SSC 1/6 Price Increase Discussion

[DarkArtist81]

The first Star Wars character released I think was Luke. He retailed for $49.99. Aragorn who I'm pretty sure came out before Luke cost $64.99. I would maybe call $64.99 to $49.99 a leap, but it's a leap backwards. I can't be sure of that because I can't find any release dates but I'm fairly certain LotR figures where coming out before the Star Wars license was announced. Additionally I'm positive Hellboy came out long before the Star Wars figures did he cost $45.00. Just a few years prior Sideshow figures (such as the "Vampyre" I have) where more in the neighborhood of $20-25.

The increase in price of Sideshow figures is entirely independent of the Star Wars license and is more likely a reflection of the passing of time (ie Inflation) and the increase in complexity of Sideshow's products.

You nailed it man. Even though Aragorn came after Luke. (Luke was my first SSC pre order, Aragorn was a bit further out). It's just the natural way of things, license costs, plastic costs, R&D costs. I don't ever really mind the rise in price, it happens to everything else.... why not toys?

Gas goes up, cost of milk goes up, beer, candy, movies.... Toys are still a product, so it has to happen here as well. Doesn't bother me at all. Besides, they are getting better as well.... So that helps my mind deal with the cost.

Take the Nosferatu figure, he came with a very cheap foot stand, some rats, keys and a hat. His shirt was not completed, just a neck and chest bit held by stretchy straps to his pants. So the cost of materials would be much less. Now, with the larger amount of fabrics and accessories... it's a much different ball game. Hence, the price difference.

 

[dedguy]

You nailed it man. Even though Aragorn came after Luke. (Luke was my first SSC pre order, Aragorn was a bit further out). It's just the natural way of things, license costs, plastic costs, R&D costs. I don't ever really mind the rise in price, it happens to everything else.... why not toys?

Gas goes up, cost of milk goes up, beer, candy, movies.... Toys are still a product, so it has to happen here as well. Doesn't bother me at all. Besides, they are getting better as well.... So that helps my mind deal with the cost.

Take the Nosferatu figure, he came with a very cheap foot stand, some rats, keys and a hat. His shirt was not completed, just a neck and chest bit held by stretchy straps to his pants. So the cost of materials would be much less. Now, with the larger amount of fabrics and accessories... it's a much different ball game. Hence, the price difference.

Maybe Aragorn was announced before the Star Wars license and he just took longer to come out? I could swear I was contemplating pre-ording Aragorn before I knew anything about a Star Wars license coming to SSC.

On the subject of quality, yes they have been getting much better. Just look at the paint on the Vampyre compared to newer stuff. The rough dry brushing and loose strokes work well on him in particular but they don't have anything close to the finess of more recent paint jobs many of which have subtle shading and fine detail work. Just look at Kroenen's face!

I also think the Tailoring has leaped in quality as has the number and quality of accesories. Even in recent figures. If for example you look at Maul or Anakin's lightsabres compared to Asajj or Ben's. The older sabers look rough and cheap in comparison. My only complaint remains the body, which I still think is terrible. The dead-eye issue seems to have been fixed, at least on Ben. We'll see if that holds up.

 

[Anzik]

THEY ARE PEEEGSS!!! GREEDY PEEEGSS!!!


Just kiddin' btw
I just get more choosy about what I buy and frequently go to secondary retailers. The exclusives aren't really important 99.9% of the time.

 

[teemu]

Gas goes up, cost of milk goes up, beer, candy, movies.... Toys are still a product, so it has to happen here as well. Doesn't bother me at all. Besides, they are getting better as well.... So that helps my mind deal with the cost.

The real truth is...Our dollar had been devalued which causes Inflation in everything!! Prices must go up! it takes more Federal Reserves notes to pay for things. They print money out of thin Air and our dollar no longer has had a Gold backing for a very long time.If you really knew the true value of our dollar you'd probably have a whole new prospective on spending money and seeing it for what its worth.Soon the Dollar will collaspe and go bankrupt as history has shown that all paper standards eventually go.Most people borrow to buy their Sideshow figures as we live beyond our means.

 

[icruise]

Yes, prices naturally go up over time, but inflation is nowhere near 20-30% in two years, and that's why people are wondering where this increase in price is really coming from. I'm not really complaining too much about it right now, but if it's the sign of a steady upward trend, I'll definitely have to reexamine my purchases.

