The Energon Pub

by **Bigdaddymcqueen** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:52 am

Autobot032 wrote:*sighs*

I thought a fandom forged friendships?
I thought a fandom created a network where people could help each other and be helped?

I'm seeing lately that I had it all wrong. The entire idea behind it is "Me, me, me, f*ck you, me, me, me."

1.) Scalpers do exist. (No matter how you wrangle with it, whether or not you've pulled it, or oppose the idea...scalping and scalpers do exist.)

2.) Scalpers won't change the entire outcome of the line, but they do affect it to some extent. (Of course one or two cases on eBay won't do jack to the line, but more and more people following that trend, will. Kids have no idea how to use UPCs, DPCIs, etc....and they don't even know Starscream and Jazz are in the backroom. It doesn't matter if they're G1 decoed or not. The fact remains that a toy meant for kids (collectors second) is never going to get to them because you can use the code when they can't, and buying up cases full of them will also deny them of ever getting the toys.)

3.) Scalping ruins it for all of us. (Less product on the shelves, more money in scummy pockets. People become disenchanted with the whole collecting thing. Kids suffer the worst because they can't find them at a store.)

People try and defend it and say "Oh well, it's the American way. Making a profit isn't a bad thing." No, generally, it's not. Making a profit this way, and off of other people like this, is. It's reprehensible and disgusting. It's a shameful practice and shouldn't be continued.

Okay, buying a full case of assorted figures? That's a little more sensible because if you're a collector, you'd be buying one of each sooner or later anyway. Selling the extras to your fellow board members/friends is a good thing to do, or return the extras to the store so other people might have a chance at at least one figure they haven't gotten yet.

Buying a full case of the same figure? That's ridiculous and there's no point in it except to make a profit, which people have actually come right out and admitted was part of their motivation. I give them credit for being honest, but I don't give them credit for making a quick buck off of their fellow board member/collector/friend.

One to have loose, one to keep MISB...okay. I can deal with that.

Selling off the extras or returning some of them to the store...okay. I can deal with that too.

Keeping the extras, marking them up $15.00 or more is not only ridiculous, it's selfish, and they know it's a perfect way to make a quick buck.

"Look, this covers gas and other expenses coming out of my pocket, so I have to mark it up some. Otherwise I'm going to lose money." "Well, what if you're paid full store cost and exact shipping, just this once, like I did for you?" "I really can't swing it. If I did it for you, I'd have to do it for everyone and I can't afford it. I'm not a business." is what some of you tell your fellow collectors. You can't even compare yourself to an online business. They have to mark up their prices because they have employees to pay, and they don't get the discounts that major retailers like Wal-Mart do. They *do* provide a service. You merely provide a way to extort a little extra so you have spending money. You work to pay your bills and have spending money, you're not supposed to freely and willingly rip another person off to do it.

You exploit people's weaknesses by doing this. How? Here's an example:

Little Billy wants Target/Wal-Mart/TRU Exclusive HeadMaster TargetMaster Optimus Primus (doesn't exist, but for the sake of exaggeration...) he can't find it. His parents, can't find it. It's not on the shelves, T/WM/TRU doesn't seem to have it in the back of the store. Neither Billy, nor his parents know anything about the codes used, nor would they even know how to go about finding them. (Already scalpers have them at a terrible disadvantage.)

So poor little Billy goes home, empty handed and may never actually get the item he's looking for. Oh, but wait, what's this? His birthday is coming up and his parents want him to have that toy. Well guess what? eBay has it, and for double to triple the price (if they're lucky it's even that cheap.) You know why? Because scalpers (and collectors who fancy themselves as good Samaritans because they're only charging $5.00-15.00 instead of double that mark up. *insert rolleyes here*) have the inside track and beaten them to it.

