Unhappy Former Customer and Comments (1 Viewer)

[wayne556517]

Thank you for the clarification Tom, I however totally agree with you in not buying direct. To reclarify my position, I will not then buy from manufacturer direct, I will only purchase from my dealer...Vick

Isn't it cheaper to buy from the manufacturer directly........

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

Isn't it cheaper to buy from the manufacturer directly........

Wayne,

Not always, if you hunt around you can find alot stuff on sale (Not K&C) but lots of Britains, ONTC, etc. at a lower price. One specific dealer (who is now my dealer) in my opinion just happens to have the best service (free shipping and customer service) and the best pricing on products in the world!

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

Firstly the Gunn Club is there for people who take the time to register with us and want to know first off what is coming out before we release any news to the general public. Whats the point of having a club if there are no perks? Sure some people have ordered one of every Gunn Club set regardless of what it is before seeing it. This surprises me but it's a testament so some of the work we have already done and I am pleased people like our product. I also have dealers buying the product off us before seeing it so no difference there either. Of course these new products are not being sold at any price regardless, the price will be around that we always sell at which is $85 or thereabouts. I have no final cost from my factory yet so cannot confirm a final price but fingers crossed it will be the same product at the same price we always sell at. That's the reason for no prices in yesterdays email - theres no hidden agenda anywhere I can assure you.

Secondly I believe K&C and Britains (correct me if I am wrong) all have aeroplanes or figures only available direct to Club members? We offer ours at the same time thru dealers as well as direct which does make us different but is this a bad thing? If we did not people would then complain they want to go thru their dealer - this way seems to work for everybody.

Thirdly this is a very competitive market place and we are trying to break new ground whilst the world is still in recession but at the same time offer a great product at a fair price. If we do not achieve some direct sales then we will be out of business by Christmas at these prices, so ask yourself do you want us around or not?

Fourthly we will be offering all dealers 6 sets of the Desert versions regardless despite one dealer offering to buy the whole entitlement off us. From the way I see this what we are doing is a fair option and at the same time ensures the Club Members also get what they are after up to a point. We only have 100 sets available of the Gunn Club so we have to spread them around evenly the best way we see fit. If anybody out there wants to suggest another option to me then please send me an email as I am all ears! As it stands we make more of the Gunn Club sets available to dealers than we do for ourselves which seems very fair to me seeings as they do a great job distributing our product for us.

Fifthly after Christmas we are starting to do single figure sets just like K&C do which are only available direct thru us, the revenue from these figures will enable us to start producing less profitable ranges like Victorian soldiers and Napoleonics. At the same time this also means we can start producing Allies from WW2 which we get lots of requests for but they do not sell as well as Germans. All these ranges will be available thru dealers. The dealers will benefit from this as we will add these new ranges to their catalogue so they make more money and the collector is happy because he has more choice. Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see what is going on and what effect this will have in the future.

Final point: In an ideal world we could produce thousands of these figures and everybody would be able to buy a set and then I guess everybody would be happy. Apart from those who would then complain that now there are too many figures being made and I wish it was like the old days where only 100 were being made. We seem to be at a crossroads where we should be making more product but at the same time want to keep our products exclusive so I think its fair to say that after this production run we will increase the number available slightly.

Thanks for all of you who emailed yesterday with your kind comments on the new figures, makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Regards Thomas Gunn

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Firstly the Gunn Club is there for people who take the time to register with us and want to know first off what is coming out before we release any news to the general public. Whats the point of having a club if there are no perks? Sure some people have ordered one of every Gunn Club set regardless of what it is before seeing it. This surprises me but it's a testament so some of the work we have already done and I am pleased people like our product. I also have dealers buying the product off us before seeing it so no difference there either. Of course these new products are not being sold at any price regardless, the price will be around that we always sell at which is $85 or thereabouts. I have no final cost from my factory yet so cannot confirm a final price but fingers crossed it will be the same product at the same price we always sell at. That's the reason for no prices in yesterdays email - theres no hidden agenda anywhere I can assure you.

