I’m Done With the Ashley Wood Toys
Update: A few updates mixed in below based on comments.
My first resolution of 2010? No more toys from Ashley Wood and 3A Toys. I love the design of the figures, and will continue to grab World War Robot books, but far too many problems with 3A have led me to this decision.
- E-mails are ignored. Whenever I try to ask 3A a question my e-mails go unanswered. It’s nice that they sell so many toys they can ignore customers, but I don’t have to put up with it. Not when so many other toy company’s are willing to communicate. Update: It has been rightfully pointed out that the word “ignored” is unfair because I can’t be sure what’s happening on the other side. And I have one response from an e-mail in November. So most e-mails are unanswered.
- The toys are too expensive. I spent way too much money for too few toys from 3A in 2009. I understand these are short runs and all, but other designer toys have shorter runs and cost less. Update: I’m standing behind this one. The reason these are too expensive is because several times certain designs are only available in packs. Anyone wanting a specific design is often forced to buy an entire — much larger — pack. And my $100 Sideshow Collectibles Cobra Trooper (review here) came with a hell of a lot more goodies than the $87 Shadow Zombie figure (review here); but the Shadow Zombie as a figure is as cool as any of my Sideshow pieces, he just doesn’t have as much in the way of accessories.
- The release procedure has failed one too many times. So the way it works is you pre-order and then wait four to six months for your toys. If 3A is going to sit on money for that long then they could take pre-orders for more than 40 minutes or an hour. Example: The new Tommy Mission figure was gone by the time I found out he was available. No toy line is worth changing my schedule to suit release times that require you to be at the computer at a specific time.* Update: The membership Bramble took roughly four months to reach me. The Squares took about three months, and Bambaboss was a few months. So two to four months is a fairer estimation of delivery times.
This isn’t an easy decision to make — especially since I was looking forward to more 12-inch scale action figures — but I think it’s the right decision. I may grab a figure or two from retailers (if something amazing comes out) but I’m finished ordering direct from 3A. Their system isn’t any fun at all; and if toys aren’t fun then what’s the point?
* The Masters of the Universe Classics line is also about to fall under the axe for a lot of these same reasons. Mattel needs to figure out a better system soon or I’m just giving up on the line.
Sorry to hear you make such a tough decision, but I can totally emphasize. I managed to get a Tommy last night, only because I was at the computer at the right time and happened to notice… and even still, it was mostly by accident that I was even around. For the most part, I’m sticking to the Portable line, which you seem to be able to get reasonably easily from other retailers like BBTS… stuff like the super limited variant figures released on the Bambaland store in short runs throughout the night is just a lame system, and doesn’t really help get your toys to the fans at all. I admit, I AM hoping to get into the 3AA this year, mostly for the portable de Plume, but I agree with you that for the toys, 3A really sits on your money for too long without any concrete news. I have the Bertie 7-pack preodered, which was supposed to be my big Xmas present, but have not heard a peep out of them since I gave them my money. Ashley Wood tools around the forum dropping little hints about stuff all the time, and has moderators who spend most of their time following him around and collecting whatever comes out of his mouth, so why can’t someone take the time to give real news and updates to the people who’s money they already have? I love the toys so far, but it is definitely frustrating.
@Ben – “Ashley Wood tools around the forum dropping little hints about stuff all the time, and has moderators who spend most of their time following him around and collecting whatever comes out of his mouth, so why can’t someone take the time to give real news and updates to the people who’s money they already have?”
Exactly. And the “news” posts at the site read like manic collections of scraps and not real news. For as much money as 3A collects I would think they could afford to spend some of it on proper communication with fans.
I’ll likely pick up a piece or two from online retailers, but I’m done supporting 3A by direct ordering. Sitting on my money for months and refusing to respond to e-mails is too much to ask.
Too expensive? I only do the Portable range and i am finding their 1/12 to be a LOT cheaper then most other companies. Just go retail. That’s where i get my crack. Tenacious Toys is where its at.
