Skyshark kit prices
08-12-2006, 08:40 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Well stated, Mike..
As John Arbuckle used to say in the 1970's Yuban commercials - "You get what you pay for"... IMO Skyshark produces an excellent product that is reasonably priced for the quality, and you can't pick up a Cadillac for an Impala price. I also appreciate Skyshark's innovative approaches to making different levels of kit available to help save experienced modelers a few bucks...
No one likes to pay more of his hard earned cash for a model, but it is doubtful prices anywhere in our economy will be retrenching as long as we are held hostage to a mistake of geology in the Middle East.
Keep up the good work, Skyshark!
Jim
As John Arbuckle used to say in the 1970's Yuban commercials - "You get what you pay for"... IMO Skyshark produces an excellent product that is reasonably priced for the quality, and you can't pick up a Cadillac for an Impala price. I also appreciate Skyshark's innovative approaches to making different levels of kit available to help save experienced modelers a few bucks...
No one likes to pay more of his hard earned cash for a model, but it is doubtful prices anywhere in our economy will be retrenching as long as we are held hostage to a mistake of geology in the Middle East.
Keep up the good work, Skyshark!
Jim
08-14-2006, 06:49 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
The Captain is right again. lol
All of you are! Talking is usually a good place to start when it comes to People Banding together against these Morons who take all our hard earned money. Some of us are making the decision either to feed our family, or put the money in the gas tank. Personally, I can't go to many of the events like I used too now. It's really sad, I don't think I'm the only one in this boat. I'll always find away to keep my Hobby going though... just might have to Scratch Build, that's all.
Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 56404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY
All of you are! Talking is usually a good place to start when it comes to People Banding together against these Morons who take all our hard earned money. Some of us are making the decision either to feed our family, or put the money in the gas tank. Personally, I can't go to many of the events like I used too now. It's really sad, I don't think I'm the only one in this boat. I'll always find away to keep my Hobby going though... just might have to Scratch Build, that's all.Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 56404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY
08-14-2006, 11:41 AM
#53
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Dear northamerican mates:
If you feel it "hard" think of modellers abroad!. I had been considering buying a Skyshark Me 109 G kit for some months after the so excellent reviews here in RCUniverse, in RC Scale Builder and in the spanish forum Miliamperios, but for us "at the other side of the pond" we have to add a quite expensive shippment cost plus an import tax of 6% over grand total plus a V.A.T. tax of 16 % over previous figure (in some EC countries V.A.T. even goes to 20%) so making the purchase of a Skyshark kit well over 50% of that you pay there in the USA.
So unless you a have a quite "healthy" home economy and you are really an capricious guy, skyshark kits fall outside of many modellers possibilities here in Europe. It seems "globalization" is only intended for selling from third world countries to first ones but not for comerce between first world ones; .... a real pity!.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
If you feel it "hard" think of modellers abroad!. I had been considering buying a Skyshark Me 109 G kit for some months after the so excellent reviews here in RCUniverse, in RC Scale Builder and in the spanish forum Miliamperios, but for us "at the other side of the pond" we have to add a quite expensive shippment cost plus an import tax of 6% over grand total plus a V.A.T. tax of 16 % over previous figure (in some EC countries V.A.T. even goes to 20%) so making the purchase of a Skyshark kit well over 50% of that you pay there in the USA.
So unless you a have a quite "healthy" home economy and you are really an capricious guy, skyshark kits fall outside of many modellers possibilities here in Europe. It seems "globalization" is only intended for selling from third world countries to first ones but not for comerce between first world ones; .... a real pity!.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
08-14-2006, 12:14 PM
#54
RE: Skyshark kit prices
ORIGINAL: jescardin
Dear northamerican mates:
If you feel it "hard" think of modellers abroad!. I had been considering buying a Skyshark Me 109 G kit for some months after the so excellent reviews here in RCUniverse, in RC Scale Builder and in the spanish forum Miliamperios, but for us "at the other side of the pond" we have to add a quite expensive shippment cost plus an import tax of 6% over grand total plus a V.A.T. tax of 16 % over previous figure (in some EC countries V.A.T. even goes to 20%) so making the purchase of a Skyshark kit well over 50% of that you pay there in the USA.
