Does Statueforum.com affect statue prices?

[MACATTACK]

Originally Posted by Doc Sonic

This is off subject but I wanted to chime in that I believe every piece looks better in person.

If anyone is ever on the fence about a piece see it in person first before buying, if possible. Seeing the lines of the sculpt in 3D as well as the paint tones and how the light falls on it can't be match by a photo regardless of the quality.

I am with you on that, but if, like me, you live in a country where it is pretty hard to see these statues in person and on display at your local stores if they even have it at all (I live in London UK and all I have is Forbidden Planet in Shaftesbury Avenue....If anyone knows of another store stocking these statues locally please let me know!!) then I have to rely on website photographs and reviews. My 'local' store (which is an hours journey away into central London) does have statues and busts on display, but unfortunately the stock isn't comprehensive. I've been collecting statues for almost seven years now, and in all honesty, if it wasn't for the bay, my collection would be limited to say the least. We have a site (play.com) who stock some of these statues at reasonable prices, and I rely on their pics (and reviews from our forum pals) to make an informed decision as to whether to buy or not. Unfortunately website pics do not highlight flaws (if you want to call them that) in paintwork, or show the better detail in some pieces. Reviewers tend to highlight all they can see, good and bad.

I think it's safe to assume that if everyone had the luxury of being able to view a piece before purchasing, then the scenario would probably be a lot different. I may be wrong, but I'm sure that over 50% (probably more) of statue buyers will purchase a statue based on photos and reviews, which is why many lines tend to sell out when they are pre-orders.

[Sgt Taz]

Originally Posted by Doc Sonic

This is off subject but I wanted to chime in that I believe every piece looks better in person.

If anyone is ever on the fence about a piece see it in person first before buying, if possible. Seeing the lines of the sculpt in 3D as well as the paint tones and how the light falls on it can't be match by a photo regardless of the quality.

Believe it or not but I've seen pic's that look better than the real thing. Cap70, Resin Dog & P1X4R are some have done it before imo. But overall you are right, most of the time every piece looks better in person.

[Doc Sonic]

Originally Posted by Sgt Taz

Believe it or not but I've seen pic's that look better than the real thing. Cap70, Resin Dog & P1X4R are some have done it before imo. But overall you are right, most of the time every piece looks better in person.

I agree that some photos make a piece look better.I should qualify my statement by adding that nothing beats in-person viewing for how it's realistically going to look in your home ( for better of worse )

[Gir]

In some cases, the forum can affect auctions. For instance, if I start a discussion about a really nice bust or statue that doesn't pop up all that often, and then a seller happens to list one on eBay shortly thereafter, the ending price will probably be higher than it otherwise would have. There are a lot of nice pieces that pass under people's radar, but if you draw attention to them on the forum, they will sell for more on eBay.

[lovemunkey187]

Originally Posted by MACATTACK

I am with you on that, but if, like me, you live in a country where it is pretty hard to see these statues in person and on display at your local stores if they even have it at all (I live in London UK and all I have is Forbidden Planet in Shaftesbury Avenue....If anyone knows of another store stocking these statues locally please let me know!!) then I have to rely on website photographs and reviews. My 'local' store (which is an hours journey away into central London) does have statues and busts on display, but unfortunately the stock isn't comprehensive. I've been collecting statues for almost seven years now, and in all honesty, if it wasn't for the bay, my collection would be limited to say the least. We have a site (play.com) who stock some of these statues at reasonable prices, and I rely on their pics (and reviews from our forum pals) to make an informed decision as to whether to buy or not. Unfortunately website pics do not highlight flaws (if you want to call them that) in paintwork, or show the better detail in some pieces. Reviewers tend to highlight all they can see, good and bad.

I think it's safe to assume that if everyone had the luxury of being able to view a piece before purchasing, then the scenario would probably be a lot different. I may be wrong, but I'm sure that over 50% (probably more) of statue buyers will purchase a statue based on photos and reviews, which is why many lines tend to sell out when they are pre-orders.

You should try living further North, for lack of SS, BD, etc being displayed on the shelf in stores.

[MACATTACK]

Originally Posted by lovemunkey187

You should try living further North, for lack of SS, BD, etc being displayed on the shelf in stores.

I bet, it's bad enough in London (only one shop I am aware of), I do feel for the rest of you!!

[Hellboy]

Originally Posted by Doc Sonic

If anyone is ever on the fence about a piece see it in person first before buying, if possible. Seeing the lines of the sculpt in 3D as well as the paint tones and how the light falls on it can't be match by a photo regardless of the quality.

Couldn't agree more. I collect a lot of Attakus statues and I've found that no matter how good the pictures may be they never quite capture the detail I see once I have it in hand.

BTW, thanks for the Apoc bust Doc.

[polystoner]

I don't know, I think that the Sideshow Freaks forum may have more influence on SS stuff on ebay, especially with what some consider the grail pieces there:

PF Doom (like you mentioned), Grey Hulk (initially), and the Iron Man comiquettes.

In fact the recent price hike of the PF Dooms were probably driven by the spate of buyers there who had to have them in their collections now. So, yeah, I think forums do drive up a frenzy of soome determined and interested buyers, but not sure about the long term effects of the forum's influence. Gir had a very good point as well.

[Weedo10]

I know for a fact that a piece will probably get more buyers based on the opinions and pictures of members of this forum. I had no idea about the Snow Giants statue from Reel Art Studios until I saw it on this forum. After seeing all the pics and rave reviews I bought one. I must admit that this is an awesome piece and I am very happy with it. The forum does help others to make a somewhat informed decision on statues and busts, but what drives up the price of a piece is edition size imo. If there were 6000 pf Dooms out there Im sure the price would not be soaring to $1000. I would love to have the pf Doom and Iron Man comicquette but I missed out on preordering and no way am I paying the inflated prices now. What affects the aftermarket price is edition size and what a buyer will pay to have that "special grail piece".

[Collection King 13]

Well if it wasnt for this site I wouldnt have a lot of the statues that I do have... So yes I do think this site affects prices...