 

[Darth Madden]

Yeah, if this does continue I will really be picky as to which figs I get. If this had been Greedo or a Tusken Raider or a non repeat character with some detail or lots of accessories I wouldn't mind paying $65... but for another Solo with minimal accessories I just didn't think it was worth it.

 

[teemu]

Yes, prices naturally go up over time, but inflation is nowhere near 20-30% in two years, and that's why people are wondering where this increase in price is really coming from. I'm not really complaining too much about it right now, but if it's the sign of a steady upward trend, I'll definitely have to reexamine my purchases.

Same here,been thinking about re-examining my purchases for a while.Just trying to resist the awesome stuff the toy world puts out.Its either cut back or go further in debt.Prices will continue to increase as long as out dollar keeps turning more and more into toilet paper

 

[drbrad1975]

Same here,been thinking about re-examining my purchases for a while.Just trying to resist the awesome stuff the toy world puts out.Its either cut back or go further in debt. Prices will continue to increase as long as out dollar keeps turning more and more into toilet paper

I think you missed the point of what icruise said.

 

[teemu]

I think you missed the point of what icruise said.

Oh, I understand his point. but as some say on here,if you dont like the price then dont buy it! Have you read my points? or will you ignore the fact that our dollar is taking a dump. Even China doesnt want our dollar anymore.How will we pay for our goods and manufacturing with a devalued piece of paper.
its paper! which is not real money.Even Historians tell you that.Research it and you'll be amazed and saddened to the fraud.So let the IRS keep printing more monoply money and make our Sideshow pieces go up even more

 

[dedguy]

Oh, I understand his point. but as some say on here,if you dont like the price then dont buy it! Have you read my points? or will you ignore the fact that our dollar is taking a dump. Even China doesnt want our dollar anymore.How will we pay for our goods and manufacturing with a devalued piece of paper.
its paper! which is not real money.Even Historians tell you that.Research it and you'll be amazed and saddened to the fraud.So let the IRS keep printing more monoply money and make our Sideshow pieces go up even more

Your understanding of economics seems very simplified. I myself don't fully understand how things work but I do know it's very complex.

 

[teemu]

Your understanding of economics seems very simplified. I myself don't fully understand how things work but I do know it's very complex.

I read a quote somewhere that "if the people wake up to this fraud,there would be a revolution the next morning" but I dont think some people will wake up as they are in a literal Zombie state and they keep watching there brainwashing Television and forget about the real issues in life.Tv is a true form of mind control since it was created.It controls the Masses how to think.

 

[icruise]

This argument is basically about whether Sideshow is increasing prices due to factors outside of their control (inflation, the price of oil, rising costs in general, etc.) or because they want to make more profit. I'm inclined to think that it's a combination of the two. The thing is, either one is a valid reason. Corporations are out to make money.

HOWEVER, if this is primarily an attempt to increase profits, they should be aware that there is a tipping point beyond which they might actually make less money by charging more. A lot of people who collect these figures are completists, and if they increase prices to the point where they lose these people, it could have pretty serious consequences. I've seen a fair number of people get put off by one collectible company or another and once that happens, they'll often sell everything they have and move on.

Put another way, they might make more money selling figures at $50 apiece to a core group of completist fans than selling them at $100 to people who are very selective about what they buy.

 

[drbrad1975]

Oh, I understand his point. but as some say on here,if you dont like the price then dont buy it! Have you read my points? or will you ignore the fact that our dollar is taking a dump. Even China doesnt want our dollar anymore.How will we pay for our goods and manufacturing with a devalued piece of paper.
its paper! which is not real money.Even Historians tell you that.Research it and you'll be amazed and saddened to the fraud.So let the IRS keep printing more monoply money and make our Sideshow pieces go up even more

I don't think you really understand what is going on with the economy. Inflation is not a simple subject. Since you are so fond of historians, the Chinese were the first to use paper money. Also, the IRS does not print money. The Department of the Treasury is the responsible party. Yes, the dollar is in a inflationary period, but not at the rate increase in Sideshow products. I would even venture to say if the dollar was strong, we would still have a price hike.

