[Nymesys Prime]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylactus

I don't want to sound too old or anything, but... 20$ ain't what it was when I was a kid! in the 90's 20 would get you four ToyBiz figures (six or seven at KBtoys). I do think there is something to producing versions of the characters from the height of there popularity. Obviously those designs appealed to the fan base as a whole. As far as the bulk of the Nostalgia market being 70's and 80's kids, I don't know, I think the 70's and 80's toys (being the first real "action figures" as we know them) hold a special place for everyone. I was born in 83' but I love Mego figures, never saw one in a store, but they are so well made and at the same time dated, that I think there a cool collectible, same with Mattel's Secret Wars line, I had several as a kid but I never got one at retail they were garage sale and flea market finds. my point is that a collectors market for action figures didn't really emerge until the late 80's to early 90's, before that old toys were dirt cheep in cardboard boxes at the flea market, not commanding five times there retail price on ebay, or your LCS. I think ignoring the collectors market would be foolish, as I have not seen an actual child looking at action figures in years, and children do not have the buying power that I, a middle aged man do. If you think a disinterested parent will spend as much on something as a serious collector you're nuts! I could buy a new car for what I've spent on MU alone! I think Hasbro needs to put some effort into redefining there demographic, and marketing to them better, or else, recent developments like 3D printing and the shift in children's interests to tech toys will make them a dinosaur, and we all know what happened to the dinosaurs.

good point... but if being born in 83 makes you middle age then I must be biblically old..as 71 was my time. anyhow..in 83 I was into Gi joe providing moms could afford them ...told myself when I get older I am gonna buy what I couldn't have as a kid...thus the years and years of stuff I got now. I say this to point out that Kylactus' statement about the garage sales and all rang true..i use to could go to Goodwill or Salvation Army in the early to mid 90's and load up on and replace parts for figures and sets I had...Along comes the internet and ebay and everyone see there is money to be made from what was once considered Childs Play.
At some point H-bro and Matty will realize that there is a plateau to how much they can charge. 3-P companies charge more for smaller production runs but most have delivered high quality stuff that justifies the pricing in some degree. I remember when McFarlane use to set the standard in the action figure world..Neca is doing pretty good holding the fort right now...when will Hasbro and Matty catch up? Hopefully before.... I think Hasbro needs to put some effort into redefining there demographic, and marketing to them better, or else, recent developments like 3D printing and the shift in children's interests to tech toys will make them a dinosaur, and we all know what happened to the dinosaurs. - credit: excerpt from Kylactus post