I’m sorry to hear that you had problems with Tommy Mission last night, however I think you’ll find that 3A goes above and beyond most companies out there. While it would be nice to have a more updated shipping info many times Ash probably doesn’t know and when he does it’s promptly put out to the masses either in the news section on facebook or twitter. As for them taking the money and you having to wait that is the case with Sideshow and many other collectible toys on the market. I would think you were already used to this. And those companies don’t give you a weekly or monthly update either. As for unreturned emails, candy and the crew at 3A do their best I have had every email I’ve sent answered and usually within the day or a few days if it’s a weekend. 2 things to consider when you email them. 1. they are in Hong Kong so you may need to adjust your time to get a quicker response. 2. Since they are in Hong Kong they are often a day ahead of us so if you write them on a Friday it my already be the weekend there. 3. Check your email settings as they may be blocking any communications there.
Now on the final part I’m sorry to hear you missed out on Tommy, I can tell you do love the toys by your coverage before but if you miss out on something you should speak up, the best part of 3A is the forum, say something there and someone will have your back. With these toys I have found you get what you put in. if all you want is a nice toy to look at then yeah I’d say wait for a retail release, but you’ll still have to pay and wait. If you want to have fun while you wait join the board get in the loop pf whats happening and have fun. If you are still interested in getting a Tommy let us know I’ll make sure to see if someone on the board can help you out, ok?
Also I do appreciate all the time and effort you put into doing your reviews.
maybe 3A could bring a lottery into
their system to free up people from
being chained to their computer for
surprise releases – and to make it
harder on flippers
@anubis2night – Thank you for taking the time to post. I didn’t make this decision without a lot of pain, because you noticed I really do love the toys. The designs are fantastic and the Shadow Zomb had me excited at the thought of more 12-inch scale action figures. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be.
My problems with 3A started back in May/June when I e-mailed them and was never mailed back. And it hasn’t gotten better since then.
One quick point on Sideshow: The company doesn’t charge my card until the toy is in-hand and ready to ship. Sideshow has never charged me for anything until the toy is ready, and immediately after payment I get a shipping notification. Sideshow has also responded to every e-mail I’ve sent them and they have even called me on a few orders. Sideshow has fantastic customer service.
I’ll definitely think about your suggestion that I hit the forum looking for help. I’m also going to try e-mailing 3A one more time; I’ll be in Hong Kong in a week and it would be great if I had the chance to talk with someone there directly about the communication issues.
@MindlessFocus – “. Just go retail. That’s where i get my crack. Tenacious Toys is where its at.”
Thanks for the tip. I’ll watch their site. Do they also get the 12-inch scale figures?
some of the forum members are more than addicted and worship ashley and all his toys like a god.
see the ppl from the forum here defending 3A like it’s their own company is exactly what I hate about it..
like a personal army, wtf guys..
@Admin: Most certainly! and they aren the only ones. They just have, by far, the best customer services of any toy company i have ever dealt with. Right now they have a 2 pack up. Definitley try the retail side of it. Also, Tenacious constantly keeps you in the loop.
@nonono: well, there are always diehard fanoys where ever you go. hll, look at Glyos. Look anywhere really. what’s cool about 3A is that the pople ar most definitely part of the company. they have direct influence on what gets made. Its the only company i know that you can have your voice heard if you just speak up. furthermore, for some what they love can be a passion. would you not defend what you love? are you kidding me? c’mon…
Tenacious Toys is great, also there is 3d retro and Sideshow gets 1:12 scale figs from 3A as well right now there are Heavy TK’s and some Boiler Zombie at a few of these sites oh and Viking Playground as well. Hope that helps, also thanks for the heads up on Sideshow I ordered from them only once and am still waiting for my stuff, though for me I’d rather pay for the item now and get it later since I know I have the funds then get charged later. I’ll have to keep an eye out for my credit card statement now lol…
First, cards on the table: I post on Ashley Woods forums and he’s one of my favorite artists. I have been buying his toys since before 3A existed.
