Kings Wild "Frankenstein Decks"

[hsbc]

Made to order unique "Frankenstein decks" from KWP coming on Tuesday (EDIT: Thursday) - they'll be made to order so no fear of selling out

[Strag]

Looks like he auctioned one off on Instagram for $375.

I have some Frankendecks that I made from the PCD PipBox subscription that I used to get. They are interesting to be able to show people what playing card collecting is all about and the differences between decks. I wouldn't be interested in purchasing a KWP Frankendeck, I could make my own if I wanted from the extra decks I have but not sure I see the point.

[Harvonsgard]

I like the approach of having them non-limited. For me it is vice versa, I'd rather buy a KWP Frankendeck than having to keep up with their myriad of deck releases.

[Strag]

The approach of non-limited is great. I even like the fact he is doing a "Frankentuck". It's just not the thing for me since I could make it myself. I even have some extra flat KWP tucks that I could use to make my own Frankentucks.

Interestingly, I just realized that the "&" deck from the Heart & Soul set is nothing more than a combination of the Heart deck and the Soul deck into a new tuck. New way to do a tuck swap I guess. Sorta fits the theme I suppose.

[Harvonsgard]

Haha, yah. This is why despite not really collecting KWP anymore, I still keep being subscribed to his youtube channel, just to see what his next funny idea is; always looking forward to his Wednesday Weekly updates. Ampersand is a great punch line.

[Entaro]

Interestingly, I just realized that the "&" deck from the Heart & Soul set is nothing more than a combination of the Heart deck and the Soul deck into a new tuck. New way to do a tuck swap I guess. Sorta fits the theme I suppose.

Yea he mentioned that when he talked about the release on the weekly video lol

[hsbc]

$100 a piece. No joke. All hand made. Each one is exclusively unique; 52 different cards, plus signed. And 50% goes straight to the KWP crew for the work. That's what I've been told.

[EvilDuncan]

Can confirm. Since they have to be hand made and take quite a bit of time to make, Jackson is selling them for $100 each to keep the number sold down.

[Harvonsgard]

Lol, he succeeded. I'm not paying $100 for helping you clear your storage of spare tucks and cards.

[Bradius]

I get your point Harvonsgard, but it appears that they are really trying to go creative and high-end on these frankendecks. Those tucks at least look like they were put together with some thought. It is mainly a nice way to tip his crew. I think if you look at it more as a way to thank the folks that do our fulfillments, then it is more of a thing that makes sense. I doubt you can look at this as some great way to make money either by KWP or as a collector. A lot of us put $100 in the tip jar and got signed wooden blocks. I think this is along the same lines.

[Harvonsgard]

A lot of us put $100 in the tip jar and got signed wooden blocks.

Yaaaah... NO. I'm not one of those fellows, haha. I wanna have an adequate value when I put money on the table. I'm not deminishing the work the KWP crew puts into them and all power to them if that model works but I personally don't see that value and put my money elsewhere. I'm happily supporting artists when they need it but seeing the deck prices from KWP I don't see any reason to tip at all. Deck quality declines and prices rise, just because the foil shines a bit and/or some gilding.

[wingedpotato]

I have to say I land with Harvonsgard on this. If Jackson can't run his company in a way that his employees are adequately paid, that's on him. As for tipping, I'd much rather add a buck to my order when I'm checking out than to have these hyped up promos, but that's just me. It seems like Jackson cycles where he gets too big for his britches and starts cutting corners and getting all hype crazy, then that bursts and he humbly goes back to his creative roots which gets everyone excited and starts the cycle all over again. Am I imagining that?

[Strag]

Nope I think you are bang on. I think Jackson is amazingly creative but as he now has a multi-million dollar business with employees who depend on him for their living it obviously creates pressure on him to keep up with the velocity of designs and trying to break into new categories such as coffee, shirts and soon jigsaw puzzles. I don't fault him for it but the collector in me despairs.

[EvilDuncan]

I have to say I land with Harvonsgard on this. If Jackson can't run his company in a way that his employees are adequately paid, that's on him.

This is such a weird take. What indication is there that Jackson can't pay his employees well? He clearly has a great appreciation for his employees and likes to reward their hard work.

It seems like Jackson cycles where he gets too big for his britches and starts cutting corners and getting all hype crazy, then that bursts and he humbly goes back to his creative roots which gets everyone excited and starts the cycle all over again. Am I imagining that?

