The Energon Pub

Emerje wrote:He's back up for pre-order at BBTS. I wonder how they managed to get more? I'm also still trying figure out how they're only $79.99, they can't be making much of any profit off that price.

Emerje

Some overseas sites like Chimungmung.com. Are only charging $59.99 when these MP TF Takara toys are first released. Speculate Takara charges Distributors the MSRP price of $50 to $55 for these toys.

Think charging $79.99, which is $20 to $30 more than the Takara MSRP is not a deal it's the opposite.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Emerje wrote:He's back up for pre-order at BBTS. I wonder how they managed to get more? I'm also still trying figure out how they're only $79.99, they can't be making much of any profit off that price.

Emerje

Some overseas sites like Chimungmung.com. Are only charging $59.99 when these MP TF Takara toys are first released. Speculate Takara charges Distributors the MSRP price of $50 to $55 for these toys.

Think charging $79.99, which is $20 to $30 more than the Takara MSRP is not a deal it's the opposite.

You cannot possibly know what Takara charges distributors. If you do, by all means share.

I like it. I really do. I'll have to pass though. My wallet has taken hit after hit this year and I don't think it's a "must have" piece. If I had the extra cash, I would be all over it though.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Emerje wrote:He's back up for pre-order at BBTS. I wonder how they managed to get more? I'm also still trying figure out how they're only $79.99, they can't be making much of any profit off that price.

Emerje

Some overseas sites like Chimungmung.com. Are only charging $59.99 when these MP TF Takara toys are first released. Speculate Takara charges Distributors the MSRP price of $50 to $55 for these toys.

Think charging $79.99, which is $20 to $30 more than the Takara MSRP is not a deal it's the opposite.

I have no idea what you're talking about and neither do you. This isn't a retail figures, it's a store exclusive. The MSRP is 7,992jpy (US$67) for everyone. Period. It even says in the fine print to refrain from placing large orders for resale, they have the right to cancel those orders. By comparison Takara's MSRP on Tracks is 8,100jpy (US$68). I don't know where you're getting the idea that the MSRP would be anything close to US$50. Yes, some stores DO sell for that low on *retail* MPs (you can pre-order Tracks for under US$48 right now), but that's because they sell in bulk enough to still make a profit selling just above the wholesale price.

Now, when it comes to importers like TFSource or BBTS there's a couple reason why they always sell above the Japanese MSRP. First they have to go through a third party since they can't get accounts with Takara Tomy like they do with Hasbro. Those third parties need to make a profit, too, so there's a markup there. Then there's the overseas shipping by freighter ship, another markup (even more so if shipped by air which you'll see a higher price on). And of course the retailer is going to need to make a profit as well so you get a third markup. That's how you go from a figure (let's use Tracks as an example again) that has a Japanese wholesale price somewhere under US$48 and end up at a price of US$79.99. But as I said before, that's not possible with Bluestreak so who knows how they managed this. It's entirely possible they're selling this at cost this time, but that seem a little foolish.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Emerje wrote:He's back up for pre-order at BBTS. I wonder how they managed to get more? I'm also still trying figure out how they're only $79.99, they can't be making much of any profit off that price.

Emerje

Some overseas sites like Chimungmung.com. Are only charging $59.99 when these MP TF Takara toys are first released. Speculate Takara charges Distributors the MSRP price of $50 to $55 for these toys.

Think charging $79.99, which is $20 to $30 more than the Takara MSRP is not a deal it's the opposite.

I have no idea what you're talking about and neither do you. This isn't a retail figures, it's a store exclusive. The MSRP is 7,992jpy (US$67) for everyone. Period. It even says in the fine print to refrain from placing large orders for resale, they have the right to cancel those orders. By comparison Takara's MSRP on Tracks is 8,100jpy (US$68). I don't know where you're getting the idea that the MSRP would be anything close to US$50. Yes, some stores DO sell for that low on *retail* MPs (you can pre-order Tracks for under US$48 right now), but that's because they sell in bulk enough to still make a profit selling just above the wholesale price.

