Unicron at Zing/EB Games

[nalops]

EB Games and Zing have placed WFC Unicron on their site for $848.

EB link: https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/loot/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure

Zing:
https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure
(https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure)
(details and images added by admin)

NOTE - this product will only be produced if the American target reaches 8,000 units by the end of August (this may or may not include foreign orders).

Zing/EB require $100 deposit, which will be refunded after the end of August if this product does not get enough numbers and is not produced.

IF it is produced, you won't be charged the remaining $748 until it is released some time in 2021.
Be aware that they Zing & EB Games offer free pickup in-store, making this the best priced option for Australians for this toy.

Pre-order quickly, as they look to be only taking orders until the end of August, even if it the toy is produced.

Details from the site regarding the conditions of this item -

This Figure is a CROWD FUNDED opportunity and IS NOT YET confirmed to production! If this item is not cleared for production you WILL receive a full refund of your deposit.
EB Games in partnership with Hasbro is giving you the opportunity to preorder the Cybertron Unicron figure locally, here in Australia, with all preorders counted towards the crowdfunding 'Backers' target. For this future to become a reality, Hasbro requires 8,000 backers worldwide and every order placed counts to this target! You have until August 31st so get your preorder today!
This campaign will move into production when it reaches its minimum goal of 8,000 backers. All support must be received by 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2019. If the campaign is successful your payment method will be charged just prior to the product shipping. Orders are estimated to ship in early 2021.


A huge thankyou to Hasbro Australia and Zing/EB Games for getting this organised in a very short amount of time, and for a great price.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2019/080801.jpg


http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2019/080802.jpg

[Borgeman]

Excellent, that's a better price than anyone would have thought. 2 locked in

[Omega Metro]

EB Games and Zing have placed WFC Unicron on their site for $848. Not too sure how the payment is meant to work.

EB link: https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/loot/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure

Zing:
https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure

I’m suddenly interested

[DaptoDog]

WOW!!! For that price I just ordered two with Zing! :D

[nalops]

Given the wording on the site, seems you only need to pay the $100 deposit and the rest will be charged close to release, if it reaches the crowdfunding goal. This seems way better than the US version where they have to pay it all upfront.

[griffin]

Some extra details and images have been added to first post, since I was beaten to it... :p

At those prices and payment not required until 2021, I'm likely to order two now, for both modes.

Again, big thanks to Hasbro Australia and Zing/EB for getting this organised in a matter of days, and resulting in a great price (even better than I was expecting).
I would probably prefer them to have a payment plan though, as it will help prevent being hit with a big amount at some point in 2021... which could see a fair few people suddenly unable to pay (not that Zing/EB would have a problem selling any unsold Unicrons at that point).

[Paulbot]

Was on the fence to be honest, but now the preorder has been done!

[nalops]

Some extra details and images have been added to first post, since I was beaten to it... :p



Ah thanks! Was doing my now regular Zing Transformers page refresh when it appeared. Fair to say I was shocked haha.

Definitely getting one, maybe two if I genuinely think I can pay for it.

Wondering if we can pre-order in store. Guessing not considering their line about charging close to the release date. Definitely hoping it gets enough backing.

[danny-boy]

Wow this is awesome. I just ordered 2 as well for pickup from my local store. I'm not sure where I'm going to display planet mode. I've got a nice spot for robot mode. I'll keep chipping away at that price every time I go down to my local store. This is likely to be coming out the same time as the PLAYSTATION 5 so I'll be chipping away at that too as soon as it's up for pre-order.

[hYpNoS]

Now I gotta figure out how I'm gonna sneak this bad boi in, god damnit lol I have no space but that price CANNOT be denied!

[Gehirn]

I would probably prefer them to have a payment plan though, as it will help prevent being hit with a big amount at some point in 2021... which could see a fair few people suddenly unable to pay (not that Zing/EB would have a problem selling any unsold Unicrons at that point).

Usually with preorders at ebgames you can go in and put smaller increments leading up to release. A bit of hassle but it kinda helps.

[philby]

this is a really great announcement!
on one hand, it doesn't matter where you get this if it is made, it is a super expensive and huge figure. on the other hand, FOMO.... :/

[griffin]

Wondering if we can pre-order in store. Guessing not considering their line about charging close to the release date. Definitely hoping it gets enough backing.

It should be possible to pre-order in store, as most of these items usually are... and since they should be taking credit card details and contact details, they would just charge the remainder in 2021... if your credit card is still valid by then. EDIT - Actually, if you are picking up in-store, you will pay for it when picking it up, so it doesn't matter if the card that pays the deposit is still valid in 2021. If you are getting it delivered though, it might be best to use a credit card that doesn't expire before about mid-2021, just in case they can't get a hold of you when it is released, and they can't charge your card for the remainder.

Next time I am near one, I will go in and ask.

[Bidoofdude]

This is really awesome. 2021 is so far away, it’s hard to pull the trigger yet. But definitely going to soon.

[griffin]

Pre-ordered two.

Now to hope that it gets made.
If it does, I'll see if Zing/EB can take payments over the next year, so that it isn't a last minute big payment, that some of us might not be able to put together at short notice (we might not get much warning of its release).

[griffin]

Usually with preorders at ebgames you can go in and put smaller increments leading up to release. A bit of hassle but it kinda helps.

If that's true, that's what I'll be doing, and I'll be encouraging others to do it as well, to make sure that they get it when it is released (there would be a big waiting list by then, so if it is put up for sale, it won't be around long enough for people who couldn't pay the rest, to save up and pay for it).

[Golden Phoenix]

Was on the fence to be honest, but now the preorder has been done!

I was exactly the same. And now I have $100 less in my account

[Krayt]

Pre-ordered two.

Now to hope that it gets made.
If it does, I'll see if Zing/EB can take payments over the next year, so that it isn't a last minute big payment, that some of us might not be able to put together at short notice (we might not get much warning of its release).

I don’t know how web preorders work, but store orders are fine for taking payments anytime.

And a secret... if the release date occurs and you are lacking, you can swap it into a layby

[nalops]

Well, hopefully you can pre-order in store as I'd be able to use RACQ e-gift cards which are 7% off. If I could use the gift cards for the whole thing, I'd be able to save almost $60.

[DELTAprime]

Sigh. I guess I should have waited a while before I ordered from Oh My Primus. Still, it will be interesting to see if Unicron shows up at EB Games/Zing in a timely manner as many previous EB Games Transformers items have often been months behind foreign releases.

[BigTransformerTrev]

it will be interesting to see if Unicron shows up at EB Games/Zing in a timely manner as many previous EB Games Transformers items have often been months behind foreign releases.

At that price I don't give a stuff - this morning I had resigned myself to the idea I wouldn't be getting Unicron - now Im wondering if I could somehow save enough to get two! ;)

Story is on Seibertron and they are calling it currently the best deal on Unicron Worldwide (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/australian-eb-games-and-zing-stores-open-unicron-preorders-with-a-sweet-deal/43747/)

It's really nice to have gone nationally from the back of the pack to first place :D

[Trent]

Sigh. I guess I should have waited a while before I ordered from Oh My Primus. Still, it will be interesting to see if Unicron shows up at EB Games/Zing in a timely manner as many previous EB Games Transformers items have often been months behind foreign releases.

Yeah well, given that I will only have to drive 5 minutes down the road to pick it up rather than pay $110+ in postage (and that's hoping the exchange rate doesn't go south over the next 18-24 months) I can handle if it's a little late.

[griffin]

Story is on Seibertron and they are calling it currently the best deal on Unicron Worldwide (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/australian-eb-games-and-zing-stores-open-unicron-preorders-with-a-sweet-deal/43747/)



That helps get the word out. TFW buried it into their ongoing discussion topic (I posted it as a new topic there), probably because it looked like it was promoting a business that doesn't advertise there.

[Trent]

That helps get the word out. TFW buried it into their ongoing discussion topic (I posted it as a new topic there), probably because it looked like it was promoting a business that doesn't advertise there.

Walgreens doesn’t advertise there and they get a ton of promotion...

[DELTAprime]

I find TFW to be strange with some of the stuff they allow and don't allow.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Sigh. I guess I should have waited a while before I ordered from Oh My Primus. Still, it will be interesting to see if Unicron shows up at EB Games/Zing in a timely manner as many previous EB Games Transformers items have often been months behind foreign releases.

Dennis is quite a reasonable guy...have you tried asking if you can at least transfer your Unicron deposit to something else in the store?

I was not particularly bothered with the hassle of being a part of this, but with EB games/Zing coming into the picture...I just pull the trigger on Unicron. And if it helps tick up the backer numbers...

[DELTAprime]

Dennis is quite a reasonable guy...have you tried asking if you can at least transfer your Unicron deposit to something else in the store?

I've emailed him, I'm waiting for his response to see what he will let me do. If he's willing to do a straight refund then great. If he wants to do a store credit or something like that I'd be fine with that also as I need to order a couple of other things from him. I really need a Star Convoy for starters as that item is getting released soon.

[Dimi194]

Looks like an amazing deal-he's still way beyond what I'm willing to pay for any Transformer but (hopefully) will enjoy seeing the all photos once they (eventually) reach you all!

[i_amtrunks]

That is a better deal and price than I would have ever thought, and even better once I heard about the Aussie dollar dropping to a ten year low!

