It probably helped when the production size on some of these figures were publicized. If 2,000 of these sets are being produced compared with 10,000 Captain America's or compared with a figure like the Spacetrooper where they're mainly just re-using parts, the value might become a little more obvious. These are only being offered on SS's site which indicates that the production numbers are probably low and selling it wholesale isn't very feasible. There's lots of competition for the $$ of Star Wars collectors right now, which doesn't help.
Along the same lines it's obviously a much better value to see a blockbuster that cost $300 million to make for $12 at your local theatre, than to see a small independent flick that only cost $6 million and is still going to set you back the same $12. They know they'll sell an assload more blockbuster tickets and make money. Doesn't make either venture necessarily better or worse--to each his own, etc. Don't want that Mandarin on my shelf, but I wouldn't mind these guys. That said, I'll hold off and see what else is getting released.
Yup, and I totally understand that.
But I still made sure I gave a nice variety of different figures, both of simple rehashes (Cap, the Stormtroopers) to all new constructions (Returns Batman, Jango, Hawkeye) to compare to these Jawas for around the same price or even less. I
personally don't see the value in the Jawas, but that doesn't mean someone else out there doesn't. I sincerely hope they enjoy these little guys (and get a final product that looks as good or better than those prototypes). I feel the same way about their Pilot Luke. He looks wonderful, perhaps one of their best, but the price is just too exorbitant in my opinion, especially when you look at that all new Farmboy Luke. Like I said before. I think the Jawas look awesome, they really captured the feel these creatures had in the film.
It's just when I see this,
Parred with knowing what I know from the 400 or so 1:6 doll releases I've witnessed since I started collecting high end 9 years ago. It feels like a rip.
Perhaps rip is too strong because it implies the customer being "had", which isn't true since we all have the option to simply not buy. So instead of rip, maybe I'll just say it feels "off". I don't know or claim to know what Sideshow's production run for these are, what factory they're utilizing, who or what is manufacturing those bodies and clothes or what their profit margin is. I have no clue. I'm just saying that for me, personally, I don't see the value in them despite how awesome they look. Don't get me wrong, I've felt the SAME way with things I
actually bought (I thought the $300 price tag on the Hot Toys Robocop was ridiculous, but I still bought it, albeit with discount codes, because
I wanted it). I'm sure people feel the same way about these two. Again, I think they look awesome and I respect Sideshow, I just don't think $220 plus shipping for the above looks or feels very good. If something as small as these are that costly and complex where they can't even include a simple stand, then I question if these 1/6 collectibles are even a viable option from a business perspective for these companies to produce in the first place.
I also don't see the point in getting disgruntled against Sideshow or fellow collectors or even being upset. I think the price sucks, I posted my thoughts and that's that. I'm not trying to be passive aggressive here, but I do believe that, just because some people don't agree with the price (like myself) that shouldn't mean Sideshow shouldn't ask that price or not have a fan base of collectors/buyers who are excited and willing to pay it. That's not right. I'm positive that Sideshow looks at all their options and has graphs for all this stuff. If they feel they can sell these at $220, so be it. It's their product, have at it. Again, respect.