Production cutbacks (1 Viewer)

[joesgis]

Is it strategy? Is it necessity? Is it a bit of both? Who knows. Regardless of the of the totality of motivating factors that drive this operational change, I think it's an astute business decision to combat the poor world economy and competitors (whether latent or manifest in design) who manufacture in smaller production runs themselves already. Toy soldier wars at their best, so to speak. My guess is this change will serve K & C quite well. I know I will no longer drag my feet on an item of high interest. If I see a "must have" piece unveiled in a monthly dispatch, I will probably pre-order it on the spot, if finances allow for it, of course. I bet K & C's pre-orders are about to shoot through the roof. An Inherent aspect in this production cutback is the increased rarity of items it creates, just as Andy made sure to mention. Point well taken.

 

[Alex]

It's a necessity .... And this forum is very reprensentative of what's happening in the TS world...

People are cutting back on purchases and companies are suffering so they have to cut production because too much stock unsold and increase price of production .... 1 + 1 = 2

Alex

 

[Rob]

What I find exciting is that whilst a lot of items are sailing off into the sunset, they will be replaced with newer better products of huge variety that only K&C can supply month in month out year after year, am very much looking forward to whats coming in the months ahead .^&cool

Rob

 

[oberstoskar]

I support K&C's decision to cut the quantity but not the variety!

 

[Vezzolf]

As some has suggested this may be a marketing ploy to get people to get items quicker.Don't fall into that trap and get yourself into trouble financially.You can live without every item.
Mark

Good Advise

 

[nmrocks]

As some has suggested this may be a marketing ploy to get people to get items quicker.Don't fall into that trap and get yourself into trouble financially.You can live without every item.
Mark

Wow Marco, coming from you that's a pretty cynical statement? With what you know of Andy I never thought you'd feel he would try to exploit his fan base?
Ray

 

[Rob]

I support K&C's decision to cut the quantity but not the variety!

Thats the point, variety and quality month after month, unrivalled ^&cool

Rob

 

[graycap]

I suppose in the long run it all comes down to the resources individual collectors have available for their hobby. The fewer those resources the more difficult the choices. Myself, I will be watching each month's retired lists like a hawk!! I'm making a note of those items I would really like for my collections and try and acquire them over the coming months and attempt to resist impulse buying! It will be interesting in about six months time or so, to look back and see what impact Andy's plans have actually had, both on the number of new releases and the length of the retired listings. Also the effect on Toy Soldier collecting as a whole, as it would appear that K&C is not alone regarding this particular dilema. Perhaps the proposition that the hobby is "inflation proof" is about to be tested! Whatever, I'm sure we'll all adapt in our separate ways. If all else fails there's always 1/72!!

 

[Vezzolf]

The up side to all of this if true is all popular releases will increase in their value faster over time. Once each piece made is sold out, retired, and sought after, new collectors will be hungry to acquire these releases just as they do now. ^&cool

I would not bet on increased values faster over time.....There are many choices out there today....The retired products, strictly limited marketing methods do NOT work as well any more....Also many products will not re- sell above the original purchase price on secondary markets, as rising retail prices have killed that strategy....If you buy it you better be REAL SURE you want it

 

[Rob]

I would not bet on increased values faster over time.....There are many choices out there today....The retired products, strictly limited marketing methods do NOT work as well any more....Also many products will not re- sell above the original purchase price on secondary markets, as rising retail prices have killed that strategy....If you buy it you better be REAL SURE you want it

Not sure about that, the Westcoaster figure for instance, stricly limited and the price has gone through the roof. I think the Tilly's will do likewise and also the Bowser thats coming, . Look at the Jagdtiger, people said it wouldn't sell, apparently its selling like hot cakes ( this is not from me but from dealers) .The name K&C is also a big draw remember, they are unrivalled in what they can release, so many theatres of WW2 alone.

Rob

 

[Vezzolf]

Not sure about that, the Westcoaster figure for instance, stricly limited and the price has gone through the roof.

Rob

Rob, There will always be the exception...but for the most part prices are already off the charts and have hit peak....Not much room for re-sale profits (if indeed any at all)....Again if you buy it you better really like looking at it for a "Long Time"...so best not to panic buy....Post#110

 

[Rob]

Rob, There will always be the exception...but for the most part prices are already off the charts and have hit peak....Not much room for re-sale profits (if indeed any at all)....Again if you buy it you better really like looking at it for a "Long Time"...so best not to panic buy....Post#110

Why would you buy it if you did't like looking at it, makes no sense Frank???

