How do YOU feel about Hot Toys re-releases?

[Voorhees27]

I like Toys Hot.

 

[Boba Ben]

I don't like Tater Tots.

 

[thenammagazine]

So are we done with the silly infighting now? Let's move on, chop-chop.

To break it down for you, the moderator said stop. I did. Whatever was brewing on my end fizzled out with the warning. You should extinguish whatever's still burning on yours. Respect his post.

 

[Butters]

I'm still buying Hot Toys!

 

[Voorhees27]

To break it down for you, the moderator said stop. I did. Whatever was brewing on my end fizzled out with the warning. You should extinguish whatever's still burning on yours. Respect his post.

That's enough .........

 

[thenammagazine]

That's enough .........

Reminds me of the old bag from Golden Girls.

Edit: The really old one.

 

[Darth Snoopy]

Thread cleaned up. Stay on topic, gents.

Next time I hand out infractions.

 

[Voorhees27]

Reminds me of the old bag from Golden Girls.

Edit: The really old one.

Close. It's Scorseses mother.

 

[Nuka Cola Kidd]

I guess according to Work's theory I'm type A and B. I collect them for pure enjoyment and have no intentions of selling them. But if I ever fall on hard times down the road I hope their worth something especially after paying $150-$300 for them, being as a whole their the most valuable unnecessary things I own.

Re-releases and continued price increase will end up killing HT in the long run.

 

[Kuzeh]

How do YOU feel about Hot Toys re-releases?

HOW FEEL YOU???
AFRAID ARE YOU?

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering.
I sense much fear in you.

 

[Blkinterceptor]

HOW FEEL YOU???
AFRAID ARE YOU?

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering.
I sense much fear in you.

 

[Rotfish]

Re-releases and continued price increase will end up killing HT in the long run.

In the long run, we are all dead, so... (breaking out the Keynes quotes )

I think we'll have to see what happens. If re-releases become a regular thing, then yes, there may in fact be grounds to say the company will go under as a result. Price increases, however, are a bit more complex of an issue. Every now and then, you run into someone who's pissed because HT figures used to cost $130 and now they're $200 on average. To them, I'd argue that the quality of figures has obviously improved since HT first started launching them in 2000. Take a look at a Colonial Marine from way back when and consider the MSRP. Then turn to, say, the T1 T-800 or Jack Sparrow. If you can't see where the extra $75-$100 went, that's on you.

Having that said, I'd say I'm also somewhere between the Type A and B collector, though exactly where is hard to decide. There's fluctuation there. I really do dig the hobby for its artistic and sentimental value, especially since there are certain older pieces that I said I'd never sell (despite their high worth). Then again, if you show me a remake that's miles better than the original, I'll likely trade up (and in all honesty, it's nice to know I can make a decent profit off the first release, especially since I bought it on the secondary market). This is only if they remake that exact character, though. In other words, if HT's not remaking the Celtic Predator, he'll be one of the few collectibles I keep for nostalgia's sake once I get out of the hobby down the road -- if that ever even happens.

 

[Blkinterceptor]

Going back to what work13 said about collectors type A-B, while I understand it's merely an example I do have some concerns or say questions about your theory/perspective.

What you call collector A, sounds very similar to a retailer to me, dunno. I know a few owners of comic book, local toy and collectible stores, but I don't know if I would say their rich. When they buy "inventory" through the secondary market they still tend to get it at discount, which even with HT flooding the market with so called "re-releases" they can still get rid of them and manage to break even. While I can understand how small business owners might get a little frustrated when they make zero profit instead of making 35 to 60% on an item they were intending to keep gaining value, its part of owning a business. Being in the business they have managed to come by some real rare pieces that they really liked and began a collection though they enjoy it they have told me that they don't get attached, because their keeping in mind that one day they may want or need to get rid of it. While they may seem as a collectors they simply collect for the value/investment of it making them non-collectors, IMO.

My question is can we really put titles or types on collectors "true collectors" based on their wealth?

I am far from being rich but I recently purchased a Blade II figure and before that a DX02 Bats both of which I'd had my eye on for awhile. I finally purchased one at a time only to find out a few months later that Batman will be re-released. While this doesn't upset me, seeing TDKR's costume month's ahead from post-production stills, shared resemblance to the TDK's costume I was expecting it.

Now that being said it would appear to me that the "collectors", that should or would be more upset are the ones who have purchased from the secondary market not the ones who bought the figure when it was first released... Like Blade3327 said that if re-releases become a regular thing, the company may go under. When say re-releases I mean "true re-releases" like the tumbler, then its pretty obvious what HT intentions are. Everything that is being "re-released" is updated except for the tumbler as far as I know, someone correct me if I am wrong. Which if it is true then this is a re-release... For those who bought the tumbler on the secondary market and paid over 1K (which was almost me), this sucks.

Which leads me to wonder and be a little concerned that HT will re-release the DX02 or when they release the TDKR bats, that all they'll do is remake the DX02 with no improvements to the neck, the leaky abs and the blistering arm pieces, etc, etc and just box him in a TDKR box.

