[Shamrock]

With you on this one wmosner. Every one of my 180+ models are on display. IMHO it is the reason for collecting. It is a pain in the *** dusting all of them every three weeks or so but that is the only downside. All the boxes are safely put away in the attic should I ever need to 'liquidate my assets'. The value (monetary) of my collection is not an issue for me.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Presentation is important folks.

Yes, the bird inside is the SINGLE defining element of the deal, but presentation says to the customer that the manufacturer cares and leaves a big impression after the bird is put away and the box in the garage.

While I'm not a Corgi first and foremost guy, their packaging is so MUCH better then Dragon or Hobby Master. Gemini have a nice box and pack the bird well, but its really bland.

Granted, I think that everyone in the field could step way on on this front, and the new Corgi packaging (Which I haven't seen yet.) seems to be a big leap in that direction. I'm also looking forward to seeing the next round from Hobby Master where there is detail and history on the packaging.

The little extras would go a LONG way to getting more repeat business from the regular public. (We are all hopelessly addicted so I don't count us. )

Like I said earlier Hobby Master is a new company and it takes time to get spooled up and get all the bugs out. New packaging and other small extras are coming or will come, it just takes time. Hobby Master also looks at the cost effectiveness of these extras, how much will this extra add to their cost and if need be will the customer be willing to pay for the extras? So there is a lot for them to consider before committing to anything. Personally, I said personally, Hobby Master only being a little over one year in operation I think for the first year or so the priority has been to develope good quality models at a fair price, try to learn what the customer wants and doesn't want, what sells and what doesn't sell and then start fine tuning. I could be all wrong but that is my personal take on this.

[Spinnaker]

Personally, I think HM's packaging is OK. The wires may be unnecessary, but the boxes fulfil the main purpose for which they are designed - ie. protect the model during shipping, or while in storage. My HM's have travelled pretty-much right around the world to get to me, and all have arrived in perfect condition. I can't ask for more than that!

However, I welcome the possibility that they may be going to add some additional information about the plane/pilot/unit to the packaging.

Vitually all my collection is on display, but I have kept almost all the boxes. One day I will no doubt relocate, and I want to make sure that the planes all arrive safely at their destination, with all parts intact.

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by admin

Surely you jest....

What"s with the packaging? Are you kidding?
You guys aren't really the types who throw away the boxes are you? What would you do if you moved? How would you ever resell a model? Can you really display you entire collection? If you can't, don't you rotate your display? Everyone of those actions are dependent on the box.

As with just about any collectible, the box is just as important as the model inside. If you have a GI Joe from 1975, it's worth some money. If you have a GI Joe from 1975 mint in the box then it's worth a lot more, possibly double. The box becomes a collectible too, especially when so many collectors have to keep there models stored. Due to remodeling, I have every single model that I own in their boxes right now. That said, a man has to get his fix every now and then. You know, get a model out and stare at for a while maybe fly it around the room, well if your like me, and I know that some of you are. The Corgi box permits fearless retrieval for logging flight time. The HM box however, well now that's another story, you have annoying wires to contend with and it's also very easy to tear the flaps on their flimsy paper box. It's also bland and lacks personality, and hey, it gets you no freebies.

I collect history, but I also collect eye candy, and the more I get of both with my purchase the better. To me the paint, as well as the build, on the box is almost as important as that of the plane inside.

When I buy a model, it's usually stored in its box. Whether the box is a history book or just a box, to me, it's just a box. If I display a model, I glue the fiddly bits, throw out the cardboard box and work on the assumption that this model is mine forever. That's why my lower end models (Corgi Warbirds, IXO P-40s, Duplicate HMs) are "sans la box". My more valuable models that I want to keep in pristine condition are still stored safely in their boxes. Really don't give a whoop what the box looks like - I collect planes, not boxes!

[STARMAN 352ND]

As long as it gets the plane to me in great shape i don't care what the box looks like.
I don't collect the boxes just the planes.
A company knows half of the boxes they use will end up in the trash anyway.
Unless your box and plane are going to be on display at a museum well then it matters what it looks like.
The GMP and EI boxes i'll keep in a safe place.
JP

[FormerViperDriver]

On the box topic, for some of us who move around often, boxes are important. But what is important is the FUNCTIONALITY of the box, i.e. ability to easily put the model back in the box for transport. The look of the box is irrelevant.

FVD

[djjeffhall]

Hawkonevoodoo,
Hey there.

I should, and didn't, mention that the best part of Hobby Master is the rate at which they are changing and improving things on their end. Its really exciting to hear how quickly they are responding to our desires. Between the excellent selection of birds they have planned and the improvments on the packaging its hard to contain oneself. Thanks

[jim]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

Like I said earlier Hobby Master is a new company and it takes time to get spooled up and get all the bugs out. New packaging and other small extras are coming or will come, it just takes time. Hobby Master also looks at the cost effectiveness of these extras, how much will this extra add to their cost and if need be will the customer be willing to pay for the extras? So there is a lot for them to consider before committing to anything. Personally, I said personally, Hobby Master only being a little over one year in operation I think for the first year or so the priority has been to develope good quality models at a fair price, try to learn what the customer wants and doesn't want, what sells and what doesn't sell and then start fine tuning. I could be all wrong but that is my personal take on this.

This good after only one year!! I predict great things from this company. I wonder if great P40s are on the way maybe? Oh well perhaps there are enough P40s just for now. (not really) .So it will give HM chance to make the Me410 s Do217s and P61s. Well I can hope can't I.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Hawkonevoodoo,
Hey there.

I should, and didn't, mention that the best part of Hobby Master is the rate at which they are changing and improving things on their end. Its really exciting to hear how quickly they are responding to our desires. Between the excellent selection of birds they have planned and the improvments on the packaging its hard to contain oneself. Thanks

I'll pass this on to Hobby Master, I'm sure they like to hear this once in a while.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by jim

I wonder if great P40s are on the way maybe? Oh well perhaps there are enough P40s just for now.

jim, they're opening up a new theme park around here this summer....I hear it's going to be called P-40World........When ya coming?