Thoughts on the new Romans. (1 Viewer)

[Sahara]

I'm curious what people think of the new batch of Romans released. I was really excited to get these guys today but was sorta let down by the quality of the figure. I'm use to a high standard from CS and really didn't see it in this batch. The first release IMO seems to be alot better. I really don't know how to describe it so I posted some pics with my concerns. The faces seem to be way off eyes, mouth etc... the paint quality seems to be blotchy in places and there are a ton of holes in my figures from I don't know what. I received the figures from the catapult set but am still awaiting the catapult itself to get here. Hopefully the catapult will be a tad better. Oh yeah and the dead celt has a portion of a pilum or a dirk in him instead of a arrow?????

 

[marco55]

Man they are bad.I would have to send them back.It's a shame because CS has had some problems(they all do)but have steadily gotten better.Maybe they are using different factories or the quality of the workforce has went down.
Mark

 

[Sahara]

Yeah, I don't get it. They must have changed painting techniques or something. In two of the photos I compared one of the old releases with one of the new ones and they are light years apart in my opinion.

 

[marco55]

All those holes too.Is that from bad moulds or what?
Mark

 

[Sahara]

I'm a little puzzled by the holes to. I'm really surprised to see it in a CS product. Their figures are usually outstanding. Maybe I just had some bad luck and got some faulty one?????

 

[villagehorse]

Mine are on the way, now I am worried, never considered they would be any different from the first releases. The only point I would say that occasionlly when I Photo my collection of all TS figures up too close, some strange things appear that the normal eye does not pick up from the usual viewing distance. Hopefully this is the case here. Cheers, Robin.

 

[Sahara]

I do hope yours turn out okay. When I got mine I could make out the difference pretty easily. When you get yours please let me know how they look. I'm curious if I just drew the short straw with a faulty batch.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Ouch!!!

Sorry to hear this Sahara. I really am. I've been looking forward to placing my order but now I'm thinking I hold the trigger. I agree that the first batch were exceptionally done.

Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Terp152]

Sahara, those look bad. I have CS figs of WWII and Naps and never had those problems. THe cracked painted in your photos is bad. I would send them back. Sorry to see such poor workmanship in what has been a premier company till now. Hope this is not a continuing problem with CS. Chris

 

[mikemiller1955]

Mine are on the way, now I am worried, never considered they would be any different from the first releases. The only point I would say that occasionlly when I Photo my collection of all TS figures up too close, some strange things appear that the normal eye does not pick up from the usual viewing distance. Hopefully this is the case here. Cheers, Robin.

Robin...could you please respond when your figures arrive...maybe some close ups too...

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

My goodness those are close photos, I'm glad I'm never photographed at a 20x zoom I probably wouldn't be too handsome either^&grin

Anyhow I think Sahara's comments are insightful and productive, but after going back to the warehouse and having a deep meditation session with the new sets I must disagree with the criticisms wholeheartedly, they look great, and this is why:

For $32.00 a figure TCS has once again delivered exceptional value. We do not and will not be in the market of selling a faux connoisseur figure. Be mindful we insist on being inclusive, not exclusive: hence the moderate price point.

Prices have been steadily rising in China, and we can raise prices if the collecting community is now comfortable paying $35.00-$40.00 per figure. This I would sincerely like to get feedback on: as we can go to a more connoisseur figure but need to pay the workers accordingly. But for me personally I’m happy to pay $32.00 bucks a fig with this level of excellent quality, but hey let’s hear from you guys!

Enjoy the new Romans!
Cheers!

Brian

 

[Sahara]

Hi Brian, I hope you don't take my analysis of the new Roman figures to personal. I have a lot of CS material and think for the most part your items are top notch. I was just a bit surprised when these guys arrived. To be fair I added a couple picks from a distance. IMO you can still see the difference in the faces pretty easily (you can still see one of the holes in the Centurions grill) and when you have them in your hand looking at them up close you can see the spots in the previous photos rather easily as well. I guess my question is what changed from release 1 to release 2? If that means I have to pay a little bit more then so be it. Everyone else is doing it so it wouldn't surprise me at all if you needed to do the same. However, I am just one voice and I know there are a lot of people out there that love your price point.

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

Cool photos!

In the last year we saw alot of price increases so the first factory wanted a 25% price increase on the Romans, that would have made the figures about $40.00 each. I had to make a command decision and decline to go on with them as I really thought price point versus quality we'd alienate too many folks, ultimately I think it was a good decision.

We'll hammer the new manufacturer on quality a bit more as me move forward^&grin, but all in all I'm pleased with the offering.

Cheers! And thanks for all of the insightful posts.

Tally Hoo!

Brian

 

[marco55]

I think your making a hugh mistake.If your quality is going to be like this from now on.FL and Conte are going to have a banner year on their Romans.People don't want to pay $40 a figure but their not going to pay $30 for these figures.
Mark

 

[Sahara]

I think your making a hugh mistake.If your quality is going to be like this from now on.FL and Conte are going to have a banner year on their Romans.People don't want to pay $40 a figure but their not going to pay $30 for these figures.
Mark

I agree if there is not an improvement then my funds will go elsewhere. I really hope Brian will reconsider his decision. I can honestly say that I think I will try to get a refund/credit on these. And that is the first time that I have ever said that about a CS product. I guess some customers will be alienated either way you look at it.

 

[Mitch]

Brian...

This is the second manufacturer I have heard is doing this except, you have talked openly about it. I have to say from discussions in PM and elsewhere that it does seem a mistake to follow this route (mind, at the end of the day its your business) I cannot see how lower quality figures (these plainly are) to keep prices lower is going to work and be accepted by customers.

Please, keep the LAH in a decent factory!!!!!!
Mitch

 

[The Collectors Showcase]

Mitch,

So good to get your feedback and I appreciate all of your support ( Sahara, Marco ) I guess that's what we need to get a : shove.

We will start working on the first round of price increases effective immediately ( we've been absorbing them until now ). This will also make our workers and suppliers happy too!

Its a real sigh of relief to know that you guys are supportive of a hike in prices to maintain good quality.

Cheers!

Brian

 

[LordAnhausen]

Count me out. Just canceled my plans to mix a few of these with some of my other Romans.
First wave had painfully thin swords which you guys reported as breaking and glaring errors in the armor plate and now the second wave has new problems.
I feel bad for CTS as I'd guess dealing with china is fraught with paying your money and taking your chances
I'd guess the masters were beautiful and the factory really let CTS and Roman collectors down.

 

[marco55]

Brian,
I haven't collected any of your ranges but only because you haven't made what I collect but I have always loved your animation and you always try to improve your figures (up to now).I don't know if your trying to be sarcastic or what but I would rather pay $40-$50 for one figure if the quality is there.I might not be able to buy as many figures but would enjoy what I got.Would you rather sell 10 figures of good quality at $40 a pop or 0 figures at $30 each.
Mark

 

[Sahara]

Brian has shown once again that customer service is a top priority for him. He has worked out a return/refund of the figures with me and has been very understanding in the process. I believe he truly intends to rectify the problem and bring his figures to that same excellent level that we have all come to expect from a CS product.