The Energon Pub

by **Brawled** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:41 pm

I think as christmas gets close we'll start to see them popping up everywhere to be honest. It just doesn't seem to be all that desperate to have them as it's the summer but they'll definately be the most wanted things for kids. And well santa's gonna have one heck of a mission getting hold of them :-?

News Credits: 198 · by **DevastaTTor** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:42 pm

SnapTrap wrote:
DevastaTTor wrote:You do understand the basics of how Walmart works (?)-they have a system of distribution centers (DC) all over the country constantly feeding stock into the store, all monitored by one of the most advanced computer networks built for business. Walmart doesn't even stock an item-they have no inventory. It's up to the manufacturer to replenish the distribution centers so that when a Bumblebee crosses the bar code reader in a store in BFE, the system alerts the DC that they need to send a replacement. That way, the always should have stock on hand or on the way. When 20-30 Walmarts in a region have nothing, that tells me that Hasbro is not keeping up with demand.

I agree that movie is an unproven brand and comparing Star Wars to Transformers is like an apple to an orange. I also agree that Hasbro, as with stores, didn't want to have shelves and shelves of potential shelf warmers or discounts. But when so many people are noting that even Walmart, with all of their power, isn't able to get fresh stock in some areas, there was obviously some miscalculation on Hasbro's part. You're right though, this will strengthen the brand and we're not likely to see the same problem in future movie releases. They'll probably wind up like Spiderman 3 4-6 years from now: a glut of everything.

Yes I do understand how Wal-mart's distriubution chain works, but here's what I am saying. Well before before any toy is scanned in; heck even before Hasbro begins manufacturing any figures, they need to get initial orders from Walmart and Target and the like. The buyers for the store pretty much guestimate the popularity of said upcoming line and probably do all kinds of research and use fancy software to come up with a number that will keep them well stocked for a couple of months so they can see how well the figures are selling. For example lets say Hasbro has the ability to make 20 million figures of all classes of movie figures. Walmart decides to order 5 million total figures Target orders 5 million and Tru orders 4 million, and 2 million go to others like Kohls, KB, etc. This happens shortly after the International Toy show in NY (Jan I believe). Hasbro gets all of the orders and makes 16 million toys and delivers them to the stores and begins manufacturing the next waves after the main run are delivered.

Well the toys become extremely popular and sell out much faster than the stores originally estimated. If Walmart had ordered 1 to 2 million more toys they may have had a better handle of keeping items in stock.
Most likely the stores realized too late that these were selling out faster and their stockpiles were quickly dwindling. The stores probably did order more right away but the turn around time for Hasbro to make and ship them takes time. Plus since the shortage is nation wide the distribution centers have to ship out to every store. Generally, there are some areas that sell out of stock quickly and other areas where it doesn't. The stock that we are seeing would generally go to the stores that are selling stock with the slower stores receiving little to no new figures in. Since all stores distribution centers are out of stock, then each one gets 1 box of deluxes, voyagers, etc instead. Like I posted earlier, Hasbro won't make the extra 4 million (remember the can produce up to 20 million) figures on speculation that the movie will be a big hit. It is too much of a gamble for them to do this. A good example of this is the Universe Seacon set that Walmart wanted and later backed out of. Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted. The set was sitting around for three years in a storage facility until TFCC worked a deal to eventually start selling it. Imagine if these were 4 million movie toys.

I agree with you that Hasbro is having trouble keeping up with demand right now but it was the stores underestimating how well the toys would sell and ensuring that their initial order would help sustain them for a longer time than it actually did.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see how they react moving forward, the stores and Hasbro. At this point, I think the burden falls on Hasbro's shoulders to get more product out now that the stores have probably realized their errors.

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:42 pm

Versa wrote:BS

Hasbro screwed the pooch and they can't get these damn things out to the stores. Yet every other Hasbro toy is being well stocked. Look at all the Star Wars out all the time. They need to keep it full like that.

I'm VERY VERY disappointed in Hasbro. Even when the cartoon was popular back in the day at least they had the toys in supply and easier to find. This is just crazy.

And if I can't find them looking around every day, parents must be having a nightmare of a time trying to locate these for their kids.

Is there a place to actually write to Hasbro in their crap efforts?

Star Wars is waaaaay more popular than TF and thus is able to command a presence in toy isles. More SW toys are ordered from the big 3 because they know they have a huge collector base and kids like them too. The TF movie was unkown if it would be successful.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:42 pm

SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

by **lanzajr26** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:53 pm

SnapTrap wrote:
Versa wrote:BS

Hasbro screwed the pooch and they can't get these damn things out to the stores. Yet every other Hasbro toy is being well stocked. Look at all the Star Wars out all the time. They need to keep it full like that.

I'm VERY VERY disappointed in Hasbro. Even when the cartoon was popular back in the day at least they had the toys in supply and easier to find. This is just crazy.

And if I can't find them looking around every day, parents must be having a nightmare of a time trying to locate these for their kids.

