Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

bionic_radical wrote:I had a Ramjet that didn't have a nose, which couldn't be swapped out due to sellout.

Did they tell you this? Don't they usually keep extra on hand for these sort of issues?

I got two of the same gun. I found someone that had the other and swapped... Coulda lived with the guns as they were, but it was easy enough to correct.

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

This kind of attitude is reasonable when talking about a $12 figure designed for kids on the store shelves.

This kind of attitude is completely unacceptable when talking about a $60 "collectible figure" for Adult Collectors. It says right on the box, "Adult collectible, not intended for use by children."

You can't cater to adult collectors and then be so flippant when a seemingly minor issue crops up. Adult collectors are anal and finicky. We've purchased the right to be so when we paid a premium for a collectible figure.

For Primus' sake, TFCC needs a PR consultant any time they communicate with Club members.

even the collectors club stuff is going down the drain, and people still think this franchise isnt in trouble

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

Why are you making excuses for them? You're the customer. It's not your job to pay a premium for a product and then come up with the rationalization for why the product does not live up to its billing.

The point is, people should be mad. They should be even more upset about the response. You shouldn't be advocating for the group that messed up. Have a backbone.

Complaining and pointing out the flaws of something does not mean a person is being unreasonable in their demands.

You're wrong to defend them on this. I'm not saying people should bring out the pitch forks etc, but we, the customers, do not need to show how wise and deferential we can be by understanding.

The only thing that needs to be understood is that premium product was not delivered in a premium way.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

For the premium price paid for SG Drift and FunPubs down right poopy response to their screw up, I agree with the consensus on being outraged. Factor in $60 for Drift, $40 for club membership, there's $100 bucks you're in the hole for a figure that's wrong. And the excuses you're making for them are just that, excuses. It ain't like FunPub is hurting for money, they could've took the extra step to insure that that figure shipped correctly(hell, all they had to do was have to separate bins labeled LEFT GUN and RIGHT GUN, and boom, this could've been avoided). An easier fix would be for FunPub, not the customer(which you are suggesting) to take initiative. Send all who ordered SG Drift an extra set of guns, left and right. Being that accessories are gang molded, I'm sure there are plenty on hand. And with this, send an apology for they're screw up. You pay premium price for club membership and the collectors items(these aren't like regular retail toys like you tried to suggest) you should get premium service. The fact that you're so quick to defend FunPub and make excuses for them would ensure that this lackluster service would continue. Like Counterpunch said, you should expect better.

I always felt the TF Collectors club was a pretty soulless money-grab machine. I honestly believe everything, including the membership price, is over-priced. Add to that this lack of customer service, and you have a club that I will never again be a member of.

gothsaurus wrote:If anyone wants to get a jump on the trading at botcon, shoot me a PM. I have doubles pictured like the photo (the two in the back)...need one styled like the one in the front of the photo.

Of course this is if the other style exists. Can anyone confirm getting a correct left right set?

If you're coming to BotCon, shoot me a PM. Not for the Drift guns but so I can introduce you to the rest of the gang from Seibertron.com.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

Well, is 3H making exclusives any more? No? Why? Oh.

It's also different when the fans are already gathered together and things can be physically fixed right then and there.

I usually enjoy your posts and perspective, but you're just way off on all of this. You're making the people who had a reason to get upset (after a series of flubs by the Club) seem like the bad guys here for just wanting their money's worth, without having to jump through hoops to get it.

I signed up for the TFCC for the first time cause I really, really wanted Runamuck and Runabout.

I have not gotten my figure yet. But this morning, I decided to take my wife out for a breakfast. The second transaction I've put on the card. The card has been frozen. Turns out, I had a TON of fraudulent charges on my card last night. I know it was from when I purchased my Runamuck and Runabout, cause it's the only other transaction I've put on my card. Good thing the wife had her card on her for breakfast.

When I got back home today, I did get an email from TFCC saying the Identity and Credit Card number theft was not their fault, and everyone is at risk at all times and no one is safe from this from happening to them. Way to not take any responsibility TFCC. And what a pathetic apology. Wait. It wasn't.

