9.06.2012

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last night's release, we live on to do it again thanks to all of you! It was a wilder ride than normal and I'm well aware that there was some frustration mixed with the fun. I've received a good handful of emails about the fast sell outs and I want to address the issue a bit. So here goes...

Armorvor mania has shaken things up, drawing an all new section of collectors to our site on drop night. Many of these new orders are only for the Armorvor, from names that have never shown up before. This is awesome, but also pretty challenging when it comes like a freight train in the night through your house. Getting the right amount of stock is always a roll of the dice, and the last three Armorvor styles were all actually ordered at the same time. Only the red version made it out for the debut, and the two from last night were pushed to this drop. I knew the amount would go quickly based on the first Armorvor sale, but I could not increase the amount we had ordered, as they had already been completed and shipped. In hindsight I should have made the limit two instead of three.

An assortment is planned months in advance, with the entire year roughly mapped out. Decisions are not made out of left field, and we gamble with each new toy we make. Product sometimes get pushed around due to circumstances beyond our control and we have to scramble to stay on track. I honestly did not expect the Armorvor to be so intense of an item.

The Armorvor is extremely popular right now, and will be for a bit based on the activity that we're all seeing, so the production numbers are being bumped up. The assortment planned for October consists of three all new styles of Armorvor as well as few small surprises and that's it. Late November will see a larger drop which will close out the year, with the next scheduled release taking place sometime in January 2013. We generally do six proper releases per year, with a little thing or two wedged in between. It's been this way for a while and will stay this way for the foreseeable future. We know times are tight, and not really looking like they are going to improve without more bumps, so every time you guys come out and support what we are doing we are truly grateful.

Things will most likely continue to sell out when they are brand new, and then eventually cool down. It's been the pattern for literally every new mold we've put out. In time the Armorvor will find a steadier pace and I will do everything I can within the realm of reason to speed that process along.

To wrap up, October's three new Armorvors will probably go quick, as they are already near completion and the numbers are only slightly higher than last night's tally (I should have boosted them higher). The limit will be dialed down to 2 per customer for October so that the odds are better for everyone to get what they are after. I have already jacked the amount of Armorvors up for November to uncomfortably high levels, with the intention of satisfying the demand. The Travelers will also have increased production numbers in November.

My apologies to all of you who were frustrated last night, I accept full responsibility for the pain and I'm working to remedy the situation.

On a positive note, at least we're still alive! After five years of doing this without a net, I'm just thankful to even have the opportunity to continue making stuff. I hope you each understand how much you have changed my family's lives for the better. Thank you so much for still being there even with the hard turns, and I promise to always give Glyos everything I've got for as long as I'm still ticking.


28 comments:

  1. I think you always do a fantastic job. As you say, there's no net for someone like you, so production numbers have to be small. I think we can all accept that. Thank you for all the great toys.

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  2. You're the man Matt! I'd say don't be so hard on yourself but you're just so flippin nice so I'm sure you will anyway. This was a great drop and I can't wait to see them in person! I probably sound like a broken record at this point but there is not a nicer, more gracious group of people out there than you and yours that make these toys. I got fired last week for being a bit of a dick so I had to keep my drop order relatively small, but I'll give up food and tv before I don't order glyos on drop night!

    I have only one request, and that is WHENEVER the Delphi see production, whether it's this year, next year, or in 5 years(please don't make us wait that long), make a TON of them because the world will likely explode from the awesomeness. Or maybe just my head. I dunno. We'll see.

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  3. Bro, you are way too hard on yourself...if it wasn't for you...there would be no Armorvor. Thanx for rollin' the dice on this badboy and makin' the magic happen! Long live Glyos & and long live Armorvor!!!

    TGB

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  4. BTW, did I mention these production Armorvors were a mere $8 because of you and your intense care of collectors' finances?!!!

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  5. Matt, There is only one to thanks, and are you and your amazing family.
    Thanks for all this amazing stuff, i'ven't keep the armorvor and Hades for a paypall internal problem, but not is important, the drop, as always, was amazing.

