King Tiger or no king tiger. (1 Viewer)

[nasirkasmani]

For me, i take a gradual step, prioritize some outstanding pieces, like the King Tiger, and the retired pieces. its not fool proof though, as if Figarti comes out with a wonderful Chicago release, i'll have a major choice to make.

not to mention the stress and rush if HB again limits their figure releases to 35.
i'm still a bit upset missing out on the radio team.

 

[Louis Badolato]

I think priortising is a necessary function of collecting during what to me is the golden age for this hobby. In the past, when K&C had much smaller monthly releases, which were often around for years before they were sold out or retired, I took the approach that I wanted everything, and was an avowed completist.

Then K&C started producing so many products, and retired products pretty much every month, and I cut back to all WWII, with a few select pieces from other lines.

Then there were so many other lines, and so much WWII, that I cut back further to every WWII vehicle and those WWII figure sets I really wanted.

Then I discovered Figarti and Honour Bound, and started buying those vehicles and figure sets from these companies that were either superior in quality or so unusual that I didn't expect K&C would produce them, along with those K&C vehicles and figure sets I really wanted.

Then K&C brought back its museum quality warbirds, and I belatedly discovered Honour Bound's Gold Edition vehicles, and decided that whenever possible, I would obtain these superior products, as well as those regular products I really wanted. That's where I stand today. I probably spend about as much money per year, but get a lot less product. That being said, the product I get is top quality.

 

[desk11desk12]

I only collect WWII, thank havens and yet it’s difficulty to keep up with all of the wonderful toys being produced in the market. It’s a great problem to have. I’m thinking of launching a “blitzkrieg” on my next door neighbor to conquer new lands to display my collection; just kidding.

I feel fortunate in making the decision long ago to invest to “enjoy” the wonder HB creations (Panthers, Jagdpanther, Amphibious vehicles, Shermans, "Gold" series armor) that I own in multiples and let us not forget their figure sets too. It’s amazing, you can’t beat human nature regarding high quality items, that is, when you can’t get them retail anymore, people want them even more and feel they missed out.

I hope some day that HB figures out a way to produce vehicles and armor profitably despite the apparent anti-business climate that exists in Argentina.

Carlos

 

[6th Wisconsin]

"The real Negative will be in attracting new collectors as even if you
Have an interest in military history etc if you havent taken the plunge
And started down the long and winding road of collecting , having too
dish out a few hundred bucks for a single piece may keep you on the straight and narrow."


True, true, true. I had always collected only occasional CW figures and then expanded to WWII a few months ago. I never would have done that if the vehicles were anywhere near $200 retail. When you have 2 kids and a new house and the economy the way it is, you have to prioritize.

 

[Eazy]

I agree with the majority of the viewpoints that the prices are sky rocketing out of control.
I can't see many new collectors being attracted into the hobby at these prices. I guess the other factor is that those who have spent quite a lot in the last few years now probably have really good collections that don't really need much adding to.
we don't need anymore Tigers, or King Tigers or PZIVs or Panthers or Sherman's (hmm except a firefly of course!) etc etc.
The point is that most of the major and popular vehicles have been done. Unless they are just rehashed in a new camo that I can happily live without then there's not much I can see myself spending £200 on in the future.
Obviously there will be the odd release that will be worth splashing out on but it's going to need to be something really special from now on.

 

[nasirkasmani]

a few good about remaking certain items Tigers/King Tigers -
(technically the new King Tiger is a Henshel version, but i'll just use it as an example to simply the points)

'old collectors'

1. the 'old collectors' probably have the older versions of the items and can be at ease, if they deem the new Tigers/King Tigers beyond economic sense, they can skip them and be happy keeping the older pieces.

2. if the 'old collectors' deem that the new Tigers/King Tigers are much improved versions and worth the money, the can sell their older ones (as can be seen in the Ebay with the sudden floodings of the WS067 Porsche King Tiger)

'new collectors'

3. the new collectors can get the new King Tigers, much costlier but no doubt a vast improvement (in my opinion) on the older version.