So unless you a have a quite "healthy" home economy and you are really an capricious guy, skyshark kits fall outside of many modellers possibilities here in Europe. It seems "globalization" is only intended for selling from third world countries to first ones but not for comerce between first world ones; .... a real pity!.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
Dear northamerican mates:
If you feel it "hard" think of modellers abroad!. I had been considering buying a Skyshark Me 109 G kit for some months after the so excellent reviews here in RCUniverse, in RC Scale Builder and in the spanish forum Miliamperios, but for us "at the other side of the pond" we have to add a quite expensive shippment cost plus an import tax of 6% over grand total plus a V.A.T. tax of 16 % over previous figure (in some EC countries V.A.T. even goes to 20%) so making the purchase of a Skyshark kit well over 50% of that you pay there in the USA.
So unless you a have a quite "healthy" home economy and you are really an capricious guy, skyshark kits fall outside of many modellers possibilities here in Europe. It seems "globalization" is only intended for selling from third world countries to first ones but not for comerce between first world ones; .... a real pity!.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
Thanks,
Dave Olson
08-14-2006, 03:00 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Dave:
It was a general comment as you sure know no third world firm produces kits but RTF or ARTF models using their extremely cheap man labour. Regarding this, please, take a look at the jet forun and you will discover several threads regarding the competence of a most famous american jet company with various of their previous far east suppliers which sells the "same" models well nearly at half price.
For me, a real Luftwaffe fan, I have just purchased a 72.5" RTF ESM/KMP Me 109 E model from a Spanish mail shop at 375 € (or US $ 477) including taxes and shipment within Spain so, you and all may agree, making an excellent quality alternative -althought not a kit- to the Skyshark one.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
It was a general comment as you sure know no third world firm produces kits but RTF or ARTF models using their extremely cheap man labour. Regarding this, please, take a look at the jet forun and you will discover several threads regarding the competence of a most famous american jet company with various of their previous far east suppliers which sells the "same" models well nearly at half price.
For me, a real Luftwaffe fan, I have just purchased a 72.5" RTF ESM/KMP Me 109 E model from a Spanish mail shop at 375 € (or US $ 477) including taxes and shipment within Spain so, you and all may agree, making an excellent quality alternative -althought not a kit- to the Skyshark one.
Best regards,
Jesus Cardin
09-01-2006, 10:49 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Here’s some price comparisons looking at the old (Heritage) and new (Skyshark) prices and a brief look at Top Flight’s offerings:
OLD PRICE . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEW PRICE
SBD Dauntless $169.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$279.95
TBM Avenger $239.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $349.95
F6F Hellcat $159.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $279.95
Top Flite .60 size Corsair $149.99. . . . . . . . . . .Top Flite Giant Corsair $279.99
Top Flite .60 size Sea Fury $159.99. . . . . . . . . . .Top Flite Giant P-47 Thunderbolt $219.99
OLD PRICE . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEW PRICE
SBD Dauntless $169.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$279.95
TBM Avenger $239.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $349.95
F6F Hellcat $159.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $279.95
Top Flite .60 size Corsair $149.99. . . . . . . . . . .Top Flite Giant Corsair $279.99
Top Flite .60 size Sea Fury $159.99. . . . . . . . . . .Top Flite Giant P-47 Thunderbolt $219.99
09-02-2006, 04:29 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Interesting comparison and in my industry I have to say that I always must justify my prices increases . However on another note , the skyshark kits are lasor cut and the offerings are more unique (not so cookie cutter ) . Both of those features =benfits that = ability to charge more .
The corsair is available from so many ARFs at a better value then you could built the Top Flight -now I know the builders will say "but I built it " yes I agree that is not the question , the comparison is being made on price . You cant but an a qualitty ARF on some of the Skyshark kits menthioned .
Now if you compared the skyshark to Jerry Bates and the ability to but partial kits with fiberglass fuse ect , the comparison to me is much more difficult
The corsair is available from so many ARFs at a better value then you could built the Top Flight -now I know the builders will say "but I built it " yes I agree that is not the question , the comparison is being made on price . You cant but an a qualitty ARF on some of the Skyshark kits menthioned .
Now if you compared the skyshark to Jerry Bates and the ability to but partial kits with fiberglass fuse ect , the comparison to me is much more difficult
09-24-2006, 03:58 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
I hope everyone who supports skyshark ( I bought their stuka last year) and their price increase, buys a kit soon, I am afraid that either the kits or the entire line will not be around long.
09-25-2006, 11:20 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
ORIGINAL: J Villa
I hope everyone who supports skyshark ( I bought their stuka last year) and their price increase, buys a kit soon, I am afraid that either the kits or the entire line will not be around long.
I hope everyone who supports skyshark ( I bought their stuka last year) and their price increase, buys a kit soon, I am afraid that either the kits or the entire line will not be around long.
