The key to continued success of this line is new collectors. The core group of old collectors has dwindled but that is expected with age.
Horse collar. What's better, drinking that Montrechet '72 or knowing its in the basement?
That tired old 'need new collectors' mantra has been peddled for years. It wasn't true when HL was on top of their game in 1995 and it isn't true now. You want continued success? Okay ... how 'bout just ordinary success and maybe a pique in interest. You want collectibles, not rejectibles. (whatever that means, but it sounded good.) So what's a collectible? Here hidden amongst the fine interior print of this paragraph is The Secret Answer. Yes I've been to the mountaintop. And after the lightguru twirled the codex and spoke those immortal guru words "Life is like a beanstalk", he let me in on a little secret. Heh. Success will return when there is an edition size smaller than those what want it. If there are a thousand collectors, make seven-fifty. If there are nine collectors, make six. Charge whatever it takes to cover your cost. Don't worry about a big profit. That will come later.
Yes its that same old story, numerero uno, repeat after me - supply and demand. Numero duo, keep your head down and lock your elbow - the key to success is to create models that will appreciate in value. Happiness is not a group hug during the three bus tour to Fantasy Light Island. Happiness is a thriving secondary market. Everything and I mean everything will fall into place when you connect waycool little models with pecuniary pugnacity.
Ever try to get in on an IPO? Everything else will fall into place when people are actively looking for the edge that will ensure they get one of the next new releases, cause they know that in two years it'll be worth more than it is today and I got one and you don't. It doesn't matter what it costs - right Bob, you'll buy one? Screw the proletariat - edition sizes big enough for common man prices lead to eBay glut. Too poor to buy 'em all, then pick yer spots and place your bets. The unbridled glee that comes from holding an NPL mini in your palm cause it looks good and you're among the four hundered or whatever that's got one. Yep - create *that* feeling again and you'll have your success.
Timeless in my own pedantic way,
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/im