The Energon Pub

[Autobot032]

Patience is definitely something a lot of people in this thread need a great deal of. Especially those of you who are bad mouthing Hasbro (who does more for us than you'll ever know) and the consiracy theorists folks. It's the same thing every time that figures are short on the shelves. The toys stores and manufacturers are preparing for the Christmas season. Happens every. single. year. 85% of the Transformer toys generally go to little Jimmy thanks to Mommy and Daddy. Has nothing to do with scalpers or ebayers or anything. Supply and demand. There just happens to be a ton more demand than there is supply at this time. It's simple business. I assure you, if Hasbro could flood the shelves with these things, they would. They don't make money on scalpers or whoever selling stuff in the aftermarket. Hasbro wants these figures on the shelf just as much as you do. In fact, I'm sure they want the figures on the shelves more than any of us combined. That's how they make money and stay in business.

That may be but yet if hasbro cared as much as u said they would have steped up production on july 3rd. If u look at this forum nobody has found any new deluxes that to me spells hasbro dropped the ball. And if u say scalpers aren't to blaim than why is it i see a youtube with a guy wit 7 bumblebees and ebay auctions with 5 in one auction and selleres with like 10 for sale sorry to sound rude but im fed up lookin for 08 bumble and not finding jack

I just preordered '08 Bumblebee from an online store and I was talking to the owner about this stock situation. He said Hasbro dropped the ball on this one, not only did they underestimate the demand, they haven't done anything to fix it. (And he should know, he orders directly from them. He is an online dealer.) He also said they can change their orders on a whim and the customers and stores have to deal with it.

Hell, he hasn't even gotten Ultimate Bumblebee in yet.

And speaking of scalpers...not only do they scalp the b&m stores, but now they're scalping all the other auctions. One jackass is buying up all the '08 Bumblebees that he can and he's selling them (B.I.N.) for $49.99 and his reserve...is the same price as his B.I.N.! (Is that even legal??)

So it is Hasbro and the scalpers. The parents deserve to be able to buy a toy for little Billy or Susie, and they can't, they're stuck just like us. Hasbro isn't doing much to help the situation, and the scalpers are just doing what they normally do. So, the demand is through the roof and looks like it's going to get worse.

The least they could do is try and address the production issues.

[Seibertron]

I'll tell you guys what ... if someone can write up a nice article about distribution patterns, how this always happens with summer releases, the impact of the movie on Hasbro's product levels, how Hasbro pays for shelf space at these stores (at least I think I've heard that before), how the scalper phenonmenon is basically a myth and so on and so on ... I'd be more than happy to post a very well written article up on the homepage and in the news section to get people to calm down about all of this. Hint hint hint!

[Seibertron]

Patience is definitely something a lot of people in this thread need a great deal of. Especially those of you who are bad mouthing Hasbro (who does more for us than you'll ever know) and the consiracy theorists folks. It's the same thing every time that figures are short on the shelves. The toys stores and manufacturers are preparing for the Christmas season. Happens every. single. year. 85% of the Transformer toys generally go to little Jimmy thanks to Mommy and Daddy. Has nothing to do with scalpers or ebayers or anything. Supply and demand. There just happens to be a ton more demand than there is supply at this time. It's simple business. I assure you, if Hasbro could flood the shelves with these things, they would. They don't make money on scalpers or whoever selling stuff in the aftermarket. Hasbro wants these figures on the shelf just as much as you do. In fact, I'm sure they want the figures on the shelves more than any of us combined. That's how they make money and stay in business.

That may be but yet if hasbro cared as much as u said they would have steped up production on july 3rd. If u look at this forum nobody has found any new deluxes that to me spells hasbro dropped the ball. And if u say scalpers aren't to blaim than why is it i see a youtube with a guy wit 7 bumblebees and ebay auctions with 5 in one auction and selleres with like 10 for sale sorry to sound rude but im fed up lookin for 08 bumble and not finding jack

I just preordered '08 Bumblebee from an online store and I was talking to the owner about this stock situation. He said Hasbro dropped the ball on this one, not only did they underestimate the demand, they haven't done anything to fix it. (And he should know, he orders directly from them. He is an online dealer.) He also said they can change their orders on a whim and the customers and stores have to deal with it.

