Is it just me. (2 Viewers)

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Is it just me or is the toy soldier industry just kicking us collector's in the guts with the price increases . I am a very reasonable man but I am finding that I no longer can or find need to spend the amount most manufactures are asking .There have been many new releases that I would of loved to of added to my small collection but the rising prices have put the collector at the point of saying enough . The prices of toy soldiers is like the price of petrol but that they never go down .Who else has any thoughts on this . Chris.:salute::

 

[Bessieres]

I can see a few reasons for price increases main one being cost of labor rising in the countries that soldiers are made..

Another is the trend for "ultra-realism". They're not making toy soldiers; they're making miniature statuettes.. the painting of the figures is getting ever more detailed.

There are also more variations in poses which adds to cost of maintaining a wide range of stock (SKUs).

And finally, constant inflation is a fact of life.. and the longer you live, the higher prices seem to be.

 

[lancer]

The ever increasing prices, where figures have reached the $45 point, has forced me into being extremely selective, as I am sure it has many of us. I am now down to collecting just 2 series. I used to collect several lines from several makers but that all went bye-bye as prices went beyond the $35 per figure mark. I can envision being forced to cut back to one series or possibly just buying an occasional piece if prices increase much further. This has been an ongoing process/problem for most of us. I have never been so pessimistic about my ability to stay in the hobby with regular purchases. I love this hobby and am thrilled to death to see the variety that is available to the collector, but I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps telling me that I am crazy to keep spending $40-$45 for a single figure, and that voice NEVER goes away. -- Al

 

[Bessieres]

The ever increasing prices, where figures have reached the $45 point, has forced me into being extremely selective, as I am sure it has many of us. I am now down to collecting just 2 series. I used to collect several lines from several makers but that all went bye-bye as prices went beyond the $35 per figure mark. I can envision being forced to cut back to one series or possibly just buying an occasional piece if prices increase much further. This has been an ongoing process/problem for most of us. I have never been so pessimistic about my ability to stay in the hobby with regular purchases. I love this hobby and am thrilled to death to see the variety that is available to the collector, but I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps telling me that I am crazy to keep spending $40-$45 for a single figure, and that voice NEVER goes away. -- Al

I would assume there will be a time when figures cost $100.
(hot dogs were 10 cents and coffee a nickel when I was a child)

Even if I didn't buy a piece for one or 2 years, I would still consider myself a collector as long I have a standing collection.
(there have been many years that I did not buy any soldiers or accessories)

Soldiers are not my business or an item for speculation & investment. I do love having and displaying them - many have been in my collection for over 50 years. But I'm not looking to fill my entire home with figures.

At this point, if I get something new, something old has "got to go" to make room.. and I'm certainly not buying anything to put into storage, undisplayed. Just not me.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

The ever increasing prices, where figures have reached the $45 point, has forced me into being extremely selective, as I am sure it has many of us. I am now down to collecting just 2 series. I used to collect several lines from several makers but that all went bye-bye as prices went beyond the $35 per figure mark. I can envision being forced to cut back to one series or possibly just buying an occasional piece if prices increase much further. This has been an ongoing process/problem for most of us. I have never been so pessimistic about my ability to stay in the hobby with regular purchases. I love this hobby and am thrilled to death to see the variety that is available to the collector, but I have a nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps telling me that I am crazy to keep spending $40-$45 for a single figure, and that voice NEVER goes away. -- Al

i hope that's not your wife you are talking about because if she sees your comment, you'll have more than a voice to worry about. ^&grin But I too have become much more selective over the past few years and am buying fewer items and also spending less total dollars each year

Terry

 

[damian]

The ongoing price increases are an issue
One has to be selective
i suppose they would not make them if people were not buying them so there must be a bigger collector base than I would have thought
It is also important to enjoy what you have

 

[Larry Allen]

I wish to politely disagree on the word phrasing ... "just kicking us collector's in the guts with the price increases".

