Roc
Active Member
I thought it would be interesting to share with each other how we feel about the explosive pricing of figures.
Cheers
Roc
Cheers
Roc
How do you feel about figure pricing?
- Thread starter Roc
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Ernest
A Fixture
Not very happy, some prices are ok but some other are too high even if the figure has a poor quality, some manufactures as Elite Miniatures, Pegaso Models and Andrea Miniatures should consider this, they are great manufactures but with some high prices in several cases IMO...
Uruk-Hai
PlanetFigure Supporter
I voted "not very happy".
The step up from 54mm to 75mm and 90mm is very step in my opnion.
I can also notice that I well sculpted figure cost just as much to produce as a badly sculpted one. A well done figure on the other hand will sell better over a longer period.
Cheers
The step up from 54mm to 75mm and 90mm is very step in my opnion.
I can also notice that I well sculpted figure cost just as much to produce as a badly sculpted one. A well done figure on the other hand will sell better over a longer period.
Cheers
frank h
Well-Known Member
Hi
I go with all thats been said
worth noting that the 54mm class at shows
is always the most subscribed to
Could this be as much about cost as preference ?
Frank
I go with all thats been said
worth noting that the 54mm class at shows
is always the most subscribed to
Could this be as much about cost as preference ?
Frank
megroot
A Fixture
I voted not very happy.
All in all i think the prices are to high. Specially when you like a figure in the 75, they are way up.
At the other hand, when i paint almost every evening for a month on a figure, sometimes longer it cost not much.
When i go every evening at the local pub it cost's much more.
Still, i think a figure in 54 mm is € 5 - 7.50 to high.
Isn't € 15 - 20 not enough.
I forgot to mention that the price of a base is also to high. Oke, it is nice wood, but the price is sometimes above the price of the figure.
Marc
All in all i think the prices are to high. Specially when you like a figure in the 75, they are way up.
At the other hand, when i paint almost every evening for a month on a figure, sometimes longer it cost not much.
When i go every evening at the local pub it cost's much more.
Still, i think a figure in 54 mm is € 5 - 7.50 to high.
Isn't € 15 - 20 not enough.
I forgot to mention that the price of a base is also to high. Oke, it is nice wood, but the price is sometimes above the price of the figure.
Marc
I'm OK with the prices. I've slowed down on me expenditure on new figures.
What I do recognise is that the manufacturers are running a business, that needs to at least break even and then provide a living salary for those involved.
If the prices were really too high, then sales would drop and the producers would be forced to reduce prices, together with perhaps the laying off of employees and a reduction in quality.
I respect that these guys are running a business, simple as that. In the same way that they will make make more money on a 1944 German or a 2nd century Roman than on a 1950s British soldier. Just the way it is.
I don't see the figure producers rolling up to shows in big expensive cars with chauffeurs; I see them driving from show to show, country to country, lugging boxes of resin, display models with the help of wives and girlfriends, or a mate who says they'll help out.
As Marc says.......if you were only to buy one figure, paint it over two months, the cost is nothing compared to gym membership, once a week down the pub etc
What I do recognise is that the manufacturers are running a business, that needs to at least break even and then provide a living salary for those involved.
If the prices were really too high, then sales would drop and the producers would be forced to reduce prices, together with perhaps the laying off of employees and a reduction in quality.
I respect that these guys are running a business, simple as that. In the same way that they will make make more money on a 1944 German or a 2nd century Roman than on a 1950s British soldier. Just the way it is.
I don't see the figure producers rolling up to shows in big expensive cars with chauffeurs; I see them driving from show to show, country to country, lugging boxes of resin, display models with the help of wives and girlfriends, or a mate who says they'll help out.
As Marc says.......if you were only to buy one figure, paint it over two months, the cost is nothing compared to gym membership, once a week down the pub etc
garyjd
Well-Known Member
I rarely buy commercial pieces anymore. The last one was maybe about 2-3 years ago. The fact that I sculpt also has a bit to do with this.
I do however feel the frustration a lot of painters may have. Where do the high prices start? Is it the cost of a master from a top sculptor? or the cost of manufacturing, or both? When I was teenager a Series 77 90mm figure from their "American" line went for around $17.95 when they started it. Where have those times gone to?~Gary
I do however feel the frustration a lot of painters may have. Where do the high prices start? Is it the cost of a master from a top sculptor? or the cost of manufacturing, or both? When I was teenager a Series 77 90mm figure from their "American" line went for around $17.95 when they started it. Where have those times gone to?~Gary
I agree with Rob, I know a couple of manufacturers and no they don't drive Rolls Royce’s more over they worry about having to up the price of the kits to because the resin they need to make quality casting has to be imported in from the US also the rubber that they make moulds from has doubled in price.