What're Billy's parents supposed to do? They're at their wits end, poor little Billy is brokenhearted, so they cave in and pay the exorbitant prices on eBay. They *have* to perpetuate the disgusting cycle, because they have no other options to getting that item. They don't realize that there might be another shipment of the item down the road (though in the case of Robovision Optimus, most stores didn't receive a shipment beyond the initial first wave of him...) so they end up paying for three figures worth, just to get one single figure.

It's not fair, it's not right, and it's disgusting. There are more parents and the uniformed who can't get the info they need to find a better deal and you people know it! You exploit that weakness and collect the money and relish the fact that you just made a profit off of a gift for a 10 year old kid who can't do this for himself.

And don't even give me crap lines like "Well the kid doesn't need it." or "The parents don't have to pay that kind of money. They're just spoiling him, which isn't necessary." or whatever else you could come up with. Of course the kid doesn't need it, but don't you remember being a kid? You sure think you need it. You believe you do because you were too young and didn't realize the difference. Maybe the kid deserves to be spoiled a bit? Maybe he's been really, really good and they wanted to do something a little extra special for his birthday, or Christmas present? But these are sensible ideas, and counteract the scalping mentality, so it's not logical to have such a train of thought. Sense and responsibility and selflessness, oh my!

How incredibly disgusting. I'd tell you (or even appeal to your good nature and ask you) to be ashamed of yourself, but it won't happen. All those Ben Franklins sitting in your PayPal account make any traces of guilt go away. Must be nice...you not only make a profit, but the customer bought off your conscience because you're...."providing a service".

You're not providing a service, or helping anyone but you. Of course scalpers don't exist to you.

Money makes the world go 'round, people happy, and buys off a conscience. Yeah, that's the American way. F*ck yeah.

That is so well said!!! Kudos to you my friend!!HUGE KUDOS!!!

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:05 am

Why are so many of you siding with that silly post?

Would you rather listen to people who know what's going on? and thereby acquire the things you want?

or would you rather continue to pursue strategies and ideas that are unproductive?

Website · by **Flux Convoy** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:13 am

Counterpunch wrote:Why are so many of you siding with that silly post?

Would you rather listen to people who know what's going on? and thereby acquire the things you want?

or would you rather continue to pursue strategies and ideas that are unproductive?

Option 2 for teh lose!

News Credits: 5 · by **--B--** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:14 am

*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

by **Xgamer** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:17 am

--B-- wrote:*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

Thats funny, but true. I sent my nephew a Movie BB , Movie Jazz and Pepsi Prime.....he said he has never seen any of them in store before- he didnt know they actually made them O.O Oh yeah, he opened the pepsi prime and played with it...oh well.

News Credits: 5 · by **--B--** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:19 am

Xgamer wrote:
--B-- wrote:*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

Thats funny, but true. I sent my nephew a Movie BB , Movie Jazz and Pepsi Prime.....he said he has never seen any of them in store before- he didnt know they actually made them O.O Oh yeah, he opened the pepsi prime and played with it...oh well.

Yeah, they will play with and enjoy them no matter what!

News Credits: 4 · by **zatara1701** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:30 am

Seibertron wrote:Why is that bad? You could've called your local Target as well to find out what they had in stock. Those of you who just randomly hunt stores without a battle plan in place are just wasting your time. Be proactive. Find out the SKU #s, the DCPI #s, etc. Call the stores ahead of time with that information.

Watch the toy reports on sites such as Seibertron or TFW to see when figures start showing up in stores. If there's a news post on Seibertron tomorrow that says Movie So-and-so has been sighted, don't wait until next Wednesday to go looking for that figure. Figure out how you're going to obtain it tomorrow. If you wait until your next paycheck in 5 to 10 days, I can guarantee that that brand spanking new figure will be long gone already.

Remember, every time you point a finger to blame someone else (i.e. the scalpers in this case), just remember that there are three fingers pointing back at you. Take responsibility for figuring out how to obtain new figures. It's not rocket science.

Please top blaming the so-called "Scalpers". They're just doing it the smart way.

You're just assuming that all of us DONT have plans...

