We are just now finishing unwrapping (no action figures for us), and we wanted to wish everyone a great holiday season and best wishes for the upcoming year. In addition, to make sure we cover all the sci-fi holiday bases,
May The Force Be With You
Live Long and Prosper
Make It So
I'll Be Back (for the holidays - adding that part in)
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Up, Up, and Away
Holy Fruitcake!
Excelsior!
We look forward to more fun and adventure in the New Year!
Events, sales, shows, and other cool things from New World Toys and Collectibles - your up and coming pop culture action figure source! Visit our Amazon storefront to see some of the cool stuff we have for sale (and we might have some thoughtful commentaries from time to time!).
Dec 25, 2009
Dec 19, 2009
Dec 13, 2009
Singing the eBay Blues
Having been present in one form or fashion on eBay since Feb. 2000, I have seen the changes the little auction board has gone through on its way to becoming an internet sensation. However, like many others, I am wondering if eBay is coming to the end of its string. Beset by new competition, the economy, and its own management philosophies, eBay appears to be fluctuating between trying to keep ahead of the competition to falling upon its own second hand collectible sword.
Ebay effectively destroyed a large amount of the price ceiling in the collectible world. Rare toys, comics, and other collectibles were suddenly not quite so rare. Chase figures and variants no longer commanded a premium until the current waves had cleared shelves, and in most cases, the core collector group had already acquired the item. Collectibles became more about the "new hotness" instead of sustained value. Flipping became much more common and pronounced with values crashing (and sometimes hard) once supplies normalized (thank you Walmart and Target). Ebay values became the unofficial price guide for a lot of things.
However, over the last two years, things have changed. The amount of collectibles being sold on eBay has markedly decreased. Searches for Bowen busts, original comic art (not commissions by unknowns), and certain action figure lines turn up significantly less numbers than before. The reasons for this have been debated by those far more knowing than I, but the bottom line is that the volume is not where it was. Couple this with the departure of numerous sellers for other venues (a whole other topic for debate), and the end result is less product being offered by less knowledgable and capable people.
Ebay is not helping itself in this field either. If I cannot find, then I cannot buy! And Best Match does not help me find. Newly listed and ending soonest helps me find and prioritize my purchasing. Sorry to say, however much you guys paid for that program, you need a refund. Then, changes in the search where figures now returns listings with the "figure" in them. Don't assume that the "s" is on there by accident! If I type "figures", I want auctions with multiple items in them! For "busts", I am looking for high end collectibles, not see through bras! (although that might be something for a later business)
Unlike numerous other sellers, I agreed with the no negative feedback against the buyer change. If you offer quality items, prices, and shipping, then your scores will reflect it. There will be buyers who will abuse the system or just be stupid, but if you are producing enough sales volume, you can overcome these issues out of your control through sheer mathematical volume as well as your other positive reviews. However, they then decide to start arbitrating resolutions themselves. This might seem good, but the policies being implemented are truly inane. If a seller shorts me figures in a lot or sends damaged product, I can't get a refund just for the missing or damaged product. I have to send the other product back to the customer, get proof of return, and then get my refund. So...my choice is to return the product that I do want OR accept being ripped off/losing money. That makes no sense and makes me wary of future purchases, esp. from newer sellers.
So, if I have to be more cautious with newer sellers, then they will get fewer possible sales for lower prices and then....they will go away as well. Supply keeps dropping, some prices will go up, but also the significance of eBay keeps dropping. Right now, I have two open complaints in the same month due to being shorted on one lot and not even receiving the other. I do not remember any time in my nine years ever having two complaints within three months much less one month. I have been making more purchases over CL in the past six months than eBay which is also a first.
I went away from eBay a long time ago as a viable long term sales channel. I am now considering moving away from them as a primary sourcing channel. I am sure I am not the only business with similar considerations, and ultimately, where we end up - the collectible and small business class - that will be the next big thing.
"It's the politics of the auction land....it's the eBay Bluuuuuues! (with apologies to Glenn Frey)
Ebay effectively destroyed a large amount of the price ceiling in the collectible world. Rare toys, comics, and other collectibles were suddenly not quite so rare. Chase figures and variants no longer commanded a premium until the current waves had cleared shelves, and in most cases, the core collector group had already acquired the item. Collectibles became more about the "new hotness" instead of sustained value. Flipping became much more common and pronounced with values crashing (and sometimes hard) once supplies normalized (thank you Walmart and Target). Ebay values became the unofficial price guide for a lot of things.
However, over the last two years, things have changed. The amount of collectibles being sold on eBay has markedly decreased. Searches for Bowen busts, original comic art (not commissions by unknowns), and certain action figure lines turn up significantly less numbers than before. The reasons for this have been debated by those far more knowing than I, but the bottom line is that the volume is not where it was. Couple this with the departure of numerous sellers for other venues (a whole other topic for debate), and the end result is less product being offered by less knowledgable and capable people.
