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Kit costs

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  • Member since
    May 2015
Kit costs
Posted by IEDDTEK on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 12:48 PM
Im not sure if I'm in the right room....but I'd like to hear some opinions on kit costs. E.g.: Why are kits from companies like Revell AG...so much cheaper while having ( imo ) the same quality details such as the ever outrageously expensive Trumpeter kits? I suspected it wasn't down to detail or the inclusion of PE or other special parts...and I was told this from a number of retailers: it's the fact that a company like Trumpeter, in China....want their factory paid off ASAP to avoid paying "excessive interest". Ergo, those high prices are forced on the consumer, to feed the monster. Another example is Italeris' kit 2502...their newest F 104. This retails for about $149.99....slightly more....slightly less depending. Yes....I've done the research on this kit in particular detail....I just, at least in MY mind....can not justify that price. I picked up Hasegawas' F 104 for $29.99 shipping included. And since I only build 1/32 or larger a/c...I've noted a similar correlation btwn models and TV's. A ratio: A 50" TV is reasonably priced....but 52" or larger are exponentially more expensive. It's the same with 1/72-1/48-1/32. 72 and 48 reasonably priced, but 1/32 or larger....outrageous. With very few exceptions. Like Revell. Why is this? These questions have been nagging at me since I returned to modelling about 18 months ago after a 35 year hiatus. Thanks for reading and please send your opinions! Mark
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, June 4, 2015 9:02 AM

Revell and Airfix pop many kits from a new mold.  This lowers their cost and price.  But, they need to sell a lot of kits, so they are reluctant to build subjects that they do not believe will sell very well.  Many of the more expensive brands do not do parge runs, but are more willing to undertake less popular subjects.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    August 2013
Posted by Jay Jay on Thursday, June 4, 2015 9:13 AM

I feel your pain.  

I was interested in building  the HMS Victory after I saw an ad on TV about it.   After i checked it out, the complete model cost over $1000.00....ridiculous !

I always assumed that 1/32 scale would be more expensive due to the higher parts count and greater detail ,but what I don't understand is the AM parts like PE are also highly priced . Understanding the PE making process, the parts shouldn't be that much more expensive than say 1/48 scale...

My opinion is that it's just greed on the mfg's end. ie  Why do Cadillac and Corvette parts cost so much more than Chevy's when quite often they're the same parts ?....GREED.  They assume the people that can afford these vehicles can afford higher prices on parts as well.  I'm afraid that this same attitude has reached the scale model industry as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm finally retired. Now time I got, money I don't.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Thursday, June 4, 2015 9:47 AM

Heh - we had a firestorm from a former member a long while back about this one subject. I ain't going there again.

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by KnightTemplar5150 on Thursday, June 4, 2015 9:55 AM
We need to bear in mind the concept of "scale of economy" here and step outside our comfort zone as consumers to get a look at the manufacturers' perspectives to gain a bit of understanding. Each new kit requires a new design, new tooling, creation of graphic designs (instructions, decals, box art, etch, etc) and the expenses of materials, labor, and overhead (rent, utilities, shipping, import/export fees and tariffs of raw production materials). What results is hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct expense before the plastic even meets the mold, then a repeat of overhead expenses during production and distribution. Despite how we like to view things, there aren't as many modelers in the market to begin with, but the market is highly segmented (cars, armor, planes, ships, and so on), shrinking in size, growing older, and dealing with the realities of making ends meet. So, if you hope to sell 100,000 new kits worldwide and you've spent a modest $1,000,000 to bring your kit to the market, charging $100 for it recoupes your expenses, but it's a business - your goal is to turn a profit. So, you charge $110 each, but everyone in the supply chain needs to make their money as well, including the retailer who sells the kit to you. While the manufacturer may suggest selling the kit at $120, the retailers have to set their prices to reflect their expenses and local market conditions. And, as consumers, we're never 100% satisfied and we demand higher quality and features all the time,, forcing manufacturers to design new technology, methodology, and processes to meet those requirements for crisp, slide molded parts with precise fit and high accuracy.
  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Thursday, June 4, 2015 10:13 AM

Well, if you're stuck on building 1/32 only, then be prepared for sticker shock. Just the way it is. That stuff is just way to darn big.

