Asia Exclusive MP-08 Masterpiece Grimlock Preorder

[lancalot]

Well the pre-order is up for Asia Exclusive MP-08 Masterpiece Grimlock now open $199.95 , which is not bad ...

http://tfsource.com/masterpiece/mp-08-reissue/

[Freya]

Waiting for robotkingdom to see their price then pre-order it ^_^

[yoshi594]

Comes with Asia Exclusive with Flame Sword & Crown Coin!

[MayzaPrime]

Flame sword!!!! :D:D

Thats almost worth buying

[drifand]

This is why I no longer support ebay folks, Transformers masterpiece is reliable for reissues and it will pay off if you wait. Now if you bought the other exclusive Grimlock, I would have wasted at least $50

[Wheelie]

This is why I no longer support ebay folks, Transformers masterpiece is reliable for reissues and it will pay off if you wait. Now if you bought the other exclusive Grimlock, I would have wasted at least $50

Wow, there really is a price I'm not willing to pay for a transformer.

Who woulda thunk it?

[drifand]

Beats me, slap on a new box, put some gold lettering and then sell for $100 more? Then this version is so much cheaper and affordable.

Oh yeah the worst thing to happen is when Takara Tomy decides "Hey you know what" lets do the entire Dinobots but at a different affordable scale.
I be very damn pissed.

[Bidoofdude]

Ooh. Perfect. Time to start saving for this and YOTH Optimus Prime. :) I'm a happy panda.

[drifand]

Ooh. Perfect. Time to start saving for this and YOTH Optimus Prime. :) I'm a happy panda.

yet to see pictures to get me interested, and "Who" will bring it into our local stores.

[Bidoofdude]

yet to see pictures to get me interested, and "Who" will bring it into our local stores.

Apparently YOTH is going to be regular Hasbro release MP-10, except with a clear trailer and some Platinum Edition writing on the regular box. Hope it's true though, info from the guy who let us know about the special Grimlock from earlier. ;)

[drifand]

okay lets keep this Grimlock for now. I haven't get this guy, really wished some of our local stores bring them in.

[Gofigure]

Heads up guys.....preorder for reissue Grimlock at BBTS

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11775&mode=retail&utm_source=Marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Marketing&utm_content=

Ships out in jan 2014

[serialmonkey]

Don't you mean MP8 ? ah, you just fixed it

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=17068

[Sinnertwin]

yet to see pictures to get me interested, and "Who" will bring it into our local stores.

Not who, if they bring it in. It's a reissue of MP08, what's there to see? Or are you waiting to see the flame sword add-on and coin-crown as a decider to make up your mind?

[Gofigure]

Ahhhh thought the bbts one was just the normal mp 08

Didn't realise all the upcoming reissues were the Asia exclusive

[Gofigure]

Double post

Soz :)

[drifand]

Not who, if they bring it in. It's a reissue of MP08, what's there to see? Or are you waiting to see the flame sword add-on and coin-crown as a decider to make up your mind?

was referring to the mp10 yoth prime not this grimlock

[DELTAprime]

It's Malibu Stacy Masterpiece Grimlock with a new hat Sword and Crown.

I can't believe I'm considering buying it. I mean it's just a new sword and crown. But then again I would like a Grimlock on display in robot mode.

[Ultra Mackness]

I'll be interested to see what the crown-coin gimmick will turn out to be, whether there'll be a folding cardboard holder a bit like the Soundwave coin or if it will be a gimmick with the coin itself.

[Gofigure]

Ordered 2

Recently got a tru version but want one to open

The other one is just because I wanted back ups

[drifand]

Are any other places such as Amiami and Hlj going to release these or are these just solely for that site?

I can see a few ebay seller probably getting rid of the old version and probably buying the new ones.

[Sinnertwin]

was referring to the mp10 yoth prime not this grimlock


Ok lets keep this Grimlock for now. Wouldn't you agree?

[drifand]

Ok lets keep this Grimlock for now. Wouldn't you agree?