Hope the numbers come through and you?ll get you Unicrons!

[UltraMarginal]

This made my week!
Ordered, you guys ordering two are intense!

Part of me wants to, but part of me things that's cray cray.

[Raider]

This made my week!
Ordered, you guys ordering two are intense!

Part of me wants to, but part of me things that's cray cray.

It is cray cray. Be cray cray. It's fun!

[Omega Metro]

I’m having a hard time justifying 1 let alone 2. I’m hoping the preorder will stay open for at least another week or so as I’m still unsure wether I want it so need time to think it over.

[Borgeman]

It should stay open till the end of the month.

[neomoz]

I had put this in the crazy not gonna happen pile and since I already have a Unicron I was fine with that, now EBGames do this, it's doing my head in. Just not sure where I would put him, I guess I have 2 years to solve that problem.

Is it just a $100 now and you pay the full amount when they deliver it in 2 years? Or do you need to stump up the full amount now.

[reillyd]

Given how much I was budgeting to get ONE over here, it seems only logical to use the saving for a second, right?

[danny-boy]

Given how much I was budgeting to get ONE over here, it seems only logical to use the saving for a second, right?

Yes that?s my reasoning. Also it takes away the ?what mode should I display it in?? dilemma.

I?ve got no idea where I?m going to display planet mode though. It?s a beach ball.

[DELTAprime]

Is it just a $100 now and you pay the full amount when they deliver it in 2 years? Or do you need to stump up the full amount now.

It's a $100 deposit. If you select pickup in-store, which you should since it avoids shipping fees, then your preorder status will be sent through to the selected store and if want you can pay it off over time by putting more money on the preorder instead of having to pay a lump sum when it arrives.

[MayzaPrime]

It's a $100 deposit. If you select pickup in-store, which you should since it avoids shipping fees, then your preorder status will be sent through to the selected store and if want you can pay it off over time by putting more money on the preorder instead of having to pay a lump sum when it arrives.

That is my plan... once the quota is reached of course.

[Autocon]

Given how much I was budgeting to get ONE over here, it seems only logical to use the saving for a second, right?

Makes the most logical sense.

[Harbinger]

Well, i preordered 1. Good luck to you guys going for 2. I don't really have room for one, but this is a sweet deal. Here is hoping it gets made.

[DELTAprime]

Dennis is quite a reasonable guy...have you tried asking if you can at least transfer your Unicron deposit to something else in the store?

I was not particularly bothered with the hassle of being a part of this, but with EB games/Zing coming into the picture...I just pull the trigger on Unicron. And if it helps tick up the backer numbers...

Dennis did a full refund and was quite cheerful about it. Can't say that of many retailers.

[DaptoDog]

Dennis did a full refund and was quite cheerful about it. Can't say that of many retailers.

Great outcome, he is quite the guy.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Dennis did a full refund and was quite cheerful about it. Can't say that of many retailers.

Wow, thats a great outcome. Props to Dennis, just confirms why I recommend him so highly.

[griffin]

At least he isn't stuck with unpaid stock, as the items haven't been charged to him yet... it's just a bit of a hassle to deal with cancellations and refunds, which I imagine would be gladly done to keep a regular customer.

[Borgeman]

That and since he isn't asking for full payment upfront, less unicorn orders means less investment on his end as well.

[griffin]

Zing (but not EB) on facebook, posted up their announcement (https://www.facebook.com/ZingPopCultureAus/videos/2410868659181948/) just a little under 24 hours after our facebook posting, and have already had as many likes and shares as our posting, in just four hours... and twice as many comments.

They do have over 60,000 followers, compared to our 1,350... but I'm still surprised that there are so many "regular" people out there interested in Unicron, who aren't part of any online Transformers fandom, to not already know about Unicron coming to Australia.

The good news is that it can only be a good thing for our numbers in Australia... if our numbers count towards the 8,000 target (which I've asked for confirmation, because we aren't paying in August, so mustn't be counted).

[UltraMarginal]

Maybe that's more just zing/EB pre-order policy, they would have had to pay Hasbro up front for the ectotrons.

[Raider]

The good news is that it can only be a good thing for our numbers in Australia... if our numbers count towards the 8,000 target (which I've asked for confirmation, because we aren't paying in August, so mustn't be counted).

Taken from the product listing on EB website:

"EB Games in partnership with Hasbro is giving you the opportunity to preorder the Cybertron Unicron figure locally, here in Australia, with all preorders counted towards the crowdfunding 'Backers' target. For this future to become a reality, Hasbro requires 8,000 backers worldwide and every order placed counts to this target! You have until August 31st so get your preorder today!"

That confirms that the preorders count towards the 8000 does it not?

[VERT]

Yeah did my order today

[DELTAprime]

Hasbro requires 8,000 backers worldwide and every order placed counts to this target!

Wait, so does that mean Takara Tomy's numbers count also?

[Raider]

Wait, so does that mean Takara Tomy's numbers count also?

I thought it was confirmed in something official that this was the case. I'll try find the link.

Goggle translate on the TTMall (https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g8000000001310/?mm190726tf) site says:

"Hasbro's crowdfunding “HAS Lab” project “Unicron” will be accepted at Takara Tomy Mall in Japan!
It will be commercialized when the target number is reached worldwide. "

[Ralph Wiggum]

I feel like the contribution of Takara Tomy and even Hasbro Australia?s pre-orders to the crowdfund total is about as clear as mud. Clearly the crowdfund ticker isn?t being updated with overseas orders and the fact that full payment is received AFTER release of Unicron shows this isn?t a typical crowdfund process.

Pure speculation and opinion here, but I feel like the sluggish uptake of the Hasbropulse crowdfund, combined with a not insignifcant desire to see this toy released outside of the US, has led to this frankenstein of a preorder / crowdfund system being thrown at us.

[Raider]

I feel like the contribution of Takara Tomy and even Hasbro Australia?s pre-orders to the crowdfund total is about as clear as mud. Clearly the crowdfund ticker isn?t being updated with overseas orders and the fact that full payment is received AFTER release of Unicron shows this isn?t a typical crowdfund process.

Pure speculation and opinion here, but I feel like the sluggish uptake of the Hasbropulse crowdfund, combined with a not insignifcant desire to see this toy released outside of the US, has led to this frankenstein of a preorder / crowdfund system being thrown at us.

I agree with your last point. They realised early on they wouldn't make 8000 alone and, thankfully, did the smart thing and found other ways to boost the numbers. From what I understand, the non-US sales won't change the number on Hasbro Pulse, as those numbers are to be added on 31 August. So we won't really know until it finishes.

[nalops]

I'm definitely going to try put down 2 pre-orders of Unicron, 1 at EB and 1 at Zing. Not sure exactly where I would display/store both but guess that's something for 2021 me to figure out.

[DELTAprime]

I'm definitely going to try put down 2 pre-orders of Unicron, 1 at EB and 1 at Zing.

Out of curiosity, why separate your order between two stores? Zing is owned by EB Games and in many cases, EB Games stores and Zing stores are combined into a single store.

[Trent]

Out of curiosity, why separate your order between two stores? Zing is owned by EB Games and in many cases, EB Games stores and Zing stores are combined into a single store.

Or literally right next to each other.

[nalops]

Out of curiosity, why separate your order between two stores? Zing is owned by EB Games and in many cases, EB Games stores and Zing stores are combined into a single store.

Yea, I know and there's a few combined ones around here in Brisbane but luckily Garden City has them separate.

I definitely could order both at the same store but I have a feeling I'd only be able to transport one at a time. They'd probably be kind enough to let me take one and hold the other but they might not so just planning ahead.

[DELTAprime]

Yea, I know and there's a few combined ones around here in Brisbane but luckily Garden City has them separate.

I definitely could order both at the same store but I have a feeling I'd only be able to transport one at a time. They'd probably be kind enough to let me take one and hold the other but they might not so just planning ahead.

I can understand that. At the store I work at we do not allow anyone to leave paid for or personal items behind.

[Bladestorm]

The temptation was too great. I pre-ordered him at my local EB Games, no problem at all other than their shock at his final price and the size of him.

I get the feeling the overseas orders will far outweight the US ones...

[shockNwave]

That and since he isn't asking for full payment upfront, less unicorn orders means less investment on his end as well.

Less unicorn orders?! Deadpool will be so disappointed.

[GoktimusPrime]

I must admit that this is a really good price, but I still can't justify it for myself. I do hope that this thing happens and that EB ends up selling it though. :)

[valkyrie_76]

I must admit that this is a really good price, but I still can't justify it for myself. I do hope that this thing happens and that EB ends up selling it though. :)

I was not worried about this before but since EB/Zing have this out and at a very good price, I have ordered one now and hoping this comes through.

[Defcon]

Placed an order through Zing for only 1. Hopefully it gets made. I?m hoping this will be my last transformer, since it?s like 2 years away, and it could be a perfect high to finish on. Thinking about wanting a 2nd for resale.

[Firestorm]

After a lengthy period of ?umm-ing? and ?ah-ing? I finally caved and threw down a preorder for this thing tonight.

Guess now it?s wait and see time for if the 8000 backers are reached.

If not, oh well. I get my deposit back
If so. Well... at least I have till 2021 to save for it/ pay it off/ find a side for it.

It?ll be the most I have ever spent on any one single item. But it?ll be a cool item.

