Shattered Glass Drift quality control issues: response from Transformers Collectors's Club

Seibertron wrote:Earlier this morning, I received an answer back from Pete at the Transformers Collectors' Club who clarified my questions about the "mix-up" with the gun/weapon accessories included with Shattered Glass Drift. Here's what he had to say:

Hi Ryan...

This appears to be a running issue with the factory. Since the guns are not actually suppose to come with the Drift mold (at retail) it looks like many toys, if not all, just received whichever two guns were selected when they were packed out. I understand that it is a technicality, but all we said was he would come with two guns. While we would have thought they would have come with a left and right gun, the factory did not seem to think it was necessary, and these are how these were packed out...

So, to clarify, we are not changing how the toy was intended. The toy was intended to have two swords which can be stored in the doors and two additional guns included as additional accessories, and ones that were never meant to come with this mold.

All that said, after all the product is shipped out and all figure defects (missing arms, broken pieces on the figure) are addressed, we may be able to come back to this depending on how many issues are out there. The easiest solution may be for people to bring to BotCon and exchange there. Perhaps we designate a Drift gun swap at the info booth.

For now though, we can't take any exchanges...

Best!

Pete

I'll translate - this like all problems people report to us, are really not our fault. However, if you come to BotCon and spend even more with us, we MAY be willing to help you.

What a fucking joke. BotFail 2012

Well, I didn't plan on ever storing the guns in the doors, so it's not that big a deal for me. But for them to try to pass the buck like that is really annoying, and the whole "we might fix it at Botcon" thing is bad as well. I can't make it to this Botcon, so if the guns did bother me then, oh well, I guess I'm just stuck with them.

Well, that just shows how much of a d*ck TFCC can be. I know he comes with 2 guns, but it was obviously meant to come with a left and right.

Its like saying we sell figures, but never said the toy would come with a left and right fist, it can come with 2 left fists for all the sh*t we give.

Oh well, what can you expect from a company who indirectly caused fraudulent activity on your credit card.

Hmm...it appears that the entire TFCC is facing all sorts of "running issues".

I don't buy this, I really don't.

Some Drifts came with opposite guns, and others did not. That means there were both guns made and produced. So why weren't both guns placed in the figure?

Something went wrong on the assembly line and Fun Pub's trying to sidestep it.

In other words, they don't really give a crap.

I'm pretty p!ssed at this news and I'm not even a member. With all these issues I'm surprised anyone is. Could you imagine if TFC's response to Heavy Labor's hip issue was "Yeah, we showed you the hips could hold Hercules up, but we never said they'd last long enough for you to get the rest of the set."

It's just plain wrong.

*sighs* Will the whiners here please stop for a sec, and read what I have to say?

Look, the club messed up with SG Drift. Fine, but the mistake could not be foreseen. In fact, now that I really think about and after studying my Gen. Blurr's guns up close, sorry for saying this but it's a petty thing. The guns are pretty much identical except for the tabs on either side which are used with Blurr's sniper rifle.
Since SG Drift does not have that rifle, and the smaller guns are not mentioned in the Gen. Drift assembly instructions, I'd say Fun Pub deserves some slack. I'm not saying they're completely free of guilt, just saying they're getting more thrown to them than they actually deserve.
Sending the figures back would be a logistic nightmare if you must know. Not only would they be swamped with defective figures, searching out which gun goes where, who'd want to do that, and who'd have the time? Not enough guns? A new run for the guns alone would not be worth it, big time, so I doubt Hasbro would even consider that.

The solution they provided is pretty reasonable given the circumstances, but for those who can't come it poses a problem. My suggestion? Start a thread, maybe in the B/S/T forums, where people with two of the same guns can meet and trade. Simple, no real hassle, everybody happy.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:The solution they provided is pretty reasonable given the circumstances, but for those who can't come it poses a problem. My suggestion? Start a thread, maybe in the B/S/T forums, where people with two of the same guns can meet and trade. Simple, no real hassle, everybody happy.

