Disney Pixar Cars - The Cottage Industries

Whenever anything becomes popular, "Cottage Industries" (An industry where the creation of products and services is home-based, rather than factory-based) pop up around the thing that is popular. I thought it would be interesting to discuss the many Cottage Industries that have developed around the popularity of Disney Pixar's Cars. Some make a few hundred dollars, while others may make tens of thousands of dollars!

A first example would be Cars blogs and collector web sites. Most are done out of pure joy and rarely make money. If they do, it is through Google AdSense or other ad based revenue.

Another example is Card Guards that were made to protect your die cast toys in their original packaging. These Card Guards keep the cardboard from becoming dog eared, bent and otherwise damaged.

We've also seen people making Cars Display Cases primarily out of plexi-glass that hold various numbers of Cars for display and protection.

We are all highly aware of people selling all sorts of Cars merchandise from the die cast toys to posters on Ebay. The "Secondary Market" is always critical to sustaining collector interest and product longevity.

Finally, we've seen people making what many refer to as "Customs," which I've written about at length. Those I feel are legal, and those I've pointed out infringe on copyrights.

Just how long these "Cottage Industries" generate profits, is determined by the size and popularity of the Primary Industry. Once the Primary Industry is damaged, or the consumer loses interest, you can expect to see the Cottage Industries die very quickly.

The Cars "Cottage Industries" have done fair to poor. No one is making a killing on these things. But, who knows what is around the corner!

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http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Matty Collector Display Case Could Debut at Comic-Con

I was told today, that this Cars Display Case may possibly debut at Comic-Con in July! It may have some mock-ups/prototypes of the three (3) Exclusive Cars with it. Nothing is written in stone, but I was told from the top, it may be on display for those attending to see in person. And believe me, it will certainly be much more impressive when you see it in the flesh!

I'd post a larger picture if I could, but Blogger doesn't technically allow me to. Scroll down the page a bit to read the Exclusive story about this Display Case! Also, Vote in my Poll if you haven't already done so.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - MattyCollector.com Exclusive Display Case Special Sneak Peak

When I went to Comic-con last year, the first thing I discussed with the people at Mattel was how they needed to produce an "Official" Cars Display Case. We talked about it at length, and the reality of one being made and available is drawing ever nearer! Here, as an Exclusive Alternator Valley "Special Sneak Peak," is a Preview of the Cars Display Case that would be a MattyCollector.com Exclusive!


Let me tell you about it in detail...

1. There will hopefully be three (3) Exclusive Chase/Special Character Cars that will come with this case. I've suggested they be numbered and truly EXCLUSIVE.
   
2. It will be made to accommodate the Cars 1:55th scale die cast toys.
   
3. It measures 32 inches wide, by 24 inches tall, by 3 inches deep. It will hold approximately 54 full sized Cars, or two small Cars characters in one compartment. The capacity may be increased to approximately 75 to 80 Cars by paring up your pittys and Movie Moments characters such as Flick & Flea.
   
4. Each compartment measures 5 inches wide by 3 inches tall. I measured Red to be sure he'd fit, and he has plenty of room. Even small Al Oft will fit! The only character that won't fit will be Barney Stormin'. You'll just have to sit him on top with some Velcro.
   
5. The Cars Logo may be frosted, silk-screened or a clear label on the back wall of the case. Frosting seems to be out from what I've been told, I suggested silk-screening at the minimum, I don't feel a label is classy enough.
   
6. The Full Color Graphic at the top will actually be above the compartments and be attached to the top of the case. The cool thing is it will be printed on a rigid material and will be able to be interchanged.
7. The case will be made of plexi, it will have a hanging wire and come with the hardware to hang it, it will be hinged at the top and open upward, and can also be displayed by simply standing it up.
   
8. The Edition Size has not been determined, but the number of 750 has been discussed. I have urged them to increase the Edition Size to 2000.
9. A price of $300 to $400 has been discussed. I told them that the three (3) Exclusive Cars would be well worth $300 alone!
10. It will be available in the United States and INTERNATIONALLY!
    

So, if you have yet to vote in one of my polls, I urge you to do so this time! The poll is a two (2) part question and needs your two (2) answers. First, indicate the Maximum you'd pay for an "Official" Cars Display Case as presented, and Second, indicate how many you'd like to purchase if allowed.

Also, I encourage you to add your Comments to this article. Your input may very well determine how the final product turns out!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - MattyCollector.com Will Offer A Cars Collector's Display Case

I know that a lot of you would love to own a Display Case like this one auctioned off for the Children Affected By Aids Foundation! I certainly tried to find out how to get one and was disappointed I couldn't.

Well, you're going to get your chance to get one that will be made specially for MattyCollector.com! I don't have a release date yet, but I can tell you some tantalizing things...The case will hold a large number of Cars in the 1:55th Scale size. Since it is still in development I can't give you an exact capacity, but can say somewhere in the range of 50 to 60. It is expected to be made mostly out of plexi, as far as the finer aesthetic details, it is too soon to tell you. It is expected to sell for $300.00. Here's the incredible thing, it is expected to come with three EXCLUSIVE chase Cars! Heck! I'd drive over glass to git me sum o them! What will those three Cars will be? I don't know at this point. I can simply say that this will kick butt!

You can count on me to report on any further developments here at Alternator Valley! MattyCollector.com has been like a goofy unreliable teen, but here's hoping next year will see a more mature Matty who'll deliver some great things!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com