If it weren?t for EB?s $100 deposit and not having to pay till its potential release. I?d probably have just let this thing pass me by. Way too pricy to try throwing down like $1000 from some overseas retailer or something.

[Autocon]

Since its so far away, will the exchange rate see the price increase if it falls significantly?

[BigTransformerTrev]

Since its so far away, will the exchange rate see the price increase if it falls significantly?

Depends on who you ordered it through. If you have ordered it from an overseas retailer than yes, whatever the current exchange rate is when you are required to pay the outstanding balance is what it will cost you.

If you have ordered through an Australian company such as Zing/EB or TBI then it shouldn't as you've ordered and agreed to the current price they list it for. Just like if by some miracle the Aussie dollar went up they would not give it to you cheaper, they should not conversely increase the cost you initially agreed to if the dollar falls further. At least that is how I understand it, it may be down to the individual companies terms and conditions.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Trev?s right, preordering an item with an Australian based store locks you into the price at the time. You won?t be jacked a higher price if the AUD tumbles.

[iscreamonstars]

Was a def no till EB/Zing pre-order then still on the fence but pre-ordered today

[Jazzman]

Yeah... I caved... ;)

[philby]

From the transformers FB page:


Thanks for all your #UNICRON questions! Ben & Ran from the Transformers team have answered some of your burning questions. Visit HasbroPulse.com for the full Q&A.
ONE MORE UPDATE! We?re excited to share that 1,500 UNICRON supporters around the globe that have backed the project through Hasbro affiliated retailers will bring us much closer to the 8,000 backer goal.

So that takes it to about 4500 backers so far, with a week to go.

[reillyd]

Oh dear, that's extremely low retailer support if true (as in all retailers)

[millhouse]

Well, I've ordered through Zing.

At the end of the day, if it doesn't get made, no-one gets it and we all miss out on another Unicron that hasn't gone to production.

If it gets made, I've got a year to prepare funds to pay it off without the wife finding out, and we've got what is arguably the best deal in the world.

If it doesn't get there, I can't complain.

If it get's made? I think I'm done on buying Transformers. Happy, but done.

Until of course something catches my eye.

[ChlorHex]

After much deliberation, I placed a deposit down today.
Now the wait!

[Deonasis]

I think I’ll preorder too. I am concerned that either store may not exist in 2 years but, without needing to pay more than $100 until close to release, the risk is minimal and worth it.

[Metallikato]

Been more or less out of the Transformers / collecting loop for a few years now, but just pre-ordered from EB (think its the first thing I've ever bought there). Too good an offer to pass up if it happens.

[BigTransformerTrev]

With less than 6 days to go, for those still undecided or intending to order here is a list of all the places you can order Unicron and their comparative prices:

Hasbro Pulse (https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron)
Price: $574.99US
Shipping: Unknown

BigBadToyStore (https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/97919)
Price: $774.99(US)
Postage: Unknown but estimated could be around $400
Downpayment: $155.00(US) (non-refundable)

RobotKingdom (http://www.robotkingdom.com/e6830.html)
Price: $585.00(US)
Postage: $250.00(US)
Downpayment: $175.00(US). Full payment due when production is confirmed.

OhMyPrimus (https://ohmyprimus.com/htwfcsuc.html)
Price: $850.00(S)
Postage: $110.00(S)
Dowpayment: $80.00(S)

Collection.Toys (https://collecticontoys.com/products/transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron)
Price: $869.99(US)
Postage: Via EMS only and predicted to be very expensive
Downpayment: Need to email them directly

TakaraTomyMall (https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g8000000001310/)
Price: ¥75,600
Postage: TBA

The Chosen Prime (https://www.thechosenprime.com/TFGenWFCUnicron)
Price: $774.99(US)
Downpayment: $175(US)
Postage: TBA

ToyBot Importz (https://www.toybotimportz.com.au/search?q=unicron)
Price: $874.00(AU)
Downpayment: Unknown but you get 5 months to pay it off.
Postage: Unknown

TFS-Express (http://preorder.tfs-express.com/war-for-cybertron-siege/-1329-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron.html?search_query=unicron&results=1)
Price: £599.00
Downpayment: Option available
Postage: Unknown

Zing (https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/256138-transformers-war-for-cybertron-unicron-27-figure)
Price: $848(AU)
Downpayment: $100(AU)
Postage: Free Pick-up in store!


Comparison of Prices in Aussie Dollars
Hasbro Pulse - $834.17
ZING/EB - $848
Robot Kingdom - $848.69
ToyBot Importz - $874.00
OhMyPrimus - $901.11
TTMall - $1010.32
TFS-Express: $1072.03
The Chosen Prime - $1124.31
BBTS - $1124.31
Collection.Toys - $1262.14

[ChlorHex]

We've got a great deal through Zing... and a fantastic option of just placing a deposit first and not the full sum.
Put your 100 bucks down and start saving, folks! :p

[MayzaPrime]

Orrrrr... you can just pay off $50 a month in store for 18 months and walk away at the end without having to fork it all out

[nalops]

Well, pre-ordered 2, 1 each at Zing and EB Games. Not sure if I'll actually go through with both but at least I give myself the option.

[Other]

Good round up Trev, one thing I do want to point out though is that the listed prices are a mix of tax inclusive and exclusive prices. The EB/Zing price obviously includes GST but others such a Robot Kingdom's don't and you would be invoiced for that on top of the extra shipping fees

[The Letter M]

The EB/Zing price obviously includes GST but others such a Robot Kingdom's don't and you would be invoiced for that on top of the extra shipping fees

RK would be the exception to that rule - they don't charge GST

[hYpNoS]

RK would be the exception to that rule - they don't charge GST

dat shipping tho

[KELPIE]

RK would be the exception to that rule - they don't charge GST

They won't but customs will with it shipping in at over $1k.

Does anyone know if this will be Hasbro packaging or TT packaging (Asian stickers applied).

[DaptoDog]

They won't but customs will with it shipping in at over $1k.

Does anyone know if this will be Hasbro packaging or TT packaging (Asian stickers applied).

Robot Kingdom marks the value of the package down (they will check what value you want on it) so you wouldn't hit the $1k threshold regardless.

[reillyd]

I think I’ll preorder too. I am concerned that either store may not exist in 2 years but, without needing to pay more than $100 until close to release, the risk is minimal and worth it.

Zing is more likely than some of the shadier retailers

[Deonasis]

Preorder placed :cool:

[UltraMarginal]

If it gets made, I've got a year to prepare funds to pay it off without the wife finding out, and we've got what is arguably the best deal in the world.


lolol, because you'll be able to hide Unicron up the back of the shelf when you get it home without her noticing!

[griffin]

The end date on the product page is still unchanged.... probably too late to change it now.

[griffin]

Final 3 hours for us in Australia... if we don't get the 5-week American extension (not that we should need it, as we don't need to pay the full amount when pre-ordering it, and everyone here had enough time and notice about needing to decide by tonight if they really wanted it and can afford it).

I would be interested to see if the product pages come down tonight at midnight, or if they get updated with an extension, or noting that they won't be taking any more orders but we have to wait until October 6th in America (October 7th here).

[nalops]

Might be because it's the weekend but the Unicron page is still up and seemingly still taking orders.

[UltraMarginal]

well, it's Monday and it's still up at zing, that's pretty cool.
Hasbro Pulse currently numbers it at 5635 backers.
I wonder if this extension will help many. I'd imagine a lot of people who had figured that they couldn't afford it (in the states) probably haven't been saving on the off chance that the project would get a time extension.

[BigTransformerTrev]

well, it's Monday and it's still up at zing, that's pretty cool.
Hasbro Pulse currently numbers it at 5635 backers.
I wonder if this extension will help many. I'd imagine a lot of people who had figured that they couldn't afford it (in the states) probably haven't been saving on the off chance that the project would get a time extension.

Yeah that's a good point. Though maybe there were some that were saving but hadn't quite saved enough.

The listing is still up with EB too. If I manage to get to the EB in Mudgee before the next cut off date Ill see if they can help me cancel my order through ZING in Bathurst and then order two with them. I've watched a few videos of Unicron being transformed and it looks like a super hassle. Id be happy to transform him back and forth once so I've had the experience and then just have one in each mode as display pieces.

[reillyd]

I don't know why they didn't just team up with a credit provider for payment in instalments. Would have meant far more sales I suspect given the tight economy over there.

[nalops]

So, is Unicron actually going to be funded after all? It got up to 5660 backers but is now down to 5647.

[1AZRAEL1]

People are cancelling in favour of the 3P version coming. And I copped flak for saying I prefer the Hasbro one anyway. The fandom sucks sometimes

[VERT]

People are cancelling in favour of the 3P version coming. And I copped flak for saying I prefer the Hasbro one anyway. The fandom sucks sometimes

Yeah it does. The 3rd party one is nice. But it's not what I want for a Unicron. It's so small. The Haslab one had better be funded or we will never see anything like this again.

[1AZRAEL1]

Yeah it does. The 3rd party one is nice. But it's not what I want for a Unicron. It's so small. The Haslab one had better be funded or we will never see anything like this again.

Wonder if Hasbro will look at their legal options because they now have something that is directly competing with their sales for something that is simultaneously being developed.

