show figures (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

Guys...

We all know that there are some decent figures presented at shows from K&C and a few others. These are nice items meant to give the collector a little something special as a freebie or, to purchase on their visit.

What I would like to know is do people agree or not that perhaps K&C could sell these later from their store or from other dealers around the world in a run to collectors? if not, should they ensure that attendee's only get one figure either as a gift or, are allowed to buy only one. At least it would help stop these wonderful people who then sell them on for as much as they can. although I know it would not stop them completely it would curtail their actions.

I would think this would be a good idea. firstly, it would certainly sell after seeing some of the figures and it would also stop the speculators from selling at really ridiculous prices that you see either before the show has actually ended or, a few months later for over $100 per figure.

As the Chicago show draws close and show figures presumably will be released I know that I would rather give the manufacturer or a dealer the money than speculators who care little about the hobby or the collectors in it.

It just seems the companies could make a decent profit sell desirable figures at a fair price to collectors and, assist in reducing the speculative nature that a few plague our hobby with. It seems a win win situation to me.
Mitch

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Guys...

We all know that there are some decent figures presented at shows from K&C and a few others. These are nice items meant to give the collector a little something special as a freebie or, to purchase on their visit.

What I would like to know is do people agree or not that perhaps K&C could sell these later from their store or from other dealers around the world in a run to collectors? if not, should they ensure that attendee's only get one figure either as a gift or, are allowed to buy only one. At least it would help stop these wonderful people who then sell them on for as much as they can. although I know it would not stop them completely it would curtail their actions.

I would think this would be a good idea. firstly, it would certainly sell after seeing some of the figures and it would also stop the speculators from selling at really ridiculous prices that you see either before the show has actually ended or, a few months later for over $100 per figure.

As the Chicago show draws close and show figures presumably will be released I know that I would rather give the manufacturer or a dealer the money than speculators who care little about the hobby or the collectors in it.

It just seems the companies could make a decent profit sell desirable figures at a fair price to collectors and, assist in reducing the speculative nature that a few plague our hobby with. It seems a win win situation to me.
Mitch

I have some of these figures and if I don't collect this certain range I sell or give them away to people who want them. I have not charged any more then $50.00 a figure . If people are fools and bid silly on ebay they really want one . Each to there own. Simmo.

 

[4737 Carlin]

I have to agree Mitch. It would give those who don't have the time or money (I'm sure we all spend a fair amount collecting as it is) to attend shows the chance to add to a collection at a fair price. Its annoying when I see a show figure from a line I collect that I'll probably never be able to add because they hardly ever come up on the secondary market - or if they do you could be looking at four times the price of a regular figure release. Flying to the USA for a show is perhaps unfeasible for most of us. Fortunately for us Brits we have the London shows though. Carlin.

 

[jazzeum]

The figure is not free. It's given out at the dinner, which this year is a combined K & C Britains dinner. You have to purchase the dinner.

One of the nice things is that it's exclusive and that it's special. I don't or haven't attended the West Coaster where a figure is given out. I've had to purchase it via eBay and I don't object to that. Some years it's cost more, some less. If a person wants to dispose of his or her figure as he or she sees fit she ought to be able to do so.

Speculators are not selling these but people who attend the dinner who are not interested in the figure. I've kept most of mine but I have sold off a couple and had no problem doing so.

Brad

 

[Mitch]

Brad..

I was talking not only about the chicago show though its on the close horizon so, I thought it was pertinant. It covers all shos like the texas one where show figures are offered.

Perhaps if the mods could move this thread to the general toy soldier area it may be more appropritae to encompass a wider discussion.

Thanks in advance
Mitch

The figure is not free. It's given out at the dinner, which this year is a combined K & C Britains dinner. You have to purchase the dinner.

One of the nice things is that it's exclusive and that it's special. I don't or haven't attended the West Coaster where a figure is given out. I've had to purchase it via eBay and I don't object to that. Some years it's cost more, some less. If a person wants to dispose of his or her figure as he or she sees fit she ought to be able to do so.

Speculators are not selling these but people who attend the dinner who are not interested in the figure. I've kept most of mine but I have sold off a couple and had no problem doing so.

