Well Biskup does do it to some degree....when he has older stuff like Pollards and Helpers at SDCC. But I for one love the opportunity to purchase these hard to find items direct from the artist at less than ebay prices.

Now if I could only be around when lowsk8r puts stuff up so I too could be "happy to get them" like Loco.

I agree. Nothing wrong with discussion and questioning.

lowsk8r (Jon) is an excellent guy. I've bought a number of new figures from him recently (at retail) as well as a rare figure for half of what it would have cost on Ebay.

He's helped out a ton of collectors. Rock on Jon!

next time lowsk8r is in town, were celebrating by taking him to Chevy's for margaritas and a pinata. Glenn, you can be first in line.

Kozik explained it in a post...Just a nice couple who buys up his odds and ends to re-sell...has 2 sub spots with him.. just people taking advantage of free market economy... to whom I'm sure the idea of RFSO prices seem silly.

as far It goes, unless they are RFSO members, the world feels theres no difference between a TV or a skullpirate.

not saying I like it, just something I have to deal with,

Jon has always been cool to me and don't mind at all buying from him.

To intercede on the argument, I think the original debate left a couple key points out that would explain the two sides of argument:

1. The point Pogue I believe is bringing up, (because I have talked to him) is: Why does the artist in question (kaws, biskup, etc.) have extras to sell at a later date? If the edition were truly sold out, there should be only a few artist samples left, not what appears to be a large and steady stream of "previously unavailable" items. The implication is that designers are artificially capping the product at release by holding back stock in large amounts. Later they can slowly release this held stock at less than market, but above original retail prices to maximize their profit while still appearing to help the fans. His point, is that by limiting the original release, holding stock, claiming a false "sold out" state, they essentially create the additional demand for higher prices and are actually intentionally screwing their supporters. The fans feel like "they are getting a deal" and will gladly go along with it. I know this is not directed at lowsk8r, but the market in general.

2. On the flip side, what do you do with your extras, spares, APs, or any other crap you find in your closet? I am moving right now, and during the move I found two more rainy day GFs, 1 pink Damnedron, and an extra Blobpus. Does that mean I am supposed to sell them at original retail? Should I sell them for market rate? Should I split the difference? What should I do? If I sell higher than retail I am profiteering, if I sell for retail, the buyer has an easy chance to trade or resell for $$$. Everyone on this board has bought low and traded high at one point, so where does it fall?

-brian

Well... okay then...

Unburden your soul and give your rainy day Ghostfighters to me! I'll have one customized by a board member and preserve the other in amber for posterity!

I should open up a home for forgotten toys as a tax-deductible charity!

You should sell the Damnedron at retail price to me.

That's exactly the point that's been runing through my head during this entire debate (and, indeed, whenever the dreaded "flipper" flame wars start). I've gotten what I considered very RFSO deals from board members, despite the fact that the cost was significantly above retail - it's the nature of collecting limited objects. (Of course, I've also gotten deals that were at or below retail). It's simply a matter of trusting people not to take advantage of you.

However, the point that artists might be manipulating the market is troubling, to say the least. The difference between selling something you'd stashed and forgotten about and intentionally holding back items until they increase in value is huge.

I just got mine today, and it rules! I wasn't sure on it by pics, but when I saw lowsk8ers auction, I said "If I don't like it, I'll get my cashback here from someone who does" so I bought it. I didn't think I'd fall as hard for it as I did, I friggin love this thing! I don't love ALL the Pirates, so I'll never be a completist, but I'm glad to add another one to the fold, this guy is really great, sorry to brag. When I get in form work I'll get some pics.

Nice! That means we should all be seeing them soon. Evev just from the pictures I would say this is one of my top 8 Skullpirates!

HE HE!

"Top 8"?

I'm stoked to get stuff from lowsk8r for great prices. Ever notice the price doesn't fluctuate with the market, just stays the same fair price? And some pieces seem to show up when the "market" is getting out of hand to kind of bring the market back to reality, this might be a coincidence, but it happens regulary.

I am 2 hours behind... he posts new stuff and I am already asleep.

oh the agony of defeat...

I wake up at 5 am EAST, and saw someones post here and BOOM, it was still up. It's actually the only auction I've won from him. I've bought stuff through him, but not through an actual auction. I keep hoping for a Pink Wing set, but then again...tomorrow....who knows at S7...who knows? One can only hope.

he has started posting at random times now...you are never 2 hours behind you just have to watch his user name on ebay 24 hours straight and hit refresh...refresh...refresh...sounds like a great way to spend a day...no?

Or you can install:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/115

And let it refresh the page for you.

I tried using this but still don't own a blood pirate

All I got right now....

Snagged this with a BIN from him as well. Wasn't sure the earth tones would work but the figure looks wicked in person.

Edit: The BIN seemed reasonable since the only other dessert skullpirate I've seen on Ebay that went through an open auction ended at around $117 + $10 to ship from Japan.

Really stoked on this one. I'm just bummed they released the Berry so quickly.

Anyway, welcome home!!