The Energon Pub

[D-Maximal_Primal]

The Prime reissue has hurt my local Walmart. The same 11 figures have been hogging the bottom shelf now for 2 months, and I check very regularly, so I would know if they moved and got replaced.

And since they are the bottom shelf, guess whose Walmart is not carrying (as in no price tag at all) ANY Leader figure, any Voyager SS figure, any Cyberverse figures, and any Siege Micro or Battlemasters. My walmart consists of blind bag Botbots, deluxes, Siege voyagers, and those stupid statue thingies.

[SGMLordMirage]

That is sad.

[o.supreme]

Looks indeed like a new wave of Original Primes is hitting my area, after the first ones disappeared quickly. I saw 4 at one store, and THIS display at another:

Entitled: How to prevent THEFT and/or PURCHASE of Original Series Optimus Primes:

Step 1. Attach Anti Theft Device to the Actual Fixture:



If that doesn't work, you can bind 2 of them together and sell the "Exclusive 2 Pack" for $99.94




Additionally, I dont draw a hard line as to whether toys should be opened and played with, or left MISB, having done BOTH in the past, I believe all fans have the right to collect as they see fit, but bending the cards as seen here, takes the *mint* possibility away immediately, the moron who did this should be fired, but again, that's just my opinion.

Additionally all those minibots I saw a couple days ago- Whether taken by scalpers, or actual collectors, they're all gone.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Considering the sheer amount of sell backs and in-store thefts I have observed in the past 4 months, I can't blame them for this. I also am starting to think they need to inspect returns more thoroughly.

[o.supreme]

Considering the sheer amount of sell backs and in-store thefts I have observed in the past 4 months, I can't blame them for this. I also am starting to think they need to inspect returns more thoroughly.

It's odd though, this walmart is just less than 2 miles west of my home. I guess it may be a higher theft area, but all leaders have anti-theft devices as well (actually saw a SS Jetfire, the first SS Leader at a walmart in almost a year). Heck, they have all their pharmaceuticals, and men's shaving products locked up also...kind of crazy-Whereas the other closest walmart, approximately 2 miles south, does not have anti-theft on any toys short of lego sets that exceed $100

[SGMLordMirage]

That’s a new one, theft device on a transformer, dang! But I agree, how ever you collect transformers is on the person but for anyone wanting something close to mint, definitely damaging it like that, takes that away for sure.. WOW!

[Wolfman Jake]

I'm on vacation right now. Just took a look this evening at the local Walmart. It looks like they're sold out of G1 Optimus Prime and they don't even have shelf space for the Minibots. My search for Warpath continues.

Also, for what it's worth, back home in Minnesota, I did see the G1 Optimus Primes bundled up with anti-theft devices at ONE particular store. I found it odd because it's definitely NOT a Walmart that I would think would have a high theft rate, while other stores that I think would be much more vulnerable don't have any precautions on that piece of merchandise at all. Weird.

[o.supreme]

I want OP but I'm not paying $50 for it. I did notice it's going for about $40 on eBay. Might snag it at the next eBay sale

Trust me, don't do it. It is an Ebay scam. A few of my friends have been scammed by sellers like this, who sell the reissue Prime for 40$, and the mini bots for 6-8$. They are scams, please avoid them

Just Curious... Here is one selling on eBay right now for $33 USD shipped:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-G ... SwVv9cder4

If I wanted this toy, this is definitely the route I'd go...How is this a *scam* ?

[Ironhidensh]

I want OP but I'm not paying $50 for it. I did notice it's going for about $40 on eBay. Might snag it at the next eBay sale

Trust me, don't do it. It is an Ebay scam. A few of my friends have been scammed by sellers like this, who sell the reissue Prime for 40$, and the mini bots for 6-8$. They are scams, please avoid them

Just Curious... Here is one selling on eBay right now for $33 USD shipped:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-G ... SwVv9cder4

If I wanted this toy, this is definitely the route I'd go...How is this a *scam* ?

Feedback/seller info looks pretty good.

[Nathaniel Prime]

I want OP but I'm not paying $50 for it. I did notice it's going for about $40 on eBay. Might snag it at the next eBay sale

Trust me, don't do it. It is an Ebay scam. A few of my friends have been scammed by sellers like this, who sell the reissue Prime for 40$, and the mini bots for 6-8$. They are scams, please avoid them

Just Curious... Here is one selling on eBay right now for $33 USD shipped:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Transformers-G ... SwVv9cder4

If I wanted this toy, this is definitely the route I'd go...How is this a *scam* ?

Feedback/seller info looks pretty good.

I can't predict what happens with every seller, but I just want to warn you guys here that there is indeed a scam going on, so just be careful

But for 25$ when you can still buy them at Walmart for 50$... if that's not a scam, then there's gotta be something wrong with it. Maybe that one is opened?