Brad

 

[gk5717]

I agree with Brad. These figures are not "free". It cost $40 for the K&C dinner and what about the cost of attending the show itself. If a person wants to sell his figure to help cover the cost so be it.
The last two years I bought a few exclusive figures from KingsX just for the sole purpose of reselling to help defray the cost of going to the show.
If the manufactorer wants to sell the show figures later I don,t have a problem with that either.
Gary

 

[tdubel]

The figure is not free. It's given out at the dinner, which this year is a combined K & C Britains dinner. You have to purchase the dinner.

One of the nice things is that it's exclusive and that it's special. I don't or haven't attended the West Coaster where a figure is given out. I've had to purchase it via eBay and I don't object to that. Some years it's cost more, some less. If a person wants to dispose of his or her figure as he or she sees fit she ought to be able to do so.

Speculators are not selling these but people who attend the dinner who are not interested in the figure. I've kept most of mine but I have sold off a couple and had no problem doing so.

Brad

Have to agree with Brad here. Collectors attend these dinners and pay for them. It is up to each to his own on what to do with the figures. It is a free market and is always about a willing seller, willing buyer on a given day. These figures are very limited and if they are well received by the overall collecting world, there value goes up accordingly. I collect all promo/club from many companies, therefore, I expect to pay for them. I am still missing a Britains Queen Victoria dinner figure, there is one currently on ebay at $2250, not quite in my price range yet, but I don't begrudge the seller for trying, as that is what they are willing to sell it for.

IMO

TD

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Guys...

We all know that there are some decent figures presented at shows from K&C and a few others. These are nice items meant to give the collector a little something special as a freebie or, to purchase on their visit.

What I would like to know is do people agree or not that perhaps K&C could sell these later from their store or from other dealers around the world in a run to collectors? if not, should they ensure that attendee's only get one figure either as a gift or, are allowed to buy only one. At least it would help stop these wonderful people who then sell them on for as much as they can. although I know it would not stop them completely it would curtail their actions.

I would think this would be a good idea. firstly, it would certainly sell after seeing some of the figures and it would also stop the speculators from selling at really ridiculous prices that you see either before the show has actually ended or, a few months later for over $100 per figure.

As the Chicago show draws close and show figures presumably will be released I know that I would rather give the manufacturer or a dealer the money than speculators who care little about the hobby or the collectors in it.

It just seems the companies could make a decent profit sell desirable figures at a fair price to collectors and, assist in reducing the speculative nature that a few plague our hobby with. It seems a win win situation to me.
Mitch

Go to a show and experience firsthand how show figures are dealt with at these events. Obviously if collectors acquire more than several of a particular
show figure it is a result of it made available or not.Dinner figures are issued out "ONE" per person, however each person is free to do with it as they please after wards.
Dinner figures get traded and sold on sight. Show figures are more accessible than the limited dinner figures.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Have to agree with Brad here. Collectors attend these dinners and pay for them. It is up to each to his own on what to do with the figures. It is a free market and is always about a willing seller, willing buyer on a given day. These figures are very limited and if they are well received by the overall collecting world, there value goes up accordingly. I collect all promo/club from many companies, therefore, I expect to pay for them. I am still missing a Britains Queen Victoria dinner figure, there is one currently on ebay at $2250, not quite in my price range yet, but I don't begrudge the seller for trying, as that is what they are willing to sell it for.

IMO

TD

Going to these shows and experiencing first hand this topic would be wiser than speculating how Toy Soldier Figures exclusive to these events should or shouldn't be
dealt with ^&cool

 

[tdubel]

Going to these shows and experiencing first hand this topic would be wiser than speculating how Toy Soldier Figures exclusive to these events should or shouldn't be
dealt with ^&cool

Not sure why you quoted my quote here as I think I am saying the same thing as you but in a different manner. My point is the figures are to each his own to do with as they please.

TD

 

[thebritfarmer]

Have to agree with Brad here. Collectors attend these dinners and pay for them. It is up to each to his own on what to do with the figures. It is a free market and is always about a willing seller, willing buyer on a given day. These figures are very limited and if they are well received by the overall collecting world, there value goes up accordingly. I collect all promo/club from many companies, therefore, I expect to pay for them. I am still missing a Britains Queen Victoria dinner figure, there is one currently on ebay at $2250, not quite in my price range yet, but I don't begrudge the seller for trying, as that is what they are willing to sell it for.

