The Energon Pub

Rant Warning!!!

I've been supportive of BBTS until today...

Last week I emailed BBTS regarding a price matching request, but was politely informed that due to a change in policy that BBTS no longer do price matching against their competitors. Which is fine I can understand if it's a change in policy.

Then I checked my POL to see what items I have waiting to be shipped. I noticed that a few of my items were listed as "sub" level. I was pretty sure when I placed the preorders I ordered them at the "standard" level. Now with BBTS the difference between "Standard" and "Sub" is the difference between slight or significant scratches/dents. I searched my saved emails and confirmed that the items I ordered are suppose to be at the "Standard" level. So I emailed the BBTS customer service regarding the change. I was told that BBTS does not change the item levels in orders/POL automatically. So basically BBTS just told me that I'm mistaken or lying. I then forward the pre-order confirmations as proof to them. I was then told that the email confirmations does not tell them the level of the items that I ordered at and that they do not have any way of changing the item level in an order and "sorry for the confusion". What? So I'm "confused" now? Now I know for a fact that BBTS can change the item level because in the past I had ordered a "sub" item after-which a "Standard" item came into stock. I contacted BBTS customer service and they had no problems changing the item to standard level.

So why am I making a big deal out of this? It's not about the item package condition, if I cared so much about that I would have spend the extra $2 for the mint packaging. It's about getting what you ordered and about the retailer fessing up when changes are made to your order without your consent. I know this issue will not stop me from buying from BBTS since most of the time BBTS is the only place to get stuff not available elsewhere. But from now on I will be more cautious and check my orders/POLs for unauthorized changes. Be warned fellow collectors!

Sorry to hear that man! I understand why your pissed and if it were me I'd be pissed to. Luckily I haven't had too big a problem with BBTS and I don't mess with POL. The time when I never got my shipped item despite UPS confirmation saying different they still sent me a replacement in little time making sure I got customer satisfaction. They are pretty good on replying to my e-mails regardless the subject. I will remain a regular customer so long as they don't flake on their service and hopefully you will remain to dude...'nuff said!!

I dunno...I've ordered substandard items before and they've shown up in basically perfect condition...as well as the other way around, ordering standard and getting a slightly beat up package. You might get better consistency with that sort of thing using TFsource, but you can't really beat the convenience of BBTS with preorders and POL, and despite it all, still good, solid customer service. When all's said and done, you're still going to get the figure itself in satisfactory condition...or they'll do what's required to make it right.

Like said in my post, despite this issue I will continue to buy from BBTS only for the reason that it's probably one of the better online retailers to buy from. But I will be more cautious with my orders/POLs in the future. I did get an email from them ealier today that they will resolve the issue by upgrading the subs to standards.

I'm not sure I buy that they don't change the grading. But at the same time, I don't think it's a big deal. I'm sure that sometimes they get more items in "substandard" condition than they expected out of any given order, and thus some people have to get substandard, because that's all that's available (I'd bet that it goes by your place in line for the preorder).

However, I can say from experience that "substandard" doesn't always mean "in poor shape". I bought an Encore Sky Lynx that was listed as "substandard", and the box is in great condition - not bent or crushed or anything.

WeatherManNX01 wrote:I'm sure that sometimes they get more items in "substandard" condition than they expected out of any given order, and thus some people have to get substandard, because that's all that's available (I'd bet that it goes by your place in line for the preorder).

^This.

After all, BBTS can only sell items in the condition they get them in; I'd imagine to keep those who pay the extra $2 for "collector grade" happy they have to weed out as many even insignificant flaws as they can find, thus leaving a higher amount of "sub-standard", but by retail standards perfectly normal, stock comparatively. And especially with the new United stuff and the recent poor distribution, the amount of online pre- and otherwise ordering has increased to the point where they delve into the "sub-standard" stock more quickly.

All in all though, it seems that despite annoyance your issue did get resolved, so kudos to them. Glad to see this hasn't turned you off to them entirely.

Am I missing something? If an item is in substandard condition, you cannot sell it for the same price you were selling the mint condition ones in without being incredibly dodge and undeserving of the right to sell items. You people can't seriously be defending such horrible service if that's the case with BBTS?

From what I've seen, things BBTS consider substandard are still pretty damn good anyway. So, in this collector's humble opinion, there's really very little to worry about.

Most recently I bought a Delphine Type2 from them, and only one substandard item was left in stock. When it arrived I couldn't see any dents or tearing on the box, and the item inside was flawless.