Hell, he hasn't even gotten Ultimate Bumblebee in yet.

And speaking of scalpers...not only do they scalp the b&m stores, but now they're scalping all the other auctions. One jackass is buying up all the '08 Bumblebees that he can and he's selling them (B.I.N.) for $49.99 and his reserve...is the same price as his B.I.N.! (Is that even legal??)

So it is Hasbro and the scalpers. The parents deserve to be able to buy a toy for little Billy or Susie, and they can't, they're stuck just like us. Hasbro isn't doing much to help the situation, and the scalpers are just doing what they normally do. So, the demand is through the roof and looks like it's going to get worse.

The least they could do is try and address the production issues.

This is a LUDICROUS comment and inappropriate of the online retailer to say. Think about what that guy is saying for just ONE moment. Hasbro makes money by selling toys. Why in the hell would anyone think that they aren't racing to get figures to the shelves as fast as they can within the limitations of the retailer distribution system? Are you guys serious??? Do you really think for a moment that Hasbro doesn't want to make MORE money? How is it that you guys think that Hasbro doesn't want to make the most money possible? That's what they do. They DON'T do things to f with fans. They DON'T intentionally underestimate demand. By god, I'm sure they want their products flooding the shelves right now. But for whatever reason, that's not the case at the moment. I can guarantee you it's not a conspiracy theory and it's 100% not because Hasbro isn't upping their distribution so that they can't make more money. Man, some people are REALLY gullible.

If anyone did anything wrong, it was the retailers not buying enough stock because they probably figured that the Transformers toys would be pegsitters just like the Fantastic Four figures, the Ghost Rider figures, the Star Wars figures, the Spiderman movie figures and just about every other flick I can think of from the past decade or so that pours out tons and tons of movie products. Transformers has to be the first movie toy line I've ever seen where they just can't keep up with the demand. It's incredible. And I think it's rather hilarious watching everyone squirm because they're being impatient. If the shelves were flooded with TF movie figures right now, everyone would be bitching about how the toys aren't selling and what a failure the movie toy line was and blah blah blah. This fandom can be unbelievable at times!

[Seibertron]

Patience is definitely something a lot of people in this thread need a great deal of. Especially those of you who are bad mouthing Hasbro (who does more for us than you'll ever know) and the consiracy theorists folks. It's the same thing every time that figures are short on the shelves. The toys stores and manufacturers are preparing for the Christmas season. Happens every. single. year. 85% of the Transformer toys generally go to little Jimmy thanks to Mommy and Daddy. Has nothing to do with scalpers or ebayers or anything. Supply and demand. There just happens to be a ton more demand than there is supply at this time. It's simple business. I assure you, if Hasbro could flood the shelves with these things, they would. They don't make money on scalpers or whoever selling stuff in the aftermarket. Hasbro wants these figures on the shelf just as much as you do. In fact, I'm sure they want the figures on the shelves more than any of us combined. That's how they make money and stay in business.

That may be but yet if hasbro cared as much as u said they would have steped up production on july 3rd. If u look at this forum nobody has found any new deluxes that to me spells hasbro dropped the ball. And if u say scalpers aren't to blaim than why is it i see a youtube with a guy wit 7 bumblebees and ebay auctions with 5 in one auction and selleres with like 10 for sale sorry to sound rude but im fed up lookin for 08 bumble and not finding jack

All this says to me is that you don't understand how the distribution works. Hasbro can't just make figures and say to Walmart "here put these on the shelves ok thanks." Walmart has to say "we'll buy X number of figures to put on the shelves." I believe this only traditionally happens in bulk at certain times of the year. Sure the retailers want to keep something on the shelves but they only REALLY stock up in mass around Christmas time. The rest of the year is kind of hit-or-miss unless you are really on the ball.

Correct me if I'm wrong: Hasbro doesn't make money when we buy figures at retailers. Hasbro makes money when Walmart, Toys R Us, Target, etc. buy the figures from Hasbro. Hasbro is technically done once the figures are in the hands of the retailers. I've also heard of instances where the manufacturer has to credit or buy back stock that isn't moving or selling some times (in particular I'm referencing Walmart) ... I imagine this is in cases when the product doesn't move within a specified time frame.