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Barrie, Ontario
Posted by Cdn Colin on Thursday, June 4, 2015 10:38 AM

What I don't get is why the Revell of Germany P-61 costs more than the Revell-Monogram one.  They're the same kit, as far as I can see.

I build 1/48 scale WW2 fighters.

Have fun.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Thursday, June 4, 2015 2:29 PM

Money and greed.

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Thursday, June 4, 2015 2:37 PM

Time to open a beer and watch a baseball game. Life is short.

I'm curious though about that Victory? Which was it?If Jotika, I assure you it's worth every Euro.

OTOH even the Heller one at $ 100 or whatever you can find it for on eBay, has kept me busy for 5 years and I'm not even half done. A lot of bang for the buck.

Listen, I don't understand why crappy little new cars cost $ 20,000.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Summerville, SC
Posted by jeffpez on Thursday, June 4, 2015 2:49 PM

Where did you find a new car for 20 grand?

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Thursday, June 4, 2015 2:49 PM

When was the last time you priced a car ? A new Smart Car now sells for over $ 18,000.00. And it would damn near fit inside a 67 FORD Econoline van that sold for $ 4,000.00

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, June 4, 2015 2:52 PM

And don't forget the importers cost. Anytime an overseas company partners up with MRC as their importer, there is a marked increase in that company's kits. I have seen that time and again over the past 30 years or so since I started paying attention after hearing about that aspect from a hobby shop owner. But yes, some companies do produce a good product for a more affordable price. Revell and Airfix are probably the leader of that today for new tooled kits.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by KnightTemplar5150 on Thursday, June 4, 2015 3:11 PM
Just caught my own error - make that 10,000 kits at $1 million invested. Otherwise, with 100,000 kits, it works out to $10 each, which is far more reasonable. Funny how one zero changes everything...probably a good thing that I have three more months before the fall semester, eh?
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Friday, June 5, 2015 9:05 AM

GMorrison

Listen, I don't understand why crappy little new cars cost $ 20,000.

That's why I buy used, every time, NEVER new. Just paid off my 2008 Dakota, and it's in awesome shape.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Friday, June 5, 2015 9:17 AM

$20 G for a brand new car? ROFLMAO!!!! Yeah right... For years I've always bought used and hated them. You're buying previous owner's problems. We bought our first ever brand new car in 1999  - Toyota Corrolla. Payments were cheap then. Never looked back in buying used since 1999.

After the Corolla was finally paid off 3 years later, I bought a new 2001 Toyota Tacoma. Had to trade that one for a new Matrix 9 months later due to truck being obsolete when you have a kid on the way. 2010, we bought a another new car 2010 Ford Fusion after the missus got in an accident (other driver's fault) with my Matrix. The Fusion got paid off and we finally traded in the Corrolla for a 2013  Ford Escape.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Friday, June 5, 2015 9:36 AM

Modeling is a hobby. A hobby is the universe's way of telling you that you have too much money.

Seriously, all hobbies are funded with disposable income. And most pretty quickly get quite pricey.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Friday, June 5, 2015 9:42 AM

Hi ;

  Is that true about disposable income ? I thought if it wasn't in rent , car payments and utilities  , oh , and groceries , that you were supposed to dispose of it . You mean I've been wrong all these years ?

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Friday, June 5, 2015 3:11 PM

I think a hobby is natures way of saying you don't have that much that you MUST do with your time. I see a few guys who like to carve and whittle driftwood from the ocean with a knife. I know that aside from the initial price of that blade their hobby does not cost them much more than time spent whittling and looking for that next piece of wood along the shore.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Biding my time, watching your lines.
Posted by PaintsWithBrush on Friday, June 5, 2015 8:47 PM

Coming up next month in "Finescale Whittler"...

A 100% rider on a 70% bike will always defeat a 70% rider on a 100% bike. (Kenny Roberts)

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Friday, June 5, 2015 9:06 PM

LOL!

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lancaster, South Carolina
Posted by Devil Dawg on Saturday, June 6, 2015 1:24 AM

PaintsWithBrush

Coming up next month in "Finescale Whittler"...

Hilarious!!! YesBeer

Devil Dawg

On The Bench: Tamiya 1/32nd Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zeke For Japanese Group Build

Build one at a time? Hah! That'll be the day!!

