Big Chief Studios - 1/6 Doctor Who - #1 William Hartnell

[thedarkknight]

It's insane. I actually know people on other forums that have given up and won't buy anything else from Big Chief. Not because of price, or from being unhappy with the quality of the final product, but simply because of bad prior ordering and/or purchasing and/or customer service experiences, which has left them with a very bad taste in the mouth, and an overall feeling that trying to buy any of the new releases is just too much of a hassle to even bother with. This is an expensive line, so distancing any percentage of what is already a very niche customer base seems like something that a company might want to actively try to avoid as much as practically possible, rather than just let fester or largely ignore

And even as someone who desperately wants to see the Who line survive, and preferably thrive, I still can't in good conscience tell them to hang in there and encourage these fans who have given up to give Big Chief another shot, or say that it was just bad luck, and that it'll get better, and easier, and more streamlined, because we're actually talking in years now when it comes to promised website and payment system improvements, and more regular updates, and a smoother customer service experience, and it just hasn't happened, nor does it look likely to any time soon. So while I choose to grit my teeth and bare it, fight my way through whatever happens, and try to be extremely patient with whatever frustrations or issues may rear their ugly head along the way, I'm frankly not surprised that a lot of fans simply aren't willing to do that any longer. I mean we all expect teething difficulties, but when you've been around for years, not months, and have released a number of products, with a slew of others put up for pre-order, and yet more future releases being worked on, the 'give us time' excuse simply doesn't cut it any longer. It just doesn't.

Sorry about going off on a rant, but I just find the whole ignoring of the importance of the website, ordering system, and customer service component to be utterly insane and counter-productive for a primarily web based business. It truly boggles my tiny little mind, it really does...

After my experience with them, the only way I'd purchase directly from Big Chief is if that's the only way to get an Ecclestion and they knock it out of the park. The sculpt would have to be much better than what we got for Tom Baker.

 

[Captain Britain]

Got to say, i'm sorry to hear from folks that have had bad experiences, but I've had nothing but good experiences with Big Chief's customer service. When there's been a problem they've fixed it quickly and to my complete satisfaction, and I know of many other people who have had similarly good experiences.

I realise that people have had problems with paying, but it's not impossible to pay for things on their site, it's just a bit of a faff. Yes, this is a bad thing, but there's pretty much no aspect of collecting that doesn't involve jumping through hoops at some point to obtain stuff, from tracking it down on the internet to even visiting stores (can't remember the last time I bought a figure in a shop, but I'm sure people still do!). I would like paying for stuff to be easier, and I'm sure it will be at some point, but given that their resources are limited I'm happy for their main focus to be on customer service and product development. A lot of folks have been very happy with their most recent releases. To me as a fan and collector, being happy with the end product is what matters.

I'm not saying views like Ex-Parrots aren't valid, and of course I'd like everything BCS do to be perfect, but until then I'll settle for more great pieces and customer service, and just accept that paying for stuff is a bit of a crossword puzzle.

 

[pixletwin]

Same here. I have had nothing but fast replies from their CS. My ordering experiences have been a little strange compared to other companies. But I have had none of the stresses or horror stories that I have heard other people have experienced.

 

[JonWes]

I've had variable experiences, to be honest. It took about 6 months but I did get a replacement for my Amy's wrist peg! I don't think it's for lack of effort, though. I just got the impression they got overwhelmed now and again or forgot things. I did just check the "Make Payment" button on the Hartnell page, and it works now! So that's good news. My other experiences have been really positive, though, especially lately. I think they have more CS staff now which has helped a lot. I see a lot more different names, at least.

 

[The Mike]

Weird. So what happens if you don't pay installments? Do you just get a balance owed when it is ready to ship? How does that differ from the previous system they had and apparently did away with? Strange.

 

[Matner77]

1st Doctor preordered and it actually will be my first Doctor in the range. Very much looking forward to future releases

 

[VincentVegaFFF]

This is shipping the first week of Jamuary, according the newest Big Chief newsletter.

 

[BagginsOfBagEnd]

^ Pity, was hoping it would be here before Christmas

Has there been any word on the 'Extra Commemorative Edition' items yet?

 

[VincentVegaFFF]

Yeah, I was hoping to get him before Christmas too. Now who will wish me "incidentally a happy christmas to all of you at home?"

 

[TheMajor]

Apologies if it has been brought up already, but are BCS doing all the Doctors? It doesn't look like they're being made in order, so I am not optimistic that they will make a 7th Doctor (my favourite) figure.

 

[VincentVegaFFF]

Yes, I'm sure they intend to make every Doctor as well as select companions and monsters. The only way I could see them not making all of the Doctors is if they loose the lisence or go out of business.

 

[Ex-Parrot]

Has there been any word on the 'Extra Commemorative Edition' items yet?

Not that I've seen, no.

 

[TheMajor]

Yes, I'm sure they intend to make every Doctor as well as select companions and monsters. The only way I could see them not making all of the Doctors is if they loose the lisence or go out of business.

I hope you're right. With McCoy not being one of the "popular" Doctors, I have a nasty feeling that he might be skipped.

 

[Ex-Parrot]

Right now, personally, I'm not too worried. I imagine just so long as the line stays profitable enough to continue, and the company stays afloat, they will eventually do all of the Doctors. And even the less popular Doctors tend to have a lot more fans that one might think going by what is often posted on the internet (if they didn't I doubt Big Finish would still be operating a decade and a half later, just as one example).

