Why do people pay so much for customs?

Ra88 · 07-07-2009, 09:42 PM

Someone I know asked me to post this here, since she's not a TFW member.

Quote:

Here's something I don't understand. There is quite some epic work out there from talented people such as Sabrina, Encline and F_R, and their customs deserve to be sold for quite a lot of dollars (though sometimes it feels like some of them are just in it for the money but that's probably just me). But like I said in the title: Why do people pay so much for them? I've seen quite a few customs going for upwards of $500, even more then $1000, but as awesome as those repaints are, I don't see that much value in them.

It's also not a very smart purchase, because for the same price you could have a high-end Sideshow product like their Premium Formats, whom's resale value only increases as time goes on, even doubling after only being sold out everywhere for half a month! This is even the case with cheaper (but still incredibly well done) 1/6 items such as that of Hot Toys, with their Predators being excellent examples: The first AvP releases were 120 bucks, but now fetch upwards of $800, with the rare con exclusives even going for more then $1500! Not to mention that these items are generally nicer then customized TF toys, which are still just repainted and modded toys, as nice as the work is. Compare that to high end collectables that have the best of the best working on them, with the usual factory limitations not being an issue!

So yeah, thoughts on this? I'm genuinely curious to what the thought process behind it is, and how that little world works. And what are generally the resale values of customs? I can't imagine custsoms being resold for quite as much as for their original end bids. And what happens to them after they're sold? Except for Peaugh's review of F_R's Powerglide I've never seen other pics of customs; were they locked away never to see daylight again? That would be very odd, because usually people aren't afraid to show pictures of their collection centerpieces.

Autobot Burnout · 07-07-2009, 09:53 PM

Whoever wanted you to post clearly seems to have a misconception about the customs they are looking at. Simply repainted and modded toys? Good grief, has she not seen F_R's "Autobot X", THE true Frankenstien's Monster of Radicons and TF's alike? Or how about the fact that these customs are usually one of a kind, and so have had mind-numbing amounts of work put into them, like the totally scratch-built Animated Omega Supreme? Last I checked, Hasbro never even BOTHERED to do most of the things that the Radicons are churning out.

Also, about the high quality of "expensive exclusives that are cheaper"? I know more than quite a few Botcon Kup's have had production issues with their limb joints, while hardly ANY of the customs that are the subject of this discussion have those issues.

Wingsbr · 07-07-2009, 10:08 PM

Well I have a few things. One, this "person" should join and post themselves if they are in dire need of such an answer, but I digress.

Here's my thoughts. I made a Ms Devastator for my wife as my first custom (Redline, I still haven't done a gallery, but it's my wife's fault because she won't bring it home from work

) and some of the comments were centered around it looking like a Lucky Draw. Well if you think about it, it's very exclusive because there is only one of them in that exact paint scheme, therefore making it exclusive, limited to 1.

The other point is perceived value. eBay is a perfect example of what perceived value can do to the price of a particular product.

Recent case in point: Cybertron Thunderblast was a shelfwarming, readily available deluxe that sold for 10.00. You can't by a used one for less than 40.00 now because for some reason (I believe it has something to do with botcon elita one) she is in demand. Because demand now exceeds supply, you have the simple rules of economics 101 at play.

Now some of the Radicons like F_R, Autobotx23, Encline, SabrinaNG, and other Radicons and look at their pieces. It's not just some new paint thrown onto a crappy plastic figure, rather they are finely crafted, exceptionally thought out and extremely detailed WORKS OF ART. Art by it's nature has a relevant price point that is synchronous to the buyer. If someone want's a rare Andy Warhol or Norman Rockwell and there's only one of them, well you can bet that it will go for millions. Radicons artwork is no different save for the fact that the medium doesn't have as much exposure as say a Warhol or Rockwell. It does however have some people who have plenty of money to spend on one of a kind, exclusive TF's that meet some need of them as a collector.

Looking at SabrinaNG and F_R's recent eBay auctions including one collaboration and it's not hard to figure out that both of them have a niche market of collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for high quality work. Do I believe that F_R is in it for the money? Of course, it says so on his page. He does this for a living and not only that, he just hired a new employee. I would say that business is going pretty good if he needs to hire someone. Conversely, I also believe that every Radicon who makes something whether for sale or personal preference, does it because of a love of something to do with the hobby, TF's, painting etc. It fills a need to be expressive and creative in a medium that suits their preferences. It just so happens that some of us (Radicons) are good enough to make some money, be it side or full time, at a hobby that at it's truest roots is still just a hobby.

Hope this helps and with that I'm off of my...

big hank · 07-07-2009, 10:17 PM

Quite simply, it is art created by artists. All artists are entitled to be paid for their efforts, if someone connects with their art. Quality obviously increases value. DaVinci will certainly command higher prices than an average graffiti artist, name recognition does play a part here as well. I feel it is a dis-service to underpay for a piece of art. It devalues the art as well as the artist. High priced customs I treat like art in the Smithsonian, too much for me to buy, but I can appreciate and admire it!

Zildjian · 07-07-2009, 10:28 PM

Ask this "person" what one of a kind pieces of art sell for.....

Although I have a feeling this "person" may already be reading these responses.

blacklion29 · 07-07-2009, 10:30 PM

There are those collectors who are completists, and when they see a piece that is not in their collection, they would pay a hefty price to own it.

frenzy_rumble · 07-07-2009, 11:09 PM

this thread funny...

I've known people who spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on things that no one else sees. Personal collections and investments are just that...personal. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have another TF fan come over and see a kitbashed 1 of a kind centerpieced amongst a wall of retailed figures.

and tell your friend that the exclusives and retail toys aren't built by the "best of the best" - if they were that great, they wouldn't be working to make someone else money.

not to sound full of myself (but rather to help make the point)... but wouldn't a TF fanatic rather spend a few extra bucks to have the one on the left over the one on the right?

Covenant · 07-07-2009, 11:31 PM

I saw the title of the thread and clicked rapidly to enter and say much.

But I cannot say a word that hasn't already been spoken. This thread's replies = QFT. How's about that.

MegaMoonMan · 07-07-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenzy_rumble

but wouldn't a TF fanatic rather spend a few extra bucks to have the one on the left over the one on the right?

Let's be honest here - a couple grand isn't exactly "a few extra bucks" when the original cost $44.95.

aurascope · 07-07-2009, 11:43 PM

reasons:
1. ultra limited, one-of-a-kind
2. factory made stuff are outsourced to the lowest bidder using the cheapest materials and effort
3. better representation of movie/show/anime/cartoon character aka a better model because its closer to the real deal.
4. bragging rights
5. artist branding
6. not limited by toy safety laws
7. its the in thing now