Problem of multiple versions not being announced simultaneously (2 Viewers)

[Steven Chong]

Nah, they couldn't have done it that quickly

I have to disagree. The Winter 88 was launched at the London Show near the end of June. According to posts on this forum, it sold out on pre-orders within a few days, so we are at the end of June. The Tropical 88 was announced in the first week of September, so Figarti had two months to sculpt and make the Tropical 88, with many of the components like the wheels the same on both versions. Figarti has its own factory and can easily postpone things in the pipeline and make another version of a hot product. The trick now is to convince Rick to make more than 100 of a set.

 

[RWFigarti]

Dear All,

I would like to offer my comments. First of all, I want to apologize to those collectors who won’t buy Figarti products because of our limited releases, and I want to explain why we do things our way. Some of you may recall our M3 Stuart and Tiger tanks, both launched with high production numbers and multiple variants. The result, stock still sitting at dealers’ warehouses as well as our warehouse and sold on ebay at fraction of it original price. Like Steven says, we have our own factory, so we don’t outsource and we are not confined by a minimum number in a production run. At Figarti, we have found that making 100 of a set is the most economical for Figarti given our economy of scale and makes most sense in terms of our brand’s demand in the market. Our products selling out quickly is only a recent occurrence, and Figarti has many products that are available for more than a year. We don’t want our distributors or dealers to have money tied up in stock, so at this moment in our young history, 100 limited editions is the right number. As for the more frequent releases, it’s again taking feedback from the collectors who complained about Figarti showing items and then waiting forever to get them. We are evolving and trying to improve all the time. I appreciate the support and if anyone would like to understand Figarti more, please feel free to contact me.

Rick
RWFigarti

 

[wayne556517]

Dear All,

I would like to offer my comments. First of all, I want to apologize to those collectors who won’t buy Figarti products because of our limited releases, and I want to explain why we do things our way. Some of you may recall our M3 Stuart and Tiger tanks, both launched with high production numbers and multiple variants. The result, stock still sitting at dealers’ warehouses as well as our warehouse and sold on ebay at fraction of it original price. Like Steven says, we have our own factory, so we don’t outsource and we are not confined by a minimum number in a production run. At Figarti, we have found that making 100 of a set is the most economical for Figarti given our economy of scale and makes most sense in terms of our brand’s demand in the market. Our products selling out quickly is only a recent occurrence, and Figarti has many products that are available for more than a year. We don’t want our distributors or dealers to have money tied up in stock, so at this moment in our young history, 100 limited editions is the right number. As for the more frequent releases, it’s again taking feedback from the collectors who complained about Figarti showing items and then waiting forever to get them. We are evolving and trying to improve all the time. I appreciate the support and if anyone would like to understand Figarti more, please feel free to contact me.

Rick
RWFigarti

Sounds good to me Rick

 

[nasirkasmani]

on the plus point, nobody would had vent their frustrations if figarti's item weren't any good
i think we are all here eager to see what's in store at chicago show, and those interested will wait before committing. i had the beaut stuka in shortlist, as i suspect that a few figarti tanks will be waiting, and tanks had always been a priority for many (including me). to me, it says a big deal of figarti's improvements on their products that there's no real complaint regarding the stuka, except for future release visibility (different camo etc.). even the figures had vastly improved. for a new company, figarti's learning curve had been tremendous.

keep it going rick.

sincerely.

 

[Vezzolf]

Dear All,

I would like to offer my comments. First of all, I want to apologize to those collectors who won’t buy Figarti products because of our limited releases, and I want to explain why we do things our way. Some of you may recall our M3 Stuart and Tiger tanks, both launched with high production numbers and multiple variants. The result, stock still sitting at dealers’ warehouses as well as our warehouse and sold on ebay at fraction of it original price. Like Steven says, we have our own factory, so we don’t outsource and we are not confined by a minimum number in a production run. At Figarti, we have found that making 100 of a set is the most economical for Figarti given our economy of scale and makes most sense in terms of our brand’s demand in the market. Our products selling out quickly is only a recent occurrence, and Figarti has many products that are available for more than a year. We don’t want our distributors or dealers to have money tied up in stock, so at this moment in our young history, 100 limited editions is the right number. As for the more frequent releases, it’s again taking feedback from the collectors who complained about Figarti showing items and then waiting forever to get them. We are evolving and trying to improve all the time. I appreciate the support and if anyone would like to understand Figarti more, please feel free to contact me.