I'm just glad I didn't buy this Blurr. For the price they are charging for a repaint, there is no excuse for this sort of QC issue. And yes, this is a QC issue. "We didn't way the accessories would work properly, we just said they were included." Sounds like TFCC is a typical American Business. Nothing is ever their fault, ever. My heart goes out to you Shattered Glass Drift fans.

As for my Runamuck and Runabout, I just want my damn toys. It's been a month since I got an email stating it was being mailed out and nothing.

I also can't wait for my new card to come in the mail in 2 - 4 weeks, so I can start using my account again. Sure, that's no inconvenience either.

I agree completely with Counterpunch on this issue. As it stands, the collector club at this moment in time is not a good service for the fans. When you see how easily and cheap these little plastic guns are to make and the fact you could send both guns to everyone who ordered the figure for the price of sending an empty envelope. There is NO excuse for them to not be able to completely fix this error. They should have checked these before the boxes were even closed (since they aren't even sealed.) This is just pathetic customer service for a company that you pay $40 to for a $10 figure and the equivalent of about 2 comic books. You'd think that in a time when they are under the microscope for letting a lot of people's credit card information slip out of their hands and into those of criminals, that they would make every effort to hold onto those who have remained loyal to them. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the situtation. So in my case, I'll save my money for other less questionable merchants, like some of the 3rd parties who's products are of higher quality even though they aren't riding along on an "official" name.

Long time fan/reader, first time poster. Got a little tired of that 'other tf site'. So anyway, I just wanted to say how glad I am to not have wasted my money on these things, all the quality control I'm hearing about.
I'm getting a little sick of the way things in the hobby have been handled as of late. I cant say too much more without treading on political talk, but I will say that american consumers aren't going to put up with this **** for very much longer.
Credit Cards being hacked.
"No returns on these items" - which just means, if you get a Hercules visor with a black dot on it, you're screwed. Enjoy your happy meal and thanks for the hundred dollars.
Bad enough with the third party stuff, but an 'official' hasbro club saying 'oh well' we screwed you all over (haha stupid fans, these people will buy anything with an insignia on it. Just color it different)

Anyway, I didnt order this, but I feel for the people who feel ripped off. Even if the guns are somewhat of a bonus. They shoulda made him Deadlock anyway, ......

One positive spin is that yea, it may increase the "hobby" aspect if you have to 'trade with other fans" that got ripped off. Idunno, me though, I'd rather have what I paid for.

Nice to meet you guys, I'm sure I've already made some enemies with this post, but anyone pissed off abouit it is probably working for hasbro anyway....lol

Wow, are you kidding me. I'm not even a member yet and I'm already having second thoughts about joining this cluster f__k of a organization. This is two party fouls from these guys in as many weeks with poor P.R. responses. Who is running their P.R. departmant anyway???

I've been trying not to be so negative on these boards lately but when unnessesary stuff like this occcurs, it just pushes my customer service & quality control buttons.
If your going to make a big deal about how cool and exclusive your product is and how special you'll be if you join, you can't make mistakes like this and expect your customer base to stay loyal. People will only take so much before they lose faith and walk away. Fool me once shame on you (credit card), fool me twice shame on me (careless mold error).
Yes, I'm aware that there are alot of people involved in this and that there is a gray area here that should require patience, (like being at the mercy of overseas production facilities etc etc) But this is just getting rediculous. I'm thinking Runabout and OverRun may be my last call with these guys unless I see some serious improvments with customer respect.

If I paid $60 for this toy I'd be pissed off too. That's not the real price is it?

Why are these toys so expensive anyway? Probably because FP knows that grown men with disposable incomes are fully prepared to pay these prices and make excuses for poor QC.

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

What would happen if the fandom united and boycotted FP and Botcon?

Skip Botcon for a year, people. Create your own, local TF celebration. Refuse to buy the sh*tty expensive repaints.
Save some money...send the company a message.