Edit: just checked again, and the seller says it's new and unopened... very weird, but I hope for your sake that it's just a good deal

[ZeroWolf]

What's the scam then if you don't mind me asking? Have there been reports of people paying but getting nothing?

[Wolfman Jake]

Well, I've tried three different Walmarts now while on vacation in Maryland. Two of them had some G1 Optimus Primes, but none of them even had shelf space tagged for the Minibots. Finding Warpath is going to be an ordeal.

[Nathaniel Prime]

What's the scam then if you don't mind me asking? Have there been reports of people paying but getting nothing?

I don't know about other people, but my friends who have bought from a few sellers did end up with nothing. 2 of them got their money back, but unfortunately one of them didn't. I looked up his situation, and the only thing I could find is that if the seller ships the box out, but to a different person, that person returns the box to the post office, which marks the purchase as returned, thus the purchase can't be refunded because returns void the eBay Money-back Guarantee.

Although I agree with who said that they probably should have gone with a more reputable seller, as those probably would have been a better choice. I can't point out the sellers who scammed, but as soon as I get an email from them, I will forward it here

[ZeroWolf]

What's the scam then if you don't mind me asking? Have there been reports of people paying but getting nothing?

I don't know about other people, but my friends who have bought from a few sellers did end up with nothing. 2 of them got their money back, but unfortunately one of them didn't. I looked up his situation, and the only thing I could find is that if the seller ships the box out, but to a different person, that person returns the box to the post office, which marks the purchase as returned, thus the purchase can't be refunded because returns void the eBay Money-back Guarantee.

Although I agree with who said that they probably should have gone with a more reputable seller, as those probably would have been a better choice. I can't point out the sellers who scammed, but as soon as I get an email from them, I will forward it here

Thanks for the reply! Yeah post more details when you have them please, to help the community avoid dodgy sellers.

[JasonM32]

Updates from Arizona. Well my local Walmart finally put Gears and Warpath on the pegs. I've been fortunate in that I've had an opportunity to get all the re-issues so far. Devastator has proven to be the most elusive of the bunch. He was in stock briefly but I just didn't have the $75 to spare at the time.

I paid $50 for Optimus Prime which I though was excessive. I'll try to grab a second one to display out of the box if he ever goes on clearance. So far it looks like the two Walmarts in my area each only put about 8 or so of them on the shelf. I don't know how many come in a case. It took a while but they have finally sold them all. I'm interested to see if they get any more.

You'll notice in my picture that I fixed the long missiles on my Starscream. I bought an extra set of missiles on Ebay, chopped them down and glued them in place. Looks way better in my opinion. I'm eagerly anticipating the time when Soundwave and the cassettes become available. I'd also really like to get another Starscream if I can get a good price somehow.

Thanks for looking and happy hunting!

[cruizerdave]

Looks indeed like a new wave of Original Primes is hitting my area, after the first ones disappeared quickly. I saw 4 at one store, and THIS display at another:

Entitled: How to prevent THEFT and/or PURCHASE of Original Series Optimus Primes:

Step 1. Attach Anti Theft Device to the Actual Fixture:



If that doesn't work, you can bind 2 of them together and sell the "Exclusive 2 Pack" for $99.94




Additionally, I dont draw a hard line as to whether toys should be opened and played with, or left MISB, having done BOTH in the past, I believe all fans have the right to collect as they see fit, but bending the cards as seen here, takes the *mint* possibility away immediately, the moron who did this should be fired, but again, that's just my opinion.

Additionally all those minibots I saw a couple days ago- Whether taken by scalpers, or actual collectors, they're all gone.

Well, maybe not fired. I mean, that's a bit extreme to say, "you just ruined the chances for toy collectors to hoard a substandard reissue's box, so now you don't have a job!"

Maybe a little bit of training could help him or her though.

[Emerje]

I'd just like to take a moment to say how amazing Warpath is. I don't think I ever fully appreciated the engineering that went into the figure as a kid (especially since mine fell apart pretty quickly), but as an adult it's an impressive little figure. I just like the way things slide and lock in place as part of the transformation without having to snap things into place. It's such a clever design unlike any other mini bot. A lot of thought and care went into it and it's just fantastic.

Emerje

[chuckdawg1999]

I'd just like to take a moment to say how amazing Warpath is. I don't think I ever fully appreciated the engineering that went into the figure as a kid (especially since mine fell apart pretty quickly), but as an adult it's an impressive little figure. I just like the way things slide and lock in place as part of the transformation without having to snap things into place. It's such a clever design unlike any other mini bot. A lot of thought and care went into it and it's just fantastic.

Emerje

Articulation Zealots like to paint a broad stroke against all G1 Transformer figures but there's a ton of unique and inventive engineering there.

[o.supreme]

I went to another of my local stores yesterday (not the ones with the messed up Primes but a different one...)

