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T.O. company makes high-end collectibles
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Sideshow Collectibles ships about 600 orders daily from its new 40,000-square-foot facility in Thousand Oaks.
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More from BusinessGory, red and so real you can see his pores, the Terminator's head sits on a platform, half his face blown away to reveal the metal innards.
The eye on his good side glints and seems to meet your gaze. Across the room lurking in a mezzanine, a massive troll towers over the Terminator and other pop-culture icons, including life-sized R2-D2 and C-3PO.
This is not a nightmare. It's the lobby of Sideshow Collectibles, a Thousand Oaks company that produces statues and figurines of characters from movies and television shows. Sideshow's creations span several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, superhero and horror.
The figurines start at 12 inches, the size of a Barbie or G.I. Joe, but they are not toys, said Greg Anzalone, chief executive and president.
"These are not figures that are meant to be played with," he said. "These are, in our minds, art statements."
Plenty of people agree. They shell out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a piece.
The company's Web site generates 6 million to 7 million page views a month. Eighty percent of products are sold online, with the company also distributing to about 700 brick-and-mortar retailers, including comic book stores and collector shops.
Commanding a global audience since its inception in 1994, Sideshow Collectibles releases approximately 150 new products a year. Products are shipped worldwide to about 30 countries. The company has created more than 1,400 products, with about 300 for sale on its Web site.
The best sellers are "Star Wars" characters, even though "you're talking about a film franchise that is 30 years old," Anzalone said.
The company's annual gross revenue ranges from $25 million to $30 million. Sideshow has grown solidly from modest beginnings, when a handful of artists worked out of a garage in Woodland Hills, generating annual revenue of $200,000.
The company's expansion has been marked by four moves in the past 10 years. Sideshow's most recent relocation last year — from Westlake Village to Thousand Oaks — doubled the company's space. It now operates in a custom-built 40,000-square-foot building on Conejo Spectrum Street, half office space and half warehouse.
A team of 65 employees, including artists and administrators, works to create prototypes. They ship an average of 600 packages a day.
Most customers are men in their 20s and 30s. Some scrape together $50 to buy a figure, while others buy nearly every item the company creates, Anzalone said.
David Stephan, an avid collector, hosts an unofficial Sideshow fan forum, Sideshow Freaks. He estimates that he has purchased more than 300 Sideshow items, mostly 12-inch models.
Too many roommates
To accommodate his growing collection, Stephan recently moved from his one-bedroom Los Angeles apartment to a two-bedroom town house in North Hollywood. His books are in boxes because he needs the bookshelves that line his walls to display his collectibles.
Stephan, vice president of acquisitions for Associated Television International, a TV production and distribution company, started collecting about eight years ago.
"I believe it was Sideshow's 12-inch Frankenstein that got me into it," he said. "I saw they were doing properties that were very close to my heart: Monty Python, Buffy and James Bond."
Sideshow Collectibles is a license-driven organization. It purchases a license from a studio for a film release, television show or film library.
Amalgamated Dynamics Inc., a Chatsworth studio that creates characters for movies such as "Spider-Man 3," has worked with Sideshow on past projects. It now is working with the company on several products based on the upcoming film, "Alien vs. Predator: Requiem." The studio is creating effects for the film.
"Sideshow is the premier provider for collectibles," said Alec Gillis, a designer and co-founder of the studio. "These aren't cheapy, undetailed little toys, they are technically art pieces."
It can take as long as two years to bring a product to the marketplace, including looking at screen shots, sending a completed prototype to Asia for mass production and receiving the product line at company headquarters.
"Ninety-five percent of what we do are low-run, limited editions that sell out prior to shipping," Anzalone said.
Sideshow makes figures in several sizes: 12 inches, 18 inches, 36 inches or "half scale," as well as life-size figures that are 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet tall.
Prices start at $50 for the 12-inch figures. Customers can expect to pay more for collectibles made from polystone, a stone powder and resin compound that is cast, assembled and painted, by hand. Such items range from $125 to $500.
On the high end, the company sells reproductions like the Endoskull from Terminator 2 for $5,000 to $6,000, and bronze statues for $4,000 to $5,000.
Molds are destroyed
As a limited-edition company, Sideshow numbers each of its products as they come off the production line. If it is determined a particular figure should be an edition size of 1,000, only 1,000 numbers will be produced. Then the mold is destroyed, Anzalone said.
Silicone molds, which take a day or two to produce, are ground to rubber pulp. Metal molds typically take a month to create and are melted down. This ensures that the company does not have capability to produce more if demand exceeds supply.
"We're comfortable with that process, because we're looking to increase the value of these products through their scarcity," Anzalone said. "Sideshow is a company that is very disciplined about not overproducing the products that it makes, nor expanding the edition size to a point of saturation."
Most of the company's customers are considered true collectors who aren't interested in turning a quick profit. They don't sell unless interest in the piece wanes, or, as in Lonnie Cummins' case, space becomes a problem.
