The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

I keep getting asked when the Prime toys are gonna be released into U.S. retail and all I know is that it is during one of these two months. So, which is it? Are the First Edition figures coming in this month (November) or next month (December)?

[Erailea]

If we take the grain of salt that Wiki has been spitting out for many weeks now, the first week of December (can't remember the exact date they stated, but it was the single digits).

If we want to go off the idea's of good marketing, at or near Black Friday.

It would be nice to have a defined answer though :/ I can't ever seem to find one through google searched >__<

[Sabrblade]

If we take the grain of salt that Wiki has been spitting out for many weeks now, the first week of December (can't remember the exact date they stated, but it was the single digits).

Wikipedia or TFWiki? I know the former is untrustworthy, but the latter has more credibility.

[Erailea]

Wikipedia or TFWiki? I know the former is untrustworthy, but he latter has more credibility.

As I said, take it with a grain of salt. Lol. Regular wiki.

[LOST Cybertronian]

Since the "First Editions" are not hitting mass retail, I guess it's when whichever stores in your area are gonna get them in. BBTS doesn't expect them until January (subject to change).

[Erailea]

Since the "First Editions" are not hitting mass retail, I guess it's when whichever stores in your area are gonna get them in. BBTS doesn't expect them until January (subject to change).

Well, crud. Lol. Looks like I'm going to have to stalk my TRU... rather, the TRU near where I work since they're far more likely to get them.

*sighs at the prospect of having to deal with tourists just to find a toy*

I might just pass this round...

[GuyIncognito]

I don't expect to see them on Black Friday or that weekend, because sales like TRU's "Buy 1 get 2 free" sale make me think the stores are going to use that weekend to get rid of as much DOTM merch as they can before stocking the new line. Just a hunch.

[Sabrblade]

Well, has there been a definite answer to which month they are coming out? I know there's no exact release date, but hasn't there been at least a confirmed month of release?

[Autobot032]

I called using SKNs and was told around December 1st. No later than the first week, though. I'm on the east coast side of things, so I'd imagine you'll see 'em sooner on the west coast.

[Sabrblade]

I called using SKNs and was told around December 1st. No later than the first week, though. I'm on the east coast side of things, so I'd imagine you'll see 'em sooner on the west coast.

Called who? Hasbro?

[Doubledealer93]

I called using SKNs and was told around December 1st. No later than the first week, though. I'm on the east coast side of things, so I'd imagine you'll see 'em sooner on the west coast.

Called who? Hasbro?

i just dont buy it. if they were going to be released soon wouldn't we have heard some news?
if they are released in december slap me and call me wheelie.

[Autobot032]

I called using SKNs and was told around December 1st. No later than the first week, though. I'm on the east coast side of things, so I'd imagine you'll see 'em sooner on the west coast.

Called who? Hasbro?

Toys R Us. They're the only ones who use SKNs. Other stores might use SKUs, but SKNs are TRU only.

In case people need 'em, here they are, in order of price:

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

NOTE: The SKNs are for the assortment/class and not the individual figures themselves.

[Flakmaster]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

[Autobot032]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

Cheaper than BBTS, overall. No shipping to pay, no cases or assortments to have to buy.

[Sabrblade]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

Just chop off a few short bucks from those prices to get the Wal-Mart/Target/Kmart prices.

[Autobot032]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

Just chop off a few short bucks from those prices to get the Wal-Mart/Target/Kmart prices.

True, but they won't be getting them until March. Called Wal-Mart with the UPCs and they aren't in the system. They don't even have a listing for Prime yet. So BBTS's claim about specialty markets is true.

[Sabrblade]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

Just chop off a few short bucks from those prices to get the Wal-Mart/Target/Kmart prices.

True, but they won't be getting them until March. Called Wal-Mart with the UPCs and they aren't in the system. They don't even have a listing for Prime yet. So BBTS's claim about specialty markets is true.

So, Wally World's only getting the Robot is Disguise waves and not the First Edition waves? Bummer.

[Erailea]

$12.99 Deluxe SKN: 757212
$24.99 Voyager SKN: 757271
$29.99 Entertainment Pack SKN: 757352

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

honestly, it's not that expensive. They're right on par with their regular prices (save an extra dollar or two on the Voyagers).

Walmart's prices for deluxe's is $9.99, Voyagers are $19 or $20. So only a few bucks more.

The entertainment pack is two deluxes plus three kids, so basically the bots are $10 a pop and the kids are about $3.35 a piece. Pretty fair on that deal if you ask me.

[Sabrblade]

The entertainment pack is two deluxes plus three kids, so basically the bots are $10 a pop and the kids are about $3.35 a piece. Pretty fair on that deal if you ask me.

