I was talking recently to Kent Sprecher via email. I had gotten someone claiming that an Ebay listing of Payton 45mm army men was Lido reissues! I disagree with the person, but I decided to check with Kent as he has seen some more weird packaging of American figures. He told me he had not seen any Payton 45mm army in Lido packaging. Kent went on to tell me about the South Florida Toy Soldier Show which I decided to share with you. Kent said the show had more dealers that usual including several action figure dealers. Among the dealers that attended were Mike Handley and Dave Pittman, Allan Ford, the Stengels, Bill Murphy and Craig Remington. Craig Remington did very well selling including 8 doll houses with furniture to one person. Kent said he did extremely well in selling as he was selling mostly figures in the the $1.00 to $3.00 range. Kent said Farm figures and accessories were his best sellers.
Yes, and some of those dealers attending the Florida show were the very ones who passed up our Michigan show the same weekend. Apparently, Florida in January sounded more appealing than Michigan in January.
I consult Kent Sprecher’s website frequently, and find it invaluable. Several times I have wanted to order from him, but find his ordering process too cumbersome and time consuming. He doesn’t take credit cards, nor can you simply call him and then mail him a check. His website says to email him the list of figures you want, “giving full written descriptions of each item”, since many of his listed figures do not have any kind of identifying code or number. Then you wait for Kent to email you back telling you which figures he actually has in stock and what the price with postage will be. When you get that, you can then mail him a check for the correct amount. In this day and age, there has got to be an easier way. Rather than go through that process, I’ve elected to simply look for what I want at shows.
But having said that, I really do like looking at his website, which he seems to have made as comprehensive as possible. I wonder if Kent is a regular at OTSN?
I found Greek Cavalry and Greek Life in 1/32nd for you by Atlantic. If you are interested let me know.
Haveta say, Kent is a great asset to the hobby, and I’ve never had any problem buying from him. Thanks, Kent!!
Wow, sounds like all my buddies were there, I remember me, Bill Murphy and John Wayne (Jack Edmondson) drinking at the Roughrider Bar in Texas. Then there was me and John Stengel on our first trip to San Antonio trying to figure out how to get back to our hotels rooms after many beers at Mad Dawgs. I think it was Craig Remington’s fault he was buying the beers. All those bad boys leading little old innocent me down the path to ruin.
Hi Ed: Thanks for helping me with my Atlantic 60mm Greeks. As luck would have it, I was just able to purchase both Greeks and Romans from a fellow collector here in Michigan. However, I could still use some more. I’ll definitely be visiting your room at Indy and if you still have them, I’d still be quite interested in possibly acquiring them from you.
Dave and I travel down to do this show every year. We take our time and stop at military history sites, and to visit with Kent at his home, and this year Phil Rosner—-the box man. We usually don’t make a lot of $$$ like we do at the Midwest shows, but we’ll take 10 days in the Deep South over 1 day in Michigan anyday. We had about 500 customers come thru the doors this year. Several guys are starting to make it a part of a winter vacation. Ricky Lipp came over for 2 days and helped us while he was visiting family over on the west coast. We will be set up at INDY…in both room trading and at the SUN show.
Mike
Glad you a fun trip, it is always great when you can mix business with pleasure or fun with fun.
I live across the Sunshine State from Kent and interviewed him for PLAYSET Magazine. We shall see if Rusty will use the article, as ToySoldierHQ is a steady advertising presence.
When you come to Florida, be sure to visit Craig’s store in Stuart, and my ManCave in Palm Bay!
Doesn’t Craigs wife sell items out of that store too, I hear it’s an interesting shop.