Honestly, 9 times out of 10 Target, Walmart and TRU dont have employees that are near as knowledgable of the products as we FANS are, so getting them to check??? Come on, Im in retail and I KNOW not to expect that kind of service, so youre lucky OR theyve gotten use to you calling.

Personally, I know what days my local stores "toy" trucks come in, so that's when I go shop, hunt, etc, IF I dont have to work because someone has to pay for my hobby.

If you havent noticed, the majority of your patrons to this site disagree what this guy has done... He hasnt "planned" out a hunt to go get a G1 Movie Jazz, he has used the system to deprive other consumers of it then benefit from it... that is what a SCALPER is. Why you're taking up for this guy (even complimented him as being smart), who is OBVIOUSLY NOT a Transformers fan, is beyond me???

We're all entitled to our opinions and points of view, but what the other fans here are pointing out is merely facts...this guy isnt "smart" as you said, he is a parasite thatis taking advantage of a situation. I enjoy this site, as I am sure all that posts here do, but I am surprised 1) by your callous nature towards the fans that support this site and 2) insulting us by bascially saying we're stupid for not "planning" out hunts/shopping out.

I dont know about you, but I dont make a habit of insulting my customers that pay my paycheck. Just a thought....

by **Bigdaddymcqueen** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:42 am

--B-- wrote:*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

with the age of the internet and even just talk between friends some kids nowadays DO know whats coming out and WOULD like to get some of them! my son (8 years old) collects wrestling figures, LOTS OF THEM! he searches for the latest ones coming out and even makes lists of the ones they should make!! so i'm assuming( alot to some people) that if 1 kid does it, there are others!!he saves his allowance til he finds what he whats, sometimes he does, sometimes he does'nt. but there were a couple of times when he was hurt because he knew the new ones were out, but they were no where to be found on the shelves!! tons on ebay though!!!! just my 2 cents.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:43 am

Flux Convoy wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:Why are so many of you siding with that silly post?

Would you rather listen to people who know what's going on? and thereby acquire the things you want?

or would you rather continue to pursue strategies and ideas that are unproductive?

Option 2 for teh lose!

I can't help but notice the similar thought and collecting patterns we share.

Plus, you come from the great State of Florida.

I'm going to have to say it, "You are indeed a gentleman and a scholar. Not to mention, a snazzy dresser.

by **brimy311** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:33 am

I have been to alot of targets, walmarts, miejers, and kohls. Any time I go anywhere, I stop at a store if I see one. I have been able to find the toys I am looking for and I often just have my good looking wife talk to the toy ppl. (she gets more info then they will give me :sad:

). The toys are not rare, they are just hot sellers. I can't tell you how many times I have seen 08bb come and go off the shelf in a day (I check some of my local stores morning and night).

The story about the poor little kid...I have not seen any kids looking at TF toys since right after the movie release. I only see adults scrounging the TF section and I am at stores ALOT looking for figures that I want.

If you can't find the toy you want and you dont have time to drive around day and night looking for them to set them out, then buy them on ebay. Save yourself the time and gas. If you don't want to do that, then wait until fall and get all the TF you can eat.

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:36 am

Collector Maximus wrote:Sorry, I just don't see how buying multiples of the same figure, and selling them at a mark-up, is helping collectors on this site get the figures. Am I missing something here?

I guess I figure my time is worth money. If I find something new and hot and have a way to make a few extra bucks off of it, I don't see what's wrong with that. Again, I can't stress enough that I've only done this twice within the past 5 years (Target G1 Starscream and 1 extra Alternator Rodimus). I have been on the other end of it far more often as I try to buy figures before anyone else so that I can do galleries for you guys. Maybe I'm in a different situation that I somehow feel justified by making a little money on a few figures because I have spent such ridiculous amounts to get figures first off eBay or BBTS.

Collector Maximus wrote:You can give out all the information about sightings, stock numbers, dcpi numbers, etc, without buying the figures to sell at a higher cost. That, I think, would be more help in teaching people about finding the toys.

