Price Decrease? (1 Viewer)

[Shiloh]

I believe there was a lot of discussion at one time about the need to increase prices on toy soldiers tightening labor in China, shipping, material, etc. Well it seems the reasons for those increases have taken a direct reversal of fortune due to the global economic crisis. Fuel prices fell dramatically, material cost spiraled and now layoffs in China. Just wondering can we expect a decrease in toy soldier prices as a result?

 

[marco55]

I doubt it.When the fuel prices went up everything else did as expected but you haven't seen anything go down as the fuel prices dropped.In the food sector prices went up and portions got smaller.Just another group taking advantage of people when times are hard.The government likes to stick its' nose in everything but when the people who it's supposed to represent are being swindled they do nothing.
Mark

 

[Combat]

Prices only go one way like Superman up, up, and away. At least until the manufacturer goes bankrupt. There will always be a new reason given to increase prices.

 

[Njja]

Yes, and I heard stamps are going to go back to .08!

 

[UKReb]

Well here in UK our illustrious Chancellor of the Exchequer (he's the man who holds the country's money) has reduced our Value Added Tax by a whole 2.5% to help the British hard working families through these tough and difficult times. (His words by the way)

So to translate that into your money language a toy soldier figure costing 30 bucks includes 17.5% VAT so by reducing that tax by 2.5% reduces the figure by a whole 13 cents

I just cant wait to top up on my figures at the London Show if I buy 10 I'll save myself a whole $1.30. If I buy a 100 I'll save $13.00.

Why do we elect these clowns?

Reb

 

[Tony Neville]

And Rob...............the idiot did not take into acocunt all the bloody work, efforts and cost its takes to adjust everything by that 2.5%!!! which in real terms actually works out 2.14% !!

Like you say 17pence per figure saving.....................

However half cup full issue!!! if you look at some of the older stuff it is at a better price anyhow and now another few % off!! so again the older stuff is the one to look at!

Tony

 

[Gideon]

When do prices ever decrease? That would be a wonderful thing.

All my producers prices went up this year and they ain't going back down. Nope.

 

[thebritfarmer]

When do prices ever decrease? That would be a wonderful thing.

All my producers prices went up this year and they ain't going back down. Nope.

Prices drop all the time, maybe not in toy soldier land but they do.

I remember buying Cd's for $30 a piece now they are about $10. My TV I just bought over a year ago cost me $2000, same one now costs about $1200

 

[Spitfrnd]

Prices drop all the time, maybe not in toy soldier land but they do.

I remember buying Cd's for $30 a piece now they are about $10. My TV I just bought over a year ago cost me $2000, same one now costs about $1200

Technology based items do routinely fall in price as their specific technologies mature. This has included CDs, TVs, DVDs and players and now BRDs and players. This does not seem to be the case for niche collectors' items like these unfortunately. It would be nice to see but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[Rutledge]

When do prices ever decrease? That would be a wonderful thing.

All my producers prices went up this year and they ain't going back down. Nope.

Prices decreases occur when there is an DEflationary environment. Japan went through this for roughly 15 years, from early 90's until 2006. They kept interest rates at zero for much of that time (thus the "carry trade", where one borrows the yen and then buys other currencies that pay higher interest)

We are already in or near a deflationary environment. Look at housing prices or the price of gas/oil. Other commodity prices have been falling dramatically.

A "deflationary spiral" is an insidious thinking. Actually worse than inflation.

As the economy slows the deflation threat will only intenisfy. Its a great thing if you have lots of cash. Not so great if you dont. (The depression of the 1930's was a time of tremendous deflation.)

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

Would prices go down if they used like machines to paint the figures instead of workers?

Vick

 

[Rutledge]

Would prices go down if they used like machines to paint the figures instead of workers?

Vick

Possibly. It would depend on: How much efficiences were achieved; How much quality was affected. And if they wanted to pass on any savings to customers or use internally, for reinvestment or other purposes.

 

[Gideon]

Prices drop all the time, maybe not in toy soldier land but they do.

I remember buying Cd's for $30 a piece now they are about $10. My TV I just bought over a year ago cost me $2000, same one now costs about $1200

That's electronics. Totally different. With niche markets and many toy manufacturers, once the price goes up it stays up.

I was at Costco yesterday and I noticed that prices on many things I buy have gone down since the summer.

 

[Rutledge]

That's electronics. Totally different. With niche markets and many toy manufacturers, once the price goes up it stays up.

I was at Costco yesterday and I noticed that prices on many things I buy have gone down since the summer.

Even niche industries/toy companies are bound by supply/demand dynamics. And if the US$ stays strong relative to other countries, it could provide addl cover for price decreases.

Im not saying prices WILL definitely decrease -- just that the odds are tilted that way more so than perhaps ever before in most of our lifetimes.

 

[Combat]

The proof is in the pudding right? KC prices have gone up 100% or more on some items in the last year. Same for HB before they went kaput. I don't recall any toy soldier manufacturer ever decreasing prices unless they were going out of business like NMA.

 

[Rutledge]

The proof is in the pudding right? KC prices have gone up 100% or more on some items in the last year. Same for HB before they went kaput. I don't recall any toy soldier manufacturer ever decreasing prices unless they were going out of business like NMA.

Its still very early. The deflationary pressures are just starting to work their way through the economy. First came houses and oil. Then it goes downstream. A greatly slowing economy, in which consumers hold back/eliminate much of their discretionary spending, does not present a good environment for raising prices, I can guarantee you that.

Watch the prices on ebay. I dont follow them but I suspect those people that do could, if they wanted, confirm that re-sale prices are under pressure. That's where you will see it first.