Cummins has been a collector for 35 years, starting with comic books and trading cards when he was 12. The 48-year-old network administrator from Texas has an affinity toward Universal Studio monsters. He has life-sized busts of several, including Dracula, the Mummy and Frankenstein.
Cummins' has 300 to 400 pieces from Sideshow, and is running out of space to store and display them. He takes a couple of the monsters to his office, and rotates them every few months.
"The Monsters tend to scare everybody," Cummins said. "My boss has to actually approve what I choose to bring in, so I try to keep it tasteful."
Cummins has been purchasing from Sideshow for the past eight years.
"It's the first company that I found that actually treats their customers like they mean something," he said.
On the Net:
Posted by rorylovesnash on November 23, 2007 at 1:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was an avid purchaser from Sideshow but as their company grew, their customer service declined. A billing mistake and misinformation on the Sideshow company side lead to an argument and eventual ban from purchasing from them. In my day, the customer spending thousands of dollars (I spent close to $5000 buying collectibles from Sideshow) was always right and was not accused of being responsible for a company's inefficient staff. Since then I have purchased many items from other collectibles companies and Ebay. Funny, I've no transaction problems with any other company or individual before or since then.
Sideshow's customer service was the worse experience I have ever had purchasing online. But maybe your experience will be different.
Posted by rebelscum on November 26, 2007 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm also not sure where rorylovesnash is coming from as I, too, have been a Sideshow collector for many years and have experienced nothing but the best service from them. If there's a delay for any reason, they let you know. If there's a problem with your account, they let you know. For instance, I had a problem with a credit card decline one time, and rather than just canceling my order with no notice (like every other company out there), they gave me something like 3 or 4 days to provide a new card before canceling. There must have been a really crazy misunderstanding in rorylovesnash's case... or else he was breaking their account rules and just doesn't want to admit it! The customer is always right... unless they are wrong and start yelling about it (sorry if I'm jumping to conclusions, but this guy sounds like a 'yeller' for sure). Kudos to Sideshow for standing up and withholding their policies and not making exceptions simply because someone has spent "close to $5000" with them. (try close to $20,000 in my case, and I would never ask them to bend the rules for me)
P.S. Not only is their customer service the best, but their collectibles ROCK! I mean, where else can you find anything from a high-quality scaled model of the Graboid from Tremors, to a super-realistic, life-size Frankenstein bust, to a spot-on likeness of Alec Guiness as Old Ben Kenobi? They are dream company for all hard-core film fanatics like me!
Posted by BodieTheCursed on November 26, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
*smells finger*
Me likey... Neato stuff
Posted by Toe on November 26, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been collecting Sideshow products since 2004 and I love their products, specially the Marvel and Vintage Monster product line. Their statues are superbly detailed and I am looking forward to the Godfather 1:1 bust.
The best thing about them is their customer service. If you have a problem whether it may be a chip on your statue or your box is miss handled, their customer representative will guide you as to what to do to satisfy the customer's needs. I'm not being biased, just being truthful.
In addition to their awesome customer service, every month they have constests and free give away to their e-mail subscribers. They do not spam, so if you get a chance I would sign up and subscribe.
Posted by Poisonous on November 26, 2007 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The brightest star in the Sidehow sky is their CS. Where SSC products sometimes lack in quality control, the hard working people at SSC's CS department make up for it by treating you like you're a valued customer and that your business means the world to them and there's no issue that can't be taken care of - they're CS angels.
Aside from that, SSC produces the most overall incredible collectibles on the market and there just don't seem to be any slowing them down when it comes to releasing one awesome collectible after another.
If the QC improved, they would be gods. Simple as that.
Posted by BodieTheCursed on November 26, 2007 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CusTomER SerVIce hAS bEEn noTHInG bUt NIce to bODie..
meow..
Posted by MesaScott on November 26, 2007 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been a loyal customer of Sideshow products for a little over a year; I wish I had known about this company sooner. The quality and detail are incredible, unlike anything you've ever seen before. They are THE defining company of pop culture collectibles, and have a little bit of everything to accomodate most fanboy's (and fangirl's) interest.
Several times a year they hold contests and give-aways to help show their support for their loyal fans.
It's a great hobby for those of us who grew up collecting comics, watching sci-fi/horror flicks, and playing video/PC games... i.e. nerds who can afford to be a part of it. ;) It's certainly not cheap, but their products retain their value rather well, and a lot of their high-end items could be considered a piece of art by many. I always look forward to hearing about new releases, new product licenses, and have even scheduled my day around them due to the high demand their limited release products bring.
Posted by The_Josh on November 26, 2007 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sideshow's Customer Service is the absolute best!! It's not even close when you break it down. I've ordered from several other companies both for collectibles and other items and I never walk away feeling like they care. SS makes you feel that way because they do care about the customer and go our of their way to do make the customer is taken care of. They truly are a rare company with a CS thats even rarer.
