Problem of multiple versions not being announced simultaneously (4 Viewers)

[spartan71]

Well Lancer. Why did you not say that it was the price that was stopping you. instead of blaming it on the limited edition number?? And I am not an elitist. I am just one that if I want something made out of gold. I expect to pay for it for the price of gold. And Not wish that the price is what you pay for is the price of silver or bronze.
You want the best, expect to pay the price of having the best!! And I am not planning to sell my collection, EVER(Not unless, I am Dying) Speculator-investor??
I never look at my collection as monetary investment. It is a reward to the haard days of work. I believe the quality of a product. not on How many pieces, I can buy from the same amount.

 

[jazzeum]

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.

Speaking as a collector only (and not as the moderator, so it's clear which voice I'm speaking with), is it necessary for you to jump down people's throat?

At any rate, it's a question of numbers, not prices, for me. Do you really think that Rick (or Andy or Matt, as the case may be) is going to lower the price? I don't think so. When prices are lower on ebay that may be due to too many out there but that's individual sellers doing that, not manufacturers.

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!!

That you ask this question about Warbirds shows that you really don't understand them. Andy doesn't make enough of them for him to even think about lowering the price. He made one that hasn't sold quickly, the Whirlwind, but he hasn't reduced the price and that's not something he would do. However, I have purchased things in the non-toysoldier world at one price only to see it a couple of months later to go lower. Do I get mad? No, that's just life dude.

 

[lancer]

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!!

No one has said a word about undercutting prices on current products for sale. It won't happen. A limited edition such as the warbirds is always going to stay valuable because of scarcity. The limited Figarti will keep their value for the same reasons. I simply would like to see higher production numbers in the future to have a shot at buying them, and if at a lower price, so much the better. As for covering bases and buying 2 of something, have at it, it's your money. I have nothing against making money, I just don't have enough of it to be pushed into purchasing a model I like because it is so limited that it will be gone in 2 days. Thus the wish for higher production numbers. -- lancer

 

[spartan71]

Life is that, But I am going to bet. Because of the price being so high. That not to many can afford it. You are Proud to be only of so few that Do have the Warbirds.

 

[Vezzolf]

TO REPEAT AGAIN.....(last time I promise)....I re-refer to my original post#25 on this thread....and I am in agreement with Brad and Lancer on this one........100 is too small a release #......and is creating a "panic buy" mentality.....some folks are just not able to make such rapid purchases and it eliminates potential sales for the manufacturer and more importantly "Loyal Figarti Customers"......It would make better business sense to make your product "reasonably available" to collectors as well as to new comers to the hobby........Figarti needs to consider the many serious collectors who need a little time to make multiple purchases....not just the elitiest few with the unlimited bank resources.......Most guys (even with adequate resources) DO NOT appreciate the frustration and foolish mob mentality of purchasing Figarti as has been happening.......Figarti makes an excellent product and we want to purchase Figarti but most of us are not willing to sucumb to revolting behaviour like dogs fighting for a bone......That's not what this hobby is about.........

 

[lancer]

Well Lancer. Why did you not say that it was the price that was stopping you. instead of blaming it on the limited edition number?? And I am not an elitist. I am just one that if I want something made out of gold. I expect to pay for it for the price of gold. And Not wish that the price is what you pay for is the price of silver or bronze.
You want the best, expect to pay the price of having the best!! And I am not planning to sell my collection, EVER(Not unless, I am Dying) Speculator-investor??
I never look at my collection as monetary investment. It is a reward to the haard days of work. I believe the quality of a product. not on How many pieces, I can buy from the same amount.

I thought I had made it clear (several times) that it was the money that was stopping me, because of the low edition number. Once again, if a given edition (say the new 251) stays at 100, I will have to miss out on it because I need time to budget for it. I am simply saying (again) that a larger edition would give me time to budget. I have no real argument with the price as I will still have to budget for it whether it costs $269 or $169. I just do not have a huge bank account and would appreciate a chance to buy the Figarti product. Simple. -- lancer

 

[Phantom Warrior]

TO REPEAT AGAIN.....(last time I promise)....I re-refer to my original post#25 on this thread....and I am in agreement with Brad and Lancer on this one........100 is too small a release #......and is creating a "panic buy" mentality.....some folks are just not able to make such rapid purchases and it eliminates potential sales for the manufacturer and more importantly "Loyal Figarti Customers"......It would make better business sense to make your product "reasonably available" to collectors as well as to new comers to the hobby........Figarti needs to consider the many serious collectors who need a little time to make multiple purchases....not just the elitiest few with the unlimited bank resources.......Most guys (even with adequate resources) DO NOT appreciate the frustration and foolish mob mentality of purchasing Figarti as has been happening.......Figarti makes an excellent product and we want to purchase Figarti but most of us are not willing to sucumb to revolting behaviour like dogs fighting for a bone......That's not what this hobby is about.........

Well said. It's not the price, it's that some of the items disappear so fast that some people who can't afford to buy a lot of pieces in quick succession can't get one and even some people who could afford it aren't quick enough to get the chance. Don't expect raising production from 100 to 125 will lower the price. And I do not think production runs of 100 are appropriate for every model. Some could be less, but that may be constrained by economics but a few could easily be 125 or 150.