Without question, prices have risen over time .... as had just about EVERYTHING in this world. Bessieres pointed out some reasons; I am sure there are many more. I am glad that you did not focus the comment towards the manufactures (Andy, Ken, Matt, Brian, ...), as I don't see them at fault at all.

Like Al, I started out with many series, but had to cut back to my true historical interests ... AWI and (JJD) War 1812 ... AND the GREAT new WWII Pacific.

I was a WWII Military memorabilia collector / dealer for years. I really loved that hobby as I was actually holding history in my hands. But the price increases ... as well as the forgeries and fakes .... push me out of that hobby. At that point someone said to me, "Prices will always rise and that is a hard fact. If you can't afford them the time for you to leave. Someone else will surely take your place."

That is what I did and that is what happened. I still look at the military collectables and ponder who (in their right mind) will pay $1000 for a nights cross or $500 for a Hitler Youth knife. But they do.

To me, the real sting in prices is NOT the manufactures and NOT the dealers ... but unfortunately I am afraid to say it I .. "US"
For proof ... look on eBay and other second market sites and try to fathom how a person that sells Toy Soldiers for 2X or 3X the average price make out. But his numbers don't lie. (RATING 100% and over 19,000 transactions). He would sell them if WE didn't buy them.

It is not YOU, Chris, nor me that shells out that kind of $$$$ but other people do so with each sale the bar gets raised just a bit higher.

ANYWAY ... I enjoy each new acquisition as much as possible and I hope you all do as well.

A GREAT HOBBY

--- LaRRy

 

[mgw]

I agree with much of the sentiment expressed here - it seems prices are always one step ahead of what I think is a reasonable price point, especially for AFV's which are now routinely priced well above $200 and typically with only one crew member. But I can also see that as we ask for more realism, i.e., accuracy, better painting, etc, comes higher production cost, with FL at the front of that movement. I feel that the hobby is going the way of many commercial enterprises (pay for access or privilege) where money determines where you are in the hobby pecking order of quality; manufacturers can build expensive pieces (especially those with limited runs) since there is always someone in the world economy who can afford it. I think that is a detriment to the hobby in general, since the collectors with less resources will become disenfranchised and the number of collectors become an even smaller group. I now look at my older Britains and Conte WW2 collection as that compromise between accuracy and affordability, which at present is hard to find (I note that the new company Kronprinz looks promising in this regard).

As a response, I have turned back to modeling (mostly airplanes and AFVs) where accuracy and realism are always possible. The cost of modeling, even if you consider buying all the aftermarket decals, resin and etched parts, is much lower than the in-the-box 1/30 AFV from the TS world. Diorama accessories for the modeling world are also more accessible. Of course, you are trading money for modeling time (as well as the fact that your model may not turn out very good!). It makes me wonder that if TS manufacturers are driven to the accuracy/realism of the best models and builders, the price cannot be reasonable since the time/effort investment is huge for both.

Like many of those posting here, I now collect/purchase new TS items more selectively, but note that this has the effect of dampening interest in TS altogether.

 

[lancer]

i hope that's not your wife you are talking about because if she sees your comment, you'll have more than a voice to worry about. ^&grin But I too have become much more selective over the past few years and am buying fewer items and also spending less total dollars each year

Terry

Terry, no it's not my wife. It's that nagging feeling of guilt that I can't get rid of. Not a good thing for a hobby that depends on my rapidly shrinking uncommitted dollars.:rolleyes2: -- Al

 

[Go for Broke]

There are many soldiers that I want, KC commandos, Zero airplane & paratroopers, JJD's most excellent WWI French soldiers, FL's Samurai & Vietnam war, Figarti's AFV, TGM Aussies & Foreign Legion, but I can't justify the prices anymore. I see good deals on the Forum and I say, "thank goodness", when someone else buys them. I'm tempted every day to buy something. Although I haven't bought anything in awhile, I enjoy looking at the Forum, like 10-times a day and look at my TS magazines every night.
BTW Larry, I'm looking for a WWI trench knife (the one with the brass knuckles). Let me know if you see a good deal. Also, anybody has a good deal on old KC Vietnam figures?

