Is our Hobby Changing? (3 Viewers)

[Charlie Brown]

The big difference though is that I buy my toy soldiers for enjoyment and not with any thought for investment, much like my prints and paintings and books.

I recall an overhead conversation at a Toy Soldier Show some years back. Manufacturer "Many of our customers buy one for their collection, one for their pension fund and one to trade on the market". Still remember this even today. As struck me as being in the same vein as when Teddy Bears became the in collectable. That bubble burst. As did diecast. Like you I buy for enjoyment and my own personal interest in history. My son's only interest is how much they will fetch at auction!

 

[Al Fisher]

Toy Soldiers are collected by the senior citizens who actually remember some past conflicts. Senior citizens can afford the exorbitant prices for the better toy soldiers.

I wouldn't bet the farm on us being able to afford the new toy soldiers. Most of the buyers I see for K&C, Figarti, et cetera appear to be eary middle aged.

Bosun Al

 

[Panzer ace]

Toy Soldiers are collected by the senior citizens who actually remember some past conflicts. Senior citizens can afford the exorbitant prices for the better toy soldiers.

I wouldn't bet the farm on us being able to afford the new toy soldiers. Most of the buyers I see for K&C, Figarti, et cetera appear to be eary middle aged.

Bosun Al

In the past few years I have seen a change in the ages of customers at Sierra from the middle aged to the younger yuppie types. It could just go along with the demographics of Silicon Valley but the change is palatable at least in their store.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

In the past few years I have seen a change in the ages of customers at Sierra from the middle aged to the younger yuppie types. It could just go along with the demographics of Silicon Valley but the change is palatable at least in their store.

Interesting change in Customer base ! Hopefully it spreads.

Wayne

 

[Empire MM]

Toy Soldiers are collected by the senior citizens who actually remember some past conflicts. Senior citizens can afford the exorbitant prices for the better toy soldiers.

I wouldn't bet the farm on us being able to afford the new toy soldiers. Most of the buyers I see for K&C, Figarti, et cetera appear to be eary middle aged.

Bosun Al

Hi Al,

While on one hand that is sad, on the other it is good for the hobby.

Have a great weekend,

Malcolm. :salute::

 

[Empire MM]

Interesting change in Customer base ! Hopefully it spreads.

Wayne

Got to agree with that Wayne :salute::

 

[Empire MM]

In the past few years I have seen a change in the ages of customers at Sierra from the middle aged to the younger yuppie types. It could just go along with the demographics of Silicon Valley but the change is palatable at least in their store.

That is more good news. Be interesting to know what is driving them to toy soldiers and history. Regardless of the demographic, something is floating their boat.

By the way, is this you Mike?

All the best,

Malcolm. :salute::

 

[nmrocks]

Whats old in new, they said the same thing about Vinyl LP's and everyone ditched there vinyl for the new digital cd's music, Vinyl has been rediscovered by another generation and it's booming back. There is an intrinsic value in the art of the toy soldier being done by hand, some day they will automate the entire process and "Hand Painted " will be rediscovered
Ray

 

[Empire MM]

Whats old in new, they said the same thing about Vinyl LP's and everyone ditched there vinyl for the new digital cd's music, Vinyl has been rediscovered by another generation and it's booming back. There is an intrinsic value in the art of the toy soldier being done by hand, some day they will automate the entire process and "Hand Painted " will be rediscovered
Ray

Oh Ray,

My other passion, vinyl!

I remember my son asking me many years ago; "Dad, what are these big CD's?" {sm4}{sm4}{sm4}

 

[Charlie Brown]

Whats old in new, they said the same thing about Vinyl LP's and everyone ditched there vinyl for the new digital cd's music, Vinyl has been rediscovered by another generation and it's booming back. There is an intrinsic value in the art of the toy soldier being done by hand, some day they will automate the entire process and "Hand Painted " will be rediscovered
Ray

Still have my old vinyl. My favourite is My Generation - The Who (1965). An Aunt thought that I should be listening to proper music when I reached my teens.

Now I buy new vinyl rather than cd's. There's something about handling an album cover. Looking at the artwork. The inserts. Reading the lyrics etc.

As you say Ray. Will go full circle over time. Just as many are relearning the enjoyment and benefit that can be gained from riding bicycles.

 

[Panzer ace]

That is more good news. Be interesting to know what is driving them to toy soldiers and history. Regardless of the demographic, something is floating their boat.

By the way, is this you Mike?

All the best,

Malcolm. :salute::

Malcolm:

No, this is Jason. I have been a Sierra customer for all 11 of my years collecting toy soldiers. The Halls (Mike and Myszka) are fantastic people. I would not be in this hobby to the extent that I am without them and their spectacular store.