Yes.

[Bidoofdude]

I want this. It's $250 shipped, so I'll have to wait until Christmas, 'coz I'll have some money then. ;)Just hope it's still in stock by the January release. :(

[gundamgokin]

I've got my pre-orders in with ishop2go for MP-11 and MP-08 for US$155 and US$167 respectively and about US$35 shipping to Sydney. They're generally the same price as RobotKingdom but the Takara stuff generally tends to run cheaper.

I've bought from them in the past (mainly MPs and Chogokin), good service and relatively quick shipping but they're normally the last guys to get the stock in.

[griffin]

Are any other places such as Amiami and Hlj going to release these or are these just solely for that site?

Unlikely, as this is an Asian exclusive (by Hasbro Hong Kong), and those are Japanese online stores, so generally stock JP (TakaraTomy) figures.

Check out other HK sites for this item (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11614), as they should be the cheapest sources, because they are closest to the source.

[Starscream77]

Ok lets keep this Grimlock for now. Wouldn't you agree?

:D

[drifand]

Unlikely, as this is an Asian exclusive (by Hasbro Hong Kong), and those are Japanese online stores, so generally stock JP (TakaraTomy) figures.

Check out other HK sites for this item (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11614), as they should be the cheapest sources, because they are closest to the source.

Didn't see any yet, interestingly they are the source but quite a number of things they are selling higher than HLJ, or Amiami. Not everything but a handful of things that I like including transformers mps.

[Cat]

It's going to be impossible to score the coin from this.


Grrr.

[lancalot]

It's going to be impossible to score the coin from this.


Grrr.

I think this one going to be a mass release after they were testing the reaction of the china con sales ....so it shouldn't be that hard to find as a few online sights selling the MP coins separate from the figure!


Ehobbybase shop got it on preorder for $170 now...

http://ehobbybaseshop.com/index.php?sp&p=6&cat2=2&cat1=3&cat0=3&id=201&new&more&lang=en

[Gasaraki]

I think this one going to be a mass release after they were testing the reaction of the china con sales ....so it shouldn't be that hard to find as a few online sights selling the MP coins separate from the figure!


Ehobbybase shop got it on preorder for $170 now...

http://ehobbybaseshop.com/index.php?sp&p=6&cat2=2&cat1=3&cat0=3&id=201&new&more&lang=en

Ah, good old EHobbyBaseShop... RK shouldn't be far behind then, and hopefully more like $159.99 (my prediction). I hope their customer service is good enough to add Grimlock onto an order I've already paid for... anyone know if they will do this favour?

[Iriorne]

[...]hopefully more like $159.99 (my prediction) [...]

Close! RK have just announced on their Facebook page that preorders are $169.99 (http://www.robotkingdom.com/takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp-08-grimlock-reissue-with-crown-coin-flame-sword-preorder-available-in-january-2014.html).

[Bidoofdude]

Close! RK have just announced on their Facebook page that preorders are $169.99 (http://www.robotkingdom.com/takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp-08-grimlock-reissue-with-crown-coin-flame-sword-preorder-available-in-january-2014.html).

Nice. :)

[Bidoofdude]

RK has about $214 shipped. Pretty good. Now PLEASE stay in stock until Christmas. ;):o

[Sinnertwin]

RK has about $214 shipped. Pretty good. Now PLEASE stay in stock until Christmas. ;):o

Don't know, BD, they've got less than 55 units on preorder available :o
That's not to say that they won't be getting in any extra units though

[Thorns2010]

RK's shipping rates seem to have jumped greatly with the site redesign. I got 2 MP Tigertrack back in June and shipping was only $25 for the pair. I just did an estimate on 2 Bluestreaks, and shipping was quoted as being $40 for the pair.

[gdmetro]

Was going to pre-order this guy from Robotkingdom, but damn,.. the shipping is a killer! is there something wrong? its like $44 cheapest for shipping....

[yoshi594]

mmm how are e-hobby with their shipping rates?

