Scalping 7 Devastators on ebay

[Viderzo]

This guy has 7. Nice huh http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/361329629645

[leej84]

Make an offer of $198 lol

[GoktimusPrime]

While I despise scalpers, the best way to stop them is for nobody to buy from them. Big W will restock, and this toy will appear in other stores, just as Metroplex eventually did. Big W may have been the first chain to get this toy, but they won't be the last.

[Viderzo]

I hope so, although looking at how scattered the previous Combiner Wars releases were (Wave 1-3) I am not holding my breath. Also Metroplex is not a good comparison. A better one will be Omega Supreme Energon released during BigW Toy sale about two years ago. I never seen it anywhere else after.

[prjkt]

While I despise scalpers, the best way to stop them is for nobody to buy from them. Big W will restock, and this toy will appear in other stores, just as Metroplex eventually did. Big W may have been the first chain to get this toy, but they won't be the last.

I hope that happens with this guy, leaving him out of pocket almost $1400 or so.

I've got no trouble with people importing figures not released here, and adding maybe 10-20% to cover their costs, but 75% markup is just rude.

[Sinnertwin]

he won't be out of pocket though -He'll have the receipts and if they don't sell just take them back for a refund.

[Smint]

Douchebag scalper. Look at him grinning in the photo.:mad:

[MayzaPrime]

I really hope that in a few months time when Devastator is released at other stores he still has 7 left on eBay.

[doublespy]

Douchebag scalper. Look at him grinning in the photo.:mad:

Unfortunately, that's just a fan at one of the south American toy fairs..

My local store still hasn't received their store, yet this scalper got 7...

[UltimateGalvatron]

I hope so, or we're all gonna look like burnt out toaster ovens!

[griffin]

This guy has 7. Nice huh http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/361329629645

That is disgusting... grabbing 8 to resell 7 of them at $330 while fans are having trouble finding them at $198, instead of what most members do here and if they get an extra 1 or 2, it is for another member at what it cost them.
Members here go to a lot of trouble chasing up toys for other members or contacting them if they are at a store an can get an extra one... and would usually try to sell a spare for profit when there isn't a massive number of fans here desperately looking for one.
:mad:

I hope that's him in the fourth photo, so we know who this scumbag is... as the items in the background match his ebay name.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/c831.jpg

He'd better not be a member here... or at least, I'd better not know who it is if he is.

[Nevac]

Someone should buy one just to meet him in person as he says pick up is ok and you get to pick the best one. It would be nice to see him and offer our "thanks" for kindly holding one for us.

[griffin]

Unfortunately, that's just a fan at one of the south American toy fairs..



Yes, the guy in the last photo in the white T-shirt is the guy from South America who posted up photos from the Brazilian Toyfair a little while ago... so he's not the Australian ebayer in Campbelltown scalping off these toys for $924 profit just to prevent 7 fans from being able to get one at all this week.
(more will be coming out in Australia, but with a toy this fun, you don't want to be waiting, particularly if these 7 were still available in a Sydney store for non-scalper fans to get one right now)
:mad:

And they don't just scalp Transformers either (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nintendo-Amiibo-SUPER-MARIO-GOLD-EDITION-BRAND-NEW-Factory-Sealed-Australian-PAL-/361328639715?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item5420dd7ee3).


I'm just so mad about this blatant greed from someone who is clearly not a fan to do this to real fans.

If they are this uncaring and disrespectful to real fans, they would not be welcome among collectors on fansites like this one, because how could you ever be able to trust them, especially with sightings, as they would use the sighting for their own benefit instead of passing it onto someone else who needs it. :mad:

[DarkHyren]

Campbelltown huh? Looks like I now know who's personally responsible for me missing out then, he would have raided all the stores local to me for those :mad:
Don't worry lads, if I see this scumbag I'll "thank" him from all of us :mad:

[Nonalyth]

I'm more interested in the guy trying to sell an Evangelion MP10 for a little under a grand.

Now that's ambition.

[Megatran]

I'm just so mad about this blatant greed from someone who is clearly not a fan to do this to real fans.

If they are this uncaring and disrespectful to real fans, they would not be welcome among collectors on fansites like this one, because how could you ever be able to trust them, especially with sightings, as they would use the sighting for their own benefit instead of passing it onto someone else who needs it. :mad:
He's from Sydney. Enough said. :p

[Demonac]

I think people are blowing this out of proportion.
These are just toys he is scalping, not an essential item like food or medicine.
Is anyone really suffering because of this?
And remember, scalpers only exist because people are willing to buy from them.

[Fungal Infection]

I think people are blowing this out of proportion.
These are just toys he is scalping, not an essential item like food or medicine.
Is anyone really suffering because of this?
And remember, scalpers only exist because people are willing to buy from them.

Quoted for truth. Just say no, have some patience and there shouldn't be an issue. Doesn't really help that Big W didn't have sufficient quantities to begin with but that's a different matter altogether......

[BigTransformerTrev]

That is disgusting... grabbing 8 to resell 7 of them at $330 while fans are having trouble finding them at $198, instead of what most members do here and if they get an extra 1 or 2, it is for another member at what it cost them.
Members here go to a lot of trouble chasing up toys for other members or contacting them if they are at a store an can get an extra one... and would usually try to sell a spare for profit when there isn't a massive number of fans here desperately looking for one.
:mad:

I hope that's him in the fourth photo, so we know who this scumbag is... as the items in the background match his ebay name.

He'd better not be a member here... or at least, I'd better not know who it is if he is.


Yes, the guy in the last photo in the white T-shirt is the guy from South America who posted up photos from the Brazilian Toyfair a little while ago... so he's not the Australian ebayer in Campbelltown scalping off these toys for $924 profit just to prevent 7 fans from being able to get one at all this week.
(more will be coming out in Australia, but with a toy this fun, you don't want to be waiting, particularly if these 7 were still available in a Sydney store for non-scalper fans to get one right now)
:mad:

And they don't just scalp Transformers either (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nintendo-Amiibo-SUPER-MARIO-GOLD-EDITION-BRAND-NEW-Factory-Sealed-Australian-PAL-/361328639715?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item5420dd7ee3).


I'm just so mad about this blatant greed from someone who is clearly not a fan to do this to real fans.

If they are this uncaring and disrespectful to real fans, they would not be welcome among collectors on fansites like this one, because how could you ever be able to trust them, especially with sightings, as they would use the sighting for their own benefit instead of passing it onto someone else who needs it. :mad:

Wow - think this might be the angriest I've seen you in my 4 years on your site Griff! Not that I blame you one little bit - it's a really scummy thing for this guy to do

[Sinnertwin]

This is a wide spread problem in society where others pray on others weakness..........

There is no weakness here apart from the need to "own a toy" (insert any other material object here) right now. Because God forbid, the sky would fall if we don't.

The weak ones are the ones that buy from scalpers at inflated prices, not those that sell it.

[UltimateGalvatron]

well this escalated quickly...

[Burn]

Sadly, I had to approve this post (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=104652). Part of me REALLY didn't want to but he's not breaking any of the site rules unfortunately.

