Does anyone possibly think the halt in production of metals was possibly just to avoid buying metal during a time of increased metal prices due to speculation by speculators in the markets?

After all if a corporation doesn't spend money, it can 'show' it's more 'profitable' depending on how they present the 'books'. Which seems to pretty much sum up most contemporary corporate strategies, including GW's.

My reason for this line of thought is that after GW stopped running (purchasing tin) metals they 'announced' that they were more profitable and the value of the stock rose in the market.

Since they are a pink sheet/slip stock in the US market it's not possible for me to readily see what kind of stock purchases are being bought/sold by the uppity ups at GW. But hypothetically speaking, if some bought large holdings in January and sold them in the last couple weeks they made a princely sum to say the least.

The 'reliable' leaks could be 'partially' accurate and just refect a greater emphasis on new releases of plastic/injection molded sets. If a hobbyist can make an ejection mold with epoxy I'm sure a large company could use masters to make quickie injection molds also, thus forgoing the whole resin/spin cast dilemma.

I recently recieved an Epic Feral Ork Gargant that was backordered and recieved a metal model, not sure if that means anything in relation to this rumor.

Oh well. My Fantasyconspiracy theory was fun while it lasted.

Yeah that really sucks. I knew Oz GW was more expensive, but I never realised it was by that much.

While it's going to put some people off anything to do with GW, it may possibly help you sell the game to others, who may still like to play in the universe/background but not want to pay the prices - an epic army is far cheaper than a 32mm one. It is also possible to play epic without paying a penny to GW by buying from eBay and/or good proxy models. It might be tricky getting certain models like some of the EpicA only stuff, but they can generally be converted.

I lost faith with GW management years ago and their further actions have only reinforced that, so I can't say I'm that surprised by their actions, though I do think with the ongoing global recession/depression worsening they are going to find an ever decreasing number of people able or willing to buy their product.

Hey imagine being Canadian
Not a stones throw away is the USA were the prices are dramatically less
And then factor in the Canadian dollar is trading on par or above
I want to support my local shop but it is hard to do
Thankfully he gives us discounts on special orders but that hurts his bottom line
How long he can do that is a big unknown

Have anyone at GW considered e fact that resin is a highly toxic material. Where you need special protection equipment if you want to cut it or sand it down?

I am not entirely sure that they will be allowed to sell resin products everywhere. And certainly not to the age group they are focusing on.

In the olden days they made a switch from lead to white metal because people were afraid of the lead. Resiis much much more dangerous than lead.

- F -

_________________
Follow the adventures of Waaagh Nuglug

Well it will definately make recasts easier to use in tournaments!

_________________
Frogbear is responsible for...
Previous World Eaters
Previous Emperor's Children
Previous Death Guard
Previous Imperial Fists
Previous Chaos Squats

This will have done their homework.

_________________
Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

at that kind of margin, would it be worth buying GW in UK and posting to austrailia?

GW have cottoned onto the that are and basically stealing by charging stupidly high postage (many times the actual cost of postage).

A mate looked into buying a complete Epic Guard army from GW US and they tried to charge him $90 postage...
Upshot, he's not buying a new army. GW AUS did not get his money and they probably, never will. Stupid.

This kind of business is sickening. There is a REAL backlash here at the moment. There are over 25 pages of discussion/complaint on WargamerAU (Australia wide forum). Many of the local WFB players have moved over to Warmachine (including multiple tournament winners and ex GW employees). Once the local personalities have jumped ship, there seems to be quite a following. There is a Warmachine tournament on this weekend and it's sold out with 32 players (remember Perth is not a big a most UK/US cities).

I was there when Steve Jackson and Ian Livingston started the whole business. I still have some of my old White Dwarf's back to issue 29 (in the UK). I wonder what they think of what's going on?
It's just big business I guess....

_________________
Just call me Steve.

NetEA Rules Chair
NetEA FAQ

Want to play Iron Warriors in Epic Armageddon? Click HERE
Some of my Armies.
My Hobby site.

I used to buy from GW UK but now they want to charge excess postage and 10% GST. This is despite goods being exempt from GST by the Australian Government provided the value is less than $1,000 Aus. So who knows who keeps the 10% !!. My experience is that these increases are to keep the Australian GW stores operating with their huge price margins. The current exchange rate is about 65 UK pence to 1 Aus dollar. Shining Spears cost 12.30 pounds but $33 Aus. Great Gargant costs 30.75 pounds or $85 Aus . Do the maths with the conversion rate. Its scandalous. The difference is not explained by transport costs. Add the restrictions GW has placed on internet stores selling their products and it is almost impossible to escape the inflated prices in Australia. If only someone in the UK could buy the items at UK prices and then add actual postage costs for an order. Of course the other option is stop buying their stuff which is a great shame.

I believe this may provide some valuable insight.

Or just buy your epic on ebay. Although i suppose postage is a problem there as well

_________________
AFK with real life, still checking PMs

No on ebay postage to Australia is usually between 2.50 pound and 8 pound on a larger order. Quite reasonable really. It does explain why some ebay bids exceed the buy new price from GW. The exchange rate plus the lower postage means you can bid higher than the brand new price and still be well in front of the Australian price. The problem is that current GW epic armageddon items aren't actually listed that often. Older versions are more readily available. I have been after the current vindicators for some time. Plenty of older versions.

I do and I've advised other new players to do the same.

The problem is that there is so much GW hate here right now that trying to get more people playing Epic is not going to be easy.

Jodrell - That link is pricless. Thanks for sharing it mate

_________________
Just call me Steve.

NetEA Rules Chair
NetEA FAQ

Want to play Iron Warriors in Epic Armageddon? Click HERE
Some of my Armies.
My Hobby site.

It's a shame, Epic:A is a really sweet gaming system. Best system since SM2/TL IMHO.

_________________
Tom Webb
Author Page: http://www.newtonwebb.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewebb
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenewtonwebb
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenewtonwebb