ANOVOS issues (ANOVOS ONLY discussion)

[Yorkie Fett]

Let’s hope they get this sorted asap.
Looking forward to receiving my ‘in stock’ soft TIE goods and my ‘in stock’ AT-AT helmet which they tempted me with, with their almost daily emails.
Also quite looking forward to getting my refund from October. Seeing my money again will be like meeting up with old friends.
Might throw a homecoming party!

 

[darthjones]

Well, if you even remotely expect that type or resolution, getting ready for a big disappointment. You are right in regards to refunds being conducted pdq, but the sheer number of things on back order/delayed would make it impossible for them to deliver in a month unless they had warehouses full of everything and were just holding it back to piss people off. You can't ship what you don't have. They're far from a big enough player to lay down the law to chinese shops as well.

I will definitely echo that refunds should be handled inside of 48 hours from request. There's no reason not to short of not having the money. Next step would be to do what they pledged like 18 months ago. No more pre-orders, just selling things they actually have.

Sadly i find myself in MJF's camp. I think the comments and planning of protest here (and i imagine from other places as well) got them to do that so they can claim they're doing something. They only way to change minds is to actually make the changes you claim to want to make. Anyone can talk a good game. They need to actually deliver (no pun intended )

No, I do not expect change that quickly.

Here is what appears to be the case - what has happened - what I have pieced together: In correspondence with other fans and victims of this disaster, many of us were separately told that a huge ship was crossing the Pacific with all sorts of backorder fulfillment - things like all the trooper armor and apparel that Anovos said would be here for Celebration, all the Kylo costumes, all the Rey costumes, and various other items. They had very much hoped that this one huge shipment would allow them to clear out all cause for complaint and somewhat clear them for the future.

And while each of us was told not to mention this ship (for whatever reason), I have seen it mentioned out here so I consider it fair game now.

But it seems that only the Rey costumes were on board that ship. Maybe a few helmets. I can't figure it out - but clearly Rey was on there and pretty much nothing else. So it turns out Anovos did NOT know exactly what was in this shipment or was given incorrect info. by manufacturer.

So...instead of being able to appear at Celebration having saved the day (which I think is what they wanted to do - do a victory lap at Celebration), they primarily failed, have no way to fix it soon, and see word of justified anger and protests on boards like this.

Yeah, Anovos is getting jerked around by a truly screwed up country - one whose rapacious entrance into the modern world will hopefully further tank soon but I digress. But letting things get this far and making themselves so truly vulnerable to the chaos of China - putting all of their eggs and our money into that basket - seems to be much of the root foolishness here. I also do not care - and here is a caveat: They decided to start an Anovos "signature" line with the Han Solo costume. They said "made in the U.S.A." and slated it for delivery a year and a half ago - so NO CHINA involved and NO DELIVERY OF PRODUCT.

I just love that they make up crap like, "hey look - you're okay over here because this is the 'Signature Line,' right?!"

Pffff. Stunt.

It is important that refund folk here get money immediately and the rest of us - I will give them this - the rest of us get all of our costume crap by Sept. 1 for actual use this Fall. So they have a few months to jaakoff and deliver.

I also want a clear, final, actual table of when things will be delivered. Their "estimate anticipate" crap is embarrassing now on the face of it.

 

[kokkari]

The fact that they do not respond to refund requests is the most telling clue of where they stand financially IMO. What other reason is there to not respond to myself and others regarding a refund other than there is no money to give back?

 

[yodakiller1138]

Likely scenario is they spent all the money and will go bankrupt.

 

[LastMaxStanding]

They decided to start an Anovos "signature" line with the Han Solo costume. They said "made in the U.S.A." and slated it for delivery a year and a half ago - so NO CHINA involved and NO DELIVERY OF PRODUCT..

I was wondering what was happening with the Han Solo Signature ensemble. If what you say is true—and the original estimated delivery date was a year and a half ago—that is beyond perplexing with the reasons they've given so far for production delays.

I am skeptical, to say the least. And find it amusing that my reply (stating as much) to their blog post was not approved. I really hope they turn it around—I was an early customer and got a half dozen excellent items (with very little wait) before their production and delivery problems started.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

MR touched on this briefly. They offered a Collectors Series set of items - I have the Qui Gon Jinn saber, which was ~$100 IIRC. It’s mostly plastic with some weights inside it to make it feel heavy. Overall, I think it’s a great piece and of a quality that would scratch your itch... I cannot recall what else, if anything, was offered under this line.