Whilst I'll be disappointed if it doesn't get made, I'll at least get my money back and put it towards my trip to Germany next year lol

[griffin]

It's their own fault for turning a blind eye all this time, not worrying about the small impact those unauthorised toys had on their mass-produced toys, so that when it finally affects something of theirs it's too late to then do something affective. It's now been 10 years since we started seeing actual toys instead of just accessories which means there are fans out there who treat them as legitimate TFs toys, chastising fans of the real toys if there is a dispute.

[BigTransformerTrev]

It's their own fault for turning a blind eye all this time, not worrying about the small impact those unauthorised toys had on their mass-produced toys, so that when it finally affects something of theirs it's too late to then do something affective. It's now been 10 years since we started seeing actual toys instead of just accessories which means there are fans out there who treat them as legitimate TFs toys, chastising fans of the real toys if there is a dispute.

I saw an example of that on one of the Aussie TF FB pages. I put up my review of Cyberverse Alpha Trion (http://www.bigangrytrev.com/toy-review-cyberverse-alpha-trion/) last night and mentioned how it was the most G1-reminicent Alpha Trion robot mode we've had (compared to the Legends, Timelines and Titans Return ones). One of the responses was a person posting pictures of several different 3P Alpha Trions that were more G1-authentic looking than the actual official toys. The mindset displayed was obviously these 3P ones were as valid as the official toys and perhaps Hasbro can blame themselves for letting it get to that state of affairs.

Personally I'm really hoping the official Unicron gets made. I'll even be designing my shelving for the new shed specifically to support the size and weight of a pair of them (one for each mode) as a central focal point of the back wall. Though I suppose if he doesn't get made I'll be saving $1700 I guess.

[1AZRAEL1]

It's their own fault for turning a blind eye all this time, not worrying about the small impact those unauthorised toys had on their mass-produced toys, so that when it finally affects something of theirs it's too late to then do something affective. It's now been 10 years since we started seeing actual toys instead of just accessories which means there are fans out there who treat them as legitimate TFs toys, chastising fans of the real toys if there is a dispute.

As far as I know, this is the first time they've had something competing at the same time. Fans Toys was developing their MP Soundwave and then Hasbro revealed their own so FT shelved theirs. They were hesitant to push the limits. Now it seems Zeta wants to push the envelope. I don't much like where it's heading. And not liking the way the fandom is fighting one another.

[UltraMarginal]

I saw an example of that on one of the Aussie TF FB pages. I put up my review of Cyberverse Alpha Trion (http://www.bigangrytrev.com/toy-review-cyberverse-alpha-trion/) last night and mentioned how it was the most G1-reminicent Alpha Trion robot mode we've had (compared to the Legends, Timelines and Titans Return ones). One of the responses was a person posting pictures of several different 3P Alpha Trions that were more G1-authentic looking than the actual official toys. The mindset displayed was obviously these 3P ones were as valid as the official toys and perhaps Hasbro can blame themselves for letting it get to that state of affairs.


There is a licensed 3rd party Alpha Trion (http://artstorm.co.jp/exgokin_transformersseries_alphatrion.html) that looks Amazing.
I think it's a bit hard to get now, but probably one of the main reasons I haven't chased after this Cyberverse version.

[hYpNoS]

I admit that 3p unicron is tempting but the face is putting me off, that and the mouth for planet mode and no color prototypes shown.

Also I'm a stupid sucker for big toys

[Sinnertwin]

As far as I know, this is the first time they've had something competing at the same time. Fans Toys was developing their MP Soundwave and then Hasbro revealed their own so FT shelved theirs. They were hesitant to push the limits. Now it seems Zeta wants to push the envelope. I don't much like where it's heading. And not liking the way the fandom is fighting one another.

I cbf looking up the exact time lines, but Magic Square and Transform Element have both released a G1 cartoon accurate Optimus in anticipation I believe of Takara's MP44.
Fans Toys Soundwave is back on despite an MP Soundwave reissue. The third party co's have been pushing the envelope for years now, I can't see why Hasbro would care all of a sudden?
Anyway, Hasbro have also dodged more than their fair share of licensing fees and stolen existing IP by changing a tail light here & a bonnet scoop there. Just look at all of the not-Lamborghini's floating around

[griffin]

Anyway, Hasbro have also dodged more than their fair share of licensing fees and stolen existing IP by changing a tail light here & a bonnet scoop there. Just look at all of the not-Lamborghini's floating around

That is true... in the early days it was mostly because it wasn't really necessary for toys, unless the toy was being marketed as an accurate replica... and more recently it would have been done to trim costs where ever possible.
And the difference between Hasbro and 3rd party "unlicensed" toys is that the Hasbro toys aren't trying to take away sales from licensed replica vehicles. People who are only wanting a licensed replica wouldn't want it "ruined" by odd robotic panels and moving parts - us Transformers fans just consider a license as a nice fancy bonus, not a necessity, as we generally prefer to have the toys looking like they do on the cartoon, or as the original series toy they are homaging. (obviously if it is a collector grade movie toy that is meant to replicate what is on screen, including its badging, accurate detailing and even its vehicle names, it should be licensed)
The 3rd party toys are only intending to take sales away from Hasbro, as most people who buy a 3rd party toy, don't buy the Hasbro equivalent or sell it off.... so they should be paying licensing or royalties to offset the lost sales. If someone with selective spending on Transformers starts spending a few hundred dollars a year on non-Hasbro toys, it's not usually in addition to their limited Transformers budget, it becomes part of it, which then money that Hasbro doesn't get.
And we all should know that the first toyline that Hasbro will cut back on if sales drop below a minimum amount is the Generations toys, as they don't have Movie or Cartoon support (the free advertising, that the retailers prioritise). Generations could even end up becoming a range of non-retail toys, like all of the exclusives that are set for the second half of this year... that could be the future of Generations - a smaller production run of each toy, just sold through online stores and independent retailers.

I do want to say though, that I am supportive of unlicensed accessories, as they require purchasing of a legit toy to enhance it... and because a lot of those items are things that Hasbro should have produced, but wont, so there is no competition with something legit.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I do want to say though, that I am supportive of unlicensed accessories, as they require purchasing of a legit toy to enhance it... and because a lot of those items are things that Hasbro should have produced, but wont, so there is no competition with something legit.

This^

I know it sounds stupid when talking about toys of cartoon characters but I've always kinda felt like that buying unlicensed 3P figures was somehow cheating and not supporting the brand (zero friggin judgement on anyone who does buy that stuff).

Thats why I've only gotten items that I've felt Hasbro/TT will never make. So my unlicensed 3P collection consists of some Quintessons, an Allicon and upgrades for CW Menasor and Universe Hardhead. Oh and some items other people have given me over the years like the 3P characters for Unicron Trilogy Bruticus and WST Grimlock. And some quite interesting mousepads (http://www.bigangrytrev.com/transformers-wrist-rest-mouse-pads/) of course :p

[DELTAprime]

I do want to say though, that I am supportive of unlicensed accessories, as they require purchasing of a legit toy to enhance it... and because a lot of those items are things that Hasbro should have produced, but wont, so there is no competition with something legit.

I've bought a number of unlicensed 3P accessories over the years to go with my HasTak toys. In the case of the old City Commander accessories, I bought the Optimus, Ultra Magnus and Nemesis Prime Voyager Class figures just so I could use those cool 3P accessories. That's three sales for Hasbro they would never have gotten if I didn't buy those accessories.

[1AZRAEL1]

Accessories enhance the official stuff. I never would have bought Energon/Universe Superion and Bruticus had there not been upgrade sets, even though Bruticus does replace 2 of the limbs. Powermaster Prime and God Bomber upgrades make the figure alot better especially the leg pieces to lean him forward. Yes I do own some that Hasbro have gone on to release, the jumpstarters for instance, I bought the official ones anyway. MP Shockwave is really the only one I haven't bought official of yet because I just haven't had the funds. I have replaced a few 3P with official ones anyway.

I did forget about MP44 and the 3P ones competing too, so it seems pretty recent that they are really pushing the envelope now.

[reillyd]

Yes yes Trev, we all know the dirty secret about you and your mouse pads. Heck that's where I learned where to buy them ;P

I think a stronger factor than a small production run of some dodgy 3P KO would be the large up front price rather than offering a payment plan. While the Zing offer was incredible for its pricing and lack of gouging, the fact they only wanted a hundred dollar deposit made it affordable to order TWO. Of course I'm going to have to save up for it, nad quarantine some money away each month so I don't get hit hard at the end, but with the American economy like it is I can understand people's reluctance to wack down a wad of cash for a toy they won't get till 2021.

I get the kickstarter/haslab type concept. And I know why they need the money up front to invest in the tooling. But interest rates are SO CHEAP 'right now over there, it shouldn't have been a huge sell to pitch it to a finance/payment provider.

I still really want it to get made, and I'm hoping that they'll announce some sort of hook up with a finance/credit company for a last week bump to the numbers. Its solvable, I just don't think they've thought it through well enough before soliciting it

[jimoinj]

Placed an order now. Hope it gets backed! Also hope it doesn't take until the end of 2021 to finish!

[VERT]

It's now 7800

[VERT]

We did it 8005 backers

[High_Q]

It's now 7800

It has sailed past 8,000 now, with a day to go. The Chaos Bringer cometh. :D I didn't preorder, but glad that those who want it can now have it. Can't wait for reviews... in a few months.

[M-bot]

I’m not getting one. For my own reasons, mostly around finances. But I’m super-stoked that those that did pre-order are going to get this.

