READ FIRST POST! [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

[Deckard]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Could you maybe ask Denny about the possiblity of a full set but with a single head option you can pick for a bit cheaper?

Basically I'd love to get the full set w/ all the accessories and clothing and raincoat, but I'm only after the screaming head, and if we could choose which head we want instead of having to pay for an extra one in my case that will never be used and save about a $100 that would be great.

I imagine a full extra painted head would be quite a bit of the package cost.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

There will be an option of a single head set. It was one of the first plans Id proposed to him and he did say it seemed like a good idea.
The set I think will initially be a single head set with the option to any one of the sculpts.
Only the Deluxe grand package will have everything all set in.

 

[Deckard]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Well I know there will be a single head set, I'm just asking if we will have the ability to choose the sculpt for that set instead of it just being the neutral expression coming standard. I personally only care about the screaming head as I have no plans to bash a second Bateman or ever use the other expression.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Well I know there will be a single head set, I'm just asking if we will have the ability to choose the sculpt for that set instead of it just being the neutral expression coming standard. I personally only care about the screaming head as I have no plans to bash a second Bateman or ever use the other expression.

There will be an option of a single head set. It was one of the first plans Id proposed to him and he did say it seemed like a good idea.
The set I think will initially be a single head set with the option to any one of the sculpts.
Only the Deluxe grand package will have everything all set in.

 

[krec9]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Did you decide on asking about the bodies as well.
We all will replace them is there a chance of just a clothes set with head option ?

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Did you decide on asking about the bodies as well.
We all will replace them is there a chance of just a clothes set with head option ?

I think you should really check out the new bodies before saying We all will replace them. The newer brand of recast bodies are compatible with HT wrist pegs and the joints are much much tighter, and all in all an economic and great option. (Even Rainman is using those recasts in his full set figures now)

If there is a chance of a clothes with head set, I dont think the price will be any less significant without a body. (They dont make so called profit on the body - it gives a sense of a complete set)

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

How are they going to make an overcoat look good over a full sleeve length blazer in 1/6?

This I gotta see.

Have no worries JP. It's not as difficult as you my initially think. I have their Somerset and he sports a button down, cardigan, blazer and raincoat and it all looks fine. Think along the lines of the Joker as essentially their overcoats are simillar and they're both wearing the same layers.

Bateman never wore a blazer under the overcoat in any scene other than the 'espace' restaurant one... watch the Paul Allen's apartment sequence where he goes to pack the stuff inside Paul's suitcase, AND also the scene where he comes to office with the walkman... no full sleeve length blazer. Overcoat on top of shirt with suspenders...

I think you may be right about the "walking on sunshine" scene unless he pulls off the blazer and coat together. But all of the other scenes that the overcoat is present, he's wearing a jacket underneath. (Espace, Al, Paul Allen string of scenes, etc)

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

"actually its none of your business, but I can assure you that it was very expensive"

This is gonna be f'n EPIC! Can't wait man. I'm in for all the full Grand Master DX set

 

[mightyq]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Did you decide on asking about the bodies as well.
We all will replace them is there a chance of just a clothes set with head option ?

......great idea....need better bodies....

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Axe mentioned the deal with the bodies before. We can get these bodies ourselves individually on eBay for $20-$23. I'm sure that Iminime is getting a better deal than that buying bulk so what's the most you think that they can shave off of the top to leave out the body? $15-$20?

They throw in the body profit free to complete the set as Axe said. I got one from the new batch of knockoffs with RM's Plainview. I think people will be much happier with these. They are an incredible improvement from the last batch and they're compatible with HT hand pegs. It's perfect for what Iminime is doing but I seriously hope Rainman stops using them. His price shoud have room to fit an official TT in.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I think you guys should have understood by now why even Rainman is reduced to using the newer better but recast TTs. Supply is the main issue. Real TTs in Korea has dried up. now piecing 20 real TTs from one vendor these days is no joke, even if its ebay. And Rainman or any other regular artists with frequent releases dont buy 20 TTs with 3 or more sourced from different sellers located in different places (they buy way more keeping in mind all the releases they will have in the near future too)... its a huge logistical mess, and does nothing more than actually complicate and raise costs.

By now you must realise that bodies hardly are used to make a profit. its the other perks of a full set that the shift in price point gives (and the status of the set) But these logistical issues mean if sourced like this, it will slow production, create an uneven quality and price for all (most TTs are either loose or extremely pricey on ebay) and therefore create more confusion.

Since you guys seem to have such an easy supply of original TTs, a simple swap shouldnt cost you so much effort. Money cant always change things.

