The End of the Toy Soldier Industry… a different perspective. (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

If, as Terry would have us believe, the end is nigh, nobody seemed to have told a whole lot of Aussie collectors last week.

Come to that I didn’t hear any dealer or collector at the recent Texas Toy Soldier Show shouting out, “You be all doomed… doomed I tell you!”

Likewise even in these challenging times no major toy soldier company has gone to the wall or under it…

Now, before I am accused of gross complacency or indeed anything else let me just say that I sympathise with anyone that has a damaged vehicle or figure. But and it’s a big BUT, the vast majority of items from ALL COMPANIES arrive in perfect condition! If not, many of us (K&C included) would be out-of-business PDQ!!

On the price and cost issue I also agree that there has been huge increases… But also consider the massive increase of what has come onto the market and the amazing variety of products and companies to choose from. Allied with that is the great increase in quality of the finished product of all the companies involved.

Finally, even the lowly Chinese worker who produces this great work deserves to get paid a decent wage for his and hers skills and talents. And please don’t forget the huge increases in the price of raw materials.

A few years ago we were all spoiled by pretty good products at amazingly cheap prices… Those days alas are gone and will never come back.

Toy soldier collecting has never ever been a cheap hobby and it’s certainly more expensive now. But (that word again) there are still many new people coming into this great hobby (although a few are dropping out) and I’m still the eternal optimist… Not just because I want to be but because I’m fortunate to meet hundreds of collectors all over the world who share the simple joy and enthusiasm of a great hobby that allows all of us to become little boys again and… for a few hours a day (at least) put aside the worries and stresses of the big, bad world outside.

So guys, in my humble opinion, reports of “The End of the Toy Soldier Industry” are distinctly… premature!

And remember, as the old song says… “Don’t’ worry, be happy!”

Andy C.​

 

[PanzerAce1944]

See you at next years Texas Toy Soldier Show......Bigger and Better than ever before.For those who have not seen it yet, please see my thread under the
"general discussion" category Titled : A Big Thank You To All of Our Toy Soldier Manufacturers and Dealers.
Since my intro to collecting these great and fun items in 2007 to be quite honest I have seen the hobby, the manufacturers, and the collector base grow and grow !

 

[uksubs]

Andy will the latest KC Spitfire Mk IX be painted in the correct sea grey in the production version as I fill for the money it should be correct and after doing a great job on the P40 and the Dora would be a shame not to get it right on the Spitfire . Thanks in advance

 

[waynepoo]

Andy that pretty well puts in a nut shell, doomed not a chance, onya cobber as Howard would say....:rolleyes2:{sm4}
Wayne.

 

[TomNT]

Don't worry, i'll be happy Andy so long as you continue to produce your wonderful Toy Soldiers! {sm3}

Tom

 

[Currahee Chris]

I certainly think the industry is going to experience some rough slumps over the next 15-20 years as a lot of the baby boomers start to move on to the Church triumphant and the baby boomer/retiree dollars that fund a good segment of this hobby will disappear. The response from the manufacturers will be interesting. In the mean time, Im quite content at the moment.

 

[Poppo]

Hi Guys,

If, as Terry would have us believe, the end is nigh, nobody seemed to have told a whole lot of Aussie collectors last week.

Come to that I didn’t hear any dealer or collector at the recent Texas Toy Soldier Show shouting out, “You be all doomed… doomed I tell you!”

Likewise even in these challenging times no major toy soldier company has gone to the wall or under it…

Now, before I am accused of gross complacency or indeed anything else let me just say that I sympathise with anyone that has a damaged vehicle or figure. But and it’s a big BUT, the vast majority of items from ALL COMPANIES arrive in perfect condition! If not, many of us (K&C included) would be out-of-business PDQ!!

On the price and cost issue I also agree that there has been huge increases… But also consider the massive increase of what has come onto the market and the amazing variety of products and companies to choose from. Allied with that is the great increase in quality of the finished product of all the companies involved.

Finally, even the lowly Chinese worker who produces this great work deserves to get paid a decent wage for his and hers skills and talents. And please don’t forget the huge increases in the price of raw materials.

A few years ago we were all spoiled by pretty good products at amazingly cheap prices… Those days alas are gone and will never come back.

Toy soldier collecting has never ever been a cheap hobby and it’s certainly more expensive now. But (that word again) there are still many new people coming into this great hobby (although a few are dropping out) and I’m still the eternal optimist… Not just because I want to be but because I’m fortunate to meet hundreds of collectors all over the world who share the simple joy and enthusiasm of a great hobby that allows all of us to become little boys again and… for a few hours a day (at least) put aside the worries and stresses of the big, bad world outside.

So guys, in my humble opinion, reports of “The End of the Toy Soldier Industry” are distinctly… premature!

And remember, as the old song says… “Don’t’ worry, be happy!”