I can't imagine the item inside would be affected at all by the substandard tag that BBTS puts on the remaining stock either. At most you'll probably have to deal with a slightly dinged up box. Other than that, all you have to fear is the shoddy QC that is present in so many figures, which is basically a crap shoot on sealed items anyway.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Am I missing something? If an item is in substandard condition, you cannot sell it for the same price you were selling the mint condition ones in without being incredibly dodge and undeserving of the right to sell items. You people can't seriously be defending such horrible service if that's the case with BBTS?

Substandard only applies in terms of the condition of the package. All of the figs I've gotten marked substandard have at worst had a dented corner or tape-rip marks on the box, and even then they weren't bad.

The figure is fine, and it's perfectly good if you're not an MiB collector, which I believe Zen is.

I've experienced the same bait and switch from BBTS in the past and I was not pleased. As some have mentioned, often the substandard grade items are in pretty nice condition anyway -- but not always. Moreover, this switch is never accompanied by a notification that only substandard are available and certainly not by a reduction in price.

Is two dollars much to get upset over? Of course not. But the principle of selling something, especially via a preorder or Pile-of-Loot purchase, and then delivering what is essentially a different item, is FRAUD. If I bought a car with a black coat of paint, only to be given one with a red coat, without any explanation or indication of a change, I would feel swindled. It doesn't matter if both things are close in value; I paid for one thing specifically and received something else.

Now to be fair, I have had plenty of good interactions with BBTS customer service and when I've brought this sort of issue to their attention, I've received a refund. But it's caused me to have much less faith in the preorder/POL process.

I have a feeling this becomes more likely when you have things sitting in your POL for a long time or things that sell out fast. They probably don't pay close enough attention to the packaging until stock starts to get low...and then they have to make sure the people that paid extra for collector's grade get theirs. Just speculation on my part, though.

Although many here avail themselves of BBTS, I am not a fan of the company. To me, they are the guys that are always "sold out" on an item I'm looking for, and they stay "sold out" for eternity and instead of removing the listing, they leave it up. As a result, a year later, the google search still drags you to them as a retailer having the item.

I've only had dealings with them at a few of the Bot-Cons I've been to, where the merchandise was actually there and "on hand".

And now, hearing the author of this thread's complaint, I'm glad I don't deal with those guys. They sound like complete morons.

Kibble wrote:I have a feeling this becomes more likely when you have things sitting in your POL for a long time or things that sell out fast. They probably don't pay close enough attention to the packaging until stock starts to get low...and then they have to make sure the people that paid extra for collector's grade get theirs. Just speculation on my part, though.

Yeah, I think this is also the case - demand for Collectors grade means the cases are picked for the best ones, leaving a 'standard' quantity in stock, which is picked for other orders about to dispatch - leaving the rest as substandard grade until they are gone....

Cobalt Prime wrote:Although many here avail themselves of BBTS, I am not a fan of the company. To me, they are the guys that are always "sold out" on an item I'm looking for, and they stay "sold out" for eternity and instead of removing the listing, they leave it up. As a result, a year later, the google search still drags you to them as a retailer having the item.

I've only had dealings with them at a few of the Bot-Cons I've been to, where the merchandise was actually there and "on hand".

And now, hearing the author of this thread's complaint, I'm glad I don't deal with those guys. They sound like complete morons.

You're entitled to your opinion, and I agree that they aren't perfect. No one is, however.

Still, while some may consider this a bait and switch, and it sounds like it is, somewhat, at least they're not pulling stuff like TFSource's fiasco with the Shadow Scythe set.

It certainly made sure I won't be buying from TFSource at all.

I can honestly tell you that BBTS is run by very intelligent people, and as far as I'm concerned...honest people. They're not morons.

And yes, it's true they keep a listing up well past it's due date, but every once in a while they procure a new shipment of said item when no one else does.

You're being rather unfair, and sound an awful lot like a perfectionist who can never be pleased.

Autobot032 wrote:Still, while some may consider this a bait and switch, and it sounds like it is, somewhat, at least they're not pulling stuff like TFSource's fiasco with the Shadow Scythe set.

It certainly made sure I won't be buying from TFSource at all.

Yeah... the Shadow Scythe fiasco came out of the blue. Really was the end of the line with my patronage of that site. You see, when you deal with serving our fandom, you gotta know that we are some pretty savvy collectors. The moment you try to pull some ****, there's ten of us calling Shenanegans on the proceedings.

