The Energon Pub

Fri May 24, 2013 3:20 pm

Still no sign of any new Generations and/or Prime Beast Hunter toys in the Augusta GA area :BANG_HEAD:

Why is distribution so slow. I don't like ordering stuff that supposed to be on the self on line because no one will put stuff out or is getting it.

Here is a post that we can vent on:

News Credits: 12 · Fri May 24, 2013 3:28 pm

Why don't you like ordering online? Save yourself the time and trouble, and maybe even save a few bucks. Store inventory is only going to get worse and worse as fuel (distribution) costs go up and online shopping increases in popularity.

News Credits: 402 · Updated Oct 21, 2022

There's a fault in your logic: stores don't care if something's "supposed" to be on the shelf. They only care that something is on the shelf. They have no responsibility in bringing in the most recent of releases, especially if there is still a good amount of existing inventory on the shelves.

Save yourself the fuel and the time and buy online. I've been doing it for years and I've had no regrets and a lot more free time.

Fri May 24, 2013 4:09 pm

Yep. Buy online. Although it's fun to have that figure you want in your hand at time of purchase. It's for more frustrating to search and search to no avail.
Buying online is the way to go and you have far more options to choose from when it comes to places to purchase. Ebay,BBTS,Captured Prey etc. etc.

Fri May 24, 2013 5:42 pm

I agree its been hard luck finding the most recent figures for many of us, I have just ditched the stress and look if I am in that particular store for something else, other wise just pre-order it when it pops or from Amazon, Hasbro, BBTS, etc. Its just less hassle and i am pretty much guaranteed to get what I want, heck the shipping usually is less then the gas riding around in my truck trying to find that one figure I am usually seeking.

News Credits: 12 · Fri May 24, 2013 5:54 pm

Stores are so random, so hit-or-miss. Today I was SHOCKED to find Voyager BH Shockwave at Target, along with Cyberverse Hardshell and Trailcutter, and Deluxe BH Ratchet. I went next door to TRU, and I saw two PRID Vehicons hanging there! It's about time! Too bad I already bought three of them at Aldi months ago, for $9 each. And they finally had PRID Kup and Rumble (first time I've seen them in my TRU), which I got via HTS.com last year.

Fri May 24, 2013 6:17 pm

I do have them on pre-order. I guess with everyone online having them, I'm getting impatient.

News Credits: 65 · Fri May 24, 2013 6:28 pm

Online ordering is the way to go. Keep yourself updated daily on which online retailers have the newest items in stock. Only visit the brick and mortor stores when you need to anyway, then finding a new figure is a pleasant surprise. I know it doesn't give the same "thrill of the hunt" feeling of years past, but times are changing. You have to be an adaptive animal if you want to continue enjoying the action figure collecting hobby.

On a side note, was the second wave of Generations FoC Voagers (i.e. Grimlock and Blaster) underproduced? I've seen one instance of the figures at retail, and they're the most likely to be sold out and unavailable online as well. Meanwhile, Soundwave seems to be everywhere on the net and in stores (with the occassional Soundblaster).

News Credits: 12 · Fri May 24, 2013 7:02 pm

I currently have on preorder at BBTS: all four Generations Legends figures, Generations Springer and Blitzwing, and the next wave of Generations deluxe figures.

News Credits: 12 · Fri May 24, 2013 7:05 pm

Wolfman Jake wrote:On a side note, was the second wave of Generations FoC Voagers (i.e. Grimlock and Blaster) underproduced? I've seen one instance of the figures at retail, and they're the most likely to be sold out and unavailable online as well. Meanwhile, Soundwave seems to be everywhere on the net and in stores (with the occassional Soundblaster).

I had preordered Grimlock at BBTS, but then found it at either Target or Walmart, I forget which. But I only saw it in a store that one time, never again since. Unfortunately, after I got the one at the store, I forgot to cancel my preorder at BBTS, and it went into my POL. So as soon as I ship my POL (waiting for the Triplechangers) I'll have an extra Grimlock.

Fri May 24, 2013 7:44 pm

Walmart in Emporia, VA on my way down to FL for spring break had tons of FoC Grimlock and Blaster when we stopped for a bathroom break a month and half ago. We needed a few things, they keep the toys in that one back near the restroom area, so while I waited for my wife and daughter I browsed the isles and was surprised to see so many of them in stock there.

News Credits: 101 · Fri May 24, 2013 7:50 pm

As a Canadian, ordering online is the sure way to get a figure for sure. But it's a VERY pricey option. Especially with the high shipping costs and random custom surcharges. Sometimes, we Canadians do get some figures early in stores, but it's pretty rare (example, Prime 1st Ed.). Most of the time, we get our plastic crack way, way late. We just barely got wave TWO of the regular TF Prime and it's not everywhewre they have it. Beast hunters is still at wave one and I worry to know when the hell we will get the second one this time.

Still, I finally found my TF Prime Ratchet in a Winners for 10$ and I couldnt be happier.
Especially after TWO failed orders from /toy/'s BST.

News Credits: 9 · Sat May 25, 2013 10:47 am

Agree with everyone but I would throw Amazon in there as one of my best experiences in the last few years.
Even better if you become a prime member and get free 2 day shipping!

Sat May 25, 2013 2:36 pm

I agree with you on the Amazon Prime. Its worth the money.

Sun May 26, 2013 4:47 pm

FINALLY found Springer and Blitzwing. Had to go to the nearest town over (Aiken) and found them at Walmart. The funny thing is is this Walmart had a ton of these. It's like all of the Springers and Blitzwings that were supposed to be in my area ended up in one store. Also scored a nice Superman cape

Sun May 26, 2013 7:52 pm

It was fun a couple years ago to go hunting at stores because there was constantly good stock during the Movie(s) craze. Now I just order online if there is something I want. It saves time and lots of gas. I haven't been looking at new figures for a while though. Seems like quality has taken a hit lately, and things just look cheap to me.

News Credits: 9 · Mon May 27, 2013 8:44 am

I have to buy most things on line. At inflated prices. :BANG_HEAD:

Tue May 28, 2013 10:27 am

I've been preordering most things I want online. Currently it saves time and money by not having to run around to find things. However, it will be interesting to see what happens when the government (US, state) steps in and starts charging sales tax for online purchases.

Wed May 29, 2013 3:32 pm

Buying online costs more to start with, costs even more when you add shipping, it's a huge hassle to do a return if you get something defective (or like the last time I ordered online if they send you the wrong figure entirely), and relies on you having a readily usable CC. Not to mention shipping services are getting worse and worse all the the time, stuff that used to take a day or two to ship now takes a week or more. I hate shopping online almost as much as I hate shoddy distribution.

News Credits: 1 · Thu May 30, 2013 11:44 pm

Optimum Supreme wrote:Buying online costs more to start with, costs even more when you add shipping, it's a huge hassle to do a return if you get something defective (or like the last time I ordered online if they send you the wrong figure entirely), and relies on you having a readily usable CC. Not to mention shipping services are getting worse and worse all the the time, stuff that used to take a day or two to ship now takes a week or more. I hate shopping online almost as much as I hate shoddy distribution.

it may cost a few extra bucks to shop online, however your probably going to spend that much in gas anyways.....and if you don't find it, more gas and frustration anyways. And at least your frustration would go away knowing it's coming online.