The Energon Pub

Like an itch that I just couldn't scratch or a fever that wouldn't break. I needed some toys. Coming to this site everyday hasn't helped my sickness any either. After searching around Walmarts and TRUs and coming up with bupkiss lately and having not purchased any new figures since Christmas, I decided to pick up a couple figures that I've been wanting for a while on BBTS.

I picked up Animated Voyager Starscream and Skywarp (again because I repainted my original ones into G1 decos and I still wanted the animated decos) and Henkei Starscream.

The Henkei comes in an opened box and was rated by the store as an 85. It seems that most of the figures that I saw on the site that were opened scored 85's. Has anybody ever purchased a used figure from them and been disappointed with their ratings?

I'm assuming that most opened, adult-owned, occasionally transformed figures would score around an 85. Obviously its too late since the order has been processed but what are the odds that I'll be let down by the condition of this figure when it comes?

85 is the removed-from-packaging-and-only-used-for-display rating. 85 is preferred for loose, 80 is still decent, though there may be a loose joint. Personally I don't go below 80 on ny vintage figure.

Congrats on finding your new drug dealer

I haven't shopped with them as I live on the wrong continent but from what I've heard about BBTS you will be happy.

I bought an MIB G1 Swoop from them last year. Scored 85\90 all round.

- Box had robot points cut from it (it didn't state it in the listing and I probably wouldn't have bought it if it did, as I don't like stuff being cut from the boxes - I'd have rather received it with a few more scuffs and the odd crease instead)

- Toy had chipped paintwork (according to BBTS' grading list, it shouldn't have)

- Toy had worn stickers (photo was crap, so I couldn't tell)

All for price that I could've got on Ebay cheaper in said condition - in the condition I thought it was in, I felt the price was fair. It is last time I ever will order from BBTS.

I ordered a City Commander upgrade from BBTS early last month. I still haven't gotten it. For a package being shipped by air, to somewhere in the neighbouring country... this is grounds for me to worry. Especially when one considers that an ebay item a friend bought for me earlier this month (from further away than BBTS's warehouse, I can tell you that) has already made it into my posession.
I'm also disappointed that BBTS gave me no tracking number for my order, so I can't even see where it's going or where it's been. I'm on the fence about buying from them again.

I've actually had no problems with BBTS. Then again, the only things I have ordered from them to date are the City Commander armor (when it was first released), the Warbot Protector, a couple of RoadBots, and most recently the Chevy Aveo Swerve. All but the Swerve made it to me in good time, and the only reason Swerve hasn't yet is that it wasn't even shipped until yesterday - it's due here on Tuesday or so.

Wow, some less than complimentary comments about BBTS... The only thing I've ever found to be less than great about them is their prices at times.

Samsonator, if it's been a month you should maybe contact them. I don't know what normal is shipping from US to Canada, but lucky for you, you ordered from a place you don't have to worry about getting stiffed by.

Samsonator wrote:I ordered a City Commander upgrade from BBTS early last month. I still haven't gotten it. For a package being shipped by air, to somewhere in the neighbouring country... this is grounds for me to worry. Especially when one considers that an ebay item a friend bought for me earlier this month (from further away than BBTS's warehouse, I can tell you that) has already made it into my posession.
I'm also disappointed that BBTS gave me no tracking number for my order, so I can't even see where it's going or where it's been. I'm on the fence about buying from them again.

It depends on what shipping service and method you use, to receive tracking. They clearly state which ones do not have tracking. Such as Parcel Post, I believe.

Now, if it said nothing about tracking not being included, then you should have some info. I'd contact them, but be polite.

If they don't give you a better answer than you've received so far, then yeah, I'd be a bit pissed. Although, some of the delay is due to Canadian customs and the mail service there. I've heard nothing but bad news about Canadian mail.

I can confirm that BBTS's shipping outside of the US is actually very nice.

I've ordered quite a few things from them, and most of them I've had shipped down here south of the border, and they usually don't take more than a week or so, if they are in stock, to arrive.


In fact I ordered my Takara Superlink Wing Saber from them, and it was here amazingly quickly.
I guess it comes down to the customs office. Seems Canadian customs are harsher than most.

Tracking should almost always be available from BBTS. unless you chose some un-trackable shipping option as was mentioned.

