This thread is a simple question on Stern pricing model. I think they should concentrate on one full featured model and let the market dictate the desirability of titles. This would me more price effective for the manufacturer and less confusing for consumer. The trouble with the world today is that we give consumers too much choice. Stern will loose sales to the upcoming manufacturers who focus on one quality and well thought out title rather than trying to cater for paupers, middle and upper classes.
That's the feedback I get almost every day. Consumers are confused - but let me qualify "consumers".
1 - "The Stern collectors" - They don't have a problem with the model as they understand it, and they are more than happy to pay the inflated prices of Premiums and LE's
2 - "Operators" - Carefully buy PRO models on good themes. They buy games with the ONLY intention to make money
3 - "Pinball fans in general" - Don't care for the sales model, but are happy to pay for NIB for GOOD titles that are reasonably priced.
Stern will always sell games to "The collectors" and the "operators". The scales will be tipping more towards sales to collectors (Home market).
"Pinball Fans in General" - utterly confused by the difference in the models. There is more of a desire for these customers to play the game before parting with their cash. This has become more evident in the last 2 years. I think Stern struck gold with AC/DC and the price was right. since then, things have changed - price has gone up and now consumers are even more concerned with the change with the TWD Pro, Premium or LE ? Collectors were reeled in with AC/DC thinking the pricing (Australian) would be the same for the next titles. The $ only recently tanked, so that's not and excuse.
The feedback I get is from real people with real money across all three consumer bases that WILL look at alternatives - whether it be another manufacturer, or, as in most cases - a restored 20 year old game.
Being in the industry, I see the issues every day. A PRISTINE product like Metallica sold well - Why ? - Because it is a GREAT playing game AND Metallica fans bought it. Ditto AC/DC. Lukewarm on Star Trek, and Mustang was so bad it created a mini demand for B/W Corvette.
So what is the solution ?
Drop the Premium all together. Release a PRO model for operators and market the LE for collectors. Drop the price, or increase the value by adding mods for FREE. As an example - TWD LE - If you want to sell a $10,000 machine to a collector, then you need to ADD VALUE. These new mods - siderails, topper etc - make them STANDARD for the LE. Stern have not worked out that ripping people off is a BAD move because the only consumers buying LE games are home consumers. They know the prices are too high - and the fact is very clear - $10,000 will buy a collector 2-3 restored games. This is EXACTLY what is happening. This is feedback from real people with real $ to spend on games.
I want to see Stern succeed, but they won't if they keep pumping out games for "Stern collectors" aimed at people with more disposable income that the general pinball public. Stern should be working hard on marketing and QA. Redemption machines have been a better earner than Pinball and this should change.
I won't start on the "I'd like to play a new stern, but I don't know where to go to play one".. I know of a handful of collectors who have NIB Sterns and they are not going to allow complete strangers to enter their homes and play their games. This IS hurting Stern.
If the conglomerate that came in and saved Stern 4 years ago spent time on marketing then we would see more games on location and in collections.
I'm not a Stern lover, or a Stern hater. I can only offer an opinion based on facts from feedback from people who buy pinball machines.