Ebay is not helping itself in this field either. If I cannot find, then I cannot buy! And Best Match does not help me find. Newly listed and ending soonest helps me find and prioritize my purchasing. Sorry to say, however much you guys paid for that program, you need a refund. Then, changes in the search where figures now returns listings with the "figure" in them. Don't assume that the "s" is on there by accident! If I type "figures", I want auctions with multiple items in them! For "busts", I am looking for high end collectibles, not see through bras! (although that might be something for a later business)
Unlike numerous other sellers, I agreed with the no negative feedback against the buyer change. If you offer quality items, prices, and shipping, then your scores will reflect it. There will be buyers who will abuse the system or just be stupid, but if you are producing enough sales volume, you can overcome these issues out of your control through sheer mathematical volume as well as your other positive reviews. However, they then decide to start arbitrating resolutions themselves. This might seem good, but the policies being implemented are truly inane. If a seller shorts me figures in a lot or sends damaged product, I can't get a refund just for the missing or damaged product. I have to send the other product back to the customer, get proof of return, and then get my refund. So...my choice is to return the product that I do want OR accept being ripped off/losing money. That makes no sense and makes me wary of future purchases, esp. from newer sellers.
So, if I have to be more cautious with newer sellers, then they will get fewer possible sales for lower prices and then....they will go away as well. Supply keeps dropping, some prices will go up, but also the significance of eBay keeps dropping. Right now, I have two open complaints in the same month due to being shorted on one lot and not even receiving the other. I do not remember any time in my nine years ever having two complaints within three months much less one month. I have been making more purchases over CL in the past six months than eBay which is also a first.
I went away from eBay a long time ago as a viable long term sales channel. I am now considering moving away from them as a primary sourcing channel. I am sure I am not the only business with similar considerations, and ultimately, where we end up - the collectible and small business class - that will be the next big thing.
"It's the politics of the auction land....it's the eBay Bluuuuuues! (with apologies to Glenn Frey)
Nov 24, 2009
Nov 23, 2009
Quick Recap of VA Comicon
Hey folks....going to do a quick post here. Got back home at 130am this morning from VA Comicon, so we are a bit tired.
The show was GREAT! Attendance exceeded expectations, lots of nice people, cool panels and auction, and the costume contest on Sunday rocked! We really enjoyed it, but we are tired!
For those of you referred her by our flyers or cards, you can get to our Amazon storefront by clicking here. We take the store down during large shows to avoid any inventory being double sold online and at the show. It will be back up this evening, so please make sure to bookmark it and take a look at it.
We will be running a Black Friday promo, and the Comicon promo code will be combinable with the Black Friday promo - extra savings for you!
We are also going to be ramping up our inventory levels this week with more Marvel, Star Wars, McFarlane, WWE and other figures being added. For those wanting to send us want lists or buy lists, you can email us here.
More detailed post to come.....
The show was GREAT! Attendance exceeded expectations, lots of nice people, cool panels and auction, and the costume contest on Sunday rocked! We really enjoyed it, but we are tired!
For those of you referred her by our flyers or cards, you can get to our Amazon storefront by clicking here. We take the store down during large shows to avoid any inventory being double sold online and at the show. It will be back up this evening, so please make sure to bookmark it and take a look at it.
We will be running a Black Friday promo, and the Comicon promo code will be combinable with the Black Friday promo - extra savings for you!
We are also going to be ramping up our inventory levels this week with more Marvel, Star Wars, McFarlane, WWE and other figures being added. For those wanting to send us want lists or buy lists, you can email us here.
More detailed post to come.....
Nov 11, 2009
Top 11 Reasons to Go to VA Comicon! Nov. 21st and 22nd
11. Great door prizes throughout the weekend - literally hundreds of dollars given away each hour!
10. Charity auction Saturday at 600p! Great opportunity to pick up cool stuff and benefit great causes!
9. Charity Magic Tournaments on Sunday. Get your deck together and game on!
8. Free Bowling Party on Satuday night (730p). Comics and bowling - two great things that are greater together! (no, the Hulk will not be bowling).
7. Panels, panels, panels! As you probably have noticed by now, this is not going to be a "Dealer's Room Only" show with lots of other activities for a bigger con experience. There is a full slate of panels over diverse subjects including inking, comic licensing, running a con, GI Joe, and a special appearance by Chuck Rozanski of Mile High Comics fame.
6. Great Guests - Part I. VA Comicon Regulars including the Tsunami Studio posse of Randy Green, Rick Ketcham, Kelly Yates, Steve Bird, and more; Andy Smith; Louis Small, Jr; Brian Shearer; John Gallagher; Steve Conley; James Kuhoric (in one of his few show appearances); Kevin Sharpe, and Eric Wolfe Hanson are all going to be in attendance. And previous attendee now DC Comics Zuda Award Winner Adam Lucas will also be there.
5. CGC and Hero Initiative - two organizations that are wonderful additions to any show. Drop your submissions directly at the CGC booth for grading and save the time, money, and worry of shipping your gems! CGC will also be witnessing for their Signature Series (see all of the Great Guests entries above and below).
4. Show Exclusives - not only will there be the cool VA Comicon poster designed by Tsunami Studios, there is also the exclusive holiday variant cover to Witchblade #132 (limited to 1000) by Randy Green and its ultra rare (less than 200) no logo sketch version (submit those lovelies to CGC!)