Now this is merely a speculation and I truly hope it doesn't happen. I will continue to buy from HT and look forward to the updated figures but if those issues like the tumbler and maybe batman do appear it could spell... a Recipe For Disaster!

 

[Uncanny Web-Slinger]

Having something in your collection that is sought after is a special feeling, it sucks for those who missed it but they'll buy something now that'll be sought after alot in future and get that feeling too.

It's the nature of collecting, there'll be things that you, i and many others missed out on, you just have to get over it and buy the NEW things that interest you.

With the amount of good licenses Hot Toys has there is bound to be a few of those that interest many customers instead of them focusing on those 2 licenses they simply won't let go of, they should be working more on new or underdeveloped licenses, at least to the level where they get the main characters produced.

While the licenses they won't move on from are great they can't bring in the amount of customers of, of about six other licenses combined. Variety of six groups of customers will win out over over variety of two groups.

 

[Blkinterceptor]

Having something in your collection that is sought after is a special feeling, it sucks for those who missed it but they'll buy something now that'll be sought after alot in future and get that feeling too.

It's the nature of collecting, there'll be things that you, i and many others missed out on, you just have to get over it and buy the NEW things that interest you.

With the amount of good licenses Hot Toys has there is bound to be a few of those that interest many customers instead of them focusing on those 2 licenses they simply won't let go of, they should be working more on new or underdeveloped licenses, at least to the level where they get the main characters produced.

While the licenses they won't move on from are great they can't bring in the amount of customers of, of about six other licenses combined. Variety of six groups of customers will win out over over variety of two groups.

Indeed, indeed... I can totally agree.

If I had to say what my "beef" is with HT is that they don't balance the business. If they want to remake figures, great... for those of us who missed out. But wouldn't it be so much better if say for example HT releases 14 figures this year 8 of them should be new licenses everybody wins and they get to sell more.

Speaking for myself I would love it if my wish list was longer since there's not much to choose from right now I have to wait until something other then batman appeals to me.

 

[sithjedi171]

As long as they're ones I still need. I'm good with it.

 

[work13]

...My question is can we really put titles or types on collectors "true collectors" based on their wealth?...

ok guys, truce. Back on topic...



Good question. Remember, The type A and Type B theory is only is only proposed to have interesting discussion.
I don't know if it's true or not, it's just my guess. It could be completely wrong according to some.

Are there wealthy Type A collectors who only buy one of a particular figure and refuse to pay over $50.00 dollars for a 12 inch figure out of sheer principle? Sure. Are there Type B collectors with no money who will max out their credit cards and buy 3 or 4 dx Jack Sparrows even when they can't afford to? Absolutely. But I believe they are the exceptions to the rule.

All I'm trying to point out is that money does have an influential factor on how you will behave as a collector---Usually.


Let's start over and take income out of the picture and discribe 3 types of collectors again, even though we all know that there is a whole spectrum of collectors out there who will fall outside of these 3 "pigeon wholed" types =).

Type A: One who collects based purely on investment purposes. If the figure is worthless from a monetary standpoint, they won't collect it-even if they are a fan of that particular movie or show. Their only attachment to the figure is based on it's financial worth, or future worth. Some may call them retailers, but I know collectors who only buy expensive and valuable collectibles and never sell them unless they become worthless. Monetary worth of the figure heavily ways on their collecting habits whether or not they are a fan of the movie or show.


Type B: Total fan or "True Collector". Will buy only what they need and will keep the figure even if it goes down in value. They love the figure no matter what. They typically don't feel the need to buy multiples of a figure unless they need to display it in different ways,(i.e. with mask, without mask, etc...). They don't plan to ever sell it because they love it so much. They collect for the pure love of the figure because they are a fan of the show or movie. Monetary worth of the figure does not factor into their collecting habits.

Type C: Kind of in between Type A and Type B. They collect because the figure looks cool, even though they may not be a fan of the movie. They may get disappointed if the figure goes down in value, but they will still collect. They may buy 2 or 3 of a certain figure in hopes that it will go up in value. Or they just may buy only one depending on how they feel. They'll buy some as investments to sell later, or buy because they love the figure and are a fan of the show. Monetary value and their asethetic appreciation ways in their collecting habits. They are not as die hard as type B and not in it entirely for the monetary worth as in Type A - they exihibit collecting habits of both.

Now let's add income into the picture and the production habits of Hot Toys...


Senario A: Type A, B and C all are wealthy and hot toys is not flooding the market and not doing re-releases.

Type A: would probably buy 10 of a single figure and sell all but one when they go up in value. They may keep one because they like the figure, or they may hoard all 10 and never sell them because they are going up in value like crazy and are percieved as valuable by other collectors. Boxes must be perfect.
Type B: would probably only buy 1 because that's all they need. If they buy 2, it maybe because they want to show a masked and unmasked version of a particular figure, etc...Whatever the case, they will all be taken out of their boxes and displayed. Dont care if the box is perfect or not, because they are in it for the pure joy of the figure.
Type C: Probably buy 3 of a particular figure. 1 to take out and pose and 2 to be kept prestine in box to maybe sell later or give to their kids. Condition of the box is important, but if it's slightly dented, not too much of a big deal, (though a little disappointing). Type C is leaning slightly towards type A behavior in this senario.