Got until 2021 to deal with the FOMO...;)

[nalops]

I pre-ordered 2 but I'm not sure if I'd actually go through with both.

[griffin]

Just a warning... don't order Unicron from EB Games anymore, even though it is still listed and can be carted. They can't order any more stock from Hasbro and have been told to take down the Unicron listing, which could take a day to happen.

[valkyrie_76]

Both are gone now.

[shockNwave]

For a minute I thought Unicron wasn't going to go through:eek:. So I'm glad it was made possible in the end:).

[Deonasis]

Hey all

Do people use EB gift cards to pay off Zing preorders?


More specifically, through work I realised I can get 8% off EB gift cards and I have $750 worth of Unicron at Zing to pay off.


Should I walk into Zing with $750 of EB gift cards?

[nalops]

Hey all

Do people use EB gift cards to pay off Zing preorders?


More specifically, through work I realised I can get 8% off EB gift cards and I have $750 worth of Unicron at Zing to pay off.


Should I walk into Zing with $750 of EB gift cards?

I've used RACQ e-gift cards that gave 7% off ( now 4% :( ) at EB and Zing more than a few times now. Most I've used is $150 though. Don't think they'll have a problem with you using them at all and they'll happily scan it from your phone.

My only suggestion would be maybe not pay it all off at once but that's just me.

[griffin]

According to Hasbro Australia, Unicron is expected to be released or be in-stores, in February 2021.
(sounds like they want it out before the New York Toyfair, to be a centrepiece for their Toyfair promotions, and help sell any unsold or cancelled orders - the timing shows why they were rushing the pre-order period and couldn't take orders for very long)

So as long as there aren't any delays, now you know what month of next year you need to budget for, if you haven't already set aside or paid off the total amount.

[Sinnertwin]

I dunno, the original preorder windows was what? 6 weeks? Hasbro realised that people weren't going to pony up the cash so they fudged it with another 4 week extension. Plenty of time to secure one me thinks
That and production was planned to work with Toyfair anyway

[DELTAprime]

Any suggestions on where I should stash $750 of my tax return until Unicron comes in next year?

[Krayt]

Any suggestions on where I should stash $750 of my tax return until Unicron comes in next year?

If you did the EB/zing preorder.... just pay it onto the order

[JJJ]

So apparently (https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/haslab-unicron.1177728/page-1281#post-18684190) it will be here at the end of the month. Fits what the UK retailers were saying before Christmas.

[nalops]

Don't think shipping them here to Australia would be that quick. I'd imagine late February would be more realistic.

[JJJ]

I would think that they are being shipped now, so that they are at retailers by Feb.

Not bothered if they take longer to turn up though; he's coming...

[nalops]

That could be the case too. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

[Seraphim Prime]

When I picked up my Super Megatron from my local Zing I mentioned that the box was very large.

The manager seemed a little exasperated at the idea of trying to find space for all those in the stock room as apparently there are quite a few to be picked up from my go to Zing store!

[Krayt]

When I picked up my Super Megatron from my local Zing I mentioned that the box was very large.

The manager seemed a little exasperated at the idea of trying to find space for all those in the stock room as apparently there are quite a few to be picked up from my go to Zing store!

Did the same.... but mines an eb/zing and they had enough PS5 that he isn't worried...

[Tranceblade]

So apparently (https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/haslab-unicron.1177728/page-1281#post-18684190) it will be here at the end of the month. Fits what the UK retailers were saying before Christmas.

At least you aren't the guy who's being asked to pay the price of the figure just for shipping alone
https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/haslab-unicron.1177728/page-1281#post-18684246

[DaptoDog]

At least you aren't the guy who's being asked to pay the price of the figure just for shipping alone
https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/haslab-unicron.1177728/page-1281#post-18684246

Oh boy, we all got very lucky that Zing/EB got distribution for this. I actually had a deposit with OMP initially and then cancelled once Zing/EB put up pre-orders. I was actually looking at RK at the time also...dodged a bullet!

[griffin]

The good thing for us with EB is that no matter how big or heavy it is, they are locked into the price they gave us... and no matter how far they have to send it to the stores, they just have to suck it up.

For those who have one on order at EB/Zing, they are on track for release/pick up early-mid March. That's current info from Hasbro as of today.
So if you are still saving up or paying it off in advance, you have about 8 weeks left.... plan ahead, because I'm sure they will easily find new customers if you aren't able to pay for it as soon as it arrives.

[JJJ]

One thing I'm wondering about: just what notice will they give that it has arrived? I've pre-ordered two items from them in the past few months, and got notification for only one of them (for the other one I had to make at least two visits and ask if it had arrived), and of course have not had a peep from them about Unicron.

[griffin]

Maybe when people here start reporting that theirs has arrived or they were notified, pop into your store and ask about it, and call in (or call up) every day or two, just to be on the safe side... and if you get the same people often enough, they might remember you when it does show up, to remember to contact you.



The size of the box has me worried if it will even fit in my car, through the car door... as it is too big to be in the boot for it to close.
As a last resort, I might have to borrow a shopping trolley and walk them home from the store.... one at a time.

[Autocon]

Lol how big is this box?

[DaptoDog]

Lol how big is this box?

I believe it's 68cm x 68cm x 68cm.

[Krayt]

As a last resort, I might have to borrow a shopping trolley and walk them home from the store.... one at a time.

One at a time? How many did you order?

(2 here.... don’t tell the wife!)

[griffin]

The same... 2. One for each mode.

[Ravagecat]

The size of the box has me worried if it will even fit in my car, through the car door... as it is too big to be in the boot for it to close.
As a last resort, I might have to borrow a shopping trolley and walk them home from the store.... one at a time.

Please let me know when/if you need to do this...camera will be ready :D

[Burn]

The size of the box has me worried if it will even fit in my car, through the car door... as it is too big to be in the boot for it to close.
I'm just working on the assumption I'll have to borrow Dad's Rav4 or ratchet strap it into the back of the work ute.

[reillyd]

When I first heard about this, it sounded like a Holy Grail purchase that you just had to lock in. And since I wouldn?t want to spend an hour transforming the darn thing, I thought hey get two (Great minds think alike Griffin!). And it was more than a year away, I?d figure out where to put the darn thing later.

Now that its just two months away, I have absolutely *no* idea where I?m going to put one, let alone two of the darn things. I could put one in storage, but now I?m seriously brainstorming ideas like hanging the planet mode from the roof. 10 kg weight though has me worried how I am going to support the darn thing and whether a swivel tv wall bracket would work. He?s going to be a thing of beauty to behold I?m sure but damn, where to put him?

[valkyrie_76]

Was talking to a staff member at Zing Rocko and they told me someone has four on preorder and the Joondalup store has over 10 coming in.

[griffin]

I bet they have no idea how big these are and someone on the day they arrive is gonna sh*t themselves trying to put them somewhere inside the store (the back rooms are usually pretty small - too small to fit those big boxes).

[G1Optimal]

My suggestion to all who preordered bring a hand trolley lol

[Paulbot]

I bet they have no idea how big these are and someone on the day they arrive is gonna sh*t themselves trying to put them somewhere inside the store (the back rooms are usually pretty small - too small to fit those big boxes).

Which likely means they’ll be on the shop floor and at risk of damage so we’re better off getting in quick.

[JJJ]

Heh. Pretty sure there'll only be the one delivered to Mildura :)

[Tober]

Is there any solid locai release date info yet? I thought it was due out around mid-March when orders went up.

[Thurmus]

I thought I would check up with EB Games on an ETA. They got back to me very quickly. Maybe not what some want to hear but I assume our delivery will be 3rd last only just pipping Antartica and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

We are currently waiting for our shipment to be received in at our warehouse.
There is no exact ETA provided to us. However, we do believe it should not be too much longer.
Once the stock is with your store, you will be notified as soon as possible.

[Krayt]

They changed the date from 15/3 to 30/3 a few weeks ago

[Thurmus]

My date is still saying Dec 31st 2021.

[Bidoofdude]

Called into the store I’m set to pick up from and they have said the date is still set at 31st of March. Anyone able to confirm if the 15th date is still right?

[nalops]

My open pre-orders page says 30th of March which I'm hoping is true since I'm selling it to someone else and we're going to go pick it up together and don't want to go on Tuesday and have a Unicron I need to take.

[griffin]

Don't broadcast this, but the release here is VERY VERY VERY soon... but something needs to happen first before it can be announced and they are shipped out to stores.
(when EB Games makes the announcement, I am allowed to talk more about it)

[Thurmus]

Let's all guess the announcement.

I am going with a small pot of silver paint and a paintbrush to be sent to all purchasers.

[MayzaPrime]

Don't broadcast this, but the release here is VERY VERY VERY soon... but something needs to happen first before it can be announced and they are shipped out to stores.
(when EB Games makes the announcement, I am allowed to talk more about it)

I spoke with one of the people that work there... apparently, the system has it scheduled for a release on the 19th. They said that it if there is an actual release date (not something like June 2021) it is usually on the money

[Seraphim Prime]

Maybe they're just trying to work out how to store them all safely!

I spoke with the manager at my local and she has a number ordered with pickup from her store, and more coming after another local store closed.