As for the scalpers: early bird gets the worm. Use the toy sightings section on this site and you'll figure out how to get the figures early as well. I live in Chicago. I'm sure there are more "scalpers" here than there are where you live (devil's advocate: there's also more stores here) ... yet I somehow always seem to find what I'm looking for when it's available.

[D-340]

If anyone did anything wrong, it was the retailers not buying enough stock because they probably figured that the Transformers toys would be pegsitters just like the Fantastic Four figures, the Ghost Rider figures, the Star Wars figures, the Spiderman movie figures and just about every other flick I can think of from the past decade or so that pours out tons and tons of movie products. Transformers has to be the first movie toy line I've ever seen where they just can't keep up with the demand. It's incredible. And I think it's rather hilarious watching everyone squirm because they're being impatient. If the shelves were flooded with TF movie figures right now, everyone would be bitching about how the toys aren't selling and what a failure the movie toy line was and blah blah blah. This fandom can be unbelievable at times!

QFT the whole thing. I'm sure it was retailers underestimating how well it was gonna do. I mean, I want the next wave like the rest of us, but some of the conspiracy theories are a bit much.

As far as the fandom being unbelievable at times, is it all that suprising?

[Seibertron]

As far as the fandom being unbelievable at times, is it all that suprising?

Not at all. I just get tired of seeing people bitch and be jerks about Hasbro. During my tenure as the owner of Seibertron.com, I've gotten to meet some truly great people from Hasbro. They have all of our best interests in mind when it comes to this brand. There's a legit reason behind just about everything that happens with our hobby. You guys can toss your consipiracy and scalper theories right out the window because you're wasting your time on them.

[skyblast]

My personal theory as to why BB08 has been so elusive?????

....a dude stands there in jackpotville, in that one special moment in time, looks around and can't believe his eyes....what?? eight BB08s RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE!!!! He's a good guy like you and me. Right then he begins to sweat, pulse rate goes up...then thinks quickly, this is one of the most rare movie toys on the planet!!!!

Then and there the average man cracks...and buys all eight. I hate to say it but our problem may be among us?? 40,000 a day visit this site....hummmm. The BB08 has been lifted to god-like status

I have one, I cracked and bought mine off ebay for $39.99 w/$10.00 shipping

I wish I had had the strength to hold out until October

[D-340]

Maybe that was a target bus that bonecrusher body checked He's mad cause his toy's not sellin

I'm not seein' any Bonecrushers either, or Wreckage for that matter as well. Funny too, Wreckage went from being totally rare to a shelfwarmer to being gone again. Seems the well completely dried up.

As far as the fandom being unbelievable at times, is it all that suprising?

Not at all. I just get tired of seeing people bitch and be jerks about Hasbro. During my tenure as the owner of Seibertron.com, I've gotten to meet some truly great people from Hasbro. They have all of our best interests in mind when it comes to this brand. There's a legit reason behind just about everything that happens with our hobby. You guys can toss your consipiracy and scalper theories right out the window because you're wasting your time on them.

NUH UH! What are talking about. It's all Hasbro's fault cuz Hasbro's teh suxor! j/k j/k.

[lanzajr26]

Patience is definitely something a lot of people in this thread need a great deal of. Especially those of you who are bad mouthing Hasbro (who does more for us than you'll ever know) and the consiracy theorists folks. It's the same thing every time that figures are short on the shelves. The toys stores and manufacturers are preparing for the Christmas season. Happens every. single. year. 85% of the Transformer toys generally go to little Jimmy thanks to Mommy and Daddy. Has nothing to do with scalpers or ebayers or anything. Supply and demand. There just happens to be a ton more demand than there is supply at this time. It's simple business. I assure you, if Hasbro could flood the shelves with these things, they would. They don't make money on scalpers or whoever selling stuff in the aftermarket. Hasbro wants these figures on the shelf just as much as you do. In fact, I'm sure they want the figures on the shelves more than any of us combined. That's how they make money and stay in business.

