Proper,
I personally, could care less its the POLAR LIGHTS, as long as they SAY SO.
The "enthusiasts" who would probably buy it will recognize it as such, and if that is NOT handled delicately it COULD create negative controversy/publicity this very conversation an example of that.
As GOOD as a reputation for GOOD kits as POLAR LIGHTS has, to NOT mention it, is a waste. THey could have leveraged off of that as a joint team effort of some kind.
Although LESS important, Im not sure its really STUDIO SCALE, as there was not a STUDIO SCALE Model exactly that size made for the film. (To my knowledge, and I have pretty good sources, but if someone know otherwise post away, just be able to prove it.)
I could care less though its a GREAT scale for that MODEL.
As far as the pricing, again, my post mentions nothing about pricing. In fact, a 5k Retail means they are probably a wholesaler 3k, which means it was built for even less. An impressive feat. Especially if its NOT being done in CHINA and I as far as I know, John down in FL, same guy who did the VIPERS, is making them.
If you were going to PAY someone to make a PL model as nice as this one.
I think 5k is reasonable. So, I respectfully answer your riddle.
Now, some things we can discuss friendly like...
IMPULSE BUY.
Could one argue everything is an IMPLUSE buy?
Well, I guess anyone can call everything anything they want.
Everyone shops differently, and if someone is IMPLUSIVE by nature, more power to them.
Generally speaking, especially when making a market analysis, you need to make some general assumptions. I know, it's not a science, but market estimations use statistics and practical generalities just the nature of the beast.
Anways, most folks in would PUT a bit more thought into TRANSPORTATION than, something thats going to collect dust.
A Lit up model from a MOVIE, appeals to more of a WANT than a NEED is my general point, I think that's a reasonable fact that most of us would agree on.
MY issue, is Teasing everyone with ONE product, (lets see, the ABRAMSENTERPRISE was at COMIC CON...LAST YEAR? WHERE IS IT?)
THEN coming out with ANOTHER one from an even OLDER movie, and to TOP it, it's a model kit I can buy in the Store.
Im just confused at the message that sends to the enthusiast that could be potential customers. In other words, Now they invest in a NEW PRODUCT, never mind some might get the impression, they "creatively reduced costs by using a commercially available MODEL" and by DOING so give the appearance they are desperately trying to SAVE MONEY. Gee, they aren't STRUGGLING are they?
If I was in the Market for a ABRAMSENTERPRISE, Well. GOLLY WALLY, I might just get a LITTLE NERVOUS that it will never see the light of DAY.
How about COST RECOVERY, I bet they have ALOT of money invested in the ABRAMSENTEPRISE, and each MONTH that ticks away, enthusiasm for it wanes. That translates to LESS SALES. All SOLD out already? are they?
Doubt it. Anyways, JUST My opinion. Not how I would run a business.
Keep in mind, we are all aware there STILL is NO ZAT GUN, and anything else we were teased with that hasn't yet actually shipped.
WHY encourage EVIDENCE to a NEGATIVE TREND???
That's the message Im confused about.
If it was my company, again, MY opinion, I would be worried that my customers would take the 3700.00 Bucks they have in their hot little pocket, and BUY SOMETHING else that's available NOW.
But...call me silly, what do I know?
I DO know this:
In THIS economy, or any other, MOST niche collectors, which is what we all are, have ONLY so much disposable income, AND, as other REPLICA companies are discovering,
ONLY so much SHELF space at home. When the money is SPENT, and the SHELF SPACE FILLED. Magically, we STOP BUYING STUFF.
So, like anything, TIMING is everything. Everything in SALES, has a rhythm.
Im just questioning what music they are dancing to because my point is it's "less than ideal" ; marketing, public relations, and overall business strategy.
However, like my post said, they could be following the HEINZ KETCHUP METHOD and be dancing to CARLY SIMON's song ANTICIPATION. (Google it you younglings, sorry, Im old.)
If it works for them, it's GENIUS. If it doesn't its BANKRUPTCY.
I hope it's GENIUS. I want nothing more than to see the replica companies MAKE IT and THRIVE.
That is my only reason to vent such frustration and question what I witness.
I know there are even COOLER ideas each of these companies are working on, and I hope they get to actually bring those products to market.
I hope the FORCE is with them....
My very best,
BRUNDELFLY