What are you referring to? When has he started cutting corners? Sure he runs into issues every now and then, but with the volume of cards he produces, who wouldn't?

multi-million dollar business

I doubt it's quite that profitable yet.

... it obviously creates pressure on him to keep up with the velocity of designs and trying to break into new categories such as coffee, shirts and soon jigsaw puzzles. I don't fault him for it but the collector in me despairs.

Why is this a bad thing? The man clearly has a strong passion for creativity and enjoys making different things. He thought his card designs would translate well to puzzles and shirts, and he's clearly correct. He doesn't just do this for the money. EDIT: I misread this statement. The collector despairs because he cannot possibly keep up with all releases and collect everything. My bad.

[hsbc]

I doubt it's quite that profitable yet.

I agree with you overall but multi-million isn't far off.....

The company is in the process of moving from Austin to outside Chattanooga, Tenn., and it’s on track for gross sales of $1.5 million in 2020, triple 2019’s figure and more than 10 times what it brought in two years ago.

EDIT: But yeah if this is just gross sales, overall profit is likely much lower. Regardless I'm happy to see Jackson manage to make a living as an artist, he can sell whatever he wants and I'll buy it if I like it I can only imagine what it's like to be a KWP completionist now....

[EvilDuncan]

I doubt it's quite that profitable yet.

I agree with you overall but multi-million isn't far off.....

The company is in the process of moving from Austin to outside Chattanooga, Tenn., and it’s on track for gross sales of $1.5 million in 2020, triple 2019’s figure and more than 10 times what it brought in two years ago.

EDIT: But yeah if this is just gross sales, overall profit is likely much lower.

Yeah I remember Jackson said at some point that the majority of the sales revenue goes right back into printing more decks (I forget the numbers). That's why he would like to eventually start printing his own decks in house.

Regardless I'm happy to see Jackson manage to make a living as an artist, he can sell whatever he wants and I'll buy it if I like it I can only imagine what it's like to be a KWP completionist now....

Agreed. He has a clear talent and passion for his work and it's great that he is so successful as an artist. I love most of what he puts out and will gladly buy almost anything he makes.

[hsbc]

FRANKENDECKS! Coming Thursday, 12p EST (members) & 5p EST (public).

Some details: Each deck is uniquely crafted by our crew, combining 2+ tuck cases to create a truly unique and fun tuck. Inside each monstrosity is a complete deck consisting of different cards across our full line of cards over the years, making each deck truly distinct.

FRANKENDECKS will be sold for $100 (you think that's too much??? don't buy it!!!!), no limit, no stock, they are made to order and in addition, it's kind of a surprise what you'll end up with. Just trust the mad scientist to give you something truly special! Requests for specific decks unfortunately will not be honored.

In addition: 50% of each sell will go directly into the crew tip jar! That's right, $50 of every Frankendeck goes directly to the crew making these beauties a reality!

If I got to pick my deck I would be tempted, but half of these just don't really appeal to me at all...

[Harvonsgard]

(you think that's too much??? don't buy it!!!!)

Your wish is my command Jackson .
I always thought Kingswildproject is in the card business and not in the not-selling-cards-business.
Lucky he got minions to make Gru blush.

[alric]

$100. Please. This is an easy pass. It seems like I've been passing on a lot of KWP decks lately. It's almost as if its more about quantity over quality now. This is Jackson getting very close to jumping the shark. But he'll probably come up with some kick ass deck in the future that reels me back in. Until then, I'll let the hardcore fanboys who are easily parted from their money gobble these up.

[rousselle]

Cheese Louise, guys. Maybe I'm just reading all this in a weird frame of mind at the end of a long work day, but it sometimes comes across as if you are personally insulted when Jackson Robinson (or any other card producer) releases a product that you either don't want or don't want to pay the asking price for.

I like the custom mash-up tucks and the idea of having an absolutely unique Frankendeck. Like many of you, I don't like it enough to pay the asking price, and *that's fine with me*. I don't think the price is unreasonable, it's simply more than I feel like paying for this particular deck at this particular time. No big. But, I can see why others might choose to pay it and, frank(enstein)ly, more power to them. And, more power to Jackson if he and his company are able to find enough buyers for this product to make it worth their while.

I, for one, hope that Jackson and other creators continue to experiment with different product ideas and price points. Obviously, I will still only buy those products for which I feel the value meets or exceeds the cost. But I want more awesome decks in my collection, and if this idea helps keep the KWP machine well funded, maybe they'll continue to produce other products that I like well enough to add to my collection.

I'll note that while you laugh at Jackson, he's likely laughing, too. All the way to the bank.

