>> ABOUT PLANET ROBOT >> FAQ 
We always get asked many similar questions. So we decided to list this FAQ of the top 10 questions, and hopefully this will be of help. We would love to hear from you, so if you have something else to ask, please Contact Us
Q01. So why Planet Robot?
If you meant why the name, it's because we believe that this planet will be
dominated by robots in one form or another, hence Planet - Robot. We started
this site in 2001 as a repository of all things robot, but our passion has
always been robot toys, bipeds of the classic tin variety. By a stroke of
fate, a chance encounter enabled us to realize our dream of producing our
own toys. Naturally, we just had to have Yoshiya's "Planet Robot"
as our own first vintage style tin robot production, a trial release by special
commission. If you meant why we're doing what we do, see below.
Q02. Aren't there enough reproductions flooding the market already?
Why make more?
Unfortunately, yes. Churned out by the thousands without due consideration
to the originals. Without the spirit, the essence of what makes the originals
what they are. Yes, there are too many, poorly made. Or, well made Japanese
ones, but grossly overpriced. Aren't you sick and tired of them? We are. That's
why we initiated the True Limit Production project, we believe we can make
a difference with our high quality true to the originals, limited edition
productions, at a really fair price. Heck, a single reproduction part costs
as much as an entire whole limited edition toy from us.
Q03. How can I believe your productions will truly be limited?
Well, it all really boils down to just that, believe. A believe in our sincerity.
For our part, we trust you will appreciate what we do so we don't go broke
on our venture. We can only offer you our word that when you purchase a True
Limit Production from us, it will be a truly limited production. Our word
is our bond. We only hope to recover enough to start the next new release.
Think of this as your initiative as much as ours. We really do need your help,
support and trust.
Q04. Yeah sure. Haven't we heard all this before?
Too true. In fact we were largely inspired by past efforts to produce good
quality limited edition tin robots, in particular those by M. Wolf really
stand out. Of the other attempts, we were sorely disappointed when it became
apparent that none were truly limited. We felt ripped off. We know we can
do better, with a true love of the originals, with commitment & high quality
control, strong manufacturing, and most important of all - with integrity
and a sheer passion for these vintage wonders.
Q05. Are/were you Tin Tom Toys?
Should we be flattered or insulted that this somehow made it's way into a
top 5 question. The answer plain and simple is, NO.
Q06. So who are you guys?
Well, we're regular working joes, collectors first and foremost. A small group
of us who just pooled together because of our love of robots and tin toys.
We all share a sincere believe that we can make better productions. Rather
than buying more toys, we thought why not make them really well ourselves?
Our backgrounds and talents range from advertising, manufacturing, architecture
to banking and design. Some of us hold sensitive positions in industry (and
some of us can't let our wives know where the kids education fund has gone),
so we'll just let our productions speak for us.
Q07. You say you're collectors, you should know that reproductions
are killing the originals.
Not entirely true, not all reproductions per se. But poorly made mass productions,
yes. Motivated by profit and greed, these things churned out by the thousands
kill the interest and desirability of the originals. We have higher aspirations.
In a perfect world, everyone should be able to own these great original works
of tin. But the world is not perfect, and not everyone can afford the originals,
much less find them if they could. That's where we come in, our truly limited
edition productions are meant to happily coexist with the originals from which
they were inspired - not kill them. You won't find our in house productions
anywhere else, they won't be flooding the market. There are carefully informed
criteria from which we base our selections for production and we impose strict
self limits on our releases.
Q08. Is that all you can do? Copy? Any plans for something new and
refreshing?
Yes, but first we'd rather define what we do as homage to the original designers
and manufacturers, individuals who are almost all unknown. Imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery. And in doing so, we are experiencing what it must
be like in the Golden Age of toy manufacturing. The entire process is exactly
the same as in the past, the machines are vintage and so are the techniques,
a dying craft. It is labor intensive, and requires workmanship of the very
highest order. Every part of a tin toy is worked by hand. Stamping a sheet
of metal into a shape can be done by anyone, but capturing the nuances, getting
the proportions just right, well that is an Art. A steep learning curve for
us, but a fantastic experience. Our reproductions gains us experience and
prepare us for our ultimate goal - new tin toy designs and productions in
the true spirit of the originals. So yes, with your support, in time they
will come.
Q09. I'm a dealer/retailer, do you do wholesale?
Yes, we do. But subject to our strict vetting procedures. You've got to be
really committed to these beloved toys, and even more committed to all collectors.
Please contact us using the Wholesale Enquiry
form.
Q10. I'm a collector, can I buy direct?
But of course, you are the main reason for us being here and you are most
welcome to buy direct! As all our productions are strictly limited, once they're
sold out, they're gone. Please visit our Online Shop
to see what's available.
Q1a. So really, why Planet Robot?
OK apart from all we've painstakingly tried to explain above? Because we can.
And for the pure joy of being able to relive the Golden Age of toy manufacturing!
And if you're still reading, thank you. We would love to hear from you; so rants, raves and everything else, please Contact Us