IMO

TD

Never heard of this one, do you have a link?

 

[Mitch]

PA...

My comments included all figures dinner or otherwise. However, its the figures that are more accessible to those who wish to inflate prices later that I was particularly focusing on in my initial post. I must thank you for bringing up this point which, I apologise if I seemed to be speculating about as you state. I do, believe its clearly obvious that in terms of this you know much more about it than I do as you do seem to sell a lot of figures.

As you say I must be speculating here so, if you could please tell me how it works in these shows you attend. how much are these figures at an average show, how many are made, etc that would be very helpful to me in understanding how they can be priced at such a high amount soon after or during the shows on e-bay?

I would, looking back at the initial post, like these ''more available'' figures to be offered to collectors worldwide by the manufacturers post show. This seems a very good way of making more revenue for the manufacturers IMO even, as others have mentioned, just to cover their travel costs to and from shows seems a good thing. It would allow collectors who do not travel the world to shows to get things they want for their collections from a bona fide source. Importantly, it would also allow them to remain at a price that is affordable, decent and allows the minimisation of the artificial panic that is created over their so called exclusivity.
Mitch

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Not sure why you quoted my quote here as I think I am saying the same thing as you but in a different manner. My point is the figures are to each his own to do with as they please.

TD

I agree with you :wink2:

 

[tdubel]

PA...

My comments included all figures dinner or otherwise. However, its the figures that are more accessible to those who wish to inflate prices later that I was particularly focusing on in my initial post. I must thank you for bringing up this point which, I apologise if I seemed to be speculating about as you state. I do, believe its clearly obvious that in terms of this you know much more about it than I do as you do seem to sell a lot of figures.

As you say I must be speculating here so, if you could please tell me how it works in these shows you attend. how much are these figures at an average show, how many are made, etc that would be very helpful to me in understanding how they can be priced at such a high amount soon after or during the shows on e-bay?

I would, looking back at the initial post, like these ''more available'' figures to be offered to collectors worldwide by the manufacturers post show. This seems a very good way of making more revenue for the manufacturers IMO even, as others have mentioned, just to cover their travel costs to and from shows seems a good thing. It would allow collectors who do not travel the world to shows to get things they want for their collections from a bona fide source. Importantly, it would also allow them to remain at a price that is affordable, decent and allows the minimisation of the artificial panic that is created over their so called exclusivity.
Mitch

Mitch,

When a figure is made in the low 100's or 200's, I would call that exclusive, there are only so many copies out there. Some of the promo items I have, there are 20 or 30. The cost is what the market considers the cost. Manufacturers are not making a worldwide release, they are using these as promos, show specials, etc. The only bona fide source for these figures is the aftermarket as they are not for sale to the general public by the manufacturer. I don't have a problem with this, if I miss one and really want it, then that is part of collecting - the chase of an item.

Collecting world is not utopia where all things are priced the same, part of the fun (at least for me) is finding the grail.

TD

TD

 

[tdubel]

Never heard of this one, do you have a link?

Good lord, I wrote Victoria, I meant Coronation of Elizabeth, See ebay item number 251145608680

Figure is way overpriced in my opinion, but as I said, more power to the seller!

Tom

 

[PanzerAce1944]

PA...

My comments included all figures dinner or otherwise. However, its the figures that are more accessible to those who wish to inflate prices later that I was particularly focusing on in my initial post. I must thank you for bringing up this point which, I apologise if I seemed to be speculating about as you state. I do, believe its clearly obvious that in terms of this you know much more about it than I do as you do seem to sell a lot of figures.

As you say I must be speculating here so, if you could please tell me how it works in these shows you attend. how much are these figures at an average show, how many are made, etc that would be very helpful to me in understanding how they can be priced at such a high amount soon after or during the shows on e-bay?

I would, looking back at the initial post, like these ''more available'' figures to be offered to collectors worldwide by the manufacturers post show. This seems a very good way of making more revenue for the manufacturers IMO even, as others have mentioned, just to cover their travel costs to and from shows seems a good thing. It would allow collectors who do not travel the world to shows to get things they want for their collections from a bona fide source. Importantly, it would also allow them to remain at a price that is affordable, decent and allows the minimisation of the artificial panic that is created over their so called exclusivity.
Mitch

It is sad that some collectors don't attend these shows,even when they are within a few hours from their own domain. I would recommend attending these events in person and experience all that transpires first hand. London has 2 shows per year, with the 2013 Symposium coming there next year.

