Problem of multiple versions not being announced simultaneously (1 Viewer)

[Kurt]

This situation of multiple versions being produced but not announced at the same time (such as with the 88) is causing some chaos. For example, some people bought the winter 88 not knowing that the AK version would follow, which they preferred.

I definitely want to get the 251 but would prefer a winter version, yet I don't know if that's going to be made. If so, I will wait for it. If not, then I still want to get the Normandy version. But while I wait for a winter version which may not come, the Normandy version could easily sell out. What to do??

So, I would like to suggest that if multiple versions of a vehicle are going to be made, that they be announced simultaneously.

 

[Rob]

This situation of multiple versions being produced but not announced at the same time (such as with the 88) is causing some chaos. For example, some people bought the winter 88 not knowing that the AK version would follow, which they preferred.

I definitely want to get the 251 but would prefer a winter version, yet I don't know if that's going to be made. If so, I will wait for it. If not, then I still want to get the Normandy version. But while I wait for a winter version which may not come, the Normandy version could easily sell out. What to do??

So, I would like to suggest that if multiple versions of a vehicle are going to be made, that they be announced simultaneously.

Yes in an ideal world they would all be announced at the same time,but i guess the producer is free to release as and when and pick up the collectors who'll buy more than one version.Also they like to keep us guessing without giving away too much future release info.Perhaps if a producer didn't want to release them all in one go they could perhaps tell us if further versions are down the line and so as you say you'd know another is coming if not exactly when.Its a balance between the wishes of the collector and not giving away too much to other producers.

Rob

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Yes in an ideal world they would all be announced at the same time,but i guess the producer is free to release as and when and pick up the collectors who'll buy more than one version.Also they like to keep us guessing without giving away too much future release info.Perhaps if a producer didn't want to release them all in one go they could perhaps tell us if further versions are down the line and so as you say you'd know another is coming if not exactly when.Its a balance between the wishes of the collector and not giving away too much to other producers.

Rob

K&C sometimes announcers multiple versions as in the Chaffee tank and the 251 PaK 40. CS announces multiple versions for most or all of their items. And in the past, so has Figarti announced multiple versions as with the Storch and the Tiger tank.

If the manufacturer is going to come out with multiple versions within a short time, I strongly believe they should tell the collector.

Terry

 

[spartan71]

I have to agree, with pretty much of what has been said. I was somewhat upset that I missed on the previous 88 for not buying it. But, Now I am quite happy that I am getting the tropical one (I do not like winter versions).
But, I do have to point out, if they do announce that it is coming out in a different variation, The more likely that a certain version is not going to sell out. So I do not think that will happen. Sell outs are always the ultimate goal.
Now, with me buying pretty much what is coming out. the only one that has me concerned about doubling up would be the Priest.If they came out with a Normandy version.
And, in a discussion in another part of this Figarti Forum. That 100 is to limited. This is an ingenuous way, of putting out the same item in a different variant. Without breaking down of the limited edition number of a hundred.
Any way Thanks Rick!!. For doing such a Great job, on the detailing of these models!! Keep on making such phenomenal models. And we will try to keep up!!.

 

[damian]

Collectors Showcase do the same thing with their vehicles.
I think the run may be higher 300 for each variant.
But essentially the same vehicle just different paint work. Having said that the Figarti 88's appear to be different moulds so that is even more impressive.

 

[Kurt]

But, I do have to point out, if they do announce that it is coming out in a different variation, The more likely that a certain version is not going to sell out. So I do not think that will happen. Sell outs are always the ultimate goal.

I appreciate the importance of the manufacturer not getting stuck with unsold items, but I can't believe that wouldn't be a problem given the very small production run, Figarti's off-the-charts vehicle detail and the fact that they've been producing subjects that are very popular. Like Terry said, if Collector's Showcase can handle 3 versions of 300 each, Figarti should easily be able to handle 2 or 3 versions of 100.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I appreciate the importance of the manufacturer not getting stuck with unsold items, but I can't believe that wouldn't be a problem given the very small production run, Figarti's off-the-charts vehicle detail and the fact that they've been producing subjects that are very popular. Like Terry said, if Collector's Showcase can handle 3 versions of 300 each, Figarti should easily be able to handle 2 or 3 versions of 100.

I suspect Figarti didn't think of announcing the 88's together - I heard they didn't expect them to sell out instantly like they did. And the tropical 88 is a different version so they may not have considered it to be the same model. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that Rick had separate announcements as a marketing tactic. And if he was unaware people would have wanted multiple issues announced at the same time, I am sure he is aware now for future issues

Terry

 

[Warbuff26]

Put yourself in their shoes.....they want to sell the most product they can...its a business dont forget. Why not get you to buy one and then the other? Look at it from the business side and it is clear....and there is nothing wrong with that! $10 bucks says you will be able to sell the one you dont want in the secondary market anyway...maybe even for a profit. Win / Win.

 

[Steven Chong]

I suspect Figarti didn't think of announcing the 88's together - I heard they didn't expect them to sell out instantly like they did. And the tropical 88 is a different version so they may not have considered it to be the same model. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that Rick had separate announcements as a marketing tactic. And if he was unaware people would have wanted multiple issues announced at the same time, I am sure he is aware now for future issues

Terry

As pointed out by Terry, the Tropical 88 is a different version and not simply a repaint of the Winter 88. I will leave it up to the experts to point out the differences but I am told one 88 is supposed to be the Flak 36 version and the other is the Flak 37 -- I do not know which version is which. In addition, the wheels can be removed on the Tropical 88 and not on the Winter 88. I think the quick sell out of the Winter 88 convinced Figarti to make the Tropical 88.

