OUT OF WHACK (LINE) pricing
Posted by Supersentai
| August 10, 2011 12:23PM |
After adding a post to the new Godzilla toys thread, complaining about the $60 exlusive/limited plastic add-on set (which is worth $15 in my book MAX); as well as noticing a gradual trend for grossly-inflated prices on other short-run or indie toys ($70 GaoGaiGar pliers, $600 for a set of six mini Gatcha-vehicles and $100 pseudo-constructicons?), the question becomes how much is too much to fork over for a NEW toy?
I understand the nature of the market for collecable vintage toys, as well as the effect of supply/demand on some short-cased or otherwise limted release toys. But once you step back and see what you're paying for, has the hobby reached a new level of insanity?
I'd love to hear examples of new toys you'd just love to own, but just say "when" based on the out of line pricing going on, regardless of the rationale behind it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 08:35PM by Supersentai.
I understand the nature of the market for collecable vintage toys, as well as the effect of supply/demand on some short-cased or otherwise limted release toys. But once you step back and see what you're paying for, has the hobby reached a new level of insanity?
I'd love to hear examples of new toys you'd just love to own, but just say "when" based on the out of line pricing going on, regardless of the rationale behind it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 08:35PM by Supersentai.
| August 10, 2011 12:47PM |
all of them - I'm forced to live close to the bone and see dozens of toys a month I'd love to own but, unless it's under $20, I just can't do it anymore, meaning all that awesome vintage goodness out there - and even new stuff like Butanohana and M1 - is totally out of my price range.
And you thought I didn't do much here any more because I thought I was too good for you all. Nope - it's because it fucking hurts to see all this good shit out of my price range for the forseeable future.
Shit, I stil owe money to a board member for toys they sold me in goddamn *February*. It fucking sucks.
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hassenpfeffer
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 12:49PM by cae.
And you thought I didn't do much here any more because I thought I was too good for you all. Nope - it's because it fucking hurts to see all this good shit out of my price range for the forseeable future.
Shit, I stil owe money to a board member for toys they sold me in goddamn *February*. It fucking sucks.
---------------------------------
hassenpfeffer
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 12:49PM by cae.
| August 10, 2011 12:56PM |
I've pretty much gone bare bone essential lines I collect.
-Figma (ONLY from series I've seen and even then, I have to like the character). Oh and unlike everything else, I HAVE to preorder or it'll be out of stock by the time of release.
-Transformers (rarely anything bigger than a deluxe class figure. I don't care for overly gimmicky Leader class figures than tend to sacrifice articulation). Only movie and universe/generations. I'm not bothering tracking down hard to get popular figures even if I want it (Jazz for example).
-Busou Shinki. The newer ones have gotten more expensive. HLJ got some older ones I plan to get later in the year.
I've stop collecting revoltech due to the price increase, the fact that improved versions of the same character come out a year later and that they always go on sale later on shortly after release.
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I asked if I have "Time For L-Gaim" but I got "No Reply From The Wind".
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 02:58PM by Vincent Z..
-Figma (ONLY from series I've seen and even then, I have to like the character). Oh and unlike everything else, I HAVE to preorder or it'll be out of stock by the time of release.
-Transformers (rarely anything bigger than a deluxe class figure. I don't care for overly gimmicky Leader class figures than tend to sacrifice articulation). Only movie and universe/generations. I'm not bothering tracking down hard to get popular figures even if I want it (Jazz for example).
-Busou Shinki. The newer ones have gotten more expensive. HLJ got some older ones I plan to get later in the year.
I've stop collecting revoltech due to the price increase, the fact that improved versions of the same character come out a year later and that they always go on sale later on shortly after release.
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I asked if I have "Time For L-Gaim" but I got "No Reply From The Wind".
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 02:58PM by Vincent Z..
| August 10, 2011 01:25PM |
The odd thing is that when I see something new for a price I don't want to pay I drool and pass. Usually, it shows up again either on sale, or slightly used for a fraction of the price. If not...Oh well...
In reference to the the aforementioned new Godzilla Line, once the Godzilla nuts get their fill of these is there any doubt that these will end up on clearance somewhere...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 01:27PM by fel9.