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  6. I could echo the sentiments above... But I won't. Its been well said so far. About the scarily increased numbers, don't worry about that. As long as Marty and JF make new heads, we will need bodies. They will sale. We will buy.

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  7. Ditto, ditto, ditto. Growing pains are not fun, but in the end you grow better because of it. Glyos is and always has been in good hands, there are just a little more of us trying to get our grubbing hands in the pot along with you!

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  8. Marty's right, you're way too hard on yourself. I wanted one of the handcast Armorvor's last year, but I just couldn't make it happen. It sucked, but here I am roughly a year later and you're getting them out to folks like me for $8? That's awesome!

    The only thing you should be held fully responsible for is bring a sweet toy to market at a great price. The high demand, although it's beyond supply, is just a testament to Onell (and to you, Jason, & Marty for crafting it). Thank you for all you do!

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  9. Well said Matt, you guys are the best and continue to show that in every drop you listen to advice, make changes when needed, very very generous to the customers, and try to accomodate when possible and if needed. You can't ask for anything more than that. That is customer service at it's highest in my opinion, thank you!

    Jay

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  10. It's posts like this that make you and Michelle household names for my girlfriend and I. I may have gotten everything I wanted this drop, but I had to pass on the Armovor last time, and when I first got into this back in February or so, there were only like 7 figures in the store! Suffice to say, whether there's 7 figures in store or 700, I'll keep supporting this awesome toy line.

    As I get older, I'm beginning to realize how much so much of my stuff goes unappreciated. This has never been the case with any of my Glyos, and that's why it has become my main toy fix. I know that when my hard earned cash goes here, it's not going to waste. In the superficial, I'm getting sweet little figures, but more importantly to me these days, I'm supporting an artist doing what he loves. I think all of us strive towards that. Rock on Matt, thank you again for a great time. I can't wait to see what you have in store next.

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  11. I'm one of those new guys that came over just for the Armorvors, but was so impressed with what I saw, that I ended up picking up one of everything from the Hades Force drop (well, minus the stuff that sold out before I could finish my order :P ). All that from a guy who has never so much as touched one of your products. And if I had the funds, I'd probably hit the store up again for a giant TFV army right now.

    I truly appreciate the openness of your blog posts, the stunning photography and the great community that has sprung up on the forums. I had numerous people jumping in to answer questions from this "competition" that had only registered the day before the drop. I wouldn't have even been able to get those Armorvors I was looking for without their help.

    I'm a little nervous about October's drop, but I'll be there. And I don't know how uncomfortable November's Armorvor levels are to you, but even though I'm only looking to get one of each color, if they don't sell out (they will), I'll keep coming back to buy more until they do.

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  12. Matt, your diligence and continued journey of improving your offering and your processes is SO admirable and I think it's easy to draw the correlation to why your toys are such a fast growing phenomenon! This colorway was amazing and even for those who missed out on the 'Vors and Hades have such an awesome selection of figures still available! Keep up the fantastic work bud :)

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  13. Matt, thank you for taking the time to write this all out. It's really appreciated how open you are in your process, and there is no doubt just how well you listen to the fans and our community. And you've never given reason to distrust you or withdraw support; if anything, you've only continued to grow that support and trust more and more. You're one of the rare ones, that much is certain, and whatever it takes to continue this line in the best of ways, you know you'll have a group of folks willing to support you in whatever way they can, whether monetarily or creatively.

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  14. I think people need to take a moment to realize this is a one man operation.

    On a personal level, thanks Matt. It's your dedication like this blog post, and the awesome figs you bring to us that makes this freight train keep on picking up speed.

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  15. I think we all really appreciate this response! I was one of the many that missed out on some items. But you know what? I still made off with a lot of stuff I wanted anyway. Missing one or two figures will always be a bummer, but not one that would ever put me off this series. I'll continue to support this line endlessly!

