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Figure Era |OT| Forums are Temporary, Plastic and Communities are Forever

Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
ClearMetal said:
Yeah with those prices you have to be absolutely sure you want them. I can see myself gamble on a ¥10.000 price tag every now and then, but not ¥25.000.
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Yes, as much as I'd love to pre-order every figure that scratches that itch, it's just not feasible. If it was cheaper to do so, it wouldn't be an issue, but at 20k+ yen each...

Tough decisions must be made. That Jeanne Alter smirk though, makes me weak. :(
 
ClearMetal

ClearMetal

Member
Oct 25, 2017
15,269
the Netherlands
Can't blame ya. Her outfit and flag looks great as well. (I don't mean to make it harder on you, haha.)

I'm only collecting figures for about 2 years now. So I'm curious, what were prices like, say, 5 years ago? For example a run-of-the-mill, 1/7 bishoujo which sells for 12K nowadays.
 
Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
Figures were generally around 7-9k those many years ago. More expensive figures did exist (such as 1/4 scale ones), and they were usually around 12-14k, which seemed expensive at the time. Some smaller scaled figures were priced around this too, but they were often extremely intricate. Take, for example, Saber and her bike.

78585.jpg


She retailed for 14k, but given the detail on her, would easily go for probably 18k these days (if not more). Keep in mind all of these prices are before store discounts, so they would be even cheaper at stores such as AmiAmi. This Saber was only a little over 10k with the discount.

Basically, 5+ years ago, spending over 10k for a figure was pretty rare, unless it was considered one of those "exhibit pieces". Nowadays, we're lucky to have a 1/8 scale figure be 10k, let alone the 1/7 scale (and larger) ones. The golden age is indeed gone, but I guess it can't last forever.
 
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Freezasaurus

Freezasaurus

Member
Oct 25, 2017
56,957
ClearMetal said:
Can't blame ya. Her outfit and flag looks great as well. (I don't mean to make it harder on you, haha.)

I'm only collecting figures for about 2 years now. So I'm curious, what were prices like, say, 5 years ago? For example a run-of-the-mill, 1/7 bishoujo which sells for 12K nowadays.
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I started collecting seriously in 2013. I would say prices were much more under control back then. A lot of 7-8k figures. When something was 12k you were like "whoa, getting a little expensive there..."
 
Baka_Bishie

Baka_Bishie

Member
Oct 26, 2017
849
Hey, guys, back again with the last of my summer loot. It didn't even take a week for her to arrive, and while she's a little smaller than I anticipated, Alter's new Gwendolyn turned out so well in both sculpt and paint I don't have any particular problem with her scale. Unfortunately, my Velvet & Cornelius figure is packed away at the moment, so I couldn't get a shot of them together, but she looks just as nice as both of those do and I imagine they'll go well together. Here's a few pictures I took earlier:
Baka_Bishie1533939960.jpeg
Baka_Bishie1533940068.jpeg
Baka_Bishie1533940074.jpeg
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All good on figures now until next month, and I'm fine with that after unboxing so many in the last couple weeks!

P.S. Won't show exactly how here, but I wanted to say that I think I-con (Gwen's sculptor) must've played a lot of Nier: Automata while working on Gwen's sculpt, because it really shows in one particular NSFW area.
 
ClearMetal

ClearMetal

Member
Oct 25, 2017
15,269
the Netherlands
Chrono said:
Figures were generally around 7-9k those many years ago. More expensive figures did exist (such as 1/4 scale ones), and they were usually around 12-14k, which seemed expensive at the time. Some smaller scaled figures were priced around this too, but they were often extremely intricate. Take, for example, Saber and her bike.

78585.jpg


She retailed for 14k, but given the detail on her, would easily go for probably 18k these days (if not more). Keep in mind all of these prices are before store discounts, so they would be even cheaper at stores such as AmiAmi. This Saber was only a little over 10k with the discount.

Basically, 5+ years ago, spending over 10k for a figure was pretty rare, unless it was considered one of those "exhibit pieces". Nowadays, we're lucky to have a 1/8 scale figure be 10k, let alone the 1/7 scale (and larger) ones. The golden age is indeed gone, but I guess it can't last forever.
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Freezasaurus said:
I started collecting seriously in 2013. I would say prices were much more under control back then. A lot of 7-8k figures. When something was 12k you were like "whoa, getting a little expensive there..."
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Those prices sound a lot more reasonable, yeah. I started with 10 - 12k in Fall 2016, but already base prices seem to be creeping towards 15k. Whereas just 18 months ago I got my Saki Nishina (Comic Shingeki, A+) for that price... and she's a 32 cm 1/6 figure, mind you. Last I saw her reissue and second version sold for 18k...
 
Curler

Curler

Member
Oct 26, 2017
15,595
RuffMadman said:
Saw this on reddit earlier today. One time use but applies to everything in your cart

G0eG3lz.jpg
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Thanks a lot!! This finally got me to use TOM. Pre-ordered the new Angewomon with that nice discount (didn't want to wait for Crunchy to add it... usually cheaper than BiJ, but I am worried on this selling out). Glad this one also had a NO BASE option (cause I couldn't care less about the LCD base...)

