TOPIC: Re: How will token sales go in 2009?

Jeff,<br />    I know you have a lot on your plate right now but have you come up with a qualifying amount for the token buyers dinner at True Realm?  That could impact some people's buying decisions as well.  I don't envy you having to come up with an amount for one big order.  I know I intend on trying to double my order from last year.  Too many cool UR!  =D<br /><br />Kim

We're planning on buying easily 200-300% of what I bought last year.  (So many great purps....)<br /><br />-Toby

96.2%<br /><br />Some people I know just don't have the money this time around...

<br />Jeff,<br />    I know you have a lot on your plate right now but have you come up with a qualifying amount for the token buyers dinner at True Realm?  That could impact some people's buying decisions as well.  I don't envy you having to come up with an amount for one big order.  I know I intend on trying to double my order from last year.  Too many cool UR!  =D<br /><br />Kim<br />

<br /><br />Since our incentives for buying lots of tokens stop at $1,000, and because we want to keep the Token Buyers Dinner a smaller affair, I am thinking that the premium level will be $1,500.  So, for every $1,500 you buy, you get one ticket to the dinner.  We would count your total purchases from the start of pre-orders to March 1st, 2009.

I definitely plan to buy more this year.  I don't know if I'll have the money to hit the $1,500 level, but I'm planning on hitting the $1,000 level for sure.  Hope that helps to make your day!

Generally I'd anticipate a slight increase in sales ( 105-110%) due largely to the impressive Purps, and the set factor.<br /><br />If this year is any indication those who are hurting for $$ will sell off their extra tokens after they've used them ( either after TR, or after Gencon)

mmmmm tokens.  =D<br /><br /> tough decision. how many do i "need"? <br /><br />you know i want a bunch.

Hey Smak, will the bank accept platinum proofs as collateral?

What is the scoop on Golden Tickets?  Are they going to be done the same way in 2009 as they were in 2008?  <br /><br />IF you are forced to increase inventory Jeff - due to one massive token buy...does that change the number of Golden Tickets or just make it even harder to get one?  OR will there be two token pools - one pre-order pool (with Golden Tickets) and one CON pool?<br /><br />I have not decided on my buy-in...I'm thinking a sub-average buy initially and then maybe a second buy if I can afford it.<br /><br />The first buy will be what I want...the second will be more of a "support TD" buy.  Disposable funds are definately not as prevelant as they were last year.<br /><br />The biggest factor I would weigh in with is: secondary market prices...if folks are seeing REDS selling for $1-3 on eBay...then they might be tempted to get REDS there...  Your PURP fanatics (myself included) will still buy large orders, but you may see fewer 10-20 pack orders.<br />

From the discussions about the token make up and those here, I would guess that people who buy the larger lots are going to spend slightly more than last year, but I would guess that people that buy smaller lots, will buy less due to the economy.  I am not sure what the percentage breakdown is between people who spend >$250 and those who spend <$250.  I expect that we will buy more because the increased number of new tokens, especially in the rare category.  (the number of very cool UR tokens does not hurt either)  <br /><br />I know that there were two separate lots last year, and I do not know if the second lot was sold out or not.  If not, I would think somewhere about the size of the first lot plus half the second would seem about right.  Running somewhat short of tokens, may not be a real bad thing anyway as it just improves the rarity.  Having way too many would seem to be the worst case.  My apologies to the tokenholics on the board.  =D

<br />Hey Smak, will the bank accept platinum proofs as collateral?<br />

  <br /><br /> i'll have to check that out.  =|

JKW's purchasing trend:  <br />2006:  initial was 250, end total was 500<br />2007:  initial was 1000, end total was 3000<br />2008:  initial was 1000, end total was 1250<br />2009:  should spend $000000 - but will likely buy $250 end total<br /><br />Here I am trading for sets I don't need and not sure how badly I want.  I'll be out so many tokens that I'll have to borrow from the sets just to outfit a party.  Of course, I could just outfit myself.<br /><br />Honestly, I wasn't as impressed with either the 2008 or 2009 tokens as I was by the 2007 tokens.<br />My two most favorite tokens from 2008 (URs, Combos, and such not included) are the Robe of the Mage and the Scroll of Scorching Ray.  That Ray KICKED butt and I'd like to get my hands on a whole bunch more.<br />Of course, as far as Combos go, the Staff of Striking was great for a Wizard who hasn't had anything but a +1 Quarterstaff or non-magical quarterstaff.  Do I even need to say it?  The best Combo of 2008 are the Bracelets of Zypher!<br /><br />I'll have to go back and look at 2009 and see what jumps out at me.<br /><br />I'm not overly impressed with the URs - however, I think the "final (x5)" version of the URs is MUCH better looking in variety and uniqueness than the first attempt.  <br /><br /><br />As we are really in a recession, I would think spending would go down.<br />This, however, may be broken up by the type of buyers.<br />Sounds like many of the big spenders are still looking to spend big and get lots of URs - more than last year.<br />Sounds like those without the big bucks may need to cut back a little.<br />I wonder what Mike Steele will do this year... <br /><br />Without more weigh-ins, it's really a tough call.<br /><br /><br />I don't know about anyone else, but there are Many houses here with foreclosure signs - or houses that have been empty for years - no one can rent them or sell them.  What was once a country that could support an entire family on a single income is now a country that nearly demands both parents work and earn better than average wages to have a little extra in their pockets.<br /><br />I hope that the spending is nearly at the same level as 2007 or 2008.  I think that would be great.  If it's higher, awesome.<br />I just wouldn't expect it.<br /><br /><br /><br />