More Irrational Games Limited Editon Items

[Crimson_Dragon92]

Originally Posted by blingaling

So I figured I would try to bring the general Irrational Games store general discussion back to it's original home with a possibly inflammatory post.
These are just my (unprofessional) opinions. I welcome dissenting thoughts and am looking forward to discussing some issues with you all


Signed Editions:
Having things signed by Ken is nice, but older signed items (litho trio/fitzroy book) also included signatures by artists and writers was much nicer. The markup is all over the place too.

Just looking at the in-stock items-
Devil's Kiss Bottle: unsigned 350, signed 600. 71% markup.
Fitzroy canvas print: unsigned 50, signed 150. 200% markup.
"Falling" poster: unsigned 15, signed 100. 566% markup.

It seems completely arbitrary and makes no sense. Between just these 3 items that's 400 signed items. Rare? Nope. Still collectible? I guess that's up to us, the collectors to decide.

I personally would not ever again pay extra to have something signed by him. A signed edition of an open edition item feels like a cash grab. You want to reward loyal collectors? Throw some randomly signed objects into inventory. Or just don't charge extra for the first 50 or 100 you sell that just happen to be signed. And don't advertise it.


"First Edition" vs. "Open Edition"
Calling something a first edition with a possibility of more if demand calls for it is BS. I don't care about dollar value appreciation. I don't care if subsequent editions are unnumbered. Leaving yourself an easy out like that is unfair to early purchasers who will just never know what they've bought.

Open editions are fine, as long as there is full disclosure. I would never not buy something because it was open and not limited. For something high priced like the Devil's Kiss it makes a big difference though, especially if you lack unlimited funds and need to prioritize your purchases. It's a heckuva burn to miss something this month because you thought you had to get in quickly on something that will still be available next year.


Resellers/Secondary market:
It happens deal with it. In the art world, the toy world, or anything people collect: %10 of anything go to resellers, and they will scalp you if you let them. If it burns you that bad: Don't buy. Learn to live with things you missed out on. Be a grown-up. Pretty please.

On the other hand, for high demand items, one per household is a good policy if you are a retailer who cares about curtailing resellers. You can't stop it, but you can give fans a better chance.

Current pricing on the signed edition items will undoubtedly burn resellers purchasing multiples, but it also burns everyone who just loves Ken and wants something signed by him. Have you seen the bay lately? Stuff's not moving.


So there's my 2?. Be gentle on me

100% agree