Small Scale Military Headquarters

Got the email today from Bad Cat about the new JSI figues arriving. Retail at $12 and their price at $9.99. I realize other dealers will have them at a less expensive cost but even at $2 less, they will still be $7.99 and after adding tax and shipping, they will be well over $10 each. Ouch! The figure shown on the BC site had only a helmet, rifle, and shovel as equipment unless there is more hidden in the box. Haven't been keeping up very closely with the figures. Are these new molds or the same as 21st released. Seems that the packageing may be whats pushing the price up. Any thoughts. And if they were to ever sell at any big box stores, it doesn't seem like that packaging would be the way to go.

there taking two steps back. the last series figures were the best. we dont need to go back to anorexic german tank commanders and swivel legs and arms.

The packaging certainly is having an effect on the pricing. While it looks very nice, and probably appeals to the more snobbish collectors as opposed to the crowd that accepts the blister pack, it could very well stifle sales. If the figures themselves don't keep the promise the package makes, these guys may close up shop and blame the customer for their own short-sightedness.

It is possible that JSI is trying to address a slightly different audience with this product. Also, inflation is playing a bit of a role in these price increases - ya'll are going to have to get used to this because it is only getting worse. Remember, $2000 doesn't buy a new car anymore but it did in the 50's.

Anyway, it is correct that this may or may not fly. If the primary audience that is interested in this product already has these figures then they may not do well.

I know that there would be a lot of interest in a re-release of those Fallschmijagers, they probably should have started there.

* ....... thing of it is , they may not have or have access to these Fallschirmjäger molds ... if @ all or when , yet.


- Mitch v MG

the main problem is they look like crap! the colors stink aswell!

AMERICAN_GRENADIER wrote:the main problem is they look like crap! the colors stink aswell!

My thoughts exactly. If these sell, I'll be surprised. They don't even look better than the originals, as the paint application is worse than the miss match molded color that some of the originals had. At least the off molded colors were closer, that they could be over looked somewhat.

I thought they were adding articulation to them? These guys fall short of their claims, as there is no difference from what I see from the originals . These look much like cheap knock offs, but without the cheap price tag to go along with them. I can almost foresee that these will be clearanced out in the following months to years, depending on how long the e-tailer wants to sit on them. Kind of sad, but this could be very well the dead of the figures .

momaw nadon

momaw nadon wrote:[I can almost foresee that these will be clearanced out in the following months to years, depending on how long the e-tailer wants to sit on them.

If you think e-tailers are inventorying product to the levels they were a year or more ago, you're kidding yourself. If these are clearanced, it will be by JSI or Merit, but not by e-tailers.

Ya know, I think if these were new figures (in the same quality / color of newer 21C figures) this idea could very well fly.

As example: I wouldn't mind paying 10 -12 bucks for a figure packaged like this if it were say a russian, or German sniper, or high ranking officer, pilot in dress uniform, new FJ germans, some brits... something like that!

Repacked lesser quality paint / mismatching parts old figures simply won't do at that price! I just hope they don't plan to release a 5 year anniversary Sahara set next!

* The vehicles w/ the previously proposed (un-released) Sahara scheme , yeah ! *


- Mitch v MG

As example: I wouldn't mind paying 10 -12 bucks for a figure packaged like this if it were say a russian, or German sniper, or high ranking officer, pilot in dress uniform, new FJ germans, some brits... something like that!

Exactly.

Have we figured out if "JSI" has actually tooled anything themselves? We know to get where they are on the F-14 must have taken at least a year. Have they been working on it that long or did it start as a twinkle in 21C's eye?

tko211 wrote:Ya know, I think if these were new figures (in the same quality / color of newer 21C figures) this idea could very well fly.

As example: I wouldn't mind paying 10 -12 bucks for a figure packaged like this if it were say a russian, or German sniper, or high ranking officer, pilot in dress uniform, new FJ germans, some brits... something like that!

Repacked lesser quality paint / mismatching parts old figures simply won't do at that price! I just hope they don't plan to release a 5 year anniversary Sahara set next!

