Conte Figures on the market (5 Viewers)

[Louis A. Cortez]

IS it just me, or are the Conte figures seemed to be over produced. Or perhaps, the metal figures are not in high demand. What I mean is that I usually can find Conte figures on Ebay and other sites for well below MSRP. I am not complaining because I like their figures and have a large collection. But I wonder why and how they can be discounted when other manufactures do not get that low below MSRP. Are they overproduced where dealers and collectors dump their overstocks? Or are they just not selling as well and the dealers want to make some money before the figures bottom out. Or am I entirely wrong?

 

[binder001]

I don't know if it's the production numbers or if they just don't have the "cachet" of K&C, or becuase RC doesn't have the strict pricing policy of another line. This DOES work for the collector and especially for the converter. I'm always reluctant to change anything on a K&C figure for fear of ruining its resale value, whereas on a Conte I can change whatever I want and not feel like I've drawn a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

I've seen some Britains items have a fair amount of price fluctuations also.

Gary

 

[kilted vampire]

I don't know if it's the production numbers or if they just don't have the "cachet" of K&C, or becuase RC doesn't have the strict pricing policy of another line. This DOES work for the collector and especially for the converter. I'm always reluctant to change anything on a K&C figure for fear of ruining its resale value, whereas on a Conte I can change whatever I want and not feel like I've drawn a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

I've seen some Britains items have a fair amount of price fluctuations also.

Gary

If Conte had made Napoleonics I would have painted them over. But their resale value is not so hot! Buy them because you like them.

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

I do like them and I do buy them. I was just wondering why the prices vary on COnte figures. I thought it would be an interesting discussion topic.

 

[kilted vampire]

Popularity? Conte seems to be pretty good on jumping on movie themes. The prices probably vary on the rise and fall of interest.

 

[damian]

I also like Conte. I did not really like the SOS for some reason but Lee Indomitable and Erin Ga Brag are really good. I too do not know why they have poor resale value. Maybe it is because he doesn't retire things
Regards
Damian

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

Does'nt retire figures. Hmmmmm, I never thought of that. Good point. Perhaps if he retired some of his figures, the resale would go up. What other opinions are there?

 

[Gideon]

I find it interesting that when I sell mixed unboxed lots on eBay they tend to sell higher than mint in box sets with same quantities of figures.

Conte is really a strange collectible market to say the least.

With Britains, for many years now once a set is released that set is available right away for 40% less than MSRP. That makes it tough for retailers and there really isn't anything Britains can do to curb that.

 

[UKReb]

Interesting thread guys I had no idea that Conte sell well below price on resale. However, this is not the case here in the UK, rarely if ever do Conte metal figures get listed on eBay but if they do they are listed not far off MSRP and the bids then just get silly due no doubt to the rarity of items over here. Plus I could count the number of UK dealers on one hand who stock any Conte products so they really are as rare as hen's teeth and the prices reflect this. It appears to be worse in France I happened on a shop in Paris and picked up a set of "Confederate Dead" but fortunately did the maths conversion from euros to sterling and quickly put them back on the shelf as they worked out at $150 US that's nearly twice the list price. Realise of course that shipping and customs come into play but hell! that was too much for me.

Consequently, I always use US dealers selling Conte new sets but in most cases I am paying top dollar when shipping costs are added on. I have never seen any Conte figures on eBay or anywhere else at prices you appear to refer to in future I need to do more than scan US eBay.

Agree with the Britain's comments I won't pay the price UK dealers are asking for new sets as I can get them US with up to 30-40% off what I would pay here.

Having said all that I have just returned from a vacation in California and paid just $32 in Maceys San Francisco for a pair of Levi 501's. Price in London for the same pair of jeans- 150 bucks. Proving beyond all doubt that us Brits are definitely ripped off in our own country.

 

[jazzeum]

One thing about K & C current items is that dealers are not allowed by K & C to discount. There may be a couple who do it on ebay occasionally but they have probably felt the wrath of Andy's hand. That being the case, and since collectors have to purchase an item at the retail price, there is not much profit in selling it below retail because you will not make any money as a buyer can get it from other dealers. That is why you don't see a lot of action on current items. Retired items is a whole different ballgame.

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

UKReb,
Fill us in on your trip to California! Where did you go and which places did you visit?
Lou

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

Brad,
Do you know what Conte tells his retailers? I'm just wondering.

 

[damian]

He proably says that it is a free market out there.
Regards
Damian

 

[civwar1]

Does'nt retire figures. Hmmmmm, I never thought of that. Good point. Perhaps if he retired some of his figures, the resale would go up. What other opinions are there?

Thats not true. Conte has retired several of his sets recently. I found a company on ebay that is selling several of Contes sets that are retired. I actually ordered several of them earlier today.

 

[kilted vampire]

Thats not true. Conte has retired several of his sets recently. I found a company on ebay that is selling several of Contes sets that are retired. I actually ordered several of them earlier today.

Hi CW1, Welcome to Treefrog What sets did you get? And, what company was it?

 

[civwar1]

Hi CW1, Welcome to Treefrog What sets did you get? And, what company was it?

Thanks for the welcome. I bought a couple of the World War 2 sets. A Touch of Laryngitis, Moment of Truth, and Rescue Under Fire. I also got the Lions of The Round Top and the Lions Add on set. The company was BTSoldiers. I believe they are located in PA.

 

[kilted vampire]

Thanks for the welcome. I bought a couple of the World War 2 sets. A Touch of Laryngitis, Moment of Truth, and Rescue Under Fire. I also got the Lions of The Round Top and the Lions Add on set. The company was BTSoldiers. I believe they are located in PA.

The "Lions" are a great set. What eras do you collect.

 

[Louis A. Cortez]

Civwar1,
Thanks for your input. I was wondering why Conte's set prices flucuate so much while other company's do not. And welcome to the forum.
Lou

 

[civwar1]

The "Lions" are a great set. What eras do you collect.

I like primarily the civil war sets. My son likes the world war II sets. I like the Vikings also but haven't really got into it to much.

 

[civwar1]

Civwar1,
Thanks for your input. I was wondering why Conte's set prices flucuate so much while other company's do not. And welcome to the forum.
Lou

Thank You. Not sure why his prices fluctuate so much. The retired sets I got from ebay seemed to be a really good price. As long as I can continue to find good deals like I found on his retired sets Its good for me as a collector. Especially now that my son has become interested.