"MEA CULPA" Topic

Last year I engaged a very well known figure producer to make some special figures for me. The would fill a niche, I guarantee you didn't know existed. I have seen the figures and they are rather superb. At the time the money was no problem. A middle aged man wanting a vanity project to shine on his twilight years.
Two weeks ago disaster struck my household and the long and the short of it is that all the money I had set aside is now needed to pay our mortgage. Consequently I am unable to meet the costs of the project.
I feel utterly wretched about this situation. Seriously. Any reputation I may have had has been compromised.
The company in question (as most of them are) is not big and I can only imagine the hole my failure to come up with the money might make in their operation.
I have no doubt at all that the figures will sell, my initial plan would have accounted for several dozens. But Still.
This missive is, I suppose, an act of self flagellation.
I am so ashamed that I have failed to make good my word as an honest punter, even though my family and I could not have anticipated the turn of events we have experienced.
After a good 40 years in the hobby I am left feeling rather deflated and depressed. I don't think I can say sorry enough to those I have hurt and as a consequence I have decided to take a break from the hobby entirely.
I am sure that my *y but necessary decision to withdraw from the project at such a late stage will not put this company out of business, but the thought I have put such a burden on such a nice fellow in crisis, pains me beyond imagination.
If a lesson can be learned is please if you are going to engage our heroes, the ones who produce the beautiful models we play with it is this – insist that they take your money at the earliest opportunity.

Brickbats are welcomed.

I don't think there's any brickbats we could throw that you haven't already been hitting yourself with.

What were the figures you commissioned?

Kickstarter. Or tell us more and maybe we can group fund the project

Yes, why not just find another buyer/buyers for the project. That seems to be the best thing to do.

Walking away from a hobby you obviously love is not the answer. Denying yourself any happiness is self torture.
If there is a solution you have no problem, and if there is no solution you still have no problem.
It seems to me that the TMP community is already trying to help you figure out a solution.
You have beaten yourself up about this long enough.
So now let's see what can be done to fix the problem.

Yes, there should be a win win!

martin

I agree, ask the TMP folks for support or go via Kickstarter. If it is a range that a few of us have interest in, we would most likely support the efforts and perhaps help make up the difference.

You can't help life, and I am certain the manufacturer understands that point.

Kickstarter is the way to go, but the manufacturer would have to run it. Might become even more successful! Win win imo.

I agree with all of the others.

Always best to pay an advance on a large commission – that way if there is an issue with completing payment it is just a delay to the project and not a complete bust. Starting a crowd funding campaign seems your best course of action – if the figures are that unique you should have no problem raising the money to pay for them

So what is the rangeetc. Don't leave us hanging.

wyeayeman, sorry to hear of your troubles. It is a natural emotional reaction to want to survive by making changes when a financial tsunami hits unexpectedly. Robin, I pray for the tidal wave to recede and leave you on even stronger foundations, continuing on in a hobby with mates that care what happens to you.

@wyeayeman,
So share already!

Confession us good for the soul. However once done it is best to hold your head high and move forward. Don't give up your hobby because of one problem which was out of your control.

I also agree with posters above. Let us know what these figures are and who the manufacturer is and support will come from the community. There are a lot of us here.

Wyeayeman,
When I click on your name, it says you have an interest in the American Civil War. Did you ever read of the conversation between Sherman and Grant after the first day of fighting at Shiloh?

"Well, Grant, we've had the devil's own day, haven't we?"

"Yes. Lick 'em tomorrow, though."

Your finances will bounce back, though probably not fast enough to allow you to pay for the entire project as you had planned. Get with these people, and let them know what happened. Let them know you need a little time for your finances to get back on line, and then you'll let them know how much you can contribute. Ask them if there's anything you can do to help. I see you post on TMP from time to time: you could offer to be their point man here or on a Yahoo group for a Kickstarter or whatever. If you see them at a convention, offer to help carry their boxes in or out.

Best of luck!

Grelber
Who has had a couple financial disasters of his own over the years.

First of all thank you for your kindness, all of you. I honestly don't think I deserve it, especially from strangers, and I certainly wasn't fishing for it.
My earnest fear is that I don't completely break this company's business model. Honest men doing business with honest men, with a handshake. Its such a good and genuine way to operate. And I have nothing but genuine regard for the fellow I have let down.
The figures themselves are 18mm Napoleonic and as I say are very good indeed. They are French artillery drivers and horses at rest/stationary – on the basis that that's probably what they did most of the day (and gun wagon models wheels aren't turning) so they are doing stuff that blokes do when they are waiting for orders.There are 16 plus six horses. One is having a pee, one having a good stretch, one is knackered and resting on his horse – very much like the Franznap range – all different all full of character. You can use them for artillery, wagons, ambulances and pontoons or you can create interesting camp scenes or other vignettes.
Jeez I am filling up

Well, it's not like you were asking for the fabled Bavarian kettledrummers from the War of Jenkins' Ear. French artillery drivers and teams at rest should sell.

Do you feel it is OK to mention the name of the firm you commissioned them from?

Cheer up, put a smile on that dial. I read this out to Hubby and his first comment was if something like that didn't sell enough to pay for molds and sculpting he would go heave, yes we do have experience in the bizz.

Don't go straight to defeat, discuss with the sculptor and company where you can go and how to work around the problems, initial disappointment is inevitable but not insurmountable when you take the time to think it through. Have you got photo's of the figures master whatever, the suggestion is that there are people here who might be interested in helping you out if it seems a worthy set, the vibe from the couch certainly thinks it is.

This board seems to have a bit of a gloomy shadow cast on it.

Yep, 18mm French artillery will sell, so crowd fund it.

these are fab – would love to see the figures you mention

link

I would guess these are the figures that wyeayeman was talking about (along with the camp vignette from the same manufacturer).
These are wonderful sculpts, and I have since last year already bought several of them from Eureka.
The camp scene can serve as all sorts of figures, I have used them for artillery helpers and medics so far.

So it seems that it ended up as a viable product after all:)!!
I for one am greatful that you guys made these minis!

Dr J