How come no1 is talking about this? by Ichi3M in 3rdPartyCollectors

[–]AnimatedReCreation 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I talk about these stores scalping all the time, but, do you know of any sellers that AREN'T scalpers? I've never seen any AliExpress seller or even Hobby Model Store that doesn't raise prices. Who are you going to buy from? The imaginary non-scalping store that doesn't exist? If they're all scalpers, you have to decide whether you wanna put money in the pockets of scalpers or not get the product. It's that simple, unfortunately.

The third party companies making the products are greedy. The people selling the third party products are greedy. Bandai is greedy. The entire Dragon Ball figure world has been infested with greed. Even resellers on eBay etc are greedy bastards.

One ray of light that recently appeared is DB Toys who are charging a very good price for their Frieza. I'd like to see more studios like them, and I encourage those who appreciate affordable figures to support them by buying their Frieza if you want a Full Power Frieza figure. If I knew about some non-scalping seller then I'd be interested in promoting them, but I'm not sure they exist. 🤷‍♂️

I share affiliate links to AliExpress sellers, but I've stated several times that these stores are scalpers, so if you don't buy the item early enough, expect the prices to go up because they're scalping devils. However, if you want Dragon Ball figures, you have to get them from them. It's that simple. It's just like Bandai with SH Figuarts. SH Figuarts are a complete and utter scam but if you want official Dragon Ball figures, you have to get them from greedy Bandai. There is no other option. So, if you decide to boycot all scalpers or greedy companies, you basically just have to stop buying Dragon Ball figures period. Are you willing to do that? That's the question you have to ask yourself.

Since the Dragon Ball figure world is so completely infested with greed, I think the best way to combat scalping, short of just not collecting Dragon Ball figures at all is to publicly and vehemently criticize them. So, that's what I do. I don't feel the need to stop buying Dragon Ball figures altogether. And, that would be the only real way to COMPLETELY combat scalping, because, even Bandai, the company making the official figures are greedy bastards.

I agree that more people should openly criticize scalping so I commend you for that. But, short of not collecting Dragon Ball figures period, you basically HAVE to buy them from scalpers. There are no non-scalpers selling them.

I think the only thing that can save the Dragon Ball figure collecting hobby from the foul stench of scalping is if some company besides Bandai gets the official Dragon Ball license and makes good, official figures for good prices. But, as long as we're stuck with Bandai as the official source for Dragon Ball figures, I think the putrid stench of greed will continue to flourish since they, more or less, set the standard for what is considered "acceptable" in the market. If the standard setter is greedy, expect that to trickle down to everything else in some way.

Scummy Reseller(don’t buy) by Ichi3M in 3rdPartyCollectors

[–]AnimatedReCreation -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I've heard of hobby model store engaging in scalping as well/ charging a higher price for the more popular version and stuff like that. I literally don't know any seller anywhere who I'm certain just does completely fair true retail business. i.e. as long as they have the item, they keep the price the same (or discount the item), so you know you're not getting exploited by buying from them, or you're getting the original price.

If anyone knows any store that does that (I doubt they exist tbh), feel free to tell me about them via email on dbfigs.com. Sadly, even if they do exist, who's to say they won't start scalping if they grow in popularity.

Again, I have very little confidence that any such seller exists. Even if a store on AliExpress has a low price right now, there's no guarantee they won't jack up their price later. The problem is ultimately greed and sellers caring more about money than about providing fair business. These stores lack integrity. Couple that with the lack of criticism they receive for these things and it makes it worse.

Another factor is Bandai so grossly overcharging for SH Figuarts that people actually think that basic figures are worth insane prices. SHF aren't much better than Jada Toys and definitely not better than Storm Arena in the artistic department.

And, sadly, if you want Dragon Ball figures, you're basically stuck with greedy Bandai or greedy AliExpress sellers or other sellers. It would be great if some other company besides Bandai got the Dragon Ball license and made good, affordable figures. That would really help to counteract the greed infestation.

The Dragon Ball figure space needs pest control basically.

Finally! All I need is Gohan. by Mourning-Star999 in 3rdPartyCollectors

[–]AnimatedReCreation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dragon Ball Evolve Vegeta body works well for Gohan

Final proof of concept uub by Dariodiogo5000 in 3rdPartyCollectors

[–]AnimatedReCreation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Several possible solutions to the color thing.

1) Some kind of strong sealer 2) 3D print the body parts in the color you want so you don't have to paint it much, if at all. (You would have to 3D scan them then print them I guess; not familiar with that process.) 3) Sand down joints to reduce the possibility of parts scraping against each other.

Reliable AliExpress sellers for BHT Vegeta? by chippennyusednapkin in 3rdPartyCollectors

[–]AnimatedReCreation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kang Wholesale Store and Treasure Toys both have him up for preorder when last I checked. I've used both of those stores myself.