Is there a place to actually write to Hasbro in their crap efforts?

Star Wars is waaaaay more popular than TF and thus is able to command a presence in toy isles. More SW toys are ordered from the big 3 because they know they have a huge collector base and kids like them too. The TF movie was unkown if it would be successful.

LOL not this year

Seriously, when was the last time SW toys flew off the shelves? 1997? Phantom Menace?

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:55 pm

DevastaTTor wrote:I guess we'll just have to wait and see how they react moving forward, the stores and Hasbro. At this point, I think the burden falls on Hasbro's shoulders to get more product out now that the stores have probably realized their errors.

I am sure Hasbro is doing all that it can to get stock out to stores but unfortunately it is going to take time. We also have to understand that Hasbro isn't the bad guy here; it's the scalpers. They know that distribution centers are only shipping one case of figures to their stores and are buying up the stock as quick as possible to help keep demand and prices high. That way they can insure they get top dollar on eBay.

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:57 pm

Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

well I didn't see any "save the universe seacons" sigs from you. You must not have wanted them that badly...

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:00 pm

lanzajr26 wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Versa wrote:BS

Hasbro screwed the pooch and they can't get these damn things out to the stores. Yet every other Hasbro toy is being well stocked. Look at all the Star Wars out all the time. They need to keep it full like that.

I'm VERY VERY disappointed in Hasbro. Even when the cartoon was popular back in the day at least they had the toys in supply and easier to find. This is just crazy.

And if I can't find them looking around every day, parents must be having a nightmare of a time trying to locate these for their kids.

Is there a place to actually write to Hasbro in their crap efforts?

Star Wars is waaaaay more popular than TF and thus is able to command a presence in toy isles. More SW toys are ordered from the big 3 because they know they have a huge collector base and kids like them too. The TF movie was unkown if it would be successful.

LOL not this year Seriously, when was the last time SW toys flew off the shelves? 1997? Phantom Menace?

RotS, two years ago.

and they flew.

by **shakira** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:00 pm

How much of this has to do with the scalpers? clearing the shelves at the asscrack of dawn b4 anyone else gets a chance to buy anything? or how about the stuff never reaching the shelves period due to employees holding the stock and selling it through paid hookups? just my 2 cents.

by **MaP_Prime** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:02 pm

Well I was kinda happy to hear that my local stores are not the only ones in the world where things have not been restocked. Since about mid last month the only toys you can find at the local TRU has been Jazz, Wreckage, Mirage, and a random Bonecrusher or two that they just kinda find about the place. Wal Mart has been even worse with the only movie figures you can find being the Starscream and Optimus protoforms and a few voyager Ironhide's or Starscream's.

I've been on the hunt for Deluxe Classics Bumblebee and Classics Voyager Megatron since about mid July with no luck. I was starting to wonder if they had stopped producing the current Classics line like they were some sort of limited edition run or something like that. Just glad that it is a supply issue.

News Credits: 5 · by **decepticonjon** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:04 pm

shakira wrote:How much of this has to do with the scalpers? clearing the shelves at the asscrack of dawn b4 anyone else gets a chance to buy anything? or how about the stuff never reaching the shelves period due to employees holding the stock and selling it through paid hookups? just my 2 cents.

not as much as you'd think.
they don't help, but the stock is in short supply.
i've repeated this several times, but look
one of my many local tru's..
get's one case of deluxes and voyagers a week.
that's 12 figures total: 8 dlx, 4 voy
they restocked monday night, when they opened tuesday morning i bought 4 deluxes and 1 voyager.
several people behind me picked up my left overs.
shipments are small, and if you're not the first to get them when they put them out (and they do, honestly) you won't find them on the pegs two hours later.
does any of that make sense to anyone?

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:04 pm

lanzajr26 wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Versa wrote:BS

Hasbro screwed the pooch and they can't get these damn things out to the stores. Yet every other Hasbro toy is being well stocked. Look at all the Star Wars out all the time. They need to keep it full like that.

I'm VERY VERY disappointed in Hasbro. Even when the cartoon was popular back in the day at least they had the toys in supply and easier to find. This is just crazy.

And if I can't find them looking around every day, parents must be having a nightmare of a time trying to locate these for their kids.

Is there a place to actually write to Hasbro in their crap efforts?

Star Wars is waaaaay more popular than TF and thus is able to command a presence in toy isles. More SW toys are ordered from the big 3 because they know they have a huge collector base and kids like them too. The TF movie was unkown if it would be successful.

LOL not this year Seriously, when was the last time SW toys flew off the shelves? 1997? Phantom Menace?

Yeah that is true but I was talking more about SW & TF as brands not individual figures on the shelves. As a brand SW is a sales juggernaut but with no new block buster movie releases, it is waning. I am not saying that SW is gonna die as a brand but it will shrink until Lucas or whoever buys the rights from his cold, dead corpse makes a new big blockbuster movie and reinvigorates the line. The reason Hasbro won the licensing contract with Marvel comics to make the Marvel Legends and future movie toys was their big money maker, SW, sales' were declining. By contrast the TF brand was more of a niche that exploded after the movie came out.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:11 pm

SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

well I didn't see any "save the universe seacons" sigs from you. You must not have wanted them that badly...