Rk's shipping is way too expensive for me now even with SAL.

I didn't even see the insurance option they had with their previous website.

[1orion2many]

Ehobbybase gives you the choice of how you want to ship it, I think it was around $20.00 Aus for Normal air post for my MP Sideswipe and $29.00 EMS. I think there was a third cheaper option but I could be wrong. They are excellent at packaging the figure.

[Gasaraki]

Ehobbybase gives you the choice of how you want to ship it, I think it was around $20.00 Aus for Normal air post for my MP Sideswipe and $29.00 EMS. I think there was a third cheaper option but I could be wrong. They are excellent at packaging the figure.

Hmmm... sounds like it should be around the same shipping cost as RK then, since MP-08 is at least 4 times heavier (and that's being conservative...). I just ordered it from RK (along with one other item to throw into the big postage)... didn't actually realise the postage had gone up...

[Gasaraki]

RK's shipping rates seem to have jumped greatly with the site redesign. I got 2 MP Tigertrack back in June and shipping was only $25 for the pair. I just did an estimate on 2 Bluestreaks, and shipping was quoted as being $40 for the pair.

OK have further confirmed the shipping increases when getting shipping costs for these items:

1. iGear MW-05, 06, 07, 08 - shipping $29.86 compared with $24.98 back in June.

2. FP G3 trailer, FP Sidearm, and FP Backfiery - $44.00 compared with $32.98 back in March.


So... depending on the item ordered, the increases in shipping may be rather hefty, or may be more modest. That $44 rate seems to be some sort of threshold that is dictated by size and/or weight... obviously the iGear mini-warriors snuck in below that.

Overall, I suspect that MP-08 would not have shipped for less than around $32 in the 'old days'.

[kaiden]

does anyone know what accessories come with this release? all i know so far is a flaming sword and coin crown but there's no mention of gun, apron, drinks etc...

[Gasaraki]

does anyone know what accessories come with this release? all i know so far is a flaming sword and coin crown but there's no mention of gun, apron, drinks etc...

Well, if you believe BBTS, they report confirming that original MP-08 accessories are included... Stating that the gun, apron, and drinks set will be there. This likely means that the helmet thing will also be included.

As I understand it, the extra stuff are the crown/coin and the flame cover for the sword.

[kaiden]

if only they sold the flame sold and coin/crown separately :/

[Megatran]

Some online stores such as BBTS have pushed out the release date to February 2014.

[theshape]

Just got (and paid) my invoice from ehobbybase shop!

[yoshi594]

Just got (and paid) my invoice from ehobbybase shop!

how much was it all up?

[theshape]

Ended up being 201usd. So not too bad. I thought i was due mid january

[yoshi594]

Ended up being 201usd. So not too bad. I thought i was due mid january

oh it's not too bad. cheers for the reply. Might have to cave in at some point when i order ultra magnus.

[drifand]

should have joined orders with you guys and saved on shipping. but oh well I have not caved in. I can live without the mighty Grimlock as I am missing mp-10

[griffin]

Ended up being 201usd. So not too bad. I thought i was due mid january

Hmmm.... means they have it in stock already.

You'll have to let us know what accessories it has, and if it comes with a coin.

[King Atlas]

So is there anything new in this release? It just seems like Takara's original "sharp" mould with the Hasbro crown minus the apron and other silly accessories. Have seen no picks of the coin either...

http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1375844061_2.jpg

[theshape]

I emailed ehobbybaseshop about when they are shipping these. They said they are still waiting for the gift

[drifand]

Anyone noticing the Ebay listings without box? Whats the deal? Someone stole them out of factory or KO?

