PF Maul Sales Method Poll

[tomandshell]

Sideshow's new approach to handling preorders with the Darth Maul PF has generated some discussion from those who both love the idea and those who hate it. I am interested in seeing where the various board members stand on the issue, so here's a poll.

 

[Alice Adrenochrome]

This new idea sux. Here's why:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=340713&postcount=67
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=341056&postcount=90
Other board members have stated some good reasons in that thread also.

 

[rabidwolverine21]

i agree new way to try to get people to buy more pfs in my opinion. sux

 

[tomandshell]

OK--the poll is ready.

(I hate that the thread goes live before you have a chance to write up the poll!!)

 

[darth dypshyt]

I voted for the 3rd choice...I haven't yet purchased a SW PF, but this is to be my first..I also think this type of idea is stupid...Sideshow, just keep it simple man...FIRST IN ...FIRST SERVED!!

 

[Agent0028]

I voted for the 3rd choice...I haven't yet purchased a SW PF, but this is to be my first..

Just curious, what makes this figure worth paying full price for as opposed to whatever route you went for the others?

 

[rabidwolverine21]

i dont like the way the poll is worded, i dont think it gets the opinion of both sides.

 

[Seretur]

I actually somehow managed to vote first, and for the first choice...

...although I'd be pretty right now if my Leia WL hadn't come through. I'd still be pretty certain to get the Maul anyway, but this gives me the peace of mind and the Flexpay option my CC so clearly prefers.

I dunno, Sideshow should really warn people in advance of things like this. Matt said something about a possibility of a "Rewards Points-only" piece in the future -- that would also honor the returning customer, yes, but what if the returning customer just used up all his points the previous week?

I suppose a nice gesture can (and will) always be interpreted two ways.

 

[Alice Adrenochrome]

I voted for the 3rd choice...I haven't yet purchased a SW PF, but this is to be my first..I also think this type of idea is stupid...Sideshow, just keep it simple man...FIRST IN ...FIRST SERVED!!

I have done exactly the same thing, even if I have a SW PF which I ordered from SSC directly. For obvious reasons I might say. I don't think the choices given in this poll make it possible to express just what one thinks about SSC approach in the Maul PF Exclusive. But the poll in itself is a good idea.

 

[RoboDad]

This is a great idea. Here's why:

https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=341053&postcount=89
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=341092&postcount=99

Other board members have stated some good reasons in that thread also.

 

[LOTRFan]

I like it, I appreciate the recognition of customers on SS's part.

 

[tomandshell]

I do think that this being a villain, and a prequel character, puts him in a slightly different fan base than Luke, Leia, Han, Obi-Wan, and Luke/Yoda. 7 of the 8 previous PFs have been from the OT. I can imagine a PT fan who couldn't afford Grievous wanting Maul to be their first purchase and wanting the exclusive for only $20 more. Many younger fans got into Star Wars through the prequels and have a love for Maul that will get them to pull the trigger in a way that the previous OT figures didn't.

I definitely understand the frustration of such a collector and I hope that there will indeed be some available at noon for the folks who wanted exclusive Maul to be their first Star Wars PF.

 

[Agent0028]

I thinkt he point of the poll was to see how many people are actually left out in the cold on this way.

 

[LOTRFan]

I thinkt he point of the poll was to see how many people are actually left out in the cold on this way.

I high suspect that ANYONE will be, this is a rather large ES - PFs take significantly longer to sell out than do the 12" figs.

I could understand the griping if you could ONLY get this item if you had purchased a previous PF, as it stands you have a two hour head start ... that's it.

 

[tomandshell]

I thinkt he point of the poll was to see how many people are actually left out in the cold on this way.

Yes, I would like to get a feel for how many people want to order Maul but won't be able to at 10 AM on Tuesday.

Several people have stated that they will be eligible but still don't like the idea. We can obviously discuss that, but the poll itself focuses on two things--eligibility and desire for the piece, rather than our feelings about the new method. I want to see how just those two factors line up in the experience of our board members.

 

[Natrix]

I like the idea and I will order from Sideshow directly for a couple of reasons:

1. Customer service; if I have problems it will be much easier dealing direct with Sideshow

2. Reward points

All I can say is bring on Maul!! :maul

 

[darth dypshyt]

Just curious, what makes this figure worth paying full price for as opposed to whatever route you went for the others?

I have not bought any SW figures before this, so no, I am not just out looking for an argument/SS bash..I have always liked Maul as a character...And EVERYTHING I have bought previously from SS DIRECT..My Lurtz PF EX. , My Morgul Lord LOTR Statue, and have I had the opportunity to get in on something because I purchased these??? NO.

And I am not like you people in the US..I have to pay nearly as much AGAIN in shipping if I want an exclusive...So, as you can see, it's not as easy for us guys to rack up the purchases...You're not paying $160+ for shipping PLUS taxes and duties to get them..We "others" have to be more selective on what we spend, at least the ones who have to work for a living..

 

[Batty]

I voted for the first choice simply based on the fact that I've ordered previous PFs directly from SS and I plan on getting Maul.

 

[Seretur]

I still think this method will be too lenient by the time we come to the Ripped Shirt AOTC Padmé Exclusive.

That one should be only available to middle-aged European book translators for a PPO.

 

[Darklord Dave]

I can't see how this isn't the BEST way to sell exclusives. The fact that there are exclusives excludes some people - hence the use of the term "exclusive". But this way they make sure that people who have been loyal to them in the past get first dibs.

I'd hate for the negative outcry to convince them to change their minds (like with the lottery) when they've FINALLY stumbled on the only fair way to sell these items.