People can post their trades right here in this topic to keep things simple.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:*sighs* Will the whiners here please stop for a sec, and read what I have a to say?

Look, The club messed up with SG Drift. Fine, but the mistake could not be foreseen. In fact, now that I really think about and after studying my Gen. Blurr's guns up close, sorry for saying this but it's a petty thing. The guns are pretty much identical except for the tabs on either end which are used with Blurr's sniper rifle.
Since SG Drift does not have that rifle, and the smaller guns are not mentioned in the Gen. Drift assembly instructions, I'd say Fun Pub deserves some slack. I'm not saying they're completely free of guilt, just saying they're getting more thrown to them than they actually deserve.

The solution they provided is pretty reasonable, but for those who can't come it poses a problem. My suggestion? Start a thread, maybe in the B/S/T forums, where people with two of the same guns can meet and trade. Simple, no real hassle, everybody happy.

I don't know if you've ever bought anything from the Club, but the special boxes they send are not sealed and are therefore capable of being opened and inspected before they ship. Sure, it's an extra step, but considering the amount of similar issues there have been in the past, particularly with BotCon toys (the Seeker sets had all kinds of launcher issues, to name one) it really should have been done.

As far as your B/S/T thread section, sure it would help some people, but how can you say it wouldn't be a hassle? Unless someone lives 5 minutes from you, there's at least some minor shipping costs and you still have to go to the trouble of finding someone to trade with.

Since the guns weren't left/right dependent for transformation they were all put in the same bin at the factory. You had equal chances of getting left & right, two lefts, and 2 rights. To me, this is like getting a bag of Good & Plenty's and there being only pink ones. Some people would complain to everyone within earshot. I'd be happy to have the candy I wanted.

It's Drift. Sword stowage is what's most important.

Delicon wrote:I don't know if you've ever bought anything from the Club, but the special boxes they send are not sealed and are therefore capable of being opened and inspected before they ship. Sure, it's an extra step, but considering the amount of similar issues there have been in the past, particularly with BotCon toys (the Seeker sets had all kinds of launcher issues, to name one) it really should have been done.

Again, the guns were not mentioned in the instructions, and putting in that final control step would take yet another extra step: educating the workers of the one-time divergence, key words "one-time". Such things are an extra investment, and generally not worthwhile, since, well, they're one-time.

As far as your B/S/T thread section, sure it would help some people, but how can you say it wouldn't be a hassle? Unless someone lives 5 minutes from you, there's at least some minor shipping costs and you still have to go to the trouble of finding someone to trade with.

Still better than complaining, or even worse, waiting months for the Club to fix things, wouldn't you say?

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Delicon wrote:
I don't know if you've ever bought anything from the Club, but the special boxes they send are not sealed and are therefore capable of being opened and inspected before they ship. Sure, it's an extra step, but considering the amount of similar issues there have been in the past, particularly with BotCon toys (the Seeker sets had all kinds of launcher issues, to name one) it really should have been done.


Again, the guns were not mentioned in the instructions, and putting in that final control step would take yet another extra step: educating the workers of the one-time divergence, key words "one-time". Such things are an extra investment, and generally not worthwhile, since, well, they're one-time.

\

To clarify, I meant FunPub could do that. Given the history of such problems, many of which the general public doesn't know about because they are handled at BotCon before people even leave with their stuff, it would seem to be a wise move.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:As far as your B/S/T thread section, sure it would help some people, but how can you say it wouldn't be a hassle? Unless someone lives 5 minutes from you, there's at least some minor shipping costs and you still have to go to the trouble of finding someone to trade with.


Still better than complaining, or even worse, waiting months for the Club to fix things, wouldn't you say?

I'm not sure what kind of rock you've been living under lately, or perhaps you got buried in the Volcano with the Ark but the TCC has had a horrible track record of customer service as of late, of which this is just the latest example. Blaming the fandom for being upset is not a class move on your part.

What I'm saying is while it's true FunPub messed up for the upteenth time, the fandom should chill a bit. I'm not blaming anyone here, it's a simple error that can be fixed if one takes the initiative.
Again, I'm well aware of their track record, hence the "even worse".