4. but if they deemed the new one too expensive, they can get the older one listed at Ebay currently. Apparently a number of collectors are selling their older WS067, i presume, to purchase the new one. With so many people listing the same item, prices for these won't be too prohibitive.

my 2 cents.

sincerely,

nasir kasmani

 

[jazzeum]

I don't see this really as a dichotomy between newer and older King Tigers or, on the other hand, between newer and older collectors but upon how much you can charge and people will be paying for an item, at the same time balancing that with the need to grow your customer base. To make that distinction is a false argument in my view.

Regarding the sales of King Tigers, as one who assidiously follows the prices of retired WW II K & C items, there has always been a healthy sale of these items and I don't believe there has been a tremendous increase in such sales. However, I haven't made a comparison of before and after the announcement so I wouldn't say that's a definitive answer.

I had also considered selling these two older KTs as I don't think the tracks are too good but I just don't like then using a good chunk of the proceeds for one vehicle.

We're into the age of prioritzation but I just don't hope the goose is killed.

 

[nasirkasmani]

well, for my prioritization aims, i skipped the good looking WS121 SDK 250, and got only the WS123 "Machine Gun Team Forward!" set and 1 loose figure (the rifleman) from WS122 Advancing on the Enemy.

the initial budget for the WS121 will adds up with my next month's budget to get the King Tiger, grenadiers, and hopefully some extras.

maybe, in the future before retirement, i'll pick up the less priority items.

 

[jazzeum]

Maybe we can segue this into what our priorities. In WW II, it would be Allied (I'm not going to mention my feelings about the German issues) but I'm interested in the Komet and in non WW II, it would be Civil War and I'll probably some change on the latter in a couple of weeks.

 

[nasirkasmani]

well Brad, i'm a dye in the wool German collector mate.
Japan WW2 troops is a no-go, but kamikaze pilots/planes i'll buy.

Allied - waiting for some Arnhem action-type of figures.
After all, the germans had to go from house to house, floor to floor to clear the British airborne.

 

[uksubs]

well Brad, i'm a dye in the wool German collector mate.
Japan WW2 troops is a no-go, but kamikaze pilots/planes i'll buy.

Allied - waiting for some Arnhem action-type of figures.
After all, the germans had to go from house to house, floor to floor to clear the British airborne.

Maybe the reason why there not many Arnhem figures coming out is that there not a great seller like the German stuff

 

[nasirkasmani]

Maybe the reason why there not many Arnhem figures coming out is that there not a great seller like the German stuff

then maybe they can make a 2 piece, something like an SS trooper hand in hand combat with the 1st airborne?

 

[jazzeum]

That's a neat idea Nasir. The Pacific series had that and it would be great to see.

Forgot to mention that I will be picking up some of the new Arnhems as well as some of the new FoB British (have two of the new ones already).

 

[nasirkasmani]

something like this hopefully..
(replace the russians with 1st airborne)

 

[Vezzolf]

For me, i take a gradual step, prioritize some outstanding pieces, like the King Tiger, and the retired pieces. its not fool proof though, as if Figarti comes out with a wonderful Chicago release, i'll have a major choice to make.

not to mention the stress and rush if HB again limits their figure releases to 35.
i'm still a bit upset missing out on the radio team.

Nasir, No need to stress or rush over HB 35 figure releases.....IMO the're not that great.......HB has already priced themselves out of the market regarding their tanks.....these limited production numbers are only a ploy to drive up demand for their product......we must be smart consumers and not be manipulated not by HB,K/C or any other.....just because these are produced in limited numbers does NOT make them better or any more valuable.....Yes some foolish folks will buy into this ploy and pay $400 plus for these figures in the secondary market that's their problem....."they need help".......to the wise this will not work.....do not stress over these things.....they are only "THINGS".......with full respect.....Vezzolf

 

[Louis Badolato]

Vezzolf,

Far be it from me to defend HB on the number of figure sets they produce, but I can assure you their pricing is dictated by the expense of production and shipping in Argentina, not by a desire to drive up costs in the secondary market. I recently tried to order several of their Gold Edition vehicles, and was told that I could not, as the deadline for orders had passed, and were my order accepted, it would interfere with production and quality control of the existing orders, even after I offered to pay a premium. That tells me that HB is more concerned about quality and production costs then they are about raking collectors over the coals.