That may be but yet if hasbro cared as much as u said they would have steped up production on july 3rd. If u look at this forum nobody has found any new deluxes that to me spells hasbro dropped the ball. And if u say scalpers aren't to blaim than why is it i see a youtube with a guy wit 7 bumblebees and ebay auctions with 5 in one auction and selleres with like 10 for sale sorry to sound rude but im fed up lookin for 08 bumble and not finding jack

All this says to me is that you don't understand how the distribution works. Hasbro can't just make figures and say to Walmart "here put these on the shelves ok thanks." Walmart has to say "we'll buy X number of figures to put on the shelves." I believe this only traditionally happens in bulk at certain times of the year. Sure the retailers want to keep something on the shelves but they only REALLY stock up in mass around Christmas time. The rest of the year is kind of hit-or-miss unless you are really on the ball.

Correct me if I'm wrong: Hasbro doesn't make money when we buy figures at retailers. Hasbro makes money when Walmart, Toys R Us, Target, etc. buy the figures from Hasbro. Hasbro is technically done once the figures are in the hands of the retailers. I've also heard of instances where the manufacturer has to credit or buy back stock that isn't moving or selling some times (in particular I'm referencing Walmart) ... I imagine this is in cases when the product doesn't move within a specified time frame.

As for the scalpers: early bird gets the worm. Use the toy sightings section on this site and you'll figure out how to get the figures early as well. I live in Chicago. I'm sure there are more "scalpers" here than there are where you live (devil's advocate: there's also more stores here) ... yet I somehow always seem to find what I'm looking for when it's available.

One thing I've heard about Wal-Mart is that it's the vendors that buy shelf space in their store and that is what determines how much product is seen at any given time. Hasbro probably bought too little space and underestimated the product demand when the movie was released. Perhaps they're still playing catch-up.

[Autobot032]

I'll tell you guys what ... if someone can write up a nice article about distribution patterns, how this always happens with summer releases, the impact of the movie on Hasbro's product levels, how Hasbro pays for shelf space at these stores (at least I think I've heard that before), how the scalper phenonmenon is basically a myth and so on and so on ... I'd be more than happy to post a very well written article up on the homepage and in the news section to get people to calm down about all of this. Hint hint hint!

Distribution patterns? Hasbro's reps said it themselves (on one of the panels at SDCC), larger areas (metros, etc) will receive more stock than others. This makes it incredibly difficult for the rest of us.

I've yet to hear that Hasbro pays for shelf space, I'd think they'd lose money on that one.

The scalper phenomenon is not a myth. It is real. Slimy people buy up all they can and resell it at a higher price and make money off of the people they already screwed by denying them a chance to get it in the stores like everyone should be able to. I've watched Hot Wheels collectors tear through cases (even though they're not supposed to) and the toy associates at Wal-Mart know they're reselling them, which is why they try and hide the cases until the end of the shift. (I've seen it, I've talked with them about it.)

And I think we're quite calm, all things considered. It's one thing when we can't get the items, especially after all the money we've poured into Hasbro's pockets. It's frustrating, but we'll get it over it, because it's not the end of the world if we don't get the figures. (Yes, we do realize it.) But, when the kids can't even get something that's actually made and intended for them, that just pisses me off.

Scalpers do buy up everything, which drives up demand.
Hasbro didn't anticipate demand, which pushes the momentum, which drives up the demand.

In the end, all of this rests on Hasbro's shoulders. No, I don't think they should have to ensure that every household in America gets a figure (that's just crazy), but when demand is this big, and they even admit it ("We'll up production on Bumblebee") that should be a clue.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that they've provided us with the services they have, but after years of us being loyal to the point of being broke (and admit it people, as embarrassing as it is, we've gone broke on this habit, don't feel bad...you're not the only one. lol) they could do just a tad more than having empty pegs. There's never been a shortage this bad. Before anyone mentions the time in between G1/Action Masters and G2...those were the end, and reboot of the entire series. In between, it was fully dead. This, is an actual shortage, worse than the Nintendo Wii. At least you can find them after a period of time, hell I even got one.

[DoubleOScorpio]

Stop and think for a minute. Think back to May/June. How many of us were nervously crossing our fingers about the movie, not really sure what to expect. Was it going to be a good movie? Was it going to make money? Was it going to rekindle mainstream interest in TFs?

If we were asking these questions amongst ourselves, don't you think Hasbro and the retailers were too? I can't blame them for being a bit cautious.

