price points.

The survey was aimed at people attending and, as the company owner and investor I see no reason to change the wording.

You chose to pass on our figures and that is fine, we all make our own decisions.

Regarding only positive feedback, please, had that been the case, would I have taken the time to open this up into the forum? I welcome all feedback, good, bad or indifferent. Ask anyone who engages with me.

Finally, I was not challenging the feedback but answering in what I felt to be an open, honest and fair manner.

Without wishing to be provocative, why did you answer? What did you wish to achieve?

You asked a question and I answered. I fail to see what I have done that is so bad.
I offer an opportunity for collectors to engage with a manufacturer, I create a brand to try and cover areas of history that people may want to collect, I invest THOUSANDS to create a business and try to be professional and courteous to the hobby and collectors and make the brand collectable by limiting the releases and providing what is, in my opinion, a good product at a fair price that should actually become an investment.

As I sit here now, on a Friday evening, a time for relaxation and enjoyment I genuinely ask myself why I bother.

 

[jazzeum]

Malcolm,

Go have a bubbly or two ^&grin

As was said to Jack Nicholson,

 

[Gazza]

Hi Gazza,

Wow!

OK, to answer point by point.

One should always be given the right to reply in a democracy, plus, if that is one persons opinion it could be others so, in fairness I chose to post.

I fail to see why this would put others off to be honest?

Should I be acting unprofessionally and unfair I will wait to be told by a moderator.

Location and Magpie go hand in hand. They are my No1 retailer in the UK and the event is as much about them as it is the brand, if I am to be a responsible to my retailers, where else should I hold an event? What next, being in Chicago in support of Treefrog is not good enough for collectors in California?

Kronprinz sculpt in house and, in my own opinion are at a lower standard than Empire, just my opinion but they hit a price point.
Yes, scale is slightly smaller than K&C but paint and sculpt is, in my opinion, of equal quality and numbers produced significantly lower.
Comparison to FL was made as, should we choose to increase paint quality we could but we would be at FL price points.

The survey was aimed at people attending and, as the company owner and investor I see no reason to change the wording.

You chose to pass on our figures and that is fine, we all make our own decisions.

Regarding only positive feedback, please, had that been the case, would I have taken the time to open this up into the forum? I welcome all feedback, good, bad or indifferent. Ask anyone who engages with me.

Finally, I was not challenging the feedback but answering in what I felt to be an open, honest and fair manner.

Without wishing to be provocative, why did you answer? What did you wish to achieve?

You asked a question and I answered. I fail to see what I have done that is so bad.
I offer an opportunity for collectors to engage with a manufacturer, I create a brand to try and cover areas of history that people may want to collect, I invest THOUSANDS to create a business and try to be professional and courteous to the hobby and collectors and make the brand collectable by limiting the releases and providing what is, in my opinion, a good product at a fair price that should actually become an investment.

As I sit here now, on a Friday evening, a time for relaxation and enjoyment I genuinely ask myself why I bother.

Sorry but you chose to publish one response to your survey, that was mine, so I have replied.

Why did you feel the need to do that? What were you hoping to achieve? By saying it was odd, they left no contact details?? I did not post it here for all to see - you chose to do that :wink2: :wink2:

Why did I answer? Simple you are a new company and 2 mins of my time to provide feedback that may be helpful. But I got that wrong – uh? {eek3}{eek3}

The intro said: Are you coming? Are you not coming? Either way, to help us plan this event, and many others, we have created a VERY short survey with Survey Monkey.

You have now changed it in your response to me by saying it is only applicable to those attending!!!

So I am not coming because of location. Simple. Magpie is great but the location is not as easy for me as B’ham and London shows that I attend.

The remainder questions refer to ‘this event’. I did not answer these questions because I was not attending ‘this event’. Maybe I took the question to literally.

Price is a question I would ask. All companies have the right to set their prices – as I do for mine.

I wonder about some toy manufacturers sometimes they seem quite a precious bunch :rolleyes2::rolleyes2:

Last post on this

Gazza

 

[Empire MM]

Malcolm,

Go have a bubbly or two ^&grin

As was said to Jack Nicholson,

How did you know? Seriously, been celebrating with our daughter and her boyfriend this evening and drinking bubbly!

 

[Empire MM]

Sorry but you chose to publish one response to your survey, that was mine, so I have replied.