We already do that. Again, I ask ... do you use the toy sightings section? I'm determined that the reason you guys can't find figures is because you aren't using the resources that are available to you. Until you guys can tell me that you are using all of the resources available, I'm going to continue to say that calling these guys "scalpers" is crap. "The early bird gets the worm!"

Collector Maximus wrote:Besides there may in fact be people on here who can't afford the extra 5-15 bucks to buy from people on ebay.

Which I can understand. Obviously, the higher prices for a brand new figure on eBay is not within everyone's price range. But I bet when you look at the amount of time you guys spend on gas, not to mention your time which is worth money as well, you'll find that you probably most definitely spent more than that $5 to $15 markup on eBay. Patience is a virtue, especially for the guy who doesn't want to pay more than retail for a figure.

Collector Maximus wrote:And please tell me what you "more experienced" toy hunters know that we don't? I consider myself a VERY experienced toy hunter.

I'm trying, but you guys seem to be too defensive putting the blame on the so-called "scalpers" instead of trying to figure out what you can do to figure out the hunting game. Do you use the toy sightings section here on Seibertron? What about the sightings section in the forums? What about TFW's sightings section or Unicron.com's? There are tools available online to help you find figures. If you're not using those tools, then there's not much else I can do to help other than pick up the phone and call some of the stores around you.

Maybe I'm not a more skilled toy hunter than you. It just seems like I'm able to get my hands on whatever I want ... and that has 100% nothing to do with me owning this site (the guy at TRU doesn't care, the woman answering the phone at Target doesn't give a rat's ass, etc). When I'm at a store, I'm just like you guys. Now, maybe I'm more keen on when figures are released because of this site. I follow all of the news, I get first access to leads when people submit them, etc. Maybe that's my edge ... but when it comes down to it, I still have to hunt for figures at the end of the day just like you guys.

One of the points that I've been trying to drive home is that if I see people reporting that they found a new figure at Target, I don't stop by Walmart to see if they have it. I just go to Targets. If I see a report that a figure is showing up at Kohl's first? Guess what? Off to Kohl's I go ... no need to stop anywhere else if that's where it's showing up first.

Collector Maximus wrote:The best info I think I can give to people here on seibertron is to avoid those that sell figures on ebay for a mark-up.

That doesn't work for me personally but for those of you trying to buy figures at retail, I promise you that the figures are on the way. This is still normal for this time of the year regardless if Target has been putting out signs regarding manufacturing delays.

Collector Maximus wrote:And instead maybe try and buy an extra figure when I see one, and sell it at cost + shipping, when and if I can, to someone here on seibertron. Is that wrong?

Not at all, and someone trying to make a few extra bucks on a hot new figure isn't wrong either. It's a fact of life, it happens with all types of products that are collectibles. Heck, look at the exorbitant prices hot new cars go for like when the New Beetle came out ten years ago or the Chrysler PT Cruiser. We're not talking about $5 or $10 on those things ... we're talking about thousands of dollars. Now, you guys have a right to be upset about the initial prices of figures, that's fair also. I'm just trying to find some ways to help you guys out instead of just blaming the so-called "scalper" guy.

Collector Maximus wrote:I saw an Arcee and a dreadwing today, but didn't pick them up cause I already have them.
If anyone wants one or both of these figures I'll see if I can get them. I would gladly sell them to someone here at as close to cost as possible plus shipping.

That is very nice of you to offer to do that. I bet those figures are already gone by now.

Collector Maximus wrote:I have offered this before, but it is not something I can do regularly, but would be willing to do every now and then. In fact I think most of us here would probably be able to do this. If we all started buying as many figures as we could get our hands on, and selling them for 5-15 bucks more, tell me, who would we be helping?
Sorry, I just don't see it.

If we all started to buy and sell them for $5 to $15 more, we wouldn't be able to sell them for $5 to $15 more. We'd flood the market. The reason we're able to get $5 or $15 more right now is because there's a limited supply because the figures are just coming out.