In reference to the letter Anovos sent - call me naive, but I am hopeful this is a turning point for them. Clearly, the complaints to them and Disney are starting to have an effect. But like others have said, saying is one thing; doing is another.

I have been a big fan of Anovos since they started, primarily because they’re us! The founders are fans who started making stuff on their own. They were driven by their passion and love of the genre to start a business to offer quality costume pieces to the broader fan base.

I honestly don’t believe Anovos is out to get anybody or steal their money, but clearly they need to get their house in order. Multi-year delays for products and month-long delays for refunds are unacceptable to their customer community and need to be promptly addressed if the company is to succeed.

Here’s hoping...

Sean

Yes, that was back in 2006. It was not a bad idea, I just think it was poorly executed. I believe the QGJ CS lightsaber was the only CS issued. I believe they had something else planned but cancelled due to poor sales. I think the problem was that they offered the LE and the CS at the same time. Since the difference in price was like $100, most chose to go with the better made LE that also had the nice case.

Instead of offering a QGJ at the same time that they offered the LE, they should have offered something like the Obi Attack of the Clones CS. The LE version of that had been sold out for a few years and it might have attracted collectors who wanted the hilt but missed out on the LE before. Then a couple years later, offer the QGJ CS.

At the same time, they offered FX lightsabers for $109. If they can make a nice hilt with blade and light, sound, and effects, why can't they just make a nice mostly metal hilt for $50 to $75 (in 2006 dollars) that could be used for cosplay? Just a lightweight hilt with no stand, case or plaque, and a much smaller package. That's more along the lines of what I am talking about.

I had the CS and I am pretty sure it was all metal. I think the black part was die-cast which is why it was a lower sale price. The problem was that it was also much heavier. This would have made a lousy cosplay item and was pretty much still a display piece for those looking to save a little. Originally they had announced the CS was going to be metal and plastic but I guess they felt for about the same cost, they could do die cast and that might be more appealing. I think plastic might have been better for those wanting to use it for cosplay because it would have been lighter in weight.

 

[darthjones]

Likely scenario is they spent all the money and will go bankrupt.

There is a legal term called "disgorgement" where an entity is forced to give up all profits and monies accrued, from the point of inception in a fraudulent manner, and either give it all back or apply it to amelioration.

I would love to see that pursued here - i.e. if anyone at Anovos used any monies to improve their lives in any way with any money we gave them that all would get coughed up - it might lead to divorce, the loss of a home, the loss of child custody, health care, and car - but we out here would be made whole and that's really all that matters at this point.

Anyway...it's called disgorgement.

(pretty fun to think about at this point)

 

[Pepperbone]

Just saw this

Letter from ANOVOS To Our Customers
To our customers,

At ANOVOS, we strive to make high quality products and deliver them in a timely manner. Our founding principle was to create costumes and props that would set the “gold standard” in production quality replicas. However, we realize that we have not effectively met the delivery expectations of our customers, and we would like to sincerely apologize for any frustration this may have caused.

Our goal is always to improve all aspects of our company, and we are aware of the delays in production, refunds, and in-stock shipments. We, too, consider these delays unacceptable and hear your concerns.

Over the next few days we will be communicating how ANOVOS plans to change in order to serve our customers and community better. It is our hope that these necessary changes in both process and transparency will restore your trust and faith in us as a valued customer.

Thank you for your support and patience.


Joe Salcedo, CEO ANOVOS Productions LLC

Dana Gasser, COO ANOVOS Productions LLC

I've honestly never been more pessimistic than after receiving this email.
When you're in a position like ANOVOS is, you don't ANNOUNCE that you'll be making an ANNOUNCEMENT. You simply announce what you have to say and move forward with it. This has no value to those waiting for their orders or their refunds.

 

[darthjones]

I've honestly never been more pessimistic than after receiving this email.
When you're in a position like ANOVOS is, you don't ANNOUNCE that you'll be making an ANNOUNCEMENT. You simply announce what you have to say and move forward with it. This has no value to those waiting for their orders or their refunds.

Ohhhh, you have a point for sure. Unfortunately.

But a couple weeks ago there were many of us waiting for "an announcement" by the end of this week. We were told it would happen.

And I do not think Joe and Dana wanted to not say anything, knowing that to be the case.

In their position, if I had to, I would not say anything until I flew over to that sketchy continent to make sure a ship departs with everything on it - and THEN make an announcement.

