Am I the only one annoyed by this nonsense trickery?
Upon very careful re-reading of the description for the Madison Select box they released, I noticed they were careful to imply just that the box itself was limited to 2000 copies. Not the contents.
I mean, look at the description of the release for the 500 extra Madisons. It never actually even says they made 2500 decks, they could have technically printed 100,000 but only releasing 500 each now. So even in admitting the trickery, they're playing another trick. I'm pretty certain they have even more stockpiled somewhere ready for a "surprise restocking" next Christmas when the artificially inflated prices allow them to sell for double.
I'm new to the game, and this is enough to make me swear off of Ellusionist for all but brand new and individual decks. Aurelian being a good example. Other than that I'm done.
hikeeba wrote:Don't worry - you'll probably be able to buy them individually later. e said only that there were 2000 BOX SETS, not decks.
(And if there's anything you can trust about e, it's that they're distrustful....)
So, they're fishing to see how many they could potentially sell. v2 around the corner.
Also, they're holding back the entire order until Dec 28 - so what if you hit one of their tiers? That could drop you out, then they ship your order and you're s.o.l.
(Note: if something like this happens and customer service doesn't do anything, contact BBB - helped me out twice.)
They really are a horrible business, but I have BC dls to spend and I'd like something worth getting to use them with (interested how they plan to 'buy out' the remaining BC members).
In fact, E could very easily say, "Congratulations! Your ballot was successful!" to 1,000 customers per deck, if they so desire, and nobody would be the wiser. I'm surprised they even mentioned the number 500 outright rather than leaving the number implied.
Several years ago, I was on a cruise ship where they had an art auction. The auctioneer was very good and very clever. He talked up all the reasons why art might appreciate in value, but then he would caution, "But, of course, there's really only one reason you should bid on art. And that is, if it appeals to *you*."
When all is said and done, that is absolutely the bottom line. If you want to speculate on the value of a collectable item, you are gambling. The only way you really come out ahead is if you are buying something *you* want. I like most of E's decks well enough to spring on a few of each, in general, but I don't keep loading up because this one or another one might be more valuable some day. I feel a little burned that I spent as much as I did to collect the gold Artifice, given that they dropped the quantity restrictions and the price, but it really is a nice deck (to my tastes, anyway). Your mileage may vary.
I may or may not pick up an extra blue dealer or two this time around, I haven't decided. But, it won't be because it'll be my Last Chance Ever!