Like blaming Dow Jones for the price of a gallon of milk

Or AMC for the price of movies?



(ok I know that was random but...)

I guess what I was trying to say is that I think it balances out in the long run when you look at some of the things that are grossly underpriced on Mandarake due to lack of demand. For example, there were the Cronic Black Parade customs that went for around 15,000 to 20,000 yen initially, but have sold on Mandarake for 5,000 yen. I'm sure there's some logic to it, but I've seen it go silly in both directions.

That said, I understand your reaction to the pricing and can't say I don't share it on some level. I'm disappointed that this hobby has become focused on one-off customs and ultra-limited micro runs, both of which tend to sell and re-sell in the several hundreds of dollars range. I just don't feel like I'm getting sufficient value for my purchase at that level.

Thanks Dan for getting back on topic and clarifying what you were saying. I find this subject very interesting. 

Having worked in a record store for over 9 years it's something that has always been a hard balancing act. It's concerning when shops move to a pricing model of using auction end prices as a pricing guide/model. From my observations you need to find that sweet spot when pricing whilst keeping tun over and sustaining customer interest. Makes me wonder how many of the high end priced sofubi sells for those prices.

Nice point about the bargains to be found on Mandarake and the shift to micro-runs. I was not ragging out on Mandarake. Just voicing how the newer cutting edge sofubi brands are tending to fall into that pricing basket. Things have drastically changed from 2-3 years ago. As a specialized retailer you have to be very careful if you jump on trends (we've all seen those cycles) and price to chase that top end dollar. Mandarake is such a big chain and stocks such a varied range of products that are so engrained in Japanese culture. I just hope they can tuff it through the new financial challenges that everyone is dealing with at the moment.

Never forget their catch-copy

Such a great slogan! Sums them up.

I was going to try and say something witty but the logo speaks for itself.

Everyone's entitled to an opinion, even if it's blatantly wrong and I'm always happy to help!

Just to clarify, it wasn't a targetted response but just a general feeling that this is more a result of the Skulldrain/western hype catching the eye of Japanese opportunists. I've said it previously that an open-forum isn't always the best place to sing the praises of the latest hot poop but, as I don't collect most of the latest hot poop, feel free to carry on regardless!

I agree wholeheartedly that times are definitely changing though. Not long ago anything over $100 was considered high dollar 'grail' material, now $500-1000 for something that was pulled last week seems to be more regularly accepted . . . bizzaro!

Oh yeah, toys are not a commodity. As much as some seem to believe otherwise, they are an pointless luxury item that no one really needs to survive and no one is being forced to buy at any price. If you feel otherwise you need to step away from the keyboard and get a grip!

Hatemail via PM welcome . . . Hugs and smooches!

I completely dont get this ... must be getting old..

Mishka thread, joke about replacing all monatary currency with "Jordans" based system.

Blah Blah Blah. Mandarake had a bunch of "vintage" (lol) RxH for 4000 Yen. A steal!

opinions are not right or wrong, they are simply one's beliefs. whether you believe the latest hype is worth two and a half Jordans (or more) is entirely up to the individual.

Double-post!

It had a nice big smiley to denote the intended sarcasm!

WHAAAAAAAT!!! How could they??? Oh the Humanity!!!! They are totally debasing my investment!!!
I put all my money in Real x Head after the Stock Market Crash!!!
I'm RUINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

..someone needs to step up and regulate these too big to fail Vinyl Brokers!!!

OCCUPY SOFUBI STREET!!!!!!!!!!

you ? sarcasm ???

OCCUPY NAKANO BROADWAY!

Thanks Andy Hatemail sent ... Hugs and smooches right back at u

Glad I'm not the only one. It's nice to have some unique things, and I'd rather see profit go to creators than flippers, but from this collector's perspective this trend has been a real killjoy. It's sort of soured me on some of my formerly favorite vinylists.

Holy shit that would rock

But the Koban wouldn't be as patient with the tents, dirty hippies and fold-out beach chairs etc

What toys? Don't you read the package. They're COLLECTIBLES.

Well fuck, that's $750 I would have spent in 4s. Whew.

J

Im so bummed I missed that full sized Uamou fighter. I was looking right at it, went back and gone.

I was so on the hunt for my pheyden I didnt notice callgrim. Was he at the con too?

they had 1 left on Sunday, I know because I bought it =P

I know, they are so nice. Really like the silver. I added to my wish list but had no luck. Damn Rich, you should have pulled the trigger. Nice score Psilo!