I think we are talking about different things and degrees Chris. My per 80s experience includes a number of collectibles that were expressly stated as limited and even more that were defacto limited by production run timing or quantity. You may be right that there are many more expressly limited examples now. Again, I would simply say it is a function of either the desire to create greater demand through the perception of scarcity (the Ebay syndrome perhaps) or the real cash flow and capital constraints of a given producer. I am only talking about producers since what dealers do is another subject really. I would join you in not caring so much for the first type, although such is the producer's right. The second I submit is simply a function of the baggage that comes with the producer of what you like. If we like what they do well enough to want to continue to buy it, then I presume we would like them to survive and thus we are stuck with their constraints. If this type of limited run has increased, then I think it must be a combination of the size of the suppliers and the cost structure they are now facing. I think many smaller figure producers (and maybe some larger ones) are in this category. If this type of limited run has increased, then I think it must be a combination of the changes in the number and sizes of the suppliers and the cost structure they face. You and I might prefer they were different but, like most things, you take the good with the bad and decide if you have a match.
Well no doubt the Boomer Effect is alive and well in this hobby; as it is in many others. Most of my disposable income actually goes to real horses and I can tell you that the changes in cost there are simply amazing. So much so that those who care are also concerned that this excellent hobby may also face some tough times several years down the road. That would be the demand push part of increasing prices. To the extent it is driven by this population bubble, it will indeed be of limited effect. Thus, I think you are right that there may very well be a contraction in several economic areas when my generation is gone but what can we do about it now? I would love to see costs for all my activities fall (assuming I can keep my income intact of course) but I just don't see that happening, do you really?
But then as you note, my relevance is perforce of less significance than yours for the longer term.
Excellent point! The position I am in, exactly. Anyone else hear the bell? -- Al
I would just like to hear how anyone proposes to address it; price caps anyone, anyone?
Generally if something costs more that you think it is worth, you just don't buy it. Figures are not exactly insulin so there is a fair degree of price elasticity.I don't have a solution, although price caps sound good.I would just like to hear how anyone proposes to address it; price caps anyone, anyone?
My problem is not a matter of "not worth it, don't buy it". I think everyone practices that one way or the other. I will be committing what money I have to the new WW1 aircraft lines for as long as I can afford them. Figures are no longer in the budget. When the aircraft exceed my budget, I will be out of a hobby I have pursued for 45 years. I just am not willing to pay $35+ for a single figure where as I believe that the aircraft provide more bang for the buck. At any rate, it is a matter of choices and priorities, just like everthing else. I understand the rising prices, I just think that the trend is going to push a lot of people to the brink in this hobby. -- Al
Well this a prime example of how using poor data can provide poor results. Maybe large numbers are leaving the hobby, maybe they are not but what data do you have to support that view? If you use the site here, there are over 5,000 members and less than 20 (probably much less) have noted that they are leaving the hobby because of increased costs. Several more complain about it and note they will buy less but the producers do not seem to have any trouble moving their products so again, where is the evidence of the great decline? Certainly the economy here still sucks and is still depressing many kinds of purchases, especially the elective ones but then the report from Chicago was very upbeat from most. One must remember, this is very much a niche hobby and like most of those, the following is small but the commitment tends to be large. Probably the demand curve for these items is much less elastic than many here believe.
Mitch, I can only react to the words you post. If you meant something else, you should of course explain the differences but that does not justify your presumption of an affront. I am happy that you have so many supporters for your views but the fact that no one likes to pay any more than they have to is simply not revolutionary to me. Just like you, I am expressing my opinion and the fact that it is different than yours should cause you no concern; the fact that the evidence for what you suggest is less than robust perhaps might.
Mitch, debate requires an exchange of ideas; not simple restatement of your own. I actually have not tried to stiffle anything and if you would re-read what I have said I think you will find I was simply noting the other side of the coin and suggesting some explanations of the limits on any solution and the natural market dynamics that will be involved in either proving or disproving your points. In fact my reference to your comment was driven by the fact that in the same sentence noting an absense of research you suggested using the posts expressing concern on this site as some evidence of concern. I was merely noting that you can't really do that for the reasons given. Nothing personal, simply a response to your words. That you meant them differently than they could be taken is no evidence of anything other than the potential need for an explanation.
A pleasure to change the focus Chris. Honestly, I think there are too many variables to know that now with any degree of confidence mate.
Just for fun though, I would posit that Zulus and Naps are quite different in the basis for their appeal. The AZW is basically a few battle campaign but one with two very dramatic battles that have been the subject of two pretty impressive movies. The Napoleonic Wars feature many great battles with very colorful and interesting uniforms and have yet to have a movie that rivals those for the AZW but do have a great TV series in their court. WWI is brutality personified and featured very drab uniforms with generally very dreary action. It also lacks a major movie tie in. WWII doesn't appeal to me but it is a natural with its diverse set of participants and hardware and its several dramatic and well done movies. I feel even less interested in modern wars but distance probably does breed interest but I am not sure if 15 years is enough additional distance. So from my perspective, it undoubtedly will be the wars of ancient Rome. Of course, your guess is certainly as good as mine.
Mitch, debate requires an exchange of ideas; not simple restatement of your own. I actually have not tried to stiffle anything and if you would re-read what I have said I think you will find I was simply noting the other side of the coin and suggesting some explanations of the limits on any solution and the natural market dynamics that will be involved in either proving or disproving your points. In fact my reference to your comment was driven by the fact that in the same sentence noting an absense of research you suggested using the posts expressing concern on this site as some evidence of concern. I was merely noting that you can't really do that for the reasons given. Nothing personal, simply a response to your words. That you meant them differently than they could be taken is no evidence of anything other than the potential need for an explanation.
Despite your unexplained suggestion otherwise, I have absolutely no desire to prevent you from saying whatever you like as many times as you like. It does become frustrating when you suggest that a contrary view has no merit without explaining why or even why yours does. You also seem to have missed entirely my continuing observation that rising prices are always a concern to any rational consumer. However, the fact remains that one expressing such a view on an open forum has no meaning, even if that person has many secret proxies. If the quantity sold decreases, producers will see a potential need for price adjustment. If it does not, no matter how much concern is expressed, they will not. Even the most popular poll here would not have sufficient statistical validity to substitute for that real market feedback. Of course, if they can't do anything about it, as in a cost based increase that I think likely, and there is a contraction in demand, the less efficient producers will leave the market and eventually their will be stability of supply and demand at whatever price that dictates. It is not that such potential for instablity is not a concern but rather the fact that there is absolutely nothing you or I can do about that is my simple point.
So frankly there is nothing here to stiffle; if you enjoy restating your concerns and fears, please continue. I am not trying to stop you in the least; only suggesting how the result will be governed by factors quite outside any such expression.
