Executive Replicas 2001 Space Odyssey Astronauts

[Stephen Gentile]

I have the red and silver suits from Twinch Squad. I paid $250 each about seven years ago from a collector in Australia. Still holding up pretty well. I wanted to get the ER yellow suit, until I saw the price. For the money they're asking, they could have included some more accessories, like extra hand sculpts, a HAL wall plate, or an old man version of the Dullea head.

 

[SpaceCrawler]

Can this be preordered without having to pay upfront?

Monsters in Motion pre-prder says: "A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is required at time of order!"
I haven't seen that statement about a non-refundable deposit at other retailers.

Sean

 

[Darklord Dave]

This was posted on Executive Replicas Facebook:

Executive Replicas would like to address some concerns about the Discover Astronaut figures.
1) Production and tooling cost to make these figures are very expensive and the expected run will be only a fraction of what other companies produces…that is how they off set the price to sell at a lower retail price…because they sell thousands more.
2) The expected production run will probably only be hundreds…not thousands so how do we off-set the production cost? Simple…We have to sell at a high retail price.
3) If we able to sell 3-4 thousand then the retail price would drop substantially but this project wouldn’t sell that many even if they were $200.00 retail.
4) 5 years ago when we first was going to release the figure, the retail would have been $249.99 based on production cost back then at a 1000 production run of each character.
5) Production cost have gone way up since then but the trade off is the quality.
6) The get this quality in a small production…this is the only way.
7) The only other option would be just not to make them and would that be fair to the fans? We have too many customers/fans that want to see this product and if they are willing to pay the price to get it done to add to their collection then we will make it. Most of customers understand.
We here at Executive Replicas Inc. work hard to ensure we produce high quality figures at the best price we can afford to produce our figures. This is a unique and special production run.

I get that these figures may be outside of a lot of collectors budgets. But they aren't cheap to produce. This item is a grail for many people and I think once people get over the sticker shock I think they'll kick themselves for missing these.

I've ordered both, I was extremely disappointed with the Twinch suit being out of scale with everything in my collection and having some problems like frayed patches and rough casting. But these space suits are still some of the coolest space suit designs in cinema history and I look forward to having a good representation of them in my collection.

 

[abake]

if I had the extra cash, I would order at least the Keir Dullea figure.
While steep, I find the price not exaggerated.

 

[DeltaForceChung]

Primarily die hard 2001 collectors/enthusiasts/purists will pay $379.99 for each figure.

GO HERO posted the figures for pre-order on their website's retail section. There has been some criticisms with regards to pricing by many within the 1:6 hobby. The price is a sticking point. I never cared for the ER/GO HERO/PHICEN business partnership given what I know over the years with regards to ER.

GO HERO posted a REFUSAL OF SERVICE disclaimer statement on their Facebook page and on their website to address the criticisms, complaints, and what they believe/feel as defamation and they will deny to do business anyone who wants to order their product who "insulted" them.

It comes off as a "butt hurt" response, but they're within their right as a business to have such a REFUSAL OF SERVICE policy.

The pricing is more in line with what a HOT TOYS fanatic collector will pay.

 

[Raymond F.]

So they are telling people "No Spaceman for you" if they insulted them? Pretty lame if you ask me.

I have no beef with the price really I just have a problem with the bowman head looking like a cartoon. If it was a decent head Id have no issues paying the asking price at all. That and they need to change the color of the chest box

 

[Darklord Dave]

So they are telling people "No Spaceman for you" if they insulted them? Pretty lame if you ask me.

I have no beef with the price really I just have a problem with the bowman head looking like a cartoon. If it was a decent head Id have no issues paying the asking price at all. That and they need to change the color of the chest box

I'm okay with the color - although I'd like to see a pic of the original outside of the movie. I'd always thought the suit was orange not red, and looking back at the pics it can appear both. Same with the chest piece and backpack - they look different colors in different parts of the film:

 

[Michael Crawford]

Primarily die hard 2001 collectors/enthusiasts/purists will pay $379.99 for each figure.

GO HERO posted the figures for pre-order on their website's retail section. There has been some criticisms with regards to pricing by many within the 1:6 hobby. The price is a sticking point. I never cared for the ER/GO HERO/PHICEN business partnership given what I know over the years with regards to ER.

GO HERO posted a REFUSAL OF SERVICE disclaimer statement on their Facebook page and on their website to address the criticisms, complaints, and what they believe/feel as defamation and they will deny to do business anyone who wants to order their product who "insulted" them.

It comes off as a "butt hurt" response, but they're within their right as a business to have such a REFUSAL OF SERVICE policy.

The pricing is more in line with what a HOT TOYS fanatic collector will pay.

I don't get this at all - what are they trying to do? Unless you have something that's only sold through your website (and you can get these at Monsters in Motion already) then you can't stop people from buying them. If people have valid complaints - and saying something is too expensive is a valid complaint - then they should be listening. That's how a free market works - if you charge more than people are willing to pay, it won't sell. If you ignore people telling you it's too expensive, then you run the risk of losing because you ignored them.

