Better Pictures for Internet Purchases (1 Viewer)

[Cyber Field Marshall]

I like many collectors are one of the unfortunates who does not have a bricks and mortar store to see releases first hand before making a purchase decision. As such I exclusively rely on pictures and therefore what I see greatly influences my purchasing decision. I’m sure many of you have bought an item that contained a surprise for you after the purchase because it looked different in person than its picture ( this can be a good or bad surprise). Perhaps the colouration was different, details surprised etc. With prices being what they are today I think it is more important than ever for collectors to make an informed choice.
Too many companies market their product with a simple “drawing” or poor pictures. I think K&C’s marketing pictures accurately portray their pieces in most cases but it could be better. What I’d like to see K&C and their dealers do more of are the “360” pictures. These can really highlight what the piece will look like and greatly helps us who are unable to see the pieces in person. Both the K&C and Treefrog websites have some pieces portrayed this way but I’d definitely like to see every release marketed that way. I think still pictures with multiple angles would also be helpful for all pieces.
I’ll share two specific examples with everyone. I like the USAAF line. AF016 Groundcrew on a Bicycle is an example of good marketing. The writing on the back of the guy’s jacket says “Yonkers Yankees” but I’d never know that if I didn’t have a 360 view. That made that piece unique and desirable for me. I’ll give an example of marketing that could be improved. I wasn’t going to buy AF017 Crew Chief with Clipboard from the photo however by chance from a diorama photo I saw this piece. The guy had an awesome aboriginal emblem on the back of his leather coat and then that piece’s detail made it a must buy. Hopefully from these two small example its clear what good presentation of pieces can make. Does anyone else have examples of how the real piece either disappointed or surprised to the upside because of marketing pictures. Thank you for your consideration. :smile2:

 

[mikemiller1955]

good point on the quality of the "stock photos"...

like you...I have no stores to visit...and buy with pictures to guide me...

K&C...as does JJD...uses a light colored backdrop to brighten the picture...I think this is a great idea...and wish all companies would use a light colored back drop for their stock photos...it really helps...

 

[jazzeum]

Don't have the piece but who the heck are the Yonkers Yankees. Yonkers is a suburb of New York and that's a team I never heard of. Can't imagine the Yankees would be thrilled by the use of their name. Mum's the word :wink2:

 

[4737 Carlin]

As a rule. when buying via the web without seeing the piece firsthand, the quality has usually surpassed my expectations - certainly with K&C and FL anyway. Obviously there's no substitute for seeing a piece in person before you buy if you can - but that's not always an option. The stock photos are pretty good but what I do find helpful is seeing the photos posted here on the forum by other members. I've made quite a few purchases influenced by what I've seen, and read about here. Keep posting those new-release photos treefroggers - they are a great resource for other collectors.

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

Don't have the piece but who the heck are the Yonkers Yankees. Yonkers is a suburb of New York and that's a team I never heard of. Can't imagine the Yankees would be thrilled by the use of their name. Mum's the word :wink2:

Upon closer inspection the back of his jacket actually says Yonkers and below it Yankee not Yankee's so I suppose he's just referring to being an American not necessarily and NY Yankee baseball fan (afterall who'd want to be one of those when you can cheer for the O's or Jays!!! :tongue: :tongue. I guess that simple consonant omission prevents a lawsuit. He is however wearing a NY Yankee baseball cap..........is the logo on it copyright???? AF017 is wearing a Red Sox hat........that was the original reason I was going to pass on it! {sm3}

 

[jazzeum]

Yes, the cap logo is has intellectual property protection. While looking for information yesterday about the Yonkers Yankees, I came across a lawsuit against the Yankees for trademark infringement relating to the NY on the cap.

 

[RPZ]

I have bought ALOT of things on ebay and other places online. Usually a disappointment has been due to me not looking close enough at the posted photos. But I would agree that a 360 would often help greatly. I think most sellers are doing their best considering the time factors; taking, editing and posting photos is very time consuming.

 

[wayne556517]

I had a PM today asking me if my AK109 had a headrest etc and i said yes but the stock photo it doesn't.
Nearly turned the buyer off a purchase so that pic isn't 100% he saw the headrest in one of my DIO pictures.

 

[thebritfarmer]

I also think part if the problem is that most photos are of pre-production items. So by the time we receive them there may have been little tweaks to the finished product. To retake the photos would just be another expense.

I do not have access to a store either and buy based on the photos and also the companies reputation. Can't say I have ever been disappointed.

 

[wayne556517]

I also think part if the problem is that most photos are of pre-production items. So by the time we receive them there may have been little tweaks to the finished product. To retake the photos would just be another expense.

I do not have access to a store either and buy based on the photos and also the companies reputation. Can't say I have ever been disappointed.

True mate ive had very little dissapointments and all my collection has been bought on-line, but i still reckon the stock photo should be of what your getting,especially now days with prices.
If they can put the price up at least have a photo of the finished item.