If one chooses to sell a figure it is no different than one selling a repainted vehicle. Everyones Time and effort to obtain the item and sell for any given profit is no different than anyone else here on the forum.Lets not act like we have not all sold items on E-Bay and turned a profit.If a collector sells a Toy Soldier item on E-Bay and realises a profit after the sale it is no different if its a show figure, repainted tank, or whatever. All hobbies that involve collectibles see their items for sale on the internet.
Everyone is "FREE" to buy or not buy. Sell or not sell. I agree 100% that show figures be made available to those who attend the show. Maybe thats the reason why they are called "show figures" ??? If I don't make it to Chicago this year, I certainly will not chastise someone who does and complain what they do with any of their items
acquired from attending such events. On the very same note for me personally I do recall shipping an exclusive show figure to another forum member in the UK at cost
by my own idea and accord. My reward was seeing that very same figure used in a very well executed diorama.So would I do the same for another forum member ?
The answer is.....YES. Is it my obligation to do this for perfect strangers I never conversed with ? probably not.
If people are really true collectors and hobbyists then they would spend more time on the hobby and less time "Worrying What Other People Are Doing"

 

[jazzeum]

Mitch,

When a figure is made in the low 100's or 200's, I would call that exclusive, there are only so many copies out there. Some of the promo items I have, there are 20 or 30. The cost is what the market considers the cost. Manufacturers are not making a worldwide release, they are using these as promos, show specials, etc. The only bona fide source for these figures is the aftermarket as they are not for sale to the general public by the manufacturer. I don't have a problem with this, if I miss one and really want it, then that is part of collecting - the chase of an item.

Collecting world is not utopia where all things are priced the same, part of the fun (at least for me) is finding the grail.

TD

TD

I fully agree with this. Not everybody can have everything. Moreover, these figures are a way by K & C and their dealers to reward their customers. That should not be forgotten.

On amounts made, K & C in the past made enough figures for the attendees plus they usually held some back as gifts to distribute as they chose.

 

[Mitch]

Brad..

My point exactly that they are a way of rewarding collectors/customers. I am the first to acknowledge that you cannot have everything and, I am very happy with my collection. Having relatives in the US I have recieved many of these figures from family and friends who do attend the US shows.But, for me, its not about having everything. By offering them post show would also reward those customers who for whatever reason cannot attend shows but, are loyal customers. It would also show the same reward to stop these loyal customers being fleeced by the unscrupulous and those who feel they need to hide in the shadows and deny who they are when the world and their dog know.

I should have just started a poll to see who thought it was a good idea to have some show figures available post show!!
Mitch

I fully agree with this. Not everybody can have everything. Moreover, these figures are a way by K & C and their dealers to reward their customers. That should not be forgotten.

On amounts made, K & C in the past made enough figures for the attendees plus they usually held some back as gifts to distribute as they chose.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Brad..

My point exactly that they are a way of rewarding collectors/customers. I am the first to acknowledge that you cannot have everything and, I am very happy with my collection. Having relatives in the US I have recieved many of these figures from family and friends who do attend the US shows.But, for me, its not about having everything. By offering them post show would also reward those customers who for whatever reason cannot attend shows but, are loyal customers. It would also show the same reward to stop these loyal customers being fleeced by the unscrupulous and those who feel they need to hide in the shadows and deny who they are when the world and their dog know.

I should have just started a poll to see who thought it was a good idea to have some show figures available post show!!
Mitch

I Don't have a Dog...............I Sell On E-Bay.............Thank Goodness we live in a FREE society.

Rain is Wet,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Snow is Cold..................Show Figures are...................Show Figures

 

[gk5717]

Hey Mitch when you posted relative to show figures or rarer figures you stated quote "fleeced by the unscrupulous".
Does that mean if I have a rare figure either by getting it at a show or any other legal means, I would be "unscrupulous" if when I sold it I would get the most money I could.
Am I supposed to just be a nice fellow and not realize a profit if there is one to be made? All I would do with the extra money is pour it back into the hobby.
As been said oh so many times, no one has a gun to somebodys head forcing them to buy.
Gary