Expert: David Michael - 3/11/2009

Question
My name is Linda Norris. I am a registered nurse by profession. I have an idea for an action figure and I have been looking for a manufacturer in China that shows the attention to detail that I have seen in the McFarlane action figures--specifically the NBA basketball figures.  Will you please help me to find the manufacturer in China that makes McFarlane's action figures.  My e-mail address is: . My home telephone number is: (318) 303-4768.  My cell phone number is: (318) 344-9296.

Thank You,

Linda Norris


Answer
Unfortunately, your dilema is not easy or in some cases even possible to solve.  I do not know the company...it may be owned by them.  This is more than likely illegal or a breech in contract for someone.  Even if your product is markedly different from any other you need patents, specs., pre-orders, ...ect... You can personally buy figures, and remove the paint, but McF couldn't/wouldn't sell to you directly.

Don't bother to ask for thier manufacturer, the answer is no.

If the manufacturer sold to you directly, their contract would be cancelled.

If you can order 10,000+ figures, paid in advance, might be do-able with all the above pre-reqs met.

But buying a few collector/specialty pieces is not worth the time and money for any but the big boys.

You may be able to sell your idea to a toy/figure company.  This also includes a lot of legal requirements.

Hope this helps.....Good Luck!