Add in the fact that in many areas of the country, times are tough and people don't have as much disposable income as they did 5 or 10 years ago (thanks to high gas prices amongst other things). It's reasonable to think that these factors dictated lower production numbers or lower orders from retailers. None of this is Hasbro's fault nor that of those who buy from Hasbro.

I think we should feel lucky that the movie caught fire and exceeded most of our expectations. I am shocked at the number of my co-workers that stop by my cube at work to talk about the movie or the original cartoon. On more than one occasion, I've seen kids _running_ through Wal-Mart/Target to get to the toy section. I've seen kids dragging their moms to the TFs. I've heard kids singing the theme song. I did not envision any of this six months ago.

I'd rather see empty pegs (depressing as they may be) and kids excited about TFs than a bunch of shelf-warmers. At least it guarantees that the new wave figures will be put out as soon as they arrive. We just need to be patient for a little while longer. Before you know it, we'll be hip-deep in Rescue Ratchets, G1 Jazz, 08 Bumbles, and Leader Brawl - and that will be a good day.

[Seibertron]

There's never been a shortage this bad. Before anyone mentions the time in between G1/Action Masters and G2...those were the end, and reboot of the entire series. In between, it was fully dead. This, is an actual shortage, worse than the Nintendo Wii. At least you can find them after a period of time, hell I even got one.

Still can't find Wiis in Chicago unless you want to get up at the crack of dawn to go to a major retailer to buy one.

And this is not anywhere near as bad as the summer of 2005. At least you can still find Transformers products in stores, just not the ones you want. The summer of '05 was probably the worst I've personally ever seen it. The summer of '07 is just as bad as the summer of '02 for Armada and '01 for RiD.

[Lapse Of Reason]

You guys, Hasbro is making tons of stuff right now for the TF brand. You have Cyberslammers, FABs, Titaniums, Robot Heroes, Robot Replicas, Unleashed, Real Gear, T.E.C.H., God knows how much movie-themed stuff like the carabiners, computer-chip based games, board games, etc... This is in addition to the regular run of deluxes, voyagers, leader class, etc...

Is this not enough?

Are you not entertained?

There is more shelf space dedicated to Transformers than I have ever seen before. Think of the magnitude of the production runs they are doing on a worldwide scale. Their production facilities are probably running full steam since they began manufacturing movie toys plus all the other stuff. Transformers are their #1 brand right now and they are doing their best to keep Transformers fans and kids happy. Plus their R&D is full under way with the next two Transformer lines after the movie toys. Incredible. Documentaries should be made about how companies like Hasbro pull off such feats of worldwide marketing, production,and distribution.

Hasbro is not out to hurt the fandom. They have nothing against little Billy or SweatyFan-Boi#7. You may or may not get your 08 Bumblebee right now. I have not found one either, but I don't blame Hasbro, Walmart, Target, or whatever other retailer that is out there. Neither should you. How many complainers, or fans in general, have taken the time to write Hasbro an appreciation letter? How about showing some goodwill?

There are currently about 60 auctions coming up on eBay for 08 Bumblebee and not all of those are for the deluxe 08 figure. That is 60 auctions out of the tens of thousands of 08 Bumblebees produced. eBay sellers (aka scalpers) are not the problem. They are a drop in an ocean, nothing more. In fact, if it wasn't for them I bet a lot of members here would still not have an 08 Bumblebee.

[Seibertron]

Scalpers do buy up everything, which drives up demand. Hasbro didn't anticipate demand, which pushes the momentum, which drives up the demand.

In the end, all of this rests on Hasbro's shoulders. No, I don't think they should have to ensure that every household in America gets a figure (that's just crazy), but when demand is this big, and they even admit it ("We'll up production on Bumblebee") that should be a clue.

Well, then fault them for being a success then. That's an incredible problem to have. You talk about Hasbro like they're some evil corporate entity that's out to screw you over. Have you ever met anyone from Hasbro before? Have you ever talked to anyone from Hasbro? Do you realize that people from Hasbro quietly visit this site on a regular basis?

