Location: About a 40 minute drive from Toronto, Canada
Posts: 5,586
Are Gemini's production numbers to high (for some releases)?
So I was just sittin here thinking, that since Andrew has just recently made his Braniff 707 9 pack, this pretty much kills GJ's chance at releasing their's - not that that's a bad thing. But GJ could have released the BN 707's a looong time ago - though more limited.. like maybe 1000 units?
So do you think that Gemini should make smaller production runs for some releases? This would be a good idea for British Airways World tail's as well, as not all tails could sell out in 2000 units. I was thinking maybe around 750-1000 units? And smaller obscure models like the recent Champion Air release would benefit from something like this.
Why would the AC 9-pack nix future GJ releases? AC only produced 120 sets, and many people have stated that they only want a few of these models. I did buy a set, so I won't be getting any future GJs. But I'd think that others would jump all over those releases -- if they ever come.
Location: About a 40 minute drive from Toronto, Canada
Posts: 5,586
Quote:
Originally posted by Clip Why would the AC 9-pack nix future GJ releases? AC only produced 120 sets, and many people have stated that they only want a few of these models. I did buy a set, so I won't be getting any future GJs. But I'd think that others would jump all over those releases -- if they ever come.
Well for one thing, AC's mould is far superiour IMO - it's seamless, got better wings, and better landing gears. And I'm sure GJ know's this, and wouldn't risk making 2000 of each color, right? This is why I say GJ could easily sell maybe 500 or so units of each color....
I think GJ is probably in the best position to set production numbers for their products.
Quote:
...And smaller obscure models like the recent Champion Air release would benefit from something like this...
How do we know this is an obscure release? In the past, GJ has produced models for individual customers and also made them available through regular distribution channels for collectors. Possibly this is the case with this model? If so, then I commend GJ for also thinking about their regular customers in addition to the special commissions.
If Gemini made the remaining 707's in Braniff I would buy them. I have all of the GJ Braniff releases, and I hope they finish the series and do the Ultra color 722's also. The AC 707 mould is better, but with Andrews new prop moulds and Convairs coming out I'm not going to purchase the BI 9 pack. I have to save for the future models. The AC BI's will end up on e-bay through greed anyway. I think GJ should only do a 1000 production run, because some models just don't sell.
Maybe right now 2,500 pcs. may seem like a lot but to lower the production for each model at a premium on the price would be a worse move.
I still believe that since Andrew has raised the bar on the quality of models, so what GJ should and is doing is to improve their moulds and things should be back to normal.
As for smaller runs for particular models, I understand the logic but to be honest, the question is more of why produce it in the first place if you think it will not sell. There are still a lot of GJ collectors here on DAC but most have been very quiet about this.
Re: Are Gemini's production numbers to high (for some releases)?
Quote:
Originally posted by ba777-236 So I was just sittin here thinking, that since Andrew has just recently made his Braniff 707 9 pack, this pretty much kills GJ's chance at releasing their's - not that that's a bad thing. But GJ could have released the BN 707's a looong time ago - though more limited.. like maybe 1000 units?
So do you think that Gemini should make smaller production runs for some releases? This would be a good idea for British Airways World tail's as well, as not all tails could sell out in 2000 units. I was thinking maybe around 750-1000 units? And smaller obscure models like the recent Champion Air release would benefit from something like this.
Anybody agree with me?
For collector’s reasons, it shouldn’t be about when a certain model is made, but rather the quality of the model. If another 1:400 Braniff 707 came out which was more detailed, would you buy it? Collecting is a never-ending process…
Most collectors change their interests over time and as has been demonstrated time after time with various collecting fads and or hobbies - there must be a secondary market and hopefully a scarcity value for the older issues. Thus if there is a resale value to items in the collection people will be encouraged to collect and perhaps attract new blood. This is not the same as outright speculation and attempting to corner a market to create an artificial price hike - though I think those who automatically equate the secondary market with greed (vide a comment earlier on in this thread) have a skewed opinion of others.
I believe that if the market gets flooded with unsold models, there will be no value in the collection of these items and this will eventually kill the hobby - it has happened with coins and stamps, and these long established interests are in terminal decline. There is nothing wrong with asset appreciation and anybody who says otherwise is either naive or living on a different planet.
Does anybody who owns the early aeroclassics not value them - if so I will willing purchase their models for the original purchase price plus of course postage costs. Roll on the VC10s etc!
If more people collect than there are issues, a healthy market develops - law of supply and demand. At present with so many manufacturers joinng the gravy chain and so many new models every month - how many would even attempt completion?
So in my opinion it would benefit all if issues were limited - if retailers knew that they were virtually guaranteed to sell out over a reasonable time scale it should bring stability to prices and perhaps even a price drop initially - at present they have presumably paid for stock that isn't moving - so we pay for that in the mark up when we do buy - and I don't know about you, but I get totally p*ssed off when the item I have just paid good money on is promptly put on special offer at a much reduced price.
Because of this I tend to use ebay where it it quite possible to buy relatively recent issues for $1 or so. And this must damage the sales for retailers - and thus a vicious circle develops.
I still believe that there a market big enough on this planet to absorb quantities of 2500. However, I also do believe that the Marketing exposure to these collectibles is poor. The average Joe who has a bit of interest in commercial aviation does not know that diecast aircraft models exist with the level of quality necessary to make them collectible items rather than toys. Brick and mortar retail stores are not legion, and the Internet is the best avenue to sell them. However, who knows about our favorite online retailers except us?
It is up to both manufacturers, distributors and retailers to use their Marketing creativity and let the masses know more about their products. in flight magazines and airports are two natural places to advertize their products, but I am still waiting to see one ad in a flight magazine, and now that Seatac is undergoing a massive remodeling/extension, we have lost a great store devoted to aviation!
Yes it is a risk to throw Marketing money trying to reach more consumers, but it is also rewarding when that same money is wisely spent. By now, I am sure that you have all understood that I am all in favor of greater production runs for the benefit of more collectors, or wanna be collectors who still ignore that some wonders are waiting for them!
Are Gemini's production numbers to high (for some releases)?
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