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

Okay, knowing that Tokenholics are nuts - and that there are many Tokenholics - and that there are a bunch of new URs and some "Sets," there may indeed be an increase in the number of "250" purchases made.<br /><br />That may push overall spending up to 110-115% of last year, even if a few larger spenders spend a little less this year.<br /><br /><br />JKW

80%

<br />I am with henwy that you will see a decrease. Even though the big players/buyers are still weighing in, I think the economy is taking a toll on a lot of folks who normally can justify going to TD as a part of GenCon since they will already be there and so may not come to True Realm... and also, those folks who do come will be hurting for money too. I think henwy's estimate of 80% is realistic, but I also hope to be proven *wrong*.<br /><br />For my part, I combined a purchase with my friend Joe year before last to get some purps, then last year we didn't do it. This year, I am thinking about getting into it a bit more, plus maybe put in a purchase for this last year's tokens... I only wish I could ask for an Amulet of Wonder as my purp... that is the one I wanted the most.<br />

I wanted to say 90%, but, with Smack saying he wanted to DOUBLE his 2008 order, well, that alone accounts for a huge chunck of change.<br />

ebay, saturation, and blocks to new entry is what will kill you.<br /><br />1) why should anyone spend $250 to buy random tokens when they can pick up a complete set of rares for something like $60-70, a UR for less than $100, and still have enough cash to cherry pick a few other thins of their choice.<br /><br />2) why should anyone buy more tokens when they've already outfit themselves pretty well. What's the difference between AC 27 and AC 29 anyway?<br /><br />3) If I've never purchased tokens before, the economy will make it less likely I will start.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.  Let's hope that all the positives (Golden Ticket, Token Buyer Dinner at True Realm, cool URs, two events to use them at) this year will outweigh the negatives.<br /><br />   

The missing factor is the # of NEW folks who are planning to try and Make True Realm.. I've heard lots of Gen con regulars say " I can Finally try and make it to this, since I'm not crazy busy"<br />

Did anyone get a final tally of how many vIp runs were purchased? I'd think that would be a pretty good estimate of how it'll go.

Completely baseless hypothesis: Not knowing what the "professional sellers" contributed last year, I would guess that the top 5 (or maybe even 3) top buyers represent close to 50% of all token sales.  If one of them were to really double his purchases over last year, the total would increase.

<br />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 /><br />

<br /><br />I have thought this over, and I have decided to just stick with the standard 16 Golden Tickets spread over a slightly larger universe of tokens.  How much bigger?  I don't have an exact number yet, but it should be in the neighborhood of about 20% larger.  <br /><br />It will keep the Golden Ticket runs more fun by just having two groups go through at once.  We would probably sell more tokens by coughing up 32 GTs, but it would not be as special that way.  And btw, this year the Golden Tickets are printed at the factory!

I missed where Smak said he wanted to double his order.  That's a lot of tokens.  I can't imagine how much time it would take to sort that.<br /><br />Kim

<br />2)What's the difference between AC 27 and AC 29 anyway?<br />

<br /><br />Life or death in the final room. In 2007, the DM thought he had me with his attack roll of 27. My AC of 28 saved my skin from instant death. That is, of course, unusual, but it happens.<br /><br />Your points remain valid though. The economic situation hits a lot of people hard. I'll be spending an amount equal to my normal intial-order token budget, just to get to True Realm and stay there a couple days. That's a huge chunk of cash I'd normally just buy tokens with. With times like they are, it's iffy how much I can justify spending on tokens. Tokens tend to give me buyer's remorse 48 weeks a year, and I love them the other 4 weeks. With some of the very cool URs this year, I'm certainly going to be trying to buy as many as possible, but it will be depend on my other obligations.