Like the earlier post showed, you can get a Top Flite GS kit for less, and the TF 60 kits for half. Granted, the Shysharks are lazer-cut, but that isn't worth the huge difference in price.
09-25-2006, 01:33 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Skyshark kits are great, but for me, price is a huge consideration when buying a kit. I HAVE paid 400 dollars for a Platt 190A and I WILL pay 280.00 for a Top Flite giant scale Corsair. I MIGHT go to Airborne Hobbies in Sactown and try and buy a skyshark kit (me 109) at the old prices. But, sorry, I just cant afford 300 dollars for a 60 sized plane. However I did buy a Jemco Me109 for 80.00 yesterday at a swap meet...And yes, I know that Jemco kits don't compare to SS!
I have no idea of the profit margin or lack there of for kit manufacturers. However I did work for awhile at a HobbyTown USA and we typically made 10-15% per kit. So I don't believe that there are huge profits to be made in kits for anyone. On the flipside, glue, paint, hobby knives etc, yield a profit margin of 40-60%. So you can see how manufacturers and retailers stand to make a profit on ARF's. Don't get me wrong, I like ARF's too. I have 2 of the ebay CMP clones myself....
My personal opinion is that kit buyers, builders, and speculators, would really help our hobby alot if they would buy kits that are CURRENTLLY in production. It doesn't matter if you buy Top Flite, SkyShark, or Guillow's-otherwise they will be gone and they won't be back. I remember a couple of yrs. back staring at a stack of BalsaCraft FW 190 at the LHS. and i didn't buy one because I thought that since they were such great kits that they would be available for awhile......... Not to be. I even heard that BC had been planning to release a larger IC version of the FW 190- ofcourse that never happened.
Finally I'd just like to say, we should all leave the ebay speculating alone for awhile and go buy a kit that is in CURRENT production from our LOCAL HOBBY SHOP, and don't forget the glue and paint and hobby knives!
I have no idea of the profit margin or lack there of for kit manufacturers. However I did work for awhile at a HobbyTown USA and we typically made 10-15% per kit. So I don't believe that there are huge profits to be made in kits for anyone. On the flipside, glue, paint, hobby knives etc, yield a profit margin of 40-60%. So you can see how manufacturers and retailers stand to make a profit on ARF's. Don't get me wrong, I like ARF's too. I have 2 of the ebay CMP clones myself....
My personal opinion is that kit buyers, builders, and speculators, would really help our hobby alot if they would buy kits that are CURRENTLLY in production. It doesn't matter if you buy Top Flite, SkyShark, or Guillow's-otherwise they will be gone and they won't be back. I remember a couple of yrs. back staring at a stack of BalsaCraft FW 190 at the LHS. and i didn't buy one because I thought that since they were such great kits that they would be available for awhile......... Not to be. I even heard that BC had been planning to release a larger IC version of the FW 190- ofcourse that never happened.
Finally I'd just like to say, we should all leave the ebay speculating alone for awhile and go buy a kit that is in CURRENT production from our LOCAL HOBBY SHOP, and don't forget the glue and paint and hobby knives!
09-25-2006, 06:35 PM
#61
RE: Skyshark kit prices
I think Skyshark simply has priced themselves out of the market. THe Jump in price was FAR to high to fast. When the kits sit on the shelf and nobody is buying them prices may come down again. Or they will close the doors and call it quits. To Bad..... I was considering the ME 109 but now... Ain't going to happen. Looking at the VQ now...
09-26-2006, 11:29 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
I would rather see them raise the prices and keep the kit quality high, rather than keeping the same pricing and lowering the quality down to the level of most other kits and ARFs.
09-26-2006, 02:22 PM
#63
RE: Skyshark kit prices
I think some are finding it easy to forget that Skyshark has stated thatrepeat customers will recieve a price break.
Sure you can think that you're taking it in the shorts on that first purchase.
But once you build that first kit, I think you will find it's worth it.
I am in the process of building the Top Flite 190D9 and can tell you that the quality of the kit overall and the building experience
are not even close to the same kit from Skyshark. Besides the scale deviations in the Top Flite kit and the larger wing area are detractions in both looks and performance when it comes to warbird racing.
If you are a builder as opposed to an ARF assembler, you need to give Skyshark a shot.
Sure you can think that you're taking it in the shorts on that first purchase.
But once you build that first kit, I think you will find it's worth it.
I am in the process of building the Top Flite 190D9 and can tell you that the quality of the kit overall and the building experience
are not even close to the same kit from Skyshark. Besides the scale deviations in the Top Flite kit and the larger wing area are detractions in both looks and performance when it comes to warbird racing.