Secondly I believe K&C and Britains (correct me if I am wrong) all have aeroplanes or figures only available direct to Club members? We offer ours at the same time thru dealers as well as direct which does make us different but is this a bad thing? If we did not people would then complain they want to go thru their dealer - this way seems to work for everybody.

Thirdly this is a very competitive market place and we are trying to break new ground whilst the world is still in recession but at the same time offer a great product at a fair price. If we do not achieve some direct sales then we will be out of business by Christmas at these prices, so ask yourself do you want us around or not?

Fourthly we will be offering all dealers 6 sets of the Desert versions regardless despite one dealer offering to buy the whole entitlement off us. From the way I see this what we are doing is a fair option and at the same time ensures the Club Members also get what they are after up to a point. We only have 100 sets available of the Gunn Club so we have to spread them around evenly the best way we see fit. If anybody out there wants to suggest another option to me then please send me an email as I am all ears! As it stands we make more of the Gunn Club sets available to dealers than we do for ourselves which seems very fair to me seeings as they do a great job distributing our product for us.

Fifthly after Christmas we are starting to do single figure sets just like K&C do which are only available direct thru us, the revenue from these figures will enable us to start producing less profitable ranges like Victorian soldiers and Napoleonics. At the same time this also means we can start producing Allies from WW2 which we get lots of requests for but they do not sell as well as Germans. All these ranges will be available thru dealers. The dealers will benefit from this as we will add these new ranges to their catalogue so they make more money and the collector is happy because he has more choice. Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see what is going on and what effect this will have in the future.

Final point: In an ideal world we could produce thousands of these figures and everybody would be able to buy a set and then I guess everybody would be happy. Apart from those who would then complain that now there are too many figures being made and I wish it was like the old days where only 100 were being made. We seem to be at a crossroads where we should be making more product but at the same time want to keep our products exclusive so I think its fair to say that after this production run we will increase the number available slightly.

Thanks for all of you who emailed yesterday with your kind comments on the new figures, makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Regards Thomas Gunn

Thank you TG for presenting the other side of the issue

Terry

 

[tdubel]

Firstly the Gunn Club is there for people who take the time to register with us and want to know first off what is coming out before we release any news to the general public. Whats the point of having a club if there are no perks? Sure some people have ordered one of every Gunn Club set regardless of what it is before seeing it. This surprises me but it's a testament so some of the work we have already done and I am pleased people like our product. I also have dealers buying the product off us before seeing it so no difference there either. Of course these new products are not being sold at any price regardless, the price will be around that we always sell at which is $85 or thereabouts. I have no final cost from my factory yet so cannot confirm a final price but fingers crossed it will be the same product at the same price we always sell at. That's the reason for no prices in yesterdays email - theres no hidden agenda anywhere I can assure you.

Secondly I believe K&C and Britains (correct me if I am wrong) all have aeroplanes or figures only available direct to Club members? We offer ours at the same time thru dealers as well as direct which does make us different but is this a bad thing? If we did not people would then complain they want to go thru their dealer - this way seems to work for everybody.

Thirdly this is a very competitive market place and we are trying to break new ground whilst the world is still in recession but at the same time offer a great product at a fair price. If we do not achieve some direct sales then we will be out of business by Christmas at these prices, so ask yourself do you want us around or not?

Fourthly we will be offering all dealers 6 sets of the Desert versions regardless despite one dealer offering to buy the whole entitlement off us. From the way I see this what we are doing is a fair option and at the same time ensures the Club Members also get what they are after up to a point. We only have 100 sets available of the Gunn Club so we have to spread them around evenly the best way we see fit. If anybody out there wants to suggest another option to me then please send me an email as I am all ears! As it stands we make more of the Gunn Club sets available to dealers than we do for ourselves which seems very fair to me seeings as they do a great job distributing our product for us.