[millhouse]

So is there anything new in this release? It just seems like Takara's original "sharp" mould with the Hasbro crown minus the apron and other silly accessories. Have seen no picks of the coin either...

http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1375844061_2.jpg

I think that photo's from the Cybertron Con (?) from last year, being in the unusual white box packaging. That release only had the sword and crown, as well as an apron available with a convention-only t-shirt, and had the sharp teeth.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Wasn't this one the one that has the coin that is supposed to transform into his crown? That's all I want to see!:p

[millhouse]

Wasn't this one the one that has the coin that is supposed to transform into his crown? That's all I want to see!:p

Nope. Just a plain ol' crown. Same as the Hasbro MP release and the prior King Grimlock MP from Takara (where I believe the accessory originates from).

As I understand it, based on the description, the flame sword and crown coin appear to be new accessories. Either that, or it includes a flame (light up?) sword (same as before, right?) a crown, and a coin. But a heap of mistranslation would have to happen for that to be the case!

As far as I know, there are no photos of the new accessories.

[Megatran]

I emailed ehobbybaseshop about when they are shipping these. They said they are still waiting for the gift

Got an email from ehobbybaseshop today requesting that I pay the invoice. Am I right to assume the 'free gift' (limited coin & flame sword) is now available?

[lancalot]

robotkingdom website got the pic of the extras....the sword look cool inside box...

http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformers/masterpiece/takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp-08-grimlock-reissue-with-crown-coin-flame-sword-preorder-available-in-january-2014.html

[yoshi594]

robotkingdom website got the pic of the extras....the sword look cool inside box...

http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformers/masterpiece/takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp-08-grimlock-reissue-with-crown-coin-flame-sword-preorder-available-in-january-2014.html

How does the coin transform?!

[Kazza]

robotkingdom website got the pic of the extras....the sword look cool inside box...

http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformers/masterpiece/takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp-08-grimlock-reissue-with-crown-coin-flame-sword-preorder-available-in-january-2014.html

The pictures used on this ebay listing are clearer and the crown looks kind of shoddy.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transformers-Masterpiece-MP-08-Grimlock-Exclusive-Crown-And-Flame-Cover-Sword-/201019835778?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item2ecdb74582&_uhb=1

[yoshi594]

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/959488-mp-08-masterpiece-grimlock-reissue-crown-coin-flame-sword-33.html

Flame sword looks great and all. A missed opportunity from takara to remove the led lighting and give grimlock articulated robot hands...

The sword seems to be silicone.

[Megatran]

The coin and crown look rubbish. The sword needs to be on Grimlocks hand to see the full effect.

[Ultra Mackness]

Disappointed with the crown, it just looks cheap to me, but I like the look of the coin. Having it black against the gold is different and looks pretty cool.

[Bidoofdude]

Flame sword looks a bit out of place, but looks really good. Crown, meh.

[theshape]

Just got the shipping email, hopefully have him by end of next week if im super lucky

[Gasaraki]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/iling79/Transformers/DSC_0841.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/iling79/media/Transformers/DSC_0841.jpg.html)

A few people have posted on the January Acquisitions thread already, so thought I'd put this here. My MP-08 reissue arrived Friday... first impression was "Man this box is bigger than I was expecting!". Grimlock is very nice, although some bits do seem to be showing some age, e.g. the range of poseability of the legs, somewhat precarious hip joints.

Accessories included in the box are: Gun, Sword, Intelligence Transfer Helmet, Drinks Tray with 7 Glasses (detachable), Apron, & Bow Tie.

The Sword is a good effort at adding something extra, and is indeed a flexible material (probably silicone).

The Crown is die cast and feels substantial... look on Grimlock is OK to me. There is no coin - the black looking thing on gold card in pictures is in fact a plastic container for the crown.

[lancalot]

That a nice pic .....I was disappointed about no coin :( but the crown cool

[griffin]

Sounds like a combination of the US & JP versions with the accessories, but with a different sword (a "modern" flaming instead of Gen1 straight sword).

[WeallscreamforStarscream]

I was disappointed about the lack of articulation with the hands/ fingers.

Another downer is that the sword seems to heavy and makes his arm drop in some poses.

But he looks and feels awesome!