I'm going to call a Target in San Francisco just to prove a point.

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:38 am

Xgamer wrote:
--B-- wrote:*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

Thats funny, but true. I sent my nephew a Movie BB , Movie Jazz and Pepsi Prime.....he said he has never seen any of them in store before- he didnt know they actually made them O.O Oh yeah, he opened the pepsi prime and played with it...oh well.

I totally agree with this statement. However, I think if there's one figure that should be flooding the shelves right now is either version of Bumblebee. That's the figure kids probably want the most of right now and you simply just can't find them.

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:39 am

Counterpunch wrote:Why are so many of you siding with that silly post?

Would you rather listen to people who know what's going on? and thereby acquire the things you want?

or would you rather continue to pursue strategies and ideas that are unproductive?

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:46 am

Sid Burn wrote:
Xgamer wrote:If some idiot wants to pay more than MSRP for something that is not OOP, then so be it. I would rather see someone like Seibs reselling (someone who appreciates the packaging, the history of tf) rather than some other guy that could give a damn about what a C9 box really looks like.

So as long as you are being gouged by someone who is into TF thats cool? ugh.

Don't hand me this gouging crap. You know how many 08 Bumblebees were listed on e-bay starting bi $9.99 plus $5 shipping and handling? All of those got bid up to over $30, if someone buys it, and puts it on ebay at retail price, but then lots of people bid on it, how is that scalping? It's impatient people that's causing these prices.

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:51 am

Ok, none of you have replied to Seibertron about this question:

DO YOU USE THE SIGHTINGS FORUM LOCATED HERE:

http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewfo ... ?f=57&sid=

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:52 am

GetterDragun wrote:
Sid Burn wrote:
Xgamer wrote:If some idiot wants to pay more than MSRP for something that is not OOP, then so be it. I would rather see someone like Seibs reselling (someone who appreciates the packaging, the history of tf) rather than some other guy that could give a damn about what a C9 box really looks like.

So as long as you are being gouged by someone who is into TF thats cool? ugh.

Don't hand me this gouging crap. You know how many 08 Bumblebees were listed on e-bay starting bi $9.99 plus $5 shipping and handling? All of those got bid up to over $30, if someone buys it, and puts it on ebay at retail price, but then lots of people bid on it, how is that scalping? It's impatient people that's causing these prices.

100% agree ... which is what happened with the Starscreams I posted. I started the bids at a penny. One got bid up to $30.00, another up to $31.00, I'm waiting on the 4th one to end in the next couple of days. The first one that sold was a BIN for $39.99. I had that posted alongside two others that were below $20. Someone just wanted to have the figure right now and not wait for the regular auctions. The market is dictating the prices, not me.

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:54 am

GetterDragun wrote:Ok, none of you have replied to Seibertron about this question:

DO YOU USE THE SIGHTINGS FORUM LOCATED HERE:

http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewfo ... ?f=57&sid=

In addition to that, I want to know if people are using the toy sightings section which can be found at http://seibertron.com/sightings/index.php and is linked at the top of every page in the primary navigation for the website.

News Credits: 198 · by **DevastaTTor** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:54 am

Xgamer wrote:
--B-- wrote:*Plays Devil's Advocate*

For all of the talk of little kids not getting the toys, how many little kids (ages 5-12, lets say) go looking for G1 (20+ years old color schemes) homages?

Honestly, how many little kids would even think to look for a new figure that hasn't sat on the shelves?

Kids go into stores and see figures that are currently on the shelves, and that is what they want.

I know, I know, if all of the scalpers buy them, they won't be on the shelves for the kids to see.

Then they won't care!

My kids don't know that rescue Ratchet or Thundercraker are coming out, and if it's not on the shelf, they never will.

Thats funny, but true. I sent my nephew a Movie BB , Movie Jazz and Pepsi Prime.....he said he has never seen any of them in store before- he didnt know they actually made them O.O Oh yeah, he opened the pepsi prime and played with it...oh well.

