It's funny... I've come to the conclusion on here that collectors in general, if they're behind a project don't really care what the deck costs... I read pages and pages of complaints about pricing on the discourse, but not one mention that this deck costs $14 shipped... I'm okay with it, truly I am, and the deck looks really nice... Just making an observation... Looking forward to receiving one... Hopefully I still get mine after this comment... hahaha!!!
jmrock, I am definitely not offended by your comment, but let me offer some perspective if I may. One of the biggest reasons people won't complain about my deck cost is because they know what all goes into it. Most have seen me actually working on the court cards live and have come to fully understand the magnitude of work I put into it. For you it is $14 for a single tangible deck; for me, it is the opportunity to raise the bar. For me, it is to be able to offer things like custom brick boxes and seals. For me, it is the ability to change the idea of the custom cards market forever. For me it is to barely be able to pay my bills. Yet I get to be a part of a vast community that truly appreciates quality over quantity. Also, I include you guys, the collectors, magicians, and cardists, by offering you chances at every turn to have a voice in the final product. My Gargoyles deck set the precedent on that and I plan to continue it in the future.
An interesting note is, as a Fantasy Artist, I also take these decks to conventions with me and when I tell them the price, they say "Only $10?! You could easily sell these for $25". There is a difference in perceived value between my two groups of collectors. The fine art collector knows that they have just received a deck that has over 16 unique pieces of art and they relish the idea of only paying $10 and would gladly pay more. The Magician, Cardist, and Card Collector see it as a tool and compare it to what they already know of other decks on the market. What they don't understand is that very few of the other decks on the market have as much hand illustrated content as mine. Further, I also go beyond that, by testing before the artwork begins for fan patterns, and functional use for magicians (one-way designs and new gaff concepts). I am constantly innovating and adopting new technology for the cards early. The Gargoyles deck was one of the first to market with the Magic Finish. Others, had it on their decks but because they didn't market it with the Magic Finish no one knew what it was, or even how to explain it. In the end, all of these things cost money; Lots of money! especially at the 2500 print run size.
So, with a little perspective you can consider it differently: You have just invested $5 into the future success of Lance Miller Decks and received a deck in return that is uniquely serialized and will grow in value along with my company. I appreciate your belief in my product and am very personally moved by the amount of people who stand behind my artwork and my decks. You guys are amazing and without you I'd have no chance at any kind of future in this business.
- Lance