[Megatran]

Is that a new sword or the same G1 straight sword with the soft plastic sheath flame sword accessory? I'm keeping mine MISB. :o

It had previously been noted by some members here regarding mould degradation. My 2013 BotCon(?) Asia Exclusive MP Grimlock (white box with Asian calligraphy) has loose hip joints but arms are tight. Given how much I paid for him, he only came with the sword, gun & crown accessories. :mad:

[Bidoofdude]

Is that a new sword or the same G1 straight sword with the soft plastic sheath flame sword accessory? I'm keeping mine MISB. :o

It had previously been noted by some members here regarding mould degradation. My 2013 BotCon(?) Asia Exclusive MP Grimlock (white box with Asian calligraphy) has loose hip joints but arms are tight. Given how much I paid for him, he only came with the sword, gun & crown accessories. :mad:

The fire sword is a soft, flexible cover for the original sword.

[lancalot]

my reissue joints were all pretty tight ....none loose at all

[millhouse]

The fire sword is a soft, flexible cover for the original sword.

It's also (AFAIK) not inside the box. It's in a little box of its own, like the Prime stand.

[Gasaraki]

Sounds like a combination of the US & JP versions with the accessories, but with a different sword (a "modern" flaming instead of Gen1 straight sword).


I was disappointed about the lack of articulation with the hands/ fingers.

Another downer is that the sword seems to heavy and makes his arm drop in some poses.

But he looks and feels awesome!

Sorry, I could've been more detailed in my comments... MP-08 reissue comes in a box that is, as far as I can tell, the same as the original release. Its the usual black masterpiece packaging, with the same accessories as the original INSIDE the box. The crown and flame sword cover come in their own packaging.

So yeah, the flame cover slips over the original 'energo' sword, the light up feature is still the same. Using just the original sword is not a problem on mine, but adding the flame cover does make it a tad heavy so that certain more extreme arm poses are difficult to hold.


my reissue joints were all pretty tight ....none loose at all

Yeah, I think its relative for me... Almost all joints are tight, but I complain about the hips as they are at the level where bumping the figure softly will change those joint positions. I guess I consider that on the loose side, but functionally they are 'tight' enough. He's not gonna spontaneously fall over I reckon.


It's also (AFAIK) not inside the box. It's in a little box of its own, like the Prime stand.

Yes, as is the crown. It's quite a nice little box, but in the end I've stuffed it inside the massive MP-08 box for storage. Come to think of it, one could easily stuff 2 or 3 voyagers in there even before taking Grimlock out!!

[millhouse]

MP-08 reissue comes in a box that is, as far as I can tell, the same as the original release.

I think there's a 30th anniversary logo on the new box... Not 100% sure, but recall reading something along those lines somewhere.

[lancalot]

I think there's a 30th anniversary logo on the new box... Not 100% sure, but recall reading something along those lines somewhere.

yeah it got a 30year sticker instead of the orig 25year

[griffin]

Is it a "30 of 30" figure, or just has a 30th anniversary logo?

[lancalot]

Is it a "30 of 30" figure, or just has a 30th anniversary logo?

nah it isn't...just the gold "transformers 30 years "

http://imageshack.com/a/img842/811/h9pe.jpg

[DELTAprime]

I was half expecting this to come in a Hasbro box with a xx of 30 sticker since it wasn't getting released in Japan. Instead we get a Takara box with Takara's 30th logo.

[griffin]

It is indeed odd, but Hasbro HK often use JP packaging for their "exclusive" reissues... even though they are not being released in Japan.
For most though, it is cheaper to just re-use and slightly alter JP packaging than create all new English/Chinese packaging.

[nexusnixx]

nah it isn't...just the gold "transformers 30 years "

http://imageshack.com/a/img842/811/h9pe.jpg

Hmmm if it's a sticker for the 30th anniversary, does that it was just a stick over the 25th anniversary print on the box?