3. Advance Ticket Specials - buying early has its benefits! Premium VIP tickets have sold out, but you can still get Advanced VIP tickets for $14.95 and Advanced VIP for $9.95. Both levels get into the dealer's room 30 minutes early on both days, the show exclusive Witchblade variant, 20% off at New World Comics and Toys booth at the show, and free entry into the prize drawings.
2a. Great Guests - Part II. Adding to the already stellar guest lineup are a number of writers and artists who have not been to a Virginia show in years (if ever!). DC and Marvel artists Mark McKenna (so many titles, he could have his own long box!), Dan Parent (Archie), Reilly Brown (Cable and Deadpool), Mike McKone (Exiles, JLI, Amazing Spider-Man, Big Town), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl, Exiles, Iron Man, Countdown), and Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man comics and newspaper strip) will all be in attendance.
2b. Great Guests - Part III. But wait, there's more! Great artists also need great writers, and some of the bests will be here including Chuck Dixon (just about every Bat title, GI Joe, Stargate, Birds of Prey), Billy Tucci (creator of Shi), Chris Claremont (the "father" of the Uncanny X-Men and creator of thousands of characters and dozens of titles plus loads of fun to talk with), and in a very rare appearance, the creator of the modern GI Joe franchise, Larry Hama!
1. Ticket Prices and Free Entry - all this and 50+ tables of one of the best comic selections on the East Coast for just $10 for both days! Plus free admission for children, anyone in full costume, student ID, or Military ID!
Bottom Line - if you like ANYTHING about comics, superheroes, Magic the Gathering, pop culture, GI Joe, or even looking for some cool Christmas gifts, you MUST be at this show! For much more info, go to www.vacomicon.com
10. Charity auction Saturday at 600p! Great opportunity to pick up cool stuff and benefit great causes!
9. Charity Magic Tournaments on Sunday. Get your deck together and game on!
8. Free Bowling Party on Satuday night (730p). Comics and bowling - two great things that are greater together! (no, the Hulk will not be bowling).
7. Panels, panels, panels! As you probably have noticed by now, this is not going to be a "Dealer's Room Only" show with lots of other activities for a bigger con experience. There is a full slate of panels over diverse subjects including inking, comic licensing, running a con, GI Joe, and a special appearance by Chuck Rozanski of Mile High Comics fame.
6. Great Guests - Part I. VA Comicon Regulars including the Tsunami Studio posse of Randy Green, Rick Ketcham, Kelly Yates, Steve Bird, and more; Andy Smith; Louis Small, Jr; Brian Shearer; John Gallagher; Steve Conley; James Kuhoric (in one of his few show appearances); Kevin Sharpe, and Eric Wolfe Hanson are all going to be in attendance. And previous attendee now DC Comics Zuda Award Winner Adam Lucas will also be there.
5. CGC and Hero Initiative - two organizations that are wonderful additions to any show. Drop your submissions directly at the CGC booth for grading and save the time, money, and worry of shipping your gems! CGC will also be witnessing for their Signature Series (see all of the Great Guests entries above and below).
4. Show Exclusives - not only will there be the cool VA Comicon poster designed by Tsunami Studios, there is also the exclusive holiday variant cover to Witchblade #132 (limited to 1000) by Randy Green and its ultra rare (less than 200) no logo sketch version (submit those lovelies to CGC!)
3. Advance Ticket Specials - buying early has its benefits! Premium VIP tickets have sold out, but you can still get Advanced VIP tickets for $14.95 and Advanced VIP for $9.95. Both levels get into the dealer's room 30 minutes early on both days, the show exclusive Witchblade variant, 20% off at New World Comics and Toys booth at the show, and free entry into the prize drawings.
2a. Great Guests - Part II. Adding to the already stellar guest lineup are a number of writers and artists who have not been to a Virginia show in years (if ever!). DC and Marvel artists Mark McKenna (so many titles, he could have his own long box!), Dan Parent (Archie), Reilly Brown (Cable and Deadpool), Mike McKone (Exiles, JLI, Amazing Spider-Man, Big Town), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl, Exiles, Iron Man, Countdown), and Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man comics and newspaper strip) will all be in attendance.
2b. Great Guests - Part III. But wait, there's more! Great artists also need great writers, and some of the bests will be here including Chuck Dixon (just about every Bat title, GI Joe, Stargate, Birds of Prey), Billy Tucci (creator of Shi), Chris Claremont (the "father" of the Uncanny X-Men and creator of thousands of characters and dozens of titles plus loads of fun to talk with), and in a very rare appearance, the creator of the modern GI Joe franchise, Larry Hama!
1. Ticket Prices and Free Entry - all this and 50+ tables of one of the best comic selections on the East Coast for just $10 for both days! Plus free admission for children, anyone in full costume, student ID, or Military ID!
Bottom Line - if you like ANYTHING about comics, superheroes, Magic the Gathering, pop culture, GI Joe, or even looking for some cool Christmas gifts, you MUST be at this show! For much more info, go to www.vacomicon.com
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