And still waiting on my call from Big W in Cairns to say he's in stock ... some how I don't think that call will happen.

[Demonac]

Exploitation of a child who is not able to get this item he so badly wants for Birthday/Xmas so parents have to go to this mug who has robbed the childs chance of getting it in the first place by buying items up to scalp for 70%mark up and leeching off the work of the reputable fair business which has earned its right through dedication to consumers to make its money.
SCUM.........no one will rob my defenseless child and walk away triumphant.

What about all us collectors who have bought this toy for ourselves?
Are we not more guilty of robbing children of toys?
Or is it when we try and sell it that we become evil?

[UltimateGalvatron]

Let's all just take a chill pill. This a toy/collectable item which is coming back in stock soon. As much as I hate scalpers I think we all need to just take a step back, apologize and continue being mega-nerds talking about plastic toys.

[Lint]

Sadly, I had to approve this post (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=104652). Part of me REALLY didn't want to but he's not breaking any of the site rules unfortunately.

Supply and demand at work baby

I really wish retailers would nail down the supply part so we don't get these demand problems.


I have to laugh at being the new guy and having members dislike me and possibly gang up on me

On the internets the best defense is no defence buddy, old shaolin saying ;)

[philby]

This guy has 7. Nice huh http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/361329629645

I actually 'asked the seller a question' not really expecting anything, and he came back to me saying yes he grabbed a few expecting them to sell out, some people have made an offer less than 198 and he declined and they got upset, he will accept 300 cash or 330 on ebay, something about ebay taking 10%. I've never actually sold anything on ebay so I don't what if any cut they take.

"It's all about supply and demand, Hasbro has limited supply and demand is insane. I was lucky enough to be at right place at right time."

[BruiseLee]

A few? Last time I checked, 8 is not really a few. Not buying him being in the right place and right time spiel either as given what I'm reading here, you would need an inside track to secure that many.

As for supply and demand, yes this is pure and basic economics but this product is not in limited supply. Just limited in the exclusive Big W early release. As I understand, Sep is the national release for other stores. I'm having trouble sourcing one myself and my name is on a store list but if this doesn't work out I'll just wait a bit. Given his high asking price think a fair few people are going to wait as well as its quite clear how much the RRP was and a quick Google will show that there should be more incoming stock to Austraila.

Well I'm going to have to put him on a watch list to see how this goes. Reminds of the good old days where people used to speculate on comics. So how many issues of Spawn #1 are floating around in bargain bins these days?

[Starscream77]

Well for all us sydney siders we can have a chat with mr scalper personally as he always has a table at Penrith Fair, I recognise him as he always has Star Wars stuff and a tub of loose transformers and a universe countdown he has had for $70 for like 3 years
I am sure he will have these out next Sunday for sale

[CHILENO20]

Well for all us sydney siders we can have a chat with mr scalper personally as he always has a table at Penrith Fair, I recognise him as he always has Star Wars stuff and a tub of loose transformers and a universe countdown he has had for $70 for like 3 years
I am sure he will have these out next Sunday for sale

Please do :cool:

[doublespy]

Yeah technically he didn't do anything wrong it's supply and demand and all that jazz. But doesn't mean people can't be upset about it.:p
If I was a Sydney collector and am still haven't secured my Devy damn right I'd want to say some nasty things about this guy. Sure you can wait for the eventual general release but why wait if you can get it right now?
Haha just some random rant. Hopefully those still can't find their devy will soon~

[drifand]

I think people are blowing this out of proportion.
These are just toys he is scalping, not an essential item like food or medicine.
Is anyone really suffering because of this?
And remember, scalpers only exist because people are willing to buy from them.

Ur no I disagree, to be honest do it discreetly rather than showing a photo of 7 he gotten.

It pisses people off a lot

[BigTransformerTrev]

There is no weakness here apart from the need to "own a toy" (insert any other material object here) right now. Because God forbid, the sky would fall if we don't.

The weak ones are the ones that buy from scalpers at inflated prices, not those that sell it.

If I may interject here, I really do not wish to start off the argument or heated debate again but I'll pop in my two cents.

First off, let me say scalpers really irk me. I think what the guy people are discussing is quite the scummy and it is unfair of him to grab 8 toys and deprive others of grabbing ones for themselves. If there had been a giant display of them (much like the gigantic AOE Grimlocks that were recently in Target by the dozens) I wouldn't have a problem. But this is the reason that many people also missed out on MP Soundwave when he appeared in the states. People were grabbing them by the cartload and then flogging them off the next day at twice the price. Sure, its a great way to make money, but if you are emptying the shelves so noone else can get one it simply is not a fair thing to do.

HOWEVER - at no point did I hear Sinner say that he approved of the scalpers methods or was championing their cause. He said that the weak ones are those that buy at the gigantic price from scalpers and to be fair he is correct. If people can just wait the extra month or two, they can get one for themselves at the RRP without giving these people their money. To not be able to wait for what is an item that will not effect your standard of living, could be viewed as a weakness. Not saying I view it as such myself, but it could certainly be deemed as so. It's not like its food, warmth or shelter.

Scalpers of this ilk are dodgy bastards in my opinion, but no they are not weak - just scummy.



Well for all us sydney siders we can have a chat with mr scalper personally as he always has a table at Penrith Fair, I recognise him as he always has Star Wars stuff and a tub of loose transformers and a universe countdown he has had for $70 for like 3 years
I am sure he will have these out next Sunday for sale

Please video it for me Screamer and send it to me! Would love to see it! :D

[drifand]

Well I have not gotten one but I am someone who doesn't mind if this get missed.

Personally if scalping was more discreet and respectful I can actually close my eyes. Heck if you actually check out our own for sale section we can see some marked up prices and people still buy.

I think is because he showed a picture of how many he grabbed was the main issue. It just pisses people off.

[reillyd]

There is no weakness
The weak ones are the ones that buy from scalpers at inflated prices, not those that sell it.

Yes, buyers are weak and deserve to be fleeced. Scalpers are strong and deserve to profit off the misery of others.

Because that's kinda what your argument is reduced to.

It might not have been your intent to make that argument, but it's the way it reads. It won't win any converts on a board of rabid transfans. We be crazy about our plastic crack

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah technically he didn't do anything wrong it's supply and demand and all that jazz. But doesn't mean people can't be upset about it.:p
Just because it's not illegal doesn't make it right. He's demonstrating an appalling level of avarice which works on exploiting fellow collectors. If he really wanted to do fans a service, he'd be selling these toys at the same price that he paid for.

I agree that half the blame should go with buyers who pay these scalper prices, but scalpers are to blame too for creating or increasing demand by making these toys scarcer than they otherwise would be by buying up so many of them. But yeah... collectors need to be patient and wait for future stock to arrive -- do NOT give in to scalper scum!


