mrh
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Post by mrh on Oct 18, 2021 0:35:51 GMT -5
Hello everyone! This is Dan from Squared Circle Toys. I will doing my best to frequent this thread to answer any questions you may have and just shoot the breeze. I would love to hear your honest feedback and thoughts. Just a quick little background about me. I've been in the toy industry for 10 years now. I worked on the WWE lines for Mattel with over 400 figures designed. I helped Jazwares on their launch of the AEW line. The tattoo artwork on Boss Fights Studios Rey Fenix and Penta along with DIJ efforts were designed by myself (as well as all future offerins of their Lucha Line). Pro wrestling is a love and passion of mine. I also was an Indy wrestler for almost 15 years...but thats another story... Here is some information I will talk about from what I have seen in the other thread: Release Date: As of now, February 2023...yes, I have seen the negative feedback for this. I am not a fan either, but that is the best we can do for now. This campaign ends December 3rd. The process for production turnaround is normally 10-12 months for a figure. So with that, the production process wont start until after the campain is fully backed (Hopefully it is). Unfortunately, with all the issues with raw materials in and out of the country, and the effects of the pandemic, this has caused production issue across the world not only with toys but everything else we purchase or consume. This is now creating a back log in smaller factories overseas, thus pushing back production turnaround time to anywhere between 12-14 months. If there is a way to speed up production, I would love to see that happen. Another factor is the amount of product being produced. The more products, the more time out. The less products produced, the lesser time to out. So If we only get the main 4 figures and no stretch goals, the release date will then be shortened.
Quality: Our figures will be produced with the same quality by the factory that puts out the Boss Fight Studio lines wich also include the Legends of Lucha line Rey Fenix and Pentagon among other to be released. They also produce figures for Animal Warriors of the Kingdom (AWOK), Valaverse Action Force and Dime Novel Legends...just to name a few. Later Availability: If we see our goal hit, we will most likely have these up for sale on our website though they will be slightly more expensive than on the Kickstarter. If we do not hit funding goal, these will have a better chance of never seeing the light of day. We will look into the possibility of putting a few of these out but that might be it. Nothing set in stone yet. - Dan
Appreciate the transparency -- I wish you good luck.
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DFriedman
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Joined on: Sept 2, 2014 21:30:23 GMT -5
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Post by DFriedman on Oct 18, 2021 12:29:12 GMT -5
Hey Dan, I'm still on the fence if I'm going to back the modern referee, it's the only one I'm interested in of the starting 4 figures, I would also buy (2) medics tho. My only issue with the referee is that it's as muscular as other wrestling figures and might be as tall if not taller than some Elites and Jazware figures. Many referees are in good shape, but they're usually shorter and not as buff as the wrestlers. I go out of my way to buy Marvel Legends figures in regular suits and clothes because they're not all jacked like their superhero counterparts, so when they're next to a wrestler they make the wrestler seem that more physically impressive. I want this line to succeed, but I'm not willing to pay for something that won't come out until 2023 at the earliest; assuming everything goes smoothly during production and shipping. I also don't like the idea that if something went wrong and they were never actually made, there's no guarantee I'd get my money back. I would buy the modern referee and (2) medics if the project meets its goals and all the figures got produced down the line. You mentioned that figures would be available but at a slightly higher price, I'd be fine buying these if they were like $35, any higher and you'd probably lose me. Also someone mentioned in the other thread that it would be cool if you made a pack of multiple heads so if we purchased multiple figures of the same body type we could swap the heads and then have a set of different looking staff. Good luck with the project~! Thanks for your interest in the line. The referee shares the same mold as all the other figures in the set. The mold for the arms and body are not so much muscular, but toned. As for the height, they will be 6.5 inches tall. This will be roughly the same height as the AEW Pac figure and a quarter inch shorter than a Mattel Stone Cold Elite. I will have paint masters in hand within the next week or two. I will take comparison pictures and will post them, so everyone can see how they scale up to Mattel and Jazwares. Trust me, I understand about payment. I wish the production process was a bit quicker. You have every right to be weary. If something goes wrong in production (which I hope it does not), and they are never made is something I will not let happen. True, there is no written guarantee your money will be returned from Kickstarter, but I can assure you here and now that I will make sure all money will be returned 100% if there is ever an issue where they cannot be produced. If the figures do end up for sale down the line, most definitely will not exceed the $35 price point. A head pack has already been looked into. We shall see what happens.
Dan |
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Post by casanova on Oct 18, 2021 14:43:23 GMT -5
1.) Great transparency.
2.) advice: These will most likely not be released in Feb 23 as Chinese New Year usually causes delays. You should better tell people March. They won’t complain if they show up a month earlier, but vice versa.
3.) suggestion: Do you plan on opening a backer kit for backers? This will usually increase your sales.
4.) Any chance for more generic heads?