As far as their ratings, their loose ratings seem to be always a tad lower than what you'd expect. For a loose Cybertron Cruelock it said it was 70 but since I only really wanted the figure for his Energon sword/tail I went ahead. When it arrived, it was nice, clean, tight joints. Overall I'd say no less than 85. But they marked it as 70.

You should not have anything to worry about.

Amelie wrote:I bought an MIB G1 Swoop from them last year. Scored 85\90 all round.

- Box had robot points cut from it (it didn't state it in the listing and I probably wouldn't have bought it if it did, as I don't like stuff being cut from the boxes - I'd have rather received it with a few more scuffs and the odd crease instead)

- Toy had chipped paintwork (according to BBTS' grading list, it shouldn't have)

- Toy had worn stickers (photo was crap, so I couldn't tell)

All for price that I could've got on Ebay cheaper in said condition - in the condition I thought it was in, I felt the price was fair. It is last time I ever will order from BBTS.

Did you contact them about the problems? I've ordered thousands of dollars worth of stuff from them over the years, vintage and retail, and only had two or three problems which they promptly corrected.
If the problem was with them they will pay for the return shipping and provide a shipping label via email. They even took an item back when the error was on me. I took for granted that an E-Hobby Black Hybrid Style Convoy was complete because it was in it's original box. When it arrived it was missing the G2 alternate heads (the whole reason I wanted the damn thing). I contacted them they provided the originally listing that clearly stated it was missing the heads. They emailed me a shipping label, paid for the return shipping, and gave me store credit. I've always been pleased with them, and they've always responded to my emails within one business day.

El Duque wrote:

Amelie wrote:I bought an MIB G1 Swoop from them last year. Scored 85\90 all round.

- Box had robot points cut from it (it didn't state it in the listing and I probably wouldn't have bought it if it did, as I don't like stuff being cut from the boxes - I'd have rather received it with a few more scuffs and the odd crease instead)

- Toy had chipped paintwork (according to BBTS' grading list, it shouldn't have)

- Toy had worn stickers (photo was crap, so I couldn't tell)

All for price that I could've got on Ebay cheaper in said condition - in the condition I thought it was in, I felt the price was fair. It is last time I ever will order from BBTS.

Did you contact them about the problems? I've ordered thousands of dollars worth of stuff from them over the years, vintage and retail, and only had two or three problems which they promptly corrected.
If the problem was with them they will pay for the return shipping and provide a shipping label via email. They even took an item back when the error was on me. I took for granted that an E-Hobby Black Hybrid Style Convoy was complete because it was in it's original box. When it arrived it was missing the G2 alternate heads (the whole reason I wanted the damn thing). I contacted them they provided the originally listing that clearly stated it was missing the heads. They emailed me a shipping label, paid for the return shipping, and gave me store credit. I've always been pleased with them, and they've always responded to my emails within one business day.

Yeah, I've become a little fed up with the store I've been using, so I decided to switch to this store to get my TFA Rodimus. Seems decent enough. Though I wish all stores had the one day rule when it comes to communication. I've sent 3 emails over the past 3 1/2 weeks to the other store and have yet to get a reply. Guess I'll be switching to BBTS from now on. I really like their pre-order feature too

El Duque wrote:Did you contact them about the problems?

I did in fact send them an email and got a response along the lines of "that's the grade we gave it" and didn't offer any other help. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

Amelie wrote:

El Duque wrote:Did you contact them about the problems?

I did in fact send them an email and got a response along the lines of "that's the grade we gave it" and didn't offer any other help. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

That's actually not the first time I've seen that. A friend of mine had the same problem, but with the packaging. As did I once.

He contacted them and they basically said: clearance item, box stated as imperfect. It had a boxcutter slash clear across the window. Takara Insecticons, no less.

Wow, it appears to be a very mixed bag on BBTS so far.

I have used BBTS for years myself with no problems whatsoever! Their customer service is wonderful and prompt with everything. My mother and father also use it, and they are elderly and don't navigate the interwebz with prowess, and they absolutely swear by BBTS! That is where all the holiday toys come from!

These issues are totally news to me!

Mkall wrote:85 is the removed-from-packaging-and-only-used-for-display rating. 85 is preferred for loose, 80 is still decent, though there may be a loose joint. Personally I don't go below 80 on ny vintage figure.