Yes, buyers are weak and deserve to be fleeced. Scalpers are strong and deserve to profit off the misery of others.
You just described the Sydney property market. :p

[kurdt_the_goat]

Makes me laugh that people will go to such lengths for such a little profit (assuming he even sells any). In the grand scheme of things... it's just easier and more honest to just do some extra overtime!

[drifand]

FYI this scalping does not just affected fans or collectors. The normal day to day people didn't even stand a chance knowing there was such a toy.

I am still waiting for big w to give me a call. Personally if I see the takara one just a bit more, I would let go the current one.

[drifand]

Makes me laugh that people will go to such lengths for such a little profit (assuming he even sells any). In the grand scheme of things... it's just easier and more honest to just do some extra overtime!

He will eventually sell, unfortunately. Many don't know the later release dates.

[Sinnertwin]

If I may interject here, I really do not wish to start off the argument or heated debate again but I'll pop in my two cents.

First off, let me say scalpers really irk me. I think what the guy people are discussing is quite the scummy and it is unfair of him to grab 8 toys and deprive others of grabbing ones for themselves. If there had been a giant display of them (much like the gigantic AOE Grimlocks that were recently in Target by the dozens) I wouldn't have a problem. But this is the reason that many people also missed out on MP Soundwave when he appeared in the states. People were grabbing them by the cartload and then flogging them off the next day at twice the price. Sure, its a great way to make money, but if you are emptying the shelves so noone else can get one it simply is not a fair thing to do.

HOWEVER - at no point did I hear Sinner say that he approved of the scalpers methods or was championing their cause. He said that the weak ones are those that buy at the gigantic price from scalpers and to be fair he is correct. If people can just wait the extra month or two, they can get one for themselves at the RRP without giving these people their money. To not be able to wait for what is an item that will not effect your standard of living, could be viewed as a weakness. Not saying I view it as such myself, but it could certainly be deemed as so. It's not like its food, warmth or shelter.

Scalpers of this ilk are dodgy bastards in my opinion, but no they are not weak - just scummy.


Thank You. :)

I'd like to think that toys are a luxury that we are fortunate enough to enjoy and not have a major impact on our lives.
They are not an essential part of our lives and I'm quite certain that our standards of living will not diminish if Devastator is not sitting on our shelves.

My point regarding the "weakness" was the fact that I feel that some people need these toys in their lives right now and feel like they don't have a choice but to pay scalper prices, then get angry because they do.

I enjoy collecting Transformers, I enjoy discussing them with our members, but it also saddens and frustrates me that people feel they have to pay scalper prices because of the need to have it -that small part of the human psyche that scalpers are very well aware and take advantage of.

[Viderzo]

I apologize if I stirred many angry feelings here. Just joined this forum (long time user though) and making everyone angry is the last thing that I want to do. I hate scalpers but in the big scheme of things that ebay seller is not the worst (although his smugness posing in front of the pile of Devy that I AM sure he got from a BIGW insider doesnt help one bit). On top of my head PS2, PS3, iphone 5S gold etc etc were some of the worst one.

Let's move on. Forget that pathetic ebay seller. I went to BigW southland at 7 AM Thursday and was one of the first (top 10 at least) who put my name there. I was told that they will give me a call later on. Lucky my son's birthday is still a month away

I will call them tomorrow to see what is going on and will post the update. good luck to everyone here!

[GoktimusPrime]

I enjoy collecting Transformers, I enjoy discussing them with our members, but it also saddens and frustrates me that people feel they have to pay scalper prices because of the need to have it -that small part of the human psyche that scalpers are very well aware and take advantage of.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/th_meme_rrppitythefool_zpsmln4hemd.jpg for new/current toys ;)

[BigTransformerTrev]

I apologize if I stirred many angry feelings here. Just joined this forum (long time user though) and making everyone angry is the last thing that I want to do. I hate scalpers but in the big scheme of things that ebay seller is not the worst (although his smugness posing in front of the pile of Devy that I AM sure he got from a BIGW insider doesnt help one bit). On top of my head PS2, PS3, iphone 5S gold etc etc were some of the worst one.

Let's move on. Forget that pathetic ebay seller. I went to BigW southland at 7 AM Thursday and was one of the first (top 10 at least) who put my name there. I was told that they will give me a call later on. Lucky my son's birthday is still a month away

I will call them tomorrow to see what is going on and will post the update. good luck to everyone here!

It's all good mate. This is usually one of the most relaxed and laid back TF fan sites out there. Heated discussions do happen but are not a daily occurrence. I hope you stick around to enjoy Ozformers further :)

[Jetfire in the sky]

Thank You. :)

I'd like to think that toys are a luxury that we are fortunate enough to enjoy and not have a major impact on our lives.
They are not an essential part of our lives and I'm quite certain that our standards of living will not diminish if Devastator is not sitting on our shelves.

My point regarding the "weakness" was the fact that I feel that some people need these toys in their lives right now and feel like they don't have a choice but to pay scalper prices, then get angry because they do.

I enjoy collecting Transformers, I enjoy discussing them with our members, but it also saddens and frustrates me that people feel they have to pay scalper prices because of the need to have it -that small part of the human psyche that scalpers are very well aware and take advantage of.


It's just like the Bay movies, every fan complains hard about them but they will be first in the door to watch it at the cinema, thus encouraging the continuing poor movie output :p
(Silly comparison for shits and giggles) :D

[Starscream77]

Love my hobby though would burn my house down tomorrow if it would free me of my attachments to things that do not matter in life.
To enjoy life is great when there is respect and understanding which in our debate/difference of views was foreshadowed when you went on to attack me and say that I am a drug user, you are wrong in this assumption and safe in the knowledge that we will probably never meet which still leaves it to chance we might. Life is full of surprises and I am seldom surprised to see the reaction of those who I sooner or later catch up with.

Not sure if you meant it but that sounded like a veiled threat.
If it is then that's not on

[Tober]

Zechariah and Sinnertwin you have both had your say on the matter of scalping. So perhaps remain on the topic of discussing the toy sale and not the people who will exploit it.

This includes other members as well. This thread will be locked if it continues.

Thank you. :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

I take it you will not be accepting my friend request:D
.

At the time you and I had never conversed and I don't think I had even seen any of your posts. As such I didn't really understand why I was receiving a friend request and so I must admit to deleting it. Hope this did not cause offense.


Back to the topic, it would be interesting to know just what percentage of our members that tried to get a Devastator managed to do so. Sounds like it may be less than 50% which would be a real shame

[Trent]

Geez. Spend a night sleeping and look what I missed. I could have escalated that arguement to a whole new level :p

Anyway, SCALPERS RULE!!!!!!!!
































:p (I added this because despite me being a member here for a few years now, apparently if I don't use emoticons people can't discern sarcasm. I wonder how the world coped before emoticons?)

[Zechariah]

Geez. Spend a night sleeping and look what I missed. I could have escalated that arguement to a whole new level :p

Anyway, SCALPERS RULE!!!!!!!!
































:p (I added this because despite me being a member here for a few years now, apparently if I don't use emoticons people can't discern sarcasm. I wonder how the world coped before emoticons?)

