The Energon Pub

Bonger wrote:Sure, I do too, when th emoney to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

As for scalping. I agree. I do find scalpers in all arenas to be annoying. If it wasn't for scalping, I could actually afford to go to all the sporting events I would like to. However, I cannot afford scalper ticket prices. Oh well, one day I will.

However, being frustrated with scalpers is one thig. But one needs tro understand that they are not necesarily bad people. They have found a market to resell some items on to make a few dollars. I highly doubt they are making millions selling some TFs for a 5 dollar progit, ya know. I thin the anti-scalper sentiment in this post is waaay over the top. I mean, this type of rage should be reserved for child molesters and rapists. Not some poor bastard trying to earn a couple of bucks.

All I'm basically saying is that I think some people just need to reign it in a little and this would be a lot more peaceful of a discussion, rather than a rage fest.

If the anti-scalper sentiment is so high, doesnt that say something in itself about the seriousness of it and the effect on our hobby? This isnt something that should be dismissed or kept quiet. Yes this is not a new topic, but It is obviously important to alot of people. And you are right, doing this doesnt mean they are bad people. But doing something sooo many people despise sure makes them something less than good.

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

I did not attend Botcon but I bought a box set. Sure I could have bought an extra bagged set and made a few hundred off of it, I just figured I would not do that and maybe someone that really wanted one for their collection would have a chance at it.
Maybe I am just that nice of a guy.

And even if I had attended, I would not have bought an extra set just to sell to make money off of or to offset my costs of getting there.
I save up money over time when I want to go to conventions like that.

Bonger wrote:As for scalping. I agree. I do find scalpers in all arenas to be annoying. If it wasn't for scalping, I could actually afford to go to all the sporting events I would like to. However, I cannot afford scalper ticket prices. Oh well, one day I will.

However, being frustrated with scalpers is one thig. But one needs tro understand that they are not necesarily bad people. They have found a market to resell some items on to make a few dollars. I highly doubt they are making millions selling some TFs for a 5 dollar progit, ya know. I thin the anti-scalper sentiment in this post is waaay over the top. I mean, this type of rage should be reserved for child molesters and rapists. Not some poor bastard trying to earn a couple of bucks.

All I'm basically saying is that I think some people just need to reign it in a little and this would be a lot more peaceful of a discussion, rather than a rage fest.

All the scalpers I have ever dealt with (flea markets, traveling mall dealers) don't sell toys at $5 over retail they sell them for so much more.

Case in point, I remember years ago there was 4 particular Star Wars figures that were limited in their release.
One of the local flea market guys paid an employee at Toys R Us to get a case for him, he in turn took the 4 figures that sold for around $5.99 a pop and sold them in his shop for $50 a piece.

As I said, I am not insulting or slamming those that want to do this, it is their right I just do not have to agree with it. That is simply my opinion.

Toyotus Superion wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, I do too, when th emoney to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

As for scalping. I agree. I do find scalpers in all arenas to be annoying. If it wasn't for scalping, I could actually afford to go to all the sporting events I would like to. However, I cannot afford scalper ticket prices. Oh well, one day I will.

However, being frustrated with scalpers is one thig. But one needs tro understand that they are not necesarily bad people. They have found a market to resell some items on to make a few dollars. I highly doubt they are making millions selling some TFs for a 5 dollar progit, ya know. I thin the anti-scalper sentiment in this post is waaay over the top. I mean, this type of rage should be reserved for child molesters and rapists. Not some poor bastard trying to earn a couple of bucks.

All I'm basically saying is that I think some people just need to reign it in a little and this would be a lot more peaceful of a discussion, rather than a rage fest.

If the anti-scalper sentiment is so high, doesnt that say something in itself about the seriousness of it and the effect on our hobby? This isnt something that should be dismissed or kept quiet. Yes this is not a new topic, but It is obviously important to alot of people. And you are right, doing this doesnt mean they are bad people. But doing something sooo many people despise sure makes them something less than good.