Wow. I know it's a "minor" screw up, but it's not at the same time. If you got a Generations Blurr that had two right pistols you could easily exchange it. But since FP is not going to do something for a LIMITED COLLECTOR run of a figure that Wal-Mart, BBTS, TFSOURCE, RK, etc. would be willing to do. That's kind of a spit in the face. They need to get themselves together. I don't know if all of them have had perpetual hangovers this year or what but it needs to stop.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:What I'm saying is while it's true FunPub messed up for the upteenth time, the fandom should chill a bit. I'm not blaming anyone here, it's a simple error that can be fixed if one takes the initiative.
Again, I'm well aware of their track record, hence the "even worse".

Friend I feel you. HOWEVER, anyone that bought this, what? $60 toy took the initiative. They followed all the necessary steps and met every requirement.
1) Be a member
2) Pay the money
3) Deal with the 2 week clean up of your bank account after you fought online to even have an opportunity to buy.

MORE than enough effort has been put forth by the consumer. I feel an effort on the Club's behalf is more appropriate. I mean seriously, WE NEVER SAID IT WOULD COME WITH A LEFT AND RIGHT GUN. Really? What the hell kind of response is that?

On a side note, Overrun is awesome but I've seen evidence of him damaged and mispacked too, but not to the extent.

This is just another problem caused by overseas manufacturing. A lack of care and quality control by all parties. It sounds like they are getting pushed around by the factory and they are in turn trying to sweep it under the rug.

A nightmare of logistics to correct? No. Thousands of guns are small enough to ship in a reasonably sized box. These things can be air shipped and won't have to take the 2-3 week trip across the ocean by ship.
They are small guns. Will take no time to press, pack and ship to the U.S.
With the next club magazine(or the one after that) you include a small packet with two guns inside, one left and one right.

While I have no bad xp with BBTS, every story I've read here about a mix up usually results in the customer getting a replacement and even keeping the aforementioned mistake. Fun Pub needs to strive for this type of owning up to responsibilities. They are Hasbro's "Official Collectors Club".
Collectors don't usually collect mistakes, at least ones that are easy to duplicate (not at the prices that are being paid).

With Fun Pub being an American company their business model needs to reflect that of excellence. Their response to this debacle is wretched, it's like dealing with a greasy used car salesman. Letting them get away with this isn't going to teach them anything and the mistakes will keep happening since they don't feel any recourse. Making excuses for them will only hurt further experiences as well.

If anyone wants to get a jump on the trading at botcon, shoot me a PM. I have doubles pictured like the photo (the two in the back)...need one styled like the one in the front of the photo.

Of course this is if the other style exists. Can anyone confirm getting a correct left right set?

I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

It's like the rush to be the most level-headed person in the room is getting in the way of the times when people should be annoyed.

I can probably live with 2 wrong guns. The debacle to sort it is way too much hassle for me to contemplate. i'll be using 1 sword and 1 gun anyway. Im guessin this crap is because they rushed the figures out to counter the last bad PR, but thats just my opinion

But the 'guess if you bring it to botcon we may be able to sort it' line p****s me the hell off. I live in the UK, i pay a ton of money for these things and the club royally a**rapes us on the shipping fee's (and i say that as somebody that ships ebay items to the USA regularly) and the only suggestion to fix this is to spend thousands on coming to botcon. Doesnt even register that this is no use for the many fans that line their pockets from other countries. Driving a few states for botcon isnt too expensive, booking an international flight is F***ING EXPENSIVE. This kind of suggestion doesnt placate those in my position. In other words, theyre not willing to financially put themselves out, what a shock

i WAS going to come to botcon this year, i was going to spend a chunk of the inheritance i got from my late mum on coming to the show. A real once in a lifetime experience, i spent most of last year excited as hell, especially after the box set. I was going to pay for one of my best mates to join me, was going to be EPIC. But after the last 6 weeks drama i can honestly say id rather go to Autoassembly and line the pockets of people who say theyre going to do something and actually do it. My enjoyment of this fandom has taken a serious knock with all this stupidity. If the company is operating on a small budget, necessitating high fee's, substandard tech and piss poor quality control then i suggest one of two things. 1: negotiate a better deal and stop f***ing us about or 2. bring in an efficiency expert to kick them up the arse