[Strag]

I doubt it's quite that profitable yet.

I agree with you overall but multi-million isn't far off.....

The company is in the process of moving from Austin to outside Chattanooga, Tenn., and it’s on track for gross sales of $1.5 million in 2020, triple 2019’s figure and more than 10 times what it brought in two years ago.

EDIT: But yeah if this is just gross sales, overall profit is likely much lower. Regardless I'm happy to see Jackson manage to make a living as an artist, he can sell whatever he wants and I'll buy it if I like it I can only imagine what it's like to be a KWP completionist now....

Yup that was the article I was thinking of when I said multi-million. I assumed that by now his revenue has surpassed $2M. And yes, when you speak of a private company you usually refer to the annual sales as the "value" of a company, since profits are usually not known (there can be expections). When they are public you refer to their market-cap. Never heard of anyone referring the profit of a company to describe their "value", after all many companies can report incredibly low or even losses and still have a very high market valuation.

[GandalfPC]

But he'll probably come up with some kick ass deck in the future that reels me back in.

Alice in wonderland be that deck me thinks

[LoneStar]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

[JacksonRobinson]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

Give us the long version. I'm sorry you feel that way for sure, but it's hard to respond to a public callout without context.

[rockets455]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

also curious to hear what happen

what I don't get is they said a few time that they'll keep making them as long as people keep buying them then suddenly there's a cutoff date on purchases. maybe the sales weren't going well?

[JacksonRobinson]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

also curious to hear what happen

what I don't get is they said a few time that they'll keep making them as long as people keep buying them then suddenly there's a cutoff date on purchases. maybe the sales weren't going well?

Sales were great! We just have to hand-make the decks and the tucks and we wanted to make sure we didn't to far behind before we opened them up again. The crew has to make more than 150 so it's gonna take a few weeks.

[LoneStar]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

Give us the long version. I'm sorry you feel that way for sure, but it's hard to respond to a public callout without context.

Well, I didn't post the long version because it's just a long whiny post that ultimately doesn't reflect all that well on me, and I really didn't think it was worth it. But since you took the time to reply and I ask, ok. (Please don't cancel my subscriptions)

I’ll apologize right off the bat for this long post.

Let me say up front, I’m a 46-year-old husband, father, and small-business owner. I am a subscriber to all 5 of KWP’s plans – all 3 shorts and both Table Players. Last month, I’m honestly embarrassed to say, I spent $590.40 with KWP. The month before it was $461.86. The month before it was $94.19. Before that $455.75. So on and so forth, and hopefully my wife doesn’t see this post. Lol.

Several people on IG have made comment about Jackson’s “if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it” remarks. While I think he’s kinda kidding and kinda simply being frank, it’s rubbing people some people the wrong way. I am NOT one of those people myself, but still, it’s unfortunately indicative of what seems to be a flippant attitude toward his customers, perhaps just the irritating ones on social media. I also think it’s party West Texas gruff, as I went to school at Texas Tech and lived in Amarillo for years afterward (actually spent a lot of time in Canyon), and a lot of folks out there are pretty no-nonsense. That said, Jackson didn’t seem to be quite so gruff in the past, but idk.

No, my personal disappointment has to do with a recent purchase. The Table Players Vol 7 USPCC Gilded decks. $60/each. I was on at drop time. I missed the “Full Set” purchase, but somehow managed to get one of each variant on individual transactions. $180 for three decks of playing cards (I remember when Jackson used to repeatedly thank people supporting him, his family and crew by purchasing his “stacks of paper”).

I immediately went on to IG and DM’d KWP and said I was a subscriber on all 5 options, I managed to purchase all three of the gilded variants individually, and I asked if they would please send me matching numbers. I received a reply that kindly said, No guarantee since I didn’t buy the “Full set.” I said I understand. Thanks for replying.

Of course, when they arrived today IN THREE SEPARATE PACKAGES, I knew they weren’t going to match. Talk about efficiency.

So, that’s my gripe. I’m not a high maintenance customer. I spend a lot with KWP, and I have only ever contacted them once when items arrived legit damaged (I included pics). I did have to exchange a shirt once because I ordered the wrong size, and I sent them cash to cover the shipping because the error was my own fault.

I understand they can’t jump every time a customer contacts them, but there was a time when customer satisfaction and loyalty seemed to matter more. I don’t think my request was unreasonable, all things considered (and by all things considered I mean me being a subscriber, wearing his shirts in public giving him advertisement, them asking for crew tips on every transaction, them doing IG Live auctions for crazy money that JR gives straight to the crew- a crew that no longer includes single swaps in shipments, doesn’t include “packed by” cards anymore, and has sent me multiple soft-cornered decks in the last few months).

