What would you pay for Ken's X-15 professionally printed?

[GreMir]

Bob,
The answer is no since they would have to install the software on their system, send registration message, wait for the key and save the key in correct folder.
That would be way beyond the extra mile to help a customer...

[cgutzmer]

Actually digital kits usually DONT have a password. Even if they do there are not difficult to overcome if needed.

The gremir kits are tied to a computer and I dont think its possible to print at a professional printer. I could be wrong though.

I really dont see how a printed kit is easier to pirate in any case...
Chris

[cgutzmer]

cross post! Michael already answered

[Zathros]

Adobe Photoshop CS3 will remove any password protection. There are also other freeware programs that do this. You must be able to open the PDF first to do this. So any pirate would be one that purchased that kit legitimately. Then he or she could re arrange the parts to get rid of any watermark and the bottom line, that's why there are still pirates off of Somalia.

I have never purchased a paper model. I know that sounds bad but I am physically disabled with absolutely no income (no Social Security either, even though I paid into the system for 38 years!). That being said, the quality of that model might persuade me to come up with $15 to $20 dollars.

I don't think there is anyway to make money off of these models, too many thieves, too many free models but that shouldn't stop you. You would be distributing a work of art, for a nominal price, and that is what that X-15 is, that's hard to beat.

[GreMir]

Originally Posted by cgutzmer

Actually digital kits usually DONT have a password. Even if they do there are not difficult to overcome if needed. ...Chris

There is nothing easier than including the password in the pirated download as a text file or even as a part of the file name...

[buffalowings]

it seems like selling paper models as downloads or kits isn't a very profitable or lucrative career, then again, what is in this age and day?

[cgutzmer]

Originally Posted by buffalowings

it seems like selling paper models as downloads or kits isn't a very profitable or lucrative career, then again, what is in this age and day?

No, its not very lucrative - I do it because I love cardmodeling

Zathros - Why buy if you are satisfied with what you can get for free I didnt buy any kits for quite while for the same reason. But its easy to get hooked....

In regards to piracy - my philosophy is that pirates dont really cut into sales. 99% of pirates would not have EVER purchased a model in the first place, they trade them just because they can. Nor will most EVER build more than a couple of the models they pirate. Most people are ethical and will pay for their models. Keeping actual customers happy is the real goal (i.e. getting good models available to them at good prices)
Chris

[redhorse]

You know, I did produce and sell resin kits in the mid 90's. From what I've heard and read, they really were top notch. That being said, basic hobby shop comission was 40%, not 50%. 55% is keystone markup which is standard in jewelry, but not hobbies. Squadron called and offered $40,000 in 1994 for 2000 kits. Which was a 20% discount on my part on top of the normal 40%.

The advantage for production in the US that I see is the relative lack of labor costs in paper models. It took me a day to cast 13 kits and I felt like I had the flu if I did it for three days even with safety equipment. Plus I needed new molds every 50 kits or so. Couldn't even contemplate filling the Squadron orders and said no.

I understand that the Poles can do this. Cost of living is much lower and bookstores apparently sell paper models there.

For love of the hobby!, Go for it!!! I wish you great luck, but I won't be buying the X-15 because it's way out of my modeling realm, but if you can get Carl to print one of his - I'd pay $45 for that. Barry Goldwater bought one of my Lloyds before he died

[Art Deco]

Originally Posted by cgutzmer

I also hope to chat with companies like hobby lobby to see if they might put it on the shelves next to the plastic kits etc

Chris, if you want a physical version of the model to market in "bricks-n-mortar" stores, have you considered a CD-based product? CDs have all the advantages of a digital model (very low production cost, builder can easily re-scale, or reprint parts in case of mistakes, etc), combined with the advantages of a physical product (can be stocked on a shelf in a physical store, where it will get exposure to shoppers who have never heard of paper modeling).

The low production cost means a low retail price, which might be a big plus in terms of attracting non-paper modelers. They are probably more willing to risk trying something new at a lower price point (even if the reality is the cost of home printing will make up the price difference versus a printed model).

CDs are also a good option for online sales to those sitting at the end of a slow internet connection (I gather the US is still behind in broadband penetration).

Just throwing some ideas out there.

No, its not very lucrative - I do it because I love cardmodeling

There might not be a huge profit potential in marketing card models (not that that is necessary, personal fulfillment is very valuable and hard to quantify), but even a marginal business is a another stepping stone to a future where card modeling is much more popular, a significant industry and market.

Best of luck with this, and all your endeavors!

[redhorse]

I'm thinking that card models could probably be sold to museum gift stores as well, whether printed or in CD format. And that stuff is always overpriced!!