Unicron - The Store Devourer

[Krayt]

Don't broadcast this, but the release here is VERY VERY VERY soon... but something needs to happen first before it can be announced and they are shipped out to stores.
(when EB Games makes the announcement, I am allowed to talk more about it)

"all paid off unicrons can be re-directed to your address free of charge to save the z/eb delivery driver lugging it into store"

....one can dream

[JJJ]

I spoke with one of the people that work there... apparently, the system has it scheduled for a release on the 19th. They said that it if there is an actual release date (not something like June 2021) it is usually on the money

Is that meant to be the date they start sending them out to stores, or the date that all stores should expect to have them and call the purchasers to come and get them?

[MayzaPrime]

Is that meant to be the date they start sending them out to stores, or the date that all stores should expect to have them and call the purchasers to come and get them?

I asked the same thing... usually, that means it will be in-store... but there are always delays with shipping.

[DELTAprime]

I just checked with my local store. Their system says there are none in the EB Games warehouse or in transit. I wonder if they are coming directly from Hasbro's Sydney warehouse?

[reillyd]

Don't broadcast this, but the release here is VERY VERY VERY soon... but something needs to happen first before it can be announced and they are shipped out to stores.
(when EB Games makes the announcement, I am allowed to talk more about it)

Let me guess. Hasbro is weighting for the cheque to clear before shipping it, because parent company Gamestop is having ?cashflow? problems?
A high value product like this Hasbro might want the money up front, lol

[Krayt]

Let me guess. Hasbro is weighting for the cheque to clear before shipping it, because parent company Gamestop is having ?cashflow? problems?
A high value product like this Hasbro might want the money up front, lol

‘Mario cuts through everything’: How EB Games survived retail’s great battle (https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mario-cuts-through-everything-how-eb-games-survived-retail-s-great-battle-20210204-p56zge.html)

[llamatron]

What is a better investment - Unicron or GameStop stock?

(This joke)

Excited for everyone getting sphere-o, very cool but just too large for me. Sometimes I even think about getting rid of ER Scorponok, poor dude doesn't fit anywhere.

[Krayt]

...and Hasbro is shipping the US orders now.

SO.... can "the thing" be revealed yet Griffin?

[reillyd]

...and Hasbro is shipping the US orders now.

SO.... can "the thing" be revealed yet Griffin?

I believe Griffin is referring to the ?companion piece? that will shortly, but has not yet, been announced on HasbroPulse.
There?s an interview with Ben Montano, Senior Brand Manager for Transformers (https://youtu.be/FhcBo37HuUs) where it is discussed, but has not been ?officially? announced.


Update: 19:25-19:40 for those who don?t want to watch the whole thing. You can also see just before then the stand, and that extra pegs have been added.

[Krayt]

I believe Griffin is referring to the ?companion piece? that will shortly, but has not yet, been announced on HasbroPulse.
There?s an interview with Ben Montano, Senior Brand Manager for Transformers (https://youtu.be/FhcBo37HuUs) where it is discussed, but has not been ?officially? announced.


Update: 19:25-19:40 for those who don?t want to watch the whole thing. You can also see just before then the stand, and that extra pegs have been added.

I thought that was more items with future figures... like prime with centurion. Looks like Galvatron comes with his ship, doubling as a gun

[JJJ]

Griffin's wording makes it seem to me that EB will be making some announcement, not Hasbro, which pretty-much rules out any Hasbro product announcements.

Wild guess - EB is going to function as Australia's version of Pulse, in line with the UK getting a branch.

[griffin]

Don't get too worked up people, as it isn't something that exciting.
I just wanted people to keep an eye out for some important announcements soon that should be coming from EB Games... especially if your store doesn't contact you within a couple days of other people saying that they were now picking up theirs.

[Thurmus]

I saw an item where units are now shipping directly from Hasbro in the US and some people have received notifications they are on the way. Most likely this news correlates with Griffin's.

[Bidoofdude]

I called my store today and they said it’s expected on the 30th and that I’ll receive a text the day before it comes in. They said if they don’t hear from me in about a week they will give me a call.

[JJJ]

I called my store today and they said it’s expected on the 30th and that I’ll receive a text the day before it comes in. They said if they don’t hear from me in about a week they will give me a call.

Hope they're not relying on text messages, because I don't believe they obtained my phone number when I ordered. It certainly isn't show with my details when I re-load my order.

[nalops]

Hope they're not relying on text messages, because I don't believe they obtained my phone number when I ordered. It certainly isn't show with my details when I re-load my order.

You give it when you sign up to EB World so they wouldn't normally ask. I'd go in and give your number to them because they only text or call to notify people.

[DELTAprime]

You give it when you sign up to EB World so they wouldn't normally ask. I'd go in and give your number to them because they only text or call to notify people.

They have two different systems these days from what my local store has told me. The older Gamestop inventory and custom tracking system in-store, and the newer system they use on the website and the back end. So updating your info in one place won't necessarily update it in the other place. I found that out when they were not calling me to let me know orders were in. Turns out they were calling my home phone which was disconnected because the only people that normally called were scammers. I had updated my info on the site, but the store still had my old info.

[JJJ]

So we're at the 19th - anyone been contacted yet?

[The Letter M]

It's still showing as 30/3 in my open orders list.

[Thurmus]

Mine hasn't changed.

Estimated release: Fri 31st Dec 2021

[reillyd]

Mine hasn't changed.

Estimated release: Fri 31st Dec 2021

Eek! That not be good!

[JJJ]

Eek! That not be good!

That's what it's been since the start. Just means some time this year. Possibly that date showing is due to how the order was placed; I see it on the record of my order, and I did not create an EB account.

[DELTAprime]

It's the 30th of March for me. Just to make sure everyone is looking in the right spot. Click on the button in the top right of the EB Games website to the left of the cart icon. Select Order history and then click on Open Preorders.

Keep in mind EB Games dates in regards to Transformers are estimates. They could come in before that, or after that. But from what Griffin said, it shouldn't be much longer.

[Krayt]

Date now is 7/04

[djanscak]

Hmmm, mine is still 31/12/2021. I wonder why some are being updated and others aren?t.


EDIT: just realised I was looking in the wrong place and didn?t follow DELTAPrime?s preorder filter instructions. D?oh! Mine shows 7/4 too.

[DELTAprime]

Date now is 7/04

Can confirm. 07/04/2021

This is why ordering Transformers from EB Games sucks.

[Krayt]

There is ZERO way this is eb’s fault

[JJJ]

There is ZERO way this is eb’s fault

The actual release date? Well no, of course not. And if it actually is the 7th of April, well, I can live with that; what's a couple of weeks more at this point?

But how can we know for sure?

Because the way the date shows differently for different people... That's absolutely EB's fault. My order still shows the end-of-the-year date, just like it always has done.

[mikebrucewayne]

Mine also says 7/4. Not too long to go!

[griffin]

A 40 minute interview with Ben Montana at Hasbro about Unicron's creation process, and some details that haven't been revealed before.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhcBo37HuUs

[griffin]

This is frustrating...

The main person I deal with at Hasbro is currently away for a while, so I'm pretty sure this will be released here before I can regain contact, as I was trying to prepare people here for this figure before it is released.
Because there are some things people need to know, or be aware of if they didn't already know.

But before we start... I can't say the exact number, but the number of Unicron toys coming to Australia that were pre-ordered way back in 2019, is somewhere between 500 and 700.
Considering there are just over 10,000 being produced for the entire planet, a country as "small" as ours in the global toy market, is getting a lot more than was expected by anyone involved in the project. Australia's population is 0.33% of the world's population, and yet we are getting somewhere around 4-6% of the Unicron toys here.
Also, you people have seen how big these toys are in their boxes... it took 3 shipping containers to get them all to Australia, and they didn't all arrive at once, which did delay their release to stores and customers.
I don't have confirmation about this, but I expect that the massive bulk of all 500-700 Unicrons has caused some additional delays, as I doubt EBGames wouldn't have known what they were going to have delivered to them, to then deliver to hundreds of customers and stores. (even us fans had no accurate idea of the size of the Unicron box... and then multiply that by 500-700)
Unicron isn't the largest item for EBGames to have to deal with and ship around the country, but the quantity would have been a rarity for them, and it doesn't just take a day to process and ship out several hundred boxes that would be too big for most transport companies willing to ship to homes or post-office boxes.
Unfortunately I don't currently have access to the Hasbro source responsible for Unicron, to get regular updates since they've been in the country for a little while now, as I would love to keep you informed, to limit the panic or frustrations of seeing the estimated release date on the EBGames site keep getting pushed back.


Onto the important info of this post...
As people in Australia should know, if you purchase an item and it is defective, you are legally entitled to a refund or replacement... which can be the retailer's choice, depending on availability of replacement stock or parts. (if there are no replacement items or parts available, the retailer will have no choice but to give a refund, and may require the defective item returned, if convenient or cheap enough to do)

The main thing to realise is that this Unicron toy is a one-off production item. It is not expected to see a second batch, and it is very unlikely that Hasbro manufactured too many extras (to cover any that are found to be defective before boxed up at the factory).

