The Energon Pub

TFBuyer wrote:

The Chaos Bringer wrote:Let me explain my situation the best I can.
Here's a timeline.

June 2: I see lots of TFs in stores. The cyber slammers etc. are there as well but who cares? The real stuff is here!

June 3: Ok I've got all the June wave that I can afford. Time to save up for the July wave.

July: Oh well I guess they haven't restocked yet. And they haven't sold the helmets etc. It's cool, they will. I'll just get the June figs I missed.

July: Still no July figs. Very few June figs. Lots of blasters and helmets.

August: There's nothing but helmets and blasters etc. What's going on?

August: Ok everyone else is complaining too. This must be normal.

August: Strange, how come other people are finding stuff?

August: That's it I'm getting 08 BB online.

August: $80 for an 08 BB are you kidding?

September: WHERE IS EVERYTHING?

September: Yay my 08 BB arrived... no wait this is June BB. WTH?

November: This is getting rediculous.

December: Ok it's Christmas time, there should be something... OMG I have never seen so many helmets and blasters etc. But they're on sale so they might finally sell.

January: Looks like the junk didn't sell. And nothing new. O well Allspark power is coming. I'll just have to wait.

February: No Allspark power. Plenty of blasters, helmets etc. I guess it's over until Animated/Universe.

Today: Toyfare yay! Animated/Universe is coming!... Wait, they're making Animated blasters and bumper battlers?! Did they not learn?

I quit. This isn't worth it. And I'm not resorting to buying online again either.

If Animated will have the blasters and junk that didn't sell before, then I forsee the above timeline repeating itself and so I ask why bother?

I seriously want to know where you live, because I never want to go there....

Really--you're not exaggerating? How many stores do you have near you to check? This isn't just at one store, right?

I'm not saying I don't believe you...I just can't imagine somewhere getting this little distribution. I've seen limited distribution on certain figures or lines (Alts...), but nothing like that...

Florida. That is many stores. Many many stores. That is what I've been dealing with. It is not an exaggeration, it is my life. Judging by your reaction I can tell a drought of this scale is unheard of.

And BTW, for anyone unable to grasp the magnitude of the drought I'm living in the above timeline is just of the movie line. I had a similar experience with the Unicron trilogy through Classics and all sub-lines that came with them. I should think it's understandable why I'm fed up with it by now.

I've had similar problems. I checked several shops every week, sometimes more than once. Distribution was woeful. I have wasted entirely too much of my time looking around stores that never had anything new. When they got something dumb in, they got in a ton of it. And months later it was still there. Some figures barely lasted a week, while others never showed up at all. Hasbro's design department has been doing a bang up job, but they really need to work much harder on distribution. It's killing them.

But it was worse on Alternators. I only ever saw about 4 different figures in shops over here, and what they got in, they got in in bulk, and they sat on the shelves for months. Sometimes these were figures which were extremely sought after in other areas(where people complained about shelfwarmers that never made it over here).

Hasbro produce a great variety of figures. They need to make sure that they can get that variety on the shelves.

Bumblethumper wrote:I've had similar problems. I checked several shops every week, sometimes more than once. Distribution was woeful. I have wasted entirely too much of my time looking around stores that never had anything new. When they got something dumb in, they got in a ton of it. And months later it was still there. Some figures barely lasted a week, while others never showed up at all. Hasbro's design department has been doing a bang up job, but they really need to work much harder on distribution. It's killing them.

But it was worse on Alternators. I only ever saw about 4 different figures in shops over here, and what they got in, they got in in bulk, and they sat on the shelves for months. Sometimes these were figures which were extremely sought after in other areas(where people complained about shelfwarmers that never made it over here).

Hasbro produce a great variety of figures. They need to make sure that they can get that variety on the shelves.

Thank you. At long last, someone understands. Hasbro has an obligation to put a variety of figures on the shelves. Stocking stores with blasters and cyber slammers is simply not enough. We should not have to resort to buying online or in some cases traveling unreasonable distances.

BTW I never saw 1 Alternator. Not even the supposed shelfwarmers. Not 1.

Yeah Hasbro makes alot of shelfwarming crap. But when they look at their sales totals, believe me they aren;t looking that TRANSFORMERS=X amount.

The catagories are broken down.

The initial post listed a ton of real common figures that wheren't found. To this all I can say is look harder!

Hell I have a KB around the block from me with nothing but AllSpark Deluxes, 10+ of each Camshaft, CliffJumper, and LandMine.

Now not for nothing when I go looking for bots, I'm actualy hunting. I know the odds of what stores will have what, I know the secret places, I plan a route, and so on...

Does it always work out, no, but that's the thing about hunting, sometimes you go home hungry.