[Gasaraki]

I think there's a 30th anniversary logo on the new box... Not 100% sure, but recall reading something along those lines somewhere.


yeah it got a 30year sticker instead of the orig 25year

Yeah, yeah, like I said, it's the SAME BOX! :p

[WeallscreamforStarscream]

Slightly off topic.. i just had a good play with Grimlock. I still havent transformed him into dino mode. I have found a great chip off the gold on the underside of his torso above his hips on the bottom of the torso.

you cant see it unless you are looking up at him.

Has anyone else got this issue??? I bought from robot kingdom.

[lancalot]

Slightly off topic.. i just had a good play with Grimlock. I still havent transformed him into dino mode. I have found a great chip off the gold on the underside of his torso above his hips on the bottom of the torso.

you cant see it unless you are looking up at him.

Has anyone else got this issue??? I bought from robot kingdom.

:eek: omg !! my one fine.....

[WeallscreamforStarscream]

this is the reply i got..

Hello,

Thank you for your email.
For what I know, this part should be the result of injection molding, which need to be cut after the chrome process.
It cannot be considered as a defect for the item.

Yours Sincerely,
Daniel
www.robotkingdom.com

i'll try and set up photo bucket or something and post pics later... not happy.

[drifand]

like to see it, I don't think is a defect though.

[kup]

Anyone noticing the Ebay listings without box? Whats the deal? Someone stole them out of factory or KO?

I believe they are 'extra' production runs so technically a Knock off since it's not officially authorized although it comes from the same factory.

Hasbro seems to not give a crap what the outsource factory does at the end of a contract production run.

[Sinnertwin]

I believe they are 'extra' production runs so technically a Knock off since it's not officially authorized although it comes from the same factory.

Hasbro seems to not give a shit what the outsource factory does at the end of a contract production run.


It wouldn't be that hard to slip someone some $$$ to look the other way while they churn out a few extras, would it?

[kup]

It wouldn't be that hard to slip someone some $$$ to look the other way while they churn out a few extras, would it?


nope, very easy.

[drifand]

So basically a risk in a years time if someone wants to sell his/her's loose and no box.

[Sinnertwin]

So basically a risk in a years time if someone wants to sell his/her's loose and no box.

Much like the rest of the KO's doing the rounds now

[drifand]

I still remembered there was going to be a mp10 ko?

[Sinnertwin]

There was this

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=15998&page=2

I haven't read or heard anything recently about it though

[Bidoofdude]

There was this

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=15998&page=2

I haven't read or heard anything recently about it though


http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-3rd-party-discussion/946001-collection-kingdom-ko-mp-10-optimus-prime.html

Some pics in that thread there, he looks to be noticeably different enough that you can tell him apart from the original.

[drifand]

probably cost more than grimlock. :D

[kup]

I still remembered there was going to be a mp10 ko?

It's possibly coming from the same factory as Year of the Horse. However the plastic quality may be decreased as they would have to use their own since it wouldn't be just be an 'extra run' at the factory.

[drifand]

Would be interesting to see if they can ko like the actual mp 10 or do a half job since is year of the horse version.

[griffin]

It wouldn't be that hard to slip someone some $$$ to look the other way while they churn out a few extras, would it?


From my experience at a plastics moulding factory, you can't just "crank out a few on the sly"... for two reasons.

1 - those leaked Hasbro factory photos proved that the toy production process requires a lot of people doing different parts of the manufacturing, construction and packaging process (I've watched documentaries on these Chinese Factories, and they are huge in both size and workforce). You need people to run the plastic and diecast moulding machines, and from BotCon FunPub panels, there are only about 6-10 parts per mould tree - each mould (tree) needs to be on its own machine. That can add up to a lot of machines for the larger figures, to start/heat up, mix the right amount of colours into the clear plastic beads for each machine, calibrate each machine (it can take time to get the temperature and plastic volume just right if they had been stopped), and transport the parts from each machine to work area tables (or assembly line conveyor belt). After sitting through a BotCon Custom Class, no single person would construct a complete toy on their own - there would be several stages of construction, with each stage handled by a different person/people so that they get repetitious and fast... or else it would take hours to construct one toy, compared to minutes with an assembly line of 5-10 people. Next you have a packaging phase - and before they get packaged, you have to print the cardboard and have it machine cut, plus, have the plastic inserts moulded from another plastic moulding machine. Then you can package them... or transform them all first if they are not being packaged in robot mode (like Grimlock).
The procedure for producing a "batch on the side" of Transformers toys at the official factory would involve a massive amount of people, and a lot of prep work to produce the parts and packaging to match the official product.