 

[teemu]

I don't think you really understand what is going on with the economy. Inflation is not a simple subject. Since you are so fond of historians, the Chinese were the first to use paper money. Also, the IRS does not print money. The Department of the Treasury is the responsible party. Yes, the dollar is in a inflationary period, but not at the rate increase in Sideshow products. I would even venture to say if the dollar was strong, we would still have a price hike.

Actually Bud,the Federal Reserve Prints our money,Since it was given to them in 1913.They were given the power to create money ever since.Just like the Income tax we pay is illegal and unconstitutional.Money no longer has a GOLD backing which the constitution demands.Which means the money is being printed like water flowing down a river..Printed out of thin air!! which the more they print, the more our dollar gets devalued to a bankrupt state.They no longer report how much money is being created.

Paper is not money,its fraud.We were born into it and dont know any better
Research it!

While this is about Han's price increase, I am trying to tell you guys real truths in why costs are going up.You must understand why prices are increasing, because OUR DOLLAR IS GOING BANKRUPT and its Being DEVALUED because they print Money out of thin air!!! which causes inflation which is actually a hidden Tax!

P.S. I bought a Han too at 64.99

 

[drbrad1975]

Actually Bud,the Federal Reserve Prints our money,Since it was given to them in 1913.They were given the power to create money ever since.Just like the Income tax we pay is illegal and unconstitutional.Money no longer has a GOLD backing which the constitution demands.Which means the money is being printed like water flowing down a river..Printed out of thin air!! which the more they print, the more our dollar gets devalued to a bankrupt state.They no longer report how much money is being created.

Paper is not money,its fraud.We were born into it and dont know any better
Research it!

While this is about Han's price increase, I am trying to tell you guys real truths in why costs are going up.You must understand why prices are increasing, because OUR DOLLAR IS GOING BANKRUPT and its Being DEVALUED because they print Money out of thin air!!! which causes inflation which is actually a hidden Tax!

P.S. I bought a Han too at 64.99

The federal reserve is part of the Department of Treasury.

https://www.ustreas.gov/topics/currency/

If I buy a Han, it will be a lot cheaper that 64.99. I can guarantee that.

 

[teemu]

The federal reserve is part of the Department of Treasury.

https://www.ustreas.gov/topics/currency/

If I buy a Han, it will be a lot cheaper that 64.99. I can guarantee that.

Yes, but they run the show!!!
those who create the money,make the rules!!

 

[dedguy]

Yes, but they run the show!!!
those who create the money,make the rules!!

Anyone ever tell you that you have a screw loose?

 

[teemu]

Anyone ever tell you that you have a screw loose?

Why do I have a screw loose?? Buddy,research it and learn.I have awaken out of my sleep! put on the sunglasses like rowdy piper did in the movie "They Live" and see the truth of the matter.......Why is it people get upset when they are told something to help them.Sure,nobody wants to hear about deception done to them,but if I am getting played,I want to know about it! Hey whatever,I am getting educated on the matter and if you want to sit on the sidelines and watch our dollar die...go ahead

 

[D. Martin]

One factor everyone always overlooks when it comes to the SW line is Lucasfilm Approval. For every step of the creative process, SSC has to get LFL approval, and as we know, those guys are never happy and make a lot of odd choices and changes to what SSC is trying to create. We see great headsculpts get replaced, we see odd costume inaccuracies, all at the request of LFL. That means more development ends up getting invested into the figure making process for this line. If it takes more man power and time to create something, a company must raise the price to make a profit.

Really simple business math. Work and time investment is comparable to end price for the product. Funny thing is, being Star Wars collectibles, they would still sell at $100 each. Sure, all the forum people would complain, but they'd by it still. Furthermore, the online forum community only makes up less than 1-4% of the Star Wars buying community... and that's probably way too big of a fraction.

 

[icruise]

One factor everyone always overlooks when it comes to the SW line is Lucasfilm Approval. For every step of the creative process, SSC has to get LFL approval, and as we know, those guys are never happy and make a lot of odd choices and changes to what SSC is trying to create. We see great headsculpts get replaced, we see odd costume inaccuracies, all at the request of LFL. That means more development ends up getting invested into the figure making process for this line. If it takes more man power and time to create something, a company must raise the price to make a profit.

I guess, but we're comparing prices from the first Star Wars figures with those of the current line. They would have had to deal with LFL for the earlier figures as well. Or are you saying that Lucasfilm got a lot more strict in the last two years?