 

[Northgate Woods]

Simmo mate,
I think your being a tad harsh on TS manufacturers. Yes, cobber I can remember the days when I could buy a four figure set for USD$99.00. Those days are long gone. However speaking as a K&C Dealer only and having had many chats with Andy about this subject, of which I know he is acutely aware, I draw your attention to the following three facts..
(1) No one has made mention of the fact that a lot of the new single figure releases from K&C have dropped in price from USD$45 to USD$40
(2) The new twin packs, first used in the Pike & Musket range are, if you buy a set of two for USD$79 you save USD$11 instead of buying 2 single figures at USD$45 each. Total USD$90
(3) And thirdly the new RTA range of figures which I am led to believe may move into other ranges are well priced at 3 figure sets at USD$69 and 2 figure sets at USD$49
My thoughts that being a TS manufacturer in today's world with rising costs would be a very stressful business. Just my opinions.:smile2:
Cheers Howard

 

[Larry Allen]

There are many soldiers that I want, KC commandos, Zero airplane & paratroopers, JJD's most excellent WWI French soldiers, FL's Samurai & Vietnam war, Figarti's AFV, TGM Aussies & Foreign Legion, but I can't justify the prices anymore. I see good deals on the Forum and I say, "thank goodness", when someone else buys them. I'm tempted every day to buy something. Although I haven't bought anything in awhile, I enjoy looking at the Forum, like 10-times a day and look at my TS magazines every night.
BTW Larry, I'm looking for a WWI trench knife (the one with the brass knuckles). Let me know if you see a good deal. Also, anybody has a good deal on old KC Vietnam figures?

Hey Go for Broke ...

I did just get the two Japanese WWII planes, thanks to George at MM Toy Soldiers holding them until I had saved enough nickels and dimes.
THANKS GEORGE!!! :salute:: I suggest trying to get a plane if possible.

They are gorgeous.

I will get a few pictures up in a day or so, but I am building a section of deck of the Akagi as a permanent diorama.
As always it will be (on the cheap) using coffee stick stirrers and recycled metal wire and some old house crown molding ... ^&confuse

But like you, I spend hours perusing the Dealers and Manufactures web sites and magazines.

Send me a PM of what you are looking to pay for a WWI Trench Knife and the condition you will accept.

--- LaRRy

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

I agree with some of the responses but find it hard to compare toy soldiers to art work to justify the price. We all see value in different things in different ways so maybe it's just me. Howard good to hear from you and yes I was being hard on the manufactures because they are being hard on the prices . Chris.

 

[mikemiller1955]

(2) The new twin packs, first used in the Pike & Musket range are, if you buy a set of two for USD$79 you save USD$11 instead of buying 2 single figures Howard

I hope this trend continues with other series...I like to buy in bulk and enjoy the savings by doing so...

 

[Jack]

The biggest impact on my spending has not been the rising cost of TS but the falling Australian dollar. It has dropped twenty percent over a very short period of time after an Indian summer when it was worth more than its US counterpart. Like many of us, however, I have set myself a budget but I had to look realistically at whether that arbitrary figure was realistic based on what I wanted to collect and my timeframe. It is all well and good for me to say 35 dollars is a reasonable price for a TS but that does not represent anything other than an insight into my tastes and financial situation. I also looked at how I purchased. I am a big fan of the weekly visit to my TS shop where I buy a few figures and have a meet up with fellow collectors. When I went on holidays I would make a double visit or buy up a bit more the week before. I have just come back from a week's holiday but will 'skip' that week's purchase. A twenty percent increase means that in a period when I would buy 100 figures I instead buy 80. It always seems less of an issue when I say it like that. Even better to say 160 figures when it would have been 200.

I have also found other avenues to pursue the hobby. My father got back into modelling and photography so that is an outlet. I have collected some glossy figures which are a bit cheaper but look great. I have made friends in the hobby and have contributed to some major collaborative projects. In the past six months we have won two major government grants for heritage projects that include the construction of dioramas and the publication of commemorative booklets. There is also the joy I get when I identify repetitive spelling errors by my friends on the Forum and I email them to let them know. I cannot emphasise enough how much joy I get from that ... and it is free.