I can imagine the forthcoming Typhoon is going to be another huge hit, no other company can give us Aircraft, ground crew and support vehicles like K&C do, the quality and rarity of such a model I think will make this much sort after. They are not number 1 for nothing.

Rob

 

[marco55]

Wow Marco, coming from you that's a pretty cynical statement? With what you know of Andy I never thought you'd feel he would try to exploit his fan base?
Ray

Not really Ray.I'm sure what KC is saying is probably true but all businesses have a strategy.I'm not saying that he's doing this to exploit people but he's going to do what he has to for the betterment and survival of his company.
Mark

 

[lancer]

Why would you buy it if you did't like looking at it, makes no sense Frank???

I can imagine the forthcoming Typhoon is going to be another huge hit, no other company can give us Aircraft, ground crew and support vehicles like K&C do, the quality and rarity of such a model I think will make this much sort after.

Rob

Might not make sense, but I know one or two people who still buy this stuff and squirrel it away for resale down the road, counting on secondary prices going up. They don't always buy it because they like it, but because they are betting on profit. There are always a few. -- Al

 

[Rob]

Might not make sense, but I know one or two people who still buy this stuff and squirrel it away for resale down the road, counting on secondary prices going up. They don't always buy it because they like it, but because they are betting on profit. There are always a few. -- Al

Yep no doubt about it,a monority perhaps, but not me, I buy them for the reason I've always done.They are simply the best on the market, the most exciting with the most variety. Just looking at WW2 alone for a moment even the mighty /legendary Britains can't hold a candle to them. Thats why this new policy doesn't worry me a bean, because I know we are getting new, improving, exciting figures in a variety of ranges unmatched by others.

When I go to meet my maker my wife will have a field day selling them....she better not sell my Tilly's though:wink2:

Rob

 

[lancer]

Yep no doubt about it,a monorit perhaps, but not me, I buy them for the reason I've always done.They are simply the best on the market, the most exciting with the most variety. Just looking at WW2 alone for a moment even the mighty /legendary Britains can't hold a candle to them. Thats why this new policy doesn't worry me a bean, because I know we are getting new, improving, exciting figures in a variety of ranges unmatched by others.

When I go to meet my maker my wife will have a field day selling them....she better not sell my Tilly's though:wink2:

Rob

LOL. That's what I keep telling my wife. Once I'm gone, sell the lot and live it up. Just so it's not too soon. I'm still staggered by the huge amount of different lines that KC offers. I agree with what others have said in regards to this new cutback ie., that it didn't happen sooner. The diversity and quality of KC's product is unmatched, I just don't want to see a monthly race to bankruptcy on my part. Guess I will have to behave myself. -- Al

 

[thebritfarmer]

Might not make sense, but I know one or two people who still buy this stuff and squirrel it away for resale down the road, counting on secondary prices going up. They don't always buy it because they like it, but because they are betting on profit. There are always a few. -- Al

Toy soldiers are NOT ALLOWED, under any circumstances to leave my house.

 

[Rob]

LOL. That's what I keep telling my wife. Once I'm gone, sell the lot and live it up. Just so it's not too soon. I'm still staggered by the huge amount of different lines that KC offers. I agree with what others have said in regards to this new cutback ie., that it didn't happen sooner. The diversity and quality of KC's product is unmatched, I just don't want to see a monthly race to bankruptcy on my part. Guess I will have to behave myself. -- Al

Well said mate.{bravo}}

I'll only start worrying when I see her checking out exotic foreign destination travel brochures:wink2:

Rob

 

[tdubel]

Resale Opinion -

I think it is and always has been unique to items. Almost like picking stocks.

For instance - original Raupen Schlepper - big donero on ebay. Alamo figures - not so much......yet.

Point is, over time, you don't know and you should buy what you like. However, it does seem that K&C for those with patience, will always get their money back and on a lot of pieces a profit. That is not to say every sale is a big payday.

I only speak from personal experience and I always get my price eventually. Some items like single figures - some may sell for retail, some a little above, some slightly below, but on average, always get your money back.



TD

 

[Alex]

I have a lot of WWII k&c I would like to sell including the winter raupen schlepper. What would be best option for me canadian in order to sell to Americans..this forum or eBay?

Cheers.

Alex