How many of us here know what’s involved, with the greatest of respect we have just said that price is too high, what should the price be.
I went to the Pegaso site and looked here is what I found
Size Weight Cost in Euros
54 140g 22
75 300g 37.50
90 660g 83.50
When you look at it the 90 mm figure is over twice the weight of the 75mm for only an extra 15 mm in height so does this justify the price of the kit, maybe so, does this mean that a 90mm master is twice as much as a 75mm, the packaging is certainly bigger.
In my view as in Rob's I am just glad they keep producing them and in the end if they dropped the price would the company survive. We all complain about prices how many of us will still buy them.
Robin
How many of us here know what’s involved, with the greatest of respect we have just said that price is too high, what should the price be.
I went to the Pegaso site and looked here is what I found
Size Weight Cost in Euros
54 140g 22
75 300g 37.50
90 660g 83.50
When you look at it the 90 mm figure is over twice the weight of the 75mm for only an extra 15 mm in height so does this justify the price of the kit, maybe so, does this mean that a 90mm master is twice as much as a 75mm, the packaging is certainly bigger.
In my view as in Rob's I am just glad they keep producing them and in the end if they dropped the price would the company survive. We all complain about prices how many of us will still buy them.
Robin
garyjd
Well-Known Member
Robin, That is a very valid point. I was acommercial art major in college and I can just imagine what the cost is alone for the packaging some manufacturers put their kits in. Not only that but also consider how much everyday consumer products have gone up over the years.~Gary
when I were a lad.............cue Michael Palin......(no offence to anyone from Yorkshire, Robin!)
yep, things other than models were indeed cheaper when I was a teenager. I could buy a pint of beer for less than £1, now, it's nearly £3!! Who'd have thought it! In 20 years! Heavens above.......inflation, eh?
The prices, be they high or not, are at that level because they are sustainable, we, the buying public, buy them! Market forces! If they are too high, then it's a canny businessman who has made them that high! Dang capitalism! Allowing people to make money and spend money on what they wish.
And if you tell that to the young people of today.....
yep, things other than models were indeed cheaper when I was a teenager. I could buy a pint of beer for less than £1, now, it's nearly £3!! Who'd have thought it! In 20 years! Heavens above.......inflation, eh?
The prices, be they high or not, are at that level because they are sustainable, we, the buying public, buy them! Market forces! If they are too high, then it's a canny businessman who has made them that high! Dang capitalism! Allowing people to make money and spend money on what they wish.
And if you tell that to the young people of today.....
We argue about high priced figures lol.
But we all have a hugh grey army
Maybe with higher price, we would take more time to think before buying hundred of figures, that we, of course, know we wont be able to paint.........
We just need some organisation, we cant anyway paint lots of figures every month. So in fact it's not "so expensive".....
JP
But we all have a hugh grey army
Maybe with higher price, we would take more time to think before buying hundred of figures, that we, of course, know we wont be able to paint.........
We just need some organisation, we cant anyway paint lots of figures every month. So in fact it's not "so expensive".....
JP
Uruk-Hai
PlanetFigure Supporter
Its two different things to like that the prices are rising and to state that the prices are within reason. I dont think anyone are saying that the manufacturors makes huge profit.
Also It cant be the material or freight cost that makes the prices on 90mm so high?
I dont know it it would cut down the cost but I personally wouldnt mind skipping the metalfigures in favor for resin due to the weight when handling.
Cheers
Also It cant be the material or freight cost that makes the prices on 90mm so high?
I dont know it it would cut down the cost but I personally wouldnt mind skipping the metalfigures in favor for resin due to the weight when handling.
Cheers
But Janne, what is "within reason"? How do we define that?
OK, some things go up in price more than others.
I guess a 90mm costs what it does because at that price enough are sold to cover costs and make a profit (big or small, I don't know)
OK, some things go up in price more than others.
I guess a 90mm costs what it does because at that price enough are sold to cover costs and make a profit (big or small, I don't know)
garyjd
Well-Known Member
...they won't believe you.~Gary (Python devotee)
Charles Denomolos
New Member
The prices are so bad, i don't even bother to look anymore.
While I don't begrudge anyone their due, there is no way to justify the prices that are being charged. 54's are going for well over 30 bucks, while less than 10 years ago, they were half that price. 120's have doubled in price, etc etc.
