Hidden defects

[Ronaldo]

Having bought a couple of busts at a recent show where the whole of goods on display were sprayed white with with black shadowing which certainly makes them look good and appealing to the buyer ; some do tend to hold dark secrets, namely ill fitting parts ,pinholes and air bubbles.

So decided not to buy anything displayed in this manner and keep clear of the periphery manufacturers.
No doubt this will spark some angry reactions , but it is true

 

[Oda]

Any manufacturer that stands behind his products and is certain about their quality will never display them in the way you desctibed Ronaldn the contrary he/she will always present them bare and/or unassembled so anyone can attest about their quality.

Oda.

 

[Forté]

Actually, I know Mr Lee's Minis displays all his products in that way. He also has to assemble every display piece himself.

Even if a seller showed bare resin display pieces there is the chance that they would select the best quality parts from the batch cast at the time.

Rule of thumb with any miniatures you ever buy: if there is ever an issue that you are unhappy with; take photos and contact the company straight away.

Majority of the time it may have slipped through quality control and they will be more than happy to replace offending parts.

 

[Forté]

Out of interest, which company had the issue?

Another thing too. If you're not sure, ask to have a look at the kit. Most sellers should be happy to let you.

 

[Mr Lee's Minis]

Thanks for that Forte

Would say that if you see a 2k primed piece on the stand, and you are worried about the piece or cast. Ask to see a copy in package. I have done it on many occasions both as a seller and as a punter. If the seller is confident of the quality they will open it without question. Without searching for a piece, and explain where or if there are any problems with the piece in question. If they don't then walking away is fully justified.

I stand behind what we sell, and if something does get through the quality checks ( we are humans here ) then it gets replaced at our cost. Simples.

Also I know of other companies that only show off high quality paint jobs of their pieces.. would that mean that they do not stand behind their pieces? Would you also walk away from that?
Sorry.. but I can't see that blanket statement being fully appropriate.

As for why they are 2k primed.. it is to better show off the pieces details. Having done non-primed ( and still the odd one doesn't get done right away for shows ) it is harder to see all the details versus the primed ones. This is usually due to the lighting near the stand, but can have many others as well. It also looks much more appealing on the stands, and helps to get noticed.

The alternative, for us anyways, is to stop bringing them at all. Just have packets out, and go from there. But we believe that having the pieces on display, and being able to pick them up and check the quality yourself ( or ask if your unsure ) is a better way of doing business.

Hopefully you have better luck in the future and that you can see the other side of the table as to why display pieces are done like that. And if in doubt.. ask! Hope to see you at a show, and can explain more in person one day!

 

[CGS military figures]

The reason many of us prime the pieces is to show the detail and it photographs better, you only need to ask and I think nearly every manufacturer would allow you to open any box and inspect the parts, I would and many I know would do the same.

 

[valiant]

I dont think there are any makers out there, large or small, by name, who wouldnt exchange something that was not up to scratch if there was a genuine problem. As Mr Lee's says, we are only human and occasionally something slips through the net. The majority of manufacturers are cottage industries and many do this as a hobby, alongside a full time job, as well as attending multiple shows throughout the year. Mistakes, albeit infrequent, do happen...

 

[Ferris]

Bit confused by your point Ron. A figure painter with some experience should be able to judge a sculpt’s quality best from an assembled piece, primed or painted, rather than from loose parts or is this a too broad an assumption?

Fit of parts is then hard to *****, but when in doubt a look at the parts will surely be allowed? Although I find casting blocks are often in the way to assess fit.

Best indication I use is brand reputation...some brand’s figures I’ll buy unseen, some need closer inspection and some are avoided based on lessons learnt.

Cheers
Adrian