Big Chief just need to find the right balance between edition size, demand, and profitability to make each release work. But they seem to be getting a better handle on that of late, at least if the rate of their product offerings is anything to judge by, so here's hoping. Personally I'd like to see them get to the point where they could offer a new Doctor every four month or so, so three a year, not counting variants of already made Doctors. That way it wouldn't put too much of a strain on folks wallets, and we'd have the lot in three years or so. A fan can dream...

That said, I rather imagine they'd still do the more widespread popular ones first, so I would expect to see current Doctor Capaldi, along with Eccleston, Troughton and Pertwee before we ever see Davison, Baker the second, McCoy, and McGann. Or Hurt for that matter. Even though I'd personally love to see Baker and McCoy sooner, rather than later, as both are getting up there in age, and I'd love signature editions of the pair of them while both are still in fine health. Add to which, as figures their outfits I think turn into a bit of a benefit really, as far as making them distinctive and helping them stand out on a collector's shelf. That's my story anyway, and I'm sticking to it.

Of course with next year being the tenth anniversary of the show's return, with certain rumours predictably swirling about because of that, who knows if something might happen to make any particular former Doctor(s) suddenly more likely to be given priority...

Just have to wait and see, I suppose. Time will tell. It always does.

 

[pixletwin]

Hartnell was supposed to play Santa in my display this year.

I guess I'll have to give that honor to Frankenstein this year.

 

[kl241]

I hope you're right. With McCoy not being one of the "popular" Doctors, I have a nasty feeling that he might be skipped.

I'm hoping we will get signature editions of all surviving classic Doctors (Davison, Colin, McCoy and McGann). Peter and Paul still look relatively spry but I do wish they would hurry up as Colin and McCoy are getting up there.

 

[TheMajor]

Right now, personally, I'm not too worried. I imagine just so long as the line stays profitable enough to continue, and the company stays afloat, they will eventually do all of the Doctors. And even the less popular Doctors tend to have a lot more fans that one might think going by what is often posted on the internet (if they didn't I doubt Big Finish would still be operating a decade and a half later, just as one example).

Big Chief just need to find the right balance between edition size, demand, and profitability to make each release work. But they seem to be getting a better handle on that of late, at least if the rate of their product offerings is anything to judge by, so here's hoping. Personally I'd like to see them get to the point where they could offer a new Doctor every four month or so, so three a year, not counting variants of already made Doctors. That way it wouldn't put too much of a strain on folks wallets, and we'd have the lot in three years or so. A fan can dream...

That said, I rather imagine they'd still do the more widespread popular ones first, so I would expect to see current Doctor Capaldi, along with Eccleston, Troughton and Pertwee before we ever see Davison, Baker the second, McCoy, and McGann. Or Hurt for that matter. Even though I'd personally love to see Baker and McCoy sooner, rather than later, as both are getting up there in age, and I'd love signature editions of the pair of them while both are still in fine health. Add to which, as figures their outfits I think turn into a bit of a benefit really, as far as making them distinctive and helping them stand out on a collector's shelf. That's my story anyway, and I'm sticking to it.

Of course with next year being the tenth anniversary of the show's return, with certain rumours predictably swirling about because of that, who knows if something might happen to make any particular former Doctor(s) suddenly more likely to be given priority...

Just have to wait and see, I suppose. Time will tell. It always does.

I saw what you did there.

 

[DVD1]

Whilst watching the Chris 9th Doctor blu Ray set again, I nipped over to BC web site to find, this ..,

Customers will receive a special Commemorative Edition Pack that includes 2 x Autographed Photo Prints, signed by the 1st Doctor’s companions: Susan Foreman as portrayed by Carole Ann Ford and Ian Chesterton as portrayed by William Russell.

I am reading this as these being proper autographs but I could be wrong . If I'm right, this will be a really neat item.

 

[Ex-Parrot]

Saw that yesterday, and yes, they are actual autographs. Or at least that's certainly the impression that one gets from the full text:

Special Items Added for 1st Doctor Release

We are delighted to announce the additional items that will accompany the 1st Doctor Commemorative Edition 1:6 Scale Collector Figure. 1st Doctor Signed Prints

Customers will receive a special Commemorative Edition Pack that includes 2 x Autographed Photo Prints, signed by the 1st Doctor’s companions: Susan Foreman as portrayed by Carole Ann Ford and Ian Chesterton as portrayed by William Russell.

This marks the first time that we have been able to offer fans a dual signed edition. The prints can be displayed in the included Commemorative Edition Pack wallet.

In addition customers will also receive a hand-numbered laser-etched plaque with stand to display alongside your figure.

The Commemorative Edition is limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and stock is approaching low quantity, so to be sure you do not miss out on this very special edition, pre-order your’s today. Shipping will commence from January 2015.

I guess that explains why it took so long to announce the extra items, must have been a lot of wrangling to not only organise, but get the go ahead from BBC to authorise the inclusion of as part of the package. Definitely a nice touch to get the surviving first companions signatures, given that old Bill isn't around to sign his release himself. Especially for those of us unlikely ever to get a chance to meet them in person.

Wonder if they'll do something similar for Troughton and Pertwee if/when we get there. They still have plenty of options left for Troughton with Frazer Hines as Jamie being the most obvious, but Wendy Padbury (Zoe), Deborah Watling (Victoria) and Anneke Wills (Polly) are all still around, as well. It'd be a bit trickier with Pertwee, as sadly only Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Richard Franklin (Mike Yates) and John Levene (Benton) are still about, and in the case of Levene, whether deserved or not he has a bit of a reputation of being somewhat of a tricky personality to deal with.

 

[DVD1]

You have boosted my confidence that these are the real deal. I'm actually excited for these !!