I suspect that the horrible economic downturn and substantial raise in costs of production have placed Honour Bound, like K&C, in a position where they have no choice but to raise prices, and, in Honour Bound's case, are only willing to produce as many sets as they are sure will sell. When you look at the numbers of vehicles they were able to sell (1 Sturmtiger, 2-3 Snorkel Shermans, 31 Tigers) they have a small collector base, probably because of the costs of production and shipping in Argentina requiring retail prices to be substantially higher than companies facing costs of production and shipping from China, like K&C and Figarti.

 

[desk11desk12]

Vezzolf,

Far be it from me to defend HB on the number of figure sets they produce, but I can assure you their pricing is dictated by the expense of production and shipping in Argentina, not by a desire to drive up costs in the secondary market. I recently tried to order several of their Gold Edition vehicles, and was told that I could not, as the deadline for orders had passed, and were my order accepted, it would interfere with production and quality control of the existing orders, even after I offered to pay a premium. That tells me that HB is more concerned about quality and production costs then they are about raking collectors over the coals.

I suspect that the horrible economic downturn and substantial raise in costs of production have placed Honour Bound, like K&C, in a position where they have no choice but to raise prices, and, in Honour Bound's case, are only willing to produce as many sets as they are sure will sell. When you look at the numbers of vehicles they were able to sell (1 Sturmtiger, 2-3 Snorkel Shermans, 31 Tigers) they have a small collector base, probably because of the costs of production and shipping in Argentina requiring retail prices to be substantially higher than companies facing costs of production and shipping from China, like K&C and Figarti.

Louis,

I couldn't have said it better.

Carlos

 

[Vezzolf]

Vezzolf,

Far be it from me to defend HB on the number of figure sets they produce, but I can assure you their pricing is dictated by the expense of production and shipping in Argentina, not by a desire to drive up costs in the secondary market. I recently tried to order several of their Gold Edition vehicles, and was told that I could not, as the deadline for orders had passed, and were my order accepted, it would interfere with production and quality control of the existing orders, even after I offered to pay a premium. That tells me that HB is more concerned about quality and production costs then they are about raking collectors over the coals.

I suspect that the horrible economic downturn and substantial raise in costs of production have placed Honour Bound, like K&C, in a position where they have no choice but to raise prices, and, in Honour Bound's case, are only willing to produce as many sets as they are sure will sell. When you look at the numbers of vehicles they were able to sell (1 Sturmtiger, 2-3 Snorkel Shermans, 31 Tigers) they have a small collector base, probably because of the costs of production and shipping in Argentina requiring retail prices to be substantially higher than companies facing costs of production and shipping from China, like K&C and Figarti.

Louis, I understand your point but "35" figures being released makes no economic sense whatsoever.......If sales are that bad better get ready to go the way of AIG and Lehman Bros......I cannot see how this limited production tactic helps their bottom line......Respectfully Vezzolf

 

[jazzeum]

You're not them and not privy to their finances so why are you speculating. Unfortunately, most of your posts seem to involve concerns with ebay or what have you. Most people on this Board are adults and aware of the positives and negatives of the secondary market.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis, I understand your point but "35" figures being released makes no economic sense whatsoever.......If sales are that bad better get ready to go the way of AIG and Lehman Bros......I cannot see how this limited production tactic helps their bottom line......Respectfully Vezzolf

Vezzolf, I totally agree with your analysis, I have no idea how producing only 35 sets can make economic sense. However, it might be just an attempt to keep the brand in business in tough economic times, taking a small loss on making a small number of sets to keep up brand interest.