Seaward said:
The price for Frodo is staggeringly high, though, given the size of the figure, but I am sure the quality will be there.
You know, I initially thought the same way; I had expected a price point of around $175, due to the smaller stature of this piece. However, I've given it some thought, and really, it now doesn't make that much sense to me that the smaller size would equate to a substantially lower retail price. Why? Well, let's face it, when you're talking about high-end collectibles like this, the difference in raw materials is probably pretty minor. What you pay for are the production costs, licensing fees, etc.
Compare FRODO PF to HAN SOLO PF; both retail for the same amount ($250), but other than the greater size, what does Han offer in the way of added value that is that much greater than Frodo? Both are polystone-based, and yeah, since Han is bigger, it obviously takes more raw material to manufacture, but again, I doubt the price difference is that great. Both have nicely-tailored costumes, but I would argue that Frodo is probably a bit more intricate, what with the regular clothing, overcoat, and cloak. I would hazzard a guess that the materials used for Frodo's costume probably cost more than for Han (of course Han had boots, while Frodo is shoeless!). Han comes with a blaster, Frodo with Sting, so thats essentially a wash, though the blaster is probably a bit pricier to tool. Both come with bases, but Frodo's is again more intricate,with an added name plate, and doubtless cost more to manufacture. Frodo's Edition Size was set at 1000 pieces, while Han was 2500, meaning Frodo's production costs are spread out over a much smaller run, necessitating a higher retail. Finally, both are licensed products, so that price must be factored in. I have no idea what the difference in the respective license fees is, I would assume STAR WARS would be pricier than LORD OF THE RINGS, but to what extent this affects the final piece I have no clue.
So, after considering all of those factors, other than the difference in stature, I don't really see a logical reason to expect a much lower price point on Frodo. Or am I missing something obvious?