I know I'm gonna get a bashing for this.....
What AFA, Cloud City, and Brian's Toys are going to do this hobby is destroy the competition, hence fair pricing.
Hear me out before you guys crucify me, OK?
AFA has introduced a service for "not as knowledgeable" collectors to better grade, and understand a fair price for a carded figure. So, in effect, knowledge of the hobby has just been undermined. Has it not? Not many real die hard vintage collectors actually use AFA services.
On the subject of Cloud City and other dealers. They do run a business, and are entitled to turn a profit. However, look at the prices that are being offered to collectors. Prices have jumped up at least 5% or so since last year. These prices have been inflated by big time dealers. Albeit, it's their right.
CC, Brian's Toys, and AFA are becoming conglomerates in the SW hobby. Unfortunately, the same things that Home Depot and Staples have done to the smaller Hardware Store and office supply companies across the nation. Now, I don't think the proprietors of these establishments are sitting up at night plotting evil ways to control the SW hobby, I just think it's an unfortunate inevitability. But, who knows, I could be wrong.
One thing I would like to add. I have noticed that many of the negative posts about CC come from newbies. Older collectors are very quick to defend CC, and put down newbies for their opinions. As a fairly new collector, the feelings that I first perceived of larger dealers were echoed by other newbies.
Like many have stated before. If you don't like Cloud City, don't buy from them. How very true.
I just feel that alot of older collectors let their personal feelings for Tom rush to his aide in defense. Can't blame a guy for sticking up for his friend. But try to understand why many, and even more people are starting to feel this way.
Just my 2 cents......
sobriety sucks