In reference to the the aforementioned new Godzilla Line, once the Godzilla nuts get their fill of these is there any doubt that these will end up on clearance somewhere...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 01:27PM by fel9.
| August 10, 2011 01:42PM |
Yeah, I am pretty much priced out of most everything these days.
New toy prices are just astronomical. Tell me - what the hell is the point of the Super Robot Chogokin line when the costs approximate the basic SOC costs?!?!
Newer SOCs, like Daitarn and Godsigma? Fuhgettaboutit! $250? I ain't Midas.
And vintage stuff? I had a Bullmark kaiju vinyl toy price narrowed down to 6K yen. I knew the next bid made it mine. But then I did something stupid. I actually figured out the actual cost to me with commission, domestic shipping, and conversion costs. Not even including international costs! And then I flinched and let it pass. I don't think I will ever get it for that price again. :P
Rant over.
New toy prices are just astronomical. Tell me - what the hell is the point of the Super Robot Chogokin line when the costs approximate the basic SOC costs?!?!
Newer SOCs, like Daitarn and Godsigma? Fuhgettaboutit! $250? I ain't Midas.
And vintage stuff? I had a Bullmark kaiju vinyl toy price narrowed down to 6K yen. I knew the next bid made it mine. But then I did something stupid. I actually figured out the actual cost to me with commission, domestic shipping, and conversion costs. Not even including international costs! And then I flinched and let it pass. I don't think I will ever get it for that price again. :P
Rant over.
| August 10, 2011 02:02PM |
I'm willing to pay for certain of these, but I am more than willing to let most toys pass by these days. I still occasionally get some new toy obsession that forces me to overbuy and regret it later, but I'm tending to stick to my standby lines now. IF my kids didn't like so much of what I've previously purchased, or I didn't have some sentimental attachment to some of the toys I was given by various people, I'd probably sell most of it off.
I know it's lame, but transforming toys are my first love, whether Lightans, TFs, Brave, whatever. They're easy to get most of the time and they provide all the hand candy I really need. After that it's the MOTU Classics stuff and the occasional Lego or Ashley Wood items (though I have most everything there that I would want already). This is still far more than most people would want to spend for toys, but given that 90% of my new purchases are TF or MOTUC toys, none of it is all that pricy any more. I just can't justify $250 for Godsigma, as much as it would look great on my shelf and would at least get played with.
More serious than thou
I know it's lame, but transforming toys are my first love, whether Lightans, TFs, Brave, whatever. They're easy to get most of the time and they provide all the hand candy I really need. After that it's the MOTU Classics stuff and the occasional Lego or Ashley Wood items (though I have most everything there that I would want already). This is still far more than most people would want to spend for toys, but given that 90% of my new purchases are TF or MOTUC toys, none of it is all that pricy any more. I just can't justify $250 for Godsigma, as much as it would look great on my shelf and would at least get played with.
More serious than thou
| August 10, 2011 03:01PM |
I feel like a sucker for buying Revoltech Dancougar when it first came out. Now look how cheap it is.
[www.hlj.com]
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I asked if I have "Time For L-Gaim" but I got "No Reply From The Wind".
[www.hlj.com]
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I asked if I have "Time For L-Gaim" but I got "No Reply From The Wind".
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Sanjeev (Admin)
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August 10, 2011 03:06PM |
I dunno, guys. This smacks of the recent bootleg jumbo discussion on the vintage board where *actual* disrespectful comments were made towards the seller and buyer in a completely above-board public auction. As I said there, it's fair to feel frustrated by the rising costs of new toys (while our salaries stay the same...IF we're lucky!), but is any of this shit ACTUALLY "out of line"??? Come on.
Most of us live in the US, no? News flash: our economy is fucking crumbling. The dollar can't buy what it once could. It that *really* Bandai's fault? But give it some time: the yen will soon follow...
And Myles, again, I get your frustration, but dude, there is a FUCKING FLOOD of vintage Bullmarks on Y!J right now. Yes, the exchange rate is a boner-killer, but I've literally never seen such a buyers' market for Bullmarks right now. I guess a fucking natural disaster will do that. So...I dunno.
The point is no one in Japan is buying toys either...so Bandai has to tighten their belts and make smaller runs of toys. Hence individual unit costs rise. What can they do about it? Force Japanese people to buy their toys (i.e., luxury items) at gunpoint to bring the costs down for bitter gaikokujin?
