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Post by buffyfannumerouno on Sept 23, 2005 5:23:22 GMT -5
I just got this email, which really pissed me off seeing as now I have to pay more money and all. Hello- Thank you for your pre-order of Sideshow's 12" Vampire Schoolgirl Darla. Unfortunately Sideshow Collectibles (the manufacturer) has decided to make this figure a limited release and NOT to allow retailers such as Time & Space Toys or the Buffy Collector Club to have access to it in any way. They do not want to sell it to us at a wholesale price so that they may be the only direct source for this item. This way they can take the full $45 as direct profit from you rather than sell it at a discount to stores where we can then pass the discounts to you the customer. This of source leaves you our valuable customer forced to buy it at the full $45 direct from their website www.sideshowtoy.com Although I am very unhappy about this news, I also do care about my customers and their collections, so I must recommend that if you still want this item to hurry to their website to order as they will be extremely limited and will most likely sell out soon. Your order here will be cancelled. If you ordered with other items, it will be removed from the order, but the other items will remain. I am very sorry for this inconvenience. If you do prefer to buy Sideshow product from other stores such as Time & Space Toys, CineQuest or Next gen Toys, please let the people at Sideshow know, because this is likely to be the future of the Buffy 12" line. (of course, probably will be $50 each as soon as their monopoly is complete). Thanks for your continued support. Sincerely, Kevin Kriess President Time & Space Toys _______________________ Time & Space Toys www.timeandspacetoys.com_______________________ Time & Space Toys www.timeandspacetoys.com
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Post by Scullow on Sept 23, 2005 5:26:11 GMT -5
OK, that sucks royally. It won't affect me because I get mine from Sideshow Euro, but I do feel sorry for all you guys that are going to suffer for this.
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Post by ajmets on Sept 23, 2005 9:32:59 GMT -5
I'm starting to get pretty upset with Sideshow. Originally their figures were $40 each now they have gone up to $45 and even $50 plus shipping. They ship three figures all at the same time and then charge you $8.25 shipping for each figure which is a total rip-off. If they are shipping at the same time the shipping costs should be combined and it would be considerably lower than the $24.75 you wind up getting charged. Now they won't allow TST to sell this Darla so that they can make a bigger profit off us? That's horse shit. If TST can sell it for $35 or whatever it is imagine what it actually costs sideshow to make these figures. That means they can sell it to TST for probably half that cost maybe a little more. Sideshow is getting very greedy and it's going to hurt them in the end. It's a shame because I really love their figures but they are getting carried away.
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Post by Buffy&Angel4Ever on Sept 23, 2005 9:34:57 GMT -5
it's a shame ! Sideshow, your decision sucks ! ;D I ordered vampire Angel and Werewolf Oz from Sideshow, and because I live in France, Sideshow made me pay this : total for vampire Angel : 91,65 $ (figure price was just 50 $) total for werewolf Oz : 92,83 $ (figure price was just 50 $) So I don't like to order from them because of that.
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Post by rogueslayer2 on Sept 23, 2005 10:01:43 GMT -5
Can anyone say they are suprised by this? The Sideshow website clearly states that these figures are both limited to less than 1000 so it was obviously going to be some kind of limited edition exclusive that wouldn't be available wholesale (i.e. Werewolf Oz, Vamp Angel)
I think TST / BCC is more to blame for the let down because they assumed they'd have this item in stock without even consulting Sideshow. This wasn't some last minute decision by Sideshow, if for instance the Blue version was limited to say 5,000 then obviously it would be wholesale.
As for Sideshow's shipping prices, they normally overestimate the quote on the website but it does cost less sometimes and they always charge your card for the exact amount it cost them (thats always the case with my orders anyway).
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Post by prophecygirl on Sept 23, 2005 10:18:43 GMT -5
I was thinking that as well. With the production numbers being so low for both the regular & the exclusive, it doesn't seem logical that SS would sell to other places, if it's likely that they can sell them all themselves. And it looks like SS will sell them all, as they are #1 & 2 in the Top 10.
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Post by DanMan on Sept 23, 2005 10:31:42 GMT -5
I think their continued attempts to funnel all sales through their own website will ultimately hurt them. It's true that they get more profits (wholesale Sideshow prices are around $17-20) but the lack of exposure in other stores and in brick and mortar retail has to hurt.