I wonder about this as well:rolleyes:...rolleyes is the emoticon though I perceive it as pondering a thought:)

[griffin]

Posts from the BigW mid-year sale have been moved here in the discussion section... but it doesn't mean future replies can be disrespectful or hostile to others, as the board rules still apply in this section. These posts were only moved because they were off-topic to the Sale Catalogue topic.


Wow - think this might be the angriest I've seen you in my 4 years on your site Griff! Not that I blame you one little bit - it's a really scummy thing for this guy to do

Yes... and I'm sorry for being the catalyst for the news topic going off-topic. :o

It just made me so mad that I'm putting in all this time and effort to help members here get this toy, with postings, tweets and phone calls to BigW, and then this person comes along and rubs it in the faces of all those fans still struggling to find it, that he has snapped up 8 of them and is trying to get almost double the price for them off anyone who doesn't know that more are coming.
If he'd only posted up one at a time, we'd have never known about it, and wouldn't have cared... but seeing 8 flaunted like that without it being for the benefit of anyone else but himself contradicts what we do here (organising or offering toys & help to other members/fans for what it cost us to get them because friends help friends)... so it annoyed me to think that he might have used this site (news or sightings posts) to help him prevent members here from getting one in the first round.
It might seem a bit precious to expect to get a "mere" toy early or at all, but when you have your friends all enjoying the feature toy of the year at the same time, it spoils your fun a little if you have to wait a couple weeks or a month to get one... and if this site only exists because we are finding fun in toys and Transformers, then this is an element of who we are. We are a little selfish to ourselves in getting a toy first for ourselves and fellow members (over kids, or parents buying random toys for others), but I'm proud to know that we here on this site are not selfish to clear out stores to prevent both kids and collectors from obtaining the toy at regular retail.
(which is why I'd be unimpressed if this person was a member here, or used our news and info resources to do what he did)

It might not be illegal, but it isn't ethical at this time to be boasting about having 8 of them when they could have been discreet, and they'd have never been known as more than just a person trying to sell a single Devastator for $320. It comes down to timing (this week was the worst to be found with 8 of them), and the target audience of the listing (particularly if they have ever claimed to be a fan themselves but have intentionally prevented fans in that area of Sydney from enjoying the toy at the same time as other fans).


I think people are blowing this out of proportion.
These are just toys he is scalping, not an essential item like food or medicine.
Is anyone really suffering because of this?
And remember, scalpers only exist because people are willing to buy from them.

Yes... but fansites for toys, TV shows, movies, race cars, music, etc exist because we are "fanatic" over something that is not exactly rational behaviour to other people who aren't fans.
We need an outlet like these communities and fansites to make the drudgery of life worth living... as long as it isn't at the sadistic or selfish expense of others.
Scalping does exist, and I wouldn't have had a problem with this if he was just selling one toy on ebay for $320 (like the person that Burn noted on Seibertron)... as it would likely end up being bought by an American fan who can't wait until their August release in that country (being the first with high-profile toys is a big deal over there), and doesn't impact on local fans as much as clearing out 8 from one cluster of suburbs that a particular BigW was catering to.
It's why some of us take toys to BotCon to trade, that aren't easily obtained over there, to take advantage of the more desperate fans who will pay a little extra on a toy... but we (you and I) don't clear out the stores here before local fans have had enough time to get one at the cheapest price possible. (I took four JP Stinger toys with me this year, which had been sitting at TRU near me for over a month, and I still left four behind... so that I wasn't being greedy.)
Capitalism works in many ways, and excessive scalping like this guy is what members here have an issue with, not the reselling of one or two items at a mark-up... which isn't scalping.
Scalping is the removal of all available stock to prevent people in an area from being able to buy it for Retail pricing, even temporarily like Devastator who should be seeing a second wave at BigW... but no one knows when that will happen.
Toys shouldn't be seen as an investment by non-fans who don't even own the product to enjoy it, otherwise we will have a second group of people constantly competing with us to get to certain high-demand toys, which we will at least own and respect... before we ever end up selling it (if at all).


Sadly, I had to approve this post (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=104652). Part of me REALLY didn't want to but he's not breaking any of the site rules unfortunately.

I think they are only selling one? Which isn't like cleaning out a store, or boasting about them having 8 when there are probably 7 other fans in their area of Sydney still desperately looking for one thanks to their actions.
A single toy listing isn't something I would be that fussed about, or consider it "scalping", as most stores are getting 8-12 units, and it aimed at someone overseas who is silly enough to spend that much on a toy they could wait a couple months to get it in their own area. The $300-320 sale pricing these people are asking are not likely to be bought by an Australian who knows that they are out here for under $200.

Our site though does have an anti-scalping rule... but it hasn't been put to the test yet, because I think our close-knit community of members would never do that to their friends, and newer members would probably be too afraid to risk it...

19 - Toy Scalping on this forum is prohibited
If you are found to be buying up hard-to-find toys and reselling them at a huge markup on this forum, your sale postings will be deleted, and you may be removed as well if that is the only reason you are a member here. If it is proven that a member is locating certain figures from our sightings section, to sell elsewhere, they will also be removed. We discourage toy scalping in general, as this community has prospered from fans helping fellow fans find items without having to pay a scalper extra for it.


Spoken like a true scalper


I have to laugh at being the new guy and having members dislike me and possibly gang up on me, and I have drank a few beers and know myself well enough to not entertain your smartass comment.
Anyway I will learn from situations like this when dealing with cocky people on line in the comfort of their reality which is anyone's guess to what type.:D

As the "new guy", please refrain from launching into opinions and comments about the existing members here until you have gotten to know them first, either by lurking or limiting your postings to news comments, sightings and positive opinions on discussion topics.
When you have had a bit more experience here, or on any site, then commentary can be more subjective or personal if people know you better or are seen to be tolerant of those kinds of opinions.

This goes for anyone new to this site, not just you... this site is often commented on as being the most friendly and welcoming fansite (and sometimes internet site in general), and that's because members aren't made to feel like they need to be top of a pecking order, or "shout" to be heard, or prove yourself in any way. Most of the active members here are quite close to each other, because we have people looking out for toys for others and share sightings on things that we can't personally help out with.
Enjoy your time here, as it is ultimately just a community site for toys... kids toys... so enjoy them and your time here as if you are a kid, but just don't behave like a kid. ;)


Well for all us sydney siders we can have a chat with mr scalper personally as he always has a table at Penrith Fair, I recognise him as he always has Star Wars stuff and a tub of loose transformers and a universe countdown he has had for $70 for like 3 years
I am sure he will have these out next Sunday for sale

If this is the same person, it is best that members here are not to confront him if you are in a group of other members from here, as a mob mentality can end up occurring (group courage)... and it is likely to come back to this site as being an advocate of harassment or bullying.
Approach him as an individual to express your personal feelings if you really want, but just not as a group, as it will defeat the point of what you want to say to him, and will give us a bad name.