I'll give you credit that scalpers exist. But they're not the reason you can't find the figures in the store. You could have easily bought the figures as well. Don't give me this crap about the store employees doing it as well. It's a story I'm so tired of hearing. I'm sure it happens ... but nowhere near as much as the average fan boy who can't get his Transformers fix would like you to think. There's just not enough money in it to make it worth while for the scalper that people think runs around their town buying up all of the hot items. There's no way in the world the guy would know if the item would be of value or not initially so it's up to you to make sure you get the figures. Of course, just because you get there before 9am on your way to work doesn't mean that the case doesn't get put out at 2pm and the products are gone by the time you stop by after work around 5:30PM. Someone else could've easily found the figures as well that was actually looking for them. Someone like ... the ... evil ... Transformers fan!!! Imagine someone else in your own very town stopping by the same stores as you that is actually collecting the same thing as you!

You have just as many opportunities to buy the figure before these imaginary scalpers. Who's to say that if you don't find the last figure first at your local Target that the next guy after you isn't cursing those damn scalpers. Does that make you a scalper if you buy the last of a certain figure before someone else comes in looking for it? See where the whole scalper theory thing as the mass culprit doesn't work? It's all about perception. People would rather blame some "evil" scalper instead of just accepting the fact that they weren't there first.

[Hotrod]

Scalpers do buy up everything, which drives up demand. Hasbro didn't anticipate demand, which pushes the momentum, which drives up the demand.

In the end, all of this rests on Hasbro's shoulders. No, I don't think they should have to ensure that every household in America gets a figure (that's just crazy), but when demand is this big, and they even admit it ("We'll up production on Bumblebee") that should be a clue.

Well, then fault them for being a success then. That's an incredible problem to have. You talk about Hasbro like they're some evil corporate entity that's out to screw you over. Have you ever met anyone from Hasbro before? Have you ever talked to anyone from Hasbro? Do you realize that people from Hasbro quietly visit this site on a regular basis?

I'll give you credit that scalpers exist. But they're not the reason you can't find the figures in the store. You could have easily bought the figures as well. Don't give me this crap about the store employees doing it as well. It's a story I'm so tired of hearing. I'm sure it happens ... but nowhere near as much as the average fan boy who can't get his Transformers fix would like you to think. There's just not enough money in it to make it worth while for the scalper that people think runs around their town buying up all of the hot items. There's no way in the world the guy would know if the item would be of value or not.

You have just as many opportunities to buy the figure before these imaginary scalpers. Who's to say that if you don't find the last figure first at your local Target that the next guy after you isn't cursing those damn scalpers. Does that make you a scalper if you buy the last of a certain figure before someone else comes in looking for it? See where the whole scalper theory thing as the mass culprit doesn't work? It's all about perception. People would rather blame some "evil" scalper instead of just accepting the fact that they weren't there first.

Ryan all you have done in this thread is speak the truth. I have been saying the same things in other threads. We as a fandom cannot have everything both ways. We need to be patient.

[iheartarcee]

Is this not enough?

Are you not entertained?

Did you really just quote Gladiator while talking about tf toys? AAAAAhahahaha

[Seibertron]

That may be but yet if hasbro cared as much as u said they would have steped up production on july 3rd. If u look at this forum nobody has found any new deluxes that to me spells hasbro dropped the ball. And if u say scalpers aren't to blaim than why is it i see a youtube with a guy wit 7 bumblebees and ebay auctions with 5 in one auction and selleres with like 10 for sale sorry to sound rude but im fed up lookin for 08 bumble and not finding jack

If you're so fed up with looking, then why don't you just wait until the reports start coming in that people are finding them in stores? Stop wasting your time looking for something that's not out in stores. Let other people do that for you. Once the reports start coming in, then go out and start looking. I assure you that we'll post it on Seibertron that the figures are showing up on shelves.

As for Hasbro stepping up production, how do you know that they didn't as soon as stores started reporting that they were running out of stock? Do you think Hasbro doesn't want to sell as many figures as possible? These aren't cookies that they're making. They can't just put the Transformers in the oven and put them out on the shelf later that day. They have to put in a request with the factory, the factory has to schedule the request, the figures have to get made, painted, PACKAGED, shipped overseas by boat (which alone probably takes three or four weeks) and then the cases have to be distributed to retailer distribution centers for chains like Toys R Us, Walmart and Target. Then those stores have to figure out how to get them to their stores and then someone has to put the figures out on the shelves.