2 - Related to the "calibration" of the machines above, a plastic (or any manufacturing) factory, are required to produce enough product to meet their contract. If Hasbro are paying for 100,000 units of a particular figure, the factory has to make sure that they produce enough parts and packaging to compensate for any errors or rejected seconds... but not too much extra, or else they lose money on excess stock. (as bad as some QC is on the figures we've seen, it is quite rare considering the amount of units out there, and there are probably a lot worse that get spotted and pulled at the Factory)
Now, what do they do with the excess stock? Legally, they should be required in their contract to destroy it.... but, from my time at a plastic moulding factory, if something couldn't be recycled (because it was a coloured plastic or something already constructed or packaged, which would cost more money in man-hours to disassemble/unpack and recycle), employees were SOMETIMES allowed to take home things that were going to be trashed, PROVIDED we didn't sell them. But aside from that, the factory would ALWAYS produce about 5% more product and packaging to be sure that they don't fail a client, and just factor it into the contract's pricing.
Personally, I think that this is what is happening here - the current factories are producing enough units and packaging to comfortably cover their quota, and instead of destroying the remaining loose and packaged units (some will be boxed up before they are sure they have met the quota) they are allowing employees or managers to take them, and they are selling them on the side for cheap.
(so yes, if this is indeed what is happening, these are official factory toys... just not through official channels like Hasbro or TakaraTomy)

Unless Hasbro steps in like they did a few years ago, it will keep happening, and these "legit" figures will keep causing doubt in the minds of collectors... particularly since there are so many KOs out there now, and more and more are getting quite accurate. :(

[kup]

From my experience at a plastics moulding factory, you can't just "crank out a few on the sly"... for two reasons.

1 - those leaked Hasbro factory photos proved that the toy production process requires a lot of people doing different parts of the manufacturing, construction and packaging process (I've watched documentaries on these Chinese Factories, and they are huge in both size and workforce). You need people to run the plastic and diecast moulding machines, and from BotCon FunPub panels, there are only about 6-10 parts per mould tree - each mould (tree) needs to be on its own machine. That can add up to a lot of machines for the larger figures, to start/heat up, mix the right amount of colours into the clear plastic beads for each machine, calibrate each machine (it can take time to get the temperature and plastic volume just right if they had been stopped), and transport the parts from each machine to work area tables (or assembly line conveyor belt). After sitting through a BotCon Custom Class, no single person would construct a complete toy on their own - there would be several stages of construction, with each stage handled by a different person/people so that they get repetitious and fast... or else it would take hours to construct one toy, compared to minutes with an assembly line of 5-10 people. Next you have a packaging phase - and before they get packaged, you have to print the cardboard and have it machine cut, plus, have the plastic inserts moulded from another plastic moulding machine. Then you can package them... or transform them all first if they are not being packaged in robot mode (like Grimlock).
The procedure for producing a "batch on the side" of Transformers toys at the official factory would involve a massive amount of people, and a lot of prep work to produce the parts and packaging to match the official product.