    Now the waiting game begins.

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  16. Last night I was pretty bummed and even felt the frustration of collecting Gentle Giant Star Wars busts 10 years ago. Quick sellouts were commonplace in that line and it was so disappointing to miss out on stuff. I don't ever remember seeing an apology from anyone in that line and while it's not necessary it does help relieve the sting. It's awesome that you care so much about the fans and your product. Keep up the good work. Next time I will shop faster!

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  17. The fact that your products sell out within minutes shows just how much people love and appreciate what you do. Thanks for taking the gamble and producing such fantastic creations. Can't wait to get this package in the mail!

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  18. I'm one of the guys that missed out, and it sucks, but I also totally get why it has to be this way. Inventory overstock is a common death for small companies, so do what you need to to keep us on the edge of our seats by all means.

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  19. I missed out on some black Armovors, but it's all good because I'll get some next time. Drops as usual are a blur of "OH whoa, should I get that, or THAT?!" that can be a whirlwind of clicking. The whole process is almost like being pulled from one side of a chain-link fence to the other- but by going THROUGH it.

    My main goal for last night was to get Hub sets to build a small army of Ston'emms to storm the gates of NYCC. Someone has to help the Glyans fight the Armovor; no one tries to take over OUR galaxy & get's away with it!! Rock On!! *runs off to have his ston'emm beat up his Armovor figures when he really should be in bed asleep.*

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  20. Matt, you are probably the greatest person I have ever met and I am proud that you are my friend. These are some of the best toys, independent or otherwise that anyone can buy. I will always support you. and having, somehow, been on board, more or less from the beginning, I know that eventually, the armorvors will hang around for a little while.

    I am thrilled that even more people are becoming fans of your stuff... they came for the armorvors, they'll be back for glyans, travellers, axis joints

    can't wait to see the new stuff. Do not beat yourself up, it was brand new and you had no idea how many site would review it and show Battle Beast Fans a true successors to the line

    you're awesome

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  21. Matt we are the ones that should apologize to you. You treat all of us like family and seemingly bend over backwards to please us. You keep prices low and quality high and you create the best tow line out there. Thanks to you, Michelle, Marcus and Megan for everything you do. Maybe a good rule of thumb would be to include a rerelease of original color ways 2 or 3 drops after an initial character release. Just a thought. Have a safe trip to China.

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  22. Will Hades make a come back.
    This Armorvor craze is nice, but Hades deserves another come back.

    Again, congrats on the success of Glyos.

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  23. I happy to hear about the influx of new interest! Hopefully those folks will buy more than just Armorvors. Also happy to hear the Armorvor (and Traveler) plans for the next couple of drops. My daughters each want one, as do I, so it's good to know so I can plan a bit.

    With all due respect to the grumbles from those who didn't get the items they wanted, it sound overall like an incredibly positive turn of events for Onell Designs.

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    1. I'm new to the Glyos universe. I found out about it through the Twitter toy community. I missed out on the Armorvors but honestly it didn't matter... everything else listed that was still in stock looked so awesome. Anxiously awaiting my shipment of my first order and looking forward to future releases.

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  24. If only other artists like yourself were so humble. Seriously, don't apologize for doing good things.

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  25. Truly, how many other toy company CEOs would take the time to make a post like that?
    I think I'll start saying this every time I talk to you: sell the Armorvor for $10. Really.
    Hell, if the runs are going too fast, bump it up to $30 each. That ought to slow down the sell-through rate. ;o)
    Keep up the good work, Matt, but don't exhaust yourself. New York is coming and we have grinders and Russian-potato-and-bread-things to eat.

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  26. I agree whole heartedly with what everyone is saying, You guys are the best! you do collectors a huge service by selling your toys a reasonable price when you could easily be charging double (or more) and people would pay it. You make and sell one of the coolest most unique toy lines out there right now. People will complain about things, but don't let them bring you down.
    @cappy you are going to NYCC againt his year? Great news!

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