As I said early on, I myself am a small business owner, and if a customer takes the time to contact me directly with a special request on a nearly $200 purchase, I’m going to do my level best to holler across the ping-pong table and get my crew to accommodate unless it’s just really not possible, and I really mean that. Even if that customer is only subscribing to the single cheapest plan, that’s still a commitment to KWP and their families.

Anyhow. It is what it is. I’m not the type that thinks I deserve special treatment because I spend what I consider to be a lot of money on “stacks of paper.” I just don’t think my one small request was unreasonable. And it wasn’t like it would have set a public precedent for special requests. I guess it wouldn’t bother me if I hadn’t been as impressed with Jackson’s attitude and customer service in the past.

I did buy the Gilded Tigers on Thursday. I love those.

Best to all. I’ll probably get lit up for whining. Haha. I probably deserve it.

[JacksonRobinson]

Without posting the too long post I originally intended when I logged on today, I'll just say that new crew isn't earning any tips from me with recent service. One of the dangers of growing too fast is not being able to provide a consistent level of service to your loyal customers. It makes them feel unappreciated. and Jackson's attitude has changed in the last year. Maybe it's hubris; maybe it's the pressure of owning a growing company, idk, but it's unfortunate. And he doesn't seem to respond graciously when people are displeased ("if you can't afford it, don't buy it").

Recent events have made me go back and tally exactly how much I've spent with KWP over the last year. The result was "it's time to cut back. Significantly."

Give us the long version. I'm sorry you feel that way for sure, but it's hard to respond to a public callout without context.

Well, I didn't post the long version because it's just a long whiny post that ultimately doesn't reflect all that well on me, and I really didn't think it was worth it. But since you took the time to reply and I ask, ok. (Please don't cancel my subscriptions)

I’ll apologize right off the bat for this long post.

Let me say up front, I’m a 46-year-old husband, father, and small-business owner. I am a subscriber to all 5 of KWP’s plans – all 3 shorts and both Table Players. Last month, I’m honestly embarrassed to say, I spent $590.40 with KWP. The month before it was $461.86. The month before it was $94.19. Before that $455.75. So on and so forth, and hopefully my wife doesn’t see this post. Lol.

Several people on IG have made comment about Jackson’s “if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it” remarks. While I think he’s kinda kidding and kinda simply being frank, it’s rubbing people some people the wrong way. I am NOT one of those people myself, but still, it’s unfortunately indicative of what seems to be a flippant attitude toward his customers, perhaps just the irritating ones on social media. I also think it’s party West Texas gruff, as I went to school at Texas Tech and lived in Amarillo for years afterward (actually spent a lot of time in Canyon), and a lot of folks out there are pretty no-nonsense. That said, Jackson didn’t seem to be quite so gruff in the past, but idk.

No, my personal disappointment has to do with a recent purchase. The Table Players Vol 7 USPCC Gilded decks. $60/each. I was on at drop time. I missed the “Full Set” purchase, but somehow managed to get one of each variant on individual transactions. $180 for three decks of playing cards (I remember when Jackson used to repeatedly thank people supporting him, his family and crew by purchasing his “stacks of paper”).

I immediately went on to IG and DM’d KWP and said I was a subscriber on all 5 options, I managed to purchase all three of the gilded variants individually, and I asked if they would please send me matching numbers. I received a reply that kindly said, No guarantee since I didn’t buy the “Full set.” I said I understand. Thanks for replying.

Of course, when they arrived today IN THREE SEPARATE PACKAGES, I knew they weren’t going to match. Talk about efficiency.

So, that’s my gripe. I’m not a high maintenance customer. I spend a lot with KWP, and I have only ever contacted them once when items arrived legit damaged (I included pics). I did have to exchange a shirt once because I ordered the wrong size, and I sent them cash to cover the shipping because the error was my own fault.

I understand they can’t jump every time a customer contacts them, but there was a time when customer satisfaction and loyalty seemed to matter more. I don’t think my request was unreasonable, all things considered (and by all things considered I mean me being a subscriber, wearing his shirts in public giving him advertisement, them asking for crew tips on every transaction, them doing IG Live auctions for crazy money that JR gives straight to the crew- a crew that no longer includes single swaps in shipments, doesn’t include “packed by” cards anymore, and has sent me multiple soft-cornered decks in the last few months).