Amen brother..

Perhaps this is the first effort to get the kinks worked out and the main wave is to follow.

Are there any Representatives from JSI , that can be contacted to help with what collectors would like and might let them know what might sell? Same old figures in a new box may work for those who've never seen them...but for those who have these figures why pay more for the same thing?
I'm impressed that a company would want to keep a 1:18th figure, aircraft, tank, military line alive........lets talk.

coreystinson wrote:

momaw nadon wrote:[I can almost foresee that these will be clearanced out in the following months to years, depending on how long the e-tailer wants to sit on them.

If you think e-tailers are inventorying product to the levels they were a year or more ago, you're kidding yourself. If these are clearanced, it will be by JSI or Merit, but not by e-tailers.

Well, whomever clearances these out. All I'm trying to say is that if this is want JSI has to offer, they are shooting themselves in the foot. So far I haven't seen anything I want to jump on. Repaint Tiger with less but cost more, these poor figures for more, more repaints. If they are hoping to build funds for the F-14, I don't think will see that then. Most are saying that they won't be picking up anything until it's clearance, if they are already talking like that this is not going to last long. I would like to see it continue, but if this is their way to judge the market, they are just throwing away everything.

Would be nice for someone from JSI to come in an inform us of what the real plans are, but if they haven't chimed in now I don't think they are going too.

momaw nadon

digger wrote:

As example: I wouldn't mind paying 10 -12 bucks for a figure packaged like this if it were say a russian, or German sniper, or high ranking officer, pilot in dress uniform, new FJ germans, some brits... something like that!

Exactly.

Have we figured out if "JSI" has actually tooled anything themselves? We know to get where they are on the F-14 must have taken at least a year. Have they been working on it that long or did it start as a twinkle in 21C's eye?

Quoted just for "twinkle in 21st's eye". That was funny.

I think online sales are going to do dismally, especially if offering old and, in some cases, outdated/less impressive items at higher prices... Not a good move, but that's my opinion.

I could see these moving if they were like TKO said about it being kind of like miniature dragon figures maybe (but poseable). Especially if you were given nice accessories with them like the old Dragon figures were. $10 a pop for figures I already own though, is of course nothing I'm personally interested in and I suspect many will agree.

It's pretty much the same for me on the armor... Something new? I'm open to the idea, like the search light Hanomag variant, or the Sherman rocket launcher variant... I'm all ears there. Not on the Tiger, sans driver and MG-42, with a new paintjob. I have 2 Tigers I'm perfectly happy with right now.

So more or less I'm still in a waiting pattern here, for something that interests me. F-14's nice for the air guys though.

I would agree with you, Jesse.
I could possibly buy a redo of an old figure, IF it has something I don't already have. Add some new weapons WITH SLINGS or accessories to the fancy new packaging? Dragon had awesome accessories and so do BBI.
JSI may find that offering an old dog without any new tricks is going be very disappointing to the collectors and to JSI (in sales).

Im up for 15-30 tankers possibly if there not the tinny ones.

I agree JSI needs to rethink this strategy with the old figs.

AMERICAN_GRENADIER wrote:the main problem is they look like crap! the colors stink aswell!

Yeah, that's a major obstacle for me. Price isn't even an issue until they look better.

Plenty of other models and scales to buy until something better comes along.

For some reason, I'm reminded of some off brand soldier figures I bought at a flea market. Not the best of translations, they were called the, "The Worriors."

Gave it away as a gag gift one xmas. Wish I'd at least taken a few photos.

i think about these figures time to time then go back to the site thinking they couldnt be as bad as i remember them to be. once i check them again realize that i was right. THEY SUCK!

Does any one know when the german figures are coming out?? every place i see has the americans for preorder but no germans.

i heard september

You two have a thing about Ladies in black?

The Airborne figures are out, did any one buy any??

Actually, the Gals do look good in black

Here's 2 of mine





Anyone else make some Female SS figures ???

Da General