Then again, sometimes you find a real reward. Today I scored a Cybertron Deluxe Excelon for $2 off a back peg in a supermarket near me that sometimes caries bots

Don't blame Hasbro, just know your teritory!

I guess just like cell phone service ... there are dead areas! That truly sucks TCB.

The Chaos Bringer wrote:I need to vent.

Enough with the blasters and bumper battlers! Hasbro needs to stop making this shelf/peg warming garbage. Stores can't sell this stuff. That's all there is to it. They can't sell it. And if the stores can't sell it, Hasbro stops sending them anything at all. Seriously. Hasbro doesn't care if the stores can sell a whole shipment of 08 BBs in minutes. If they can't sell the blasters and helmets and junk, Hasbro won't send them 08 BBS either. I know. I've asked storeworkers about it. They all say the same thing. Hasbro stopped the shipments because they aren't selling enough stock. Hasbro does not differentiate between sales of mainline figures and sales of the kiddy garbage.

And you bought that bullshit the shop workers gave you?

I think you'll find the stores order x amount of stock from Hasbro. Hasbro doesn't say "okay, you can have this this and this but you're not getting more until you clear your shelves". Doesn't work that way.

It's the shops that will say to Hasbro "look, we're stuck with these helmets and blasters, we don't want any more of your stuff until we clear them".

Hasbro aren't the ones to blame. It's your local retailer. If they're stuck with stock, they should reduce it so they can clear the shelves for stuff that may sell better.

And yes, location will be a big difference too. I live in what could by considered by retailer standards, one of the more remote parts of Australia. While everyone's reporting finding new stock in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane etc, i'm waiting up to nearly a month for it to appear around here, and that's after old stock is cleared out so maybe even longer.

Senor Hugo wrote:

Nekoman wrote:Don’t get me wrong, but if you plan to never buy another Transformer or any Hasbro product for that matter, you really aren’t a fan.

See, thats just wrong. Saying someone isn't a fan just because they no longer want to spend money on something?

Hell, I love Transformers, they are one of the most well engineered action figures out there, just the skill it takes for them to figure out how to make a figure go from car, to robot and make each look relatively good, is astounding.

However, I rarely buy any Transformers. Just because I'm not spending money on a product, does not mean I'm no longer a fan.

I agree with part of the OP's post. Seeing the shelf-warmers not get moved to the point where no new Transformer figures are getting in, is getting ridiculous. This is what caused the death of Alternators. The same 3 figures sat on the shelves, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker and Hound, everyone already had those figures, so nobody bought them, so when the new line came out, nobody stocked them.

If people boycott Hasbro, it will get them to take notice. However, it should be done for the right reasons. Quality of figures going down the crapper would be a good reason. Not so much the stores not getting in new stock.

But yeah the whole "Oh, you're not a true fan of Transformers, you don't go out and buy everything with a Transformers logo on it!" attitude is damned ridiculous. People who buy every piece of Transformers memorabilia, they aren't fans, they're addicts.

They were fans, but getting figures didn't seem to make them happy, so they buy more, and more, and more, and when they've got nothing left to buy, well then they got that nice gaping hole in their life to deal with.

Although granted, in some cases, like if you run a website dedicated to Transformers with a vast figure gallery numbering in the 1000's, you need to have these figures to showcase, because it gives people a chance to preview the figures before they decide if that figure is worth spending money on.

Exactly. I used to collect Bionicle figures, but since the designs were going downhill, i stopped. But the line has an amazing storyline, so I will still read the books and comics.

So now I am with transformers, in which I am well pleased. Hey, I just quoted God!

Ah. Florida. I keep hearing it's absolute torture to be a TF fan there. No one restocks for anything.

I understand your frustration, I really do.

Then I snapped back into reality and realized that spending S&H costs saves me time (which can never be replaced), money (which can be, but it's infuriating anyway), gas (which costs more than most figures) and patience.

And to top it off, I still get my figure in the end.

I do understand where you're coming from, I really do, and I do find you to be a fan regardless of buying/not buying, etc.

It's time to suck it up and face facts. Some figures will have to be purchased through BBTS, Digital Toys and the like.

Still, I realize my words most likely won't sway you.

However, I'll leave you with this little chestnut my Dad always uses:

"Principle? Hah. You can stand on principle all you want, but in the end you'll be left standing alone."

To each his own. It sounds like you should get out of Transformers altogether if you dislike the experience of shopping for them that much.

As for me, I live in FL and have all the TFs I could ever want. Never had a problem finding any at retail, and I did not go crazy everyday looking for them either.

I never did see the Walmart Ravage, Rumble, or Masterpiece Starscream at retail so I bought them online. No big deal.