Congrats on finding your new drug dealer

So true about the dealer part..So true... I have placed over 100 orders to BBTS and they have always delivered the goods.My advice is to check their Vintage sales..Most of the figures I have ordered have come from there and the prices are steals! I always get regular shipping which includes tracking..The longest I had to wait for something is 7 days and that was because I placed the order over a holiday..

For instance..I just ordered a Loose Armada Unicron..graded 85 but the beast was absolutely perfect..No loose joints, all missles and dead end. The light feature worked as well.. I paid $35 and for some odd reason I got a decepticon magnet with my order.. I swear by BBTS and I reccomend them to anyone

Samsonator wrote:I ordered a City Commander upgrade from BBTS early last month. I still haven't gotten it. For a package being shipped by air, to somewhere in the neighbouring country... this is grounds for me to worry. Especially when one considers that an ebay item a friend bought for me earlier this month (from further away than BBTS's warehouse, I can tell you that) has already made it into my posession.
I'm also disappointed that BBTS gave me no tracking number for my order, so I can't even see where it's going or where it's been. I'm on the fence about buying from them again.

Honestly the issue for you is likely the same issue I normally have. It may not be BBTS but Canada Customs. They seem to want to consider every package from them (quite likely because most people will request BBTS tag the shipment as gifts, which customs likes to ignore and attach duty to. That said the longest I've waited is around 4 weeks. My last shipment from them was on April 12, and was in hand about the 28th.

As far as no tracking, it's because they are shipping to us via regular mail, so I would recommend two things. One, contact BBTS customer service, to have them check and confirm the package was indeed shipped already (and not a mix-up with their Pile-o-loot option). Second contact you local post outlet where Canada Post would hold anything being shipped to you in case they didn't leave a pick-up tag for you, and the package is sitting their waiting for pick-up/duty payment.

yhea, it's a bit sad that things like this come up simply because of the border, but hopefully your issue can be dealt with or is resolved shortly. I was in the same boat the first time I ordered from them as well, but have used them about 6 times over the last 2 years now.

Blaming Canada Post sounds both A, entirely likely. and B, very reasonable. I just don't remember my last BBTS order taking this long. In any case I emailed them, very politely, making sure not to assign any blame, or anything, just seeing if they had any additional information for me. Hope this all works out!

I recently made my first purchase from BBTS with very good results. I ordered two Electro Disruptor Leigers and one City Commander Set w/ extras and it showed up within a week. Everything was very well packed and labeled.

At the moment however, I am having a small issue with RobotKingdom. On their site it lists pre-orders as "in stock". I ordered a Henkei Hound along with a loose HFTD Seaspray and a seperate City Commander Upgrade Kit.

I waited well over two weeks before I decided to e-mail them asking the status of my parcel. Turns out their in stock Hound was a pre-order for restock in June. So they sent the rest on April 27th and I'm still waiting for it to clear customs. IF I don't have it by Wednesday I'll have to e-mail them again as per their request.

Other then that, RK is pretty good I guess.

Down_Shift wrote:I recently made my first purchase from BBTS with very good results. I ordered two Electro Disruptor Leigers and one City Commander Set w/ extras and it showed up within a week. Everything was very well packed and labeled.

At the moment however, I am having a small issue with RobotKingdom. On their site it lists pre-orders as "in stock". I ordered a Henkei Hound along with a loose HFTD Seaspray and a seperate City Commander Upgrade Kit.

I waited well over two weeks before I decided to e-mail them asking the status of my parcel. Turns out their in stock Hound was a pre-order for restock in June. So they sent the rest on April 27th and I'm still waiting for it to clear customs. IF I don't have it by Wednesday I'll have to e-mail them again as per their request.

Other then that, RK is pretty good I guess.

Great to hear such good things about BBTS. I'm having issues with Yahobby. I pre-ordered Jap. TFA Arcee around mid April. I knew the figure was being released at the end of the month, so I assumed it wouldn't be too long after that before they get them. I noticed that they didn't have an ETA on the site or anything so I decided to email and ask. Well, 4 weeks later I have yet to receive a reply (to what I believe to be a simple question). It's terribly unacceptable imo. I'm a patient and understanding person for the most part but this is making me worried. Then I noticed that they list the first wave of Jap. TFA figures as pre-orders too and they were release ages ago. Will it be the fall or something before I get one? It just makes me worried, especially since they won't answer. I've even considered cancelling my order cause of this

Sorry for the rant, just kinda worried and no one to talk to At least I can have more faith about ordering things with BBTS, as I 've decided to take my future business to them.

joesaysso wrote:Like an itch that I just couldn't scratch or a fever that wouldn't break. I needed some toys. Coming to this site everyday hasn't helped my sickness any either. After searching around Walmarts and TRUs and coming up with bupkiss lately and having not purchased any new figures since Christmas, I decided to pick up a couple figures that I've been wanting for a while on BBTS.

