Botcon News: Non-Attending And Loose Sets Sold Out!

Those went fast. Far faster than last year.

I wonder how many of these are just being resold for profit, gotta think that number is getting higher. I'm glad that they cut off the Iacons so more people can go to the show.

Knew i wouldnt be getting these. Even if i had the money id still be screwed. I blame the movie and scalpers.

I was thinking about, and thinking about getting one. It's been awhile since I have not bought a Botcon set.

But I am not sure how much I want one, and now my fate is sealed.

I may grab Leozak, and Skyquake if they are cool enough, and if Landshark is a repaint of E-Sharkticon, I'll probably grab that one too.


Otherwise, nah, unless they make a really sweet Springer or something which is VERY unlikely.

Faxed my stuff on Saturday morning, just got the email confirmation Monday morning at 11am that they had received the fax... I hope I got it in in time!

Will I be able to get this year's Boxed Set for around $350-400? Is that too low or high? I'm seriously considering paying UP TO that much, if I can find a reputable dealer who can ship it cheap to the Chicago area.

These are more than likely scalpers buying these items more than collectors. So many show up on eBay shortly after they are shipped out. Should limit them to 1 per order per address per person.

Zeds wrote:These are more than likely scalpers buying these items more than collectors. So many show up on eBay shortly after they are shipped out. Should limit them to 1 per order per address per person.

Agreed

OhioBot wrote:Faxed my stuff on Saturday morning, just got the email confirmation Monday morning at 11am that they had received the fax... I hope I got it in in time!

Same here. Here's hoping I made the cut, too! If so, then I can replace my Titanium Scourge with one that's slightly more poseable... and I'd have a sweep, to boot!

emeraldbeacon wrote:

OhioBot wrote:Faxed my stuff on Saturday morning, just got the email confirmation Monday morning at 11am that they had received the fax... I hope I got it in in time!

Same here. Here's hoping I made the cut, too! If so, then I can replace my Titanium Scourge with one that's slightly more poseable... and I'd have a sweep, to boot!

Ditto, I faxed my non-attendee registration on the second day and got the e-mail they had received my fax that same day. Surely I'm good. I really want that Scourge.

Wow, that was quick.

I'm glad I'm not into paying that much for my Transformers, as I would have real trouble spending that much money on something that is practically sight unseen.

Damn it! I'm on vacation and I left my filled out form on the kitchen table at home and forgot to fax it before I left! Frak...

Anybody who ordered an extra set wanna help a brother out? PM me.

I'll be posting this in Carbombia, too.

Well, it's nice to not have THAT hanging over my head anymore. I was still "deciding," but I'll take the extra-fast selling out of the set as a sign that I don't really need it.

Instead, I'll enjoy the e-hobby Sunstorm that should be arriving any day, as well as completing my G1 Roadbuster and Hardhead I recently acquired with some nice, crisp Reprolabels.

The horror!

It's okay, because I'd rather get the hell out of Arizona for a while and just go, anyway... Problem is, can I wait until I go into town tomorrow? I can finish the app now and get the fax off in the morning...

Are they not making as many as they usually do? It seems like every year they sell out faster than the year before. You'd think they'd anticipate that.

If it had been the Wreckers set that we were anticipating a month ago my fax would have gone off the first day. As it stands I can quite happily pass for the second year running, although I might grab Leozack on ebay at some stage but I'd have had to grab him secondary market anyway.

UltraPrimal wrote:Are they not making as many as they usually do? It seems like every year they sell out faster than the year before. You'd think they'd anticipate that.

They made more, actually.

For those that don't know...this happens every year.

Fans everywhere go forth with 'meh, Epic Fail FP!' Then the sets sell out.

So, if SO MANY people see the toys as crappy or undesirable, why do they keep disappearing?..Because for every one or two of you out there talking bad about the toys, there are 10 or more who are quietly enjoying the hobby.

It's not scalpers, it's not people buying up multiple sets, it's everyday guys and girls who don't take time to get mired down in negativity.