I apologize if I stirred many angry feelings here. Just joined this forum (long time user though) and making everyone angry is the last thing that I want to do. I hate scalpers but in the big scheme of things that ebay seller is not the worst (although his smugness posing in front of the pile of Devy that I AM sure he got from a BIGW insider doesnt help one bit). On top of my head PS2, PS3, iphone 5S gold etc etc were some of the worst one.

Don't worry about it, as none of this was your fault. :)

If anyone is to blame, it is me for stirring up the issue. :o

[Bladestorm]

Griffin, honestly I think you just expressed what a lot of us are feeling.

Buying an additional one or 2 for friends or to stove away is one thing... buying out one or more stores on purpose to hike the price up like that is pretty bad form.

I don't think I would confront the guy though. The one experience I've had with a scalper from the US was pretty scary... almost mafia-like... and I wasn't confronting him - he was showing off to me how he had brought all the Transformers stock in some city in Florida. I honestly don't think scalpers care as to them it is all about the monopoly on the market and they have an arrogance to them that they don't seem to care about those around them.

I do have to say of all the forums I've experienced Ozformers is the most tolerant, welcoming and friendly. A little heated discussion every now and then but nothing as volatile as the American boards where saying you've just brought a figure can get you hammered with abuse/accusations of lying.

[dsphatlite]

What happened? Was it a limited release TF?

[Trent]

What happened? Was it a limited release TF?

You'd think so from the way everyone is carrying on :rolleyes: But no. Big W has it FIRST, not last.

[Jetfire in the sky]

Post #51 makes no sense in this thread now :( LOL

I love the passion some topics bring out, but yes attacks towards members are not on, I don't always agree with how things are run on here but it is done that way to keep it all in check. :)

[5FDP]

This topic is too funny *sits back and grabs popcorn*

[fatbot]

This topic is too funny *sits back and grabs popcorn*

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/8FB2495D-6639-42F5-839D-A8DCE24A0427.png_zpse9adpa5d.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/8FB2495D-6639-42F5-839D-A8DCE24A0427.png_zpse9adpa5d.jpeg.html)

[BigTransformerTrev]

This topic is too funny *sits back and grabs popcorn*


http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/8FB2495D-6639-42F5-839D-A8DCE24A0427.png_zpse9adpa5d.jpeg (http://s370.photobucket.com/user/fatbot/media/8FB2495D-6639-42F5-839D-A8DCE24A0427.png_zpse9adpa5d.jpeg.html)

Careful lads - I tried to do the exact same thing in the Michael Bay thread and ended up getting abused by two different people that couldn't understand an analogy I used about the debate itself rather than offering up any real opinion. :rolleyes:

It can be harder to sit in the sidelines and enjoy the show than it may appear :p

[crankcase76]

I thought i recognised that guy from the fairs, what a tool:mad:. And his price is laughable, well i won't buy stuff from him at the fairs.:(

[griffin]

Post #51 makes no sense in this thread now :( LOL

I love the passion some topics bring out, but yes attacks towards members are not on, I don't always agree with how things are run on here but it is done that way to keep it all in check. :)

Post #51 has been moved back to the original news topic, as it was mistakenly included in the 62 posts that were ticked and moved to this discussion topic. It was a rather time-consuming process, so I didn't get to read through most of the posts, and was bound to miss some.

As such, some of the more hostile or trolling posts in this topic have now also been deleted now that I've read through them all, as were a couple of posts that quoted those posts which could be deleted without removing anything from the ongoing discussion.

[Bidoofdude]

Local pickup? I wouldn't be surprised if someone went down there to punch the guy in the nose.

[MayzaPrime]

Sadly it looks like he has only 3 left... :(

[BruiseLee]

Sadly it looks like he has only 3 left... :(

And had a dig at us. :rolleyes:

"(special thanks to the Ozformers and TCCA fan clubs for advertising for me, much appreciated!)"

Ah well, can't help it if there are people willing to pay an exorbitant premium for this.

[Zechariah]

Comic shop I went to marked up 50% GIJOE Transformers when they were selling at general price on line and when I tried to barter with him he would not budge a bit even when I mentioned what they were going for on line, if anything he got nasty and said best of luck getting cheaper than what he asked for it and to this day still has not sold it. When he sees me I can tell he still has an issue with me in trying to barter with him but I do understand his predicament as a shop owner/rent running a business and I guess it can not be considered to be scalping when he paid for the freight for his merchandise and therefore is hoping to make profit on these items.
It must be hard these days for stores like this to make a marginal profit as most people at some stage buy on line. Therefore it is niche market in which his best chances are for those not able to source items and general store browsers who buy things on sight with no or little research on item.
My rant is complete:confused:

[DarkHyren]

Thank you for your eloquent post bossbot, you perfectly summed up my thoughts and feelings on the matter for certain as I live in the Campbelltown area so am one of those most likely to be affected.
As you say it all comes down to ethics, something this tool and maybe the back dock supplying him have never heard of.
While I would have loved to join in everyone's enjoyment now I suppose I'll just have to wait till September.
At least everyone's posting up lots of wonderful pictures for us to enjoy :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Sadly it looks like he has only 3 left... :(


And had a dig at us. :rolleyes:

"(special thanks to the Ozformers and TCCA fan clubs for advertising for me, much appreciated!)"

Ah well, can't help it if there are people willing to pay an exorbitant premium for this.

Wow that's really freakin cheeky eh! :mad:

Must be laughing at all the Transfans nerds impotently getting pissed at his actions .

I was annoyed but still kinda ambivalent before as I got my Deve, but now he is actively thumbing his nose at our community on purpose and laughing at us, may I just say with all respect:

'Mate, you can go ****ing **** yourself hard and deep with a ******* pointed stick in the **** until you spurt blood and have to **** your **** with a ******* **** - and those aren't cheap you ******* ****** of *****!'

[prjkt]

I was afraid that threads like this one would just be a form of advertising for him. Damn, looks like I was right.

I guess we can't fault him for seeing a demand in the market, but his mark up was ridiculous. As I stated earlier maybe 10-20% at most to cover his costs/time...

I really dislike it when people take advantage of others for personal gain.

[Jetfire in the sky]

Post #51 has been moved back to the original news topic, as it was mistakenly included in the 62 posts that were ticked and moved to this discussion topic. It was a rather time-consuming process, so I didn't get to read through most of the posts, and was bound to miss some.

As such, some of the more hostile or trolling posts in this topic have now also been deleted now that I've read through them all, as were a couple of posts that quoted those posts which could be deleted without removing anything from the ongoing discussion.

Wise as always :) Many thanks for all the effort you put into this place. Seriously.

[Starscream77]

Wow that's really freakin cheeky eh! :mad:

Must be laughing at all the Transfans nerds impotently getting pissed at his actions .

I was annoyed but still kinda ambivalent before as I got my Deve, but now he is actively thumbing his nose at our community on purpose and laughing at us, may I just say with all respect:

'Mate, you can go ****ing **** yourself hard and deep with a ******* pointed stick in the **** until you spurt blood and have to **** your **** with a ******* **** - and those aren't cheap you ******* ****** of *****!'
You win Ozformers today !