One of the tribe I presume? Welcome to the club, BBTS is great. Can't say I've bought vintage toys from them before, but as nearly everyone else has said, they're customer service is top-notch.

I have only had one problem with them, and it was when I bought TF 2000 Mach Alert. It came with one door, and the hood was from the US version. In fact it was the RID version except for the missles. Having onwed my share of both TF2000 and RID toys at the same time, I know the differences. It also came on a TF2000 card. They let me keep it, and credited me the $15 + shipping I paid. Not bad because it got used faster than a cheap.....

I use BBTS alot, but I kinda like TFsource a tiny bit more. Once they tell you your item is shipped, it takes no longer than 2 days.

bvzxa wrote:I have only had one problem with them, and it was when I bought TF 2000 Mach Alert. It came with one door, and the hood was from the US version. In fact it was the RID version except for the missles. Having onwed my share of both TF2000 and RID toys at the same time, I know the differences. It also came on a TF2000 card. They let me keep it, and credited me the $15 + shipping I paid. Not bad because it got used faster than a cheap.....

I use BBTS alot, but I kinda like TFsource a tiny bit more. Once they tell you your item is shipped, it takes no longer than 2 days.

And I hear their packaging selection is impeccable, as is their shipping materials and process.

Still, I stick with BBTS because they tend to get preorders faster than anyone else, their customer service is excellent, and they do tend to have items in stock, rather than make you go and look all over for it.

TFSource doesn't seem to have the same stock levels as BBTS, which can suck when you really need to get an item.

Plus, I don't care for their policy of raising prices as stock levels drop. That's just squeezing you for the sake of doing so.

At least BBTS sticks with one price or lowers it as time goes on, or stock levels drop. Restocks might cost more, but at least they don't gouge you because they can. They do it out of necessity.

There's no friggin' reason that the Superion armor kit should cost $100.00 I don't care if it's an exclusive color or not. That's just ridiculous and TFSource knows it. But we're to blame, because some idiot tool went ahead and bought it at that price, thus telling them "Hey, we CAN screw people harder!"

I've bought stuff from BBTS since 06, but it hasnt been that much, but what few times i have bought stuff it has been well boxed and the price was decent. The only deal that was awesome was picking up DIA commander for $73.00 a few weeks ago and it came in perfect with no issues. The main place i buy is TFsource and a couple small online retailers just for Transformers and they treat me very very well with discounts and free shipping!

I have both good and bad experiences with BBTS. They're my main source for non-retail figures these days, unless I'm looking for loose stuff, in which case I scour local shops and ebay. I'm sort of boycotting TFsource after the whole Superion upgrade debacle, but they usually don't compare to BBTS anyway.

In general, aside from BBTS's sometimes-overpriced listings, they're really good, both in reliability and customer service. And when there's a sale, you can get some pretty sweet stuff for very reasonable prices. Also their flexibility when it comes to preorders combined with the Pile of Loot puts them at the head of the pack. They've also been very patient with me when I've been confused about a couple things as well.

Any delays in the shipping are always due to Canada Customs. It's annoying, but it seems to just be a fact of life.

However, I so far haven't had the best experience with BBTS's vintage department. I ordered the 6" Titanium War Within Optimus Prime figure, which was supposed to be in loose but good condition, only to find on arrival that it suffered from severe paint chipping. I don't know if this was the case when it left or it was because it was just shipped in a plastic baggie, lose metal parts jostling about and scratching each other... so of course I contacted them, they offered me only a discount if I kept it or refund for store credit if I returned it. So naturally returned it for the credit, and they refunded the cost of shipping...however, I never heard about it again, and to this day have still not received a refund for the value of the figure. I even contacted them a couple times about it and they just told me it must've not reached them yet, shipping from Canada usually takes awhile, etc, but that was months ago. I just sort of gave up on it, because $30 isn't worth the trouble.