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

When it comes to Rainman supply is a factor and I get that, Axe. But he grosses $27000 on his 30 full figs (DX offerings) and around $43000 in total when factoring in the full offering (painted/unpainted heads, H&C, C&A). I'm not trying to count his money, but let’s be serious. So TTs are scarce now but they're not extinct. If times are rough and you have to go to 3-7 different suppliers (where before you maybe only had to go to 1-3) to pull together 30 TT, and this way will cost you $500-$1000 more than it used to...then that's what you do. When times are tough like this, it should come out of his pocket to maintain the standard of quality that he set for himself, not ours. Sorry. I like Rainman a lot. He's a sweetheart of a guy and I’m a fan and supporter, but I have a huge problem with getting a knock off when I'm paying those prices. Like I said, it's understandable for Iminime and not excusable for Rainman. I'm hoping that Plainview was an emergency situation and not the beginning of a standard.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I understand what you mean and get your POV, but look at one thing here. You are taking in his gross. NOT his profit. A significant percentage of that gross is split between his tailor and the painter and caster. His profit margin therefore you will see is decent, but taking a hit of $1000 or so is way too much for him. So unless you guys want to start paying around $100 more for your fullsets and all, I dont think real TTs will be worth his while (if paid from his own pocket)

Ask Aaron how much it cost him for his one off commission, factor in the reduction in price of per piece production due to larger order and then see how much profit is made per figure. Then factor in the splits of that profit between his staff.

Im sure Rainman doesnt want to compromise on quality. He has always stressed on it forever. But there are certain things no one can control. Its almost time for HT to release their next wave of TTs, and honestly these new recast ones are in no way inferior in terms of function. What I get is that nagging feeling some are having of having a 'knock off/bootleg HT TT' in a pricey product.

 

[Bullet]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I understand what you mean and get your POV, but look at one thing here. You are taking in his gross. NOT his profit. A significant percentage of that gross is split between his tailor and the painter and caster. His profit margin therefore you will see is decent, but taking a hit of $1000 or so is way too much for him. So unless you guys want to start paying around $100 more for your fullsets and all, I dont think real TTs will be worth his while (if paid from his own pocket)

Ask Aaron how much it cost him for his one off commission, factor in the reduction in price of per piece production due to larger order and then see how much profit is made per figure. Then factor in the splits of that profit between his staff.

Im sure Rainman doesnt want to compromise on quality. He has always stressed on it forever. But there are certain things no one can control. Its almost time for HT to release their next wave of TTs, and honestly these new recast ones are in no way inferior in terms of function. What I get is that nagging feeling some are having of having a 'knock off/bootleg HT TT' in a pricey product.

Completely understand how hard it its to track down the real deal when it comes to TT's nevermind when your looking to pick up 30 at a time ala Rainman. Axe you keep saying these 'new' recasts are in no way inferior I am sorry but they are. Ok with the new version they have converted to TT wrist pegs and have tightened up the joints a bit but hold one of each in each hand and the difference is night and day. Yes the new recasts are far better than there initial attempt but they still are not as tight as a HT true type. The hands are horrible. The plastic they are made from is far far inferior and they do not stand up to the same use a real TT will.

With Iminime I don't mind I can (and have done with every figure I have received from them so far) switch out for the real deal makes a world of difference. But I'm sorry for rainman he should be including real Hot Toys true types. He charges a premium for his figures a premium I can understand owning a few of his figures but the whole experience is cheapened with these new recasted bodies. I shouldn't have to spend an additional $60 to bring the body on a rainman figure up to spec. I can let it go with Iminime due to there price point but not with rainman. As pop said I hope it was a case of he couldn't get the numbers for plainview and it was a one off and not the new norm.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Well when I said no way inferior I was referring to function. Ofcourse certain details like the finish and the 'weight' wil be different to the quality of materials used.

I too hope for all you guys' sake that Rainman can source enough TTs for the premium full sets he charges, but if I see that he is still sticking to the recasts till HT's new wave of TT releases. I wouldnt be surprised...

Might just see him post a 'WTB 60 Narrow Shoulder Hot Toys TT' thread on the forum...

 

[Hydeous]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Theres still plenty of narrow shoulders TTs available in the market. Including the muscle ones - at least where I'm from. I'm guessing its the same in eBay.

 

[Raymond F.]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

Just to chime in here I will say I too agree that the knock off true types are totally inferior and that goes beyond finish and weight,

They don't function the same way because their joints are totally loose even on the second batch. I will say that I've resorted to manually tightening the joints by innovative means on iminime because let's face it why drop more money of you don't have to. Fifty freaking bucks a real TT costs these days.

But for rainman using those bodies is unacceptable in my opinion. If its a question of inadequate supply then the prices he charges should reflect that. Even if it's only an extra 20 bucks, it's wrong to be charging the same thing.