Terry

 

[spartan71]

Oh!, Lancer. I am sorry. for my mistake. Well, It becomes Tough then. maybe ask your dealer To hold It for you??, For a certain amount of time, and If it does not happen. for a particular one. Then Buy one that is there that you like when you have enough. dealers always have waiting lists. So no lost for them. I can emphatize, because early on my life I wanted Things I had to save up to. and Buy it, and more than likely its all gone by time I got enough.
And quite possibly is the main reason, that I get everything Now, with hardly a pause, unless its not in my self made budget that I adhere to strickly, Now I finacially able to allocate For this hobby for on a given month and try to get the best one out there., After putting a little bit into the bank, and pay rent etc.. the Joy of the Heart is The Joy of the soul(I believe in One). Again my apologies!!

 

[lancer]

Oh!, Lancer. I am sorry. for my mistake. Well, It becomes Tough then. maybe ask your dealer To hold It for you??, For a certain amount of time, and If it does not happen. for a particular one. Then Buy one that is there that you like when you have enough. dealers always have waiting lists. So no lost for them. I can emphatize, because early on my life I wanted Things I had to save up to. and Buy it, and more than likely its all gone by time I got enough.
And quite possibly is the main reason, that I get everything Now, with hardly a pause, unless its not in my self made budget that I adhere to strickly, Now I finacially able to allocate For this hobby for on a given month and try to get the best one out there., After putting a little bit into the bank, and pay rent etc.. the Joy of the Heart is The Joy of the soul(I believe in One). Again my apologies!!

Spartan, no need to apologize. We had a good exchange over our mutual hobby. I certainly don't begrudge your preference for wanting to spend your dollars on the best models. It is a hobby with a little bit of something for everyone. I just would like to join in with you other Figarti collectors. All the best. -- lancer

 

[spartan71]

My best to you too, Lancer!!. Well said!!, We love this hobby of ours, Don"t we.

 

[sammy719]

Well as for me, I have a Figarti DD tank to pay for, and that's probabley gonna be it for me and Figarti, I love the Figarti products, but the primemover and 88 (winter) which I dearly wanted fell though with about 6 dealers, because they were all snapped up in hours, and even with all the new demand Rick has said 100 limit is it. I don't always have an extra 200-300 to spend on my collection within hours of a new Figarti release such as the new Hanomag rocket carrier, again a beauty of a vehicle but once again thet will probabley be all gone by next week, so I guess I'll be one of casulties of the 100 limit hope somewhere down the line Figarti will adjust the numbers a little higher for us middle income guys...Sammy

 

[nasirkasmani]

Well as for me, I have a Figarti DD tank to pay for, and that's probabley gonna be it for me and Figarti, I love the Figarti products, but the primemover and 88 (winter) which I dearly wanted fell though with about 6 dealers, because they were all snapped up in hours, and even with all the new demand Rick has said 100 limit is it. I don't always have an extra 200-300 to spend on my collection within hours of a new Figarti release such as the new Hanomag rocket carrier, again a beauty of a vehicle but once again thet will probabley be all gone by next week, so I guess I'll be one of casulties of the 100 limit hope somewhere down the line Figarti will adjust the numbers a little higher for us middle income guys...Sammy

have you tried preordering sammy?
the winter 88 and prime mover, just like the firelfy, were long requested and awaited releases and as such, were snapped up instantly. the stuka, though a beauty, does not fall into that must-have category. im sure you'll have a fair chance. furthermore, it seems everyone is waiting to see the chicago releases before committing.

 

[tdubel]

Look, I believe that some of you are missing the point and one of you is blinded by your loathing of speculators.

I want to refer everyone to really read Rick's post. He (in my opinion) is trying to explain that the run of 100 is right for Figarti across the board. The 88's may sell fast, the Prime, Firefly, but take a look at some figure sets, take a look at the Lee Tanks, a site has them on sale for $189. My point is that as a financial person, you have a business plan and model, Figarti has made it clear, on the average across all products, this is where they are. I know it is maybe not ideal for every collector, but it is what it is. I think everyone needs to take this down a notch and treat it as a hobby, the chase is half the fun, so you may miss out now, well, start a rainy day fund and wait and chase it down, that is part of the fun!

Now, I personally believe had these items been spread out over the normal course of time, this gripe session would not be occuring b/c spending 300 vs spending 1500 is a lot easier to take.

You may not ultimately end up a loyal Figarti customer, but rather than debate the business model, why not enjoy the hobby. If this is causing this much grief and consternation, I would suggest it is not worth it!

I think that a lot of the concerns are valid, yet unfortunately, it is what it is. As for screaming about panic buying, I see that only on the 88 and let's be honest ever since K&C retired the Metal WS 5??, there has been panic for years! SO, the first one someone released was going to sell out. Same with the PRiest, this is one of the most requested vehicles ever.