I think I have the perfect picture for this thread ...

All kidding with the above photo aside (and I am just kidding you), if there are any current releases you need just let me know. I'll get them for you for cost plus shipping.

Liege Evilmus wrote:The initial post listed a ton of real common figures that wheren't found. To this all I can say is look harder!

Hell I have a KB around the block from me with nothing but AllSpark Deluxes, 10+ of each Camshaft, CliffJumper, and LandMine.

Now not for nothing when I go looking for bots, I'm actualy hunting. I know the odds of what stores will have what, I know the secret places, I plan a route, and so on...

Does it always work out, no, but that's the thing about hunting, sometimes you go home hungry.

Then again, sometimes you find a real reward. Today I scored a Cybertron Deluxe Excelon for $2 off a back peg in a supermarket near me that sometimes caries bots

Don't blame Hasbro, just know your teritory!

Here's the thing: I like collecting the figures, I just don't like the hunting. Sure, I plan a route, I've looked in even the most unlikely places, I do all that ****, but I don't take any pleasure in it, and one only has so much time. It's not the end of the world or anything, I just think they could be doing a better job in this respect.

If it were up to me, each figure would have a release date. I don't know if that could work or not, but if it can be done with games and dvds, why not toys. That way instead of getting a heap of new stuff at once and then nothing for months, they could have something new go on release every other week or so. You'd know that on that date, you could go to the shop and you wouldn't have to waste your time randomly checking around before it was released.

In my area, there are never EVER any Transformer products of any kind anywhere, and there hasn't been since before Thanksgiving! None ever at Wal Mart. None ever at Target. None ever at Toys R Us. When you ask, the warehouse manager directs you to eBay or BigBadToyStore.com! It's kinda frustrating, but we have gotten over it around here. It does not, under any circumstances, make me not wanna collect anymore (I just started back into wanting to collect again, after over 12 yrs)...it adds to the anticipation when you have to actively HUNT for what you want!

Pyrostrata wrote:In my area, there are never EVER any Transformer products of any kind anywhere, and there hasn't been since before Thanksgiving! None ever at Wal Mart. None ever at Target. None ever at Toys R Us. When you ask, the warehouse manager directs you to eBay or BigBadToyStore.com! It's kinda frustrating, but we have gotten over it around here. It does not, under any circumstances, make me not wanna collect anymore (I just started back into wanting to collect again, after over 12 yrs)...it adds to the anticipation when you have to actively HUNT for what you want!

I can feel his fustration.... it sucks to go looking for something you can't find. That's why I quit hunting Joe's because it was so hard to find the "Army Builders" I was seeking. Its not that I hate joe's but I have better things I could be doing with my time. It wasnt fun anymore, it became a hassel

HOWEVER, the last time I went hunting for Transformers was around the time Beast Wars was on and I had no problem finding those. Seemed like every time I went to wal-mart with my mom, they had another 2 or 3 I was searching for. Now-a-Days... god it sucks. It took me at least 3 weeks to find my Nephew's Bumble-bee and Prime from the Movie. sheeze... glad I stick with G1

There were a few out of the way places I'd have never thought to check out if it wasn't for the search.

I got beyond the figure(s) being my main push for the trip and realized it was getting me out of the house and getting some fresh air.

I'm sick of these Battle Bumpers, and Big Blasters, and Boo Boo Babas. Keep the baby toys in the baby section. The Activators are cool, but these role playing and zero transformation difficulty toys have to go. Either keep them away from the real TransFormers, or just stop making them.

Although I'm not going to start boycotting Hasbro because of them. If I don't like it, I don't buy it. I'll be buying everything the Universe line has to offer because I want Hasbro to keep it going as long as possible. And I'll be buying some of the Animated toys like Leader Megatron. I won't be buying anymore movie toys, except maybe those WalMart exclusives Big Daddy and them.

That's the best way to teach Hasbro what to do. If nobody buys it, they'll stop making it. Let's face it, Hasbro is a company. Companies only care about making money. Talk with your money, not your words. That said, I know a good many companies that seem to be run by retards who have no idea what goes on at the comsumer level, which is where it really matters.

Having worked in retail for about 3 months I can say that it complete bull. We got more crap in for Transformers than we knew what to do with half of the time. When there was shortage it wasn't due to Hasbro being ignorant and not sending shipments because of the FABs sitting on the shelves. Simple matter of them not having enough demand. Not to mention that for the most part, Hasbro has no say in what one store gets over another unless exlusives are concerned. Everything is automated in the TRU systems. When a certain SKU or case starts selling, the system automatically requests that another 3-6 boxes be shipped on the trucks.

One of us should be CEO of Hasbro someday. Until then, stick with it. I totally agree with UltraPrimal, and if you want the toys ENOUGH, you'll search for them.