Fifthly after Christmas we are starting to do single figure sets just like K&C do which are only available direct thru us, the revenue from these figures will enable us to start producing less profitable ranges like Victorian soldiers and Napoleonics. At the same time this also means we can start producing Allies from WW2 which we get lots of requests for but they do not sell as well as Germans. All these ranges will be available thru dealers. The dealers will benefit from this as we will add these new ranges to their catalogue so they make more money and the collector is happy because he has more choice. Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see what is going on and what effect this will have in the future.

Final point: In an ideal world we could produce thousands of these figures and everybody would be able to buy a set and then I guess everybody would be happy. Apart from those who would then complain that now there are too many figures being made and I wish it was like the old days where only 100 were being made. We seem to be at a crossroads where we should be making more product but at the same time want to keep our products exclusive so I think its fair to say that after this production run we will increase the number available slightly.

Thanks for all of you who emailed yesterday with your kind comments on the new figures, makes the whole thing worthwhile.

Regards Thomas Gunn

Final point on this subject and then I am done with it. My reasons and discussion points have nothing to do with sour grapes over getting a set. I can obtain these 3 sets very easily if I still wanted them. Here is my point. If you want to have a direct club, then do that just like Britains and K&C, ONTC, etc as you reference, they are highly successful with it.

Again, not to mention, I buy from my dealers 99% of the time, it is usually more convenient, if I have damage, they are hours away, not a continent. Also and this is a personal preference, I pay by cash/check for each purchase, overseas is a pain in that respect.

In all sincerity, good luck to you, I don't wish any ill on any venture.

TD

 

[PolarBear]

I do find it unfortunate that the desert versions are always the 100 limited club sets. Don't you guys realize how many collectors of North Africa are out here? This definitely creates a panic among this group of enthusiasts.

 

[wayne556517]

I do find it unfortunate that the desert versions are always the 100 limited club sets. Don't you guys realize how many collectors of North Africa are out here? This definitely creates a panic among this group of enthusiasts.

Well said "PANIC" is not the word..............

 

[Spitfrnd]

I do find it unfortunate that the desert versions are always the 100 limited club sets. Don't you guys realize how many collectors of North Africa are out here? This definitely creates a panic among this group of enthusiasts.

I have no interest in WWII but if I did these figures would be quite interesting and I would be interested in comparable Napoleonics if they were in the Britains / First Legion scale. I would only note that when supply is artificially constrained well below the demand it is seldom well received and often ends up having just the opposite from the intended effect over time. Hopefully you all will find the right balance for your limited sets.

 

[tdubel]

I have no interest in WWII but if I did these figures would be quite interesting and I would be interested in comparable Napoleonics if they were in the Britains / First Legion scale. I would only note that when supply is artificially constrained well below the demand it is seldom well received and often ends up having just the opposite from the intended effect over time. Hopefully you all will find the right balance for your limited sets.

Bill,

Great points, wholehearted agree on supply/demand points, situation you describe causes the great fade in demand.

Tom

 

[lancer]

I have no interest in WWII but if I did these figures would be quite interesting and I would be interested in comparable Napoleonics if they were in the Britains / First Legion scale. I would only note that when supply is artificially constrained well below the demand it is seldom well received and often ends up having just the opposite from the intended effect over time. Hopefully you all will find the right balance for your limited sets.

These are great points. I have gotten involved in LE discussions before. I am NOT a fan of the LE that attempts to create a panic, must buy now or miss out, situation. I am also a "dealer only" buyer because of the friendship and customer service aspect. I do not understand why any manufacturer would want to cut out the dealer network. I will miss out on any product that my dealers cannot get and while I may not be happy, I still won't go direct to the manufacturer. My dealers are my friends and my TS lifeline and will remain so. -- lancer

 

[Mister Dave]

Fifthly after Christmas we are starting to do single figure sets just like K&C do which are only available direct thru us, the revenue from these figures will enable us to start producing less profitable ranges like Victorian soldiers and Napoleonics. At the same time this also means we can start producing Allies from WW2 which we get lots of requests for but they do not sell as well as Germans. All these ranges will be available thru dealers. The dealers will benefit from this as we will add these new ranges to their catalogue so they make more money and the collector is happy because he has more choice. Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see what is going on and what effect this will have in the future.


