I'm going by my regular haunts, the likes of KG Hobby and OneSixthKit, where I think he was $180. I didn't see him cheaper, but then I wasn't buying him so didn't look around.
On the basis of that price CC Toys were setting themselves up as a 'premium' brand, so I wasn't expecting Ellie to be cheap.
Joel came with a lot of gear, but from photos the finish didn't look top quality. Compare that to the amount and ultra-accurate gear of Ace's $158 fantasy Vietnam Girl, and Joel looks expensive.
The two-pack price from KGH is working out at $353 per set delivered (or $364 for one set).
With a couple of pairs of jeans, boots and cheap bodies, those angry heads could be put to use making two more figures.
they were never set up for premium. their target is produce notable game figures that is not available or lacks a decent one. they fill the void that has been left for many years, at mass producing price and tries to be as close to the source as possible including as many accessories as they can.
it's a good move but i really wonder who decides on their package options. and if you deduct $30 for the bodyless pack from the full figure pack, you would figure out the pricing is actually not so high. but if you need the phicen you will require more than $30.
but you can't really expect them to subsidize buyers for a phicen by cutting their profit right?