Milwaukee, WI
Quoted from Bud:This really is funny and fits pinside to a T. There was a discussion the other day how anything produced as a collector item will never be a collector item and manufactures need to stop with the “collector” edition type pins.
This discussion shows exactly what this GNR CE is.... it really is limited and desirable and for once in pinball, it really is a collector pin and more people want it than there are CEs available. This is by definition is collector edition, and sold out as designed and intended. After all, that’s the point of a true collectible.
I think people are getting hung up on the fact that demand is way higher than supply when they aren’t use to that with JJP. I also think people were counting their eggs before they had them, both distributors and consumers. I don’t think JJP is to blame unless they had told distributors how many they were getting, then changed that allocation to a lower number.
Is it possible distributors took deposits before they had an allocation? Is it possible distributors took refundable deposits incase they didn’t get as many as hoped for or maybe in hopes of getting more than allocated? Is it possible consumers pressured/guilted distributors to take a deposit for a CE before allocations were given? Is it possible distributors distributors were trying to make consumers happy and run a business before they had CEs? I think yes, there are many scenarios that may have taken place, all with good intentions.
I don’t think anybody involved with development or distribution set out to make people angry and upset. I whole heartedly believe nobody wanted to rain on this great pin and spoil it for some people. I believe the CE did exactly what it was intended to do, sell out fast and be a collector pin. Not everyone can have a CE and still have a limited or rare pin, it wouldn’t be a true CE then.
All I know, a distributor was making posts on pinside about their proven history before release. They then send email, after game is announced, with 3 links to buy before option to buy was available on JJP. Email also said each link would only work until sold out. This doesn’t imply any kind of unknowns in the equation. Deposits were taken with no mention of a refund policy. Now, they don’t have any? Maybe one or two over aggressive distributors, but several making the same mistake? Looks like mostly JJP problem..
If this did actually sell out, look out for CE prices in the future. I’d say $20k will be easy for Zeppelin, if there ever is..