I hate super limited exclusives. I get really pissy about having to fight to buy something. Some people love that though and not everything 3A makes is like that, most things are not. So I can bitch and moan or just deal with it. Not everything in life is for me, simple as that.
If you want news, the 3A production blog is a good place for that. There’s pretty regular updates and always timers calibrated to your time zone usually put up a few weeks in advance that tell you when exactly something will be up for sale.
Also, Sideshow (among others) distribute 3A toys and make it easier to buy them AND you don’t have to put up money up front. Retailers have also gotten their own exclusives. 3A’s customer service isn’t the best in the world, when it’s good it can be really good but stuff slips through the cracks. They’re REALLY small and only about a year old. It’s no excuse but hopefully as they grow and age it will get better.
I hope that helps.
You complain about the price of ThreeA?!? Show me a 12″ hand-painted, weathered figure that costs less than the $80 or $87 that Tommy and Zombie cost. YOU CAN’T!
Also, what you say about shipping times is WRONG. The standard wait is about 2 months until shipping begins. Armstrong was the longest wait and I think he was 4 months.
Emails going unanswered? I can believe that, but to say IGNORED. You can’t even know that. That’s quite an unprofessional assessment from you.
The Forum News and ThreeA Production Blogs are all you need to stay up to date with releases.
And if you don’t think you need to adjust your schedule for a toys release… then it goes to show how you really feel about collecting toys. It’s not too hard to get to the internet at a certain. Especially when the Production Blog has a TIMER letting you know when an item drops.
ThreeA is small and to keep things moving, they sell smaller quantities than other companies. Why should they keep a figure up for sale so YOU can buy him when it’s convenient for YOU?!?!? Again… that’s a ridiculous request.
Look at the prices of lower quality 1/6 figures out there. If you knew the sub-culture of 1/6, you’d see why ThreeA shines.
@dedguy – “First, cards on the table: I post on Ashley Woods forums and he’s one of my favorite artists.”
I don’t post at the forums, but Ashley Wood is one of my favorite artists; I remember collecting his work back around 1997/1998 and absolutely loving what he was doing. And then in 2000/2001 I ordered the post card set and a signed copy of his first book which I picked up at SDCC.
I’ve met Ash a few times and every time he has been friendly; he sketched a kitty for my wife one year at SDCC and he even illustrated one of the Cthulhu Valentines in the set that I art directed back in 2002.
My complaints aren’t at all with the work or Ash. My complaints are primarily with the processes behind 3A and the customer service issues. And I’m far from the only one who has had problems with e-mails going unanswered by 3A.
This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but there are enough cool toys out there that I’d rather direct my attention to lines that are either easier to collect, not quite as expensive, or company’s that have open lines of communication.
@FoxDie – “And if you don’t think you need to adjust your schedule for a toys release… then it goes to show how you really feel about collecting toys. It’s not too hard to get to the internet at a certain. Especially when the Production Blog has a TIMER letting you know when an item drops.”
It’s not gonna be easy for me to reup my membership on January 8 when I’m on a flight to Hong Kong for the entire time. Why does the membership have to be open a single day? Is there any reason not to give fans more time?
And as to shipping times, I ordered my WWRp Bertie 7-pack over two months ago and haven’t seen any shipping confirmation or word that these are shipping.
I want to make it clear that I am not saying I hate this toy line or the people behind it. What I am saying is that there are enough problems with the line that I’m going to stop even trying to grab these toys unless I get a good deal or lucky with a retailer. I even say that in the post, noting that if an amazing figure comes out and I can get it from a retailer then I will.
“ThreeA is small and to keep things moving, they sell smaller quantities than other companies. Why should they keep a figure up for sale so YOU can buy him when it’s convenient for YOU?!?!? Again… that’s a ridiculous request.”
It’s ridiculous for 3A to offer pre-orders on a figure for a week or two and then manufacture to fill orders? If anything, I think it would be in the best interest of the fans for this to happen. If the line were easier to collect, and if more units were selling, then it would probably become more popular. As it is 3A is creating an artificial scarcity for reasons I cannot understand.
