That totally answered my question is from other Anraku thread. Had no idea Bemons were distributed this way, if you could call it 'distribution'.
But selling directly on the secondary market is something new for Mr. Bemon, yes? I remember some store photos that showed dozens bagged and sitting in stores.
I think you are correct. I think Anraku's current setup is new also. He doesn't sell through Monstock anymore.
Alex I agree with you that Anraku is not trying to milk it for all it's worth. I rethought that one by remembering people who have access to it get it for a decent price. I don't think that everyone that is a fan has access to his work though. I completely understand he doesn't want a million and one emails saying "where can I buy this?" or "can I buy direct from you?", and it's hard to figure out people who may claim to be fans then ultimately flippers. Certainly you have to agree the process has left a few people in the dark who might want to collect Anraku and would never part with them, but can't get that chance? Again not calling people out that do have that chance, just voicing an opinion. For what it's worth there is plenty to collect out there and I don't lose sleep at night over it. For every Mescalgon or Dako that will never see the light of day on my shelf, I have a Shikaruna or a Zollmen to replace it and I remain happy.
Bemon VS Anraku on YJA---very interesting comparison in terms of "accessibility." If you are a hardcore Bemon fanatic, can't go to Japan, and would do just about anything to seek out and purchase your grail, for some people, YJA would be the most obvious place to go. Well, of course there are agents and some helpful friends considered, but its pretty much YJA for you if you don't have these. Is it any different with Anraku fanatics (at least those who are not on the "list"--which includes me, and probably hundreds on the board)?? Where would one go? I think, one of the reasons to what really drives the flippers to toss a figure to YJA, be it an Anraku or Bemon, is exclusivity. The fact that there exist a super limited, exclusive mailing list, which are composed of mainly people who would not, ever sell their Anrakus. Most of the people who are on the list that I have been in contact with are awesome and to my opinion, true collectors of Anrakus. BUT, i think there are more collectors who would want to acquire these pieces but simply cannot. Anraku madness will continue, not because there are some people who purchase these toys at ridiculous prices, but simply, there are no other access to it all. This is my unsolicited piece of advice, if I may, to Mr. Anraku: If the list is full, and there are more fans who are equally qualified to be accepted on the list, why not release a toy in batches, for the sake of his other fans. The people on the list could not be the only ones who are deserving and really into his toys, I think. For example, there would be batch A, B and C releases. Toy A would be for this batch, toy B for this batch, and toy C for this batch. It could be the same toy with a slight variations, maybe color, etc. This way, every Anraku fan would be patient enough to wait it out for the next release and would be assured enough to acquire the piece---and not resort to stupid YJA priced Anrakus. Keeping it exclusively for a few solid fans would add up to the insanity--but broadening your fanbase--not necessarily letting just about anyone in and would pass through a type of "screening"----giving access to more fans would lessen the YJA hunters and spectators for the Anrakus.
I should point out that simply being on the mailing list does not guarantee you will get everything that is offered. I have missed out on quite a few things because they sold out before I was able to respond, or some items have just not been offered to me at all. I really get the feeling that Anraku is an artist and is not interested in doing the same thing over and over. He seems to really enjoy the challenge of trying new paint apps and materials. If money were his main concern, why wouldn't he continually pump out small batches of highly priced Gogas? In a hobby where 30 or 40 of something is considered a big run, there will never be enough of everything to go around provided that the demand is greater than the supply. We all know what that will do to the prices.
I think a lot of the current "insanity" hit when a figure that was JUST released was auctioned into the $800. That's not the flippers fault, that's the people bidding on it's fault. If the people trying to get these DON'T want prices to sky rocket, erm, don't sky rocket them. When I was fighting tooth and nail for an Anraku figure, I never, ever, thought when I saw an auction "ok, well this is my last chance ever to get this, I'll bid like mad!" I just figured what I thought was fair, and knew I'd probably lose but patience was my ally eventually.
Thats a great idea Jay! I think so too. I mean look at his website. Its been evolving. And he seemed to be using a different approach to his figures. I WANT IN! I WANT IN!
What's up with the Giant Venus Gorilla (Plum color)??? The last bid was 80k, subsequently, the final 3 bidders bid was cancelled. Last statement- minimum price raised to 160k. WTF! This is the first time I'm seeing this happen.
I would love a chance to get some Anraku in my collection. I never sell anything! But, I am not very lucky either.
Someone's a greedy shit trying to force an even crazier high price because they can't seem to believe people would ONLY pay a meager $800.00 for it. That guys auctions suck, even after they go up to stupid amounts he's not satisfied.
like alex said, people on the list don't necessarily get everything that is offered. I've missed a few things over the years for not getting an offer. The lucky bags are a good example of this. There are others too. I also think that there is a slight flaw in your logic for acquiring a bemon. Just because you can go to Japan does not mean you're going to get a bemon on release day. The people who sell Bemon for retail sell them to their friends and people they know well. Obviously not too well if people are flipping them a week later, but a person who is in Japan for release day isn't necessarily going to get one. As for the bemon auctions that are "sanctioned", I think it's a bit disingenuous to sell something on yja like that knowing that American collectors are going to make the price skyrocket because he doesn't provide access to them anymore. I don't know what the change of heart was, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth that he can hold it over his fans's heads like that and make them pay through the nose. He could sell them with a BIN like lowsk8r does with Pushead stuff on ebay if that's the route he wants to go. It's an interesting debate for sure, but these toys are limited no matter what, whether it's anraku, zollmen, bemon, blah blah blah. We all miss out sometimes. It's the nature of any hobby to have to hunt down what you want.
I wanted this dude so bad...but know I am almost embarrassed at what my max bid was, 'cuz it sure wasn't near the Winner: 126,000Y. (P.S., you don't even want to know what the Vader Dako closed at.)
Indeed. That piece is absolutely stunning! Thanks for posting the pic Future, saved a copy for the scrap book cause that's probably as close to having one of those as I'll ever get.
Did you notice that its displayed twisted ? The waist should be turned around, you can see by the paint.
If I ever pay that much for a 'toy' I sure hope it buys me dinner, makes me coffee, and goes to work for me at least twice a week.
Man, thats so beautiful! I love my Dako so much, even though its the most "common" paint work for the Dako, for so many reasons---aside from it being an awesome toy, is the accessibility to own atleast one. Sick end price...
Funny, cuz I was looking at the price of a scooter mentioned in another SB thread--the Suzuki Gemma--which retails at about 618,000Y. Six Dako, or one scooter? LOL!!!!!
which vader dako auction? i dont think i've ever seen one at auction before (also i think that is an incredible dako for auction...best pink version i've seen)
Okay folks, since I've gotten a load of messages about it, here is the link to the closed auction for the pink one: http://page5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e88870600. Unfortunately, I did not save the Vader Dako auction link, as I was not bidding on it. FYI, the pink opened at 30,000Y and closed at 126,000Y. The Vader opened at 80,000Y and closed (I am almost positive) at 150,000+Y.