[Viderzo]

Thanks man, I will try not to advertise the next scalper's ebay posting in the future hahaha.

As an 80s kid I have been buying TFs since forever. Gave away almost all my collections to my younger cousins and nephews and now started buying again after my son was born. I am not a collector per se. I think they need to be played and not just sitting in a box waiting to be sold again in a later future. Call it the Toy Story effect ;)

Let's try to ignore and avoid eBay scalpers and refrain from posting their links here :)

[Handsprime]

This is how I'm responding to Devegate (http://media1.giphy.com/media/44Eq3Ab5LPYn6/giphy.gif)

[jazzcomp]

There's so much on ebay now :(

Wish we could persuade others not to buy. Do you think Devy will make an appearance at the Penrith fair?

[prjkt]

There's so much on ebay now :(

Wish we could persuade others not to buy. Do you think Devy will make an appearance at the Penrith fair?

at scalping prices of course...

[CBratron]

It's just like the Bay movies, every fan complains hard about them but they will be first in the door to watch it at the cinema, thus encouraging the continuing poor movie output :p
(Silly comparison for shits and giggles) :D

Oi! We watch it so we can say with unimpeachable confidence that they are crap.

[DELTAprime]

Why didn't I pick one up and put it on ebay when I had the chance.:p:p:p

[Sharky]

his user name is quite familiar to me but I don't know where from

I love his little updates (no not really)


UPDATE: I only have 3 left, be one of the first in the world to own this awesome bot!

**UPDATE2: just been advised from Big W rep that they WILL NOT be getting more stock. However it is rumoured there will be a delivery in late August⁄September for those willing to take a chance and wait a few months to save some money.

(special thanks to the Ozformers, Talk Transformers and TCCA fan clubs for constantly posting and sharing this Ebay link, I appreciate the free advertising guys!)

I find the update #2 inaccurate if he did get all that info from the Campbelltown region as I know one store is getting more stock in...

and like BruiseLee and BTT said what a cheeky thing to add, but how very true we are advertising for him. I wonder if there is a complaint to ebay there for him using the site name without permission or something

[UltimateGalvatron]

That guys needs a high five. To the face. With a chair.

[TAAUBlaster]

That guys needs a high five. To the face. With a chair.

Twice.

[GoktimusPrime]

You all know I wouldn't be going for his face ;)

[Krayt]

Geez.... this guys updates make me wish I was a vigilanty type...

ecspec seeming <1 minute on the computer got me his mobile number...

[UltimateGalvatron]

Was there all this scalping when Metroplex came out?

[Krayt]

Was there all this scalping when Metroplex came out?

We got Metroplex a month after the US and Canada... only happens when we are world first

[Demonac]

This is a very similar situation to the great Bumblebee shortage of '07. Ultimate Bumblebees were selling for over $300 on eBay. Even the deluxe was over $100.

[davieanix]

Hard to believe there was once a Bumblebee shortage!!

[kup]

Hard to believe there was once a Bumblebee shortage!!

It happened with the first deluxes. Hasbro only begun to churn out Bumblebees by the truck load after they realized there was a high demand for them in '07. Of course, their response was total overkill that went on for years.

[griffin]

I find the update #2 inaccurate if he did get all that info from the Campbelltown region as I know one store is getting more stock in...

and like BruiseLee and BTT said what a cheeky thing to add, but how very true we are advertising for him. I wonder if there is a complaint to ebay there for him using the site name without permission or something

Yep, that's the risk of talking about anyone that is doing something you want to complain about... you give them exposure in return, because you can't really talk to others about what they are doing without showing what they are doing. :(

It is a bit of poor form rubbing it in our noses listing our site, but I don't know if the other two sites listed were making the same fuss, or were legitimately promoting his listing.

Hopefully they went to non-Australians who have to wait a couple months to get one... because an Australian should know that more are coming, even if it is with other stores later in the year. It isn't the end of the world if you don't get a specific toy immediately... it is fun and preferred, but not life-threatening.
It's just poor form of that individual that it had to come at the expense of 7 Sydney fans who could have bought one at that store last week.
(I guess the $800-ish profit was worth more than being trusted or respected by actual toy fans.)

[Viderzo]

That guys needs a high five. To the face. With a chair.
hahaha, we need an english word for it. The german one is "backpfeifengesicht"

[griffin]

I see that another 5 are on ebay from four other Australians, and two others that sold... all are about $300 or more... jumping on the band-wagon.

At least it is just people selling off one, hopefully to desperate non-Australians.

We just have to keep telling the local fans here that more are coming... if not at BigW, it will be at other Retailers here soon. There is no need to pay an "impatience tax" of $100+ if it just means waiting another week or two for more to show up here.

If you really can't wait, try to see if you can have a play with a friends until then. :p

[prjkt]

Some might say even paying the retail is "impatience tax" with inevitable sales coming up, but I prefer to think it's showing Hasbro that yes, we want more like this.

[starscream23]

YEAH!:D Just got the big fella today finally, apparently the "last one" at Big W Epping.

I'll keep an eye out though and if I come across any I'll scoop them up for others who haven't had any luck, to think people are paying $300+ for him upsets me.:(

[drifand]

Offered $50.

[BruiseLee]

Offered $50.

May Strabismus , the god of crossed eyeness guide his hand to the accept button.

[Deonasis]

May Strabismus , the god of crossed eyeness guide his hand to the accept button.

Real lols :)

[swoop]

YEAH!:D Just got the big fella today finally, apparently the "last one" at Big W Epping.

I'll keep an eye out though and if I come across any I'll scoop them up for others who haven't had any luck, to think people are paying $300+ for him upsets me.:(

I'm supposed to have one reserved at Big W in Epping and if you got the last one and I'm yet to receive a phone call then I may have missed out :mad:

[drifand]

May Strabismus , the god of crossed eyeness guide his hand to the accept button.

Wasn't joking, I really offered $50. Since if he is taking a pissed at us, he deserves nonsense.

[starscream23]

I'm supposed to have one reserved at Big W in Epping and if you got the last one and I'm yet to receive a phone call then I may have missed out :mad:

Oh no really? :eek: I've been calling every morning and evening since midnight of the sale and every day they kept saying they haven't got them in yet and they refused to hold one for me, they just said they'd call once they got them in and they did. I did have my number down at my local store and they haven't got them yet so when they do i'll hold it for you.

[Raider]

Was just looking at the listing and wondering if there is copyright infringement going on. Some of the images in the listing appear to be Hasbro created images which would possibly be in breach of eBay's policy (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/image-text.html).

Perhaps if someone was so minded a complaint could be made...

[griffin]

A lot of people on ebay use official product images.

[jazzcomp]

Wow that's really freakin cheeky eh! :mad:
Must be laughing at all the Transfans nerds impotently getting pissed at his actions .

I was annoyed but still kinda ambivalent before as I got my Deve, but now he is actively thumbing his nose at our community on purpose and laughing at us, may I just say with all respect:

'Mate, you can go ****ing **** yourself hard and deep with a ******* pointed stick in the **** until you spurt blood and have to **** your **** with a ******* **** - and those aren't cheap you ******* ****** of *****!'