The way to fix perception issues isn't to tell people they don't have a right to an opinion, even if you think they are full of it with said opinion. It's to examine the constructive criticism, correct for it, and produced a kick ass figure. If these two figures are outstanding and make people happy when they are released, they'll get plenty of positive praise (look at Star Ace and ThreeZero with their recent releases), and the price tag will be less of an issue. That's how you get people to spend the money.

Instead, this FB post seemed whiney and childish, with no possible upside for Go Hero. They can't stop people from buying their products (either buy it through another retailer, have someone else buy it, or God forbid, just remind them that more than one person has the same name), and they come off looking petty. It's just plain bizarre.

 

[Darklord Dave]

I don't get this at all - what are they trying to do? Unless you have something that's only sold through your website (and you can get these at Monsters in Motion already) then you can't stop people from buying them. If people have valid complaints - and saying something is too expensive is a valid complaint - then they should be listening. That's how a free market works - if you charge more than people are willing to pay, it won't sell. If you ignore people telling you it's too expensive, then you run the risk of losing because you ignored them.

The way to fix perception issues isn't to tell people they don't have a right to an opinion, even if you think they are full of it with said opinion. It's to examine the constructive criticism, correct for it, and produced a kick ass figure. If these two figures are outstanding and make people happy when they are released, they'll get plenty of positive praise (look at Star Ace and ThreeZero with their recent releases), and the price tag will be less of an issue. That's how you get people to spend the money.

Instead, this FB post seemed whiney and childish, with no possible upside for Go Hero. They can't stop people from buying their products (either buy it through another retailer, have someone else buy it, or God forbid, just remind them that more than one person has the same name), and they come off looking petty. It's just plain bizarre.

We don't know the comments in question, but I'd imagine it's on the lines of an abusive comment that would probably get you banned from this forum if posted here. I doubt they're taking exception to legitimate constructive criticism.

 

[Asta]

Go Hero explains it in this Facebook exchange:

Will Truglio I'm just going to go out on a limb here and say that what looks like essentially bragging here by posting this actually paints you in a worse light than the people you are intending to shame.

I can completely understand where you are coming from with this statement, however it does just seem a bit unnecessary because the people you are intending to shame most likely would not be going to purchase from you to begin with.

Judging by conversations I have read here the past few days and on other forums and the timing of this statement, it would appear more that you are retaliating and attempting to shame people who have any sort of criticism over your product as opposed to people who have tried to defame you here.

If you can't seem to take consumer criticism, you shouldn't be in business. And you most certainly shouldn't partake in social media either if that is the case.

I wish you guys luck and understand as a business that profit is your concern, however you need to realize that you have to be open to people questioning your prices and not just blindly being expected to pay the price you are asking for something without being able to explain to them why.

As I said, I understand your intent with this statement, I just don't think you thought through the way it comes across.
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 05:59 · Edited


Go Hero Lol...No, but I see your point in the timing. I love intelligent, well thought out, actionable criticism. In fact, it makes for a greater project.

The recent stuff you might be referring to I guess is about price, and it is not my project, so I can't give a specific answer, but have given a general one many times over. The other responses about those that bought and received Doc have been amazing. So, if there is something else, I don't know.

I've been meaning to post this for a while, but just recently made some edits to our site and thought it was funny to post. People think because You or I own a business that we are supposed to take verbal abuse, defamation, and insults with a grin...because We are afraid to lose a sale. What I am saying is that life is too short, these projects are to expensive and risky to please everyone. We aim to please most and to honor the art, artist, etc. There are some people who have completely taken collecting in such a direction that is impossible to run a business in a way that makes it worth while. It is a critical spirit combined with unrealistic expectations that results in...well....companies like mine to not wanting to bother to take that risk.

Finally, this business, as it turns out, is hyper political. There are factions, bad histories, competitions...etc. Sheesh! I see people attacking and getting attacked and find it repugnant. I want nothing to do with that.

So all that to say, as a business owner, I don't have to sell to everyone. In 13 years, it has has happened maybe 3 times. But, I like the policy because it makes people think...at least a little, that there is a consequence to how they conduct themselves.

I appreciate you writing. Best-S
Like · Reply · 19 hrs


Go Hero I guess I will add too, that while I am serious about reserving that right, I have a sense of humor about the whole thing.
Like · Reply · 18 hrs


Will Truglio Nobody is meant to just take abuse by any means, that is completely understandable and I certainly hope you and your company do not have to endure any of that. And it is of course your right to have a policy like that.

As you said, I just think that timing of its posting and how it was done just painted a negative picture regarding the intent of it.

Thank you for your clarification.
Like · Reply · 2 · 17 hrs · Edited


Go Hero No worries...I also updated other pages too. I don't touch the actual website too often, but needed to get a few things edited. I use Facebook to send up content and news. If you or anyone ever has a question, idea, or an improvement (though there are windows where that is actionable) then please send them over. Best - S
Like · Reply · 8 hrs

Candy Chanoux As a fairly new commer to the hobby, not knowing the "background" to any of the events mentioned, I wanted to share my initial thoughts on your policy, if you don't mind.

