The ONLY company I will trust to put money out towards a preorder is Sideshow. They have NEVER stiffed me, and, if there were any delays, they are incredible with communication.
They are distributing for Hot Toys, which has notoriously long production times (worth it) as well as producing their own licensed products, so I was shocked to see this lack of behavior in other companies. I never expected this.
I think we just needed some honestly from the start. Everyone runs into delays. Be it materials, manpower, a global pandemic... it’s just the cost of doing business. But when people are waiting YEARS for items (I still have two Trek premier line tunics, the Discovery phaser and a Han ensemble from ANH waiting to “be shipped”), you need to be open and honest. Their “blog” was a start, but it’s not updated and feels like it’s pandering now.
Hell, I’ve been ripped off here on the RPF with absolutely no recourse. Money in the ether. Runs canceled, people disappearing, no more communication, and three year delays on projects because of whatever reason. But they aren’t companies. So that money was gone forever. At least with ANOVOS, there’s credit card coverage, PayPal refunds and the knowledge I’m not alone. Now, that does NOT excuse the practices of what they’re doing. There are just options. Credit companies will allow you to file fraud charges if you have the right company. I’ve done it. A year after a transaction. But some don’t.
I honestly believe the Disney park deal with them was the absolute priority for their production lines, and our preorders went into not only funding those endeavors, but filling their orders as well. Which isn’t right. But at least be upfront and say, due to the pressures of our license holder, we needed to get this all done first and you’re orders will not be forgotten, just delayed and here is the information and something to help ease the pain.
And if they can make things in the US, then take the Chinese contingent out of it. That’s just more pain and suffering. I’d pay a bit more for US made as well as reliability.
I just can’t believe Disney hasn’t stepped in and made this right. Or CBS? Or Sony with Ghostbusters. We have been forgotten.