That's the truth and if you've been to a convention or two, you know that's how it goes.

tigertracks 24 wrote:

UltraPrimal wrote:Are they not making as many as they usually do? It seems like every year they sell out faster than the year before. You'd think they'd anticipate that.

They made more, actually.

I figured they did. That's what they said at the last couple BotCon TCC meetings. That each year since the '06 set they made more than the year before. But they still keep selling out faster and faster. Last year I think it was a couple weeks. This year it's only been a few days!

If they are making more, they're still not making enough it seems. They have said the more they make, the cheaper it is for them to make them. I would think they'ld be OK with a little left over. It's not like they're gonna end up with another '05 set. If I were them, I'd make more, then more still, and finally a little more.

The 2008 set had fewer produced than 2007 from what I remember.

Counterpunch wrote:
So, if SO MANY people see the toys as crappy or undesirable, why do they keep disappearing?..Because for every one or two of you out there talking bad about the toys, there are 10 or more who are quietly enjoying the hobby.

It's not scalpers, it's not people buying up multiple sets, it's everyday guys and girls who don't take time to get mired down in negativity.

That's the truth and if you've been to a convention or two, you know that's how it goes.

A little defensive? I don't like this year's set, but I'm certainly not "mired in negativity." It's just not for me. And I'm pretty sure I'm not any more or less a TF fan than the "quiet hobby enjoyers" out there, either. In silence or with an opinion--I enjoy my hobby either way.

Congrats to those who like the set and will be getting it (and had the foresight to order quickly). Congrats as well to those who made an executive decision and saved $300 on a set they're not entirely behind.

TFBuyer wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:
So, if SO MANY people see the toys as crappy or undesirable, why do they keep disappearing?..Because for every one or two of you out there talking bad about the toys, there are 10 or more who are quietly enjoying the hobby.

It's not scalpers, it's not people buying up multiple sets, it's everyday guys and girls who don't take time to get mired down in negativity.

That's the truth and if you've been to a convention or two, you know that's how it goes.

A little defensive? I don't like this year's set, but I'm certainly not "mired in negativity." It's just not for me. And I'm pretty sure I'm not any more or less a TF fan than the "quiet hobby enjoyers" out there, either. In silence or with an opinion--I enjoy my hobby either way.

Defensive about what?

I just don't get it... What I said is true, it may not apply to you personally, but it is true. Every year it's the same show, rip on the set, watch it sell out, watch as the toys get more expensive after.

Most of the comments about the toys here, at tfw, and other forums are pretty harsh about the set. Not a lot of folks defend the toys, but the toys keep selling out. You see where I'm going here? There's a disconnect between the negativity we see and hear online and the truth of the dollar.

All this is not to say, 'You HAVE to like the toys.' This or that set may not appeal to everyone. BotCon is an expensive niche' market. They don't expect to please everyone. The one time they made a set to do just that (2007) they were hung up on a cross.

My point is that all of this 'MEH' "EPIC FAIL" garbage is just that. The BotCon sets that FP has produced have been a real quality product. We're two figures into the preview with two figures leaked so far.

IF the set is terrible in the end, clear the way, I'll bury it myself and read the obituary from a soapbox. Until then, let's not fry the hen that lays the golden eggs.

Counterpunch wrote:

TFBuyer wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:
So, if SO MANY people see the toys as crappy or undesirable, why do they keep disappearing?..Because for every one or two of you out there talking bad about the toys, there are 10 or more who are quietly enjoying the hobby.

It's not scalpers, it's not people buying up multiple sets, it's everyday guys and girls who don't take time to get mired down in negativity.

That's the truth and if you've been to a convention or two, you know that's how it goes.

A little defensive? I don't like this year's set, but I'm certainly not "mired in negativity." It's just not for me. And I'm pretty sure I'm not any more or less a TF fan than the "quiet hobby enjoyers" out there, either. In silence or with an opinion--I enjoy my hobby either way.

Defensive about what?