In short, it makes me wonder what kind of customer service I can expect if I was to purchase from you and for whatever reason have a problem. There is no humor in it.

I say that from having 35+ years on both sides of retail and retail customer service. Personally I believe in supporting small business and am a loyal customer to those businesses, even if they are not the most cost effective.

However, customer service is paramount.

No one individual should stand for personal abuse from a customer, naturally! But a business needs to have a thicker skin and rise above individual complaints and "bad-mouthing" - not stooping to their level.
Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs


Go Hero Totally agree. Surely you can see the humor in it...Buster? "We ain't got time fo dat!"? Look...I am trying to be light-hearted and get a point across. It took a long time to get a thick skin because I mortgaged my home to make these projects happen. My family was sweating for years. It was personal, emotional, and I was on taking everything like a wounded artist. I really bled with irrational complaints. There is tension between "The customer is always right" and the value of the sale. But now that we are 14 years out...I actually get a say in how me and my business are treated...don't I? Is it worth the sale to get dumped on for something political, irrational, axe grinder?

If you are new to the hobby...you will see that this particular domain (1:6) is crazy cutthroat and filled with infringing bootleggers and just strange folk. Most are amazing people who I share in this adventure...but some think they can take advantage of us. It's gross and sad. I just don't want to play that game. I will go waaaaaay out of my way for to deliver amazing customer service to my customers...but I do have a limit, so I reserve that right. NO shoes, no shirt all that. That is my point...be cool, and let's have fun collecting.
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs

https://www.facebook.com/goheronews

 

[Lejuan]

Hmm. I wonder whether this strategy has had/will have the desired effect?

 

[Asta]

Hmm. I wonder whether this strategy has had/will have the desired effect?

Seems to have backfired.

I see the problem with ER and GH as being one where while they can't compete with the big boys on quality (nor even some of the fly-by-night bootleggers), yet they seemingly have to charge high prices to cover their production costs.

What they have in their favour to offset the price is the fact they're making characters from licences that nobody else would bother to venture into - due to the lack of potential customers and those costs involved.

But they're not all licenses as such, but authorized likenesses of actors wearing outfits they were famous for. So Commando Cody is referred to as the George Wallace Rocketman; the Adam West as Bruce Wayne is inspired by the Mis-Adventures comic; the 2001 astronauts are simply Lockwood and Dullea.

If their production costs are so high, then I can't imagine how expensive these astronauts would be if they were fully licensed. It would be Iminime territory!

Hopefully Doc Savage belongs to GH's past production quality - the high price may reflect the fact it was a licensed product - but that current and future projects meet more exacting standards to reflect the prices they're having to ask.

 

[chilipep66]

I also agree with the opinion that there response came across as whiny and childish, even though I dont know the extent of what was said to them to provoke it. If it was one or two instances of unjustifiable attacks, they should have dealt privately with those folks. Posting that to the viewing public who is perhaps on the fence about purchasing just makes them look like babies..

For me, the price tag is not an issue if I see them improve the prototype in a few areas. I also think that the chest box is the wrong color, even though it appears as a few different shades in the film, its never that dull of an orange.

I also think the head sculpt is a bit cartooney and unrealistic and could benefit from a complete resculpt, however I dont expect that. If the figure ends up coming out with a solid paint job, good base body, and accurate, high quality suit, it will absolutely be worth the asking price IMO.

 

[yodasan]

up for pre-order on AlterEgo, says available June 2015

Doc Savage went up for preorder in March 2013 and is only shipping now I think. But surely that was a much harder to figure to make so it should be easy to get these out in ~6 months...

 

[John Atreides]

Nope, not going to happen as long as a member of the Kubrick family is alive.

$380 for these suits is pretty reasonable in this modern environment. As mentioned just the suits were just selling for $550.

I think these are reasonably priced as well.

Dave, do you know the story behind Kubrick 2001 licensing, would love to know?

 

[DeltaForceChung]

I think these are reasonably priced as well.

Dave, do you know the story behind Kubrick 2001 licensing, would love to know?

--

There is no formal or official Kubrick licensing in any capacity.

The only licensing or agreement was made by ER with the two actors in terms of their likeness using the TWINCH squad suit designs that has been replicated/upgraded.

 

[Deckard]

^^ Kubrick's estate doesn't license toys. They are "beneath" his legacy. Came close with Funko but fell through. It likely won't happen while Christiane is alive.

 

[John Atreides]

^^ Kubrick's estate doesn't license toys. They are "beneath" his legacy. Came close with Funko but fell through. It likely won't happen while Christiane is alive.

Kinda respect them not selling out.

 

[DeltaForceChung]

The same can be said of the James Bond 007 licensing.

The Ian Fleming estate and/or production company that controls the Bond license will never license out James Bond license again as toys given the experience with Sideshow from I recollect reading one time. Not even HOT TOYS from my understanding.

 

[Lejuan]

Kinda respect them not selling out.

Merchandising one's creative works is selling out?