Autobot032 wrote:

Cobalt Prime wrote:Although many here avail themselves of BBTS, I am not a fan of the company. To me, they are the guys that are always "sold out" on an item I'm looking for, and they stay "sold out" for eternity and instead of removing the listing, they leave it up. As a result, a year later, the google search still drags you to them as a retailer having the item.

I've only had dealings with them at a few of the Bot-Cons I've been to, where the merchandise was actually there and "on hand".

And now, hearing the author of this thread's complaint, I'm glad I don't deal with those guys. They sound like complete morons.

You're entitled to your opinion, and I agree that they aren't perfect. No one is, however.

Still, while some may consider this a bait and switch, and it sounds like it is, somewhat, at least they're not pulling stuff like TFSource's fiasco with the Shadow Scythe set.

It certainly made sure I won't be buying from TFSource at all.

I can honestly tell you that BBTS is run by very intelligent people, and as far as I'm concerned...honest people. They're not morons.

And yes, it's true they keep a listing up well past it's due date, but every once in a while they procure a new shipment of said item when no one else does.

You're being rather unfair, and sound an awful lot like a perfectionist who can never be pleased.

Ya know, I was cool with everything you said until that last sentence, Sir.

Simply expecting an online store to actually have the things they list in stock so that I can buy them does not make me a "perfectionist who can never be pleased". I'm sorry if my comment caused offense to your pals at BBTS, but as I stated, my experience with that company has not been particularly positive due to their continuous out of stock state on certain items.

My telling the forum about my experience with that store does not warrant a personal attack.

Cobalt Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Cobalt Prime wrote:Although many here avail themselves of BBTS, I am not a fan of the company. To me, they are the guys that are always "sold out" on an item I'm looking for, and they stay "sold out" for eternity and instead of removing the listing, they leave it up. As a result, a year later, the google search still drags you to them as a retailer having the item.

I've only had dealings with them at a few of the Bot-Cons I've been to, where the merchandise was actually there and "on hand".

And now, hearing the author of this thread's complaint, I'm glad I don't deal with those guys. They sound like complete morons.

You're entitled to your opinion, and I agree that they aren't perfect. No one is, however.

Still, while some may consider this a bait and switch, and it sounds like it is, somewhat, at least they're not pulling stuff like TFSource's fiasco with the Shadow Scythe set.

It certainly made sure I won't be buying from TFSource at all.

I can honestly tell you that BBTS is run by very intelligent people, and as far as I'm concerned...honest people. They're not morons.

And yes, it's true they keep a listing up well past it's due date, but every once in a while they procure a new shipment of said item when no one else does.

You're being rather unfair, and sound an awful lot like a perfectionist who can never be pleased.

Ya know, I was cool with everything you said until that last sentence, Sir.

Simply expecting an online store to actually have the things they list in stock so that I can buy them does not make me a "perfectionist who can never be pleased". I'm sorry if my comment caused offense to your pals at BBTS, but as I stated, my experience with that company has not been particularly positive due to their continuous out of stock state on certain items.

My telling the forum about my experience with that store does not warrant a personal attack.

1.) They aren't my "pals". I don't know them personally, so this comment came off a little rude. However, we'll call it even. (more on that in a moment.)

2.) They don't list an item as being in stock unless it is actually in stock. It either says In Stock, Preorder, Preorder - Sold Out, or Sold Out. If you can't figure out that those status labels mean what they say, then isn't it your burden to bear? At the very least, you should contact them for more info if you're having a problem with it. Instead, you act like they're dangling a carrot that no one will ever get, when it's simply not true.

3.) BBTS is a high volume business. If you don't pounce when you can, or at the very least preorder, then you're S.O.L. This a lesson I learned the hard way. If you're not willing to pull the trigger, someone else will. It's as simple as that.

4.) My comment was an observation, and not intended as a personal attack. I can see how it could be taken as one though, and I apologize for any offense. This is why I said we were even, earlier. But now that you've had a chance to read my post, perhaps you'll understand why I made that comment. If you know how to deal with BBTS, you'll do well. If you aren't willing to even try, then perhaps no one will make you happy. That's not intended to be a criticism, that's me observing you being disgusted by a company that bends over backwards to make their customers happy, when some of the problem is you don't make a move when needed and see it as they don't get their preorders or restocks in in the amount of time you deem necessary.

If you want the item that bad, go to eBay. You'll pay a lot more, but you'll have it.

I mean, I don't know what to tell you. *shrugs*