Now, when it comes to importers like TFSource or BBTS there's a couple reason why they always sell above the Japanese MSRP. First they have to go through a third party since they can't get accounts with Takara Tomy like they do with Hasbro. Those third parties need to make a profit, too, so there's a markup there. Then there's the overseas shipping by freighter ship, another markup (even more so if shipped by air which you'll see a higher price on). And of course the retailer is going to need to make a profit as well so you get a third markup. That's how you go from a figure (let's use Tracks as an example again) that has a Japanese wholesale price somewhere under US$48 and end up at a price of US$79.99. But as I said before, that's not possible with Bluestreak so who knows how they managed this. It's entirely possible they're selling this at cost this time, but that seem a little foolish.

Emerje

If American based imports sites were able to sell MP TF Sideswipe for the pre order price of $64. Their is no reason why the $79.99 price hike makes any sense for MP Wheeljack and MP Tracks. It makes no sense as the Yen is weaker than the Dollar this year. Compared to the Yen being stronger thn the Dollar years ago when MP TF Sideswipe was released. Don't see any better toy tech in Takara's MP Wheeljack and MP Tracks compared to MP TF Sideswipe to justify the price hike.

Don't think these MP TF Voyager cars bots toys are worth paying $80 for. Not when Takara is selling them to distributors for under $50 each. $79.99 plus $8 in shippig fees equals almost $90 from USA sites. Or paying $59.99 from overseas sites with $20 in shipping fees equals $79.99.

That's why I'm buying the high quality KO MP TF toys versions for under $37 with shipping fees included. Already bought KO MP G-2 Sideswipe. Will buy KO MP Wheeljack when it's available in May. If they make a KO MP TF Bumblebee and MP KO Tracks i'll buy them also.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:
That's why I'm buying the high quality KO MP TF toys versions for under $37 with shipping fees included. Already bought KO MP G-2 Sideswipe. Will buy KO MP Wheeljack when it's available in May. If they make a KO MP TF Bumblebee and MP KO Tracks i'll buy them also.

I'd rather look at my collection and know they were the real deal. I'd also rather support a genuine, creative business rather than people who make their money by stealing other people's work.

I think any price increase is probably due to this being a limited release.

Pre-ordering isn't lowering the price or making it arrive sooner. That's why I always wait for it to be in stock. Often, the price may even go down a bit when it's in stock everywhere.

This Diaclone version looks great. Hopefully, they'll release a Diaclone G1 reissue some day.

Pre-ordering isn't lowering the price or making it arrive sooner. That's why I always wait for it to be in stock. Often, the price may even go down a bit when it's in stock everywhere.

This Diaclone version looks great. Hopefully, they'll release a Diaclone G1 reissue some day.

Ravage XK wrote:

Tsutsukakushi wrote:
That's why I'm buying the high quality KO MP TF toys versions for under $37 with shipping fees included. Already bought KO MP G-2 Sideswipe. Will buy KO MP Wheeljack when it's available in May. If they make a KO MP TF Bumblebee and MP KO Tracks i'll buy them also.

I'd rather look at my collection and know they were the real deal. I'd also rather support a genuine, creative business rather than people who make their money by stealing other people's work.

I think any price increase is probably due to this being a limited release.

Totally agree with this.
Also, Tigertrack was an exclusive as well, and I got that at regular MP price. I can't imagine that someone is passing things on at cost. It just means the actual cost to distributors is lower than you think. No one is going to sell you something out of the goodness of their heart.

huryochagi wrote:Pre-ordering isn't lowering the price or making it arrive sooner. That's why I always wait for it to be in stock. Often, the price may even go down a bit when it's in stock everywhere.

This Diaclone version looks great. Hopefully, they'll release a Diaclone G1 reissue some day.

I knoooowwww.... as awesome as this is, doesn't it just make you cry for an E-Hobby (or something) G1 reissue BLUEstreak?

Desslok2201 wrote: No one is going to sell you something out of the goodness of their heart.

Sure they will...

... for a profit!

