The Plastic Fett POLL

[MaulFan]

So who has fun collecting? Anybody?

 

[IrishJedi]

Irish, Ok how about this then...

Do you honestly believe that SSC is making MORE of a profit margin on this Fett PF than any other product that they have released thus far?

Yes, I do feel they are looking at a much higher profit-margin on this one, but I'd also take the very high Edition Size into account there as well.

Still, you guys are WAY over-thinking this. Bringing Profit Margin and R&D costs into the discussion does nothing more than cloud the crux of the whole thing: They're charging polystone prices for an ABS item.

 

[IrishJedi]

So who has fun collecting? Anybody?

I have fun collecting, but even more fun arguing with my fellow collecting buddies on message boards. It passes the time while at work.

Seriously, it's all good. I love you guys... even when you're WRONG.

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Sgt. Taz from StatueForum got this pleasant email from Sideshow Customer Service:


Thank you for your e-mail to our Customer Service Department. Your feedback
is important to us and we appreciate that you took the time to reach us.

Our Boba Fett premium format figure is not entirely plastic. It is a mix of
polystone, different types of cloth and faux leather materials, and raw
fibers for the braided details. The armor was created with plastic materials
to maintain the metal engineered shape of the armor as it was seen in the
film and to insure durability for the collector in the years to come.

Obviously, since the armor was not cast from metal or polystone, which is
inconsistent in the final shape and has higher breakage possibilities, the
overall figure is lighter then what these heavier materials would have
resulted in.

We are not a butcher shop that charges by the pound, and therefore you
should not expect a discount. Rather you should be relieved that the lighter
weight will mean less expensive shipping for the collector. If the use of
plastic materials in this mixed medium premium format figure is an issue for
you, we suggest that you cancel your order with us immediately.


Looks like someone's getting some negative emails and cancellations at SS.

 

[Brent72]

There is no ground for really anyone to stand on and all of this is for not really.

Since you seem to have such an easy time doing it, I'm calling BULLS**T on this statement. There is PLENTY of ground to stand on about this issue and if you took a step outside of Sideshow's PR department for a minute perhaps you could see why people are pissed off. "PREMIUM FORMAT" and cheap materials do not go together as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Natrix]

Sgt. Taz from StatueForum got this pleasant email from Sideshow Customer Service:


Thank you for your e-mail to our Customer Service Department. Your feedback
is important to us and we appreciate that you took the time to reach us.

Our Boba Fett premium format figure is not entirely plastic. It is a mix of
polystone, different types of cloth and faux leather materials, and raw
fibers for the braided details. The armor was created with plastic materials
to maintain the metal engineered shape of the armor as it was seen in the
film and to insure durability for the collector in the years to come.

Obviously, since the armor was not cast from metal or polystone, which is
inconsistent in the final shape and has higher breakage possibilities, the
overall figure is lighter then what these heavier materials would have
resulted in.

We are not a butcher shop that charges by the pound, and therefore you
should not expect a discount. Rather you should be relieved that the lighter
weight will mean less expensive shipping for the collector. If the use of
plastic materials in this mixed medium premium format figure is an issue for
you, we suggest that you cancel your order with us immediately.


Looks like someone's getting some negative emails and cancellations at SS.

What cracks me up is either someone in CS didn't read their own production blog to get the right information or else some one in PR didn't proof read the production blog to get the wording right about the plastic/polystone body debate..

 

[Rook]

Need another choice. Yes, it bothers me, but I won't cancel. I want to see it in hand before deciding if I will keep it.

Well put, and this will be my tactic as well. If it feels like a cheap plastic doll, I'm not shelling out that kind of cash for it.

 

[Brent72]

We are not a butcher shop that charges by the pound, and therefore you
should not expect a discount. Rather you should be relieved that the lighter
weight will mean less expensive shipping for the collector. If the use of
plastic materials in this mixed medium premium format figure is an issue for
you, we suggest that you cancel your order with us immediately.


Looks like someone's getting some negative emails and cancellations at SS.

Wow, for a company that prides themselves on customer service that is a very rude e-mail. Can you say "feeling the heat"?

 

[carbo-fation]

Wow, for a company that prides themselves on customer service that is a very rude e-mail. Can you say "feeling the heat"?

Well, to be fair, we don't know what kind of an email the other person wrote. But I agree, sideshow does come off as rude in this email.

 

[SSC_Nerd]

Wow, for a company that prides themselves on customer service that is a very rude e-mail. Can you say "feeling the heat"?

What, you expect the e-mail to say "Check out the product first, then decide to send it back?" IF you're unhappy, cancel. That's what it says.

 

[El Roranous]

Well, to be fair, we don't know what kind of an email the other person wrote. But I agree, sideshow does come off as rude in this email.

Even if the customer was rude, Sideshow should have taken the higher ground and been nothing but cordial. The fastest way to lose business is by not practicing proper business etiquette. Sideshow should appreciate any and all business and not take it for granted.

 

[Brent72]

What, you expect the e-mail to say "Check out the product first, then decide to send it back?" IF you're unhappy, cancel. That's what it says.

The whole "we are not a butcher shop that charges by the pound and therefore you shouldn't expect a discount" attitude comes off as rude and condescending to me.

 

[Shropt]

I wouldn't put too much thought in to that email without knowing what email he sent to SSC. He could have sent an extremely rude email that actually called for that type of response.

Let's hear both sides of the story please.

Also, what do people now think about the Darth Maul PF? Do you think they will do they same with him?

 

[Natrix]

What, you expect the e-mail to say "Check out the product first, then decide to send it back?" IF you're unhappy, cancel. That's what it says.

No, but it should be more professional when coming from a CS rep even if the original e-mail to them was rude (don't know what was said there).

 

[Brent72]

Even if the customer was rude, Sideshow should have taken the higher ground and been nothing but cordial. The fastest way to lose business is by not practicing proper business etiquette. Sideshow should appreciate any and all business and not take it for granted.

Absolutely.

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

I love the "shipping is cheaper" line.

CS reps must have been trained to use that BS excuse.

I'd rather pay $25 to ship a superior product than $20 to ship an inferior product.

 

[Memnoch]

I don't think its rude, I think its sarcastic. And I love me some sarcasm. The email made me fully laugh out loud, and I must admit I am curious to see the first email to SS.

 

[LOTRFan]

Also, what do people now think about the Darth Maul PF? Do you think they will do they same with him?

If by that you mean making his body from plastic absolutely not. Wow, this could cause widespread panic across the collecting community ...


Why, this is the biggest story since yesterday's Ugly Wan!

 

[SolidLiquidFox]

I think they are probably fed up of the "heavier = better" logic.

 

[LOTRFan]

******Shhhhh*******


Dusty's replying .............................. :eek