[DADoser]

Originally Posted by DADoser

That's very interesting. Just my observation/experience on the forum. The corgi models that show up at TM are VERY consistent nation wide.

(And this is very suspicious/"conspiracy theory" thinking on my part.)

This would lead me to believe that these are coming from a single source - i.e. Corgi vs. a huge number of dealers contacted by a liquidation company dumping a few of their models they can't sell. Based on the info you present, then...either

1) All the dealers are unable to move the exact same models no matter where they are located (which could be true). AND all be dumping the same models at the exact same (calendar year) time.

or...

2) We should be seeing a lot more variety/inconstancy in the models showing up at TM stores. Also a larger variety of different release years in the models showing up. Also some of the same models in different waves as some dealers would hold on to models longer (hoping they would sell) than other dealers.

Please don't take me wrong. I believe what you posted to be true - I just think - based on what I've seen, that Corgi may be telling its dealers one thing and actually doing something else covertly. Obvioulsy you are in the industry and have much more info than me.


I just think what we see from TM, is evidence of a product "dump" from a large single source vs a large "liquidator" picking up surplus models from Corgi dealers all over the U.S.

Also....
Thinking about this deeper.
The corgi models tend to hold their value. I do see internet dealers blowing out Corgi products (that don't sell over a long period of time) at good prices - i.e. Bicentinial Phantom, etc. (refering to U.S. based dealers - I know the UK is another story )

Tuesday Morning must make money on these - or they wouldn't buy, distribute, and sell them.

I'm supposed to believe that diecast dealers would prefer to sell a 1:72 scale Memphis Belle to a "liquidator" (who also has to make money) for $20 -25 each BEFORE they would sell them to their own customers??????? (I could see this if the business had filed bankruptcy and/or was closing its doors - but not from the regular dealer.)

I don't know the dealer cost for a 1:72 Memphis Belle - I just don't believe "normal" dealers would take losses like that (unless they were closing their doors). Surely ANY Corgi Dealer could blow out their 1:72 scale Memphis Belles at $29.99 each - making more than if they dumped them to a "liquidator."

Always skeptical,
DADoser

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by panzercommander

Some of the TM stores in the Maryland area look like they are used for weapons testing. I usually feel the need to shower after a TM visit.

One of the TM here in Raleigh is like that. The other one looks like it sells to human beings. Either there's more diecast collectors around here than I know or something is wrong.....mine rarely get anything good.

[jim]

I have just seen the prices of those things in the US. After a while on oxygen and a stiff drink I have sat back in my seat. You chaps in the US have all the best deals. do you know what we poor Brits pay for stuff like that!!!Aaaaaaaaargh.

[mhackl]

I don't think that it's small amounts from dealers, though there may be a little bit of that. I think that it's the distributors that are the likely culprits. I guessing that at least half of Corgi's models are moved through distributors in the US. Almost every hobby shop in america works through a distribution house like Squadron Signal or Stevens Int. Only the large retailers and dedicated diecast shops usually buy direct.

Originally Posted by DADoser

That's very interesting. Just my observation/experience on the forum. The corgi models that show up at TM are VERY consistent nation wide.

(And this is very suspicious/"conspiracy theory" thinking on my part.)

This would lead me to believe that these are coming from a single source - i.e. Corgi vs. a huge number of dealers contacted by a liquidation company dumping a few of their models they can't sell. Based on the info you present, then...either

1) All the dealers are unable to move the exact same models no matter where they are located (which could be true). AND all be dumping the same models at the exact same (calendar year) time.

or...

2) We should be seeing a lot more variety/inconstancy in the models showing up at TM stores. Also a larger variety of different release years in the models showing up. Also some of the same models in different waves as some dealers would hold on to models longer (hoping they would sell) than other dealers.

Please don't take me wrong. I believe what you posted to be true - I just think - based on what I've seen, that Corgi may be telling its dealers one thing and actually doing something else covertly. Obvioulsy you are in the industry and have much more info than me.


I just think what we see from TM, is evidence of a product "dump" from a large single source vs a large "liquidator" picking up surplus models from Corgi dealers all over the U.S.

[mhackl]

With such a small margin in these things I can't imagine that these poducts are being shipped here from the UK to be liquidated. Unless, their distribution originates from the US. I don't think that it does though.

[DCRanger]

Corgi's dumping policy is a mystery. Some US releases have been dumped in the UK when US peeps are still asking for them. I have seen the Tuskegee P47 which is a very nice model IMPO on Ebay in the UK for as little as £6.50 which is less than $12. Compare that with £30 that Corgi want for a new release P47 in the UK which is around $55.

[mhackl]

I can't tell you that we would sell any inventory that cheap, but if you hold you inventory to long it does begin to cost you big bucks. Cost of storage, inventory taxes, not to mention the value of the money tied up in these things. So there does come a point when these products are worth moving at a great loss. When do you cut your losses? Most small businesses hold on to long expecting to eventually get that sale.

The common response is: "Why don't you just sell them to us for that?"
It's because it's that bulk sale that makes a move like this attractive. "Yes, I'm having to dump these but that's still a pretty fat check." Plus, there are little costs that you as a dealer usually absorb like labor, packing material, boxes, tape, etc. that are significantly less on a bulk sale. Also, most dealers are already eating up to $7 per retail sale on shipping costs.

I hope that some outlet develops for recovering these items and reintroducing them into the regular supply chain.

[Mr. Football]

I think Corgi's entry at TM has created a whole new universe of unlikely Corgi collectors. As you know, Corgi products are hard to find at regular brick & mortar stores. This gives them add'l market penetration via a retailer that is known for having top brands.

Needless to say, if there's a new shipment at TM...you'll hear about here first. We have something like 20 Tuesday Mornings in my city. However, I've never been able to visit more than 5, but I usually get what I want. Anyone remember those $29 1/32 Old Crowes? Gotta love it! More recently, I've been on a 1/50 Armor spree. Just waiting for another reload.

Keep'em coming Corgi! Keep'em coming!!!

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by Mr. Football

....Anyone remember those $29 1/32 Old Crowes?

'Course I do...I'm reminded of it every day when I see it parked on it's shelf....

[Captain Eddie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Football
....Anyone remember those $29 1/32 Old Crowes?

'Course I do...I'm reminded of it every day when I see it parked on it's shelf....
__________________

And I'M reminded every time I see mine on my shelf that I paid full price for!