UltraMason wrote:.....Nice to meet you guys, I'm sure I've already made some enemies with this post, but anyone pissed off abouit it is probably working for hasbro anyway....lol

Welcome. This thread has some hate going on, but for the most part, we all get along pretty well. Venting is good. It's a shame that amongst the shortcomings of the TFCC, their message boards are ghost towns. We could be voicing our opinions where it might do some good. But that entire website is a joke. So, come, complain and make yourself at home.


Funpub sucks. That is all.

Counterpunch wrote:

It's like the rush to be the most level-headed person in the room is getting in the way of the times when people should be annoyed.

THANK YOU!!!!! If this was a movie, that would be the moment deserving of a slow-clap.....
I say all of us "impatient grumpy types" meet up early in Dallas next month and pass out torches and pitchforks and approach the TFCC booth in true South Park "rabble rabble" fashion. I'm so there.

For a repaint expensive figure like this one, its just normal to react against TFCC and in my opinion they better hire additional QC personnel in their factory if they want to solve this kind of problem.

For what it's worth, on my SG Drift (which was missing both its guns), FunPub sent me replacements that were composed of a correct set.

So, there's that.

Everyone else is screwed though.

So Im guessing Pete and brian will be doing alot of "Behind the scenes" work during the con this year? I doubt they will be very popular this year..

I skipped on drift but anxiously await Overun'a'bout.

For my opinion on the rest of the subjects, I refer you to Counterpunches replies..pretty much sums up my Op on the situation..

Counterpunch wrote:For what it's worth, on my SG Drift (which was missing both its guns), FunPub sent me replacements that were composed of a correct set.

So, there's that.

Everyone else is screwed though.

A lot more people should start complaining about missing guns, haha.

"I understand that it is a technicality, but all we said was he would come with two guns."

No. You advertised him with the correct two guns aswell. On your own site.

http://www.transformersclub.com/drift12.cfm

Ar#ehole of a reply to your client base I think. Way to go funpub.

I've been lurking for a long time, but I had to comment on this. I did not buy SG Drift, but I am still appalled and infuriated at the response given by Pete. This makes me want to quit the club on principle. This is like dealing with the Post Office...they make you feel like it is your privilege to do business with them.

I expect to be treated with the proper respect of someone who is a paying customer. Responses such as this make me feel like FunPub is a mickey mouse operation that is in over its head. If this was the only thing that had happened in recent months, it'd be one thing. This, coupled with the bungled handling of the sale of these figures in the first place, and then the credit card fiasco, is just too much.

I know that Ryan said that he's talked to Hasbro about some of these issues, and I sincerely hope that they listen. I don't want to see Botcon go away, or lose the opportunity to expand my collection with great additions. However, I don't know much more of the blase attitude I can stand before I just say "enough" and look for other places to put my money.

G1 Legacy wrote::This is two party fouls from these guys in as many weeks with poor P.R. responses. Who is running their P.R. departmant anyway???

I don't know but after watching all of this unfold it makes me wonder if they were trained by Paul Christoforo.

DoubleOScorpio wrote:I've been lurking for a long time, but I had to comment on this. I did not buy SG Drift, but I am still appalled and infuriated at the response given by Pete. This makes me want to quit the club on principle. This is like dealing with the Post Office...they make you feel like it is your privilege to do business with them.

I expect to be treated with the proper respect of someone who is a paying customer. Responses such as this make me feel like FunPub is a mickey mouse operation that is in over its head. If this was the only thing that had happened in recent months, it'd be one thing. This, coupled with the bungled handling of the sale of these figures in the first place, and then the credit card fiasco, is just too much.

I know that Ryan said that he's talked to Hasbro about some of these issues, and I sincerely hope that they listen. I don't want to see Botcon go away, or lose the opportunity to expand my collection with great additions. However, I don't know much more of the blase attitude I can stand before I just say "enough" and look for other places to put my money.

What are the benefits of being in the club?