Tsutsukakushi wrote:If American based imports sites were able to sell MP TF Sideswipe for the pre order price of $64. Their is no reason why the $79.99 price hike makes any sense for MP Wheeljack and MP Tracks. It makes no sense as the Yen is weaker than the Dollar this year. Compared to the Yen being stronger thn the Dollar years ago when MP TF Sideswipe was released. Don't see any better toy tech in Takara's MP Wheeljack and MP Tracks compared to MP TF Sideswipe to justify the price hike.

Of course it makes sense. The MSRP on Sideswipe was only 5,800jpy, but the exchange rate then put him at US$73.50. I'd like to know what America-based importer you got Sideswipe for US$64 from because BBTS was selling them for US$83.99 claiming he was worth US$95.99, while TFSource was US$79.99 calling it a markdown from US$89.99. The yen may be weaker now, but the MSRP has been going up steadily. Now Wheeljack has an MSRP of 6,500jpy and Tracks has an MSRP of 7,500jpy. I've already explained why these importers price things the way they do, I'm not going to go over that again. Part of the reason why they're raising the prices is because of what they're putting in the boxes. Wheeljack you can say is typical gradual price hikes, but Tracks Tracks includes mini figures of Raoul and Blaster plus the huge flight stand.

Don't think these MP TF Voyager cars bots toys are worth paying $80 for. Not when Takara is selling them to distributors for under $50 each. $79.99 plus $8 in shippig fees equals almost $90 from USA sites. Or paying $59.99 from overseas sites with $20 in shipping fees equals $79.99.

I agree, they aren't worth US$80, that's why I paid US$55 including shipping to get Wheeljack from HLJ. Importers should be a last resort, exporters should be the norm.

That's why I'm buying the high quality KO MP TF toys versions for under $37 with shipping fees included. Already bought KO MP G-2 Sideswipe. Will buy KO MP Wheeljack when it's available in May. If they make a KO MP TF Bumblebee and MP KO Tracks i'll buy them also.

Your loss. You aren't impressing anyone by bragging about that. High quality garbage is still garbage.

huryochagi wrote:Pre-ordering isn't lowering the price or making it arrive sooner. That's why I always wait for it to be in stock. Often, the price may even go down a bit when it's in stock everywhere.

You're taking an awfully big chance by waiting. For exporters the pre-orders often are gone within a day of listing, usually even within hours. For exporters they seem to sell out pretty quickly after coming into stock if they get that far. Better to lock in the best price you can, when you can.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Don't think these MP TF Voyager cars bots toys are worth paying $80 for. Not when Takara is selling them to distributors for under $50 each. $79.99 plus $8 in shippig fees equals almost $90 from USA sites. Or paying $59.99 from overseas sites with $20 in shipping fees equals $79.99.

I agree, they aren't worth US$80, that's why I paid US$55 including shipping to get Wheeljack from HLJ. Importers should be a last resort, exporters should be the norm.

That's why I'm buying the high quality KO MP TF toys versions for under $37 with shipping fees included. Already bought KO MP G-2 Sideswipe. Will buy KO MP Wheeljack when it's available in May. If they make a KO MP TF Bumblebee and MP KO Tracks i'll buy them also.

Your loss. You aren't impressing anyone by bragging about that. High quality garbage is still garbage.

You make a good point Emerje. A KO is a still a KO. KOs of Masterpiece figures devalue the whole market. Even KOs of 25 year old toys are the bane of many collectors. Primus fobid you are the one who pays a premium price for a figure you thought was real but turned out to be a KO.

huryochagi wrote:Pre-ordering isn't lowering the price or making it arrive sooner. That's why I always wait for it to be in stock. Often, the price may even go down a bit when it's in stock everywhere.

You're taking an awfully big chance by waiting. For exporters the pre-orders often are gone within a day of listing, usually even within hours. For exporters they seem to sell out pretty quickly after coming into stock if they get that far. Better to lock in the best price you can, when you can.

Emerje

Again good point. I would much rather buy imports direct from japan, but they can sell out fast. Sometimes you can luck out and grab one when they arive in stock if someone cancels a preorder, but there is no garantee. There is also a limited run of 2000 units. So I think this is a case of grab it before the sclpers do.