And digging through old e-mails I find one response in November. No response to an e-mail in May, none to an e-mail in August, and nothing over the past few weeks.
And the one response I did receive came through quite quickly. I’m not sure what made that e-mail get through the system.
@MindlessFocus – “@nonono: well, there are always diehard fanoys where ever you go. hll, look at Glyos. Look anywhere really. ”
I agree. Every comic, band, toy line, movie, book . . . everything out there has dedicated fans willing to defend what they love. It’s part of what makes collecting some of this stuff so much fun; a chance to share thoughts and ideas with others who love what you love.
So what are you looking forward to in 2010? Also anything special your going to get in HK?
@anubis2night – I’m headed over there for work (Hong Kong Toy Show) so that’s gonna be lots of meetings but I’ll get a little time to explore.
As to what I’m looking forward to in 2010 I’ve gotta say the Iron Man 2 3.75-inch scale action figures comes at the top of the list. The entire line is looking like a hell of a lot of fun.
so far my fav. iron man action figure was the iron monger, nice size for a action figure now I just wish sideshow or hot toys would make him
I have a similar dilemma as you, sometimes these special surprise releases just drops like nothing. I think they have to understand some people have work in their lives and is not going to sit infront of the omputer all day for the release which will probably be sold out in a matter of minutes. I can tell you now that I have never ever successfully gotten anything from 3A! So many misses and dissapointments, and their website and blog doesn’t really help much either. I mean most of these toys are going about $120-150 when they come out, but I see them on ebay selling for jacking your shit prices. Its a real shame…
@ Kyuu – “I can tell you now that I have never ever successfully gotten anything from 3A! So many misses and dissapointments, and their website and blog doesn’t really help much either.”
Man, that’s frustrating. I’ve gotten lucky a few times, but I understand what you mean about not having time to sit down and place an order _exactly_ when a company wants me to. I understand drop times for extremely limited run resin pieces and toys that have already been made, but I’ll never understand why something that hasn’t even been made yet can’t accept orders and then be manufactured to fill orders.
Why doesn’t Wood produce more toys? The $45 Brambles seem to have sold like hotcakes and by the time I decided I wanted one, they’re no longer available for a decent price.
If there’s a market there for it, why not increase production runs? I question the same thing on Mattel.
@Newt – “If there’s a market there for it, why not increase production runs? I question the same thing on Mattel.”
I can understand being conservative, but I can’t understand why the runs on these toys aren’t a little bigger than they are. When it comes to toys, the more units you run the better the piece price becomes for the manufacturer; those molds are expensive and the more plastic you can shoot through each mold the more profitable things become.
Hi Philip. Thanks for taking the time to express your feelings on this. Your reasons are your own, and I am not trying to convince you otherwise, or say that you are wrong to feel as you do. The beauty of free will is that we are capable of developing our own opinions on things and the differences between human beings is what makes us an amazing species. And, certainly, the most important part is: If it’s not fun, than what’s the point of doing it?
None the less, I feel that there is some error in your judgment and I am here to help clarify some reason since you seem interested in understanding.
First of all, you complain about customer service, but I work in a form of “customer service” for 3A and have not received a single PM (on the forums) or eMail from you. I would have been happy to respond in a timely fashion. If you were contacting Ash directly, you have to understand that he gets hundreds of eMails daily that are all the same “where are my figures, etc” and that he doesn’t have the time to respond to each and every one of them. 3A is a hobby for Ash, not a traditional business. He has other jobs for income that take up a lot of his time and he’s making toys for fun and to share that fun with fans; not for major capitalist profits. Therefore, from the get go, ThreeA is a different company than those you are comparing it to.