And had a dig at us. :rolleyes:

"(special thanks to the Ozformers and TCCA fan clubs for advertising for me, much appreciated!)"

Ah well, can't help it if there are people willing to pay an exorbitant premium for this.
I just hope that no one here bought from him. I'd hate to think that our annoyance/anger is resulting in profit for him. :eek:

I also hope that if he is/was a member, that his membership was cancelled.

[Sinnertwin]

Wasn't joking, I really offered $50. Since if he is taking a pissed at us, he deserves nonsense.

reject offer. done. The seller still has the items listed & his care factor is still 0.

[BruiseLee]

Well he took off the snide remark but has upped his price now to $350...

[GoktimusPrime]

reject offer. done. The seller still has the items listed & his care factor is still 0.
I hope that his sales figures match this number ;)

[jazzcomp]

I hope that his sales figures match this number ;)
He has 3 left so it already doesn't match.

Supply and demand - ??? keep telling yourself that. :rolleyes: I guess this is the same reasoning from the Sydney house market :mad:

[GoktimusPrime]

He has 3 left so it already doesn't match.

Supply and demand - ??? keep telling yourself that. :rolleyes: I guess this is the same reasoning from the Sydney house market :mad:
The difference being that people need housing. Toys aren't a life necessity, people can wait for restocks. :rolleyes:

[jazzcomp]

The difference being that people need housing. Toys aren't a life necessity, people can wait for restocks. :rolleyes:
Yeah, but I was looking at it from a profit point of view and not the need of the buyers.

[Trent]

He has 3 left so it already doesn't match.

Supply and demand - ??? keep telling yourself that. :rolleyes: I guess this is the same reasoning from the Sydney house market :mad:


Yeah, but I was looking at it from a profit point of view and not the need of the buyers.



This is a textbook example of supply and demand. Supply is low and demand is high. With high demand comes a higher price. Once supply is high, demand will decrease and so he will be unable to charge $350.

Personally I don't see the big deal. If people want to pay an impatience tax, then they are free to. Some people seem to be getting quite worked up over this (both here and onTCCA). Every time it's pointed out that Devastator will be released by other retailers soon, there is a post almost immediately after it going "But will it? HOW DO YOU KNOW???? What if it's not? OMG Big W had the whole world's supply of Devastators AND NOW THEYRE ALL GONE!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!"

Or something to that effect.

Perspective people.

[reillyd]

The difference being that people need housing. Toys aren't a life necessity, people can wait for restocks. :rolleyes:

Blasphemy and sacrilege. People need toys, and we only need housing to store them. Who here among us can honestly say they haven't spent money for food, clothing or medicine on toy robots? 😇

[jazzcomp]

This is a textbook example of supply and demand. Supply is low and demand is high. With high demand comes a higher price. Once supply is high, demand will decrease and so he will be unable to charge $350.

Personally I don't see the big deal. If people want to pay an impatience tax, then they are free to. Some people seem to be getting quite worked up over this (both here and onTCCA). Every time it's pointed out that Devastator will be released by other retailers soon, there is a post almost immediately after it going "But will it? HOW DO YOU KNOW???? What if it's not? OMG Big W had the whole world's supply of Devastators AND NOW THEYRE ALL GONE!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!"

Or something to that effect.

Perspective people.
Yes, people are free to pay whatever. It still doesn't make it right.

We can also do this, right? We can be a-holes and simulate the effect of supply is low by buying multiples and since the demand is high, we can also make profit from it. But we don't. :cool:

We don't want to support scalpers even if others do. But we also don't want to create a norm that this price is still acceptable to pay. Otherwise, the RRP may rise as well. I think this is something that Australia has accepted as perfectly normal or acceptable. We have higher wages so everything is higher and market size is smaller and whatever justification we believe makes it right to be expensive.

It's creating an environment of overvalue and unaffordability. Sure it's ok for those that can afford it. But what about those who can't?

I guess the outrage comes from those that want to keep this toys affordable instead of going the way of some toys that are only for the rich.

I remember the comment of Gok to a salesperson that was surprised that adults are buying devy. She had the expectation that $200 toy is normal for a kid to have :eek: instead of an Adult collector who can afford it. :o

[UltraMarginal]

this is scalping plain and simple, there should be an easy way to report the listing on eBay in the same manner that ticket scalpers can be reported.

His arrogance is a bit much calling out both OTCA and the facebook Collector club.

it's unfortunate that people are willing to pay his prices and that he's making a profit, I'm more concerned about parents that aren't plugged in to the community enough to know there are more coming out but they are aware enough that their child really wants this so they are willing to fork out the cash to make sure that Jr. gets a Devastator for a birthday or Christmas. these people might actually forego food (for themselves) to make sure they can afford a present for their child.

The only reason to buy multiples and sell like this is for profit at others expense, I'm tempted to go to the Penrith fair just to call this guy out in front of all the other tables and customers.

I might make a few offers starting at $10 and going up in increments of $10. If 100 people did this or asked inane questions he would have to refuse or at least check to make sure a question wasn't legit, it would make his listing more trouble for him to manage than he expected.

at the end of the day it is a supply and demand scenario and in a couple months he won't be able to sell above retail as supply will have increased but at the moment he's taking advantage of people. it's selfish and as others have mentioned immoral.

[drifand]

Like I said is the fact he bought 7 is what pisses people off.
If he does it quietly I think people would ignore.

[Demonac]

I don't think buying 7 of them really made that big a difference.
Big W was supposed to get 1000 of these.
He bought 0.7% of the supply...is that really worth getting upset over?
The only people affected are those that would have bought from the shop he cleaned out.

[prjkt]

I remember the comment of Gok to a salesperson that was surprised that adults are buying devy. She had the expectation that $200 toy is normal for a kid to have :eek: instead of an Adult collector who can afford it. :oto them, we're a pretty small market. The reason places like Big W, Target, Myer etc have their toy sales around now is that parents find it a lot more affordable to layby Christmas presents now and pay it off over 6mths, as the min repayment for Big W is $5 per fortnight - vs potentially $1000 or more in one hit in December if you've got 2-3 kids.

Working a midnight opening for Kmart one year, customers would be streaming in, loading up with toys, games consoles and games, then going straight to layby. One customer I helped out in the electronics section at about 1am didn't leave the store until 4:30am as the layby queue was that long. The coffee shop owner made a killing by coming in to take orders, going back, making the coffee, bringing it in and taking new orders all over again.

But that's all a little off-topic now.

[jazzcomp]

I don't think buying 7 of them really made that big a difference.
Big W was supposed to get 1000 of these.
He bought 0.7% of the supply...is that really worth getting upset over?
The only people affected are those that would have bought from the shop he cleaned out.
I guess so, but then there are guys you hear from here that went from one BigW to another and couldn't find any, making numerous calls, reserving and not being called. I guess I feel for them too. Instead of lucky me (I have one) and sucks to be you buying from this scalper. This is the reason why others here have offered to buy extra for fellow collectors.