Granted, I recognize that it's easy for me to say all this stuff because I mostly lack this frustration: I simply *hate* most new toys most companies are making...so fuck 'em. Modern vinyl prices are creeping higher, but I don't even buy much new vinyl these days either. Other than that, though, I'm mostly in the clear. So, yeah, I may not feel your pain...but I can understand it. I would just recommend getting some perspective on it...rather than copping an attitude of entitlement.
The Reverend has spoken. :P
Most of us live in the US, no? News flash: our economy is fucking crumbling. The dollar can't buy what it once could. It that *really* Bandai's fault? But give it some time: the yen will soon follow...
And Myles, again, I get your frustration, but dude, there is a FUCKING FLOOD of vintage Bullmarks on Y!J right now. Yes, the exchange rate is a boner-killer, but I've literally never seen such a buyers' market for Bullmarks right now. I guess a fucking natural disaster will do that. So...I dunno.
The point is no one in Japan is buying toys either...so Bandai has to tighten their belts and make smaller runs of toys. Hence individual unit costs rise. What can they do about it? Force Japanese people to buy their toys (i.e., luxury items) at gunpoint to bring the costs down for bitter gaikokujin?
Granted, I recognize that it's easy for me to say all this stuff because I mostly lack this frustration: I simply *hate* most new toys most companies are making...so fuck 'em. Modern vinyl prices are creeping higher, but I don't even buy much new vinyl these days either. Other than that, though, I'm mostly in the clear. So, yeah, I may not feel your pain...but I can understand it. I would just recommend getting some perspective on it...rather than copping an attitude of entitlement.
The Reverend has spoken. :P
| August 10, 2011 03:29PM |
Well, I don't mean to say that the companies making new products can't or shouldn't charge a lot. They can charge what they want and what production and price point costs require. But they're all outta my personal budget. Of course, we all have different budgets. I still see tons of these being purchased, so not everyone is priced out like me.
With regards to the SRCs, it was just my understanding that these were initially released as a cheaper alternative to the SOC line, for the more frugal collectors or new collectors in the market who didn't want to drop a C note on a toy/collectible. So I am just curious why the price on these is so high, especially with the bonus packs. Now I have not been following these and they don't appeal to me in the least, so I couldn't really give a shit about this whole topic in relation to this line. Just throwing out another observation.
And in terms of dropping sales? I don't know. I see more and more new collectors coming into this hobby and purchasing the higher end stuff (modern and vintage).
As to the current vinyls on YJ, those are high end stuff. Those are WELL beyond my means. ;) Its nice to look, but I am hesitating on 6K yen items that have marker all over them!! ( [skullbrain.org] ) This has nothing to do with the market (except for the conversion rates). Its more about my personal budget. So like Corey, I'm just griping about my personal situation.
Modern vinyl prices? Crazy high. Another topic. I guess I still recall what Jim said when we met at the Kimono event - you can pick up vintage stuff for slightly more than modern release prices! While at the time I didn't necessarily see it that way, I now realize that is because I was buying my stuff at secondary market prices on SB, where they have some unspoken rule where you can't ask for anything near the release price! Crazy, but who am I to complain? ;) The new release prices are comparable to some of the vintage stuff.
I guess I am all over the board on my post. That's why I called it a rant. Just talking outta my arse in a stream of incoherent thought.
But I don't see anyone having an attitude of entitlement.
With regards to the SRCs, it was just my understanding that these were initially released as a cheaper alternative to the SOC line, for the more frugal collectors or new collectors in the market who didn't want to drop a C note on a toy/collectible. So I am just curious why the price on these is so high, especially with the bonus packs. Now I have not been following these and they don't appeal to me in the least, so I couldn't really give a shit about this whole topic in relation to this line. Just throwing out another observation.
And in terms of dropping sales? I don't know. I see more and more new collectors coming into this hobby and purchasing the higher end stuff (modern and vintage).
As to the current vinyls on YJ, those are high end stuff. Those are WELL beyond my means. ;) Its nice to look, but I am hesitating on 6K yen items that have marker all over them!! ( [skullbrain.org] ) This has nothing to do with the market (except for the conversion rates). Its more about my personal budget. So like Corey, I'm just griping about my personal situation.