I had no idea that TOM sold online exclusives too, since this was a Megatrea exclusive.

EDIT: Oh, and free shipping!! Looks like a limited time thing?
 
Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
RuffMadman said:
Saw this on reddit earlier today. One time use but applies to everything in your cart

G0eG3lz.jpg
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Oh man, I can get that Jeanne Alter (Alter) figure shipped to me (in Canada) for $214 USD. Granted that's $285 CDN, but still cheaper than I'd get at AmiAmi. The only problem is the immediate payment, this month has been brutal (so many exclusive figures being released)...

Ugh.
 
RuffMadman

RuffMadman

The Fallen
Oct 27, 2017
2,258
USA
Curler said:
Thanks a lot!! This finally got me to use TOM. Pre-ordered the new Angewomon with that nice discount (didn't want to wait for Crunchy to add it... usually cheaper than BiJ, but I am worried on this selling out). Glad this one also had a NO BASE option (cause I couldn't care less about the LCD base...)

I had no idea that TOM sold online exclusives too, since this was a Megatrea exclusive.

EDIT: Oh, and free shipping!! Looks like a limited time thing?
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Free shipping if you spend $150 (after the discount)
 
Curler

Curler

Member
Oct 26, 2017
15,595
RuffMadman said:
Free shipping if you spend $150 (after the discount)
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It actually came to $124 after coupon :x I read something somewhere about a limited time shipping freebie, but can't seem to find it now... Ohhh I think it's a premium trial for the first 30 days.

I apparently missed out on a $5 coupon too... not sure if it stacked but noticed it after I checked out.
 
Vlaphor

Vlaphor

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
1,202
Topeka, KS
Just picked up the Persona 5 Anne that I'd been wanting for quite some time for just $128 with that offer. Thanks.

It is the red base rerelease, but that's still a great deal.


I almost bought her this morning on MFC with some slight damage for $200, but I changed my mind at the last minute.
 
SigmaCloud

SigmaCloud

Member
May 8, 2018
220
That TOM deal is what's gonna convince me to get Alter's Jeanne. 30% off plus my credit card rewards and I'm looking at a pretty affordable Jalter.
 
JosephL64

JosephL64

Member
Oct 25, 2017
469
Houston
I had cash from when they gave a little back to people who ordered wedding Holo off of them. At least that what my vague recollection told me that money in my account was from.

Picked up 2 figures from TOM that I thought I'd never get, because it was out of my price range right now.

1/4 Bunny Kei, and 1/7 Holo. Really happy about it since shipping was free, and I got Holo essentially for free with the deal.
549527.jpg


630948.jpg
 
Boogiepop

Boogiepop

Member
Oct 25, 2017
1,966
Oh hey, the figma Selene finally arrived from Pokemon Center! Looks like repackaging was probably what the delay was about, because it's English language and all that and mentions it's the "Pokemon Center edition" with the exclusive Rotom Dex and all that on the box.
 

mrmoose

Member
Nov 13, 2017
21,160
Boogiepop said:
Oh hey, the figma Selene finally arrived from Pokemon Center! Looks like repackaging was probably what the delay was about, because it's English language and all that and mentions it's the "Pokemon Center edition" with the exclusive Rotom Dex and all that on the box.
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This reminded me I preordered that Nendoroid Giovanni a long long time ago. That still isn't out yet, is it?
 
Boogiepop

Boogiepop

Member
Oct 25, 2017
1,966
...Well crap. Got in the Utena figma in from AmiAmi, opened her up, popped off the hands and cuffs to remove the plastic, then went to put the one hand back on and... the ball joint for the arm snapped.

Is there anything I can do here, or am I boned? Only other time I had an issue was with an already broken figure from Mandarake which they never responded about and I had to fix with glue. Which was like, I mean, at least that was cheap and old. But this was brand new, and I'm not sure glue will work well here because of the type of break it is...
 
OP
OP
Giolon

Giolon

One Winged Slayer
Member
Oct 25, 2017
3,080
Boogiepop said:
...Well crap. Got in the Utena figma in from AmiAmi, opened her up, popped off the hands and cuffs to remove the plastic, then went to put the one hand back on and... the ball joint for the arm snapped.

Is there anything I can do here, or am I boned? Only other time I had an issue was with an already broken figure from Mandarake which they never responded about and I had to fix with glue. Which was like, I mean, at least that was cheap and old. But this was brand new, and I'm not sure glue will work well here because of the type of break it is...
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Figmas usually (used to?) come with a few spare joints in case one broke. Fortunately, Good Smile is pretty much the only Japanese company than offers English / International customer support. They should be able to help you out: https://partner.goodsmile.info/support/eng/. I had a figma stand break immediately when I pulled it out of the back of a figma. The peg just stayed in the back. Good Smile sent me a new stand arm.
 