Normally, I would agree with you. However, I really think this is a case of the mob mentality taking over, spurred by Hasbro's delays in getting product to the shelf. A lot of the frustration and impatience of not being able to get the toys people want, right now, I think, is being directed at ebay resellers. Sure, theres gonna be slimeballs reselling stuff on ebay, just as there are slimeballs in every facet of life. I particularly dislike the ones who part out grat mint pieces like Fort Max or Omega Supreme to make a couple of extra bucks.

However, I thin it is pretty evident that massivs ebay scalpers have progressed from being distasteful to despised over the last few months. I really think it would do everyone a lot of good to just take a step back and be patient. ALso, try not to forget that scalpers can and do have positive impacts on pricing as well. Very often, I have bought items from scalpers for substantially less than the online retailers. Actually, come to think of it, almost every exclusive I own has come from a sdcalper type as it was cheaper than any online retailer.

Scalpers increase competition. There can be no argument there. Increased competition ALWAYS benefits the consumer, and I mean ALWAYS. Just imagine, no scalpers means less competition, which means you are worse off. FACT. This is very basic economics.

Now I am sure there are people here who do not understand economics all that well. However, you just need to accept, that though you do not understand why, it is true. Ask anyone here who has taken the most basic Macroeconomics class.

Toyotus Superion wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, I do too, when th emoney to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

As for scalping. I agree. I do find scalpers in all arenas to be annoying. If it wasn't for scalping, I could actually afford to go to all the sporting events I would like to. However, I cannot afford scalper ticket prices. Oh well, one day I will.

However, being frustrated with scalpers is one thig. But one needs tro understand that they are not necesarily bad people. They have found a market to resell some items on to make a few dollars. I highly doubt they are making millions selling some TFs for a 5 dollar progit, ya know. I thin the anti-scalper sentiment in this post is waaay over the top. I mean, this type of rage should be reserved for child molesters and rapists. Not some poor bastard trying to earn a couple of bucks.

All I'm basically saying is that I think some people just need to reign it in a little and this would be a lot more peaceful of a discussion, rather than a rage fest.

If the anti-scalper sentiment is so high, doesnt that say something in itself about the seriousness of it and the effect on our hobby? This isnt something that should be dismissed or kept quiet. Yes this is not a new topic, but It is obviously important to alot of people. And you are right, doing this doesnt mean they are bad people. But doing something sooo many people despise sure makes them something less than good.

Yes! Damn right!

Ryan and his buddy bought two full cases of Starscream, and some will be resold. This does not make them bad people. Not a great plan, but it doesn't make them evil. I can think of many others who do less and are more evil that this.

The idiot on eBay with 18+ figures...oh yeah, BAD BAD BAD, downright evil BAD.

Ah well. I'm surprised this beast of a thread still has life in it. 'Olee Sh*te.

****, honestly, if I had know classics, SS WOULD HAVE SOLD SO WELL, i WOULDA BOUGHT A CASE TOO. mAYBE i COULDA TRADED IT FOR THAT DAMN bOTCON rATCHET THAT STEADILY GROWS FURTHER AND FURTHER FROM WHAT i CAN AFFORD.

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

I mean, basically, that is my point. Judging people by how they choose to earn a living is really not right. As Cyber Bishop said, you need not necesarily agree, but showing the type of hate I have seen recently here, including wichind death upon them is definately uncalled for.

Hah, but if you passed on the Btocon duplicates jsut so other could get them knowing how much they would be worth, you are truly a better man than I, or just richer.

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

No, but when they admit they've done it before, they're going to do it now, and they'll continue to do it when the situation allows...that at least makes them less than desirable to an extent.

Doing it once in a while doesn't really affect anyone in the big picture, but making this a habit a way of life (and they do make it a way of life) is distasteful and wrong.

The problem is, it's slowly turning into the "Hey, I can make some money off of this guy" all the time.

Bonger wrote:

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

I mean, basically, that is my point. Judging people by how they choose to earn a living is really not right. As Cyber Bishop said, you need not necesarily agree, but showing the type of hate I have seen recently here, including wichind death upon them is definately uncalled for.

Hah, but if you passed on the Btocon duplicates jsut so other could get them knowing how much they would be worth, you are truly a better man than I, or just richer.

I just don't feel any need to buy more than what I want. I guess I'm not intrepid like that.

Bonger wrote:

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

I mean, basically, that is my point. Judging people by how they choose to earn a living is really not right. As Cyber Bishop said, you need not necesarily agree, but showing the type of hate I have seen recently here, including wichind death upon them is definately uncalled for.

Hah, but if you passed on the Btocon duplicates jsut so other could get them knowing how much they would be worth, you are truly a better man than I, or just richer.

Normally I (and many others) wouldn't judge people based on their choice of work. However, there's a difference between this and an actual job.

A banker? Okay. Flippin' burgers at McDonalds? Okay.

Going to the store, swiping cases off the pallet and running to the register so you can pawn 'em on eBay and/or at Flea Markets and selling an item for $50.00 when it only cost you $10.00 is not a job.

In fact, it's so not a job, it's easy street. You don't have to do that much. The banker and burger flipper I mentioned? They do more work in a single day, than any of these frauds do. Hell, going to the store gives them a reason to leave the house once in a while.

Just so we're clear here....I was not one of the people wishing death upon anyone. Not even once. No matter how angry I get because of this, how upset...it's not worth calling for someone's death.

Oh and I take him at his word when he says he passed on the extras and kept only his. Even something as little as that, makes you a bigger man, and it's not that hard to do.

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

I mean, basically, that is my point. Judging people by how they choose to earn a living is really not right. As Cyber Bishop said, you need not necesarily agree, but showing the type of hate I have seen recently here, including wichind death upon them is definately uncalled for.

Hah, but if you passed on the Btocon duplicates jsut so other could get them knowing how much they would be worth, you are truly a better man than I, or just richer.

I just don't feel any need to buy more than what I want. I guess I'm not intrepid like that.

I feel the same way. I only buy what I want.
I knew just by the responses on all the TF boards that the Botcon sets would be a serious hot commodity, I just chose not to exploit that and get my one set for my collection.

Autobot032 wrote:

Geekee1 wrote:

Bonger wrote:Sure, 95% of the time, I just buy one item for myself too, when the money to be made is 5 10 bucks. But what about situations like Botcon, where there were thousands to be made. Did you pass on those as well if you did go?

Just to chime in, I passed on buying extra sets, even though I had the money. Actually I wanted to buy other stuff. But I also didn't have a problem with the people selling off their extras. I guess I just see it as something that happens. And all of the people that I met that were doing that were cool individuals. Just because they sold some toys does not make them bad people.

No, but when they admit they've done it before, they're going to do it now, and they'll continue to do it when the situation allows...that at least makes them less than desirable to an extent.

Doing it once in a while doesn't really affect anyone in the big picture, but making this a habit a way of life (and they do make it a way of life) is distasteful and wrong.

The problem is, it's slowly turning into the "Hey, I can make some money off of this guy" all the time.

It's the Greed that is getting ahold of so many people. Bonger said it himself, If he could have known classics SS would have been such a hit, he would have bought a case too! Why? because he isn't content with owning one for himself. he wants more. More money. This insatiable greed has driven so many of our favorite TF to skyhigh prices that most of us will never be able to afford. Some of you can defend scalpers all you want. But I remember a time when I was a kid, before the internet and before ebay, when you could go to a store and there was always some new figure on the shelf. And it was a cool feeling.

Don't tell me scalpers perform a service. If they didnt buy all those figures, they would be sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold or in the hands of happy collectors or a happy kid somewhere.

So many of you wash your hands of the morality issue. And it's because you're afraid to admit that you are wrong. Just because it isnt illegal doesnt mean it isnt wrong. And i'm not a whiny "have not". I own every figure in the current line and sooo many more. I'm a "have" arguing for the "have nots", like a damn true autobot would.

