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05/07/2014 12:36 pm
Clarification from Matrix...
I did as Dick had suggested, I sent an email to Jaap and somewhat surprisingly he wrote back within 24 hours, with an explanation. This is the "short" version.
There is NO connection between Matrix and Neo / BoS. That Bos produces similar models as to what Matrix does but, that they (BoS) does not have the expense of developing the models, stealing the shapes. Thus lowering the expense and that they are produced not using photo etched or chromed parts but, using paint instead, lowering the cost even more. And finally, not offering these models to anyone else, only available from their website MCW. So, over all one is buying a cheap "knock-off" of a Matrix model.
I don't know about the rest of you but, in my opinion this is a shoddy and underhanded business practice. Though I will still "look" at what they are producing and include them in my future book, I will shy away from buying from them.
This has led me to ask more questions. There are several models that they have produced that are not copies of Matrix models. The Audi Quattro Spyder is one example. They are offering this as "cheaply" as the Matrix knock-offs, so have they stolen this model from another company? Hmmmm, makes me wonder.
05/07/2014 12:40 pm
I chose to tell the short version....
as Jaap wishes that not all of the information he wrote about be divulged. Thus, I will abide by his wishes.
05/07/2014 1:11 pm
Business is business. This is a danger inherent in Chinese production of anything.
05/07/2014 1:28 pm
Correction: There are many kinds of business, and then there is business with China's businesses.
05/07/2014 4:12 pm
The have three new models.
1. The Audi Quattro could be a knock-off of Alezan or JB Model. Alezan is too simple; BOS looks more detailed.
2. Chrysler Atlantic was made by AMR and then copied by Model K, a Chinese company
3. Lotec Sirius - this one was made by Yow Modellini many years ago; extremely rare, I have not seen one offered for sale ever. It's unlikely to be copied.
06/07/2014 4:38 am
Theft of intellectual property, ideas/projects, original masters and other property are unfortunately pitfalls and realities of producing models in China. Standard operating procedure over there. Adding to that; a few USA and European based makers are also ok with and guilty of these same unethical practices.
06/07/2014 9:40 pm
Big Accusation.
Jaap makes a pretty big accusation about BoS 'stealing shapes'. Does he have any evidence to back this up?
I am unfamiliar with the details of any of the castings from either company so is there some specific detail/fault in the Matrix casting that has been copied in the BoS casting? If not what specifically leads him to 'know' that 'his' shape has been stolen? After all with today's technology a 197x Cadillac is a 197x Cadillac is a 197x Cadillac
As to the lack of p/e and chrome plus the availability from only a single source having anything to do with these being 'a cheap knock off' of a Matrix model I don't follow his logic. The mere act of making something to sell at a lower price point than another company does not in and of itself constitute making a 'knock off'
07/07/2014 1:38 am
True but....
the fact of the matter is, is that these two companies were once connected, though not directly. And the fact of the matter is, is the BoS is producing the same products as Matrix is and not just over a span of time but, within a short span of time after Matrix releasing theirs. The term, "cheap knock offs" is mine and not Jaap's. This rings of fraud, like the "knock offs" of the Gucci leather products of years ago. The thing is, is that this company also produces Neo models, so, rather than attack another manufacturer, why don't they make cheaper versions of their Neo line? Fraud, is fraud, is fraud.
We all have our own opinions, it is a "free world" (sort of) after all. And it is my opinion that these companies need to do "their own thing" rather than copying another. So, in Jaap's defense I find it quite deplorable to do business this way. In my own opinion, of course.
As I have stated before, I am in the process of writing a collectors "guide" and the information that I include will "hopefully" be true, I have written to Mr. Kiunke to hear his side of it as well. Though I had written to Neo in the past and never got any replies. So, I'm not sure if I will get a reply this time either.