What that means is, if your figure is defective, you may need to seriously assess if it is bad enough to return for a refund, because there aren't any spares... and any pre-orders that were cancelled before its release are expected to be listed on the EBGames website like they do with any other item that has cancellations. (the small number of cancellations that are expected to be put up on their site will sell out really fast, probably before people get their Unicron toy home to check out)

As scalpers and new fans jump on the cancelled pre-orders as soon as they are are listed (because these will be 2-4 times the price on the secondary market), but even if they have some of the cancellations still unsold on their website when you find something wrong with your Unicron, EBGames are not required to give you one of those if they prefer to give a refund (and return of the defective toy)... so if they will only give a refund, be quick at buying another one with the refund money before those last few are snapped up.

This Unicron toy is going to command thousands of dollars on the secondary market within a short amount of time, so this is why it is being recommended that refunding it should be your last resort.
If it is something minor, like paint missing or smudged, or on the wrong part... you would be crazy to return it for the $848 refund, because you'd be lucky to find another one on the secondary market for less than $2000.
If you have a small part that is bent, cracked or doesn't move, determine how obvious it will be to see in both modes, or if it can be fixed or repaired (by you or someone else here that may have experience with repairing toys).

It will be a sliding scale... the worse the defect is, the more likely you may choose to return it for the $848 refund, and pay out over $2000 for another one.
But when you consider how much it will cost to find a new one, that difference in price needs to be weighed up before you decide to return yours for a refund.

Yes, it will suck... it will feel like having the worst luck in the world.... but remember - as seen on that recent production video on the Hasbro Pulse site, these are plastic toys with hundreds of parts being put together and painted by people crammed into a lifeless looking factory room, spending many hours a day with very little pay (or else they would be manufactured in America at better pay). As much as Hasbro may have wanted these special figures to have an extra level of quality to their production, it is still a little over 10,000 units being produced at the cheapest possible price (labour and materials), by Chinese workers who have no interest or passion for endless hours of working on kids toys... so mistakes happen. They always do, as we see quite often on the various retail Transformers toys.
If Hasbro (or any western corporation) wanted virtually 100% of their products to be perfect, they would have them produced somewhere that spends more on the quality and standards... like Lego. (as they say, you get what you pay for)


What does all this mean?
I don't expect there to be a lot of them with problems, but just in case there are a few here in Australia that need touching up or fixing, it is best to have something set up before it is released, than to have people making sudden rash decisions that could see them returning their toy and never being able to afford another one.
I want to make it possible for fans here to have options to prevent as many people returning their Unicron... so if people are interested in helping out fans in their area, I can start up a topic in the Ratchet Repairs section of this board (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/forumdisplay.php/40), for people to post up anything wrong with their Unicron, to get suggestions to fix it themselves (if something minor) or get offers of help to fix it (with or without a fee, depending on how significant the problem is).
Hopefully most people needing help, have someone skilled in repairing/customising toys be local enough to be able to fix the defect in person for you, otherwise if it is something that can be posted, we might have people here (or on our facebook page) keen to help out. (if you don't already know the other person, prefer to have the work done with your supervision, somewhere you are comfortable with if you don't want a stranger at your place)
I think there was already someone advertising their services on facebook to paint the teeth in the mouth to match pre-production samples (posting in the parts to be painted, and posted back). That's the sort of thing I hope we can help organise among the fans here and on facebook, to make sure no Unicron gets returned for a refund, because you'd never be able to find another one online for that price.


Who knows... maybe the quality control on Unicron actually was significantly more thorough than other Transformers toys, and we don't see a single toy with any defective parts or paint, and all of this can be ignored, and not needed.
But just in case we have a handful of Unicrons that have something wrong with them, I want to minimise or prevent people feeling devastated about their biggest Transformers purchase needing to be returned for a refund that won't even cover a third of the cost of a replacement elsewhere.


Thoughts... suggestions?

[JJJ]

None of what you say is a surprise to me, and all of it was pretty obvious to me when I placed my order. I did think long and hard before pressing that button. I can live with it. If, like the guy over on TFW, I am horribly unfortunate enough to get a box with no head, then I'll live with a refund and no Unicron. Less than that sort of error? Well, it makes it unique, right?

[DELTAprime]

The last time EB Games dealt with a huge item that was ordered in massive quantities was probably a Guitar Hero game. I remember going into EB Games the day Guitar Hero World Tour came out to get something else and I saw two full pallets of Guitar Hero World Tour games plus several empty pallets. The 2013 console launches similarly had pallets of consoles come in, but they were much smaller items.

[Krayt]

I saw a few posts saying some bags of accessories were empty when unboxed, as in the head missing. Others had missing instructions. Really hope issues are few and far between

[griffin]

I saw a few posts saying some bags of accessories were empty when unboxed, as in the head missing. Others had missing instructions. Really hope issues are few and far between

It's not good hearing about all these missing items... but knowing the history of the products and how they are made, I'm not only not surprised, but I expected it.
This is the issue that I wanted to have people here be prepared for, and if it happens, we need to have options already ready, so that there isn't panic, and most issues could be dealt with.
I would be hoping that Hasbro (in America) had organised to have some items sent as spare parts, like the main accessories, instructions and the swap-out parts... which I was hoping to already have an answer to, but am still waiting.

[nalops]

I heard Hasbro Pulse wouldn't be shipping them out all at once with final units not shipping until May iirc, so could definitely be worse.

[Krayt]

So if they now have this proof that there are 500-700 true hardcore fans, can’t they use that to potentially get 1000 of every exclusive into the country?? Instead of just wondering “will this sell”

And yes I realise that’s not accurate... but it’s a better indicator of collector demand than shelfwarming general retail

[Jaxius._]

With the mention of fixes (and a shameless plug) I’ve had a few people over on Facebook interested (5-10ish). Basically all I’m doing is painting the teeth (and the gums depends on the person) silver on unicrons lower jaw. Not doing this for money the $20 is postage materials and like $3 left over that i can use for a bottle of water cos nothing costs $3 these days

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php/27768-Unicrons-unpainted-teeth-Call-me-a-dentist

If people find a paint match for the other colours i may consider touch ups in case of paint errors on the main figure but with the price of postage that may bot happen

[JJJ]

So if they now have this proof that there are 500-700 true hardcore fans, can’t they use that to potentially get 1000 of every exclusive into the country?? Instead of just wondering “will this sell”

And yes I realise that’s not accurate... but it’s a better indicator of collector demand than shelfwarming general retail

That was the thing of possibly most interest to me from Griffin's post. Really stood out and grabbed me.

But even with exclusives, does Hasbro care about numbers as small as 1000 units?

[Thurmus]

Thank you Griffin for your insight on possible issues with Unicron. It is good to have that background info and hopefully people might be a bit more civil with EB Games if they do have a problem.

I hope mine is OK but knowing my luck I will end up with one that only has a single leg.

[reillyd]

I was really looking forward to experiencing receiving my Unicron, and it genuinely hadn?t even occurred to me what would happen if there was a defect. I think I could live without the little mini figures (I?ll probably loose them anyway), but if its two left arms or something like that its going to suck. Similarly if damaged or missing part.

I likely WOULD be one of those crazy people making snap decisions and regretting it financially later. So Griffin is right, better to have some options lined up for repaint or repair.

And Jaxius, that?s jolly good of you to be offering such an affordable price for teeth painting. It doesn?t bother me so I won?t be taking you up on your offer, but its jolly good of you to offer your services.

[Seraphim Prime]

That was the thing of possibly most interest to me from Griffin's post. Really stood out and grabbed me.

But even with exclusives, does Hasbro care about numbers as small as 1000 units?


I think the most important statistic is the percentage, not the base number.

I recall with the regular Generations Selects exclusives, the numbers allocated to Australia / New Zealand are in the order of 800-1000.

However this would be less than the 4% of stock that we are taking of Unicron. We don't know the total stock run of the Selects items but I doubt we're even getting 1% of the run. And other exclusive miss us entirely.

Hopefully what Unicron has shown Hasbro is that there is a substantial market that is willing to pay money for its product that is not currently being fully attended to.

[griffin]

Apparently EBGames have started sending out some of the Unicrons... a few at a time, which could be why they say April 17th, as that might be the day they are expecting all of them to be delivered.

[MayzaPrime]

Apparently EBGames have started sending out some of the Unicrons... a few at a time, which could be why they say April 17th, as that might be the day they are expecting all of them to be delivered.

I spoke with my local EB manager and he said that all Unicrons should be at the warehouse and then shipped out and in-store by the 17th. So I can confirm that date.

[JJJ]

Interesting.

Melbourne-based retailer/importer TF Toys / Savier's Toys has put up Unicron overnight as in stock, and the special note about postage suggests that they have more than just one or two on hand...

[Tha_Phantom]

Interesting.

Melbourne-based retailer/importer TF Toys / Savier's Toys has put up Unicron overnight as in stock, and the special note about postage suggests that they have more than just one or two on hand...

Yeah I've seen a pic of it, they have heaps but will only be able to ship out 2 at a time, which is fair considering the size of the thing.

[DaptoDog]

Just as a tip for others, I realised as a member of Suncorp Benefits (through my AAMI insurance policy) I can get 6% off EB Games gift cards. They have a daily and weekly limit of $500 EB gift cards purchased through the program so I bought $500 worth yesterday and will hopefully have time to buy two more $500 cards (since I have two Unicrons on pre-order).

Every little saving counts so I suggest if you are a member of this program or others that you check if you can get some sort of gift card discount.

[nalops]

RACQ gets 4% off but I don't think there's a limit to how much you can get.

[Gehirn]

Got a txt saying ebgames will have it in store next Wednesday (7/4).