Andy C.​

The chinese worker earns better wage and raw materials are more expensive.......And maybe the toysoldiers are made with GOLD and we didnt' t know it???

PS: Del Prado mounted on horse still cost 18 euros and some of them are very nice....

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I find it interesting that here in the same section there are 2 other threads.....One titled "The End of The Toy Soldier Industry" and the other
"A Big Thank You To Manufacturers and Dealers" . Amazing how the negative subject thread draws 4 times the interest than the positive thread
thanking the industry for doing what they Do. Interesting point made by Currahee about the "Baby Boomers" and the future of the hobby.
Another wrench thrown into the works is look at a company such as "21st century Toys" who made pretty good bang for your buck models of vehicles
and aircraft. Once the big retailers started selling their products and stores such as "Walmart" started dictating price points the company began their
downward spiral.I wish the companies that I buy from in this hobby continued success and hopefully things will continue to grow as they have in the
last 5 years !

 

[Mitch]

I wonder had you not had the opportunity to exchange your stuka whether you would have posted the rah rah thread for manufacturers and, this golden age we so often here about?. May be that as we have seen a number of collectors whether its high enough or not for manufacturers to take note of who get damaged, faulty items may just be sick and tired of it, the lack of action taken, and the seemingly complacent attitude of manufacturers.

I am not into thanks for what the manufacturers are doing and going all google eyed at them. if it were not for the collectors they would not be able to release the stuff. they owe collectors as much as we owe them, no more no less. Some and, it seems the mains ones we have been talking about lately need to start holding their end of the deal and listening to those who are at the end of the chain recieving regular poor service.

I only think a company is as good as it deals with the negative points about it and, some are showing that they are not really all that good.
Mitch

I find it interesting that here in the same section there are 2 other threads.....One titled "The End of The Toy Soldier Industry" and the other
"A Big Thank You To Manufacturers and Dealers" . Amazing how the negative subject thread draws 4 times the interest than the positive thread
thanking the industry for doing what they Do. Interesting point made by Currahee about the "Baby Boomers" and the future of the hobby.
Another wrench thrown into the works is look at a company such as "21st century Toys" who made pretty good bang for your buck models of vehicles
and aircraft. Once the big retailers started selling their products and stores such as "Walmart" started dictating price points the company began their
downward spiral.I wish the companies that I buy from in this hobby continued success and hopefully things will continue to grow as they have in the
last 5 years !

 

[thebritfarmer]

This is silly, we are grown ups here. I have no problem ejecting anyone of you from this thread if we cannot conduct ourselves accordingly.

Lets move on.......what one does or buys or sells is no ones business but that persons.

 

[Poppo]

In my opinion the prices are getting too fast higher and higher and not justifyed risings.....Do someone thinks like me?

 

[Rob]

I like to try and keep positive about all this, this is a hobby at the end of the day and no one points a gun to my head, I collect because I really enjoy it. Nobody wants prices to go up and up, I certainly don't, but in the end I have to ask myself this; Do I want the item enough to pay the asking price, yes or no. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it all depends on the item. Right now I am having trouble passing any single RAF item because I enjoy the range so much, but if I didn't have the cash I wouldn't be doing it. I enjoy the hobby, I enjoy the product and the real history behind that product and I only answer to myself re my collecting, its supposed to be fun chaps so enjoy!:smile2:

Rob

 

[Northgate Woods]

In my opinion the prices are getting too fast higher and higher and not justifyed risings.....Do someone thinks like me?

Poppo mate,.
NO. If Andy informs me privately and on this Forum that Chinese wages and raw material costs are sky rocketing then as he is a friend, I have no reason to doubt him. That however being said, I am not happy with rising prices but will except his explanation.
It never ceases to amaze me how all the price rise posts appear under the K&C section of this Forum and not under any other Manufacturer, when all are rising in price.

Cheers Howard

 

[jazzeum]

I find it interesting that here in the same section there are 2 other threads.....One titled "The End of The Toy Soldier Industry" and the other
"A Big Thank You To Manufacturers and Dealers" . Amazing how the negative subject thread draws 4 times the interest than the positive thread
thanking the industry for doing what they Do.

Terry raised some good points regarding quality control although I didn't necessarily agree with all of them, notwithstanding my reply. His concern was not negative at all but a realistic concern. Yes, we appreciate what the various dealers and manufacturers do but what does that have to do with the points he raised and I think you started the thread as an attempt to detract attention from a thread that raised some legitimate concerns. A rah rah thread hardly addresses the issue.

One of the positives of this Forum is that it allows people to raise grievances, which can then be addressed. Sometimes the better way to do this may be to contact the manufacturers directly but this Forum allows similarly affected collectors to bring the voice of many to an issue for redress.