Modern vinyl prices? Crazy high. Another topic. I guess I still recall what Jim said when we met at the Kimono event - you can pick up vintage stuff for slightly more than modern release prices! While at the time I didn't necessarily see it that way, I now realize that is because I was buying my stuff at secondary market prices on SB, where they have some unspoken rule where you can't ask for anything near the release price! Crazy, but who am I to complain? ;) The new release prices are comparable to some of the vintage stuff.
I guess I am all over the board on my post. That's why I called it a rant. Just talking outta my arse in a stream of incoherent thought.
But I don't see anyone having an attitude of entitlement.
| August 10, 2011 03:32PM |
Eh, I'd agree, Sanjeev, in principle if we were talking about even a 50% increase in cost in some toys. However, I think that things like Revoltechs and the Figurearts figures seems to be where the price increases are the greatest. Hell, these used to be $20 toys (just 3-4 years ago), and now you have a hard time getting them for under $45 other than on sale. Has the economy tanked so much that toys have increased THAT much in price?
As for the SOC's, it doesn't seem to me that the high end toys have been priced out of line when compared to the lower-end toys I mentioned above. Eh, this is an expensive hobby, and I only ride the fringes anyway. This sort of thing only makes the decisions on whether to buy or not a whole lot easier.
More serious than thou
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 03:33PM by fujikuro.
As for the SOC's, it doesn't seem to me that the high end toys have been priced out of line when compared to the lower-end toys I mentioned above. Eh, this is an expensive hobby, and I only ride the fringes anyway. This sort of thing only makes the decisions on whether to buy or not a whole lot easier.
More serious than thou
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 03:33PM by fujikuro.
| August 10, 2011 03:32PM |
| August 10, 2011 04:30PM |
Speaking for myself, I'm not coming from an entitlement mentality, although I can see how that angle could be interpreted from the thread title.
I just think that people are so used to forking over wads of cash for vintage items, that all of a sudden this "new stuff" pricing has gradually crept up to rival vintage prices.
SOC Daltanious for $300? Godaikin Daltanious, $450. No contest which I buy.
I was more seething about some of this plastic stuff, especially that limited Zilla' add-on's set with the red flame and tiny tanks...SIXTY DOLLARS?
Or the GaoGaoGar Pliers for SEVENTY FIVE BUCKS? If they were diecast and transformed,maybe?
I know it's my choice as a buyer to exert my influence on the market, but if there's an entitlement mentality out there for consumers, there's also one for many toy companies expecting hobbyists to pay these kind of prices that are likely produced for a twentieth of the asking price.
Anyways, I'm just griping, it's not an indictment of all toymakers and obviously taken in the context of the world economy and other recent events.
I just think that people are so used to forking over wads of cash for vintage items, that all of a sudden this "new stuff" pricing has gradually crept up to rival vintage prices.
SOC Daltanious for $300? Godaikin Daltanious, $450. No contest which I buy.
I was more seething about some of this plastic stuff, especially that limited Zilla' add-on's set with the red flame and tiny tanks...SIXTY DOLLARS?
Or the GaoGaoGar Pliers for SEVENTY FIVE BUCKS? If they were diecast and transformed,maybe?
I know it's my choice as a buyer to exert my influence on the market, but if there's an entitlement mentality out there for consumers, there's also one for many toy companies expecting hobbyists to pay these kind of prices that are likely produced for a twentieth of the asking price.
Anyways, I'm just griping, it's not an indictment of all toymakers and obviously taken in the context of the world economy and other recent events.
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Sanjeev (Admin)
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August 10, 2011 05:38PM |
Well, I don't know if the intent of the SRC line was explicitly to serve as low-end SoCs...but because a lot of their stuff has been web exclusives and whatnot, it would kinda seem not? I dunno. Again, thankfully, I have no interest. If they were half the price they are, of course, I'd think twice about the GaoGaiGar...
Anyway, Myles, I'm not sure where you're seeing these new collectors coming in. Everyone I know in Japan says toy purchasing is dropping almost across the board. Their economy's tanking...just slightly slower than ours is. Plus, there's just a glut...of everything. Obviously, big poppa Bandai can take the hit by producing fewer units and jacking up the price: *someone* will still buy these things. But the designer vinyl market is getting butt-fucked rather unpleasantly.
