Okay guys, I certainly understand your concern over our price point. I am a purchaser too. This economy sucks and you can spend your hard earned dollar anywhere you want. I fully realize that. We ALL want the most we can get for that dollar.
Our intent is not to gouge you or rip you off. Our costs have skyrocketed overseas and the fuel costs of shipping have doubled. We love our wholesale market but it brings our margin down by 50%. The Frazetta licensing fee is "super" high. Dark Horse gets a cut for handling our worldwide marketing and shipping.
Now I say the above not to whine but to merely state some of what we pay out before we get a penny. Our RSP rate is based on an "OLD" formula used by statue manufacturers which does not even take into consideration the sculpting and pre paint fees. We have "NOT" altered this formula as we do not want to or see that we can do so by passing the increase on to our customers. However we have to maintain our percentages or we are just working for nothing. We like everyone else are in business to make a profit so we can "STAY" in business. And we are not getting rich doing this. It is a labor of love. But we do want to be able to pay our bills without constant worry.
Does this mean we do not care about you? Heck no! We do. You are our lifeblood! I have always been open and completely honest with you and will continue to be so. My suggestion would be that you "JOIN" our newsletter today. See what our "IN THE KNOW" customers are privy too. Below is an excerpt of our latest newsletter. What an excellent deal on Dracula Meets The Wolfman. But it is only for our subscribers. Why isn't that you?
"After a long wait, Frank Frazetta's Dracula Meets the Wolfman is in production and available for pre-order. Scheduled to ship Fall 2010, this 1/8 scale recreation of Frazetta's iconic work was masterfully sculpted by Troy McDevitt and painted by Joy and Tom Studios. Priced at $285 and limited to only 500 units, this statue is expected to sell out quickly. Buy yours today, because newsletter subscribers who pre-order will receive $60 off! Email sales@reelartstudios.com with your order and you will be invoiced through Paypal within 24-48 hours. A 35% discount off of one of our current resin statues is being offered to anyone that pre-orders, but newsletter subscribers will receive 50% off any resin piece in our store with their pre-order. Please review the offer on our website for additional details."
As always I am open for comments both good and bad. Without you there would be no RAS. We super appreciate your continuing support. And may we all survive this downturn in our economy. I wish each of you the very best!
Michael
