[Epapazian]

With rising labor costs---even in China--plus transportation expenses on the upswing due to inflated oil prices, diecast collectors had better prepare themselves for significant hikes in the costs of the models they buy from "quality" manufacturers. Moreover, the time honored practice of inventory dumping will probably be curtailed as a way to sustain higher prices. So, aside from mass produced, low quality products like the Altaya/IXO lines, we have to decide whether to continue buying diecast warbirds and AFVs or change our buying patterns.

I have opted for the latter approach and am being far more selective in my purchases of new models. When they appear, I don't automatically buy each one---starting with the first---more or less by rote, as was once my practice. Instead, I wait for the livery I really like and take the chance that I may never get it. I like to buy multiples of certain models so I can repaint them in different liveries, however, this penchant has also been curtailed. I'll make an occasional exception, but my "extra" orders are a tiny fraction of what they once were. As a result: I buy many fewer diecast models and use greater care in their selection---a strategy that works for me. With these new rules in place, I indend to remain an avid diecast collector---it's still a lot of fun.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by parsig9

Like any of you pay retail for models. Ya'll wait for the dumps....and they dump everything over there unlike our Tuesday Morning sales where only the unwanted ones go.
And, your Ebay prices are the same or less than ours. I still shop Ebay UK despite the shipping. Don't get me started on Jumblies, nothing like that here. Plus, and I think I've explained this before, you all make more money in England because of the tourist money and its effect on reducing taxes (like in Alaska with the oil). Like I get any tourists in Hillsdale MI? See photo below. Not only do you get cheap models but you get to live in a much more interesting place. I was going to go visit our local WWII airfield the other day, and then I woke up.

Parsig, Jim has talked about moving to the States........perhaps y'all would like to switch places with each other!

[Gort]

Corgi will eventually price themselves outta business. It’s that simple. I’ve mostly switched to Hobby Master, both for quality and price, and I have absolutely no regrets. Still, I’ve got my eye on Corgi’s coming Ju-88 and Me-110. After that, it’s bye-bye pooch!!!

When (not if) Hobby Master raises their prices, I'll get a whole lot more selective. And if HM prices get too high, well ....

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Gort

Corgi will eventually price themselves outta business. It’s that simple. I’ve mostly switched to Hobby Master, both for quality and price, and I have absolutely no regrets. Still, I’ve got my eye on Corgi’s coming Ju-88 and Me-110. After that, it’s bye-bye pooch!!!

When (not if) Hobby Master raises their prices, I'll get a whole lot more selective. And if HM prices get too high, well ....

Of course, Gort, it's probably inevitable that HM's prices will soar as well---after all they will try to maximize their profits like any entrepeneur. If we boycot Corgi---assuming it returns to the frey in a meaningful way-- due to high prices-- we are propelling HM into a position where it has no effective, across the board, competitor and less incentive to hold its prices in check.

[sniperUK]

Originally Posted by parsig9

L Plus, and I think I've explained this before, you all make more money in England because of the tourist money and its effect on reducing taxes (like in Alaska with the oil). Like I get any tourists in Hillsdale MI? See photo below. Not only do you get cheap models but you get to live in a much more interesting place. I was going to go visit our local WWII airfield the other day, and then I woke up.

Just what have you been smoking? have you seen the UK tax rates ,income tax 20% up to £34,800 then 40% on everything above that ,Value Added Tax on everything except food 17.5 % vehicle tax 185 GBP per year ,fuel duty at 50.35 pence per litre which is then taxed with VAT at 17.5 pence giving us petrol at approx $10 per gallon.As for local airfield well .................................................. ......I live on what was the old RAF Newtownards domestic site.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Of course, Gort, it's probably inevitable that HM's prices will soar as well---after all they will try to maximize their profits like any entrepeneur. If we boycot Corgi---assuming it returns to the frey in a meaningful way-- due to high prices-- we are propelling HM into a position where it has no effective, across the board, competitor and less incentive to hold its prices in check.

Agreed, Epapazian. But given the choice, I’d rather pour my hard earned coin into Hobby Master than Corgi (for several good reasons). If Corgi bites the dirt and Hobby Master gets all greedy, well, we’ll have ourselves partly to blame. But I’m still going to patronize HM regardless.

It’s all moot, anyway. I’m convinced that a big, bad economic storm is barreling toward us; and no matter which manufacturer we favor, none will survive. Our lovely diecast world will collapse like a house o’ cards.

How’s that for a sunny forecast?!

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by Gort

It’s all moot, anyway. I’m convinced that a big, bad economic storm is barreling toward us; and no matter which manufacturer we favor, none will survive. Our lovely diecast world will collapse like a house o’ cards.

How’s that for a sunny forecast?!

Gort, you're right on...this is just the beginning, and I figure for right now I'll get as many models as my concience and pocket will allow (the Conpock Factor) and not count on accumulating future releases, especially in 2009. With gas going throught the roof (as a portion of income--our cars and trucks aren't as efficient as they should be), and transportation costs going ballistic (we've just seen the beginning since truckers and such are working under old, money losing, contracts), and with heating bills threatening to rise next winter, I can definitely see my participation in this hobby coming to an end. I'm not sure if I can be satisfied with one or two models every few months...especially at much higher prices per fix. Time will tell, but it looks bleak.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Gort

Agreed, Epapazian. But given the choice, I’d rather pour my hard earned coin into Hobby Master than Corgi (for several good reasons). If Corgi bites the dirt and Hobby Master gets all greedy, well, we’ll have ourselves partly to blame. But I’m still going to patronize HM regardless.

It’s all moot, anyway. I’m convinced that a big, bad economic storm is barreling toward us; and no matter which manufacturer we favor, none will survive. Our lovely diecast world will collapse like a house o’ cards.

How’s that for a sunny forecast?!

I've been carrying around an umbrellea for three days because the local TV stations keep warning us about major showers--if they make it sound like Noah's flood from the Bible, they think they'll get bigger ratings. So far, I have yet to unfurl my umbrella, though it comes in handy when I ward off panhandlers and other obnoxious types as I roam the streets of The Big Apple. I hope that your forecast regarding the future of our diecast hobby is as accurate of our TV weather reports. Otherwise, I may have to take up weather forecasting.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Parsig, Jim has talked about moving to the States........perhaps y'all would like to switch places with each other!

Now that's a fantabulous idea! Jim, I need a job!


Are you trying to get rid o' me?

[Cruver Collecter]

I like some of Corgi's products, but if prices go to high, just have to stick with Hobby Master.