Why are 12 Inch Regular and Customs so Dang Expensive?

[CobraOfficer999]

Reciently, I ordered my first custom body from Triad toys, and have been going around looking at different Joe and other 12 inch figures on line, I have been struck at how ridiculous prices are: any where from 19.99 for a 30th 12 inch figure at TRU to in excess of 300 bucks a piece at Sideshow and other places that carry them. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind these extreme prices for me? Thanks.

[galactron22]

Reciently, I ordered my first custom body from Triad toys, and have been going around looking at different Joe and other 12 inch figures on line, I have been struck at how ridiculous prices are: any where from 19.99 for a 30th 12 inch figure at TRU to in excess of 300 bucks a piece at Sideshow and other places that carry them. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind these extreme prices for me? Thanks.

I would think the Sideshow figures are produced in limited numbers, and he detail is great, a lot of work goes into these, and in some of the other brands out there the detail is insane: Monkey Depot - Crazy Dummy US Navy SEAL Team 8 Gunner (CD-78003) (http://www.monkeydepot.com/Crazy_Dummy_US_Navy_SEAL_Team_8_Gunner_CD_78003_p/cdb0016.htm) If you ask me the price is well worth it if you collect the 12 inch stuff.

[pghoff]

Sideshow figures don't retail for $300. The most expensive one is the new Snake Eyes which comes with a fully articulated Timber at $200.

$300 is aftermarket value on only 2 figures...Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Most others can be found at or below retail value.

That's no different than any older figure, like paying $30 for a 4" Joe.

[CobraOfficer999]

Sideshow figures don't retail for $300. The most expensive one is the new Snake Eyes which comes with a fully articulated Timber at $200.

$300 is aftermarket value on only 2 figures...Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Most others can be found at or below retail value.

That's no different than any older figure, like paying $30 for a 4" Joe.

I was talking Sideshow in general, not just the Joes. Some of their Star wars and Alien/Predator figures were nearly 400.

[Cdt Weasel]

supply and demand

[drunknmunky]

The Sideshow figures are amazing. I actually just grabbed Zartan last night and am blown away every time I look at it.
A few reasons why I believe Sideshow figures are so expensive are-
They have to license the brand from Hasbro.
The figures are made in a very limited number.
Some figures (like Zartan and Rock n Roll) are composed of tons of unique pieces. Meaning Hasbro uses a ton of repaints in order to help save on costs. Sideshow does this to a point with stuff like the desert troopers. However many figures have unique parts that will likely never be used again.

[pghoff]

I was talking Sideshow in general, not just the Joes. Some of their Star wars and Alien/Preditor figures were nearly 400.


Aftermarket.

All of their stuff is limited, so once it's gone it's harder to get ahold of.

[Jacklefttown]

It's those prices that drove me out of the 12" scale... I mean at $200 a pop now, you can't afford to play with them anymore. They are articulated statues that just sit there and collect dust... They are no longer a plaything!

[pghoff]

They're not supposed to be a plaything.

Yeah, if you play with your toys, they're not for you. They're supposed to be higher end collectables.

[drunknmunky]

They're not supposed to be a plaything.

Yeah, if you play with your toys, they're not for you. They're supposed to be higher end collectables.

I was cleaning my case yesterday and had my figures out. My 20 month old son got ahold of my Sideshow Viper. I didn't notice it as I was cleaning. I turned around and heard him making all kinds of noise. The Viper was shaken free of nearly every accessory. Worst of all the vest with those horrible mole straps (or whatever they're called) had come undone. Rather than spend another hour reattaching the vest I just put him back in the cabinet.

[Jacklefttown]

Yeah, if you play with your toys, they're not for you. They're supposed to be higher end collectables.

Which is why I no longer purchase them. If it's strictly to pose and look at, I might as well keep $200 in my pocket and just have it in my Virtual Collection.

[Griff]

I cant speak for the non customs but i know that 1/6th scale prices have increased DRASTICALLY in the last 7 years. Items that used to be very cheap are now super expensive and with a 1/6th fgure buyig something like a military combat sweater (similar to what the sdieshow beachead wears) alone can seta person back almost 20 bucks. Factor in a holster for about2-8 bucks (if it s a dropleg or waistbelt holster cna add cost) weapons and such...a custom selling for 200-300 plus really isnt much if any profit...in some cases its not even cost as a bare 1/6th body can run upwards of 100 dollars.

[carion]

If you want to start collecting 12" figures then go to Cotswold Collectibles. They have figures and accesories in all price ranges.

Here is the link

Cotswold Collectibles - Home of GI Joe and The Elite Brigade (http://www.gijoeelite.com/f_home.asp)

[fireflyguy]

I live 12 inch figures, but the cost is what keeps me from diving in.