Custom parts and packaging is closely related to repro'ing. Indeed we have featured custom packaging on Moonbase a number of times for Blog gift exclusives in the past like the miniature Salvage Craft. We printed Moonbase Central on the back.
In the early years of Moonbase I often photoshopped 'new' packaging on the blog for fun, for example, fictional Tarheel box art for a Nuclear Ferry toy.
I did receive some some feedback about doing such custom box art at the time. It suggested that readers might think it was real and that it should be made clearer that it was customised. It was advice I took on board.
One area of potential trouble is selling custom or repro packaging, of which there is a lot online. Repro boxes are a staple of repro parts businesses and I imagine like me some readers have bought the odd repro box.
But it can go wrong and I watched a You Tube video recently showing the dilemma that unmarked/undated custom packaging can cause for collectors and creators alike, especially where money has changed hands and is a good example of how its best to make things clear at the very outset. here's the link if you want to see it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m-2g7AXdmQ
What do you think about custom/repro packaging readers? Have you any experience of it?
I think it all comes down to transparency in describing the item: stating clearly if the item and / or its packaging is your own concoction, and not leaving it for the buyers to figure out themselves.
ReplyDeleteIn short, being sparse on the truth can be a form of dishonesty.
Yes, being absolutely clear goes a long way Arto I agree.
DeleteI support Arto's thoughts, Woodsy. In particular, repro boxes have been an endemic feature on the vintage Action Man scene for years. Some have been sold honestly as replacements and priced accordingly along with various anniversary sets, whilst other boxes are deliberate counterfeits passed off as original. Some of these are exceptionally convincing. This has been a contributing factor towards destabilising prices, trust and interest. New collectors would be well advised to do their research before shelling out serious money based on an ebay description and pics :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame Tone. I'd no idea Action Man collecting had that problem. Such a shame.
DeleteI've bought a few repro boxes, but quality can be inconsistent, with some sellers doing great repros, but the same sellers also producing not so good ones. What always lets them down, no matter how well they're printed (and some are done professionally), is the way rounded edges of flaps are cut, roughly and lacking symmetry. It can be a minefield. I've had to return some boxes because they were just bloody awful and not worth the price. I got some professionally printed Marx Dalek Rolykin boxes a few months back, but the foldover flaps didn't match (he'd cut one the wrong way round from the other), and the edges of them were cut very roughly. That said, when closed, they look exactly like the real thing, but in my view, they could have been better. Might do a post about them.
ReplyDeleteYep. Its a tricky area Kid. Ive tried to make ends flaps for my own boxes in my collection. Its hit and miss if they fasten properly. Its a skill getting them right. Im surprised profesionals can't.
DeleteYoud have thought professionals would get it right Kid.
ReplyDeleteWell, some sellers were getting them professionally printed, but not cut, as that would have involved much more expense for professionally made cutting templates (or whatever they're called). They'd cut straight edges with a craft knife and steel ruler (I assume), but when it came to curved ends on the flaps, they'd just use scissors.
DeleteIts those finishing touches which make or break a project I reckon Kid. We once offered repro JR21 custom boxes here on MB from a very skilled reader - they also included a very well made model toy Excavator inside. They were dear and we didn't sell many via MB and the creator was dissapointed with the whole thing. Since then I've avoided selling on the blog [unless its a cheap exclusive I sometimes do with Bill].
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