I tend to think the store and its location have a lot to do with the age demographic. It is located in the heart of downtown Los Gatos which is a small affluent town that attracts younger wealthy types who are spawned by the Silicon Valley economy. The downtown itself is constantly filled with these types going to restaurants, shopping etc. and thus they get plenty of foot traffic. Most new customers just seem to pop in with fascination and curiosity which leads to a single purchase, next thing you know they are hooked. The combination of youth and disposable income is perhaps the main ingredient.

Best,
Jason

 

[Desertkiwi]

In the past few years I have seen a change in the ages of customers at Sierra from the middle aged to the younger yuppie types. It could just go along with the demographics of Silicon Valley but the change is palatable at least in their store.

Good post mate. Despite all the electronic stuff available to kids today, they still love actual toys and stuff they can interact with like action figures and the like. You only have to look at all the merchandice that accompanies the release of some movies now-a-days like Star-Wars and LOTR's for example.

Girls too love Barbie, dolls houses and then there's the whole Lego thing and building stuff.

Combine all of this with history and kids will always mix the two and come up with hours of imaginary fun and games.

On this basis I can't see the hobby disappearing for a long time yet.

Just some thoughts....

 

[waynepoo]

Good post mate. Despite all the electronic stuff available to kids today, they still love actual toys and stuff they can interact with like action figures and the like. You only have to look at all the merchandice that accompanies the release of some movies now-a-days like Star-Wars and LOTR's for example.

Girls too love Barbie, dolls houses and then there's the whole Lego thing and building stuff.

Combine all of this with history and kids will always mix the two and come up with hours of imaginary fun and games.

On this basis I can't see the hobby disappearing for a long time yet.

Just some thoughts....

Yes that's right in 'Middle Earth' I hear that sales of these have gone up while the sales of shoes has collapsed......^&grin

Wayne.

 

[TomNT]

Yes that's right in 'Middle Earth' I hear that sales of these have gone up while the sales of shoes has collapsed......^&grin

at least in New Zealand....^&grin

Tom

 

[uksubs]

Good post mate. Despite all the electronic stuff available to kids today, they still love actual toys and stuff they can interact with like action figures and the like. You only have to look at all the merchandice that accompanies the release of some movies now-a-days like Star-Wars and LOTR's for example.

Girls too love Barbie, dolls houses and then there's the whole Lego thing and building stuff.

Combine all of this with history and kids will always mix the two and come up with hours of imaginary fun and games.

On this basis I can't see the hobby disappearing for a long time yet.

Just some thoughts....

You make a good point as my two kids love playing with these toys difference is there cheap to buy ! Not £50.00 per figure and that what killing the hobby

 

[Empire MM]

You make a good point as my two kids love playing with these toys difference is there cheap to buy ! Not £50.00 per figure and that what killing the hobby

To be fair, the modern day toy soldiers (as we call them) are not really toy soldiers aimed at Children but collectable figures for adults and (as the packaging says) no one under the age of 14.

Our figures are priced at £37.50 and there are other brands a lot lower in price so that does still make the hobby accessible to people on a lower budget.

It is a lot like motorsport I guess. Most folks have Formula Ford budgets but want to race in F3 etc. We have to cut our cloth and I do think there are manufacturers out there that cater for all budgets and almost all tastes these days.

Malcolm.:salute::

 

[Desertkiwi]

at least in New Zealand....^&grin

Tom

.......shoes are for sissy's anyway....^&grin{sm4}

 

[Panzer ace]

To be fair, the modern day toy soldiers (as we call them) are not really toy soldiers aimed at Children but collectable figures for adults and (as the packaging says) no one under the age of 14.

Our figures are priced at £37.50 and there are other brands a lot lower in price so that does still make the hobby accessible to people on a lower budget.

It is a lot like motorsport I guess. Most folks have Formula Ford budgets but want to race in F3 etc. We have to cut our cloth and I do think there are manufacturers out there that cater for all budgets and almost all tastes these days.

Malcolm.:salute::

Those with F1 tastes ala Mr. Ecclestone generally do not belong to forums, they are too busy counting their billions!!!!

 

[LTC PaulN]

I tend to think the store and its location have a lot to do with the age demographic. It is located in the heart of downtown Los Gatos which is a small affluent town that attracts younger wealthy types who are spawned by the Silicon Valley economy. The downtown itself is constantly filled with these types going to restaurants, shopping etc. and thus they get plenty of foot traffic. Most new customers just seem to pop in with fascination and curiosity which leads to a single purchase, next thing you know they are hooked. The combination of youth and disposable income is perhaps the main ingredient.

...Sierra, Troops of Time in Jacksonville, FL, King's X in San Antonio... all share the combination of location. They also Display, and that's not an aspect to be taken lightly if a brick-and-mortar shop is going to be part of your business model.

 

[Charlie Brown]

Our figures are priced at £37.50 and there are other brands a lot lower in price so that does still make the hobby accessible to people on a lower budget.

The rapid increase in prices across the board is one reason why those with a lower budget have simply stopped buying new product. With supply outstripping demand. There's plenty to purchase in the secondary markets that allows people to get far more for their buck.