I hope that is what is happening but I truly feel like a complete idiot using the word "hope" again.

 

[Psab keel]

I don't take their "announcement" to be anything but a move on their part to save face. Notice how they didn't give any concrete information about how they plan to fix things, though they've had years to do it.

Unless their actions start backing up their claims then there is no need to cut them any more slack.

They've literally had years to deliver on products or to refund people and they've neglected to do both time and again.

As I've said in the past individual makers have been ousted from communities like ours for far less than what they've pulled and yet people have given Anovos a pass.

I'm glad to see that people are starting to wake up and hold them accountable for their actions.

 

[Pepperbone]

Notice how they didn't give any concrete information about how they plan to fix things, though they've had years to do it.

Noticed.

 

[mluder]

I was wondering what was happening with the Han Solo Signature ensemble. If what you say is true—and the original estimated delivery date was a year and a half ago—that is beyond perplexing with the reasons they've given so far for production delays.

I am skeptical, to say the least. And find it amusing that my reply (stating as much) to their blog post was not approved. I really hope they turn it around—I was an early customer and got a half dozen excellent items (with very little wait) before their production and delivery problems started.

Horse hockey!
They blamed it on the dreaded "pending approval" line again (they use this more often than "It's China's fault)... How can production be at 90% and THEN be held up waiting for approval? C'mon.
Han Solo™ Signature Line Ensemble - Updates | ANOVOS Productions LLC

Cheers
Steve

 

[Art Andrews]

Yes, that was back in 2006. It was not a bad idea, I just think it was poorly executed. I believe the QGJ CS lightsaber was the only CS issued. I believe they had something else planned but cancelled due to poor sales. I think the problem was that they offered the LE and the CS at the same time. Since the difference in price was like $100, most chose to go with the better made LE that also had the nice case.

Instead of offering a QGJ at the same time that they offered the LE, they should have offered something like the Obi Attack of the Clones CS. The LE version of that had been sold out for a few years and it might have attracted collectors who wanted the hilt but missed out on the LE before. Then a couple years later, offer the QGJ CS.

At the same time, they offered FX lightsabers for $109. If they can make a nice hilt with blade and light, sound, and effects, why can't they just make a nice mostly metal hilt for $50 to $75 (in 2006 dollars) that could be used for cosplay? Just a lightweight hilt with no stand, case or plaque, and a much smaller package. That's more along the lines of what I am talking about.

I had the CS and I am pretty sure it was all metal. I think the black part was die-cast which is why it was a lower sale price. The problem was that it was also much heavier. This would have made a lousy cosplay item and was pretty much still a display piece for those looking to save a little. Originally they had announced the CS was going to be metal and plastic but I guess they felt for about the same cost, they could do die cast and that might be more appealing. I think plastic might have been better for those wanting to use it for cosplay because it would have been lighter in weight.

The FX saber line was easily MR's most successful product. I think Hasbro has more or less taken that ball and run with it with their Black Series helmets. Those pieces were dirt-cheap but just good enough that many costumers found them acceptable as a base for mods. Many Kylo Ren costumers are sporting those helmets.

ANOVOS has always been said to have the "High-End Costume license." My guess would be the differentiator is price and they can't go below a certain price, so they may not be able to sell a "cheap" line of costume pieces which probably edges dangerously into Rubies territory.

I agree with you that a more affordable prop line might be good but my guess is, Hasbro and Rubies could make those. If they haven't capitalized on it, there is probably a reason.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

The FX saber line was easily MR's most successful product. I think Hasbro has more or less taken that ball and run with it with their Black Series helmets. Those pieces were dirt-cheap but just good enough that many costumers found them acceptable as a base for mods. Many Kylo Ren costumers are sporting those helmets.

ANOVOS has always been said to have the "High-End Costume license." My guess would be the differentiator is price and they can't go below a certain price, so they may not be able to sell a "cheap" line of costume pieces which probably edges dangerously into Rubies territory.

I agree with you that a more affordable prop line might be good but my guess is, Hasbro and Rubies could make those. If they haven't capitalized on it, there is probably a reason.

I think anything that Hasbro has done with the Black Series Role products is pretty cool. I do believe they have limitations based on what is covered in their license and what conflicts with other companies' licenses. I believe all Star Wars black series role-play items need to have a playability feature such as voices, sound effects, lights. I think without those features, they would considered prop replicas for costumes not covered by their license. I also believe this is why Hasbro does not do removal blades on the FX. Once the blade is removed, you have a prop replica. The big question for Hasbro... Can they make me an app controlled 1:1 scale Mouse Droid?