If you re-read this post looking for a spelling error, that just means that you are a petty, petty person!{sm4}

 

[Desertkiwi]

As far as I'm concerned this has always been an expensive hobby, mainly due to our NZ exchange rate and the fact I have to order most items from overseas. For example, I currently have a K&C Tiger Tank (well loved I might add) that when landed cost me $300nz

Apart from 'Imperial & Regal' who make mainly gloss figures in Greytown (a few hundred miles away) there are NO hobby stores here that stock TS.

So us Kiwi collectors are truly envious of those of you who can simply pop into your local TS store, pick up a phone for a chat, get free postage or whatever.

Of course, like most things collecting is a 'choice' and as Jack quite rightly points out it's so much more than 'buying stuff'. It's also allowed me to meet and chat over the years with some really top blokes.

Agreed, it is an expensive hobby and I'm sure we'd all like to be able to buy more with less, but with the huge variety available now-a-days and with a little creativity it's amazing what you can do with a few dollars.

Cheers Toddy

 

[jazzeum]

The biggest impact on my spending has not been the rising cost of TS but the falling Australian dollar. It has dropped twenty percent over a very short period of time after an Indian summer when it was worth more than its US counterpart. Like many of us, however, I have set myself a budget but I had to look realistically at whether that arbitrary figure was realistic based on what I wanted to collect and my timeframe. It is all well and good for me to say 35 dollars is a reasonable price for a TS but that does not represent anything other than an insight into my tastes and financial situation. I also looked at how I purchased. I am a big fan of the weekly visit to my TS shop where I buy a few figures and have a meet up with fellow collectors. When I went on holidays I would make a double visit or buy up a bit more the week before. I have just come back from a week's holiday but will 'skip' that week's purchase. A twenty percent increase means that in a period when I would buy 100 figures I instead buy 80. It always seems less of an issue when I say it like that. Even better to say 160 figures when it would have been 200.

I have also found other avenues to pursue the hobby. My father got back into modelling and photography so that is an outlet. I have collected some glossy figures which are a bit cheaper but look great. I have made friends in the hobby and have contributed to some major collaborative projects. In the past six months we have won two major government grants for heritage projects that include the construction of dioramas and the publication of commemorative booklets. There is also the joy I get when I identify repetitive spelling errors by my friends on the Forum and I email them to let them know. I cannot emphasise enough how much joy I get from that ... and it is free.

If you re-read this post looking for a spelling error, that just means that you are a petty, petty person!{sm4}

I tried but could fine none! ^&grin

Having been here a long time, I see these threads come up from time. They are always the same.

The prices are what they are. Never has been a cheap hobby; never will be.

Like Terry (Phantom Warrior), I now sell off parts of my collection so I can afford what I want to buy. Otherwise, collecting becomes difficult.

 

[theBaron]

Didn't we beat this horse to death last month?

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Guys,

Brad aka the Baron you slay me!

This is a topic that is near and dear to us all and has been since we started collecting! I think there are many ways to stretch your collecting budget but you need to remember that is is a life long hobby and like a marathon there is no need to sprint to the end of the course to get that one set that got away! I have over the years found that by being patient you will find what you seek and usually in a place like this forum or through some friend who happens upon something they know you are looking for so take your time and you will find what you are looking for. As to the cost of a four or 6 figure set from the early 90s vs the cost of the same amount of figures these days is never going to happen because of rising costs everywhere. So I would say you have to make decisions that may mean cutting one line or not beginning a line because the cost will never really go down unless of course you find a great deal at a boot sale or flea market or whatever they call them in NZ and after all its a hobby and should not break your monthly budget or marriage:salute::...

Dave

 

[waynepoo]

Didn't we beat this horse to death last month?

And the month before, and the month before, and the month before etc and etc.......^&grin
Wayne.