Thanks for once again coming across as a bunch of second rate d***heads TFCC

Rough justice. These guys have had their share of problems in the customer service part this year. Last year, on a personal level, I had Sideburn shipped to a wrong address, which I had to pay for. I had a Ramjet that didn't have a nose, which couldn't be swapped out due to sellout. These are expensive pieces, and the club needs to recognize it as such. This year with Swindle working the credit card machine and now Drifts gun situation, it's all more of a hastle than it is about enjoying a hobby. And if that golden ticket deal destroys the chance of event goers to purchase the troop building set this year... Coffin nails, dude.

What's worst though is the lack of personal accountability on the clubs part. I understand why they're doing it, from a financial viewpoint, but that doesnt take away from it being cowardice and just unwelcoming.

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

So, to translate:

Dear Sucker,
We already have your money, so we don't really give a f*ck what your problem is. Be glad we didn't just take a sh*t in a box and mail that to you. If you're stupid enough and desperate enough to pay $100+ and fly cross-country, we might fix the problem, that somehow isn't our fault anyway, in a few months. Probably not though.
Sincerely,
The Dipsh*ts that got Your Identity Stolen.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

bionic_radical wrote:I had a Ramjet that didn't have a nose, which couldn't be swapped out due to sellout.

Did they tell you this? Don't they usually keep extra on hand for these sort of issues?

I got two of the same gun. I found someone that had the other and swapped... Coulda lived with the guns as they were, but it was easy enough to correct.

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

This kind of attitude is reasonable when talking about a $12 figure designed for kids on the store shelves.

This kind of attitude is completely unacceptable when talking about a $60 "collectible figure" for Adult Collectors. It says right on the box, "Adult collectible, not intended for use by children."

You can't cater to adult collectors and then be so flippant when a seemingly minor issue crops up. Adult collectors are anal and finicky. We've purchased the right to be so when we paid a premium for a collectible figure.

For Primus' sake, TFCC needs a PR consultant any time they communicate with Club members.

even the collectors club stuff is going down the drain, and people still think this franchise isnt in trouble

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

Why are you making excuses for them? You're the customer. It's not your job to pay a premium for a product and then come up with the rationalization for why the product does not live up to its billing.

The point is, people should be mad. They should be even more upset about the response. You shouldn't be advocating for the group that messed up. Have a backbone.

Complaining and pointing out the flaws of something does not mean a person is being unreasonable in their demands.

You're wrong to defend them on this. I'm not saying people should bring out the pitch forks etc, but we, the customers, do not need to show how wise and deferential we can be by understanding.

The only thing that needs to be understood is that premium product was not delivered in a premium way.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

True, but with production (I'm assuming) completed, figures shipped and orders filled, not mention BotCon relatively around the corner, on short notice I can't really see a feasible solution other than producing more guns which takes time and money, especially if Hasbro doesn't want to cooperate this time.
I still say that stand idea they brought up is a decent, if not ideal, one because, well, what else can you, as a business, quickly do? You'd have a lot of customers in one spot exchanging, and I can live with that.

Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

For the premium price paid for SG Drift and FunPubs down right shitty response to their screw up, I agree with the consensus on being outraged. Factor in $60 for Drift, $40 for club membership, there's $100 bucks you're in the hole for a figure that's wrong. And the excuses you're making for them are just that, excuses. It ain't like FunPub is hurting for money, they could've took the extra step to insure that that figure shipped correctly(hell, all they had to do was have to separate bins labeled LEFT GUN and RIGHT GUN, and boom, this could've been avoided). An easier fix would be for FunPub, not the customer(which you are suggesting) to take initiative. Send all who ordered SG Drift an extra set of guns, left and right. Being that accessories are gang molded, I'm sure there are plenty on hand. And with this, send an apology for they're screw up. You pay premium price for club membership and the collectors items(these aren't like regular retail toys like you tried to suggest) you should get premium service. The fact that you're so quick to defend FunPub and make excuses for them would ensure that this lackluster service would continue. Like Counterpunch said, you should expect better.