I imagine this process takes about two or three months round trip from the go button to the retail shelf ... IF NOT LONGER. Think of how far in advance retailers were stocking up with the movie products prior to June 2nd. If we use your July 3rd date as the basis for when Hasbro started ramping up production because of the incredible volume that was sold, that would put us at September or October for when I would estimate that those figures would be on the shelves to accommodate your request for Hasbro to ramp up production.

I'm sure production was WAY ramped up prior to July 3rd. Hasbro knows what's going on. They're not stupid. They're doing this to make money. Trust me, they want figures on the shelves just as much as you do.

[Hotrod]

Wait until right after Christmas when you guys are going to have the opposite complaint when stuff starts to clog shelves.

[tom brokaw]

Wait until right after Christmas when you guys are going to have the opposite complaint when stuff starts to clog shelves.

well maybe if its only swindles clogging the shelves.... i think its just as bad when theres no new shipments but you got tons of the same pegwarmer at every store. haha.
(im not saying that swindle stinks. he just seems like the best candidate for as a pegwarmer for the movie line).

[Autobot032]

First of all Ryan, I don't care for the way you've gone off on me here. Others said the same thing and got a simple quote here and there, but me? You came after me. Why? Because I was the most vocal and tried to cover more ground? What? I've never irked you before, at least not that I know of, so seriously...what is the deal?

Second...I never said Hasbro was out to hurt us, I never said they stopped making the toys. I said they didn't meet demand and even after addressing the problem, we're still not seeing much in the way of doing so. Of course Hasbro wants to make money, and they will, but if you honestly think that they're not cashing in on (or getting ready to) these moments (because it sends demand and popularity through the roof) then you're wrong. They're a business, just like any other, it's nothing personal, it's just business. I get that...I never said they were evil, I never said it wasn't business.
I said we have a right to be frustrated, but that we'll get over it in time. I said that the kids being the ones who lose the most out of this is what really pisses me off.

Third...Scalpers? I can tell the difference between a confused parent, an excited kid, a fellow Transfan, and a scalper. (I'VE WITNESSED AN EXAMPLE OF EACH!) Scalpers do exist and I can tell you from experience, your fellow Transfan is not that scalper. Other than the pigs who buy up all the toys and resell them, the other people who get to the pegs (even if they get there before me, and many have, many times over) are entitled to it. First come, first serve. So "Bob" got the Wheeljack he's been looking for, fine. I can check other stores, or eBay if I have to. I can't hate him or even be angry with him just because he was quicker and he's a fellow Transfan. Confused parents and excited kids? This shouldn't even have to be explained, but I will so it's not misconstrued...they have the right to these, first and foremost. Even over collectors, and definitely scalpers.

Fourth...I do *NOT* hate Hasbro. I will continue to buy from them. I realize this is business (but I also realize that demand is helping their wallets too, let's not be stupid here.) and I realize it's nothing personal. I do negatively comment on their distribution system (and I'm not the only one, people have been complaining about it for years...and rightfully so.) and the fact that they just didn't push themselves a bit harder when this shortage first appeared. You could see it coming a mile away. If it were you or I, would we not be demanded of to push up production rates and fill our obligations? So then, what makes Hasbro above that standard? Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Hasbro, and if you look over some of my recent posts, I still thank them constantly for the chances they've given us and the product that came with it. I'm not this cruel, heartless, insensitive bastard people like to think I am. I can see the whole picture, but I'm not willing to look at it through rose colored glasses either. I'll be fair and honest about it.

Sixth...the seller I mentioned earlier (who shall remain nameless) has dealt with them time and again for well over a decade. He knows the ins and outs of their distribution and order systems. He's also used to having a shipment due, and then at the last moment, the date's changed, and he's left holding the bag with all of those pissed off customers. BBTS has even faced this, you can see it clearly with their preorders.

I understand your side of this issue, having met them face to face and whatnot. I really do. But I also see that there are problems, and so do the owners of these stores that depend on Hasbro to fill their shelves. I think Hasbro has done a tremendous job, all things considered, but some areas do require a bit of work. And there's nothing wrong in stating that.