Toyotus Superion wrote:
It's the Greed that is getting ahold of so many people. Bonger said it himself, If he could have known classics SS would have been such a hit, he would have bought a case too! Why? because he isn't content with owning one for himself. he wants more. More money. This insatiable greed has driven so many of our favorite TF to skyhigh prices that most of us will never be able to afford. Some of you can defend scalpers all you want. But I remember a time when I was a kid, before the internet and before ebay, when you could go to a store and there was always some new figure on the shelf. And it was a cool feeling.

Don't tell me scalpers perform a service. If they didnt buy all those figures, they would be sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold or in the hands of happy collectors or a happy kid somewhere.

So many of you wash your hands of the morality issue. And it's because you're afraid to admit that you are wrong. Just because it isnt illegal doesnt mean it isnt wrong. And i'm not a whiny "have not". I own every figure in the current line and sooo many more. I'm a "have" arguing for the "have nots", like a damn true autobot would.

Well then let me bow down to your superior morality. You are the epiphany of morals that I strive to be. Sheesh.

I think I may have a bit more of a problem with say someone going to all of the orphanages in the world buying up all of the kids and then ebaying them for profit.

Seriously, I don't think that scalpers are a good thing, but I also don't seem to have a problem getting around them either. So I am screwing them at their own game, you can too.

We need to keep the personal attacks out of this thread.

That is a warning for EVERYONE.


Scalping, some do it, some don't, some don't agree with it, some do, WHATEVER.

Keep it civil.

Ugh, I'm done with this. This is pointless.

I've never had a problem in battling scaplers.

With but ever so small an amount of resourcefulness and effort, I have acquired most everything, literally.

From my point of view, if you can't find things on the shelves consistantly and you inevitably end up missing out, then you have or fall under one of three categories:

1: You are Canadian/British/German/ or some other developed nation who Hasbro doesn't actually care about. It sucks, and you all get a bad deal. Move to America, the rumors are that we're #1. (Kidding, and I do have sympathy for you. Buy Takara and stick it to Hasbro )

2: You are inept! Weee! I said it, put it out there and said it again; inept. There is too much help here that is happily available. If you can't make use of the fantastic generosity that is around, well, you loose (Both rounds, double perfect, super-combo finish, sucka).

3: (if you have tried to get help on the boards and are unable to) Guess what? You're probably a jerk! Not like, the kind of jerk like I am. I revel in your hate. Really. But no, the kind of jerk that talks his game and doesn't read or realize the points other people are dropping and trying to help with.

4: The Bonus Category!!! You are under 16 and no one cares enough to drive you to stores everyday. Yea...You've got a case good sir. Continue to grow up, because every day, you're older than you've ever been, and well, now you're even older.



Scalping is the Scape-goat for those in denial of the facts at hand:

-help is available

-toys always reach saturation...somewhere

-patience is prerequisite

-if you want to ignore the above rules, be prepared to pay far out the ass ( to me! Buy my Bumblebee/Arcee combo auction for $45! Such a deal! )

Counterpunch wrote:I've never had a problem in battling scaplers.

With but ever so small an amount of resourcefulness and effort, I have acquired most everything, literally.

Nor have I had a problem finding things (patience helps as well).
I have run into them quite frequently but they have never stopped me from finding what I wanted.
Of course I used to go to a wal mart every morn before work and on weekends me and a few collector buddies would hit all the TRU's, Wal Marts, etc..

We got what we wanted due to what CP mentions, "resourcefulness and effort".

Bonger wrote:Buying out shelves of basics to sell for 10 bucks is small potatoes. The real scalping goes on at online retailers. You'd better thank the Scalpers, they create competition. Without them, all your precious legit online retailers would be charging quadruple what they currently do.


P.S. I have a feeling that a lot of the negative sentiment towards scalpers does come from collector newbs or from people with limited finances directing their frustration at a very obvious target.

