InArt: The Lord of the Rings - Legolas 1:6

[webhead05]

I get what they're saying, I guess. Ag is the equivalent of a standard HT, Pt is their version of a DX, and Rh is essentially Artisan... but yeah, the pricing makes absolutely no sense if that's how they conceptualize it.

 

[HyperDrive]

Why do we always compare them back to Hot Toys lmao. Artisan literally means it will have wool hair. INART’s Ag sets have rooted hair.

 

[webhead05]

Well yes, it's not a one-to-one comparison, but I hoped I didn't need to actually spell that out. Rather, I'm pointing out that they've adopted a similar structure to the competition. There's the basic line (MMS), the deluxe line (DX), and the premium line (AE).

 

[HyperDrive]

It’s a silly marketing gimmick. Not as bad as what other companies do though imo.

 

[Sassafras]

The absolute cheek of this. They ALL should be the highest quality or what the hell are we paying for? The more I ponder on my premium Aragorn figures, the more I wonder exactly what I've paid for as the awful hair styling certainly wasn't worth the extra expense...

Based on Aragorn alone, the only thing I can think of is maybe spending a lot of time on the base sculpt (unlike HT which may release several versions of a character before they get it right - although IMO neither Gandalf or Aragorn are 100%, and Legolas to me looks more like a relation) and the detailing of the accessories and certain clothing items, like Legolas' boots.
Then there's stuff that doesn't even work properly, like the magnetic bases (mine is still in the box). The face paint isn't anything special.

I think it's like Gipetto said way back - we may be paying for a nice figure, and it's a choice, maybe, but for me it's not "ultimate" enough to think of InArt as THE figure - and that includes their IMO poor customer service as well. At least with Aragorn not only did I have to deal with the hair issue, but ended up kitbashing the fig and am still waiting on a Ranger cloak.

 

[webhead05]

It’s a silly marketing gimmick. Not as bad as what other companies do though imo.

"Not as bad as" is still bad, whatever couching or apologizing you want to do. InArt is charging nearly $500 for Legolas (more for most of us who have to buy secondhand), and then turning around and calling it "standard" and implying it's their lowest grade. For that kind of money, why shouldn't they "go the extra mile" or provide the "definitive prestige" figure?

It's a stupid, unforced error on their part, and we're right to call it out. The company that prides itself on being better than the competition shouldn't be using marketing material that implies some figures get more love & attention than others.

 

[HyperDrive]

"Not as bad as" is still bad, whatever couching or apologizing you want to do. InArt is charging nearly $500 for Legolas (more for most of us who have to buy secondhand), and then turning around and calling it "standard" and implying it's their lowest grade. For that kind of money, why shouldn't they "go the extra mile" or provide the "definitive prestige" figure?

It's a stupid, unforced error on their part, and we're right to call it out. The company that prides itself on being better than the competition shouldn't be using marketing material that implies some figures get more love & attention than others.

I don’t really care, nor do I put a lot of stock into it. For me, it’s very simple - I expect every standalone rooted figure will be in the $450-$550 range – and if I want that character, that’s what it is.

Also, those who buy secondhand is irrelevant to INART. I say that as someone who goes through others and can’t order direct since I don’t live in their licensed regions. I’m personally willing to be reasonable, understanding and not as entitled lol.

Even in the Ag tier, it’s still the definitive figure for Legolas. Yes, they need to intimate and provide the missing essential accessories they omitted. This whole tier system is basically just saying what brings more as in dios, extras beyond standalone sets.