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Post by Slayer44 on Sept 23, 2005 10:48:23 GMT -5
The thing that I am curious to is is this how it is going to be for future Buffy figures? Are they going to be a lot more limited. I mean that of course has its ups and its downs. Up being that if you get one then it is more likely to be worth more later on. Down being that you have no choice but to buy it from Sideshow.
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Post by rogueslayer2 on Sept 23, 2005 10:52:00 GMT -5
I think their continued attempts to funnel all sales through their own website will ultimately hurt them. It's true that they get more profits (wholesale Sideshow prices are around $17-20) but the lack of exposure in other stores and in brick and mortar retail has to hurt. I never thought I'd see the words 'lack of exposure' and 'Sideshow' in the same sentence Most of the Darla's available will probably be snapped up by eBayers wanting to sell them on for ridiculous higher prices. I honestly think it was a good move by Sideshow from a business perspective, but I think they should of at least offered them for $40 to be fair to the collector.
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Post by wickedredhead on Sept 23, 2005 10:53:06 GMT -5
I really hope they don't start doing this on a regular basis. But as far as Darla goes I could care less what they do with her because she is the worst one I've seen yet. I think she is hidious. I do think she looks better in the blue, but not even that can make me want this one.
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Post by rogueslayer2 on Sept 23, 2005 10:59:08 GMT -5
The thing that I am curious to is is this how it is going to be for future Buffy figures? Are they going to be a lot more limited. I mean that of course has its ups and its downs. Up being that if you get one then it is more likely to be worth more later on. Down being that you have no choice but to buy it from Sideshow. I think they will do, and I agree with both your points. If Sideshow could sort out their Customer Service, prices and shipping policies maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I really hope they don't start doing this on a regular basis. But as far as Darla goes I could care less what they do with her because she is the worst one I've seen yet. I think she is hidious. I do think she looks better in the blue, but not even that can make me want this one. Thats another problem. The prototypes arn't exactly thrilling, but when they start to ship they might look a lot better in person which means many people will of missed out on getting these - or have to shell out twice the price on eBay! Then again it could be the opposite and they might arrive in terrible condition
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Post by prophecygirl on Sept 23, 2005 12:31:44 GMT -5
Forbidden Planet have just put this up for order on their site. Hmm. Will it get removed, just like T&ST's did?
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Post by esc on Sept 23, 2005 15:21:54 GMT -5
The thing that I am curious to is is this how it is going to be for future Buffy figures? Are they going to be a lot more limited. I mean that of course has its ups and its downs. Up being that if you get one then it is more likely to be worth more later on. Down being that you have no choice but to buy it from Sideshow. Isn't that true for every exclusive that is out there. THAW was a TST 'exclusive' but they're everywhere now besides TST or BCC. Even Sideshow's Vamp Angel for SDCC2004 was still available at the 2005 show. Or any of the con exclusives end up on someone's website a few weeks later. Should I spend the money to go to these cons or just wait a little while and get the figures in mail from a website. If someone is collecting for future money investments, then yes this is good that distribution of figures are limited. But if you're just a fan of the shows or of toys, this is a real downer. Especially when there's so much to buy. I don't know what to feel about this to be honest.
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Post by FireflyFlanatic on Sept 23, 2005 15:30:31 GMT -5
Wow, I think this is a bit much for them to send out an e-mail like this. This is coming from the same company that is charging outrageous prices for the comic con exclusives, which indicates they ordered a bunch from Sideshow to sell at outrageous prices on their website knowing the demand would go up (and were supposed to be limited to one per customer so they must've ordered under different credit cards to get them). Let's see, Wolf Oz was originally $50 from Sideshow and the BCC is selling it for $109 and Vamp Spike was originally about $45 and is being sold for $109 - yup, their only concern is for the customer. And PG Buffy is actually cheaper on Sideshow's website than it is at the BCC.
I think it is too early to say that Sideshow is going to do this with all their products. This item is a limited number for both colors, was initially listed as "Exclusives" for both (the red no longer says this). And both colors are really small amounts. I'm guessing that Sideshow has a regular customer base that buys directly from them (and I was one of those people until I recently joined the BCC to get non-exclusives) and they want to make sure their loyal customer base gets the figures first. Simple as that.