I understand Chaos's frustration, but even though it makes more sense that this cause would be on the retailer,
I don't doubt him 100%...
Here's why--

My two main brick-n-mortor sources of TF are a Walmart and Target.
These stores, while on opposite side of a major highway,
are literally a half mile apart. It could be less.

Now let me say that Walmart has always had more shelf space dedicated to TF(including putting Classics, Alternators, Cybertrons, and 20th Anniv. O.P. in a different isle),
Walmart is the one of the two that I've EVER seen the TF section completely empty of everything.
Guys, please believe me, I mean not one TF toy was on a peg, shelf, etc.
When I've been hunting, of course with these stores being so close together, I'd hit one after the other.
Never ever have I seen the Target TF less than 1/4 empty.
Between the Scouts, Real Gear, FAB's, and Cyber-Slammers, there have always been warm pegs.

Here's the real interesting part of this--
With the extreme proxemity of these stores, the only new figs. Target has had recently is Nightwatch, Allspark Legends 2 pks., and a few of the newer FAB's.
Most of you would shite if you saw how many Rescue Ratchets and Thundercrackers (and just those two)
are under the pegs of Deluxes.
No joke, about 5 across, 4 deep, stacked 2 high.
And the FAB's were seriously overflowing.
The section is full, but obviously more than most of it is old stuff.

Go over to Walmart, and in one trip I found Allspark Deluxes (minus Cliffjumper, but I have a feeling he was there before I could get there),
Evac, Offroad (which I bought), Incinerator, Deep Desert, and Nightwatch (this is where I bought him, and at that time Target did not have him).
I also saw the new movie legends 2 pks., and Movie scene sets.
AND, right now, the section is about the same size as what's over at Target.

So, is this just because there's someone working for Walmart who is smart enough to order the new stuff?
Or does Chaos have a point-- Target has so much old stuff on the shelves it really is sad, and so Hasbro isn't going to send them more stuff (especially NEW stuff) until their current stock sells??
Guys, from what I've seen EVERY time I've gone to Target,
those exclusive Scouts are NOT selling. The FAB's are not selling.

Hmmmmmm...

If Toys R Us is full of nothing but cyber slammers and TECH crap next time I go, I think I may burn the place to the ground.



But I agree. I am sick and tired of Hasbro and their poopy sublines, that do not sell and take up all the shelf space.


I haven't bought a transformer from a store since last November. It's been online all the time it's so bad.

Sounds like the people who order stock in Chaos's area are untrained monkeys. I think the monkeys are spread around quite well though cos one of the shops near me was full of 08BB and Dreadwing for weeks (a six feet by five feet display and five or six deep!). I didn't notice how much of the kiddycrap was there cos I have a blind spot. Argos are the worst cos they get 5or6 delux in but they aren't on shelves and they're all under one catalogue number so you have to ask them to bring out what they've got to have a look.

I can't believe Chaos can't find bargains on the net - I got Classics Mirage and Cliffjumper for less than retail price from the USA on ebay before they were released over here. In fact I don't think they ever made it to the shelves in the UK. I only got two Alts from a shop. The rest of my Alts and BT came from international sellers and I mostly paid less than retail - less than half price for my BT. You just need to hunt and be patient.

The Cactus wrote:It is annoying, but for me it's not worth boycotting Hasbro for, I like Transformers too much buying Takara figures is more expensive than buying online Hasbro figures, and for the most part I don't like the Japanese toys as much. Not being able to find toys in shops is annoying, but it makes it all the more satisfying when you do find what you want, or when you get a great deal online. It's about the Thrill of the hunt! For me, buying a transformer I want is a treat, a little personal victory and something to be celebrated.

That's just me though.

I agree so so so much, I could in to a shop on the day a lien is released and if they are all there buy the lot on the spot, but then id spend a month or two with nothing to buy! I like hunting down figures and rejoicing when i capture on ei have been looking for!!!

Its just fun!

Went in a local store yesterday. Two weeks ago they told me they would not be stocking transformers until the animated line comes in. Yesterday they had about 20 delux Bonecrushers at least 40 Swindles and a couple of Legends. I mean honestly, how long do they think it'll take to shift that many of one figure? And a ridiculous looking one at that.

if nothing else comes out between now and then, probably not very long

Last time I went to my Target, they still had plenty of action figures. If I remember right, there was about 7 Dropkicks, 3 Arcees, a couple of Longarms, one Swindle, 10 Landmines, and a crap load of the ALLSPARK POWER scout class guys.

boohoo, stupidhead!

i don't care what they make, so long as they sell to SOMEBODY. So long as i get mine, the kiddies can have whatever.