Rick
RWFigarti

Rick, Some of us on the forum have aleady suggested a limited re-release after the initial 1st run.....Say 25-50....If there is "still demand" for a popular item......Most of us are simply not able to budget rapid purchases in succession......If the re-release # is based on preorder deposits....(deposits not refundable) it would allow customers the opportunity to purchase your products without panic or frustration and would result in increased sales for Figarti in a "steady sustainable rate"......Popular WWII items will always be marketable...........If this were done it would also prevent the horders and speculators from re-selling multiples at ridiculous prices on e-bay.......I for one will NEVER-EVER purchase any "limited" Figarti products above the retail price.....I think that a large customer base is important in any business....This current marketing system simply puts many of your potential customers out of the game and will ultimately result in "loss of revenue" for Figarti in the long run..............We want to purchase your products.....Just give us a fighting chance to do so........Thank you for your consideration on this....respectfully Vezzolf

 

[binder001]

For the bad news - collectors are making unhappy noises about current marketing and production.

On the good news - Figarti is listening and appears to care. They are a young company and still learning just how to deal with us loonies who buy this stuff. In just a few years we have seen them go from the 1/32nd to the 1/30th markets. We are seeing the figures get better with each release and the subjects are interesting. They were the first to give the market a "proper" Sherman Firefly in 1/30th and I'll bet they have other cool stuff on the way.

Give them time and feedback and I'll bet things will work out. Figarti seems to learn from their experience, so I think things will only be better with time.

Gary B.

 

[spartan71]

Thanks Rick again!!, For Reading what is happening at the forum. Again it shows care. And the limited editions We are greatful to have it!!, As much as if it is 50 or a thousand in their numbers. It is very appreciated!!. You have shown great care in giving what we need in our hobby. Please, keep doing what you are doing.
A critic one day, can be your greatest fan!!

 

[Vezzolf]

Rick, Some of us on the forum have aleady suggested a limited re-release after the initial 1st run.....Say 25-50....If there is "still demand" for a popular item......Most of us are simply not able to budget rapid purchases in succession......If the re-release # is based on preorder deposits....(deposits not refundable) it would allow customers the opportunity to purchase your products without panic or frustration and would result in increased sales for Figarti in a "steady sustainable rate"......Popular WWII items will always be marketable...........If this were done it would also prevent the horders and speculators from re-selling multiples at ridiculous prices on e-bay.......I for one will NEVER-EVER purchase any "limited" Figarti products above the retail price.....I think that a large customer base is important in any business....This current marketing system simply puts many of your potential customers out of the game and will ultimately result in "loss of revenue" for Figarti in the long run..............We want to purchase your products.....Just give us a fighting chance to do so........Thank you for your consideration on this....respectfully Vezzolf

I reiterate my post....please re-consider the current marketing philosophy.....It is NOT a good "long term" plan of marketing your product to a solid customer base.....

 

[lancer]

I reiterate my post....please re-consider the current marketing philosophy.....It is NOT a good "long term" plan of marketing your product to a solid customer base.....

Correct. In what successful business plan is it a good idea to shut out most of your potential customer base? So maybe a few earlier releases didn't sell out immediately, so what? The later releases have been very popular, but very restricted. If you make a product the collector's want (and Figarti is), the buyers will be there. It is not a good idea to frustrate and shut out so many buyers. Wide appeal and sales are a necessity. Figarti has the wide appeal, now they need to supply the numbers, otherwise the vast majority of collectors will go where they can get product. It is simple math. Figarti, please expand your edition numbers. -- lancer

 

[tdubel]

Comment here,

Figarti has always said it wants to be the maserati in the market, having an exclusive amount produced is one way of doing that. I think this again is each individual's decision, if they can only sell on average (the highs and lows) 100 pieces of a product line in the US, than that is the number. Not to say an 88 gun sells out and a Firefly doesnt, it is the average across pieces that works for them in their financial model. I also think the limited edition has an appeal. I don't think they are trying to become King & Country, 2 different business models. If Figarti makes money producing the 100 piece runs, than that is the way it is, buy accordingly or don't buy.

