"Cotton Jim Flags - WTFO???" Topic

OK, just looking for some advice, assistance, general info and confirmation I'm not totally crazy (more than normal). I make personal digital backups for all the paper flags I purchase. For some, like Dayton Trading Consortium or Signifer, I have to go thru a very tedious scanning process. Others, like Cotton Jim, don't watermark their stuff (???) so I can use Snip and Save for a copy.

Now as of 2021 I had in my possession every last packet of 15 mm flags Cotton Jim ever produced. I'm talking stuff I'll never use, and in some cases, like the set of three Westfalen and three Saxon Napoleonic cavalry flags, I have more than one (I have six of those, no I don't know why, don't judge me). Since I am now retired and have more time than I used to, I thought I would catch up on some things and toggled over to Co0tton Jim's and WOW. Here is what I'm seeing:

- 10 mm flags, gone.
- 25 mm + flags gone.
- A LOT of 15 mm flags are no longer available. I have in my own stash a lot of sets evidently no longer made.
- Base sets are now eight flags per set, not six.
- Great Battle Sets. You can now buy flag sets that include all flags of both sides, such as 1812 Borodino. IN FACT, for example, if you want to buy 1812 pattern French tricolors, you have to buy the Borodino French set. You can NOT buy one or more sets of 6 – 8 French 1812 tricolors. Those are no longer listed as available. You have to buy the Borodino set which is $ 65.10 (the Russian side is $ 73.50).

OK, did I miss something, like a link for an extra page or category? If not, can someone explain this business model, because as a hobby merchant myself, I just don't get it. Or maybe I'm just cheap.

Color me confused.

I have been friends with Cotton Jim decades now. There is no explanation for is business model other than have fun and help people enjoy the hobby. Did you ask him for a special purchase or did you post your rant first?

I have also been friends with Jim perhaps even longer. If this came across as a rant, my apologies to Jim and everyone else on this thread. It was not intended so. Also, I'm not looking to buy anything. I already have – I think – every last 15 mm flag pack he has ever produced, all in neat little plastic bags with the grey cardboard at the top. Got multiple copies for more than a few.

Now I do realize that markets change, and one must adjust. So, the first four issues above I can work with, but the Great Battles concept left me gob smacked. Assuming I am reading this right, if I want a single pack 6 each 1812 pattern French infantry flags I gotta pay $ 65.10 for the French Borodino pack. I just don't see how that allows people to have fun and enjoy the hobby.

UNLESS, I am simply missing something, a link, an additional page on the site I missed where the flag packs that make up the Great Battle sets are listed for separate sale. IF HOWEVER, he is selling a bunch of these Battle sets, then I'm a blithering idiot and I gotta rethink my own business model.

So, I don't need his flags cuz I have them all. There are also other vendors to choose from and gobs of free stuff as well. Thus, what I am really asking is a) is what I am seeing correct? b) did I miss something? and c) the logic behind it all. It doesn't impact me at all, but it seems so out of the box and counterintuitive I am . . . probably a Hell of a lot more curious than I should be, but there you are.

Respectfully,

I'm going have to drink a whole bottle of sherry to understand you post.

Cheers,

Then by all means proceed, tho I might recommend Courvoisier as a more appropriate libation :). You might not understand it better, but you won't care.

Sante!

Have you actually just contacted Jim directly? I've been friends with him since the early 90's and have always found him to be friendly and helpful. I feel sure he would be happy to discuss his reasons for the changes you've noted.

Totally agree and point taken, tho I am concerned whether this is a sore subject or not. Regardless, I intend to mention it when I see him at Historicon. Also, I assume someone here might stay in closer touch than I do, soooo might have some information that could keep me from embarrassing myself. That's why I asked. However, nobody else seems curious, so perhaps its time to let this one drop.