Most metal figs that need to be put together and painted are a classic thing in the gaming world and has been around since before Pathfinder, D&D, or even many gamers where born. The newer pre-painted plastic figs are great for busy people and for DM's who do not have the time to paint everything for their games. So both markets are very valid and helpful. I would not say that the metal figs are considered "unfinished" as what they really are is something that allows you to create your own unique version of your character. Some folks even buy several and modify them with little saws and drills to make the perfect fig that is also a work of art.
All that being said... HERE is a link to Paizo singles for the plastic prepainted items that are also very cool and ready to go.
It is VERY deceptive to the buyer I find. You are shown 1 thing and sent something completely different.
For instance while running a kickstarter, our minis (Dungeon Crawler) come as both Unpainted and Painted miniatures, but we show the production quality of those painted minis - while other kickstarter projects show off MASTER paints done by incredible artists.
So, while they have sprue cutting, filing, assembly, priming, painting, shading, washing and flocking still left to do by the buyer to get them looking remotely that good, that's NOT what they're actually selling you.
We sell finished products, but don't show you master paints when we do, and they just don't compare. http://www.dungeoncrawler.com/dcm/
Also, PPMs (pre-painted plastic minis) are far more durable, they can be stored in a drawer or bag, while metal will chip, break and bend if treated like that.
The OP should read the description on paizo.com too - they sell some untainted figures which need assembly but are displayed on the site as painted. It's just how things are generally done in that market - not necessarily a site specific thing.
It is VERY deceptive to the buyer I find. You are shown 1 thing and sent something completely different.For instance while running a kickstarter, our minis (Dungeon Crawler) come as both Unpainted and Painted miniatures, but we show the production quality of those painted minis - while other kickstarter projects show off MASTER paints done by incredible artists.
So, while they have sprue cutting, filing, assembly, priming, painting, shading, washing and flocking still left to do by the buyer to get them looking remotely that good, that's NOT what they're actually selling you.
We sell finished products, but don't show you master paints when we do, and they just don't compare. http://www.dungeoncrawler.com/dcm/
Also, PPMs (pre-painted plastic minis) are far more durable, they can be stored in a drawer or bag, while metal will chip, break and bend if treated like that.
I've been buying miniatures for over 40 years. Metal and unpainted was the norm until recently. I don't find it "deceptive" at all. Inevitably, if you read, it is noted the miniatures are supplied unpainted and unassembled. Miniatures are often shown painted for esthetic reasons and to display detail. It's hard to see details in a photo of an unpainted miniature. Prepping and painting a good miniature is part of the fun. The sense of accomplishment and getting the exact paint job / look you wanted is another part. When you're that vested in a miniature tossing it in a drawer or bag is not likely, although as you mentioned metal miniatures are more susceptible to damage. PPM are good if you don't find it fun or just don't have the time. I'd say it's two markets all right, with some crossover.
Absolutely agree two different markets, however, I'm still going to hold that it is deceptive. Yes, they do put that *notation in there, yes it helps show off the piece much better than if you just took a pic of the sprue that you get - and it certainly does help sell those figures! But, it's the difference between pitching this:
It's a world of difference, and the likeliness of you getting that master paint in your collection is slim without lots of extra steps, purchases and practice or just paying someone with skill to do it for you.
I think the OP had it right, it's a "be aware" kind of thing that new people get caught up on.
I've been buying miniatures for over 40 years. Metal and unpainted was the norm until recently. I don't find it "deceptive" at all. Inevitably, if you read, it is noted the miniatures are supplied unpainted and unassembled. Miniatures are often shown painted for esthetic reasons and to display detail. It's hard to see details in a photo of an unpainted miniature. Prepping and painting a good miniature is part of the fun. The sense of accomplishment and getting the exact paint job / look you wanted is another part. When you're that vested in a miniature tossing it in a drawer or bag is not likely, although as you mentioned metal miniatures are more susceptible to damage. PPM are good if you don't find it fun or just don't have the time. I'd say it's two markets all right, with some crossover.
This is all true but it doesn't justify advertising with the masters instead of the production minis.
Every time this comes up I ask a simple question that none of the sellers seem willing to answer, why not just show both?
Why not have a picture of a wonderful paint job to show what could be and then a shot of the bare metal unassembled mini. Is it that hard to show two pictures? We all know it is not, yet they act like showing the bare metal is somehow a problem.
Do I think it is deceptive? Not really. Do I think it is lazy? Yes, I do.
Well Dungeon Crawler does show both. My objection isn't too a good paintjob or a "master level" paint job but using the mold masters/paint masters used for casting/developing paint automation rather than the final production minis. It is deceptive to use a version that will never be released to the general public in advertising.
I think a lot of the display style has to do with time in the industry. Most of the people making miniatures have been around the block a few times and displaying a painted mini is how it has always been done in a catalog / online. If you wanted to see the unpainted mini that was available for view at the hobby shop. Not, I know, an option that is available to all these days. People used to display their painted minis in shop for that matter.