Post by MWFD on Oct 15, 2015 14:39:55 GMT -5
I wanted to expound upon a thought I had when replying to another thread about the Target HOF 4 pack - the thread that mislead some people into thinking they were found.
Instead of thinking small and limiting their brainstorming to groups/factions for the Target HOF 4 pack set, Mattel needs to broaden their thinking, open things up, and make good use all the rich WWE/WWF history that is available for them and at their disposal to monetize. Instead of your typical faction set of 4 Horsemen and/or the Heenan Family, think outside of the box for these groups. One suggestion would be to build them around former, classic PPVs. What do you think expectations would be like for any of these:
WrestleMania VI Set:
A WrestleMania VI pack with the packaging and box containing original logos and photos from WrestleManias VI. Then, inside the beautiful, classically designed, legend-inspired packaging would be an Elite style Koko B. Ware figure, Sensational Queen Sherri, a shirtless elite Hulk Hogan with a new headscan that includes either a non-removable Hulk Rules bandanna that he wore in the promo or the headband he wore on the way to the ring (since no accessories are allowed), and finally a pink tights Jake Roberts.
Royal Rumble Ironman Set:
Again packaging inspired by the various Royal Rumbles in which the figures competed, including the multiple logos that may have displayed the event's name. The figures would be an iconic blonde Greg "The Hammer" Valentine black tights with yellow accents & boots. Jerry Lawler in gold/black tights. Bob Backlund from 1992 in his red trunks, short black boots and Opie haircut. Finally, Shawn Michaels with 1994 attire.
Keep in mind the restrictions currently in place with this set: no accessories, limited budget for deco, and the characters must be in the WWE Hall of Fame. Also, considering the nature of the Hall of Fame, it is unlikely that we would see many newer characters. So if these ideas feel a little "old school", it's because they are, considering the Hall of Fame is typically for former WWE wrestlers that have retired from the company. We all know Mattel has utilized the Best of PPV line, and already utilized the idea of lines based around specific PPVs. Why not extend this by going back further into time when some of the most classic moments/matches ever took place?
Action figure sales and interest go way beyond what toy is in the box. These items are primarily marketed to children so the first thing that has to be done is to get their attention, and as simple as it sounds, the way to do that is with bright colors and vivid graphics. With the WWE having decades worth of great images, they could be doing a much better job designing these 4 packs than they currently are. Don't get me wrong, the current design is far from terrible, but a little more customization and time/effort spent into the packaging would go a long way. It is not a coincidence that many of the Ringside Exclusive figures are often the more highly anticipated figures and, more importantly, command the highest value on the secondary markets, usually when kept MOC too. A large part of that is the design of the package. Packaging design matters and while poor packaging may not kill a bad figure, a bad figure could definitely be saved by killer packaging. It also further tells the customer "this 4 pack is something special" because it doesn't look like all the rest. Hell, even through a quick "Watch Now on WWE Network" graphic on the back of the box and you got a plug for the Network. I just think the HOF 4 Pack has potential and should be utilized and designed better, because if not, I'm afraid it may fall the way of the Legends line.
Instead of thinking small and limiting their brainstorming to groups/factions for the Target HOF 4 pack set, Mattel needs to broaden their thinking, open things up, and make good use all the rich WWE/WWF history that is available for them and at their disposal to monetize. Instead of your typical faction set of 4 Horsemen and/or the Heenan Family, think outside of the box for these groups. One suggestion would be to build them around former, classic PPVs. What do you think expectations would be like for any of these:
WrestleMania VI Set:
A WrestleMania VI pack with the packaging and box containing original logos and photos from WrestleManias VI. Then, inside the beautiful, classically designed, legend-inspired packaging would be an Elite style Koko B. Ware figure, Sensational Queen Sherri, a shirtless elite Hulk Hogan with a new headscan that includes either a non-removable Hulk Rules bandanna that he wore in the promo or the headband he wore on the way to the ring (since no accessories are allowed), and finally a pink tights Jake Roberts.
Royal Rumble Ironman Set:
Again packaging inspired by the various Royal Rumbles in which the figures competed, including the multiple logos that may have displayed the event's name. The figures would be an iconic blonde Greg "The Hammer" Valentine black tights with yellow accents & boots. Jerry Lawler in gold/black tights. Bob Backlund from 1992 in his red trunks, short black boots and Opie haircut. Finally, Shawn Michaels with 1994 attire.
Keep in mind the restrictions currently in place with this set: no accessories, limited budget for deco, and the characters must be in the WWE Hall of Fame. Also, considering the nature of the Hall of Fame, it is unlikely that we would see many newer characters. So if these ideas feel a little "old school", it's because they are, considering the Hall of Fame is typically for former WWE wrestlers that have retired from the company. We all know Mattel has utilized the Best of PPV line, and already utilized the idea of lines based around specific PPVs. Why not extend this by going back further into time when some of the most classic moments/matches ever took place?
Action figure sales and interest go way beyond what toy is in the box. These items are primarily marketed to children so the first thing that has to be done is to get their attention, and as simple as it sounds, the way to do that is with bright colors and vivid graphics. With the WWE having decades worth of great images, they could be doing a much better job designing these 4 packs than they currently are. Don't get me wrong, the current design is far from terrible, but a little more customization and time/effort spent into the packaging would go a long way. It is not a coincidence that many of the Ringside Exclusive figures are often the more highly anticipated figures and, more importantly, command the highest value on the secondary markets, usually when kept MOC too. A large part of that is the design of the package. Packaging design matters and while poor packaging may not kill a bad figure, a bad figure could definitely be saved by killer packaging. It also further tells the customer "this 4 pack is something special" because it doesn't look like all the rest. Hell, even through a quick "Watch Now on WWE Network" graphic on the back of the box and you got a plug for the Network. I just think the HOF 4 Pack has potential and should be utilized and designed better, because if not, I'm afraid it may fall the way of the Legends line.
?