Senario B: Type A,B and C are all Wealthy, but hot toys is flooding the market and doing re-releases

Type A: Get's out of the hot toys collectible market and doesn't buy a single figure.
Type B: Still will buy because they love the figure no matter what because they are a fan. Infact they look forward to seeing the new re-releases. No big deal if their values go down because of over production because they're not in it for the money. So they will still buy 1 as in Senario A because they don't need multiples unless they want to show a masked or unmasked version etc..
Type C: Will still buy 1, but will not buy multiples because they exhibit some of the collecting habits of Type A. They still think the figure is cool so they'll buy at least 1, but they won't buy multiplies as backup investments because it makes no sense to do so. So type C is leaning more towards Type B behavior in this senario.


Senario C: Type A,B and C are not wealthy, and hot toys is not flooding the market and not doing re-releases

Type A: Will buy one because it makes investment sense. Would be multiples if they could afford it, but lack of fund prevents them from doing so. Forced into Type B behavior because they don't have the funds to buy more than one.
Type B: Will buy one because that's all they need. And even if they couldn't afford to buy even one, they will find a way to do it. But all they really need is one.
Type C: Will buy one because that's really all the can afford and it's cool figure even though they may not be a fan of the movie, and the prospect of it going up in value is appealing, so why not?
All 3 Types exhibit Type B behavior in this senario because the don't have the funds to buy more.

Senario D: Type A,B and C are not wealthy, and hot toys is flooding the market and doing re-releases.
Type A: No brainer, will buy 0 and get out of collecting Hot Toys.
Type B:Will still buy 1 because they love it no matter what.
Type C: Maybe lean towards type A behavior because they are not die-hard fans like Type B, and figure they have more important things to spend their money on.

I know these are very simplistic senarios, but it's just one way of trying to rationalize what people may or may not do given the variables of Wealth, and collecting habits, and hot toys production behavior. In all 4 senarios, the Type B collector stays the same in terms of collecting behavior as they are the "true collector." Types A and C will behave differently based on hot toys production behavior and disposible income.
Whether or not we like to admit it, I believe that money plays a huge role in our collecting behavior for most people.

Again, I apologize for the long response. Just something fun to discuss and talk about.

 

[toomanyfigures]

i think if ht keeps doing this then collectors will just wait to see what newer version is coming
in that scenario ht will get a false indication of the popularity of the character or license and may prematurely drop it..watchmen expendables xmen sucker punch, properties like this would suffer
and its lose lose for us AND them

there are some obvious indicators that a RE-release would come depending on how much room is left in KEY accessories etc.
but ultimately that will become their downfall, hopefully they take advantage of the 1/4 scale for re releases, to make them truely worth double dip or take a q from ss and do limited exclusives with every release and MOVE ON

what bothers me is with all the desserts they serve up, they arent offering much in the way of meat n potatoes lol, would love to get some more classic icons, they can certainly afford to take a few risks, starting with the man with no name!!!!!!

 

[Blkinterceptor]

ok guys, truce. Back on topic...

Good question. Remember, The type A and Type B theory is only is only proposed to have interesting discussion.
I don't know if it's true or not, it's just my guess. It could be completely wrong according to some.

Are there wealthy Type A collectors who only buy one of a particular figure and refuse to pay over $50.00 dollars for a 12 inch figure out of sheer principle? Sure. Are there Type B collectors with no money who will max out their credit cards and buy 3 or 4 dx Jack Sparrows even when they can't afford to? Absolutely. But I believe they are the exceptions to the rule.

All I'm trying to point out is that money does have an influential factor on how you will behave as a collector---Usually.

Whew...I finished reading...(jk) Truce no beef with you my friend

This is an interesting theory and even once put into different scenarios it still makes sense...

Now having said that its pretty obvious that type A is not a collector but what about type C? As many would argue who find them selves in this group/type that they are collectors. What say you or anyone for that matter?

hopefully they take advantage of the 1/4 scale for re releases, to make them truely worth double dip or take a q from ss and do limited exclusives with every release and MOVE ON

what bothers me is with all the desserts they serve up, they arent offering much in the way of meat n potatoes lol, would love to get some more classic icons, they can certainly afford to take a few risks, starting with the man with no name!!!!!!

I agree with your thoughts on the 1/4 as they should truly be limited. Not for investment purpose but having done some sculpting in the past I would think that they would get it right the first time especially with their improvements in the past few years. With the figures being bigger it should be easier to capture detail and include more moving parts, making a figure that would need no updates in the future. I say that because most of re-releases are being updated due to inaccuracy the first go-round.

Iconic figures What about Luke??? Po'd and paid for... Not a big SW fan but call it nostalgia.

 

[toomanyfigures]

Iconic figures What about Luke??? Po'd and paid for... Not a big SW fan but call it nostalgia.

a big thing too is that most of these licenses they have are still evolving on screen lol, so there is always something new to throw into a repack.
for some reason i shied away from luke, i just dont see hot toys as a star wars company, if they werent so vague about what they have lined up, maybe id bite, so far i know they want to do one a year, so technically over the next three years we could get three lukes in different outfits