[Kamatayan]

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[Joe Moore]

Move to appropriate forum.

[Kamatayan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylactus

I don't consider it a crime if we produce figures Hasbro will never make, right? especially if we don't profit from the figures then it's art right? and if we distributed it via a private auction on ebay, then we're purchasing a product from china on ebay, then passing them out to friends at cost. I see no ligule issue here. were commissioning art from china.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamatayan

That's a good way of putting it. And hell, if this ends up bothering Hasbro then, it could end up being a good thing. One of the worst outcomes would be that we would be banned from making bootlegs, but because of it, Hasbro would be forced to give us what we want.

Putting these quotes here. That way, we can continue where we left off.

[Kamatayan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylactus

OK everybody, first I'd like to apologize in advance if my actions screw up anything for anyone... earlier I was looking at china bay mostly at the headless legends that seem to be worth there weight in gold, and the 6" avengers that are clearly not legends. It got me thinking if these folks can produce factory grade figures (probably illegally) why do they only make copies of existing figures? clearly they could produce a factory painted kit bash of a new character, right? hell, they could probably whip up some factory grade packaging. or more desirable paint schemes on existing figures. So I decided to try to break into this seedy underground world of international toy bootlegging. my first step, contact the only guy I have access to a china bay seller. Plan good, execution.... iffy at best. I sent him a PM on ebay saying: "hello friend, I am curious about illegal international toy bootlegging, namely how to put in a large order for a custom figure. I'd like to work with you to develop original figures biased on the molds I feel you have access to. I represent a very large consortium of American Toy collectors that are hungry for new product, Product that traditional toy companies are failing to provide. I feel if you could provide me with your production costs and methods we may be able to work something out, Thank you." I didn't realized until I had sent it, and read it back a few times did I realize I sounded like some bazar cross a cop, and a 80's movie drug dealer. I hope he doesn't close up shop. I still think my idea is sound, make a limited run of MU original figures design them ourselves packaging and all, pick up the numbering at the original line (plus a missing #23). plus what would be more collectable than limited edition pirate toys from the factory? Make them put out a quality product, explain that they can make more per unit than Hasbro. I've also done some research into "grey marketing" this is a huge loophole where by, through the right distribution methods otherwise illegal merchandise is distributable in the states (U.K., sorry buddies your country has imports buttoned up tight. you could barely bring in legit stuff).
anyway I think it's doable.

This is what the main discussion will be. But again, discussion on bootlegs in general is allowed. Also, I won't really care if anyone goes off topic.

[Skoob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylactus

clearly they could produce a factory painted kit bash of a new character, right? hell, they could probably whip up some factory grade packaging. or more desirable paint schemes on existing figures...etc.

Your references to "illegal" and "consortium" ought to raise eyebrows. No offense, but I wouldn't touch that note, no matter which side I was on!

It is a puzzle why the Chinese don't experiment more with their own concepts and designs. Tapping into known markets is probably the chief excuse. Heck knows, it's hard enough for smaller Western outfits to find a profitable niche. Then again, the global market is vast, and we may simply not be seeing some things.

It would be interesting to know what research has been done in this regard. The Chinese love miniatures generally. I have several from my own travels, but they're carvings and art objects, not plastic. It never came up in polite conversation, but I wonder if plastic collectibles in general might be considered predominantly "Western." The few explicitly Chinese characters that I have seen are historical or military figures, quite expensive, and I suspect that they're intended to serve a special purpose, mainly educational. Does anyone here know of any well-known Western-style Chinese superheroes? One could argue that Wuxia / Wire Fu films occupy a parallel niche...?

[Harbinger]

Dumb question....but what the hell is china bay?

[K Dubious]

I ask that a lot myself Nitlife, lol.

My interpretation is the sellers on Ebay that are based in China, which typically sell knockoffs and bootlegs that are factory made copies of figures for much cheaper than they retail for.

[deathofthelines]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K Dubious

I ask that a lot myself Nitlife, lol.

My interpretation is the sellers on Ebay that are based in China, which typically sell knockoffs and bootlegs that are factory made copies of figures for much cheaper than they retail for.

This too was my understanding

[Skoob]

That's my understanding as well: it's a glib pejorative in recognition of the fact that much western manufacturing has been offshored in recent decades.

[deathofthelines]

Little off topic but it made me laugh at the time and it did now. A few years ago I was in church and the pastor was talking about how the Chinese were killing and imprisoning missionary's passing out bibles and that we should boycott anything made in china. Now usually I'm pretty respectful and mind my words. But as soon as he said this I guess my filters turned off and my very loud response was maybe you should stop sending people over there and stop messing with my toy purchases. Few weeks before this sermon he did another one about certain toyline that were gateways to evil like the toy biz ghost rider line skeleton warriors spawn and a few others he even has moc boxes items to pass around. Afterwards I went to him to try and buy and he refused to sell them to me.sadly both times my mom was not very happy with my outgoing nature

[Skoob]

Like you, I resent others trying to tell me what to think, and it's so pervasive nowadays! Better is to encourage people to do their own digging and discern their own truth. But lazy thinkers will resent you for doing so.

I could think of a comeback based on some historical knowledge, but will refrain in the interest of decorum.

I see other Black Series bootlegs popping up. Poor Boba Fett's helmet antenna has never looked so bad.

Further to our "ChinaBay" discussion, I assume everyone here is already aware of the existence of the China-based auction website Ali Express. I use it to buy cheap bike accessories.

Rgds