Holding King And Country With Dealers (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

I'd have to agree. Without trying to jump on The Man, I thought we'd have a breather until March but the new King Tiger and Char made that difficult. I pity the people who collect various ranges, not just WW 2 or Napoleonics but perhaps those two, plus Streets of Hong Kong. It gets awfully expensive. I think Andy would say that he doesn't expect you to buy everything at once and that his goal is to give you the widest possible choices. Not all of us have that great degree of self control however (present company included).

 

[wellington]

Various ranges.... I can't even keep up with Napoleonics K&C ALONE. Andys book is already out dated the second it was thought of!!!

WELLINGTON

 

[CannonFodder1971]

I can remember on a previous thread that there were a few collectors hoping that more sets would be retired, to shore up the value of their existing collections and as a reassurance that they hadn't been dragged in to some sort of gigantic pyramid scheme! Well I suppose one persons' idea of overproduction is someone else's shortage nightmare.

I'm glad that so many new innovative sets are coming onstream, and I'm happy too that there haven't been huge amounts of sets retired. I think the steady stream of new sets keeps everyone gasping with appreciation even if they'll never own them all, and I think the extension from the usually-expected retirement dates for some of the DD and WS sets provides an excellent opportunity for those who've just arrived at the K&C platform to get on board without an extortionate charge being levied.

It's a delicate balance for Andy to tread between maintaining the prestige and collectability via regular retirements whilst still producing enough of each set to ensure realistically-attainable goals for collectors, not to mention the constant production of new and diverse sets on such a regular basis to maintain customer interest.

 

[Shannon Reuss]

If you recall, the new LAH sets were originally scheduled to come out in December but Andy chose to push back the release date to January out of concern that people might need more time between releases. I realize not everyone collects LAH (Louis, I'm not trying to get you started ) but still this was a move to follow customers' (and perhaps some dealers') request to slow down with releases. And if you'll notice what is coming out next are two repaints of recent items, not 10 new items in several lines, so maybe you are actually getting what you asked for. I believe there is only one major release planned for each month with a stray vehicle being released here and there. I agree with Njja--collect what catches your eye, not necessarily everything that comes down the pike. If you decide you want to pick up something after it is no longer readily available consider swapping sets with other collectors to keep the cost down. You love toy soldiers. Keep it fun.

 

[vandilay]

I also dont have a problem with lots of new releases ,as it gives you a good range to choose from [i dont have the desire or space to own everything].
so i quite like the fact their is a good supply of new stuff, I,m just waiting for the new Ak and eigth army stuff to appear.

 

[wellington]

OK Peter here is the problem...they all catch my eye....

WELLINGTON

 

[Louis Badolato]

I can't even imagine the hock I would be in if I collected LAH, Napoleonics or American War of Independence Figures (the only three K&C ranges I don't collect). I certainly understand that most collectors haven't gone as completely insane as I have, so maybe having this level of selection is great for most collectors. But for hardcore nutcases like me, who want it all, this gets hard on the wallet.

 

[wellington]

I only collect Napoleonics and for that reason I would like to collect all of this series.

Wellington

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,



There’s been a lot of interesting talk on the Forum about various aspects of the above…

If I could thank Cannon Fodder, Shannon and Vandilay for their most recent ‘posts’ on the subject – they most accurately reflect what myself and K&C are trying to do.

Whilst I also very much appreciate all the views expressed on these particular subjects I think its worth remembering that most of the “posters” on this K&C part of the Forum are pretty “hard core”. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of K&C collectors around the world collect relatively modestly – a set here… a set there… perhaps only one particular range say WW2 or American Rev.

For those good people there may be only 3, 4 or 5 release points in an entire year.

What we try to do is bring out regular release new items every single month that will appeal to the broad collecting instincts of the widest possible range and tastes of K&C’s collector base.

Of course if you’re fortunate enough (or unlucky enough) to be enamoured by two or more of K&C’s different series then there could be a problem for your bank balance.

Believe me I’m not trying to bankrupt you I’m only trying to satisfy the largest possible number of K&C collectors while at the same time attempting to protect the value of your collections both in the short and long-term.

I think the suggestion to swap or sell off some earlier K&C product for the newest and latest is a fantastic way to both keep your collection current… your bank balance healthy… and, most importantly, your collecting appetite satisfied!

Best wishes to one and all and…happy collecting!



Andy C.

 

[wellington]

Thanks Andy, I really don't think this is a direct complaint about K&C because you know as do we that we love K&C because of the variety. I think this is just talk between collectors. My original post wasn't directed at K&C it was just an attempt to get a conversation going about trying to have sets held by their perspective dealers and trying to obtain the sets they want and as you put it keep a healthy bank balance. Most of us realize that you can't have everything. Don't take offence to it its just talk, if it got out of hand I'll take the blame because I started the thread.

CHEERS
WELLINGTON

Be happy about one thing...... K&C is the topic of conversation so you must be doing something right, if you weren't there might be a problem......

 

[jazzeum]

I mostly agree with Mr. Nielson (see, I got it right this time ) and what some others have written here. It is very important in a business like this to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. And, no, we can't expect everybody to buy a lot, as you have previously indicated. And who can complain about too much choice, when you get down to it. I am also grateful that as the pace of new releases has increased, that hasn't been matched by a similar retirement pace.

However, although only the hard core may post here, it is sometimes the small minority that can have an influence. Attending Louis' symposium last year helped turn me into a hardcore (or more hardcore than I already was) and I can't but think that this forum is or will be influential in the hobby. It's the hardcore that can lead the way to making further converts. This forum seems to go hand in hand with the expansion of the interest in retired items.

I also don't agree with the suggestion about selling off your collection to pay for newer releases. That's like borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. That may be fine for some but it doesn't make much sense to me. Looking at the old stuff (the old Stugs, Tigers, Shermans, etc.) gives me as much satisfaction as looking at some of the new stuff, probably more.

 

[wellington]

Listen to us.....we sound like a House of Parliment...and in a way I guess we are. There will always be 3 perspectives here the "BUYER", "DEALER", and "OWNER". In a way I think it keeps all of us intune with each other and keeps this hobby healthy!! Brad I have to agree with you, I'm a Napoleonic collector of K&C, what would be the point of collecting only to sell off the ones that truly become collectible ..what an endless cycle that would be, on the other hand if that doesn't bother you then go for it if it helps pay for stuff. I'm new to this hobby and if I'm lucky enough to have such a piece in my collection its gold to me and its not for sale..... ANDY don't forget one thing we are a cult and we love K&C.......

WELLINGTON

Man what a nerd I sound like, but being WELLINGTON and all I felt it was my duty to rally the troops.....