And I definitely watch sub-10k Bullmarks on Y!J...there's a LOT of inventory out there. The shit may not be in stellar shape, but if you watch, you'll see some good stuff come up. I've gotten great deals on my Toho's over the years. But yeah, it sucks when even a 6k toy ends up costing over $100 by the time it arrives at your door... :(
Matt, I don't really follow the high end action figure stuff, but I can totally see how Revoltechs cost twice as much now: just look at them warming shelves. NO ONE IS BUYING...so it's pretty much either Kaiyodo trashes the line, or they slashe production and double costs. Seems pretty obvious to me...if unfortunate...
Anyway, the "entitlement" aspect is just the attitude that these prices are somehow "wrong" or "inappropriate". Why? They seem pretty fucking appropriate to me given the market conditions. And it's not like we're talking about food, clothing, or shelter...these are still luxury items.
But that said, I agree that $60 for some stupid atomic breath effect parts and widdle tanks blows. I wouldn't touch that if you paid ME $60 (like I need MORE stupid accessories cluttering my house!). All you can really do is vote with your dollar (or yen, as it were). DON'T pay these high prices and if the demand starts to fall, the toy companies will respond appropriately in time. If demand *doesn't* fall and we're just genuinely priced outta the hobby...well...it's time to find a new hobby.
Anyway, Myles, I'm not sure where you're seeing these new collectors coming in. Everyone I know in Japan says toy purchasing is dropping almost across the board. Their economy's tanking...just slightly slower than ours is. Plus, there's just a glut...of everything. Obviously, big poppa Bandai can take the hit by producing fewer units and jacking up the price: *someone* will still buy these things. But the designer vinyl market is getting butt-fucked rather unpleasantly.
And I definitely watch sub-10k Bullmarks on Y!J...there's a LOT of inventory out there. The shit may not be in stellar shape, but if you watch, you'll see some good stuff come up. I've gotten great deals on my Toho's over the years. But yeah, it sucks when even a 6k toy ends up costing over $100 by the time it arrives at your door... :(
Matt, I don't really follow the high end action figure stuff, but I can totally see how Revoltechs cost twice as much now: just look at them warming shelves. NO ONE IS BUYING...so it's pretty much either Kaiyodo trashes the line, or they slashe production and double costs. Seems pretty obvious to me...if unfortunate...
Anyway, the "entitlement" aspect is just the attitude that these prices are somehow "wrong" or "inappropriate". Why? They seem pretty fucking appropriate to me given the market conditions. And it's not like we're talking about food, clothing, or shelter...these are still luxury items.
But that said, I agree that $60 for some stupid atomic breath effect parts and widdle tanks blows. I wouldn't touch that if you paid ME $60 (like I need MORE stupid accessories cluttering my house!). All you can really do is vote with your dollar (or yen, as it were). DON'T pay these high prices and if the demand starts to fall, the toy companies will respond appropriately in time. If demand *doesn't* fall and we're just genuinely priced outta the hobby...well...it's time to find a new hobby.
| August 10, 2011 05:42PM |
Unless the quality and detail on the Godzilla accessory set is incredible, I admit that I wouldn't pay $60 for it. However, I can exactly see why it is $60 from BBTS. The dollar to yen is atrocious, and there's retail markup and shipping, which have always made JP items more expensive at US retail, and both are also affected by the lousy exchange, effectively triple-dipping the hurt. I hardly think you can blame the makers for this. I guess the bigger question would be if making a highly engineered $300 SOC Daltanious is a smart move in the current economy, but you certainly can't fault them for pricing the Daltanious they made at the price they did.
Introducing Prometheus Rising Studio.
[prometheusrising.net]
I make 3D printed mecha action figures.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 05:44PM by Prometheum5.
Introducing Prometheus Rising Studio.
[prometheusrising.net]
I make 3D printed mecha action figures.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 05:44PM by Prometheum5.
| August 11, 2011 07:53AM |
Hmmm...lots to think about here...I know we are talking pricing and wot not, but I cant really stop thinking about what a strange line the new Godzilla one is...Small expensive and super articulated...None of these things I am interested in. Am I the only one who finds highly articulated figures like these annoying...Don't get me wrong, I don't want a statue either, but I'd rather have a good looking figure with limited articulation than a super articulated one with ugly (and occasionally floppy) joints. For me it is really about what I'm getting for the $$$. Id rather buy half a dozen standard sized Godzilla vinyls (or ultraman) and a bag of army men for the price of one of the new super articulated Godzilla plus accessories...And I feel confident I know which one of those two options my nephews (and now nieces) would pick...