I don't think speculators on ebay are the ones buying all available models. And, to that point, if I missed an item I really want, then it is up to me to pay the prevailing price, that is CAPITALISM, free market, speculators are part of that. I don't see any of us running out to subsidize the speculator losses when they guess wrong............

All in all, enjoy the Figarti pieces and resign to the fact that as in any collection, you may not be able to buy it all at once. I am of the opinion that this is not such a large issue as some of the other posts.

TD

 

[Louis Badolato]

I don't understand the hullaballoo. So the initial model in the initial markings is limited to 100? Unless you are desperate for those specific markings, there is nothing to worry about. Figarti repeatedly re-issues the same basic model in different markings with different crews in additional lots of 100 if there is a big demand. As I recall, there were re-releases of the V2 rocket in different markings, the Panzer IV (winter and desert), the 88 and Prime Mover (also winter and desert), I have heard there will be another firefly in different markings. I would be shocked if there wasn't a winter ground stuka in the works. And as far as the desperation motive, I don't buy it. If you don't have a relationship with a dealer who is willing to hold a product for you for a month or two, drop me a PM, and I will give you a list of terrific dealers who will do the right thing for a good customer.

 

[rpk]

I don't think speculators on ebay are the ones buying all available models.

Unfortunately with the last release (winter 88 and firefly) a dealer was putting them up on eBay and getting above retail. I'm okay missing out if I don't have the funds, or just miss the boat to other collectors, but that really ticks me off.

 

[jazzeum]

Comment here,

Figarti has always said it wants to be the maserati in the market, having an exclusive amount produced is one way of doing that. I think this again is each individual's decision, if they can only sell on average (the highs and lows) 100 pieces of a product line in the US, than that is the number. Not to say an 88 gun sells out and a Firefly doesnt, it is the average across pieces that works for them in their financial model. I also think the limited edition has an appeal. I don't think they are trying to become King & Country, 2 different business models. If Figarti makes money producing the 100 piece runs, than that is the way it is, buy accordingly or don't buy.

I don't think speculators on ebay are the ones buying all available models. And, to that point, if I missed an item I really want, then it is up to me to pay the prevailing price, that is CAPITALISM, free market, speculators are part of that. I don't see any of us running out to subsidize the speculator losses when they guess wrong............

All in all, enjoy the Figarti pieces and resign to the fact that as in any collection, you may not be able to buy it all at once. I am of the opinion that this is not such a large issue as some of the other posts.

TD

You may not think it's that large an issue but I have talked to a few dealers and they're swamped by the calls of collectors trying to get this or that because of the limited number of a release, only to be followed by another and another. Remember it's 60 for the US market. That is not a lot.

 

[jazzeum]

I don't understand the hullaballoo. So the initial model in the initial markings is limited to 100? Unless you are desperate for those specific markings, there is nothing to worry about. Figarti repeatedly re-issues the same basic model in different markings with different crews in additional lots of 100 if there is a big demand. As I recall, there were re-releases of the V2 rocket in different markings, the Panzer IV (winter and desert), the 88 and Prime Mover (also winter and desert), I have heard there will be another firefly in different markings. I would be shocked if there wasn't a winter ground stuka in the works. And as far as the desperation motive, I don't buy it. If you don't have a relationship with a dealer who is willing to hold a product for you for a month or two, drop me a PM, and I will give you a list of terrific dealers who will do the right thing for a good customer.