P.P.S. Use some patience. All the toys you so desperately covet will be in ample supply well before x-mas. Relax..

Online retailers are not scalpers.
Think about this for a moment:

BBTS (we'll use for this example) has to pay for a warehouse.
They have to fulfill their obligations to the contracts with the companies so they can get the product to sell. They have employees to pay for, and shipping costs have gone up. Not to mention...taxes? Workman's comp? (Benefits if possible)

They have to mark up their items to cover all of that. Before, they were taking hits in the wallet because they wanted to make the sale.

Other online retailers do very much the same. And with BBTS....the Bumblebee issue....they ordered cases from Japan so they could meet demand. They paid extra to get it, so they had to charge slightly more than the domestic figure.

The online stores do have a purpose, a reason, and do provide a service. Their prices aren't great, but it's better than a scalper on eBay or at the Flea Markets.

P.S. I have a feeling that a lot of the negative sentiment towards scalpers does come from collector newbs or from people with limited finances directing their frustration at a very obvious target.

*BUZZ* You'd be incorrect on this one.
On the one hand, collector noobs aren't quite as informed as we are, and don't know all the angles like we do. Their complaints come from a lack of information. Then, when they see all of the stories and examples...then they get the picture and they've got every right to be pissed. You would too if it was you in their shoes.

"Oh wait. There's another figure? Oh man, I never saw that one. They're all on eBay? Are you serious? SONUVBITCH! How does that happen? Oh...that asshole needs his selfish kneecaps kicked in." is what many have and will said.

Calling in the poor card (these cards (race, class, etc) all piss me off.) is a ridiculous and insulting thing to do. I'll admit, I have limited funds, but that's not why I hate scalping. I could've easily paid $50.00 for Bumblebee on eBay, but I knew he's not worth five times his original cost. I also knew that I shouldn't have to go this route, no one should. No, I used Layaway quite a bit and still had a hard time even getting the figures there....because they were rarely ever on the shelves. Why? All bought up by a few collectors (including me, there were three collectors in my home town.) a few kids if they were lucky, but the rest were gone in mere minutes. I can come up with the money, that's not the problem. The product being all swiped off the shelves so I can't even spend the money is the problem.

P.P.S. Use some patience. All the toys you so desperately covet will be in ample supply well before x-mas. Relax..

But see, here's the problem (and even you and anyone with common sense and can even use a modicum of logic can see this.)

1.) Ryan and many others say "You can sit around, you have to get out there! Early bird gets the word! Don't bitch if you sit on the sidelines and someone else gets what you want!"

But then Ryan (and you) and many others say "Well look at the sightings forum, wait and see what other people get before you act. Have patience and when it comes your way, leap on it before you lose out."

Then it goes back to "Oh no! You gotta get out there! Bust your asses!" and when we say "But you told us to be patient and use the Sightings Forum!" we get "No! If you wait, you'll miss out, you gotta get out there now!"

...that's confusing. That's giving false information (albeit, unintended.) You can see how that's causing a problem, correct?

You're right that they'll be out in droves for Christmas, but the chance that they'll sell out, or be an easier target for scalpers will grow as well.

Point is: you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.

I've seen a lot of people play the "morally wrong" card in this thread but nobody has really given much of a reason as to why. Instead I've seen a lot of "I think it's morally wrong so you should too" comments. Some of you are even acting as if these "scalpers" are just as bad as rapists, pedophiles, and dog fighters which is just nutty. I guess I just don't see what's so wrong about selling a product for what the market will bear. People obviously want these toys and some don't care what price they have to pay to get it.

I can't help but wonder if the majority of the people up in arms about this debate would be as vocal if they had all the toys they wanted. Although I imagine none of them will admit it at this point.

upther wrote:I can't help but wonder if the majority of the people up in arms about this debate would be as vocal if they had all the toys they wanted. Although I imagine none of them will admit it at this point.

