luke314pi Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 There is a discussion happening on the DST Facebook page regarding unarticulated Minimate vinyl banks. We have discussed this across several threads here, and also in the recent chat with DST, but I thought it would be nice to have one central topic for discussion here, both for us and for DST. Also I know that not everyone here is on Facebook. So I think the main questions are: 1. Would you be interested in an unarticulated vinyl minimate bank, similar in size to the previous Minimates MAX statues? 2. DST said it could not be a licensed property - would you prefer to have a blank one (perhaps with a logo on the chest), or a character from Calico Jack / Minimates MAX heroes? Or both? 3. From the choices above, which do you think non-hardcore collectors would prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirymate Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Yes 2. Blank Bank 3.No idea. If I were good at predicting what would appeal to the general public, I'd be doing it for a living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turtle Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 For the most part, I for one don't have much interest in an un-articulated item, but it just occurred to me that something like the Statue of Liberty as a large Minimate bank would be incredible and could work across several lines- MAX, Marvel, and GB. Of course, I say I'm not that interested, but I'd buy a blank bank with a logo from DST or, ahem, MMMV in a heart beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyd Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) 1. Yes 2. Blank. I'll admit the only reason I'd have any interest in a bank is the customizing value. Getting something that's branded - even if it's a great-looking pirate - has no appeal to me. 3. I have a feeling the blank banks would have little to no appeal outside of the hardcore collectors and customizers. Edited August 15, 2011 by boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groundhog7s Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Not really interested, but I'll still say yes. 2. If only one got released, I'd prefer blanks, but I'd buy whatever. 3. Lego, Kubricks, Mez-Itz, FunKo Pop! and other smaller sized figure lines have done over-sized versions of their characters successfully (at least so it seems), so there is a market for larger sized properties. But if you're looking for non-hardcore buying then you have to go with a property. Can I say one reason I have been a supporter of the bank for a long time is because of the cost to produce. If DST can mass produce Stay Pufts, R2-D2 and Halo bust bank in the $20-$25 range, wouldn't a DST property cost less ot make since they own the property? I think it's plausible to see an eight inch blank bank retail for $20 and be successful. You could even package an exclusive inside to get more sales (similar to the cases that sold out in the first release). And beyond the customizing aspect, a bank would be a great centerpiece for a Minimate collection similar to the harder to find Maximate statues. Or I guess it could even be used as a bank if you really wanted. I just think this would be a successful venture and if I had a way to fund some I would do it in a heartbeat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambitron Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. I wouldn't buy one if it got made. 2 and 3. so my input doesn't matter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobsterman Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) 1. Yes (although I'd kill myself trying to figure out how to add articulation...) 2. I'd prefer blanks to giant pirates or SWAT officers. 3. I think it depends on how you spun it, and what you consider a "non-hardcore collector." If they're truly putting all their chips on the 7- to 12-year-old boy (slash decision-making-mom) category, then pirates or cops without question. But, I think there's an opportunity to target collectors/customizers/artists who aren't necessarily Minimate fans and still overlap with a kids' audience. If you market it like Munnys, blank Mighty Muggs, etc in the DIY art toy category, maybe package it with a set of markers or something, maybe put some cut-out weapons or accessories on the packaging, I think you could satisfy both audiences. Edited August 15, 2011 by Lobsterman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youbastards Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Yes, I would buy a vinyl Minimate bank, regardless of the style. However, if they released a basic white bank with the logo, I would buy multiples for customs! I would be happy with something as basic as this: This would be great for customizers, and is a great representation of the minimate form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dejeckt Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Yes 2. Blank... or a characterized Pig with a top hat, tux, and a monocle. 3. I think it needs to be a variety of things. Pirates seems to be dwindling, zombies doesn't seem too appealing for kids, but it must appeal to 7-12 year olds (as Lobsterman stated). Something that could stand out in a shelf filled with other action figures; usually kids are limited to $20~$30 at a toy store (excluding birthdays or similar occasions) and assuming the bank would retail at $20 your asking the kid to choose that one 'bank' over possibly 2~4 actions figures from his favorite tv show/cartoon/etc. The first thing I would consider is color then find the right character to fit that color... never mind I think I lost my point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcastick Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Definitely would be interested in one! My preference would be a blank bank. Can't say what others may like or not like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrock Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Yes, thought I'd be more interested in an articulated bank. 2. I'd prefer blank. 3. Non hardcore collectors probably wouldn't be interested at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRedShadow Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1:Yes,I agre with shamrock,it would be better articulated 2:I'd like it blank,But if it was articulated a mate or pirate character would be cool 3:Non harcores would like themed more because,well face it if your the general costumer you wont want a blank bank[especially kids} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storm 1:08 Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Not really. 2. Depends on what the final product looks like as I can't say right now. 3. Not sure. If it is non-licensed, my interest is really low. I only got the Sentinel and Galactus statues over a year ago, I think. And that was because I found a cheap Galactus first and then wanted a Sentinel too just for completeness. I'd only want the bank if it was a character I really liked, or really cool looking. Like maybe a giant croc Battle Beast. Minimates are already taking up lots of space so I would be really hesistant to add Minimate Banks to my collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlecat Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) I'd buy a blank. I don't think it'd sell to anyone but us though. I think Turtle's Statue of Liberty idea would be awesome (we know she looks great as a mate!), a good way to skirt around licensing and would sell to the GB fans for sure. Edited August 15, 2011 by battlecat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttheadsmate Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Could we trust a Minimate bank? Could we bank on a blank bank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rheul Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Maybe... Bottom line would be price. 2. Blank or something along the lines of turtles Statue of Liberty idea 3. I dont think the casual collector would be all that interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dio Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 1. Yes 2. Blank 3. I'm sure casual collectors would buy it, they love collectible banks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karamazov80 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 (edited) Yes Both Probably not But, I'm no great customizer, and would primarily be interested in the potential for having Marvel/DC characters, so that conditions my interest a bit. I would have to find someone else to do custom work I reckon. Edited August 16, 2011 by karamazov80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacksun1520 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Yes Preferably a blank Not sure what others outside of our little family here would want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM2 Dinobot Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I have no interest, on top of which, I don't think they'd sell. But if they were going to do on, I'd like it to be blank. And articulated, if they could. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamrock Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Really, I just want this in Minimate form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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