This brings us to my next point: ThreeA (as dedguy mentioned in his first post) is a very, very small company. ThreeA staff is extremely small and most things are run directly by Ash and Kim themselves (co-owners of 3A). Many of your responses to posters here argue that run-size could be larger, and 3A does seek to grow to a point where that is possible (!), but it takes time because 3A makes very little profit on their toys. In one year, we have already seen the runs become larger by 25-100 pieces, and I certainly hope that we can see that trend continue to increase; but it can only happen with the support of fans. The price that 3A sells their figures at is the price that the figure costs to produce. Also, it appears that you haven’t considered that EMS shipping is included in the price of ThreeA’s figures. 3A is constantly moving forward, however, and the factory has a schedule to stick to. If we discover that demand is greater than anticipated (in the case of Tommy Mission), and decided to create more figures, then the entire factory schedule has to be readjusted and pushed back. This happened with the Squares, and more Squares were made than planned to in order to match the demand from both individuals and retailers, and thus caused the delay in the shipping of both Squares and Large Martins, since you used this example for the Squares in your article, I trust that you will particularly understand the reasoning behind ThreeA’s choice against increasing run sizes significantly at this time… so it will be a gradual process. Also, we cannot accept an indefinite amount of orders and base the manufacture schedule on that because it could potentially leave ThreeA in constant production of one figure and 3A seeks to continue moving forward and produce more than a couple figures a year. Ash is doing this for fun, and what fun would he have if he has to wait for the factory to finish filling an indefinite amount of orders before he can make another figure? You also seem to forget that these toys are hand made, hand painted and hand sewn. This takes a lot more time than larger factories that are designed to mass produce quantity over quality.
To clarify, I believe that it is imperative to understand that ThreeA is an independent company and, at this time, it is much more fair to compare ThreeA to independent toy customizers than to the larger companies like Sideshow and Mattel. I don’t think many people realise this, and it is unfortunate.
To further address your complaint about the release time between pre-order and figures: The 3AA Desert Combat Bramble WWRP figure was a FREE bonus figure that came with the 3AA membership and had no pre-designated or announced release date. It was also delayed from the tentative plan because Ash decided to redesign the figure in order to be fully articulated like its 1/6th scale WWR brothers. Don’t forget that Ash is the only toy designer at 3A, so it takes time. Additionally, Ash and Kim decided to apologize for the wait by putting extra time into the box art for this which, in turn, adds to the production time for the figure. I’m sorry that you feel these changes were not worth the wait, but we at 3A did. I don’t understand why Bambaboss took so long to reach you, however, because this figure began shipping about a month after pre-order. This most likely depeneds on your local postal services, which people often do not take into consideration. Additionally, the Bambaland website does state that figures will traditionally take 6-8 weeks for delivery, which makes me surprised when people compain about figures taking 2 months (~8 weeks) to arrive.
In conclusion, I’d like to comment further on your thoughts on 3A’s communication ethics. You say that you are not a member of the 3A Forum, and that is certainly your choice. However, if you were a member you would have observed in the past year that ThreeA uses our forums as the strongest form of communication with its fans and that such communication is a very involved process. Certainly, you have a right to not join the forums, and you have the right to choose how involved to be in the discussions on the forums, but to choose not to you join, you are taking responsibility to choose not to be involved in the communicative process that we utilize in order to involve our fans and be available year round for their questions and concerns.
Either way, thanks for your consideration and I hope this at least brings some clarity for you.
I hope you dig the WWRP Berties.
Post Script: Although I may work for ThreeA, the thoughts and ideas here represent my own personal feelings on the issue. This is in no way an official response from 3A, and does not necessarily represent the thoughts of Kim Fung Wong, Ashley Wood, or any 3A staff.
We live in a weird time. The internet has changed EVERYTHING about how business is handled.
@ennui – Thank you for the long, informative response. I used the info@ address listed on Bambaland.
I will give your comment a proper response after I’ve slept and am a bit more aware, but I wanted to immediately thank you for taking the time to post here.
Phil, yeah, the info@threeaonline.com address goes to Ash directly. I will admit that it is traditional for the info eMail addresses to be the main form of contact and it’s misleading now that the forums have taken the lead. Look forward to your response!