Biante/Autoart packaging

[perry]

Just curious,
Why is it that the the early falcons are packaged as Biante, the racing commodores as window Autoart, some models are closed boxes, etc etc??

Why wouldn't they all be consistant, eg:window boxes and packaged as biante??

[berkut76]

I think it depends on a manufacturer which Biante subcontracts to do a particular model. I think that Kyosho makes Fords, at least the racing ones.

Take care,
Sergey

[Aussiecollector]

Is that true are the Fords made by Kyosho.

If it is then it puts the AutoArt detail to shame.

Can we have a comment from Biante on this.

As I always thought that AutoArt was on top of Kyosho but second to Exoto. (my perception only)

Glenn

[admin]

As we have stated many times....Kyosho do NOT make Biante Models.

Biante is made by Biante. We own all the tooling, licenses etc etc, pay ALL the bills and dictate what level of detail we want for our cars.

There are several factors as to why all the models are packaged differently.

Don't forget we know about a year in advance what is happening, so it may be that a market that has a strong following in Autoart is going to be getting a certain model we are making, then it is in our interest to brand it as an Autoart model for brand recognition purposes. ie the new upcoming Pontiac GTO.

Some customers, like HSV/HRT and 00 Motorsport like to have their own identity and so we will package their goods in the box that best suits them.

There are wider strategies as far as window or closed boxes, but it mostly gets down to the disply of the item or the weight of the item.

If the item is predominantly going to mail order, then for ease of packing and safety in transit, a closed box is more secure.

If it is going into a shop front, then the window box is more desireable as a lot (NOT all) of the shop keepers just put the closed box on the shelf and no-one knows what the model is or looks like.

In the case of a few of the older cars, the casting methods that have to be used to capture the distinctive shapes, as against the modern "all look the same shape" results in a heavy model that, if put into a window box, would just rip itself off the mounting platform in transit.

I might add that each time we have to change the packaging style/type, it costs us around $4,400.00 for casting of mounting plates or polyfoam boxes plus the new artwork to fit.

So its done for a reason...mainly to get the model to the end user in A1 condition.

Hope that explians a few things.

[Aussiecollector]

Excellent response Admin

What about the Idea of Team Ed sealed boxes for each major issue

We await your reply

Glenn

[v8coupe]

Admin
Just confused about Biante models are made by Biante.
Bev stated in another thread, and it says on the boxes, made in china.

Also wondering, how the name Biante was choosen, and if it stands for anything?

With Biante knowing a year in advance. Is it possible to have a page on your site, listing possible planned models, or something similar. I understand you can't do this on cars that haven't be shown to the public. But previous cars could.

Kyosho made the skaife / richards skyline, didn't they?

I page giving a ruff planned list of models, due for release in the year would be handy for us collectors, and shops. I am sure a few customers out there are always asking what cars are comming soon / next, and shops have only what they have ordered to mention.

Looking forward to the HYL Rick Kelly 1/18. That is going to look 100% in minature.

[berkut76]

I don't look to ruffle any feathers, but I would like the admin to clarify some issues for me:

1) Biante models are made primarily for an Aussie collector and not for export purposes. If this is true, why put Binate in flimsy AutoArt boxes when Biante name by itself is well respected in Australia?

2) If the tooling is the same why do Fords AU look nicer than Holdens?

3) Does Biante physically own the model factory in China or does the production get subcontracted to some Hong Kong-owned Toy Conglomerate? If the latter is true, then the persistent rumors I'm hearing could be the product of the current manufacturing reality: Biante is simply using the same "sources" that Kyosho and Gateway Global does.

Here in the US, I've heard from many collectors that all the models are made in a few factories. Sometimes, the rival products are made literally under the same roof.

Regards,
Sergey

[perry]

I can answer that one v8coupe...

Biante stands for "B and T" (Bev and Trevor).

I remember meeting Bev (at the time, i just thought she was a part timer or something), as i was crapping on about how good my collection was, and she simply stood there and said "Well, im the B in Biante".

[berkut76]

I don't look to ruffle any feathers, but I would like the admin to clarify some issues for me:

1) Biante models are made primarily for an Aussie collector and not for export purposes. If this is true, why put Binate in flimsy AutoArt boxes when Biante name by itself is well respected in Australia?

2) If the tooling is the same why do Fords AU look nicer than Holdens?

3) Does Biante physically own the model factory in China or does the production get subcontracted to some Hong Kong-owned Toy Conglomerate? If the latter is true, then the persistent rumors I'm hearing could be the product of the current manufacturing reality: Biante is simply using the same "sources" that Kyosho and Gateway Global does.

Here in the US, I've heard from many collectors that all the models are made in a few factories. Sometimes, the rival products are made literally under the same roof.

Regards,
Sergey

[thekid_600]

thanks perry, i didn't know that. i learn something everytime i look at the forum. :)