The Energon Pub

Seibertron wrote:You know what I'd really love to see? I'd love to see some of you guys help do a write up about tips for getting a figure first. If you guys would help with that, I'd be more than happy to post it in the toy sightings section. Maybe a "tips & hints" page for that section that you guys help me maintain.

Due to the Roaring response in the "Scalper" thread it seems you guys
are having a hard time finding what you'd like
in a reasonable time frame, if at all.

In the aforementioned thread, Seibertron and many other
veterans have been more than willing to help YOU
obtain what you'd like!

Be it through auctions, a la "Seibertron's Moving Sale"
Jin Saotome's eBay page for bad-ass customs, threads of
items appearing in Seller Stores before the item hits street
level, or offering SKU# and the like, so you can have more
information when you call up your local soter searching for
that elusive prize!

I'm no veteran at this, but I've had little to no trouble
getting what I've wanted. Below is what has worked for me.

Please, contribute! Help those who can't or won't help
themselves!

TIPS
0. SIGHTINGS SECTION/FORUM!
Can't believe I forgot this the first time around!
Seibertron.com provides two avenues to inform others of
sightings in your area. The first is the "Sightings Database", and the second is the Forum.
If you find them lacking in accurate and updated info, add
to them, and others will be motivated to do the same!

1. Arrive early!
I can't stress this one enough. I work third shift, so I can
attest to the fact that most places will do their stocking
VERY early! I've found the 2-4am time period to be the
most fruitful.

2. Call AHEAD!
Yes, folks, the tried and true method of hunting! I've found
it best not to ask for an associate in toys, because more
often than not, they pull an associate from the nearest department to to take the call. Instead,
ask to speak to a stockroom supervisor, or 'warehouse'
associate. Your chances are better. (How I nailed a Classics Starscream!)

3. Keep tabs on release dates!
If you know when a toy is to be released, you'll have a
higher rate of success at tracking it down!

4. Get friends to keep an eye out!
If they happen to be your friends, they'll be willing to do
you this simple favor. In example, I nabbed for a buddy the
last Titanium Soundwave at Target, because he was kind enough
to swipe the last Titanium Starscream for me from Walmart.

5. Be on friendly terms with the regulars
Be it on forums or in stores, expanding your network of
friends will net you better results.

I KNOW there are plenty more out there, but I'm not
aware of the systems others use. Come on, folks!! Let's make this a near-invaluable
resource to our fellow Seibertronians!!

-Wal-Mart restocks from 10pm to 6am with some variances between locations.
-Pallets get pulled to the floor after 9 pm, but that will depend on trucks, business, workers, and store. They don't start stocking until their 3rd shift associates come on 10-11 pm.
-TF cases are released in 'Waves', so pay attention to the wave number you are looking for. You can spot boxes on pallets and request that an employee fetch you your treasure.
-Employees HAVE to fetch you your treasure. Strap on a pair and don't take 'no' for an answer. (Being nice is easier though...)
-Most WalMarts really can't find things in the back room for you. Their stores don't work that way. They used to. They don't now.
-WalMart only has restrictions on the toys sold for Black Friday. That's the only time they can tell you 'no, it's too early'
-Best time to shop is midnight. The employees get a 15 minute break and won't bother you or eyeball you while you shop their palletted merchandise.


more later.

I'm a pro.

patience is a virtue...

If you like imported TFS get a maildrop in Japan, learn a little bit of the language- it will save you money in the end .

Also, use Target's online inventory, usually its updated late at night- if they seem to have alot of TFs available in your area- then they must have just received a shipment- get down there quick. Phone calls and DCPIs work better, but its up to you.

As said above, closer to Black Friday stores hold inventory in the back for that day. Arrive early in the case of Wal Marts and stake-out anything they might have on the floor already and get ready for crazy shoppers.

Toys R Us...

Sunday and Saturday mornings at their opening are when I find everything.

TRU is timely too. They usually are in with the first wave of release, but then trail off and not restock.

Hit them early in a cycle.

- The Clearance Section
A good place to find recent out-of-production stuff.
More often than not, I've found them located about as
far the Toys section (in the case of Target/Walmart/Kmart) as is possible.

- Discount Stores
Every so often, a local Big Lots! or Family Dollar
will get the odd shipment of Energon or Cybertron
figures in. It can't hurt to check these places
once in a while.

Go to the store that is the most "out of the way"

It doesnt have to be the farthest away...but if it is a literal pain in the butt to get to, then it may be your best bet.

Know what class that particular store caters to...before anyone decides to disagree or judge me for saying it...hear me out. The stores in upper class areas seem to have a high availability of actionfigures...maybe their money is being spent on more expensive toys. However, they seem slow to restock. The lower income stores seem to restock more frequently, and because of this have the newer figures sooner. I personally dont bother going to the middle of the road stores, they get the first wave and after it sits for ages they never restock.

Atleast this has worked for me...

Learn your local stores stocking time. My Wal-Mart uses ones that are similar to CP's, on Wednesday and Thursday.

Try to find out the DPCI numbers for Target. I got G1 Jazz and Starscream today using that method.

Get to the store EARLY!!! There are other people waiting there before the store opens, you should be too.