shikaree Posted September 13, 2017 I can't speak to inflation in Japan, but as salaries increase so do costs across the board. If the people working at/for Volks aren't making more money than they did 10 years ago then something is wrong. In that case, then I guess something is wrong. By most economic indicators, including wages, Japanese economy has been stagnant for quite some time. I don't follow the Japanese economy very closely, but every so often an article pops up. I think Volks is definitely playing around with some things. You didn't need to enter the lottery to get any of the dolls released in the past year. And Rin and Len seem like they're permanently available now. Price is just one more component I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I_Shinji Posted September 13, 2017 Could it because Jeanne and Saber FGO will be using DDf3 which cost more? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SisterKyoya Posted September 13, 2017 The prices for these are pretty high. 109k without tax. So, plus tax, exchange to USD, the price currently around $1070 USD plus shipping. I think $1120 is enough to make people think twice. Volks is pushing it a little. I don't think they are pushing it at all. It just depends on what you would normally expect. Like the prices of the standard girls. DD with armor are always a lot more expensive. More bits to produce, more cost in the molds that need to be made, more cost in employees to paint them. Most DD do not have all those extra plastic parts. Not to mention that the gloves look like they are articulated. More complex = more cost. Are they expensive? Yes. But for as many Saber releases as they have had over the years they know that there is a stable fanbase for them, making it a good business choice. And because they know that they can rely on that, they are able to offer another Saber that is more complex than the last. For many, Saber continues to be a 'grail' girl. The last time they did a Saber preorder was nearly 6 years ago. The response was so huge that just to fill the orders, Volks had to stop making standard bodies just to get the Saber orders complete. The body shortage lasted for months. It's a fact I still readily remember because it started to noticeably set in about 2 months after my husband and I joined the hobby. For me I just expect that new or old, grail girls will always be expensive. Still, Saber is not going to be my most expensive grail. That prize goes towards Daisy (Mikuru Asahina) and if I remember her price tag was $1,300 in the aftermarket. I have wanted Saber for years (Thanks a lot Baldylox... you stinker ) so having the chance to get one new simply makes me elated. I don't have to stress and worry and stock multiple websites hoping against hope that Saber Extra would pop up at the right time with the right price... so for me at least the extra cost is totally worth it. If you are newer to the hobby, stuff like this probably comes as a shock. But it's just part of learning to play the game that is the hobby, and how Volks decides to dictate the rules. I would so much more be willing to hand my money over to them than the darn scalpers who would instantly double the price if not more simply because it's Saber. It always makes me feel really bad for the people who love Saber but know nothing about DD and fall into the trap. My point though is $1100 is a pretty good opportunity for people who wanted a Saber in armor, but couldn't afford after market. Considering that in 2010/2008 were ¥ 95000 new it's not really that surprising it's gone up to ¥ 109,000. Exactly. I don't know how I can afford this but I'm going to try to get both lol. my wife is going to kill me lol Congrats and good luck! Could it because Jeanne and Saber FGO will be using DDf3 which cost more? Yes, I believe this could be a factor too, but not as much as the armor. ~Sister Kyoya Forum Blog: Badger Pocket Tales (Family story from the beginning) | { Old Family story reboot: Start Here! } Follow me on Twitter, Flickr & Instagram Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeyondTime Posted September 13, 2017 I can't speak to inflation in Japan, but as salaries increase so do costs across the board. If the people working at/for Volks aren't making more money than they did 10 years ago then something is wrong. In that case, then I guess something is wrong. By most economic indicators, including wages, Japanese economy has been stagnant for quite some time. I don't follow the Japanese economy very closely, but every so often an article pops up. Then maybe a stagnant economy is the explanation. The difference between Dollfie Dreams and Heroin? Heroin is illegal, Dollfie Dreams probably should be. “Empty wallets, full hearts.” That’s probably an apt description for the effects of DD addiction Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeirenMachina Posted September 13, 2017 Adding onto this as well, from what I've seen the gloves are looking to be actual replacement parts with flexible fingers. They would have had increased R&D costs for this, as it's a new piece for them. It's probably not much in the grand scheme of things, but it's there. And then you have to factor in that DDs are in fact a luxury product. They're very high quality, much higher than that of a barbie for example. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gunter Posted September 13, 2017 Huh, I feel like you can see a clear increase in price for DD just by looking at their standard editions? DD Yukino and Aoi's standard edition (released in 2007) were ¥38,000. DD Yukino and Aoi Ver. 2 (released in 2011) were ¥42,000, and then Candy and Mirai's Standard Edition (released in 2014) were ¥43,000. With updated items comes a price increase. It is only natural? I think there is a lot of things you have to take into consideration when it comes to a DD's pricing. Material quality and amount used. Difficulty casting/creating the items. In the case of Saber additional items to the fullset, plus updated items. (I can *see* the detail differences.) These aren't your everyday dolls after all. Comparing one release to another seems really hard for me to fully comprehend (especially one Original Saber to the other as it has nearly been 10 years since the last release) unless they are literally exactly the same items, but other then Saber's sculpt this isn't seeing everything is getting a much needed breath of fresh air. In the long run this is a great deal, and I'm really excited to snag this Saber. I've owned Original Saber and the best way I can describe her fullset is that it felt old (cause it was) and a little flimsy imo. In comparison even having it updated to Saber Lily's set quality would be nice as I remember liking her armor much more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinclair Posted September 13, 2017 I'm so glad I got my Santa Saber when they had her. It's taken so much of the edge off of the want. Blue is my fav color, and that this is a blue Saber doesn't help things, but having a Saber already makes holding out just a bit easier. But if I did spring for her, she still wouldn't beat Yaya for the price I paid (The things we do for grails.). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArcticWolfie Posted September 13, 2017 Jeanne will be like 1200+ euro after import here (109.000 yen + JP tax + 6500 yen shipping + VAT + duties @ 130 yen/1 eur exchange). Kirika was like 750~800 euro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cinnamoron Posted September 13, 2017 I don't think they are pushing it at all. It just depends on what you would normally expect. Like the prices of the standard girls. DD with armor are always a lot more expensive. More bits to produce, more cost in the molds that need to be made, more cost in employees to paint them. Most DD do not have all those extra plastic parts. Not to mention that the gloves look like they are articulated. More complex = more cost. I totally agree with you, Sister Kyoya. Volks really outdid themselves with the number of accessories they each come with and I think the price reflects that. And holy heck- Jeanne's standard banner is HUGE! She basically comes with two weapons when you think about it- both the banner and her sword. Not to mention, I think the updates to Saber's armor (and both their armor overall) are really nice looking. Unless they make changes to stuff ala Miku's snow outfit, I won't be disappointed. I'm quite excited for both girls; I don't know how I will afford them both, but I love them. I haven't actually been this excited for a preorder since Saber Extra, but then I'm a huge Fate nerd. Volks certainly knows how to get into my pockets! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mogaman39 Posted September 13, 2017 Jeanne will be like 1200+ euro after import here (109.000 yen + JP tax + 6500 yen shipping + VAT + duties @ 130 yen/1 eur exchange). Kirika was like 750~800 euro. Ufff.... I'm starting to think in selling Ranka Or a kidney. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anna-neko Posted September 13, 2017 Ufff.... I'm starting to think in selling Ranka Or a kidney. I feel like we should start a club "forever selling a kidney: why am I in this expensive hobby again??" If it's any consolation - at least a pre-order gives you the full year to save up for! (super hoping Volks does the downpayment thing again, where it's couple hundred now, the rest next year) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iPOUT Posted September 13, 2017 After seeing more pictures of Saber and Jeanne (Thanks Torino), I kinda want Saber now, but wooooow that price tag >___<. . . If I do decide to do the pre-order, I'll probably only keep Saber's head, body, eyes, and maybe wig. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinclair Posted September 14, 2017 After seeing more pictures of Saber and Jeanne (Thanks Torino), I kinda want Saber now, but wooooow that price tag >___<. . . If I do decide to do the pre-order, I'll probably only keep Saber's head, body, eyes, and maybe wig. I'd take everything else off of your hands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iPOUT Posted September 15, 2017 After seeing more pictures of Saber and Jeanne (Thanks Torino), I kinda want Saber now, but wooooow that price tag >___<. . . If I do decide to do the pre-order, I'll probably only keep Saber's head, body, eyes, and maybe wig. I'd take everything else off of your hands. Cool. It I do it, I'll be sure to message you first thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I_Shinji Posted September 15, 2017 After seeing more pictures of Saber and Jeanne (Thanks Torino), I kinda want Saber now, but wooooow that price tag >___<. . . If I do decide to do the pre-order, I'll probably only keep Saber's head, body, eyes, and maybe wig. I'd take everything else off of your hands. Cool. It I do it, I'll be sure to message you first thing. Can I be second in line just in case sinclair decide to pass next year? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LariesDollHouse Posted September 15, 2017 I might be splitting her to as the only Saber who's outfir I've really liked has been Lily's but I'm going to wait a bit longer to decide if I want to preorder her or not. I've always wanted a Saber, but I'm gonna have a hard time justifying that cost to myself. ♥She who leaves a trail of glitter, is never forgotten♥ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I_Shinji Posted September 15, 2017 I might be splitting her to as the only Saber who's outfir I've really liked has been Lily's but I'm going to wait a bit longer to decide if I want to preorder her or not. I've always wanted a Saber, but I'm gonna have a hard time justifying that cost to myself. Will you please let me know if you decide to pre order saber and want to split her armor with me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LariesDollHouse Posted September 15, 2017 I might be splitting her to as the only Saber who's outfir I've really liked has been Lily's but I'm going to wait a bit longer to decide if I want to preorder her or not. I've always wanted a Saber, but I'm gonna have a hard time justifying that cost to myself. Will you please let me know if you decide to pre order saber and want to split her armor with me. Of course! ♥She who leaves a trail of glitter, is never forgotten♥ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted September 15, 2017 Can we please discuss possible splits and sales for these girls over in the "Splits" section and not clog this thread up with them? Thanks. Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeyondTime Posted September 15, 2017 I might be splitting her to as the only Saber who's outfir I've really liked has been Lily's but I'm going to wait a bit longer to decide if I want to preorder her or not. I've always wanted a Saber, but I'm gonna have a hard time justifying that cost to myself. Lily's outfit is worth picking up if you don't already have it. It's basically three outfits in one, and it is spectacular. The cool thing about this new Saber is DDS-F3, but Lily's outfit might be a bit big on a DDS frame, and I'm guessing the S bust will make that worse. I can't recall if Lily's set has the extra loops and snaps for the smaller doll size. I should dress one of my DDS iM@S girls up as Lily, and see how the armor looks on her. Makoto will really look the part of a prince in Saber armor. The difference between Dollfie Dreams and Heroin? Heroin is illegal, Dollfie Dreams probably should be. “Empty wallets, full hearts.” That’s probably an apt description for the effects of DD addiction Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anna-neko Posted September 16, 2017 Lily's outfit is worth picking up if you don't already have it. It's basically three outfits in one, and it is spectacular. The cool thing about this new Saber is DDS-F3, but Lily's outfit might be a bit big on a DDS frame, and I'm guessing the S bust will make that worse. I can't recall if Lily's set has the extra loops and snaps for the smaller doll size. Lily's dress looks fab on DDS, and there are no extra loops so S-bust might be a bit ... not enuff However, since the dress comes with much undies, u might be able to 'pad out' the smaller bust a bit with the corset and give it some extra staying power? and if u dun wanna spend a small fortune tracking down the Volks version, FromSen has their own too (they can make it for Dynamite busts!! Think of the future possibilities!) includes almost all the things, like petticoat, hair bow and gloves http://from-sen.com/shopdetail/000000042934/011/O/page2/order/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeyondTime Posted September 16, 2017 Lily's dress looks fab on DDS, and there are no extra loops so S-bust might be a bit ... not enuff However, since the dress comes with much undies, u might be able to 'pad out' the smaller bust a bit with the corset and give it some extra staying power? That's awesome, because I really like the idea of trying it on Makoto, and I did wonder if the various layers would provide some padding where it was needed. The bustier is Velcro, so I knew that wasn't adjustable, but I was kind of worried about the skirt riding too low on the hips if it didn't have the extra loops. It's been awhile since I put the outfit on Lily, but I seem to recall parts of it are really snug. I suppose that the pannier (not sure that's quite right, but that's what I got from google translate) might help keep it higher on a thinner waist. Actually in a lot of ways I think that Makoto would look even better in the armor from the pre-order saber. Either way I'm going to have fun. I'm pretty fond of her too, so she might just get a head transplant onto the new DDS-F3 body. The difference between Dollfie Dreams and Heroin? Heroin is illegal, Dollfie Dreams probably should be. “Empty wallets, full hearts.” That’s probably an apt description for the effects of DD addiction Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anna-neko Posted September 16, 2017 The bustier is Velcro, so I knew that wasn't adjustable, but I was kind of worried about the skirt riding too low on the hips if it didn't have the extra loops. It's been awhile since I put the outfit on Lily, but I seem to recall parts of it are really snug. I suppose that the pannier (not sure that's quite right, but that's what I got from google translate) might help keep it higher on a thinner waist what is it with Japan and changing word meanings ;_; panniers for everywhere else are with hoops for making things hella wide, and petticoats are underskirts in general, usually ruffles & chiffon etc.. Lily's underskirt is elastic waistband so it shouldnt be an issue, i dun think. The main "petals" skirt itself did try to slide a bit low, but the bustier top is what keeps it in place most the time anyway If it gets really bad for you, just tie a ribbon as an extra belt in there I dunno if maybe my girl is just weird, but i found her M-bust (DD-S body) is actually like.. couple millimeters bigger than M-bust from older base-2 bodies, so she can't even wear the corset under the Lily top without it getting all weird Maybe if you can't get it staying up on Makoto (the undies corset part) just try something else puffy, like another strapless bra top, or even thin cottonball bits? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeyondTime Posted September 17, 2017 what is it with Japan and changing word meanings ;_; panniers for everywhere else are with hoops for making things hella wide, and petticoats are underskirts in general, usually ruffles & chiffon etc.. Common usage often gets lost in foreign translation. My ex-wife, who was from China, use to use words that would send me scrambling for a dictionary. She used perfectly valid words that no one would know because it's just not common usage, like saying hepar instead of liver. Granted in this case I was unsure if it was the right word because I looked it up on wikipedia. Ladies once took up three times the area men did because of panniers. They did look impressive in those dresses though. Anyways thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to try her out in that outfit for sure, and in the new Saber outfit when she arrives next year. I'll post photos of Prince Makoto in both of them. I kind of want to try it on Chihaya too, but she'd need a new bust for sure. I can still use the falsies that came with Starpiece memories on the new Saber outfit to fill Chihaya out to see how it looks on her first. The difference between Dollfie Dreams and Heroin? Heroin is illegal, Dollfie Dreams probably should be. “Empty wallets, full hearts.” That’s probably an apt description for the effects of DD addiction Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katnaper Posted September 19, 2017 Holy moly on the price! But it is Saber and that price is typical of what her price range is and that armor IS awesome. My wallet is gonna be crying since I want them both. I need to start putting money away now or I will need to sacrifice Jean. I also don't know what they're going to come out with in December and depending on whether they're making someone I like, I might be entering the lottery for that. Also, I am planning on getting Nami as my first smart doll so that going to put a dent on my budget. Why is this hobby so expensive! We have our own BLOG. Please visit us at the House of Nyan by clicking this link or our sig above. See you there. Or, come see what Nyanko-sensei is up to at the Katnaper's Den Share this post Link to post Share on other sites