 

[Poppo]

Poppo mate,.
NO. If Andy informs me privately and on this Forum that Chinese wages and raw material costs are sky rocketing then as he is a friend, I have no reason to doubt him. That however being said, I am not happy with rising prices but will except his explanation.
It never ceases to amaze me how all the price rise posts appear under the K&C section of this Forum and not under any other Manufacturer, when all are rising in price.

Cheers Howard

Howard mate,


but for example KC and TG have made at the same time Lawrence of Arabia on dromedar...In my opinion both are good but the prices differ a lot ( and in TG is also given another item to make a little display)

Regards,

 

[Phantom Warrior]

The End of the Toy Soldier Industry… a different perspective. seems to be not much different than the original thread. Perhaps the two threads should be combined.

Terry

 

[Jack]

As a newbie, I have always found it interesting how intimate the connection between manufacturer and collector is in this hobby. The vast majority of my collection has been purchased in person from a shop and I have always seen that as the 'business' part of the hobby - that is, I see something I like, I pay for it, I leave the shop with it and take it home. Having never bought direct from a manufacturer, I have always seen the shop owner as responsible for quality, breakages and the like. If my LG TV breaks down, I go to the TV store rather than question the manufacturer's business plan. I wonder if our familiarity with the manufacturers makes them easier targets than a large, faceless corporation. Has familairity bred contempt?

 

[PanzerAce1944]

OK,.....Speaking civil here. I had an issue with an item last week and voiced my concern about it, while at the same time I have praise too for the very same company.
First time in a long time everything in the box was not in order. Old water under the bridge and hopefully the said company took note for future use. I buy from 4 different
manufacturers of WWII matte figures, vehicles, and planes. Out of this 99% of the time all goes well. I personally have no problem accepting the rare occasional mistake
that just like anything else in life is bound to happen.I find nothing wrong with Giving praise to the companies and shops for what they do for all of us as fun loving collectors. True they need us just as much as we need them. Nothing wrong with saying thanks once in a while without being labeled "Rah Rah" and all of that.
I am not even being specific about any one particular brand here,just appreciate the choice of manufacturers and their products.To me it just seems many are quick
on the trigger for the negatives but shy away from saying something positive when the opportunity permits.Thats MY opinion in a friendly little chat.

 

[Jack]

OK,.....Speaking civil here. I had an issue with an item last week and voiced my concern about it, while at the same time I have praise too for the very same company.
First time in a long time everything in the box was not in order. Old water under the bridge and hopefully the said company took note for future use. I buy from 4 different
manufacturers of WWII matte figures, vehicles, and planes. Out of this 99% of the time all goes well. I personally have no problem accepting the rare occasional mistake
that just like anything else in life is bound to happen.I find nothing wrong with Giving praise to the companies and shops for what they do for all of us as fun loving collectors. True they need us just as much as we need them. Nothing wrong with saying thanks once in a while without being labeled "Rah Rah" and all of that.
I am not even being specific about any one particular brand here,just appreciate the choice of manufacturers and their products.To me it just seems many are quick
on the trigger for the negatives but shy away from saying something positive when the opportunity permits.Thats MY opinion in a friendly little chat.

PA

You make a valuable point about the difference in the number of responses in the thread emphasising the positive aspects of the hobby as opposed to a more 'negative' thread. Again speaking as a newbie, I am always pleasantly surprised by the variety available and the preparedness of manufacturers to engage directly with their customers. It is a great hobby, but I do believe that many of these discussions would be far more pleasant if Treefrggers actually met each other in person, particularly some of the more vocal members. I am sure that a discussion emphasising how good the hobby is, such as the one that you have instigated here, would be great fun over a dinner table and would be conducted in better spirit. It actually limits other discussions by neccessitating constant and repetitive statements like 'I do not mean to offend' or the ubiquitous IMHO or smiley faces.

Jack{sm4}{sm4}

 

[PanzerAce1944]

PA

You make a valuable point about the difference in the number of responses in the thread emphasising the positive aspects of the hobby as opposed to a more 'negative' thread. Again speaking as a newbie, I am always pleasantly surprised by the variety available and the preparedness of manufacturers to engage directly with their customers. It is a great hobby, but I do believe that many of these discussions would be far more pleasant if Treefrggers actually met each other in person, particularly some of the more vocal members. I am sure that a discussion emphasising how good the hobby is, such as the one that you have instigated here, would be great fun over a dinner table and would be conducted in better spirit. It actually limits other discussions by neccessitating constant and repetitive statements like 'I do not mean to offend' or the ubiquitous IMHO or smiley faces.

Jack{sm4}{sm4}

The Texas Show was my last event that I attended.Everyone was happy, pleasant, collectors meet and chat and you get to talk with say Andy from K&C and Brian from
Collectors Showcase,Figarti having their people there and so forth. It is sad that a few of the forum members with the BIGGEST OPINIONS never attend these events.
I always walk away from one of these events feeling happy I attended ! Funny how things turn sour at times when people get behind a keyboard.
LONG LIVE THE HOBBY .................