I have a question, but first let me apologize to all the true geeks. Please dont flame me as Im still in training and I do have some memory loss. Bluestreak, Streak and Silverstreak. I know they are diaclones, however which were present in the 80's G1 cartoon?I honestly cant remember. This is pre G1 movie!

Musha wrote:I have a question, but first let me apologize to all the true geeks. Please dont flame me as Im still in training and I do have some memory loss. Bluestreak, Streak and Silverstreak. I know they are diaclones, however which were present in the 80's G1 cartoon?I honestly cant remember. This is pre G1 movie!

Bluestreak has an interesting history concerning his colors.

Let's start with Diaclone. The Diaclone version of Bluestreak came in two different colors: silver with a black hood, which was the basis for the cartoon, and blue with a silver hood, which was the basis for his name, and was used in older G1 catalogs (That last bit is the source of the "There was a blue Bluestreak in Transformers" myth). However, at the end of the day, Bluestreak was released in... all silver.

To recap:

Blue with silver: unused Diaclone deco
Silver with black hood: Diaclone deco used for the cartoon
All silver: Transformers-original toy-only deco

The US uses "Bluestreak" or "Silverstreak" for the character, regardless of color. Japan simply has "Streak", which allows for color prefixes to denote variants.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Musha wrote:I have a question, but first let me apologize to all the true geeks. Please dont flame me as Im still in training and I do have some memory loss. Bluestreak, Streak and Silverstreak. I know they are diaclones, however which were present in the 80's G1 cartoon?I honestly cant remember. This is pre G1 movie!

Bluestreak has an interesting history concerning his colors.

Let's start with Diaclone. The Diaclone version of Bluestreak came in two different colors: silver with a black hood, which was the basis for the cartoon, and blue with a silver hood, which was the basis for his name, and was used in older G1 catalogs (That last bit is the source of the "There was a blue Bluestreak in Transformers" myth). However, at the end of the day, Bluestreak was released in... all silver.

To recap:

Blue with silver: unused Diaclone deco
Silver with black hood: Diaclone deco used for the cartoon
All silver: Transformers-original toy-only deco

The US uses "Bluestreak" or "Silverstreak" for the character, regardless of color. Japan simply has "Streak", which allows for color prefixes to denote variants.

That's a great knowledge drop! I love my G1 1984 catalog, if only for the blue Bluestreak

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Musha wrote:I have a question, but first let me apologize to all the true geeks. Please dont flame me as Im still in training and I do have some memory loss. Bluestreak, Streak and Silverstreak. I know they are diaclones, however which were present in the 80's G1 cartoon?I honestly cant remember. This is pre G1 movie!

Bluestreak has an interesting history concerning his colors.

Let's start with Diaclone. The Diaclone version of Bluestreak came in two different colors: silver with a black hood, which was the basis for the cartoon, and blue with a silver hood, which was the basis for his name, and was used in older G1 catalogs (That last bit is the source of the "There was a blue Bluestreak in Transformers" myth). However, at the end of the day, Bluestreak was released in... all silver.

To recap:

Blue with silver: unused Diaclone deco
Silver with black hood: Diaclone deco used for the cartoon
All silver: Transformers-original toy-only deco

The US uses "Bluestreak" or "Silverstreak" for the character, regardless of color. Japan simply has "Streak", which allows for color prefixes to denote variants.

Actually his name comes from his chosen personality and not the colour. Blue Streak means either something that moves very fast, or a constant stream of words, like verbal diarrhoea.
Bluestreak talks a lot, hence the name Bluestreak.

So I will be picking up the latest release then. That makes 1 less figure I have to worry about selling out.

Dead Metal wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Musha wrote:I have a question, but first let me apologize to all the true geeks. Please dont flame me as Im still in training and I do have some memory loss. Bluestreak, Streak and Silverstreak. I know they are diaclones, however which were present in the 80's G1 cartoon?I honestly cant remember. This is pre G1 movie!

Bluestreak has an interesting history concerning his colors.

