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vaas2000 · 12-29-2009, 09:13 AM

Diablo Wrote:Vasanth, I would blame it on the rising gold prices. The Bburago guys have taken it literally for their models too.

lol!

Now that welly is in the scene, they should rename their series to Bronze collection Big Grin

kvsk4 Wrote:Well, for Bburago Bijoux 1:24 the prices were Rs. 545.00 since long and prices for 1:18 for Gold were Rs.1275/-. For 1:24s hike was of Rs.50/- only. On the other hand, 1:18s were first increased to 1395/- or so and then after the complete take over of Bburago brand by May Cheong Group (parent company of Maisto) prices shot to Rs.1495/- in recent months for all 1:18 Gold collection models.

Ironically, (during the ban on import of Chinese toys into India in 2009) the company that sells Maisto didn’t get all clearances to import diecast models into India while the Bburago brand has complete green signal by our customs department. So I guess the parent company controlling these 2 brands is upto something. Now, what I was told is that importers of Bburago & Maisto both work for the same parent company (and under-cover information is that some of the Maisto diecasts are even coming in Bburago containers).

Its bit complicated to understand their internal policies (or politics) but, indeed, it is hard to pay 1495 for a Gold Collezione Bburago and I feel troubled by the thought that this is going to affect this hobby which is still in its infancy in India

Whoa kv, that's some serious info, but again i see that greed seems to be the driving factor, i for once won't be confortable buying 1:18 buragos in future when i know that they are worth 1275 wonlee. I will pick them up in future only if they are the old stocks or they are something new that i absolutely need. I feel thankful that i could pick up some real good buragos at their old sticker rates and most with discounts too Big Grin

I guess now on i will stick to wellys in future, they have tons of new models that we've starved so loong for and provide real value for money currently, i just hope/pray that welly doesn't go burago way and start jacking up prices in near future!

kvsk4 · 12-29-2009, 05:27 PM

You are very right on this Vaas. Bburago should have stuck to the hike of Rs50 for 1:24 and Rs.100 for 1:18s. But they have insanely increased the prices again for 1:18s.

But as far as Welly is concerned I’m sure this brand is in good hands now, professionals I must say (part of Reliance Group of Companies) and they should not do such a mistake as their competitors.

**winstoncds** · 12-29-2009, 11:06 PM

I hope Zapak has its ear to the ground as to what to collectors want. 'I know it all' arrogance will not work for such luxury products however high end or low end it may be. They have to listen to what the collectors want and not what they want to import and sell here. You cannot go on selling H2s and Gallardos forever.

kvsk4 · 12-30-2009, 05:21 PM

Diablo Wrote:I hope Zapak has its ear to the ground as to what to collectors want. 'I know it all' arrogance will not work for such luxury products however high end or low end it may be. They have to listen to what the collectors want and not what they want to import and sell here. You cannot go on selling H2s and Gallardos forever.

Well said Diablo. I wish we can turn few managers of these companies into collectors or at the least scale model enthusiasts. I was very disappointed when one importer said to me straight away on my idea of exclusive outlet for scale models....

“by God’s grace our products are being sold well in the market”

…. when I told him to bring in one more brand into India that can give collectors variety in classic and muscle cars which we don’t see currently in India, in economy range. And then when I insisted, he talked only about premium brands like Kyosho, Minichamps, Exoto, etc. and said it wouldn’t be feasible for Indian market. I was surprised that such a wealthy importer dealing in scale models is not aware that world is full of several good economy brands and they have a lot to choose from.

Even we all know that business feasibility has to be kept in mind but then if your products are being sold to kids like hot cakes anyways, then why not bring in the models that collectors wish for?? Everyone will be happy this way………

By God's grace I’m hopeful things will change in times to come if we all stick together Smile

**winstoncds** · 12-30-2009, 11:10 PM

So you got that same dose of arrogant gyan eh KV. Congratulations. I told the same importer to get Welly and he called Welly crap. Now I want to see who is going laughing to the bank all the way and who is squirming in their seats.

gtmaniac · 12-30-2009, 11:17 PM

So many hurdle for us collectors.

Every month I couldn't resist to buy at least one car, sometimes that model doesn't even in my list, or old stocks, with an honest intention that they can clear the old stocks and bring in different cars to us collectors. But they keep ordering Mako Sharks, pre-war BMWs, base low-sped C-Classes and Mad Maxes, instead of newer release.

So I done playing good guy..hahahaa.. serve me right - nobody asking me to do so.

**winstoncds** · 12-30-2009, 11:48 PM

lol Ayie. Good guys always finish last. Tongue

kvsk4 · (This post was last modified: 01-01-2010 06:37 PM by kvsk4.)

Hello all, wishing you a very happy New Year.

2010 comes with launch of a premium but affordable brand MINICHAMPS. Its products have been officially launched in India today. The 1:43 scale models, though, come with a higher price range of around Rs.3000/- to Rs.6000/- unlike our expectations of range from Rs.2000/- to Rs.2500/-. Also, not much variety overall. I was also expecting Force India F1 (Kingfisher) car in scale 1:43 but sad to find out its not in the list.

However, good thing is some beautifully cars in 1:18 scale have also come in price range from Rs.3000/- to Rs.5000/-. And almost all of these cars come with openable doors, hood & trunk and wheels steerable features with good quality interiors. So I have shortlisted the vehicles not exceeding 5k red line (Rs.5079.00 to be precise). Please download the list attached. We will be ordering our stock sometime next week so let me know if you guys are interested in any of these beauties.

Download the Minichamps list here….

ps- will be uploading few photos soon.

kvsk4 · 01-02-2010, 12:50 AM

Guys come on, I'm waiting for your reactions------
MINICHAMPS has been officially launched in India today, the model list along with MRP is out there but where are the people of SMC??????? Sad

karansharma8783 · 01-02-2010, 12:59 AM

Well KV, don't want to disappoint you but my personal opinion is there's nothing of any real value for me in the list plus the prices are just way too high. Agree that 3000 is slightly ok for a premium brand like Minichamps but then there is not much to choose from in that range and none of the models in that range are actually anywhere near my wishlist. Sorry to be so negative but this is just my opinion. Let's wait and hear from the others.