In addition, I think Rick does read the comments posted, and if the newest sets are selling well, we might see different camo versions of recently released or announced vehicles.

A small company like Figarti that puts capital into a product needs to sell it as quickly as possible to recoup the investment. It makes no business sense to make 100 of two different camo versions, then let one sit in the warehouse for several months.

 

[Vezzolf]

This situation of multiple versions being produced but not announced at the same time (such as with the 88) is causing some chaos. For example, some people bought the winter 88 not knowing that the AK version would follow, which they preferred.

I definitely want to get the 251 but would prefer a winter version, yet I don't know if that's going to be made. If so, I will wait for it. If not, then I still want to get the Normandy version. But while I wait for a winter version which may not come, the Normandy version could easily sell out. What to do??

So, I would like to suggest that if multiple versions of a vehicle are going to be made, that they be announced simultaneously.

" What to do??".....answer.....Buy First Legion........Seriously however I agree with you....Figarti has been releasing items rapidly (and IMO in too small a supply) and it is creating "panic buying".....I guess that's the intention.....However I think this ploy will eventually lose it's effect as buyers "calm down"......and "think carefully" about their purchases and finances.........For me I will make my choices carefully.....no need for me to own everything.......the less we panic the better.....this is a feeding frenzy which will not sustain it's current rate.......IMO

 

[Blowtorch]

I think the quick sell out of the Winter 88 convinced Figarti to make the Tropical 88

Nah, they couldn't have done it that quickly

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Nah, they couldn't have done it that quickly

I agree. It had to have been well along in the pipeline. And for hot sellers like the long awaited 88, I think 100 of each model would still sell fast.

Terry

 

[jazzeum]

" What to do??".....answer.....Buy First Legion........Seriously however I agree with you....Figarti has been releasing items rapidly (and IMO in too small a supply) and it is creating "panic buying".....I guess that's the intention.....However I think this ploy will eventually lose it's effect as buyers "calm down"......and "think carefully" about their purchases and finances.........For me I will make my choices carefully.....no need for me to own everything.......the less we panic the better.....this is a feeding frenzy which will not sustain it's current rate.......IMO

This is the point that I've been trying to make in other threads, what I call the Lemming effect. By releasing items rapidly and in small quantities, Figarti is saying you better get it now or else and buyers are making poor financial decisions they would not otherwise have made, what Vezzolf calls "panic" buying. Well, I've decided I won't play this game. I cancelled my pre order on the Tropical 88 and won't be stampeded into buying the 251 Stuka even though it would be nice to have.

I don't blame Rick. He's trying to maximize profit and keep costs down by making sure there won't be any long term inventory issues. He's also a master marketer. However, it's a game I will not play. If that 251 is still available after I see what he presents in Chicago, great. If not, life goes on. As good as the 251 may be, I'll bet there will be something just as good or better coming.

I'm sure he and I will have an interesting discussion about this in a few weeks time

 

[lancer]

Good points, Brad. I have written Figarti off as long as their releases are so limited, allowing no time to budget the purchase. Many other manufacturers to buy from, though. -- lancer

 

[spartan71]

PLEASE DO!!, While everyone else like me, are having the finest pieces. that are out there now!! Again, If its attainable buy it. If not, Do not be in this hobby with Figarti Models. buy the the cheaper models. If You can not stand the heat, Do not cook . And Come the time you see this models at your friends House. Knowing that he is part of an exclusive 100 club of Figarti for those models, Just have a good look at it. And always remember that you had the chance, to be one of those 100.

 

[maddadicus]

This is the point that I've been trying to make in other threads, what I call the Lemming effect. By releasing items rapidly and in small quantities, Figarti is saying you better get it now or else and buyers are making poor financial decisions they would not otherwise have made, what Vezzolf calls "panic" buying. Well, I've decided I won't play this game. I cancelled my pre order on the Tropical 88 and won't be stampeded into buying the 251 Stuka even though it would be nice to have.

I don't blame Rick. He's trying to maximize profit and keep costs down by making sure there won't be any long term inventory issues. He's also a master marketer. However, it's a game I will not play. If that 251 is still available after I see what he presents in Chicago, great. If not, life goes on. As good as the 251 may be, I'll bet there will be something just as good or better coming.

I'm sure he and I will have an interesting discussion about this in a few weeks time

I totally agree with you......Michael

 

[lancer]

PLEASE DO!!, While everyone else like me, are having the finest pieces. that are out there now!! Again, If its attainable buy it. If not, Do not be in this hobby with Figarti Models. buy the the cheaper models. If You can not stand the heat, Do not cook. And Come the time you see this models at your friends House. Just have a good look at it. And always remember that you had the chance.

As a matter of fact, I don't have the chance to purchase these items, which was my whole point. I am no threat to a collector such as yourself with a lot of money to spend at a manufacturers beck and call. I will content myself with "cheaper models" and leave the high end models to such as yourself. Anyway, I don't need an elitist such as you telling me what I should do with my money. -- lancer

 

[spartan71]

Again, If its ATTAINABLE buy it! If Not ,BUY something else!!, And every collectors dream is to have one piece that, only a few have. like MR. Brad that has the wooden warbirds.

 

[lancer]

Again, If its ATTAINABLE buy it! If Not ,BUY something else!!, And every collectors dream is to have one piece that, only a few have.

Thank you for that brilliant advice. -- lancer

 

[lenswerks]

I agree with Brad too, except for the part about Rick being a master marketer. There was an opportunity missed with these releases with new and existing customers.