Let's start with Diaclone. The Diaclone version of Bluestreak came in two different colors: silver with a black hood, which was the basis for the cartoon, and blue with a silver hood, which was the basis for his name, and was used in older G1 catalogs (That last bit is the source of the "There was a blue Bluestreak in Transformers" myth). However, at the end of the day, Bluestreak was released in... all silver.

To recap:

Blue with silver: unused Diaclone deco
Silver with black hood: Diaclone deco used for the cartoon
All silver: Transformers-original toy-only deco

The US uses "Bluestreak" or "Silverstreak" for the character, regardless of color. Japan simply has "Streak", which allows for color prefixes to denote variants.

Actually his name comes from his chosen personality and not the colour. Blue Streak means either something that moves very fast, or a constant stream of words, like verbal diarrhoea.
Bluestreak talks a lot, hence the name Bluestreak.

Still, you can't deny that a blue Bluestreak would have added another layer of fun to the figure. Such a waste back in G1.

It might be worth noting, that E-Hobby gave us the cartoon accurate scheme (silver/black) as "Anime Bluestreak".



And personally, I've never subscribed to the notion that he was named for the literal translation of "bluestreak". Not only is it a bit much to assume a child will pick up on that, but his character didn't suit it (in the G1 toon anyways). If you go by that reasoning, Blurr is far better suited. (JMO)

shajaki wrote:It might be worth noting, that E-Hobby gave us the cartoon accurate scheme (silver/black) as "Anime Bluestreak".



And personally, I've never subscribed to the notion that he was named for the literal translation of "bluestreak". Not only is it a bit much to assume a child will pick up on that, but his character didn't suit it (in the G1 toon anyways). If you go by that reasoning, Blurr is far better suited. (JMO)

Do children know what Optimus Prime means? Or Omega Supreme? And why they have those names?
And going by the cartoon is a pretty bad example, I mean did Prowl's character come across in the cartoon? The only time he was more than just a background character was when Chip Chase had to take control over him.
Or Shockwave, whose character was different from the comics and the toy description because the cartoon team only had the first half of his character description to work with, missing out on the second half that said that it was all an act and he was working towards his own goals.

Most of the G1 Transformers were named after their personality or defining feature, Smokescreen created smokescreens, Prowl was a police officer, Optimus Prime was the best of the Autobots and the leader, Omega Supreme was the Autobots last line of defense, Skywarp flew and could teleport, Thundercracker had his sonic booms, Starscream was the best flyer, Jazz was cool and loved music, Bluestreak talked a lot, it's even in his character description, so yes if children read his character description they would get his name.

Plus, the cartoon actually did reference his personality, with characters telling him to shut up.

Dead Metal wrote:Do children know what Optimus Prime means? Or Omega Supreme? And why they have those names?

No, I really don't think so. I sure didn't, nor did it even cross my mind.

Dead Metal wrote:And going by the cartoon is a pretty bad example, I mean did Prowl's character come across in the cartoon? The only time he was more than just a background character was when Chip Chase had to take control over him.

I said personally, so I'm going with my own experience here. All I had was the cartoon growing up.

Dead Metal wrote:Smokescreen created smokescreens.
Prowl was a police officer.
Skywarp flew and could teleport.
Thundercracker had his sonic booms.
Jazz was cool and loved music.

These? Yes. Super easy for a child to relate the name to the characteristics.

Dead Metal wrote:Optimus Prime was the best of the Autobots and the leader.
Omega Supreme was the Autobots last line of defense.
Starscream was the best flyer.

These? Not so much.

Dead Metal wrote:Bluestreak talked a lot, it's even in his character description, so yes if children read his character description they would get his name.

IF they read the character description AND knew what "bluestreak" meant.

Dead Metal wrote:Plus, the cartoon actually did reference his personality, with characters telling him to shut up.

I believe you if you say so, but I don't recall anything to that effect (and I watched me a LOT of G1 season 1).

I'd like to reiterate though, I'm not trying to spark a war DM. I'm trying to back up my opinions, but they're just my opinions

shajaki wrote:but they're just my opinions