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wrestlingfan1000
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Fan of almost every type of wrestling
Joined on: Jul 6, 2012 22:29:57 GMT -5
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Post by wrestlingfan1000 on Oct 18, 2021 19:14:54 GMT -5
I hope just like the New Gen arena crowdfunding campaign that this gets as much attention as that did through Youtubers and other forms of media. This is the project I am looking forward to the most and I want it to succeed. I don't mind the longer wait time to get the figures I am use waitng a +1 year for Super7 NJPW and plus they are a company where as this is by one person ( I'm am only speaking for myself when comes to this as I understand others frustration I just wanted to give my thoughts and opinion). To have a medic to go with the WWE Slambulance would be absolutely amazing, security to break up fights, an arena full of camera crew, and even a time keeper to ring the bell is just awesome to think about. Also the police to arrest Steve Austin. The figure photography with these figures would just be over the top with these figures and the displays!
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mrh
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Joined on: Sept 1, 2018 0:11:53 GMT -5
Posts: 3,469
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Post by mrh on Oct 19, 2021 1:25:29 GMT -5
DFriedman -- you mentioned you will have in-hand paint masters soon. So if this doesn't get funded, will you just have to eat all the development costs you've put in?
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Post by casanova on Oct 19, 2021 2:57:56 GMT -5
I hope just like the New Gen arena crowdfunding campaign that this gets as much attention as that did through Youtubers and other forms of media. This is the project I am looking forward to the most and I want it to succeed. I don't mind the longer wait time to get the figures I am use waitng a +1 year for Super7 NJPW and plus they are a company where as this is by one person ( I'm am only speaking for myself when comes to this as I understand others frustration I just wanted to give my thoughts and opinion). To have a medic to go with the WWE Slambulance would be absolutely amazing, security to break up fights, an arena full of camera crew, and even a time keeper to ring the bell is just awesome to think about. Also the police to arrest Steve Austin. The figure photography with these figures would just be over the top with these figures and the displays! These need to be interchangeable with Mattel heads. So many guys had cameos as security/police officers before they were part of the active roster...  |
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Jonny Flashback
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Post by Jonny Flashback on Oct 19, 2021 3:52:25 GMT -5
Love the project. Something I would've been all over 5 or so years ago. I'll be keeping an eye out and wish the best of luck.
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GR81J
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Joined on: Mar 18, 2003 11:12:08 GMT -5
Posts: 1,294
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Post by GR81J on Oct 19, 2021 7:36:54 GMT -5
Here is the link in case anybody wants to join the kick starter. Hopefully a lot more ppl back this bc I for 1 would love to have these extras in my collection. Spread the word and get behind this as much as possible bc it is gonna need all the help it can get. And btw the referees come with all the hands 1-5 count
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@Chair.Shot
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WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Oct 19, 2021 10:18:02 GMT -5
I love the idea of this but understand the concerns of there.
In order for this to be funded, there needs to be ~3,300 backers (if they each do a minimum of a $30 figure). Obviously the numbers change when people back higher than $30 but you get the point. Right now they are at $6500 with 50 backers.
What we learned from Steve at Mattel is that you need to make promotion your full time job and hobby in order to hit that goal. Once you have momentum, things might become easier. So try to do every podcast, be active here and on social media, see if there are businesses who would be willing to partner up with you by ordering a larger quantity or by helping you promote, etc. Maybe some popular toy vlogs can discuss them…just be everywhere and make it easy for people to access and understand how to support your product.
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DFriedman
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Joined on: Sept 2, 2014 21:30:23 GMT -5
Posts: 242
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Post by DFriedman on Oct 19, 2021 16:30:42 GMT -5
1.) Great transparency. 2.) advice: These will most likely not be released in Feb 23 as Chinese New Year usually causes delays. You should better tell people March. They won’t complain if they show up a month earlier, but vice versa. 3.) suggestion: Do you plan on opening a backer kit for backers? This will usually increase your sales. 4.) Any chance for more generic heads? I appreciate the support and the advice. Yes, I am currently in the process of creating a backer kit for this project. Generic heads has been planned from the start. There might be some more insight on that in a little while. |
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DFriedman
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Joined on: Sept 2, 2014 21:30:23 GMT -5
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Post by DFriedman on Oct 19, 2021 16:32:40 GMT -5
DFriedman -- you mentioned you will have in-hand paint masters soon. So if this doesn't get funded, will you just have to eat all the development costs you've put in? Unfortunately, yes. That is the downside of a campaign like this. I hope it doesn't happen. Doing my best to make sure it at least hits the goal. |
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DFriedman
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Joined on: Sept 2, 2014 21:30:23 GMT -5
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Post by DFriedman on Oct 19, 2021 16:41:09 GMT -5
I love the idea of this but understand the concerns of there. In order for this to be funded, there needs to be ~3,300 backers (if they each do a minimum of a $30 figure). Obviously the numbers change when people back higher than $30 but you get the point. Right now they are at $6500 with 50 backers. What we learned from Steve at Mattel is that you need to make promotion your full time job and hobby in order to hit that goal. Once you have momentum, things might become easier. So try to do every podcast, be active here and on social media, see if there are businesses who would be willing to partner up with you by ordering a larger quantity or by helping you promote, etc. Maybe some popular toy vlogs can discuss them…just be everywhere and make it easy for people to access and understand how to support your product. Thanks! I am doing my best in my already crazy world of being a dad, husband, freelance artist, full time sales employee and now toy designer to spread the word all over. It's not easy, but its getting done even if I don't get any sleep. I've done several podcast already with more to come. Promoting with ads is also being planned right now as well. |
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guster
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Post by guster on Oct 19, 2021 19:33:48 GMT -5
This may be too early to think about or answer - but if this reaches the goal, would follow up projects also require a kickstarter? Or would there be enough room to forge ahead as a self-funded company?