It's alot easier to sell 2 figs at 20 bucks than 1 fig at 40. But, then again, it's alot easier to buy nothing, too....
While I don't begrudge anyone their due, there is no way to justify the prices that are being charged. 54's are going for well over 30 bucks, while less than 10 years ago, they were half that price. 120's have doubled in price, etc etc.
It's alot easier to sell 2 figs at 20 bucks than 1 fig at 40. But, then again, it's alot easier to buy nothing, too....
Uruk-Hai
PlanetFigure Supporter
Perhaps I expressed myself poorly?
What I meant was that I can understand that the manufacturors need to have their costs covered but still find it expensive, at least for me.
I dont think that the material in itself is the main reason. But of course a larger amount of mold material must be used.
Edit: Perhaps also more of the bigger pieces would be sold at a lower price, thus making more profit on more samples, but thats merely speculating from my behalf.
Cheers
Uruk-Hai
PlanetFigure Supporter
-And what do you do if a man attacks you armed with a banana?
Loves Monte Pyton.... :lol:
bonehead
A Fixture
Hello All,
This is an interesting question. It seems that most people are unhappy with the cost of things. This is understandable.
It is a sad fact that the costs of everything goes up over time. Also, many of the materials used in the mnanufacture of figures is dependent on the price of petroleum products. There is nothing but bad news here for people who do not want to spend much on their chosen hobby.
Another factor that has not even been brought up in this thread is the vast amount of product available today. Even 10 years ago, the number of manufacturers producing figures was quite small. Keeping up with new releases was not difficult because there were not many to choose from.
Today, the manufacturers have proliferated like rabbits. The problem here is that the market has not grown and, in fact, has stayed quite steady over time. What this means to manufacturers is that the number of pieces they can expect to sell of any individual item has fallen over time. Basicaly, you have a situation where more producers are fighting to hold the attention of a stagnant customer base. This means even less profits for manufacturers than in the past.
I work as a full-time sculptor. I am one of the few in the business who still does. The problem for me is that my rent and living expenses have continued to go up over the years, while the money I can expect to make for a master has fallen DRASTICALLY over the same amount of time. I charge as much for my work as the business will allow but I do not have money for retirement or even savings anymore. It is strictly a hand to mouth existence. If I was not married, I would be living under an over-pass roasting squirrel for dinner........!
This is my reality. At my age it would be difficult to start a new career. The days of being a full time professional modeler are becoming numbered. In a world of sink or swim, I am just barely staying afloat.
I cannot change these things, but I can assure you that the people who are in this business are only doing it for love. Nobody is getting rich off this. The day may come when my ability to continue my profession is no longer viable.
That is the way it is folks, whether you like it or not.
Mike
This is an interesting question. It seems that most people are unhappy with the cost of things. This is understandable.
It is a sad fact that the costs of everything goes up over time. Also, many of the materials used in the mnanufacture of figures is dependent on the price of petroleum products. There is nothing but bad news here for people who do not want to spend much on their chosen hobby.
Another factor that has not even been brought up in this thread is the vast amount of product available today. Even 10 years ago, the number of manufacturers producing figures was quite small. Keeping up with new releases was not difficult because there were not many to choose from.
Today, the manufacturers have proliferated like rabbits. The problem here is that the market has not grown and, in fact, has stayed quite steady over time. What this means to manufacturers is that the number of pieces they can expect to sell of any individual item has fallen over time. Basicaly, you have a situation where more producers are fighting to hold the attention of a stagnant customer base. This means even less profits for manufacturers than in the past.
I work as a full-time sculptor. I am one of the few in the business who still does. The problem for me is that my rent and living expenses have continued to go up over the years, while the money I can expect to make for a master has fallen DRASTICALLY over the same amount of time. I charge as much for my work as the business will allow but I do not have money for retirement or even savings anymore. It is strictly a hand to mouth existence. If I was not married, I would be living under an over-pass roasting squirrel for dinner........!
This is my reality. At my age it would be difficult to start a new career. The days of being a full time professional modeler are becoming numbered. In a world of sink or swim, I am just barely staying afloat.
I cannot change these things, but I can assure you that the people who are in this business are only doing it for love. Nobody is getting rich off this. The day may come when my ability to continue my profession is no longer viable.
That is the way it is folks, whether you like it or not.
Mike
bonehead
A Fixture
By the way, somebody above mentioned that a 90mm figure uses twice as much material as a 75mm. They asked: "do they pay twice as much for a 90mm master?"
I wish!!
Mike
I wish!!
Mike