Why did you feel the need to do that? What were you hoping to achieve? By saying it was odd, they left no contact details?? I did not post it here for all to see - you chose to do that :wink2: :wink2:

Why did I answer? Simple you are a new company and 2 mins of my time to provide feedback that may be helpful. But I got that wrong – uh? {eek3}{eek3}

The intro said: Are you coming? Are you not coming? Either way, to help us plan this event, and many others, we have created a VERY short survey with Survey Monkey.

You have now changed it in your response to me by saying it is only applicable to those attending!!!

So I am not coming because of location. Simple. Magpie is great but the location is not as easy for me as B’ham and London shows that I attend.

The remainder questions refer to ‘this event’. I did not answer these questions because I was not attending ‘this event’. Maybe I took the question to literally.

Price is a question I would ask. All companies have the right to set their prices – as I do for mine.

I wonder about some toy manufacturers sometimes they seem quite a precious bunch :rolleyes2::rolleyes2:

Last post on this

Gazza

Oh dear,

1. Yours was the first response so I responded how I felt accordingly to help answer your question and to aid others.
2. As you did not leave a method to reply to your question, I posted my answer on the forum to enable you to remain anonymous should you wish. I was being courteous and polite.
3. I guess you did get it wrong as the only feedback you gave me was a decline to go to the event telling me it was too far to travel and asking me why my figures are (in your opinion) expensive against Britain's?
4.The survey was aimed at people attending but it also gave people not attending an opportunity to tell me what they may like to see at other events.
5. I answered the question openly regarding prices and yes, you are right, each company sets it's prices according to their overheads, aspirations and business plan.
6. That is quite a sweeping and, unpleasant comment to make about the industry really. This manufacturer is far from precious, people will stand witness to that I assure you. Manufacturers, in model and hobby as well as the general toy market, do get a little cheesed off sometimes I guess when they feel they are doing their best for the industry and collectors but it isn't enough.

Also, I feel that his manufacturer is doing all he can to put something back into the market and to give something a little extra to the collectors. The Maxim at the last LTSS, The Harqubusier at the March show, a dealer day to support his retailer and customer base, attending the Chicago show, providing surveys, being open and encouraging contact with and from collectors, the list goes on.

Oh well, we cant please all the people all the time, as long as I please most of the people most of the time and answer my critics I am happy.


Criticism for criticisms sake is not helpful, nor is a war of words. What is helpful is providing an insight into what you, as a collector wants and expects from a manufacturer{sm2} really.

 

[Old Bill]

Blimey!

This thread seems to have veered a little (to say the least) off kilter from it's original purpose. I hope concerned parties don't mind me chipping in on the discussion.
I have not taken part in the survey - I was going to but have decided to post something here instead.

I shall be attending the Open Day, although Evesham is quite some distance from myself here in Essex. It is very worthwhile for me to make the trip for:

a: Having bought many pieces from Magpie (via ebay) and always received a fine service, I'd love to see inside the shop. (A very endangered/almost extinct species here in the UK)

b: I have also bought English Civil War and 1914 BEF pieces from Empire and would like the chance to see previews of forthcoming releases. So what with the Re-enactors etc.
it will be a good day out for me personally.

I collect mainly John Jenkins and King & Country both currently at the top of their game and have been for some time. Just my choice, I know there are lots of other fine
makers. I can see both sides of the on going discussion here on this thread to be honest. It's just a shame though isn't it - as James (JJD UK) said to me once about Toy Soldier collecting:
Well, it should be fun shouldn't it........

By the way, do I infer from a comment Gazza made that he has a Toy Soldier company? I would be interested to know which one.

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Gazza]

By the way, do I infer from a comment Gazza made that he has a Toy Soldier company? I would be interested to know which one.

Cheers,

Roy

Hi Roy

I run my own business and so set the prices for my business

It is NOT a toy soldier company or related in any way

I need others to make toy soldiers for me to buy ^&grin^&grin

Cheers

Gazza

 

[Old Bill]

Hi Roy

I run my own business and so set the prices for my business

It is NOT a toy soldier company or related in any way

I need others to make toy soldiers for me to buy ^&grin^&grin

Cheers

Gazza

Hi Gazza,

Much appreciate your reply - thanks for putting me straight!

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Charlie Brown]

I quite happily replied to the survey. Personally I don't feel it necessary to write to a Company because for some reason I don't wish to do trade with them. I simply vote with my wallet.

In the current climate I'm pleased to see the emergence of new manufacturers. Particularly UK based. Who operate in an open transparent manner. Extremely refreshing.

 

[NZGary]

Hmmm strange thread. Clearly Magpie's is a bit far for me to attend but if I was back living in Devon I might have gone for two reasons. As has already been stated toy soldier shops are as rare as hens teeth and I love visiting them - I shall be going to Peter Nathan's store in Sydney when I am there next month. Nothing like seeing potential purchases in the flesh rather than on a website.