Plus a DVD too.

[Autobot032]

So, Wally World's only getting the Robot is Disguise waves and not the First Edition waves? Bummer.

Exactly. BBTS was given the correct info by Hasbro. When Hasbro said specialty market, they meant it. It's been speculated that releasing the First Editions at Wal-Mart and other major retail stores could back fire. They could overstock, they could clog the shelves and pegs and when it's time for the official line to come out, they'll either have no room, or order less.

First Edition is made in smaller numbers and goes to smaller markets, the burden is on them to move the product. Wal-Mart isn't willing to play games, they dictate to Hasbro, not the other way around.

So, First Edition hits end of November/First week of December and the full line will be widely released in March, sometime.

honestly, it's not that expensive. They're right on par with their regular prices (save an extra dollar or two on the Voyagers).

Walmart's prices for deluxe's is $9.99, Voyagers are $19 or $20. So only a few bucks more.

The entertainment pack is two deluxes plus three kids, so basically the bots are $10 a pop and the kids are about $3.35 a piece. Pretty fair on that deal if you ask me.

Exactly. Thank you.

Just in case people think they're getting a better deal from BBTS, than TRU, here's some factual math for you...

TRU Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Starscream: $12.99 x 4 = $51.96 plus tax.
BBTS $59.99 plus shipping.

TRU Bulkhead, Optimus Prime: $49.98 plus tax.
BBTS $59.99 plus shipping.

TRU Entertainment Pack: $29.99 plus tax.
BBTS Entertainment Pack: $34.99 plus shipping.

I realize there's Pile Of Loot and they'll allow you to combine shipping, I don't deny that, but BBTS is still worse than TRU, overall. Especially on the single pack figures such as Arcee, Cliffjumper and Bulkhead. There isn't even a listing for a single pack Bulkhead...

Shipping from BBTS averages about $8.00-14.00 depending on the size of the initial item. We'll meet somewhere in the middle and say $11.00 for shipping...

BBTS: $165.97 is the grand total, with shipping.
TRU: (We'll use a high state tax, such as Chicago or Los Angeles with 9.75, according to taxfoundation.org.)
Grand total: $144.79

That's a difference of $21.18! Granted, to be fair, you'll most likely use that for gas to get to TRU (or several), but no waiting time, and if your TRU is local, or you're out shopping elsewhere, you're not wasting much, if any, gas. BBTS does deliver on the promise of securing your order and you'll get what you want without worry, but you also have to wait until January and it doesn't specify when, exaxctly.

So, when people say TRU is scalperiffic, I don't deny it, but let's look at all of the facts.

[GuyIncognito]

Crap, those are expensive.
I should have expected something like that from the expert scammers at Toys'R'Us.

I don't think you know what "scam" means.

Selling products at an advertised price that is close to or equal to the MSRP is not a scam. #firstworldproblems

[Sabrblade]

So will only TRU be getitng them? I hate having to pay their overpriced prices. Plus the nearest TRU to me is all the way across town. I've had to go there for a select few items, but to go there for the entire wave of a line is gonna be murder.

And just how long can we expect these to stay in stock on the shelves? Will they still be around for purchase even well after Christmas? New Years? Are all the First Editions gonna be shortpacked? Just hunting down MP Rodimus was a Nightmare on Sesame Street.

[Autobot032]

So will only TRU be getitng them? I hate having to pay their overpriced prices. Plus the nearest TRU to me is all the way across town. I've had to go there for a select few items, but to go there for the entire wave of a line is gonna be murder.

And just how long can we expect these to stay in stock on the shelves? Will they still be around for purchase even well after Christmas? New Years? Are all the First Editions gonna be shortpacked? Just hunting down MP Rodimus was a Nightmare on Sesame Street.

TRU and online retailers. I'm guessing comic book shops might be able to.

[Erailea]

And just how long can we expect these to stay in stock on the shelves? Will they still be around for purchase even well after Christmas? New Years? Are all the First Editions gonna be shortpacked? Just hunting down MP Rodimus was a Nightmare on Sesame Street.

I'm sure it's going to all depend on your TRU. Rodimus has been on the shelves at my TRU since it came out, but I didn't see him at the Time Square store when I popped in the other day (didn't see Ultimate Optimus either for that matter).

If what someone said about select TRU's getting the 1st editions is true, that's going to cause madness in and of itself. Even if that is wrong, if your TRU is in a popular location (Time Square for example) they could go fast... but, then again, those TRU's will likely get a bigger shipment of then normal stores.

I think we're going to have to wait and see... and hope for the best...