[ComradeRenko]

Just got a text from EB Games advising me that my Unicron will be ready for pick up in store on the 7th of April, and warning me that it will weigh 12.5kgs.

[Tober]

I just got a notification from EB that my order will be available for pick up on the 7th. :)

[VERT]

Yeah I just got that email too. Pick up on the 7th

[MightyGrimlock]

I just got a notification from EB that my order will be available for pick up on the 7th. :)

Likewise.

[MayzaPrime]

I got mine via text... can not wait for the 7th!

[snaketales]

Me too! Now to work out if it will fit in my car...

[Tober]

"For a time, I considered sparing your wretched little savings account. But now, you shall witness... its dismemberment!".

Can you pay EB using Zip etc, or is it upfront only?

[nalops]

Zip should be fine. Could even trade in games towards it, assuming it's at EB.

[Tober]

Zip should be fine. Could even trade in games towards it, assuming it's at EB.

Cool, thanks!

[DaptoDog]

RACQ gets 4% off but I don't think there's a limit to how much you can get.

My super recently moved to Sunsuper and I just learned I can access 8% off EB gift cards. So I've purchased the rest I need now!

I also got my text that it will be in store on the 7th April!

[Jaxius._]

I haven’t gotten any notification and the site still says 31/12
Hope I wasn’t forgotten about

[JJJ]

Hey, guess what text I just got... :)

[Jaxius._]

Hey, guess what text I just got... :)

A spam text from a Nigerian prince

[Joshy]

I had two seperate orders in with EB, one on the first day they opened the preorder and one on the last day. Only got the 1 text for pick up so I?m assuming it?s just the one🤔 be interesting to see how long till #2 is ready

[Paulbot]

Walking into Eb/Zing next week showing them the text alert, and if the person behind the counter doesn't say "I have summoned you here for a purpose!" then they have failed the geek cred.

[JJJ]

I rang EB to see how accurate they think that date is (I mean, it is Easter, and I am in Mildura...). They reckoned it will almost certainly be here on Wednesday :)

They're going to give me a call anyway when it arrives.

[DaptoDog]

Walking into Eb/Zing next week showing them the text alert, and if the person behind the counter doesn't say "I have summoned you here for a purpose!" then they have failed the geek cred.

Got to give them credit for the text. I expected a generic message but they went to the extra effort of customising one for Unicron, reinforces that this is a special purchase.

[Tober]

Walking into Eb/Zing next week showing them the text alert, and if the person behind the counter doesn't say "I have summoned you here for a purpose!" then they have failed the geek cred.

So now I have the SMS and a call from Carlingford EB requesting that I pick up the Chaos Bringer when it arrives as they don't have a large stock room. :D

[Thurmus]

I have neither.

[djanscak]

I have neither.

Me too. We can?t all be winners all the time. I?m sure it won?t be long.

[Krayt]

"For a time, I considered sparing your wretched little savings account. But now, you shall witness... its dismemberment!".

Can you pay EB using Zip etc, or is it upfront only?

Zip is normally for online deposits, or full items.... I don’t know how you will going paying off a preorder with zip

[griffin]

For those who didn't get notification today, just be aware that they had several hundred of these to process and ship out to homes and stores.... they won't be all done at once.
It sounds like they are sending out the store orders first. If you are getting yours at a store and you didn't get notified today, yours probably isn't in this first batch.

And expect Wednesday to be for most stores, as some are closer to the warehouse than other stores... so I doubt all of them will be arriving at stores around the country on the same day. Some might show up on Tuesday and some might show up on Thursday.

[nalops]

Zip is normally for online deposits, or full items.... I don’t know how you will going paying off a preorder with zip

Can Zip be used in-store?
Great News, Zip is now available in all EB Games and Zing Pop Culture stores!

When in store, click on the instore tab within the Zip app and generate your payment code. Simply enter the payment code to complete your payment.

You can also pay for Click & Collect orders online using Zip and pick up your items from your favourite store!

Click & Collect orders will be ready for pick up within 15 minutes during your store's normal business hours.

You can pay the deposit for online Click & Collect preorders using Zip. When your preorder is ready simply go in store and pay the remaining amount using card, cash, zip, gift card or trade credit.

Source: https://www.ebgames.com.au/zip

There shouldn't be a problem with Zip provided you have enough.

[DELTAprime]

I got a ping from EB Games today saying Unicron would be in on Wednesday.

Also one of the girls that works at the store is going to check their incoming stock list when it's sent to them on Monday or Tuesday morning (public holiday permitting) and give me a call as to exactly when I can expect him.

[Bidoofdude]

Still waiting on a text from EB, though mine is at a big store so I guess it might be a bit.

[reillyd]

Can Zip be used in-store?
Great News, Zip is now available in all EB Games and Zing Pop Culture stores!

When in store, click on the instore tab within the Zip app and generate your payment code. Simply enter the payment code to complete your payment.

You can also pay for Click & Collect orders online using Zip and pick up your items from your favourite store!

Click & Collect orders will be ready for pick up within 15 minutes during your store's normal business hours.

You can pay the deposit for online Click & Collect preorders using Zip. When your preorder is ready simply go in store and pay the remaining amount using card, cash, zip, gift card or trade credit.

Source: https://www.ebgames.com.au/zip

There shouldn't be a problem with Zip provided you have enough.

I?ve never used them before, and their website says a $25 ?application? fee, plus $6 per month, plus the interest free is only 3 months. They?re also not stating what the interest rate is after. Anyone had experience with them before? I usually use after pay.

[Krayt]

I?ve never used them before, and their website says a $25 ?application? fee, plus $6 per month, plus the interest free is only 3 months. They?re also not stating what the interest rate is after. Anyone had experience with them before? I usually use after pay.

That sounds like zip money, not zip pay. 2 diff products from the same company

[Tober]

That sounds like zip money, not zip pay. 2 diff products from the same company

Yeah, you want Zip Pay,. Zip Money is for buying stuff like appliances or cars etc.

[Krayt]

Meanwhile I haven’t got the text yet.... but mine are fully paid off so don’t need that part of the reminder.

Are there any paid off peeps that got the message?

[griffin]

Meanwhile I haven’t got the text yet.... but mine are fully paid off so don’t need that part of the reminder.

Are there any paid off peeps that got the message?

Me....

[Bidoofdude]

Meanwhile I haven’t got the text yet.... but mine are fully paid off so don’t need that part of the reminder.

Are there any paid off peeps that got the message?

I still haven't received a text and haven't paid off. The date on my open preorders page is listed as the 7th though.

[DaptoDog]

Went into Zing today, they told me they may even have it tomorrow. They will call as soon as they arrive since they have nowhere to put them as others have said. Apparently there are some epic photos of them sitting in their warehouse, I imagine like the Robot Kingdom photos.

[Tober]

I just went in to EB and paid off the rest of Unicron using the Zip app. Thanks to all who assisted. :)

[Jaxius._]

For those who are yet to have gotten and update i sent EB customer service an email yesterday and heres the reply


We’re sorry to hear that you have not received any updates regarding the release of this product.

At this stage, we are expecting them to arrive in stores this week.

Once your order is available for pick up, you will receive an SMS advising you of this.

Please ensure the store has your most up to date mobile phone number to ensure you receive this notification.

If you have any further questions, please reply to this email or contact us on 133 930. Have a great day!

[danny-boy]

Just got a call, mine is ready in store for pick up........but I?m going in to cancel it. Enjoy the figure guys.

[Jaxius._]

Just got a call, mine is ready in store for pick up........but I?m going in to cancel it. Enjoy the figure guys.

Might be worth finding someone in sydney to buy it off you/pick it up

[danny-boy]

The box isn?t as big as I thought. I didn?t cancel yet but I didn?t pick it up either. Still 50/50.

[djanscak]

For those who are yet to have gotten and update i sent EB customer service an email yesterday and heres the reply

Thanks Jaxius. I never noticed that despite having been in their system for many years, I?ve never given EB my phone number. My WA store has two on the way and they?re not expecting them until the end of the week.

[The Letter M]

I didn't get a message earlier but I got a call letting me know it's available for pickup at North Lakes.

[Krayt]

Thanks Jaxius. I never noticed that despite having been in their system for many years, I?ve never given EB my phone number. My WA store has two on the way and they?re not expecting them until the end of the week.

Strange... Mandurah got theirs last week....

[MayzaPrime]

Just picked mine up today

[DELTAprime]

I just got mine. I took the precaution of checking it at the store to make sure that the accessories where there. All the big stuff looked OK. I probably should have checked the small stuff too. But if a tiny Rodimus is missing its not a huge deal to me.

[reillyd]

Just got a call, mine is ready in store for pick up........but I?m going in to cancel it. Enjoy the figure guys.

Woah, before you cancel it, you might want to consider selling it to a fellow fan or even eBay. I?d imagine they?ll fetch a premium.

[danny-boy]

Woah, before you cancel it, you might want to consider selling it to a fellow fan or even eBay. I?d imagine they?ll fetch a premium.

True, but I don?t think there?s much interest in Australia....there?s certainly no action on eBay Australia. They?re going crazy for it in the US though.

[Deonasis]

I'm going pick up Unicron and attempt to fit it in my car (hatchback) today :eek:. 66cm2 is going to be extremely tight or not fit. Will not enjoy unboxing in the carpark if it comes to that.