Regards Thomas Gunn[/QUOTE]

Hey not to change the subject but I like the sounds of this.

MD

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

I do find it unfortunate that the desert versions are always the 100 limited club sets. Don't you guys realize how many collectors of North Africa are out here? This definitely creates a panic among this group of enthusiasts.

Appreciate the comments Randy, if I knew exactly how many of the Desert sets I could sell then I would make that many as there is no logic to me denying myself sales. We are new to this and need to strike a balance between supply and demand, theres nobody here trying to do anybody out of any business or upset anybody. From my point of view we just want to be left with zero stock and happy customers and dealers. However if we make too many people complain we are devaluing their collection and if we make too few they complain they cannot get hold of them. Anyway give me time and I will find a way to keep everybody happy!
Regards Tom

 

[OzDigger]

K & C HK also sell direct to the public, have a collectible figure range, and a dealer network. Isn't TGM doing much the same thing

 

[tdubel]

K & C HK also sell direct to the public, have a collectible figure range, and a dealer network. Isn't TGM doing much the same thing

Yes and no, if you are going to have a direct Club, have it, just don't change the game each release.

TD

 

[1879fanatic]

Fifthly after Christmas we are starting to do single figure sets just like K&C do which are only available direct thru us, the revenue from these figures will enable us to start producing less profitable ranges like Victorian soldiers and Napoleonics. At the same time this also means we can start producing Allies from WW2 which we get lots of requests for but they do not sell as well as Germans. All these ranges will be available thru dealers. The dealers will benefit from this as we will add these new ranges to their catalogue so they make more money and the collector is happy because he has more choice. Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see what is going on and what effect this will have in the future.


Regards Thomas Gunn

Hey not to change the subject but I like the sounds of this.

MD[/QUOTE]

Me too, Dave....

 

[OzDigger]

Yes and no, if you are going to have a direct Club, have it, just don't change the game each release.

TD

Tom, I know you are upset about this matter, but honestly it doesn't seem a big deal to me as it's not unusual for new companies to adjust sales methods until they achieve the best arrangement for all concerned. That said, I don't buy direct from any TS manufacturer, and would stop buying TGM sets if he ONLY sold direct.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Tom, I know you are upset about this matter, but honestly it doesn't seem a big deal to me as it's not unusual for new companies to adjust sales methods until they achieve the best arrangement for all concerned. That said, I don't buy direct from any TS manufacturer, and would stop buying TGM sets if he ONLY sold direct.

All good points Oz

Terry

 

[tdubel]

Tom, I know you are upset about this matter, but honestly it doesn't seem a big deal to me as it's not unusual for new companies to adjust sales methods until they achieve the best arrangement for all concerned. That said, I don't buy direct from any TS manufacturer, and would stop buying TGM sets if he ONLY sold direct.

Understood, and yes, all up to the Company. I am happy with my decision and I wish Gunn luck with the enterprise.

Only sets of interest to me are Mediterranean, so only direct.]

Not upset, none of this is worth getting too riled up about, its just toys!

Tom

 

[Gazza]

Yes and no, if you are going to have a direct Club, have it, just don't change the game each release.

TD...

Give them a break, it is new business venture and they are learning.

Final point on this subject and then I am done with it...

Final point and then another and another …

In all sincerity, good luck to you, I don't wish any ill on any venture.

TD

If you did not wish ill of them why post such a provactive thread title to a new company that is a couple of montsh old ??? Do you think they did all this just to make you mad. Did you contact them direct to seek an explanation? I have dealt with Tom on several occasions and he is an honest, decent guy.

I hope TG excel because I look forward to the WWII Allies and Napoleonics that KC do not do.

Cheers

Gazza

 

[OzDigger]

Understood, and yes, all up to the Company. I am happy with my decision and I wish Gunn luck with the enterprise.

Only sets of interest to me are Mediterranean, so only direct.]

Not upset, none of this is worth getting too riled up about, its just toys!

Tom

I only buy the Normandy sets, I guess I would be more concerned if I collected the Med versions