They're getting made now aren't they?

::washes hands clean of evidential blood::

Me and the Collector's Club have an understanding.

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:18 pm

shakira wrote:How much of this has to do with the scalpers? clearing the shelves at the asscrack of dawn b4 anyone else gets a chance to buy anything? or how about the stuff never reaching the shelves period due to employees holding the stock and selling it through paid hookups? just my 2 cents.

Well in my area, SF Bay Area, the scalpers use this MO and I am biased against scalpers. As for the "paid hookups" it depends if the employee is giving them to a scalper so he can sell it on eBay or if it is a buddy who collects. The point I am trying to make is that it is harder to find figures now because there are those individuals (scalper, employee, casual fan, etc) who don't care about TF but buy them only because they can make substantial profit from them.

by **ultra tron** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:20 pm

jazz reborn wrote:no i am pissed too .hasbro is stupid.i been looking too damn long for bonecrusher and jazz redeco.

Bonecrusher? Man, everytime i open my eyes i see that thing! Chicago is overun with them. Please take all of ours!

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:20 pm

Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

well I didn't see any "save the universe seacons" sigs from you. You must not have wanted them that badly...

They're getting made now aren't they?

::washes hands clean of evidential blood::

Me and the Collector's Club have an understanding.

Well I am glad you and the CC are now seeing eye to eye.
and for the record, I wanted them to come out too. the colors are way better than G1.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:23 pm

SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

well I didn't see any "save the universe seacons" sigs from you. You must not have wanted them that badly...

They're getting made now aren't they?

::washes hands clean of evidential blood::

Me and the Collector's Club have an understanding.

Well I am glad you and the CC are now seeing eye to eye.
and for the record, I wanted them to come out too. the colors are way better than G1.

Completely unrelated, but my HMW team has always be 'the CC'.

again, unrelated.

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:26 pm

Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
SnapTrap wrote:Hasbro was stuck with a store exclusive that nobody (but collectors and Skowl) wanted.

and me.

I yearn for those toys tragically.

(also, the words you made on the internet were true as well.)

well I didn't see any "save the universe seacons" sigs from you. You must not have wanted them that badly...

They're getting made now aren't they?

::washes hands clean of evidential blood::

Me and the Collector's Club have an understanding.

Well I am glad you and the TFCC are now seeing eye to eye.
and for the record, I wanted them to come out too. the colors are way better than G1.

Completely unrelated, but my HMW team has always be 'the CC'.

again, unrelated.

fine I fixed it.
Have to makesure cp is happy.

btw my HMW team is "Bastards of the Universe".
I felt that you needed to know...

News Credits: 9 · by **Sowndwave76** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 5:13 pm

One of my frustrations in all of this is,
no matter who is truly to blame for empty shelves,
is that this huge loss for Hasbro can potentially put them in a situation
where lines end early.
Because either way, DevasTTator had this right--
shelves being empty at the peak time of interest/want/demand/whatever in the toy
only hurts. And hurts BAD.
I'm not into business, and not really into collecting,
but it doesn't take being educated in either to know
that if a company makes tons of profit from product,
it only increases the chances of them making more AND more variety--
in this case,
more waves that could include slightly more obscure, lesser-known-by-the-public (and/or not-seen-in-the-movie) characters.

by **featofstrength** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:55 pm

for as much as some complain about Hasbro, at least be thankful Transformers arent handled by Mattel: RIP Masters of the Universe + poor distribution on DC Superheroes and JLU = one pissed off fan boy :-x

News Credits: 198 · by **DevastaTTor** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:49 am

featofstrength wrote:for as much as some complain about Hasbro, at least be thankful Transformers arent handled by Mattel: RIP Masters of the Universe + poor distribution on DC Superheroes and JLU = one pissed off fan boy :-x

Mattel's problem is that they just don't know how to do good action toys. They're too stuck in softer brands like Barbie. Give them an action hero and they screw it up, the toy or the marketing.

by **Bonger** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:12 am

This topic is getting more wear than the price of the Botcon set.

by **majinrick** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:22 am

I'm preety much good with any TF i can get my hands on. The drought for my local STORES is ridiculous.

by **TK-225** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:12 am

DevastaTTor wrote:
upther wrote:I don't understand everybody being so pissed off about not being able to get the toy they want when they want it. Maybe it's just me but I can find a lot of more important stuff to be pissed about. Like gas prices or my property taxes doubling.

A, try reading the initial post. This has nothing to do with getting toys. It's about profit and disappointment in Hasbro. B, if you're interested in posts about Gas and Taxes, try a different forum or speak with your Congressman.

I agree. Why would someone come to an official TF toy forum and say that toys don't matter?