But add me to the list of those that would like to see some more higher end stuff coming out.
This isn't aimed at you, Goodwolf, but your quote points to the Catch-22 that I think faces QMx.
How "high-end" should "high-end" be?
I have followed Wolvster's Serenity build on the Firefly Shipworks Ltd. site and the attention to detail is absolutely beautiful.
And the comments posted after each update reflect the appreciation of those interested in owning a larger scale Serenity replica.
I have to wonder, tho'; how many of them will be able to afford the QMx Serenity replica if the price goes above $500 (which I think it almost certainly will).
Every time I think of the similarly-sized, FAR LESS COMPLEX Cylon Raider that sells for $949.95 (and I would have sworn it originally listed at $1,500); I shudder to think of what the super-detailed Serenity replica will go for.
I have a (quite possibly faulty) recollection of the price being considered for the QMx metal Mal pistol at around $750.
To ME, that's a LOT of money for a display piece.
On the other end of the scale, QMx simplified their resin Mal pistol and dropped the price to $150, so you would think they would sell pretty well.
Apparently not.
I see these go up used on eBay, and about half of retail seems to be where they end up selling at.
(Part of that might be that most folks don't seem to like the BDM Serenity re-work on the Mal pistol as well as the original Firefly version.)
So back to the oft critcized QMx business model of offering high-end paper props at a price that puts them within the reach of the average, non-RPF-member, Browncoats' disposable income.
For a franchise that only made back 3/5ths of its budget in domestic box-office, I'd say QMx is doing pretty good. (pardon the grammar)
My question becomes, what BDM Serenity props do you all want to see from QMx?
River's Bar pistol?
Jayne's humped-up .45?
Wash's modified Mateba?
Simon's Alliance Baton?
Jayne's grenades?
What would sell in adequate quantities and at what prices?
The (not QMx) licensed River and Operative swords didn't seem to sell TOO well.
After a couple of years, they were listed at half price, seemingly to clear out the inventory.
Something else that QMx has done, that I think isn't appreciated here, is that they have remembered that Firefly developed a fairly large following among women-folk.
Some of their more successful offerings, like the animated looking maquettes, seem to appeal to a feminine audience.
Although more is hoped for, I think QMx is still filling a niche that most would have no interest in filling.
They are offering Firefly/Serenity 'verse items, and not going out of business doing it.
Mike
PS: I ordered the Fruity Oaty bar litho to serve as a backdrop in my living weapon shadow box.
It wil be highlighting my River bar pistol, big round Mule goggles, Fruity Oaty bar prop, and still photo filmstrip of River doing some of those impossible kicks in the Maidenhead Bar.