As I said early on, I myself am a small business owner, and if a customer takes the time to contact me directly with a special request on a nearly $200 purchase, I’m going to do my level best to holler across the ping-pong table and get my crew to accommodate unless it’s just really not possible, and I really mean that. Even if that customer is only subscribing to the single cheapest plan, that’s still a commitment to KWP and their families.

Anyhow. It is what it is. I’m not the type that thinks I deserve special treatment because I spend what I consider to be a lot of money on “stacks of paper.” I just don’t think my one small request was unreasonable. And it wasn’t like it would have set a public precedent for special requests. I guess it wouldn’t bother me if I hadn’t been as impressed with Jackson’s attitude and customer service in the past.

I did buy the Gilded Tigers on Thursday. I love those.

Best to all. I’ll probably get lit up for whining. Haha. I probably deserve it.

No one is gonna be lighting anyone up, and your comments and concerns are legit and well met. I myself and the crew do try to accommodate people when it is possible, but in the instance of giving you matching number sets for the gilded Vol 7, specifically, it is tuff to give out matching numbers like that unless it was one of the pre "set aside" sets that we offered on the site. I'm totally aware and totally understand that there were only 10 of those matching sets so that doesn't make it any easier.

First off, sorry the crew didn't send you matching numbers, and my only explanation for the multiple packages was that they were more than likely separate orders. We consolidate orders when we can but it is not always done.

In terms of logistics of giving out matching numbers (that are not part of the pre-set aside sets) Its some times isn't possible especially when there are very few of the lower edition decks in the first place. If someone requests something via the "customer notes" the customer notes get printed with the packing slips and are only first read at the time one of the crew gets to it on the packing table. The reason why it's hard (in this case) is your order(s) may have been later on in the batch when one of the crew had unknowingly already packed the possible matching numbered decks that were not part of the set aside sets. By the time they reached your packing slip the decks that would have made your matching - might have already been packed. If you email the support staff it is a similar story, your email could have been relayed to us after the crew had already packed your order or other orders. I'm not saying this is what happened nor am I using it as an excuse, I'm merely trying to give you my honest perspective of the logistics behind the scenes.

As for the "Don't buy it!" Comment. I want to first clarify that we commented "If it's too much, Don't buy it!" instead of "If you can't afford it, don't buy it!" It think that is important to clarify as the two phrases say two very different things. This was totally meant in jest but at the same time meant with honesty, because I truly want people to not buy things if they don't honestly see a value in it, as your wallet is king. As soon as we got word that it wasn't being received well we pulled the post as that is not what we wanted to communicate and that's on us.

Thanks for your comments. I totally understand if you need to scale back for sure, but give us a second chance to earn your business. If not, I appreciate your business and support up to this point and am sorry we lost it.

[LoneStar]

First off, sorry the crew didn't send you matching numbers, and my only explanation for the multiple packages was that they were more than likely separate orders. We consolidate orders when we can but it is not always done.

In terms of logistics of giving out matching numbers (that are not part of the pre-set aside sets) Its some times isn't possible especially when there very few of the lower edition decks in the first place. If someone requests something via the "customer notes" the customer notes get printed with the packing slips and are first read at the time one of the crew gets to it on the packing table. The reason why it's hard is your order(s) may have been later on in the batch or after other than the crew had unknowingly already packed the possible matching numbered decks that were not part of the set aside sets. By the time they reached your packing slip the decks that would have made your matching might have already been packed. If you email the support staff it is a similar story, your email could have been relayed to us after the crew had already packed your order or other orders. I'm not saying this is what happened nor am I using it as an excuse, I'm nearly trying to give you my honest perspective of the logistics behind the scenes.

I understand. As I mentioned, I immediately DM'd KWP on IG as I figured that was the quickest, no public way to reach you guys about the request, and you all immediately replied. But when the three decks arrived today in three separate shipments, it was clear no effort was made at all to address my request. I mean, I had brought to you guys' attention that I had just made three separate transactions on those three decks. Somebody could have easily said "heads up, this dork ordered three decks, use one box."

I think that's what really bothered me, just that the request was obviously of minimal importance that no effort was even attempted. If it couldn't be done, for example because decks were pre-packaged or something, whomever replied to me at 12:15 on IG could have told me that, would have been a bummer but made sense.

Anyhow. I thank you for your time in reading and responding. Keep doing great things. I'm a big fan.

[hsbc]

A civil conversation on UC?!