I always felt the TF Collectors club was a pretty soulless money-grab machine. I honestly believe everything, including the membership price, is over-priced. Add to that this lack of customer service, and you have a club that I will never again be a member of.

gothsaurus wrote:If anyone wants to get a jump on the trading at botcon, shoot me a PM. I have doubles pictured like the photo (the two in the back)...need one styled like the one in the front of the photo.

Of course this is if the other style exists. Can anyone confirm getting a correct left right set?

If you're coming to BotCon, shoot me a PM. Not for the Drift guns but so I can introduce you to the rest of the gang from Seibertron.com.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Also, compare this to 2003, with Universe 2003 Sunstreaker. Similar error, two of the same launchers. What did 3H do? Nothing, the fans themselves held gatherings in their own hotel rooms!

Well, is 3H making exclusives any more? No? Why? Oh.

It's also different when the fans are already gathered together and things can be physically fixed right then and there.

I usually enjoy your posts and perspective, but you're just way off on all of this. You're making the people who had a reason to get upset (after a series of flubs by the Club) seem like the bad guys here for just wanting their money's worth, without having to jump through hoops to get it.

I signed up for the TFCC for the first time cause I really, really wanted Runamuck and Runabout.

I have not gotten my figure yet. But this morning, I decided to take my wife out for a breakfast. The second transaction I've put on the card. The card has been frozen. Turns out, I had a TON of fraudulent charges on my card last night. I know it was from when I purchased my Runamuck and Runabout, cause it's the only other transaction I've put on my card. Good thing the wife had her card on her for breakfast.

When I got back home today, I did get an email from TFCC saying the Identity and Credit Card number theft was not their fault, and everyone is at risk at all times and no one is safe from this from happening to them. Way to not take any responsibility TFCC. And what a pathetic apology. Wait. It wasn't.

I'm just glad I didn't buy this Blurr. For the price they are charging for a repaint, there is no excuse for this sort of QC issue. And yes, this is a QC issue. "We didn't way the accessories would work properly, we just said they were included." Sounds like TFCC is a typical American Business. Nothing is ever their fault, ever. My heart goes out to you Shattered Glass Drift fans.

As for my Runamuck and Runabout, I just want my damn toys. It's been a month since I got an email stating it was being mailed out and nothing.

I also can't wait for my new card to come in the mail in 2 - 4 weeks, so I can start using my account again. Sure, that's no inconvenience either.

I agree completely with Counterpunch on this issue. As it stands, the collector club at this moment in time is not a good service for the fans. When you see how easily and cheap these little plastic guns are to make and the fact you could send both guns to everyone who ordered the figure for the price of sending an empty envelope. There is NO excuse for them to not be able to completely fix this error. They should have checked these before the boxes were even closed (since they aren't even sealed.) This is just pathetic customer service for a company that you pay $40 to for a $10 figure and the equivalent of about 2 comic books. You'd think that in a time when they are under the microscope for letting a lot of people's credit card information slip out of their hands and into those of criminals, that they would make every effort to hold onto those who have remained loyal to them. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the situtation. So in my case, I'll save my money for other less questionable merchants, like some of the 3rd parties who's products are of higher quality even though they aren't riding along on an "official" name.

Long time fan/reader, first time poster. Got a little tired of that 'other tf site'. So anyway, I just wanted to say how glad I am to not have wasted my money on these things, all the quality control I'm hearing about.
I'm getting a little sick of the way things in the hobby have been handled as of late. I cant say too much more without treading on political talk, but I will say that american consumers aren't going to put up with this **** for very much longer.
Credit Cards being hacked.
"No returns on these items" - which just means, if you get a Hercules visor with a black dot on it, you're screwed. Enjoy your happy meal and thanks for the hundred dollars.
Bad enough with the third party stuff, but an 'official' hasbro club saying 'oh well' we screwed you all over (haha stupid fans, these people will buy anything with an insignia on it. Just color it different)

Anyway, I didnt order this, but I feel for the people who feel ripped off. Even if the guns are somewhat of a bonus. They shoulda made him Deadlock anyway, ......