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mrh
Main Eventer
Joined on: Sept 1, 2018 0:11:53 GMT -5
Posts: 3,469
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Post by mrh on Oct 20, 2021 1:29:20 GMT -5
I love the idea of this but understand the concerns of there. In order for this to be funded, there needs to be ~3,300 backers (if they each do a minimum of a $30 figure). Obviously the numbers change when people back higher than $30 but you get the point. Right now they are at $6500 with 50 backers. What we learned from Steve at Mattel is that you need to make promotion your full time job and hobby in order to hit that goal. Once you have momentum, things might become easier. So try to do every podcast, be active here and on social media, see if there are businesses who would be willing to partner up with you by ordering a larger quantity or by helping you promote, etc. Maybe some popular toy vlogs can discuss them…just be everywhere and make it easy for people to access and understand how to support your product. Thanks! I am doing my best in my already crazy world of being a dad, husband, freelance artist, full time sales employee and now toy designer to spread the word all over. It's not easy, but its getting done even if I don't get any sleep. I've done several podcast already with more to come. Promoting with ads is also being planned right now as well.
You seem like such a quality guy -- I really hope you're able to build momentum and get this done.
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DFriedman
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Joined on: Sept 2, 2014 21:30:23 GMT -5
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Post by DFriedman on Oct 20, 2021 13:09:49 GMT -5
This may be too early to think about or answer - but if this reaches the goal, would follow up projects also require a kickstarter? Or would there be enough room to forge ahead as a self-funded company? It all depends on how well this does, honestly. If it does well, maybe one more kickstarter or the next sets will be up for order only on the website. I would love to move ahead as a self funded company. It just wasn't a reality as of now. After this campaign is over, we shall see. |
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secondwhiteline
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Post by secondwhiteline on Oct 21, 2021 8:20:17 GMT -5
This is awesome and needs more attention. I've been asking about crew figures from Mattel for awhile, I'm glad you guys are trying to fill that gap. Definitely backed!
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wrestlingfan1000
Main Eventer
Fan of almost every type of wrestling
Joined on: Jul 6, 2012 22:29:57 GMT -5
Posts: 2,974
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Post by wrestlingfan1000 on Oct 24, 2021 6:15:11 GMT -5
I hope just like the New Gen arena crowdfunding campaign that this gets as much attention as that did through Youtubers and other forms of media. This is the project I am looking forward to the most and I want it to succeed. I don't mind the longer wait time to get the figures I am use waitng a +1 year for Super7 NJPW and plus they are a company where as this is by one person ( I'm am only speaking for myself when comes to this as I understand others frustration I just wanted to give my thoughts and opinion). To have a medic to go with the WWE Slambulance would be absolutely amazing, security to break up fights, an arena full of camera crew, and even a time keeper to ring the bell is just awesome to think about. Also the police to arrest Steve Austin. The figure photography with these figures would just be over the top with these figures and the displays! These need to be interchangeable with Mattel heads. So many guys had cameos as security/police officers before they were part of the active roster... That would be sick to recreate some of those cameos with these figures! |
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Post by mcfclee on Oct 24, 2021 8:13:12 GMT -5
Is there anyway to see what shipping costs would be before you pledge? I’m in Australia so would like to know my exact outlay before I click go.
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Jonny Flashback
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Joined on: Jul 30, 2014 10:55:59 GMT -5
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Post by Jonny Flashback on Oct 24, 2021 10:19:32 GMT -5
Is there anyway to see what shipping costs would be before you pledge? I’m in Australia so would like to know my exact outlay before I click go. I was able to see shipping cost to the UK. I imagine the same is possible for Australia. |
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Post by mcfclee on Oct 25, 2021 7:02:11 GMT -5
Is there anyway to see what shipping costs would be before you pledge? I’m in Australia so would like to know my exact outlay before I click go. I was able to see shipping cost to the UK. I imagine the same is possible for Australia. What did you do to see that? |
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