IMO

TD

 

[spartan71]

Very well said TD. It is what it is. If you can not get the one right now, save up. for the next great one that comes along. Because I think everything in The Pipeline, will be great models!!. so if you miss one. then there will be others.

 

[OzDigger]

We have had similar discussions about limited editions in the K & C thread and I can appreciate the fact that limited production is an accepted method of stimulating sales. However I do not subscribe to Figart's idea of producing all releases in the same numbers.

With due respect to Rick and his crew I feel they should reconsider their fixed production number of say 100 examples. Clearly the more popular prototypes such as the German 88 mm and related Halftrack will attract more demand than less popular items such as the Launch Control vehicle - so why make them in the same numbers

 

[marco55]

I've been reading this thread with great interest and while I like Limited Edition sets some are set at too low a number.While this is nice to those who get them it is a turnoff for many and as a result Figarti or any other company may lose many potential customers.I think The Jenkins collector club idea may be the way to go.If Figarti or anybody else sell a item like hotcakes they should have a special preorder for 30-40 days and if they get enough orders to make it feasable to produce an item then so be it.It could be labeled second edition.If not enough orders come in it would not be made.If you get orders for 40-50 more not only have you made more money but you may have added steady customers who will buy other products but if they can't get something they really want they may say the heck with your products and not buy anything ever.150 sets worldwide is still a very limited edition.Another thing that's time may have come is installment payments.I buy from Bradford Exchange a lot and sometimes I pay the whole thing and sometimes I use the installment option.My choice. I don't collect WWII but for those who do there are many vehicles and planes which are pretty expensive but everybody loves.When something costs say $200 that's a pretty big chunk out at one time but say you paid $70 over a 3 month period I think it could increase sales.With banks tighting credit limits and a lot of people just not having the funds to buy like a couple of years ago (myself included)I think it's time for new and innovative ideas to be tried.Just my two cents.
Mark

 

[Njja]

I don't really understand, I keep my eyes open for new releases and I move

fairly quickly, and I have not really had a situation where I was shut out of

anything. I was even able to obtain 2 of the K&C Village Gate after it was

sold out and that was limited to 64 pieces.

I have heard all kinds of numbers 5000+ serious collectors out there....but

its interesting that many retired items in fairly limited editions remain available

in some cases for years!

 

[joesgis]

Look, I believe that some of you are missing the point and one of you is blinded by your loathing of speculators.

I want to refer everyone to really read Rick's post. He (in my opinion) is trying to explain that the run of 100 is right for Figarti across the board. The 88's may sell fast, the Prime, Firefly, but take a look at some figure sets, take a look at the Lee Tanks, a site has them on sale for $189. My point is that as a financial person, you have a business plan and model, Figarti has made it clear, on the average across all products, this is where they are. I know it is maybe not ideal for every collector, but it is what it is. I think everyone needs to take this down a notch and treat it as a hobby, the chase is half the fun, so you may miss out now, well, start a rainy day fund and wait and chase it down, that is part of the fun!

Now, I personally believe had these items been spread out over the normal course of time, this gripe session would not be occuring b/c spending 300 vs spending 1500 is a lot easier to take.

You may not ultimately end up a loyal Figarti customer, but rather than debate the business model, why not enjoy the hobby. If this is causing this much grief and consternation, I would suggest it is not worth it!

I think that a lot of the concerns are valid, yet unfortunately, it is what it is. As for screaming about panic buying, I see that only on the 88 and let's be honest ever since K&C retired the Metal WS 5??, there has been panic for years! SO, the first one someone released was going to sell out. Same with the PRiest, this is one of the most requested vehicles ever.

IMO

TD

What he said IMHO

Joe

 

[spartan71]

You can not let this go can you Brad. Anyway, does it look like Figarti,
1. is At a lost leader in anyway?? with their profits??
2.Or with the way, that they do things?? Sure can not tell, By the way they are making such great models. and improving the packaging.
3. I don't know about everyone else. But I appreciate, Any new releases to be found out in the forum. before the dealers does. So that there maybe some time to contemplate, on buying it. and contact the dealers.
And just to point out:
4. Don't you just wish that the warbirds was a lot cheaper, and a lot more made. to make more collectors happy??
5.And at least a hundred in the world are not clamoring anymore for the 88. and with the tropical version in the way. another hundred HAPPY.
6. With pretty much every collector wanting an 88, why has there not been any version made by any other Company??
7. And lastly, Do not fault Figarti. Because at least they made the effort to make the things we been dying for, For so many years.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

This basically comes down to a problem of coordinating supply and demand. I've said it before, but this industry needs to move toward an advance preorder only system - you would get maybe 3-6 months of warning that something is coming out and a chance to preorder it directly from the manufacturer, possibly even make suggestions to improve it, but the company only makes the exact number that are preordered. No more, no less. This model would make customers happy by giving them advance warning and the chance to secure a product, while also taking a lot of the risk out of the production run for the manufacturer. Problem solved. The only risk that remains as a manufacturer is you tip your hand to your competitors but Figarti really doesn't really have a whole lot to fear from the polystone vehicles that comprise the rest of this market.