If you think about stocks and having gain, this is so much easier right. :) Just have a few friends buy out some stores and put it on ebay.

[drifand]

I don't think buying 7 of them really made that big a difference.
Big W was supposed to get 1000 of these.
He bought 0.7% of the supply...is that really worth getting upset over?
The only people affected are those that would have bought from the shop he cleaned out.

It does, you would not like it if it was exclusively to bigw.

Just like soundwave mp. 7 is a big amount.

[drifand]

I guess so, but then there are guys you hear from here that went from one BigW to another and couldn't find any, making numerous calls, reserving and not being called. I guess I feel for them too. Instead of lucky me (I have one) and sucks to be you buying from this scalper. This is the reason why others here have offered to buy extra for fellow collectors.

If you think about stocks and having gain, this is so much easier right. :) Just have a few friends buy out some stores and put it on ebay.

I got zero though I am not panicking is just disappointed to see someone grabbed 7 to sell. Mind you he would have one for himself.
So 8!

[kup]

I guess so, but then there are guys you hear from here that went from one BigW to another and couldn't find any, making numerous calls, reserving and not being called. I guess I feel for them too. Instead of lucky me (I have one) and sucks to be you buying from this scalper. This is the reason why others here have offered to buy extra for fellow collectors.

If you think about stocks and having gain, this is so much easier right. :) Just have a few friends buy out some stores and put it on ebay.

A lot of the times I have called, the person answering knows crap all so it is hard to rely on the accuracy of what he/she says. You need to rely on places like this site from people who have visited the store to know.

[DarkHyren]

The only people affected are those that would have bought from the shop he cleaned out.That's at least 3 OTCA members that I know of and even if I wasn't one of the 3 it's still 3 too many of my online pals for my liking.

[XMan]

I'll be waiting for the next release, which is cool cos I cant afford him right now anyway :(

Though he has hit the States now, so I feel bad for the people that bought from.

http://www.toyark.com/look-what-i-just-got-thread-1737-page894/

[GoktimusPrime]

It's just occurred to me that it would be actually CHEAPER - even with postage - to pre-order a TakaraTOMY Unite Warriors Devastator than pay scalper's prices for a Hasbro CW Devastator! :eek: IMO, if you're willing to pay above RRP for Devastator, you might as well get the Japanese version.

[kup]

It's just occurred to me that it would be actually CHEAPER - even with postage - to pre-order a TakaraTOMY Unite Warriors Devastator than pay scalper's prices for a Hasbro CW Devastator! :eek: IMO, if you're willing to pay above RRP for Devastator, you might as well get the Japanese version.

For some reason, I have always seen Scalpers able to sell their stuff at 300%+ mark ups despite a much cheaper alternative existing. The alternative is also often easy to find by a simple google search or even within Ebay itself!

I don't understand it personally.

[GoktimusPrime]

P.T. Barnum's Law (http://i.ytimg.com/vi/T6v9dMPdYVg/maxresdefault.jpg)? :p

[drifand]

It's just occurred to me that it would be actually CHEAPER - even with postage - to pre-order a TakaraTOMY Unite Warriors Devastator than pay scalper's prices for a Hasbro CW Devastator! :eek: IMO, if you're willing to pay above RRP for Devastator, you might as well get the Japanese version.

Especially if you going to wait till December

[starscream23]

I'm supposed to have one reserved at Big W in Epping and if you got the last one and I'm yet to receive a phone call then I may have missed out :mad:

If you still need it let me know as I managed to grab another, $198 you can come pick it up.

[Handsprime]

So Mr scalper was at the Collector's fair at Penrith wearing a Transformers shirt. Not too sure if he sold the Devastators there, but apparently he had Combiner Wars Drag Strip and Dead End for $35 each. Yes because I am willing enough to pay $35 for something that is shelfwarming a few Kmarts and something that I can find cheaper at a few places (including the Kmart at Penrith)

[UltimateGalvatron]

Did he get his high five?

[drifand]

I am pretty sure he is a member here.

[Handsprime]

I am pretty sure he is a member here.

Apparently he used to be a member of the other Transformers fan club, but got kicked out (maybe because they found out he was a scalper, who knows?)

This is how he responded to the whole Devigate thingy
https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11709717_10153447625413675_8741298710153024695_n.j pg?oh=0bf08a297cb1a0fff7d7b87518123a5f&oe=561C7555

[crankcase76]

He only had 2 showing at the penrith fair, and he copped a bit of a serving about his little scalping business. And i really dont think he cared to much, anyway he is a tool to think that people are going to let him rip them off, so i would like to think that he will be stuck with what he has left as the US now has their release and i pretty sure our members that did miss out would not touch him with a ten foot barge pole. Knowing that we will get more.:)

[drifand]

He will start caring when he realised he lost a lot of friends.
Btw is 8 devy in the picture not 7.

Thanks to him, I settled for Takara version.

[Handsprime]

He will start caring when he realised he lost a lot of friends.
Btw is 8 devy in the picture not 7.

Thanks to him, I settled for Takara version.

He most likely kept one for himself

[prjkt]

According to his ebay listing he kept one, covered the cost with the tears of collectors who missed out.

[drifand]

Well 8 is about half a store's stock allocated.

[GoktimusPrime]

He will start caring when he realised he lost a lot of friends.
He clearly doesn't care about losing friends or what people think about him. He'll start caring when he realises that he can't move these toys at their ridiculously scalped price Cos for $10 more, you might as well preorder the TakaraTOMY version from PC. :rolleyes: Or just wait until stores restock next month.

How funny would it be if, when the restocks come out, stores get plenty and the toy actually ends up kinda shelfwarming a bit (like Generations Metroplex did after initially flying off shelves during Target's sale). Then the only way he'd be able to compete with local stores' shelfwarmers would be to sell his toys off at below RRP! :D Either that, or let these massive suckers occupy space in his house for years before he can sell 'em off.

[griffin]

He clearly doesn't care about losing friends or what people think about him. He'll start caring when he realises that he can't move these toys at their ridiculously scalped price Cos for $10 more, you might as well preorder the TakaraTOMY version from PC. :rolleyes: Or just wait until stores restock next month.

How funny would it be if, when the restocks come out, stores get plenty and the toy actually ends up kinda shelfwarming a bit (like Generations Metroplex did after initially flying off shelves during Target's sale). Then the only way he'd be able to compete with local stores' shelfwarmers would be to sell his toys off at below RRP! :D Either that, or let these massive suckers occupy space in his house for years before he can sell 'em off.

As someone else said earlier in the topic, as long as he kept the receipt, he's not at any risk because he can return any that are unsold.
And even if he lost the receipt or couldn't return them, he sold 4 at $100 extra which would offest the 3 he has left... even if he knocked $100 off them to make them move.

[5FDP]

Honestly, I think we've taken this thread as far as it's going to go. There's no point harping on about it and no good can come of it. IMHO, time to move on and shut this thread down.