And this time, it's not Target or Wal-Mart's fault about keeping up the stock levels. They *WANT* to order, it's impossible due to the shortage, yet they have customers breathing down their neck, all the way from five year old Billy, through Transfan, through Scalper, all the way to Grandma and Grandpa. These stores want to sell these things and make a profit and get the people off of their backs. Hasbro wants the same, I know this. The difference is, the stores are really trying this time, and Hasbro is stepping up to the plate, but it's time to knock one out of the park. We've been waiting a while now, past a certain point (as was stated before, by several people across the internet) the ball was dropped and they're continuing their fumble. All they gotta do is pick it up and run with it.

If they make the product available, we'll buy it. Will everyone get what they want? No. It's impossible, but it's worth a shot.

BTW...I feel it's necessary to address one thing. Regardless of whether or not we have differing opinions, my respect for was never in question. I have a feeling I'm less than anything in your eyes right now, which is fine, you're entitled to that opinion. I will say...just because I respect you, doesn't mean I won't become angry with you over situations like this.

[Toyotus Superion]

****, everyone is going crazy on this thread. Anyone in southern cali, if you want to contact me, I can check my work to see if we got any in. We keep getting stuff regularly. Either a case of deluxes or several ultimate BB's we always have something in the back.

[Bonger]

I think a lot of people posting here are newer collecters that haven't seen past patterns.

This is not unusual. This time of year, the shelves are always empty. The toy companies and stores are vamping up for Christmas. Trust me, you're gonna see so damn many TFs on the shelves in a few months, you will be on here complaining of overstock and complaining about how Hasbro overproduced the toys and complaining about how they should have started Classics 2.0 and the animated lines sooner.

Typical, lol. Just sit back and relax.

P.S. I see no problem wih scalpers. They provide a valuable service providing marked up product to impatient people, people who missed out on a store release, or people who just find it more convenient to pay 10 bucks more to not have to deal with a crowded store with bad service. Not to mention, they are doing nothing illegal. They have found a legitimate way to make a little extra cash. If they are that hard up for cash that they are willing to spend the time and effort to make 10-20 on a toy, I wish them luck. If I ever found myself unemployed and hard up, I would absolutely start selling TFs on ebay. It is what I know best to turn a few bucks while looking for a job.

Shizzles, I do it now. I sold my extra Botcon stuff for a minimum of 150% markup. If I see a good sale or an in demand toy selling for double on ebay, I'll definately pick up extras to ebay. I'd have to be an idiot or just plain lazy to stare free money in the face and walk away. Not to mention, its a nice way of supplementing my TF spending so I do not feel guilty about the thousands I spend every year. Reselling a few high margin items here and there probably gets me pretty close to even on my own spending.

It is similar to how I can offord Red Sox season tickets. I sell most of my mine and I get to go to games for free.

Oh, and I needed a house. So I bought 2 multifamilies and get to live rent free as the pair combine to pay my mortgages, house insurance and tax.

How is scalping any different from playing the stock market, or flipping houses, or running a used car dealership?

Oh and if you can't find stuff, blame your fellow Seibertronians. If we weren't willing to buy at the scalper's price, he wouldn't be selling at that price, now would he?

Don't like it? Might want to move out of the USA, 'cause thats how we roll.

Hmm, I wonder, is the TF secondary market a perfect example of Laissez Faire Capitalism? I might have to write my Econ PHD on this one.

[skyblast]

hey Toyotus Superion are you still up? I know it's 2:45 am but I NOT going to bed. Got a quick question about what's appears to be going on at the walmarts in my area this evening? Three of them are blowing up with stuff...

[Bumbled]

I agree with Bonger in the fist 2-3 paragraphs I think where he said that they'll be smashing up on Christmas. TF has only been out for about a month and a half now or nearly... it's not going to go that fast... or you are seeing now is the whole lot going down and only the spares left behind. They are saving up, just like your saving up your money October or something there will be catalogs an Transformers will come back in them.

[Bonger]

I agree with Bonger in the fist 2-3 paragraphs I think where he said that they'll be smashing up on Christmas. TF has only been out for about a month and a half now or nearly... it's not going to go that fast... or you are seeing now is the whole lot going down and only the spares left behind. They are saving up, just like your saving up your money October or something there will be catalogs an Transformers will come back in them.

Oh c'mon, only the first few paras? But the rest is gold, pure gold!!