I just don't get it... What I said is true, it may not apply to you personally, but it is true. Every year it's the same show, rip on the set, watch it sell out, watch as the toys get more expensive after.

Most of the comments about the toys here, at tfw, and other forums are pretty harsh about the set. Not a lot of folks defend the toys, but the toys keep selling out. You see where I'm going here? There's a disconnect between the negativity we see and hear online and the truth of the dollar.

All this is not to say, 'You HAVE to like the toys.' This or that set may not appeal to everyone. BotCon is an expensive niche' market. They don't expect to please everyone. The one time they made a set to do just that (2007) they were hung up on a cross.

My point is that all of this 'MEH' "EPIC FAIL" garbage is just that. The BotCon sets that FP has produced have been a real quality product. We're two figures into the preview with two figures leaked so far.

IF the set is terrible in the end, clear the way, I'll bury it myself and read the obituary from a soapbox. Until then, let's not fry the hen that lays the golden eggs.

It also has a lot to do with the fact that people tend to be a lot more vocal about things they don't like, rather than the stuff they do. Naturally there are resellers who are a factor in these sets going so fast, but those that like what they see will more often than not will buy a set and not say more than a few words about their appreciation.

i'm reli glad my US connection came through for me and is getting me a loose set at cost

can't wait for the set, scourge is still meh, but its a good kinda meh now

lovin the bright neon esq colours

Counterpunch wrote:

TFBuyer wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:
So, if SO MANY people see the toys as crappy or undesirable, why do they keep disappearing?..Because for every one or two of you out there talking bad about the toys, there are 10 or more who are quietly enjoying the hobby.

It's not scalpers, it's not people buying up multiple sets, it's everyday guys and girls who don't take time to get mired down in negativity.

That's the truth and if you've been to a convention or two, you know that's how it goes.

A little defensive? I don't like this year's set, but I'm certainly not "mired in negativity." It's just not for me. And I'm pretty sure I'm not any more or less a TF fan than the "quiet hobby enjoyers" out there, either. In silence or with an opinion--I enjoy my hobby either way.

Defensive about what?

I just don't get it... What I said is true, it may not apply to you personally, but it is true. Every year it's the same show, rip on the set, watch it sell out, watch as the toys get more expensive after.

Most of the comments about the toys here, at tfw, and other forums are pretty harsh about the set. Not a lot of folks defend the toys, but the toys keep selling out. You see where I'm going here? There's a disconnect between the negativity we see and hear online and the truth of the dollar.

All this is not to say, 'You HAVE to like the toys.' This or that set may not appeal to everyone. BotCon is an expensive niche' market. They don't expect to please everyone. The one time they made a set to do just that (2007) they were hung up on a cross.

My point is that all of this 'MEH' "EPIC FAIL" garbage is just that. The BotCon sets that FP has produced have been a real quality product. We're two figures into the preview with two figures leaked so far.

IF the set is terrible in the end, clear the way, I'll bury it myself and read the obituary from a soapbox. Until then, let's not fry the hen that lays the golden eggs.

As noble a sentiment as that is (to not start frying hens), people are people and they're just going to put their opinions out there, especially, as Mkall said, if they don't like something. As annoying as seeing "EPIC FAIL" garbage over and over might be(especially if you like the set), it's not the determining factor on production of anything anyway.

Whether or not there's a disconnect between what we seem to hear about the set and when they sell out shouldn't make much difference, though, should it? The fact that they're already sold out--only two figures and two leaks in, no less--automatically makes the hen pretty fireproof, I'd say... I'm pretty sure the truth of the dollar you mentioned trumps the grumblings of some underwhelmed fans every time.

I'll agree about the Botcon sets being pretty niche, though. I only just started purchasing the sets with the infamous Games of Deception set, which I snagged right away since I knew it was going to be something everyone would want. Since then, I guess the sets have been a little TOO niche for me. Maybe I just don't know my TF history as much as I should.

1) They made more in 08 then 07 but not that much more.