Boogiepop

Boogiepop

Member
Oct 25, 2017
1,966
Giolon said:
Figmas usually (used to?) come with a few spare joints in case one broke. Fortunately, Good Smile is pretty much the only Japanese company than offers English / International customer support. They should be able to help you out: https://partner.goodsmile.info/support/eng/. I had a figma stand break immediately when I pulled it out of the back of a figma. The peg just stayed in the back. Good Smile sent me a new stand arm.
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Thanks, went ahead and contacted them. They usually come with spares for the thinner hand joints, right? But don't think I've seen them with the bigger arm joints like this, and sure enough this doesn't seem to have one either.

But yeah, good to hear that they're good about this, because my first reaction was "oh crap, I DID import this, so this may turn into a total pain!"
 
Voltt

Voltt

Member
Oct 25, 2017
10,499
So I'm just starting to try to get into collecting figures, so this might be a really dumb question, but are there any options if I missed the original pre-order period of a figure? I know there's reissues, but I don't really have any clue what sort of things get them.
 
Dandy Crocodile

Dandy Crocodile

Community Resetter
Member
Oct 25, 2017
4,728
Voltty said:
So I'm just starting to try to get into collecting figures, so this might be a really dumb question, but are there any options if I missed the original pre-order period of a figure? I know there's reissues, but I don't really have any clue what sort of things get them.
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Reissues are rare and only tend to happen for the figures that are popular.
Luckily the secondhand figure market is often populated with most anything you could want if you're willing to cough up the money for it.
 

Deleted member 3700

User requested account closure
Member
Oct 25, 2017
4,359
Cross-posting from Girls' Frontline OT:

Just want to share something I have been working on lately... I am making a figure for M1895 Nagant Revolver. Sort of a fan project for GF.


The pose is going to be an original design, taking inspirations from 3-1N to 3-4N. Hopefully I can finish it within this year (and look decent enough lol). I want to join Wonder Festival in Feb. Currently finding people to help me out with the application process. So if you know anyone who live in Japan can help out as well as participating the event on that day, feel free to contact me through PM.
 
Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
Makise Kurusu is up on AmiAmi now for pre-order, but that price increase. She was only a little over 6k a few years ago when she released. How things have changed. :/

https://www.amiami.com/eng/detail/?gcode=FIGURE-041739

Here's a listing of her original release from HS:

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10162484

...I think this hobby is becoming a little too much. I mean, I get it, inflation and all that, but nearly double the price? It's such a simple pose too, and only 1/8 scale. I was going to order her but at that price I'm probably going to pass. I already own the soda version anyway, it's not worth the money just to get her tiny phone.
 
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Freezasaurus

Freezasaurus

Member
Oct 25, 2017
56,957
Chrono said:
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10162484

...I think this hobby is becoming a little too much. I mean, I get it, inflation and all that, but nearly double the price? It's such a simple pose too, and only 1/8 scale. I was going to order her but at that price I'm probably going to pass.
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It definitely is, but you can't really be surprised that prices from six years ago were so cheap compared to today. I mean, I paid like $50 for Alter's Motoko Kusanagi, and that ended up selling for a few hundred on the aftermarket at one point.
 
Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
Freezasaurus said:
It definitely is, but you can't really be surprised that prices from six years ago were so cheap compared to today. I mean, I paid like $50 for Alter's Motoko Kusanagi, and that ended up selling for a few hundred on the aftermarket at one point.
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Oh, I know. Prices increase, 2012 was a very different time. But even factoring in inflation, it shouldn't be this much. But then, inflation isn't equally applied to all things, as costs are separate depending on other factors (such as materials used, and such).

Regardless, I'm happy with my WonFes soda version of her.
 
Freezasaurus

Freezasaurus

Member
Oct 25, 2017
56,957
Chrono said:
Oh, I know. Prices increases. But even factoring in inflation, it shouldn't be this much. But then, inflation isn't equally applied to all things, as costs are separate depending on other factors (such as materials used, and such).
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The big bump to pricing was when the JPY took a nosedive and eventually manufacturers boosted prices to compensate. Then when things got back to normal, they just left the new prices as is, and here we are. I know I don't buy nearly as much anymore. I still buy pieces I really like, but I've found more value in buying other things like video games and comics.
 
Chrono

Chrono

Teyvat Traveler
Member
Oct 25, 2017
21,040
Freezasaurus said:
The big bump to pricing was when the JPY took a nosedive and eventually manufacturers boosted prices to compensate. Then when things got back to normal, they just left the new prices as is, and here we are. I know I don't buy nearly as much anymore. I still buy pieces I really like, but I've found more value in buying other things like video games and comics.
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Same here. The only figures I seem to buy are the ones I shouldn't (i.e., 1/4 scale exclusives).

I did pre-order the Shuten Doujin by Max Factory when she was listed a few months back, but other than that, I very rarely purchased standard edition figures. If they really interest me, I'll see what they cost on the after-market, and if I can get em' cheaper on Mandarake I'll go for it. If not, more money saved for something from Native/Binding/Rocket Boy. Damn them, and their temptations.
 
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