One positive spin is that yea, it may increase the "hobby" aspect if you have to 'trade with other fans" that got ripped off. Idunno, me though, I'd rather have what I paid for.

Nice to meet you guys, I'm sure I've already made some enemies with this post, but anyone pissed off abouit it is probably working for hasbro anyway....lol

Wow, are you kidding me. I'm not even a member yet and I'm already having second thoughts about joining this cluster f__k of a organization. This is two party fouls from these guys in as many weeks with poor P.R. responses. Who is running their P.R. departmant anyway???

I've been trying not to be so negative on these boards lately but when unnessesary stuff like this occcurs, it just pushes my customer service & quality control buttons.
If your going to make a big deal about how cool and exclusive your product is and how special you'll be if you join, you can't make mistakes like this and expect your customer base to stay loyal. People will only take so much before they lose faith and walk away. Fool me once shame on you (credit card), fool me twice shame on me (careless mold error).
Yes, I'm aware that there are alot of people involved in this and that there is a gray area here that should require patience, (like being at the mercy of overseas production facilities etc etc) But this is just getting rediculous. I'm thinking Runabout and OverRun may be my last call with these guys unless I see some serious improvments with customer respect.

If I paid $60 for this toy I'd be pissed off too. That's not the real price is it?

Why are these toys so expensive anyway? Probably because FP knows that grown men with disposable incomes are fully prepared to pay these prices and make excuses for poor QC.

Counterpunch wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I'm really disappointed in everyone who does not think this is a problem or who is apologizing for the Club.

Seriously, this isn't a $10 Wal Mart purchase.

This is a $60 collector's toy. When you pay for that kind of merchandise, complaining when you get incorrect parts, no matter how small the issue, is completely justified.

A collector's figure it may be, but it is still made using the same facilities and same procedures as that $10 Walmart purchase, if one discounts the new heads and accessories. So expecting anything more high end out of it than a regular retail figure is a bit unrealistic, wouldn't you say? Especially since they're equally prone to errors.

No, I absolutely would not say.

I'd also add that at this price and in this market, the only answer that should be given to quality problems is, "We sincerely apologize. We will get that fixed immediately."

You should want better for yourself.

What would happen if the fandom united and boycotted FP and Botcon?

Skip Botcon for a year, people. Create your own, local TF celebration. Refuse to buy the sh*tty expensive repaints.
Save some money...send the company a message.

UltraMason wrote:.....Nice to meet you guys, I'm sure I've already made some enemies with this post, but anyone pissed off abouit it is probably working for hasbro anyway....lol

Welcome. This thread has some hate going on, but for the most part, we all get along pretty well. Venting is good. It's a shame that amongst the shortcomings of the TFCC, their message boards are ghost towns. We could be voicing our opinions where it might do some good. But that entire website is a joke. So, come, complain and make yourself at home.


Funpub sucks. That is all.

Counterpunch wrote:

It's like the rush to be the most level-headed person in the room is getting in the way of the times when people should be annoyed.

THANK YOU!!!!! If this was a movie, that would be the moment deserving of a slow-clap.....
I say all of us "impatient grumpy types" meet up early in Dallas next month and pass out torches and pitchforks and approach the TFCC booth in true South Park "rabble rabble" fashion. I'm so there.

For a repaint expensive figure like this one, its just normal to react against TFCC and in my opinion they better hire additional QC personnel in their factory if they want to solve this kind of problem.

For what it's worth, on my SG Drift (which was missing both its guns), FunPub sent me replacements that were composed of a correct set.

So, there's that.

Everyone else is screwed though.

