itscramtastic wrote:Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!
I am so proud of you Cram. I am proud of all our level headed smart and educated Seibertronian breathren.
We see the price and while we all don't like it, we get it. None of us are blaming takara of price gouging (at least not more than any other figure). We all know why it is costing us this much and are now contemplating our options rather than wining.
I know it may sond random to write this but as a news guy I search across the web for news and I have never come across so much vitriol than the reaction to the price on this guy, elsewhere online. People don't even realize that it's only costing us more now because of the exchange. The price itself is comparable to what MP-10 was back in 2011.
My research in prices (since I wanted to give some people benefit of a doubt, which was a mistake) revealed that back in 2011, MP-10 was on preorder at BBTS for $249. And thats 2011, there has been some inflation in the 5 years since (as proof by deluxes increasig in price stateside). Starscream was $159 in 2012 (Kanrabat was right, that was expensive then). But since then, the exchange rate was in the state's favour so thigns were more affordable. Plus Hasbro released their more affordable versions of said 2 toys (and Soundwave). Added to how humans easily forget and you get the vitriol I saw as a result.
But none here and thats awesome. So now that we are done with that, lets look at our options for getting this at the best price and what it means as a sacrifice.
This damn toy is more comlicated than any other though. For others (ultra magnus and skywarp for instance), waiting for the Hasbro version might be viable. It could never happen, but its more likely that it does rather than it doesnt, and figures that big will be cheaper when released locally (we only get screwed with the smaller items like cars). But Megs will never be available from Hasbro so we cant wait for that.
The other usual option is buying this off a japanese site to save on money. In this case, I estimate at least a potential saving of $40 USD when preordering this toy in Japan (more if you pay up front). But once again there is that damn orange plug issue. I am personally confident that this toy wouldnt be stopped or seized by customs if it didnt have an orange plug, since they did once pick out my G1 reissue when it was coming in, inspected it, and sent it on its way to me. BUT 1) I am in Canada and 2) I wouldnt want people blaming me if it does get seized. So while I dont think I will have trouble importing this guy, I admit it is reckless and I dont suggest everyone follow my lead. However, HLJ does provide an orange plug and while they arent the cheapest option, they are a cheaper option still so it could be a good in between.
And the last bit of advice for paying less is just to wait. I am thinking of waiting for a few reasons. The reissues announced at the same time give me the idea that Megs will be reissued later (maybe 2 years from now) and hopefuly then the exchange will be n our favour again. Also, by waiting I can see if this toy is any good. While i am a big fan of Takara, its not like all their MPs are winners and looking back I would have much preffered waiting an extra year to see what the real opinion on Tracks was once the recency effect wore off. While i love Megatron and want Megatron, I want a good toy too. And preordering early to get the best discount means I can be stuck with a bad toy.
So I have decided I will wait. I want to wait for a review and if he is sold out, fine I will wait for a reissue (or a HLJ sale).
Sorry for the long post, I hope it was of help to anyone.
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