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I understand what you mean and get your POV, but look at one thing here. You are taking in his gross. NOT his profit. A significant percentage of that gross is split between his tailor and the painter and caster. His profit margin therefore you will see is decent, but taking a hit of $1000 or so is way too much for him. So unless you guys want to start paying around $100 more for your fullsets and all, I dont think real TTs will be worth his while (if paid from his own pocket)

Yea Axe, I don't know what your experience is with the official compared to the knockoffs, but there are several clear differences. I know there are a lot of people who complain about the prices of TT but there are very good reasons why they cost that much. They are the best body on the market which is why they are the body of choice for the bootleggers to knockoff. Others are selling expensive bodies also, like ACI and Phicen to name a couple. I don’t have experience with them so I can vouch but I have to believe that the price tag reflects some level of quality and craftsmanship.

(**I always port my Imnime sets to real TT but I'm just a snob . I'm not trying to downplay the new batch off knockoffs, so please no one get worried. Those who don't want to shell out more to upgrade will be EXTREMELY satisfied with the new batch. They are way better than the more recent "improved" Pro bodies from SS over the last couple of years)

I’m really not trying to start a fight but I have to say your numbers are off again. You can’t say “people include bodies profit free”, and basically in the same breath say “you’d have to pay $100 more for real TTs”. It cost him $100 more per TT is what you’re saying then.

It costing RM $1000 more is the high side of the point I was making (I said $500-$1000). That would mean he’d be paying $33 more per piece at 30 pieces. I think realistically if he had to scramble around to put together a 30 piece order, it would’ve cost him something more like $20-$25 on average AT WORST. And they are NOT extinct, they ARE out there.

While you guys were going back and forth, Odell mentioned recently about the cost of making these 1/6 clothes in Asia. He ain’t lying. He may have been talking more about the cheap labor, sweat shop type environments, but he's correct at the core of the theory. The cost of raw materials in this business is very low. Resin and fabric are pretty cheap. There are of course other inexpensive materials like paint and such. Rent and other soft cost are a factor too. When I’m talking about a gross of $40000+, believe me that at MOST, only 25% of that went to hard/soft costs (overhead) and the rest is LABOR. And I’m not denying that the high end artists deserve to be paid that much for their time, skill and craftsmanship. Hell I pay it while being very well aware of the breakdown.

Do you think the raw material that goes into a $600+ Kato Wayne suit cost Kato $500? I’d be surprised if each individual cost him more than $10. We’re talking fabric, thread, buttons, etc. When you buy one, you’re paying for a high level of craftsmanship from a guy who knows what he’s worth, and has branded himself. If RM doesn’t want to dilute his brand, I’m sure he’s well capable of doing what needs to be done to find 30 TTs. And have faith that it won’t hurt him as bad as you think.

 

[axecutioner18]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I see a lot of strength in most of your points and agree with a lot of them, but there is ONE factual mistake you are making about the cost of clothing and production thing.

the 1/6 clothes in Asia being cheap for all of that including raw materials or so and other soft costs are NOT CHEAP in KOREA. it is Cheap in China/HK/Taiwan (even India) The reason is beacause of a good amount of cheap labour and source of raw materials. These same things are 7 times more expensive in Korea or even Japan. The cheap clothing you see on ebay and small customs are chinese made ones. Not ONE single Korean 1/6 tailor will charge you anything close to those prices.

Which is one of the perks of a country with 'better' labour laws and a higher standard of living and strata between the so called 'skilled and unskilled labour' And these are not any assumptions... bare bones fact, something which can be confirmed by Denny or any Korean based producer in this field. Try buyinga HT figure in Japan from an official distributor, the whole import taxes take the price to a different level.

and I think you are again thinking a little too low when you say it cost Kato $10 or so to get his fabrics. Getting a custom printed fabric or even a custom made fabric is a LOT more than $10... close to $100 and even more depending on the material and the print patterns. So of course I dont think Kato's cost f making a suit is $500, but I also dont think its $10!! (Probabaly close to $200 or so maybe)
If Odell thinks Koreans and Chinese factories and labourers are the same things then its just the Kanye West in him talking.

 

[PopCultKid]

Re: [iminime] Wall Street Killer - Patrick Bateman

I know what you're saying but I'm not talking about cheap labor and sweat shops or people who are willing to work for next to nothing because they have to. I can't imagine raw materials cost too much more in Korea than America. And over here raw materials (fabric, thread, paints and so on) are cheap when you know where to shop for it.

I know that getting fabric custom made is more expensive than what you find readily availble in stores (but not ridiculously more) and I know that you may have to scour from shop to shop sometimes to find what you're looking for. IDK if something like the Wayne suit is a custom fabric or not. But if it is, it's still not costing him ANYWHERE near $200 per piece. And I’m accounting for waste. You do see how small these things are and the little amount of fabric that it takes to make them, right . And again I'm not saying that the artist don't deserve to get their prices. But I am saying that raw materials are cheap and the big nut that we pay in these prices are for the labor involved.