2 - Related to the "calibration" of the machines above, a plastic (or any manufacturing) factory, are required to produce enough product to meet their contract. If Hasbro are paying for 100,000 units of a particular figure, the factory has to make sure that they produce enough parts and packaging to compensate for any errors or rejected seconds... but not too much extra, or else they lose money on excess stock. (as bad as some QC is on the figures we've seen, it is quite rare considering the amount of units out there, and there are probably a lot worse that get spotted and pulled at the Factory)
Now, what do they do with the excess stock? Legally, they should be required in their contract to destroy it.... but, from my time at a plastic moulding factory, if something couldn't be recycled (because it was a coloured plastic or something already constructed or packaged, which would cost more money in man-hours to disassemble/unpack and recycle), employees were SOMETIMES allowed to take home things that were going to be trashed, PROVIDED we didn't sell them. But aside from that, the factory would ALWAYS produce about 5% more product and packaging to be sure that they don't fail a client, and just factor it into the contract's pricing.
Personally, I think that this is what is happening here - the current factories are producing enough units and packaging to comfortably cover their quota, and instead of destroying the remaining loose and packaged units (some will be boxed up before they are sure they have met the quota) they are allowing employees or managers to take them, and they are selling them on the side for cheap.
(so yes, if this is indeed what is happening, these are official factory toys... just not through official channels like Hasbro or TakaraTomy)

Unless Hasbro steps in like they did a few years ago, it will keep happening, and these "legit" figures will keep causing doubt in the minds of collectors... particularly since there are so many KOs out there now, and more and more are getting quite accurate. :(

Then why are KOs showing up so soon (and in some cases before) actual release? That what doesn't make sense to me unless it's coming from the same factory and they seem too numerous to just be 'excess stock remnants'.

I think that if Hasbro orders 100,000 units, the factory will make 150,000 and then sell the 50,000 extra on their own because they know it's profitable.

[drifand]

Just ordered mine at Ehobby as I wanted to bid on ebay but seems like I can get the flaming sword for $5 more and I got outbidded anyway.

The KO did attract me I must admit for its price but when I compare to the ones with boxes, its not worth the $50-$70 savings. I believed it they priced it down further many would have bite.

[griffin]

Then why are KOs showing up so soon (and in some cases before) actual release? That what doesn't make sense to me unless it's coming from the same factory and they seem too numerous to just be 'excess stock remnants'.

I think that if Hasbro orders 100,000 units, the factory will make 150,000 and then sell the 50,000 extra on their own because they know it's profitable.

That's my point. With Hasbro changing factories whenever they need to cut costs (and the chinese mega-factories are getting more desperate and competitive with their increased wage rates), it's likely that one of their factories is selling off their extras while Hasbro's stock is still in transit or in their warehouse waiting for the release date.
It's probably in breach of their contract, but the numbers may not be significant enough for Hasbro to worry about it impacting their sales.
A handful of ebayers and a couple online stores selling units wouldn't mount up to more than a couple hundred... compared to tens or hundreds of thousands of units that Hasbro ships out to stores around the world.

[drifand]

I would argue that the Grimlock loose is not a KO if its from the same factory same quality just without the box.

Already saw a HK online store selling them. Technically if I know is the same product, I actually couldn't care less about the box.

For me a KO is done differently and something can be differentiate besides there isn't a box.

Because I am not confident that is from the same factory etc... I bought the one with box just to ensure I didn't waste over a hundred bucks finding the quality is bad.

[lancalot]

I just saw pic at the toy fair that they are releasing a Masterpiece Grimlock MP03 !!! nice package and I wonder how much he be this time around ...and if we are going to get a local release :confused:...


http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1392499655_mp1.jpg

[Bidoofdude]

I just saw pic at the toy fair that they are releasing a Masterpiece Grimlock MP03 !!! nice package and I wonder how much he be this time around ...and if we are going to get a local release :confused:...


http://static.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1392499655_mp1.jpg

We probably will. It's probably one of the Hasbro MPs for the year, seeing as we only have cars so far and maybe Sunstorm. Hope it doesn't get given TRU Exclusive, would be great if it was at all stores.

EDIT: Dammit, TRU sticker :(

[drifand]

We probably will. It's probably one of the Hasbro MPs for the year, seeing as we only have cars so far and maybe Sunstorm. Hope it doesn't get given TRU Exclusive, would be great if it was at all stores.

EDIT: Dammit, TRU sticker :(

You know is a loosing battle. I just want mp-10 back in.