2) For them to get a price discount they'd have to make around 10,000 instead of the 2,000-3,000.

3) Pete at FunPub said the amount of people buying multiple sets was the same as last year.

4) Because con is in Pasadena a lot of TF fans were able to convince their wives to make this THE family vacation of the year with a lot more people buying doubles or more for their wives and kids.

5) Being in Pasadena also means their's a larger local population that doesn't have to travel to get to Botcon.

6) Point 4&5 don't explain how so many non-attending sets have sold. My guess is that when they announced that 60% of the sets were sold out last Friday a bunch of people who were on the fence panicked and ordered them.

There are definitely "scalpers" involved" when it comes to Botcon sets. FunPub I think used this at least partially as their motvation for capping the Iacon sets. However, these dealers aren't going to want to buy the sets year after year without there being a big market for them, which there absolutely is. If you look online the week after Botcon youy can find boxed sets being sold (and BOUGHT) for at least double the original price.

However, as COunterpunch said, if you've ever been to a Botcon you can just see the utter joy so many of us get the moment we pick up our sets. Not everyone likes every figure and not everyone thinks all of the sets so far have been "equal" but overall the reaction is quite positive. I recently opened up my 2009 set again and can't get over just how cool the Goldbug is, for example.

Well I'm pumped for the set, and I just got my e-mail confirmation that my non-attendee registration has been processed.

I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

I don't know why there's a lot of hate for the Botcon figures. I think every Botcon figure made is awesome even though I don't own any of them. Only convention figure I've got is Megazarak and that was a Christmas gift.

robofreak wrote:I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

I don't know why there's a lot of hate for the Botcon figures. I think every Botcon figure made is awesome even though I don't own any of them. Only convention figure I've got is Megazarak and that was a Christmas gift.

Honestly, I DON'T think that there is a lot of "hate" for this year's set. I've mostly just heard some "Well, this isn't for me--just not that interesting to warrant a purchase"-type comments. The only time I've ever seen "HATE" attributed to the discussion of a Botcon set was with....

well,....you know. Mostly by the poeple who couldn't get them...

TFBuyer wrote:

robofreak wrote:I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

I don't know why there's a lot of hate for the Botcon figures. I think every Botcon figure made is awesome even though I don't own any of them. Only convention figure I've got is Megazarak and that was a Christmas gift.

Honestly, I DON'T think that there is a lot of "hate" for this year's set. I've mostly just heard some "Well, this isn't for me--just not that interesting to warrant a purchase"-type comments. The only time I've ever seen "HATE" attributed to the discussion of a Botcon set was with....

well,....you know. Mostly by the poeple who couldn't get them...

I agree, but I haven't been visiting other sites conversations on this topic. So maybe there is more disdain out there than we know.

tigertracks 24 wrote:

TFBuyer wrote:

robofreak wrote:I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

I don't know why there's a lot of hate for the Botcon figures. I think every Botcon figure made is awesome even though I don't own any of them. Only convention figure I've got is Megazarak and that was a Christmas gift.

Honestly, I DON'T think that there is a lot of "hate" for this year's set. I've mostly just heard some "Well, this isn't for me--just not that interesting to warrant a purchase"-type comments. The only time I've ever seen "HATE" attributed to the discussion of a Botcon set was with....

well,....you know. Mostly by the poeple who couldn't get them...

I agree, but I haven't been visiting other sites conversations on this topic. So maybe there is more disdain out there than we know.

Point taken. Truthfully, the only other time I actually ever go to another TF site is if it's linked from here in a news story.

robofreak wrote:I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

You should have been...

Counterpunch wrote:

robofreak wrote:I faxed my forms last Friday and got an email that they received the fax like an hour later. I still haven't been notified as to whether or not it's been processed.

You should have been...

I believe they sent out an e-mail stating if you had them in or postmarked by 3/2/09 that you will be fine.

Noticed that my credit card had been charged for my Botcon set this morning, so I'm locked in. You guys might want to start checking.