If you are a builder as opposed to an ARF assembler, you need to give Skyshark a shot.
09-26-2006, 02:33 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Everyone should buy a SkyShark kit! If you love airplanes and rc models, support your hobby, even if you never build the kit you can always resale later or trade, or give it as a gift. But, we modelers must support local independent manufacturers before they are out of the industry.
09-26-2006, 04:49 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Hey guys, Here is a good place to get the kits at or near the old prices. From what I have heard Skyshark wants to get away from direct sales to customers.
[link=http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm]http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm[/link]
[link=http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm]http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm[/link]
09-26-2006, 08:31 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Thank you FW 190 for that site.
I just ordered the Me109G and saved $110 over Skyshark's prices. Guys, these prices can't be beat and maybe if we order enough kits, the price might go down even more.
Larry
I just ordered the Me109G and saved $110 over Skyshark's prices. Guys, these prices can't be beat and maybe if we order enough kits, the price might go down even more.
Larry
09-26-2006, 09:08 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
I agree with J Villa on concern with them going out of business. When you can get an ARF for less money then a kit it is hard to compete. There certainly folks out there who love to build kits but is there enough to sustain the business?
09-26-2006, 09:52 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
I think there is or at least I hope there is. I know as long as there are good kits out there I'll buy and build them. To me building is half the fun, flying the other half. I may not build the 109 I just ordered for some time but there will be a time I'll do it. I have several kits on hand and I believe I'll build my IMP Dauntless this winter.
Larry
Larry
09-28-2006, 07:11 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Decisions, decisions,
which kit to build this winter. I have a good assortment of quality kits I've picked up here and there and was pretty dead set on building the IMP Dauntless I have but I'll wait until the Skyshark ME 109 arrives and maybe I'll change my mind. Giant scale is nice but a pain in the butt to haul to the field. The prices on http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm are hard to beat so all you guys who keep saying I wish I had ordered a Skyshark kit before better jump on these prices before they go up and just maybe if they sell enough of them at this price, the price will stay lower. Actually after I had ordered from rcscaleproducts, I haven't received a confirmation so I'll just have to wait and see if these prices hold up or if I even get my kit. I will inform all of you the minute the kit arrives so to let you know this is on the up.
Larry
which kit to build this winter. I have a good assortment of quality kits I've picked up here and there and was pretty dead set on building the IMP Dauntless I have but I'll wait until the Skyshark ME 109 arrives and maybe I'll change my mind. Giant scale is nice but a pain in the butt to haul to the field. The prices on http://www.rcscaleproducts.com/kits.htm are hard to beat so all you guys who keep saying I wish I had ordered a Skyshark kit before better jump on these prices before they go up and just maybe if they sell enough of them at this price, the price will stay lower. Actually after I had ordered from rcscaleproducts, I haven't received a confirmation so I'll just have to wait and see if these prices hold up or if I even get my kit. I will inform all of you the minute the kit arrives so to let you know this is on the up.
Larry
09-28-2006, 09:24 AM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Larry,
Your kit is shipping this week. And yes the price is on the up-and-up. However, we have been informed that we will receive a dealer price increase in October from SkyShark so get them while you can at these prices guys. We are just a part time business (we all have full time jobs) so we have to process everything after hours.
Thanks for your order!
Mike Chilson
RCSCALEPRODUCTS.COM
Your kit is shipping this week. And yes the price is on the up-and-up. However, we have been informed that we will receive a dealer price increase in October from SkyShark so get them while you can at these prices guys. We are just a part time business (we all have full time jobs) so we have to process everything after hours.
Thanks for your order!
Mike Chilson
RCSCALEPRODUCTS.COM
09-28-2006, 01:47 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Hi Mike I just ordered an FW190 to be shipped to me here in Florida. I already have built the ME109G (great kit and flyer), you do ship by UPS don't you.
09-28-2006, 01:56 PM
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RE: Skyshark kit prices
Yes, but the kits are shipped directly from Skyshark in AZ. It takes them several days to put the kit together and get it shipped. BTW, thanks for the order. We are just modelers like you guys and when we find a good quality product we try and pass it on.
I have the Fw 190A myself and LOVE it! If you haven't gotten an engine for it yet I would recommend a Super Tigre .75 2-stroke. Makes that bird scream!
I have the Fw 190A myself and LOVE it! If you haven't gotten an engine for it yet I would recommend a Super Tigre .75 2-stroke. Makes that bird scream!