[Spinnaker]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

.... but I will NOT pay the increased prices.

I am probably the "ideal" consumer in Corgi's eyes . If I like a model, and I want it in my collection, then I'll pay what it takes to purchase an example. I'll shop around various online retailers to find the best price, and sometimes even look at e-Bay. But I certainly won't boycott a particular manufacturer simply because I think their prices are too high.

[hworth18]

You know, I have been collecting 1/72 diecast since Corgi first started producing them 7 years ago.. Over and over again, I have heard folks say "I won't buy Corgi because they are too expensive".. I heard that same statement 3 years ago when a new company also offered cheap diecast.. That company was called Dragon, and they once produced a fine little Tiger I for $10.99, that same Tiger tank today will cost you almost $30.00... And on top of that, it isn't even metal anymore, just a little PLASTIC model..The same story with their Aircraft line, once $15.00, now $29.00.. Dragon makes a great diecast product, but as with some other new manufacturers, they flooded the market to the point that their product isn't worth the metal/plastic it is made from..

I had a discussion with Mark at Onmark about a year ago that Corgi had not had a serious price increase in the last 5 years and we agreed the market was due for a correction.. Corgi, along with Franklin Mint have finally come to their senses and realized that offering diecast at a cheap price only devalues their own product.. Offering a more limited item at a higher price makes the line more collectible and more desirable from a collectors standpoint.. Mark had also pointed out to me that since Franklin has raised their prices, they have been selling much more Franklin Mint than they have in the last year or two..

I guess what it really comes down to is: Corgi/Franklin won't be decreasing their prices, so get used to it.. Buy it if you can, or don't buy it, but if you don't, someone else will..

[jim]

Originally Posted by Spinnaker

I am probably the "ideal" consumer in Corgi's eyes . If I like a model, and I want it in my collection, then I'll pay what it takes to purchase an example. I'll shop around various online retailers to find the best price, and sometimes even look at e-Bay. But I certainly won't boycott a particular manufacturer simply because I think their prices are too high.

Yes thats the problem, If a first class piece of diecast comes out A really good piece of diecast then I am afraid that I would weaken and pay the money.

BUT if it was such a good piece of diecast then it would be worth the price, Wouldn't it?

The Swordfish is an example of good diecast, its certainly a first for Corgi, they actually put something in the cockpit that looked human. Now if they can put more fine detail into their models then maybe they can justify higher prices.

Another point to raise is that if we want Corgi to make more diverse models like P61s, Stirlings etc etc they need a good turnover and good profits to fund molds and Research and have the confidence to take risks..
The cost of setting up a mold for a diecast plane must be tens of thousands. At the moment Corgi is pulling itself back together and looking to get those good profits and in a way it can only be for the good of us collectors in the long term.

If they just put up prices but dont give us value for money then they will lose out to others, Capitalism is a double edged sword.

[1250ships]

You guys don't know how good you have it. Those of us collecting 1/1250 ships have it really rough. We are getting the same metal cost issues plus the ships are mostly produced in Germany and the dollar has been steadily dropping versus the Euro.



A model like this one of the US heavy cruiser Salem would have sold for around $75 a year or two ago. Now it is $105. If you are a committed collector you buy it but it sure can make it hard for anyone just starting in the hobby.



Then if you want something super detailed like ths model of USS Truxton that comes in a display box you are paying over $200. And people buy them because most of these are true limited editions. I don't know for sure on the Truxton but I'd be surprised if they produced more than 100 total. I know of some models that were produced in 30 piece runs. The upside of that is they command a huge price when they appear for sale. There have been a couple of out of production models that originally were around $60 selling on Ebay for $700 to $1000 lately.

All of this explains why I think 1/72 diecast is cheap and also why I have so many Easy Models plane and Corgis from Tuesday Morning!

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by hworth18

I guess what it really comes down to is: Corgi/Franklin won't be decreasing their prices, so get used to it.. Buy it if you can, or don't buy it, but if you don't, someone else will..

I'll take bets on this and even give you odds. Particularly for FM, whose price increases are in direct contradiction to their lower standards (look at that Mirage III...). They've tried this before and failed, I think that will happen again. I've been a pretty syeady buyer of their product in the past, but not anymore. I did get "Showtime 100" recently (at Joe Pilot for only $56), but I'm not paying $105 for a Raptor which is only so-so. Instead, I'm spending my diecast money on EI, Carousel, and HM (and e-bay where I was able to get GMPs at reasonable prices).

I don't think I'll be the only one thinking in those terms. Corgi and FM used to have a near-monopoly. Not any more...

FVD

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

I'll take bets on this and even give you odds. Particularly for FM, whose price increases are in direct contradiction to their lower standards (look at that Mirage III...). They've tried this before and failed, I think that will happen again. I've been a pretty syeady buyer of their product in the past, but not anymore. I did get "Showtime 100" recently (at Joe Pilot for only $56), but I'm not paying $105 for a Raptor which is only so-so. Instead, I'm spending my diecast money on EI, Carousel, and HM (and e-bay where I was able to get GMPs at reasonable prices).

I don't think I'll be the only one thinking in those terms. Corgi and FM used to have a near-monopoly. Not any more...

FVD

You're definitely not alone thinking in those terms FVD .

[Cardinal]

I think a lot of the issue also has to do with competitive pricing and the quality of the product. Although Corgi makes some great models it also makes some 'dogs' (excuse the pun) and quality control often leaves a lot to be desired. Without truly trying to be the who bursts anyone's bubble, these are closer to being mass produced 'toys', rather than highly sought after collectibles that are crafted in extremely limited numbers with individual care as to quality and finish, hence commanding true 'collectible' prices .

[JETFAN]

As our collections grow, most of us eventually reach a problem with display space; this in turn forces us to be more selective on what we purchase. I have a modest collection approaching 200 models on display, all 1/72 and mainly Corgi. The original 2007 catalogue almost overwhelmed me in trying to select what I absolutely wanted to buy and yet leave space for the odd impulse buy at a later date. I subsequently and reluctantly rescinded a number of my advance orders of Corgi's 2007 releases when I saw what other manufacturers were announcing like the T-6 etc. I'm now getting less inclined to place a bulk advance order as I need to think about what MIGHT be offered in a year or two. For instance, I've got to leave space for "Friday 13th" Halifax just in case the Pooch makes my dreams come true.

The rising costs also have a major impact on the choice of model; No longer do I try to collect every Swordfish for instance; I'd rather add another aircraft type to the display. If others takes this approach, and I suspect most do, then the makers really do need to listen to what the collectors want to see. This will lead to limited editions, better quality and then justify the higher prices.

The bottom line to all this rambling is that the manufacturers need to create a better bond with their customers if both are to be satisfied.