So Im guessing Pete and brian will be doing alot of "Behind the scenes" work during the con this year? I doubt they will be very popular this year..

I skipped on drift but anxiously await Overun'a'bout.

For my opinion on the rest of the subjects, I refer you to Counterpunches replies..pretty much sums up my Op on the situation..

Counterpunch wrote:For what it's worth, on my SG Drift (which was missing both its guns), FunPub sent me replacements that were composed of a correct set.

So, there's that.

Everyone else is screwed though.

A lot more people should start complaining about missing guns, haha.

"I understand that it is a technicality, but all we said was he would come with two guns."

No. You advertised him with the correct two guns aswell. On your own site.

http://www.transformersclub.com/drift12.cfm

Ar#ehole of a reply to your client base I think. Way to go funpub.

I've been lurking for a long time, but I had to comment on this. I did not buy SG Drift, but I am still appalled and infuriated at the response given by Pete. This makes me want to quit the club on principle. This is like dealing with the Post Office...they make you feel like it is your privilege to do business with them.

I expect to be treated with the proper respect of someone who is a paying customer. Responses such as this make me feel like FunPub is a mickey mouse operation that is in over its head. If this was the only thing that had happened in recent months, it'd be one thing. This, coupled with the bungled handling of the sale of these figures in the first place, and then the credit card fiasco, is just too much.

I know that Ryan said that he's talked to Hasbro about some of these issues, and I sincerely hope that they listen. I don't want to see Botcon go away, or lose the opportunity to expand my collection with great additions. However, I don't know much more of the blase attitude I can stand before I just say "enough" and look for other places to put my money.

G1 Legacy wrote::This is two party fouls from these guys in as many weeks with poor P.R. responses. Who is running their P.R. departmant anyway???

I don't know but after watching all of this unfold it makes me wonder if they were trained by Paul Christoforo.

DoubleOScorpio wrote:I've been lurking for a long time, but I had to comment on this. I did not buy SG Drift, but I am still appalled and infuriated at the response given by Pete. This makes me want to quit the club on principle. This is like dealing with the Post Office...they make you feel like it is your privilege to do business with them.

I expect to be treated with the proper respect of someone who is a paying customer. Responses such as this make me feel like FunPub is a mickey mouse operation that is in over its head. If this was the only thing that had happened in recent months, it'd be one thing. This, coupled with the bungled handling of the sale of these figures in the first place, and then the credit card fiasco, is just too much.

I know that Ryan said that he's talked to Hasbro about some of these issues, and I sincerely hope that they listen. I don't want to see Botcon go away, or lose the opportunity to expand my collection with great additions. However, I don't know much more of the blase attitude I can stand before I just say "enough" and look for other places to put my money.

What are the benefits of being in the club?

Uh, hey Pete? That hole you're digging, it's getting pretty deep.

Oh hey I still have not received an e-mail for the Over-Run I paid for in full before my card number was used by some jacka** down in Florida to buy a soda.

DoubleOScorpio wrote:I've been lurking for a long time, but I had to comment on this. I did not buy SG Drift, but I am still appalled and infuriated at the response given by Pete. This makes me want to quit the club on principle. This is like dealing with the Post Office...they make you feel like it is your privilege to do business with them.

I expect to be treated with the proper respect of someone who is a paying customer. Responses such as this make me feel like FunPub is a mickey mouse operation that is in over its head. If this was the only thing that had happened in recent months, it'd be one thing. This, coupled with the bungled handling of the sale of these figures in the first place, and then the credit card fiasco, is just too much.

I know that Ryan said that he's talked to Hasbro about some of these issues, and I sincerely hope that they listen. I don't want to see Botcon go away, or lose the opportunity to expand my collection with great additions. However, I don't know much more of the blase attitude I can stand before I just say "enough" and look for other places to put my money.

After the Piranacons sold out in like 20 minutes and any club member not being camped out on the computer lost out I did give up on them. Until the situation gets better I will not give them more of my money directly. I'll just get what I want off ebay, it seems to be more secure that way too.