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Saturday, June 6, 2015 9:22 AM

One  problem we modelers face is that we all figure the genres and subjects we are most interested in are the same ones all modelers are most interested in.  So, we believe that if someone would just kit a (whatever) the result would be their best ever selling kit.  So it should also be cheap as a result.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2005
Posted by philo426 on Saturday, June 6, 2015 9:39 PM

That is a tough one.The stakes are very high cost wise so a poor seller could really hurt a company.

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: UK
Posted by Jon_a_its on Sunday, June 7, 2015 1:27 AM

Lol...

All I can suggest is shop around.

Look at the volume, a 1/32 kit TWICE the size & FOUR times the volume of a 1/48 kit, just saying...

This affects the raw materiel costs, but most importantly the SHIPPING costs.

The Italeri Widowmaker is currently available from the UK Amazon for UKP £60-£90 USD $92.00-$132

A Major beef with me are the Importers' RRP,  It's making Dragon & Trumpeter very expensive compared with HobbyBoss in the UK.

eg, why is an English AIRFIX or Italian ITALERI kit (both made in the far east) Cheaper from Lucky Model, Hong Kong, or from HLJ Japan, on a personal import, even with shpping & taxes.

East Mids Model Club 32nd Annual Show 2nd April 2023

 http://www.eastmidsmodelclub.co.uk/

Don't feed the CM!

 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Sunday, June 7, 2015 10:18 AM

Distribution from their own point of sale.

  • Member since
    June 2015
Posted by Pother on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 10:46 AM

Hello Folks. I've just been browsing here lately, but I recently read an article in the latest issue of MMIR that addresses this problem in a sense. The author was concerned about the rising costs of imported models from countries such as China, and some of the large price variations from certain companies. After getting a chance to talk with people from these companies, he developed a pretty good perspective on the issue.

Apparently, the price change represents a change in the way Chinese companies are trying to service the model making community. The model making hobby is largely driven by new content, since old kits sometimes suck, or become unavailable, or just simply due to people not wanting to remake the same model a thousand times. Research and development for new kits is an expensive process, and it was a very slow process when Chinese companies were making large quantities of each kit, and selling them at a low price.

With the international market (everyone but China themselves) being the primary consumer of these models, the decision was made to produce fewer numbers of each model kit, and sell them at a higher price to their primary consumers (since we can actually afford to spend a bit more). This allows them to get back their money sooner, and put it back into research and development for new kits sooner.

Also, apparently model making is still not a very popular hobby in China, and this practice also allows them to keep the prices lower in China, in an attempt to try and increase the popularity of this hobby.

The full article is in the latest issue of MMIR 62 (Military Miniatures In Review, and the author explains everything better than I did here.

  • Member since
    May 2015
Posted by IEDDTEK on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 1:35 PM

Hey guys....problem solved for me...anyway. Jul 25...my birthday...opened up my prezzies...there was the beautiful Italeri 1/32 104.

 

i have a smart and thrifty/crafty wife...who talked the retailer down $30.

 

she paid $134.39...tax incl! The receipt was taped to the box! 

And that's CDN $! So...just under $100 U.S. out the door!

 

  • Member since
    June 2018
Posted by Borgkube on Monday, June 18, 2018 1:55 AM

Cdn Colin

What I don't get is why the Revell of Germany P-61 costs more than the Revell-Monogram one.  They're the same kit, as far as I can see.

 

I don't have the RM version but it is skill level 2 whereas the RG kit is skill level 5. The RM kit has 22 steps and the RG kit has 44 although they both have 16 pages. In looking at the instructions online it doesn't look as though the panels and bulkheads are as detailed on the RM kit as they are on the RG kit which I have. It appears that some of the interior detail on the RM version is done with decals where on my RG kit they are moulded on and paintable. I am guessing that RG took the original p61 moulds and retooled them and added things. I notice on my RG kit some panel lines are raised and some are recessed. It makes me think again that they added extra details to the kit. This is all just a guess, but I have wondered the same myself, and those are the differences that I have noticed.

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
Posted by Wirraway on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 5:00 AM
Zombie thread.....wheres my crossbow..?

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

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  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 2:12 PM

Wirraway
Zombie thread.....wheres my crossbow..?
 

new kid in town...

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

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