Posted by rorylovesnash on November 27, 2007 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How can people disagree with my personal experience with Sideshow? It was my experience, not theirs. These Sideshow minions should try getting all the facts first. I refused to accept lame excuses and the customer service blame game, where everyone else was at fault except Sideshow. The credit card company released a hold on funds the day before Sideshow decided to prevent me from buying their exclusive products and rudely closed my online account. Comes to find that Sideshow products are available at many different internet vendors for less money than buying directly from Sideshow. Now that's customer service I can live without. Paying more money for the same item? People should do themselves a favor and bypass Sideshow. They have nice items but are not worth the extra money you pay, for sure. This was my experience and may not be yours. I am speaking truth and not rallying against someone else's experience. I find it very strange that most of these posts disagreeing with me were done on the same day within a couple of hours of each other. Strange indeed.
Posted by Fritz on November 27, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting, it sounds like rorylovesnash may have an agenda. It's funny how some things are everyone else's fault but your own. Is it possible you may have been banned from some other places, not just Sideshow. Interesting username. It's also interesting that you're monitoring this comments section for feedback to your initial post.
For the record, I have dealt with collectible companies and retailers for well over 10 years and Sideshow Collectibles is by far the best of the bunch, especially their customer service department. If only I could get the cable company to go to Sideshow for Customer Service lessons.
Posted by BodieTheCursed on November 27, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rorylovesnash..
One of the benefits from ordering directly from sideshow, is that if there is a problem they do their best to replace it quickly at their cost.. They also offer you reward points for purchases made through them.. This allowed me to get a free Exclusive Legendary Scale Gandalf Bust..
As a business owner I have a strong feeling that rorylovesnash is one of "those" people that should be avoided at all costs.. As "those" people are rude and impossible to please.. I liken it to banging your head against a wall..
Sideshow's customer service has been top notch and the finest I have encountered!!
Posted by rorylovesnash on November 27, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I pop back here to see what the Sideshow minions are posting and the last two surely have proven my claims. This is not a debate, but a description of my experience with Sideshow. Since you two didn't actually mediate between the two sides, you have absolutely no frame of reference. Yes, Sideshow is the best, as long as you fall in line and don't ever speak up with a concern or problem. Your punishment (as if it were) if you do is to prevent you from buying their overpriced items. Huh??? Now companies like Bowen, Gentle Giant, Medicom, Hot Toys and Hard Hero are taking my money. Sideshow doesn't really care because their sales base is now much larger than the edition size of most of their items. There is no need to appease a longtime customer because there's another waiting in the wings. If you ever purchase from Sideshow, pray there isn't a problem or it will definitely be your fault.
Posted by Poisonous on November 27, 2007 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey rorylovesnash, no matter what you say the majority of people have not had the problems with Sideshow that you describe and of course no matter what they say you have still had your set of issues with Sideshow. No one is in the dark about that, but your event seem to be an isolated one and is obviously unconfirmed as what really happened was between you and Sideshow, regardless of who was "wrong".
I am definitely no biased Sideshow minion as i have suffered greatly from their factory's lack of quality control in a bad luck streak in the past, but what makes me back up Sideshow is as i mentioned earlier their customer service being unbelievably easy and pleasant to work with should you need something replaced or refunded.
They ALWAYS deliver and should problems arise they will be taken care of and that earn them my respect as well as continued business. The very same goes for most collectors out there.
What is pissing people off here is that you come out swinging like everyone is having or have had the same issues with Sideshow as you and if they do not admit it, they're "Sideshow minions".
Sideshow is imo one of the top companies and producers of collectibles out there as they, at the end of the day, make it a very pleasant experience buying their products even if there should be any issues along the way.
I am sorry if you've had problems with them and that you are missing out on some seriously awesome collectibles.
Posted by BodieTheCursed on November 27, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS AND THEY FIXED EM UP PRONTO FOR ME..SNAP SNAP.. SORRY YOU HAVE HAD ISSUES.
Posted by pixletwin on November 29, 2007 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know RorylovesNash. He was banned from the sideshowfreaks fan site because he was constantly making racist and sexist comments.
I have been a Sideshow collector coming on 2 years now and their customer service department has never been anything but completely helpful to me and very generous too.
KEEP UP THE GOODWORK DAWN ET AL. YOU FOLKS :rock !!!!
;)
Posted by rorylovesnash on November 30, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great customer service includes diffusing the customer's problem and making it right to his/her satisfaction. I'm sure it does not include pointing a finger at the customer and accusing them of being the source of the problem. And banning me from buying directly from them obviously showed they had no intention of going above or beyond the normal threshold of the elite status of customer service that those responding here are placing them in. Sideshow has some great products but they reached the limit of being able to properly attend to the needs of their customers some time ago. Maybe that's why their quality control has suffered, their European customers can't even get a response to a query, and they are constantly looking to hire additional staff to meet the ever growing gap between proper customer service and complete dissatisfaction. But your experience may be different.
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