I find all the toys I want via retail and I do not agree with the idea of scalping.
I am not saying that they are evil either.
I am not up in arms and want an angry mob to boil them in oil.
They do what they do and I do what I do..


And again for everyone, please refrain from personal attacks (and that means playing this "poor card" I keep seeing mentioned) too.

In the HotWheels world, we call it "Gottahavitnow-itis." It causes people to do ridiculous things like pay exhorbitant prices for something that will be easy to find in a matter of months. Supply and demand rules the world, baby. With patience, you can have the toys or whatever you want at the price you deem reasonable. It's a two-way street, you dig?

constructicon00 wrote:IWith patience, you can have the toys or whatever you want at the price you deem reasonable.

QFT!

Cyber Bishop wrote:

upther wrote:I can't help but wonder if the majority of the people up in arms about this debate would be as vocal if they had all the toys they wanted. Although I imagine none of them will admit it at this point.

I find all the toys I want via retail and I do not agree with the idea of scalping.
I am not saying that they are evil either.
I am not up in arms and want an angry mob to boil them in oil.
They do what they do and I do what I do..


And again for everyone, please refrain from personal attacks (and that means playing this "poor card" I keep seeing mentioned) too.

QFT.

I would not descibe myself as "poor" and I am definatly a "have" not a "have not", but I went to school, worked hard, got a good career going, and have nice things.

What I do not have is a set of Botcon Classics.

Why? Is it because the evil scalpers bought two sets and sold some?

No.

Is it because I can't just justify spending that much on toys. Some people can. I can afford it, I just choose not to buy them because of the cost. Many of you can afford to spend 18 bucks on a G1 Jazz, but choose not too.

I don't sit around a call people names and disrespct them because I am frustrated that I can't get my way.

Do I envy some of you that can buy these things? Absolutly. Do I call you a scumbag? No.

I go to Target, TRU, K-Mart, Kohls, Boscov's and Wal-mart every week, and I got the toys that I wanted on the shelf, retail. I live in an area that has all of those stores because I work hard and I bought a house where there are nice places to shop. I work hard, so I get what I want.

Some people can't do that for whatever reason, and that sucks for them, and I'm sorry for that. I've been there. Just a few years ago I lost my job and I sold my entire G1 collection because I was a have not and had to make the tough decision to put a roof over my family's head and food on the table.

Try to put things into perspective. See things from the other point of view.

And lay off the personal attacks, because it is just not cool.

upther wrote:I've seen a lot of people play the "morally wrong" card in this thread but nobody has really given much of a reason as to why. Instead I've seen a lot of "I think it's morally wrong so you should too" comments. Some of you are even acting as if these "scalpers" are just as bad as rapists, pedophiles, and dog fighters which is just nutty. I guess I just don't see what's so wrong about selling a product for what the market will bear. People obviously want these toys and some don't care what price they have to pay to get it.

I can't help but wonder if the majority of the people up in arms about this debate would be as vocal if they had all the toys they wanted. Although I imagine none of them will admit it at this point.

Another really good point, is it worth getting angry at the "scalpers"? Aren't they just doing what the manufacturer isn't doing well enough? They are just getting the product out to the consumers. Some areas get more of some figs than others. By folks rebayingthem, I at least get a chance to get ones that never made it to my area. If Hasbro is shorting us on the quantity of figures being made available, shouldn't we be angry at them?

If you don't want to pay 2 or 3x retail on the bay, then don't. But if you want to be angry, be angry with the manufacturer for not getting the products you want to the stores in your area.

Hey, I still haven't gotten my G1 Jazz either. Or arcee or '08 bee or titanium g1 magnus, etc etc etc. I'm not gonna pay ebay prices or shipping fees from online retailers for most of them though because I'm guessing they'll be everywhere by Christmas. My risk. By then g1 jazz may be going for $50, who knows.

So don't be mad at the folks redistributing the figs, be mad that the figs aren't being made available in sufficient quantity in the first place.

I'm a Native American and I take offense to the term 'scalper'.