Secondly to support EMM. A great company that (while I have not bought loads - 8 WW1 Belgian figures) have been brilliant to deal with. Malcolm communicates well and I would have loved to have met what seems to be a genuinely caring individual who has our hobby at heart.

Of course he has to make a living and his output, quality of figures and price will determine if he is successful or not. I personally haven't found the figures too pricey (although the weakening Kiwi dollar has an impact across the board in terms of importing figures). What I do like about EMM is the subject matter - but I am a junky for the more unusual so WW1 Belgians hit the mark. My personal view on quality is that EMM figures match up fairly well to most mid priced manufacturers - but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder so that's just my view. Lastly packaging is superior in my view with attractive boxes and the individually number certificates - nice. I hate the WB clamshell packs.

Service has been first rate - and that's particularly important living in NZ. The figures Malcolm sent around Christmas time last year took around 4 days to get to NZ.

So I say to Malcolm keep up the good work and for those new figures planned - count me in!

Gary

 

[Johnboy]

Blimey!

This thread seems to have veered a little (to say the least) off kilter from it's original purpose. I hope concerned parties don't mind me chipping in on the discussion.
I have not taken part in the survey - I was going to but have decided to post something here instead.

I shall be attending the Open Day, although Evesham is quite some distance from myself here in Essex. It is very worthwhile for me to make the trip for:

a: Having bought many pieces from Magpie (via ebay) and always received a fine service, I'd love to see inside the shop. (A very endangered/almost extinct species here in the UK)

b: I have also bought English Civil War and 1914 BEF pieces from Empire and would like the chance to see previews of forthcoming releases. So what with the Re-enactors etc.
it will be a good day out for me personally.

I collect mainly John Jenkins and King & Country both currently at the top of their game and have been for some time. Just my choice, I know there are lots of other fine
makers. I can see both sides of the on going discussion here on this thread to be honest. It's just a shame though isn't it - as James (JJD UK) said to me once about Toy Soldier collecting:
Well, it should be fun shouldn't it........

By the way, do I infer from a comment Gazza made that he has a Toy Soldier company? I would be interested to know which one.

Cheers,

Roy

Roy,
I was in Magpies 3 weeks ago (initially visiting relatives in Brum) We popped down to Evesham and had a wonderful visit to there. Neil Parker from Magpies, who knows his stuff re. toy soldiers couldn't have been more helpful. The shop has most of their figures out on display in large glass cases. They are a multi - shop and their jewellery dept. kept my wife amused while I talked soldiers with Neil.After some purchases ,Neil recommended a lovely pub for lunch. Evesham is a lovely little town and is worth a visit, as is Magpies - event's or not.
Cheer's,
Johnboy

 

[Old Bill]

Roy,
I was in Magpies 3 weeks ago (initially visiting relatives in Brum) We popped down to Evesham and had a wonderful visit to there. Neil Parker from Magpies, who knows his stuff re. toy soldiers couldn't have been more helpful. The shop has most of their figures out on display in large glass cases. They are a multi - shop and their jewellery dept. kept my wife amused while I talked soldiers with Neil.After some purchases ,Neil recommended a lovely pub for lunch. Evesham is a lovely little town and is worth a visit, as is Magpies - event's or not.
Cheer's,
Johnboy

Hi Johnboy,

Many thanks for the info it's good of you to take the time. Sounds like my visit will be very enjoyable! ( Actually, I have an uncle who lives in nearby Alcester but I have never visited Evesham.)
Although I have lived in Essex for most of my life, I am originally from the Midlands (and proud of it!) So - another good reason for me attending!
I don't know if you are thinking of making the trip but I would have to say having met Malcolm & Co at the London shows - you will get a warm welcome and good conversation - and his re-enactor friends (I would
think English Civil War and 1914 BEF for sure...? ) are very authentic.

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Johnboy]

Hi Johnboy,

Roy,
Hi and thanks for your reply. I won't be at this event due to a prior engagement. I live in Newcastle and it would mean a bit of a journey anyway, however I always try to make it while visiting my wife's relatives in Brum.
We ended up in a pub - I think it was the "Royal Oak" as recommended by Neil, it's only about 50 yards from the shop. Magpies also stock a selection of militaria. Don't forget to look upstairs where they have some odd's and end's of interest!
Hope you have a great time, I know you will enjoy your visit

cheer's,
Johnboy.