I actually saw an employee stocking toys. She was putting out some Minibots, but oddly enough it was the previous assortment (BB, Outback, Swerve, Tailgate...) She had like 3 cases of them, put one on the shelf, and the other 2 above as overstock.

I asked her about Siege Battle Masters because I still don't have Pteraxadon. There was actually no peg for BM's, I said they are usually a 5.97 price point... her response was "I think that might be an online exclusive..." .

OK, so I don't expect an employee to be an expert at everything, but heck, If I worked there, whether it be pets, or hardware, or sporting goods (things I know little to nothing about), you can bet I'd want to learn as much as possible so I don't seem like a dummy when asked questions, or not to give a BS answer.

I've contemplated often asking a manager of a store, if/when toys come in (all toys, not just TF) If I can come in, and assist stocking them, I'd do it for free, just for the privilege of having first pick at whatever new item comes in. I clean up part of the action figure aisle anyway, every time I'm there, so why not have some perk with it, but I doubt they'd go for it.

I remember years ago, working at a retail store, and a representative from Lego would come in, and work only on Lego product, stock new items, clean that area etc... I actually became pretty good friends with her over time. I'd have no problem being Hasbro's *free* rep at a given store. I know they have many brands, but I'd be willing to learn them all to a competent level.

[william-james88]

OK, so I don't expect an employee to be an expert at everything, but heck, If I worked there, whether it be pets, or hardware, or sporting goods (things I know little to nothing about), you can bet I'd want to learn as much as possible so I don't seem like a dummy when asked questions, or not to give a BS answer.

I dont know man, these people dont even make liveable wages. I think we'd have bigger things to worry about than worrying about looking like a dummy when an adult asks us about toys for their collections.

[o.supreme]

I dont know man, these people dont even make liveable wages. I think we'd have bigger things to worry about than worrying about looking like a dummy when an adult asks us about toys for their collections.

OK, I'll give you a little window into my past. I worked at K-Mart right after graduation. Granted it was only part-time while I was going to college, but I was making $6.50 US per hour. I worked in the stock room, mostly unloading truckloads that came in, but I picked up a *basic* knowledge of most products. I was not on the main floor often while working, but when I was, and customers asked a question, I had to go all the way back to the stockroom, look up codes on a ancient DOS based database, and figure out if we have something or not, or at least find something comparable. But...I knew it was my job, and I was happy to assist.

Now, most employees have handheld devices which can do all that with a simple scan, or search. I'm sorry, but I have little sympathy for poor customer service. If you don't like your job, then leave and find one that is better suited for you. My father-in-law always will go to a checkout line because he "feels sorry" for checkers that are losing their jobs due to self-checkout options. At Walmart I'll ALWAYS use self-checkout, because the quality level of employees is so low. It's like night and day, when you go to some other grocery stores. Of course they have much higher prices, which is probably why they have a higher caliber/ competent level of employee.

I don't know what the answer is, its kind of like a snake eating itself. Walmart wants to have competitive pricing, but they can seemingly only get minimally-to-low competency level employees, because they don't pay enough. Full Disclosure, I'd be willing to pay a bit more for groceries, if the quality level of the employees were to rise to something closer to what we have in some of our chain grocery stores.

[Emerje]

One of the problems with Walmart (and really most retailers) is that the employees don't get to choose their departments and thanks to staff cutting they rarely work only one department anymore. That employee you talked to may also be doing pets and lawn and garden. I won't say there's any excuse for poor customer service, any time they don't know the answer they should try to find one, but I can definitely understand the disinterest.

Emerje

[Wolfman Jake]

Woot! I found Warpath today at Walmart, finally! There were actually two on the pegs (along with one Gears and several each of Bumblebee, Swerve, and Tailgate). One Warpath had the rubsign applied upside down. Luckily, I noticed it in time and got the other one without that flaw instead. I’m all caught up on the Minibots now. Just need to track down Devastator (on eBay), and I’ll be up to date on everything so far. Bring on Soundwave and his minions!

[-Kanrabat-]

Funny tidbit. Went toy hunting with my friend (who own and drive a car, woo-hoo!) and I did 3 Walmarts. Minibot Swerve is the only one remaining everywhere for reasons. Then, my local Walmart never had G1 Optimus, but there's plenty at the two others I went to. Look like he's a shelfwarmer because not many people want to pay 70 mother effing dallors for what is basically a deluxe sized transformers. Maybe if that Optimus bothered to had the trailer...

[william-james88]

Walmart's exclusive trailer-less G1 Optimus Prime reissue has been $70 CAD in Canada. While the first stock sold, there has been heavy restock across the country and it has remained on the shelves. Now, Walmarts across Canada have reduced the price by $20, to be $49.97 (about $40 USD). You can see an image below from the Montreal area. The same deal can be obtained online at walmart.ca.