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Post by DanMan on Sept 23, 2005 15:46:27 GMT -5
If someone is collecting for future money investments, then yes this is good that distribution of figures are limited. But if you're just a fan of the shows or of toys, this is a real downer. Especially when there's so much to buy. I don't know what to feel about this to be honest. You've summed it up really well. Less competition from stores and lower production runs are bad for people who actually want to be able to buy the figures to keep for themselves, and to have them be affordable.
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Post by Raven on Sept 23, 2005 15:51:01 GMT -5
Wow, I think this is a bit much for them to send out an e-mail like this. This is coming from the same company that is charging outrageous prices for the comic con exclusives, which indicates they ordered a bunch from Sideshow to sell at outrageous prices on their website knowing the demand would go up (and were supposed to be limited to one per customer so they must've ordered under different credit cards to get them). Let's see, Wolf Oz was originally $50 from Sideshow and the BCC is selling it for $109 and Vamp Spike was originally about $45 and is being sold for $109 - yup, their only concern is for the customer. And PG Buffy is actually cheaper on Sideshow's website than it is at the BCC. Well said FF. TST is just *shocked* that Sideshow would do this to their customers, yet they don't have a problem jacking up their prices as they see fit. People in glass houses ... Frankly I don't know how I feel about this, as I generally purchase the exclusives which means I order from Sideshow the majority of the time. So it really doesn't have much of an affect on me.
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Post by FM on Sept 23, 2005 16:59:18 GMT -5
I agree with FF. This email is a ridiculous. Sour Grapes, much?
I dont see how anyone could've thought that a figure limited to 750 would be available everywhere Sideshow toys are sold. That isnt possible.
If they continue this with all the figures, I'll probably be mad but its most likely because the figures arent selling well enough to make massive amounts. I'd rather have a limited figure than no figure at all. We'll just have to wait and see.
I think Darla will become very rare...these are some of the most limited figures Sideshow has made...and its the only version of the character so far. The different outfits mean that more fans will be buying both versions...its not just a boom box or a dead bird.
If anyone is waiting on this one, I'd get a move on and preorder it...even if you arent sure you want it...you can always cancel but I have a feeling she isnt going to be available much longer.
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Post by VampireStake on Sept 23, 2005 21:21:08 GMT -5
The BCC selling the 'Con' exclusives for high prices is warranted. These con exclusives are not allowed to be sold to any store, wether it be a brick and mortar store, or an online sotre. They are ONLY available at the cons (SDCC) and is only one per person. Stores like T&ST must place individual orders and have employees pick them up. This limits them to only a few figures at a time. While those prices may sound extreme, the fact is T&ST have to phisically pick them up instead of ordering them at discounted prices.
The price to actually 'produce' these figures is betweejn $16-$20. I beleive the 'wholesale' cost of a noraml $45 figure is $26-$28.
Sideshow making BOTH Darlas exclusive is complete BS. There have been other Sideshow figures that had a low demand, yet they allowed them to be sold to online stores at discounted prices. Sideshow is trying to make them a 'one stop shop' to buy these figures which will infact wind up hurting them. Who wants to pay $45 +$8 to ship a noraml figure when you can get it from the BCC for $35 shipped (or cheaper with free shipping?).
I'm not trying to 'defend' the BCC for there e-mail, as many of you know I am unhappy waiting 2 months for my Wesleys, but this e-mail is warranted and can serious hurt the 12 inch line, considering what figures are announced, and which ones are not.
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Post by rogueslayer2 on Sept 24, 2005 3:45:14 GMT -5
I disagree with you VampireStake, I think this will keep the 12" line alive!
I always pre-order the exclusive from Sideshow but because they make me wait about a month to get it from the EU warehouse I try and find it relatively cheap from eBay (has to be the exclusive though). Therefore I cancel my order leaving 1 less sale for Sideshow, and if more people are cancelling to get them cheaper elsewhere this would reflect on how Sideshow see the future of the line.
Maybe the Darla thing is a experiment to see just how popular the line still is?
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Post by buffyfannumerouno on Sept 24, 2005 7:05:15 GMT -5
I just hope that they really don't plan on doing this with future figures, I'd hate to keep paying almost $100 every time they come out with 2 versions of the same character. I'd rather save $15 to $20 buying 1 version at TST BCC.
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