As far as revoltech goes I love their selection of properties and the figures always look great in photos, but man are they a pain to play with. I am always disappointed with them when I get them in hand. Take the recent Lupin and Jigen. It is a know fact that I will buy a toy from a Miyazaki movie and when I saw these I had to restrain myself from ordering on sight. My wait finally paid off and I was able to pick each up for about $15 apiece (way below the original price). When they arrived I played with them got tired of pieces popping off and finally wound up posing them and putting them on the shelf. The leftover pieces banned to a plastic baggie. Am I glad I bought them? Well I am glad I waited. Am I glad to have them on my Miyazaki shelf? Yes but when I want to play with something I 9 times out of ten reach for a cheap Vinyl or old transformer...And when the kids are over those are the ones that they want to play with to.
As far as revoltech goes I love their selection of properties and the figures always look great in photos, but man are they a pain to play with. I am always disappointed with them when I get them in hand. Take the recent Lupin and Jigen. It is a know fact that I will buy a toy from a Miyazaki movie and when I saw these I had to restrain myself from ordering on sight. My wait finally paid off and I was able to pick each up for about $15 apiece (way below the original price). When they arrived I played with them got tired of pieces popping off and finally wound up posing them and putting them on the shelf. The leftover pieces banned to a plastic baggie. Am I glad I bought them? Well I am glad I waited. Am I glad to have them on my Miyazaki shelf? Yes but when I want to play with something I 9 times out of ten reach for a cheap Vinyl or old transformer...And when the kids are over those are the ones that they want to play with to.
| August 11, 2011 08:00AM |
Gotta agree. I've got the Revoltech Gamera, and while I got it on sale, all I thought on receiving it was "That's it? It's THAT small?" And then on top of that it's fiddly, irritating to pose, and frankly doesn't look nearly as nice as my vinyl Gameras. I'm a Gamera nut, but I won't ever buy a Revoltech toy ever again. This was the final straw between price and just lameness.
More serious than thou
More serious than thou
| August 11, 2011 09:44AM |
Fujikuro: My favorite Gamera toy (as far as fun per price is concerned) is the recent retro-styled standard sized Bandai one. I paid $12 for him and the kids fight over him...At the moment he is sporting a pink ribbon that my niece tied around his neck. Nothing beats watching man is suit movies with the kids and then taking the cheap bandai vinyl out into the back yard....and quite frankly this exact thing is what this hobby has seemed to have forgotten...
| August 11, 2011 10:42AM |
| August 11, 2011 10:56AM |
fujikuro Wrote:
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> Wish I had an in the States source for vinyl toys
> that was around $12 per. Amazon and Ebay seem to
> be the places for these, and you're lucky if you
> can find anything for under $20 there.
Dude, I just looked up my order history from BBTS and I bought the Shinsei Gamera in 2007 for $9.99 along with some similarly priced clearance vinyls...But Bandai monsters can be had on the cheap if you are willing to wait and hunt...But that is true of this wacky hobby in general...
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> Wish I had an in the States source for vinyl toys
> that was around $12 per. Amazon and Ebay seem to
> be the places for these, and you're lucky if you
> can find anything for under $20 there.
Dude, I just looked up my order history from BBTS and I bought the Shinsei Gamera in 2007 for $9.99 along with some similarly priced clearance vinyls...But Bandai monsters can be had on the cheap if you are willing to wait and hunt...But that is true of this wacky hobby in general...
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Sanjeev (Admin)
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August 11, 2011 12:27PM |
| August 11, 2011 01:16PM |
Figuarts don't seem to be that out of line when you compare the pricing across the history of the line. The figures have gotten more complex, and they have been milking the current shows (ooo variants don't come with that many accessories) but otherwise I think the reissues are the same yen price as the original releases. The yen to dollar conversion is the big change. This creates an interesting phenomenon where bbts old stock is often cheaper than buying it from Japan because the old prices were based on old conversion rates.