That's funny. I suspect my son will when he's old enough.

by **upther** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:56 am

Could you use a bigger font? I'm not sure I can read that, lol.

I've used the sightings forum but the Florida thread is tiny and I'm kinda in Boofu Florida. That being said, I'm more than willing to be patient and wait until these toys flood the market. It isn't like I'm going to die tomorrow if I don't get my hands on Bumblebee or the G1 Jazz.

News Credits: 198 · by **DevastaTTor** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:57 am

Seibertron wrote:
GetterDragun wrote:Ok, none of you have replied to Seibertron about this question:

DO YOU USE THE SIGHTINGS FORUM LOCATED HERE:

http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewfo ... ?f=57&sid=

In addition to that, I want to know if people are using the toy sightings section which can be found at http://seibertron.com/sightings/index.php and is linked at the top of every page in the primary navigation for the website.

I do, I do! And according to this thread, that makes me a good person. I guess that means I can tell my therapist to go to hell.

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:59 am

DevastaTTor wrote:
Seibertron wrote:
GetterDragun wrote:Ok, none of you have replied to Seibertron about this question:

DO YOU USE THE SIGHTINGS FORUM LOCATED HERE:

http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewfo ... ?f=57&sid=

In addition to that, I want to know if people are using the toy sightings section which can be found at http://seibertron.com/sightings/index.php and is linked at the top of every page in the primary navigation for the website.

I do, I do! And according to this thread, that makes me a good person. I guess that means I can tell my therapist to go to hell.

Yes you can! And now you will save money from not paying the therapist! More money for TFs FTW!

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:01 am

Ok, now I want a definition.

Someone buys an extra 08 Bumblebee. Lists it at $1 plus $5 shipping...doesn't care if it sells that low. People bid it up to $30. The person isn't a scalper because a scalper intentionally charges way higher on a limited release item (plus no way 08 Bumblebee is limited with 2 two-packs and 3 waves of him coming), maybe we should call this person an "enabler".

by **Starscream227** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:01 am

GetterDragun wrote:Ok, none of you have replied to Seibertron about this question:

DO YOU USE THE SIGHTINGS FORUM LOCATED HERE:

http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewfo ... ?f=57&sid=

Yes. Illinois Thread.

To make this post more meaningful;
I've noticed the 'Sightings' Drop-down menu doesn't have a
link to the sightings forum (only to the Toys Forum). I
can't say adding a link to it would be helpful, but at
least it would be right in front of people, if they only
take the time to look.

On the topic as a whole;

When I go out to do my huntung for the day, week, month whatever, I do so for the surprise (or disappointment). I
don't call ahead, though I will glance through the sightings here on Seibertron. I do this because I enjoy the hard work involved. The disappointment factor drives me to continue looking and the thrill of the find drives me equally.

Scalpers are businessmen, really. They see and take an
opportunity in providing a service to you, even if it's at higher prices. I see nothing wrong here. If you demand it, they will be there.

by **Gutter Bunny** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:02 am

scalper=smart collecter.

Buy 1-2 for yourself, buy 10-20 to sell...maybe make your money back +some to buy more

thats business simplified.

News Credits: 3605 · by **Seibertron** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:04 am

upther wrote:Could you use a bigger font? I'm not sure I can read that, lol.

I've used the sightings forum but the Florida thread is tiny and I'm kinda in Boofu Florida.

That shouldn't matter. You should use the official toy sightings section at http://www.seibertron.com/sightings/index.php to figure out what the distribution patterns are with the stores. This will help you out immensely. Also, the more you participate in the Florida sightings thread, the more other Floridians will also participate. Gotta give to get.

upther wrote:That being said, I'm more than willing to be patient and wait until these toys flood the market. It isn't like I'm going to die tomorrow if I don't get my hands on Bumblebee or the G1 Jazz.

That's a great attitude to have. Patience, my young Padawan friend.