I think Anovos when it comes to their product is filling (in theory) the costuming needs of the market. Their blaster kits are a great idea. They are kits which does two things. 1. Probably does not interfere with the prop replica license of eFx and 2. The orange color goes along with the replica gun laws for sales. It gives the buyer the ability to finish it to their replica/cosplay needs.

I don't think Hasbro or Rubies can do prop replicas. As I mentioned above, I think they have certain lines they can't cross with licensing. I believe even Rubies blasters and lightsabers or made and sold under an agreement by Hasbro to do so. I noticed that in the past, I have seen Hasbro's logo on the back of Rubies packaging.

Anovos could probably do the same they did with blasters and make other props in kits. But if we are looking for something along the lines that I am talking about "ready to go non-museum prop replicas good for display and cosplay." I think those either have to come from eFx or directly from Disney/Hasbro and offered through the Disney park/stores. I believe Anovos can only do such items if they can pass them off as costuming items like the Solo holster belt tools/droid caller. But I think if you wanted comlinks, holoprojectors, macro binoculars, basically if you ever bought a fan made product or hoped someone would make it... those are the items I am talking about.

I think the reason why this has not been capitalized on yet is because most of this would fall under eFx and let's face it, they are not doing much these days in release of new products. I think they tend to want to focus on museum/archive pieces.

It should also be noted that I am guessing about any licensing agreements. I have no inside knowledge. A lot of it is based on articles I've read in the past about why certain companies can or can't do a product and through observation of who is doing what and what they are not doing.

 

[cboath]

So, uh, now they're offering replacement FO trooper pieces..

Just saying, shouldn't they ship the existing orders before offering replacement parts to the public?

 

[Spankuh]

Just saying, shouldn't they ship the existing orders before offering replacement parts to the public?

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw this!

 

[OCDChad]

So how does this help Disney/LFL as a company? Right now I think we should be thankful that they are not coming down on such sellers. But Disney/LFL put a lot of money into their properties and they are entitled and expected to make money off them. Companies are not evil for wanting to be successful and profitable. I think it is the fact that they do make money from Anovos and other license holders that do not feel threatened by these minor sellers. I think the moment they think Etsy, eBay, and other internet sellers are taking a chunk out of their bottom line, there will be a shake up. I would expect that from any company.

We really should appreciate what we have here. It's not only the studios that you have to worry about, it is the companies who paid the money for licensing rights who get upset about the potential loss of sales buy these unofficial sellers. They can get the studio's legal departments involved and that is not a great place to be in.

If you are not aware, back around 2003 there a dark time in the prop replica community. A board member who had been doing replicas as an unofficial seller decided to create Master Replicas. This should have been a great thing. Someone from the board who was well respected was going to be able to make replicas and utilize LFL reference material in the process. But since he knew that the board was a haven for other sellers and projects like he had done in the past, he made it clear that he would pursue legal action against anyone making unofficial replicas. This caused a lot of people to cease projects. Some did continue but they ran deep under the radar and most people who might have wanted such items did not even know such projects existed. Basically if you were not building it yourself or buying MR, your prop collection was not growing very much. It took a long time for the community to recover from that and get back to where it once was. I think a lot of the resentment you hear about MR is not because of their product and/or service but because of the way people in our community were affected by their stance on competition. Please note this was a while back and I may have some facts wrong. So like I said, be happy that companies like Anovos and eFx are not rocking the boat because things could be worse... they could be better granted... but they could be much, much worse.

I think the more people that are able to get into the 501st/Rebel/Mercs groups the better. It's free advertising. Costumes of that level are something I think the license holders are either not doing at all or taking too long to deliver on as evidenced by this thread.

 

[Halliwax]

So, uh, now they're offering replacement FO trooper pieces..

Just saying, shouldn't they ship the existing orders before offering replacement parts to the public?

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw this!

One thing that comes to mind is maybe the shop they are using has the tooling already setup for the armor?

So asking them to make replaces X months from now would cost them time and labor or setting up the tooling again?

Idk, just my thought

 

[cboath]

Yeah, but that option implies all suits that were ordered are made and at least in the process of being shipped.

That would not be the case though. Haven't heard jack about mine.

 

[intwenothor]

The Complex Burden of Accuracy - ANOVOS Productions LLC