Similar for SOC. Older stuff like gunbuster and dancougar were just under 20000 yen, so god sigma at 23000 isn't that far off. But again the exchange rate is killer. And even these seem to go out of stock pending re-release whereas I could have sworn that most SOCs were readily available for at least a few months.
Not being in Japan, I can only go by online stores, but is there just insane demand for stuff like KR medals and gokaiger ranger keys, or just low stock?
Even domestically toys have gotten really expensive. Obviously the mail order only motuc stuff is lower production runs but with the site always goig down and crazy shipping it ain't cheap. Dc figures are almost 20 bucks in some places. Crazy. Even transformers are going up a buck or two.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2011 11:16PM by fujishig.
Similar for SOC. Older stuff like gunbuster and dancougar were just under 20000 yen, so god sigma at 23000 isn't that far off. But again the exchange rate is killer. And even these seem to go out of stock pending re-release whereas I could have sworn that most SOCs were readily available for at least a few months.
Not being in Japan, I can only go by online stores, but is there just insane demand for stuff like KR medals and gokaiger ranger keys, or just low stock?
Even domestically toys have gotten really expensive. Obviously the mail order only motuc stuff is lower production runs but with the site always goig down and crazy shipping it ain't cheap. Dc figures are almost 20 bucks in some places. Crazy. Even transformers are going up a buck or two.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2011 11:16PM by fujishig.
| August 11, 2011 02:40PM |
fujishig: Good point about toys in general. Look at the bizarre pricing on the new 3" thundercats 2011 line...I have also been actively ignoring the MotU line. Not because it ain't awesome (cause it is) and not really because of the original price of the figs (yeah they are high, but seem worth it), but because the figures I want I missed and haven't found anywhere close to a price I want to pay.
| August 12, 2011 10:45AM |
Is this what the leading edge of rampant inflation looks like? I stopped getting SOCs with Voltes, and man I REGRET IT cause I love those things. But I'm absolutely priced out (by choice fortunately). I can't get much trade action either.
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I am seeking a plastic Popy Tora Sobu Raideen.
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I am seeking a plastic Popy Tora Sobu Raideen.
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Sanjeev (Admin)
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August 12, 2011 01:00PM |
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mcfitch (Admin)
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August 12, 2011 01:22PM |
I think Sanjeev nailed it.
-Mason
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Matthewalt "I actually kinda LIKE that approach! You know: let's make a TOY. Remember those? Products designed to be played with without breaking? DO YOU REMEMBER, LOVE?!"
-Mason
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Matthewalt "I actually kinda LIKE that approach! You know: let's make a TOY. Remember those? Products designed to be played with without breaking? DO YOU REMEMBER, LOVE?!"
| August 12, 2011 01:38PM |
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Sanjeev (Admin)
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August 12, 2011 01:38PM |
| August 13, 2011 01:06AM |
| October 17, 2011 01:35AM |
I never thought I'd see the day that US Toys R Us's would have figuarts (in this case, shinken red and shinken gold) on the shelves. And toy price hikes are so rampant that, after seeing DC Universe Classics and Walking Dead figures go for 20 bucks, the 35 that they're charging (which is pretty much the same price as in Japan after the insane conversion rates) probably doesn't seem that "out of whack."
| October 17, 2011 11:09AM |
Figuarts Shinken Red:
[www.toysrus.com]
Figuarts Shinken Gold:
[www.toysrus.com]
These are not available online, but I saw them in stores over the weekend. Apparently they even have English instructions with the Power Rangers logo. They are also Buy 1, get 1 50% off if you can find them (I only saw them in one out of three TRU)
Of course, the other Shinkengers were all Tamashii Web exclusives in Japan, so people getting them here will have a hard time completing the set...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/2011 11:10AM by fujishig.
[www.toysrus.com]
Figuarts Shinken Gold:
[www.toysrus.com]
These are not available online, but I saw them in stores over the weekend. Apparently they even have English instructions with the Power Rangers logo. They are also Buy 1, get 1 50% off if you can find them (I only saw them in one out of three TRU)
Of course, the other Shinkengers were all Tamashii Web exclusives in Japan, so people getting them here will have a hard time completing the set...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/2011 11:10AM by fujishig.
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