What on Earth is Happening To Britain's Figure's (1 Viewer)

[joesgis]

Carlos,
I'm glad to hear you did well with your ebay sales. You were selling a lot of real nice stuff in new condition. The few sets I picked up from you were indeed excellent. But those were the last few sets I've purchased. I've been selling off a bunch of my stuff on ebay little buy little. I would put it all up at once if I had the time, but like you said, it takes a lot of effort to photograph, list, sell, collect & ship. I've done fairly well on what I've sold so far. I haven't done the math yet but the margins average the realm of your recent experience, but that's only because some of the sets are outstanding early sets that are hard to find in excellent condition. Whenever I sell something newer I go into it accepting that I will be taking a loss, and that's ok, because I enjoyed it for as spell and that experience has a quantifiable value as well. As far as future purchases go, I just don't buy like I once did- not even close. Aside from St Pete's figures, I only buy something now if it really hits the spot, and frankly that is rather rare, all things considered. I used to love going to the local toy soldier shop multiple times a month and getting new things, but it just ain't the same anymore. I still enjoy the hobby although I'm not nearly as rabid as I once was.

Joe

Interesting...

I sold another third of my collection (K&C, Figarti, Collector Showcase, Thomas Gunn, etc.) between Sept-November 2014 on eBay. The prices were certainly down compared to the good ole days

but I received on average about 10% above retail but paid about 15% in fees from eBay/ Paypal. The net was about 5% less than retail and it was a lot of work! However, I am glad I sold.

I knew it was time to quit when a $200 Britians Civil War cabin wouldn't sell for $135. Okay, the shipping weight was costly but still.

I still have a third of my collection displayed in about 13 dioramas at home in 2 rooms with more in the closets.

I would lick to sell more but the reward compared to the time and effort isn't worth it.

I haven't bought anything new this year so far and very little last year do to prices and the lack of closet space today.

It's funny, once you stop buying, the world still revolves and life is still good.

Yes, it's a buyers market and should be for some time do to economic stagnation, high prices and not enough new collectors in the market to replace those that are leaving.

Carlos

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Several years ago I realized I had too much and four years ago decided to sell 1/3 to 1/2 of my collection over a two year period, which I did. The collection is down to just the items I really want with only about a dozen sets in the sell category. I'm still buying new items but much slower than in the past and a new item goes through a real test of do I really like it, Is it well done, Can I live without it. So my shrunken collection is growing only very slowly these days paid for by the items I sold several years ago.

Terry

 

[jazzeum]

I've been doing that too but I still have too much stuff and some of that stuff I like. If I start selling those things, what's the point of being in the hobby.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I've been doing that too but I still have too much stuff and some of that stuff I like. If I start selling those things, what's the point of being in the hobby.

Exactly. Most of the sets I want to keep are older sets which would sell easily at a good price, but then I wouldn't have much of a collection. At this point, I have no interest in not collecting

Terry

 

[larso]

"If you're referring to eBay, all across the board prices are not what they used to be."

Unless of course it's a piece I really, really want. That said, I did get a bargain on a K&C Black Watch rifleman the other day...

 

[zulucollector]

I think the rising US greenback has slowed my thirst for new releases. Also I think Britains endless 24th of foot obsession has caused me to get AZW fatigue. I spent less last month than anytime since I started collecting. I decided to snap up some scarce Marco Polo items but otherwise I decided to forgo all the new releases this month. I think the slowing of demand for new releases has had a ripple effect on the secondary market hence all the lower pricing for common to find items.

 

[jazzeum]

I wonder how much collectors need of a certain range, whether it's Zulu Wars or WW II. I mean, how many tanks do you need. Obviously, that is not an attitude manufacturer's like to hear collectors espousing but a relevant question nonetheless.

 

[damian]

I wonder how much collectors need of a certain range, whether it's Zulu Wars or WW II. I mean, how many tanks do you need. Obviously, that is not an attitude manufacturer's like to hear collectors espousing but a relevant question nonetheless.

I cannot believe that WWII German tanks in particular are still being produced at the rate they are
I have about for Tiger tanks and do not need any more
Yet there still seems to be a steady demand for these tanks

 

[Johnboy]

It is nice when a bargain appears....whether on line or some bricks and mortar establishment. (We have a nice general modelling/toy shop in Newcastle where you can pick up certain painted metal models at very reasonable prices) As far as new figures are concerned (I collect FIW JJD and some Britains Naps / Zulu war) we all get the "Bloodrush" when that new figure you have been waiting for appears on this website or your latest catalogue, however it always seems to be a dozen new figures. Since recently retiring I can no longer afford to pay the prices I used to . I find if you can get over the initial bloodrush (do some gardening/ walking (or running if you can), redecorate your house..........anything to slow the bloodrush! Actually my favourite method is to hide my credit card, get drunk and it takes weeks to find it again by which time my pulse has finally slowed down to the extent that I realise......YES I CAN live without those.......for Now.
So all I mean to say is "Happy collecting" and don't lose sight of the reason you are in this hobby in the first place ,it's called FUN......
Cheers,
Johnboy.

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

I wonder how much collectors need of a certain range, whether it's Zulu Wars or WW II. I mean, how many tanks do you need. Obviously, that is not an attitude manufacturer's like to hear collectors espousing but a relevant question nonetheless.

I can use at least 20 different new US cavalry dismounted figures for my Dio table.

 

[damian]

This is a regular theme of threads on this forum and I agree the world economy seems precarious yet there in no sign of the monthly releases slowing up. Seems every month there are more and frankly better sets out there. Some-one must be buying those sets

 

[joesgis]

This is a regular theme of threads on this forum and I agree the world economy seems precarious yet there in no sign of the monthly releases slowing up. Seems every month there are more and frankly better sets out there. Some-one must be buying those sets

I would not agree w/ the blanket assessment that newer releases are frankly better than their predecessors.

Joe

 

[damian]

I would not agree w/ the blanket assessment that newer releases are frankly better than their predecessors.

Joe

In general they are more and more detailed and more spectacular.
The older ones retain their charm.

 

[4th Hussar]

Excessive censorship seems tb the pattern

 

[jazzeum]

Not really. There was an issue that might have been better discussed privately.

 

[PAXFORD]

Excessive censorship seems tb the pattern

I agree I think it was excessive censorship, and personally do think the issue needed to be discussed in private. The issue may not of occurred in the US, but it does appear to have occurred in the UK. Every UK dealer I had spoken to had express this opinion.

 

[damian]

Reminds me of the old days

 

[PAXFORD]

I agree I think it was excessive censorship, and personally do think the issue needed to be discussed in private. The issue may not of occurred in the US, but it does appear to have occurred in the UK. Every UK dealer I had spoken to had express this opinion.

Sorry was ment to say i thought the issue did not need to be discussed in private. Should of read my quote back before i sent it.

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Not sure why I was censored?

 

[Jay]

Yes, we certainly have the current administration(fill in country name here _____) to blame for the plethora of new companies making some wonderful figures while at the same time the population is aging, and the collectors no longer have room to store or display items. You can't fool us.