I think I've stated the position so no need to repeat it but you've got release after release in limited numbers of 60 in the USA, with collectors getting it into a feeding frenzy of "if I don't get it NOW, I'll be shut out." It's not just a question of having a dealer holding it for you but having to make a financial under some duress and on the fly. For some buyers with more economic werewithal it's not a problem but for some it is. Look at the 88 that's now on ebay; the seller was covering his bases to make sure he'd get at least one and wound up two. Of course, he'll probably do ok but that's not really the point is it. Also, dealers also have inventory carrying costs and room problems themselves.

Like I said, it's not a game I'm going to play anymore and I think some others are in agreement with that.

 

[Blowtorch]

We are evolving

RWFigarti

The key point to me. Figarti is getting to know the sweet spot of what collectors want & in a year's time, even with 100# runs, there will be plenty of sweet stuff that will be around in stores for a few month's or so. Not every release will vaporize like the snow 88 & Firefly. The community had been starving for those for a long long time when they came down the pipe.

 

[nmrocks]

Figarti has my full support, I really enjoy the products, quality is on a seriously steep quality curve, the figures are better than ever and now second to none. The excitement of the sudden release of fabulous products is great fun!
There's no question this is a vast improvement over the past and I can't wait for whats coming in the future!
Keep it up Rick!
As for the "Game"....well thats exactly what it is... not life or death, not survival for the customer... just the fun of the game. I'm a sports nut, nothing I love more than a great game.. and folks, for me THIS IS A GREAT GAME!!!!!!
Ray

 

[spartan71]

Okay, lets just say Figarti now. makes 200 pcs. and Still the same cost will you Buy it now?? 300 pcs, will you buy it now??, 400 pcs. same price will you buy it Now?? I Am going to bet more than half of you are still not going to do it. because of the price. You are going to wait until there is that over production to lower the price. And becomes unfair to the people that did buy it at its original price. And Rick does not want to be unfair. Just admit that you want an over production.

 

[rpk]

I think the items are selling quickly at the moment because they are items people have been wanting for awhile (88mm, Firefly, etc.). Looking at some other items (Grant/Lee, M31 Recovery Vehicle, Storch(s), etc.) they aren't moving as quickly, so 100 probably is a good number. If those items were released rapid fire would there have been this much upset? I'd rather have some time between releases, and a better shot at getting them, but I can see both sides I guess.

 

[lancer]

Okay, lets just say Figarti now. makes 200 pcs. and Still the same cost will you Buy it now?? 300 pcs, will you buy it now??, 400 pcs. same price will you buy it Now?? I Am going to bet more than half of you are still not going to do it. because of the price. You are going to wait until there is that over production to lower the price. And becomes unfair to the people that did buy it at its original price. And Rick does not want to be unfair. Just admit that you want an over production.

So, let me see if I got this right, you want lower production to keep prices up so only a small number of people can afford the product? Boy, is that ever a speculator-investor attitude. Larger production numbers would certainly bring prices down because it is cheaper to produce as numbers increase. So lower prices are bad? I think you and your bank account are in this hobby for the wrong reasons. Larger production numbers will do nothing to the value of the earlier low number editions, except make them worth more because of scarcity. Larger production numbers of new product will make them available to more people to enjoy and at a lower price. Sounds like you want a guaranteed return on your items instead of just enjoying them for what they are, toy soldiers. And you are right about the current issue prices. At an edition of 100, prices are too high for most of us to have at a moments notice. A higher number of product, at a lesser price, that doesn't sell out in 2 days, would give a lot of us a shot at owning these fine products. Sorry if my opinion on this doesn't fit your elitist viewpoint. -- lancer

 

[spartan71]

Now as far as A buyer getting 2, and selling one. Well, Yeah. it might be to put one on ebay. But How many collectors buys 2, one for display, and one to be stored??. maybe now this buyer that was maybe covering his bases(Because he got an answer, like we will put you into a waiting list. So he goes to another site. just to be sure. that he gets one). And was lucky enough to get 2.
And a question to Brad. If they lowered the price of your warbirds. to 25 percent off after you buy it because of an over production,do you get upset, or say That is great!for other people that wants to buy it??. And I am happy for them!!