Is the pie (WWII Toy Soldiers) getting larger? (1 Viewer)

[desk11desk12]

Hi everyone:

This is a question for all those that collect WWII toy soldiers. It’s been mentioned before that collectors have never before have enjoyed so many quality choices despite price increases resulting from higher energy costs, weak US dollar and skilled labor pool in China.

Question:
Is the WWII market (or “pie”) getting larger or are WWII collectors simply shifting some of their KC WWII hobby dollars to new entrances (e.g. Collector Showcase, Figarti, HB, etc.)?

I’m hoping that the market is growing larger where KC remains healthy and other competitors enjoy revenue gains due to new collectors being attracted to Toy Soldier collection. IMO, this would mean the hobby is healthy and collectors will continue to enjoy innovations and higher quality choices.

Carlos

 

[vandilay]

It would be interesting to know , But I guess dealers would have
The best read on this if they track where their customers spend
Their money [ and if picking up a new line/company drags in new customers,
Or the existing just spread themselves a little thinner] .

I,m a little surprised at the moment with all the bad news on the
Economic front it doesn’t appear to have started to bite into this hobby
In a serious way ?. But realises still seem to be coming in large numbers
at this stage.

 

[jazzeum]

Manufacturers may be expanding (which I find a little surprising) but I think disposable income will go down if the economy continues to suffer and, thus, people will have to pull back somewhat from discretionary spending, e.g. collectibles.

 

[damian]

I think that more people are collecting toy soldiers to be honest. One must ralize that new old toy soldiers that began in the late 70's and early 80's were a bit of a cult type of hobby. These guys lake Samus Wade and Len Taylor and even Britains pioneered the industry and the China syndrom guys K and C, Frontline took it to a new level. So I think more guys are collecting. The economy is up to maggots at the moment and the news seems bad but I am sure once things imporve we will see more and more people collecting toy soldiers
Regards
Damian

 

[VIRIATO]

I think that more people are collecting toy soldiers to be honest. One must ralize that new old toy soldiers that began in the late 70's and early 80's were a bit of a cult type of hobby. These guys lake Samus Wade and Len Taylor and even Britains pioneered the industry and the China syndrom guys K and C, Frontline took it to a new level. So I think more guys are collecting. The economy is up to maggots at the moment and the news seems bad but I am sure once things imporve we will see more and more people collecting toy soldiers
Regards
Damian

I just love that expression, China syndrome guys, clever one and a good laugh. Keep it up Damian. By the way, did you notice Portugal started Euro 2008 with a good win against Turkey?

Regards,
Paulo

P.S.
What I don't like is the economy, here it is really a shambles, on top of higher taxing efforts and fiscal restraints Our middle class is really looking like going down the tube. Sorry guys, just had to let it out::

 

[gk5717]

I think for the most part that guys that can afford $30 for one figure or $150 for one vehicle are pretty much financially secure before this downturn and into this downturn.
I for one have not cut back overall but shifted my soldier spending to different companies, and completly stopped buying from certain companies.
A few people complained with the latest dispatches about a fewer lack of product.
I for one like a little breather now and then. But never want to go back to where they was a release only once every three months.
Gary

 

[jazzeum]

Please put all Euro 2008 posts in the Euro 2008 thread under Miscellaneous.