Collaborative J Balvin Soundwave

[griffin]

Something rather bizarre has popped up in the world of Transformers, and is packaged as part of the Transformers Collaboration series.
It is a bright yellow redeco of the original 1984 Soundwave toy, with two cassettes (orange Ravage and white Buzzsaw).

The toy was officially announced on instagram, but was taken down shortly afterwards... which is also strange.

The Soundwave toy is called J. Balvintron (named after a Columbian singer, J. Balvin), while the Ravage toy is called Vibras Stripes, and the Buzzsaw toy is called Energia Buzzaw. As an another strange element, this pack has included 2 blast effects from Siege, and one of Siege Jetfire's guns, instead of any of the original Soundwave's weapons.

According to TFW (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/06/30/transformers-collaborative-j-balbin-x-transformers-j-balbintron-images-436556), which copied the information before it was taken down... This figure will be available only via the on the NTWRK app on Friday, July 2, at 7PM ET / 4PM Pacific time.... which is only about a day away.

That sounds very exclusive and limited, particularly if you need to have a specific app to buy one... if you trust sending money through an unknown app.
For those who were planning to collect all of the Collaboration toys, this one could be difficult to secure, and very expensive. (I'm getting a flashback to the Thrilling 30 gimmick around 2014, which started out very exciting, but resulted in several very obscure toys released in random countries)
In other words, this is NOT expected to be released domestically here in Australia.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/070101.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/070102.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/070103.jpg

[Autocon]

Gay flag across the crown. That may not go down well in certain parts of America

Whats the yellow face symbol about?

[1AZRAEL1]

As much as I love Soundwaves, this gonna be one of those way too expensive to even try own if it's that exclusive.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

if I stumbleed across this, I would happily take it. It's bright, fun and a little bit nuts. Would get, but not going to go out of my way.

[griffin]

The proper official announcement has now been made (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/07/01/transformers-collaborative-j-balvin-x-transformers-j-balvintron-official-reveal-price-details-436630), letting us know that this pack will be us$70, for pre-order from July 13th... and still sounds like it will only be sold through a specific app.

[reillyd]

The app is called ntwrk and looks like the Home Shopping Network but as an app. Full of ridiculously overpriced goods. But it is on the Australian App Store, and if you have an American reshipper?.. that us$70 preorder is going to look pretty small compared to the eBay price weeks later. Just got to be prepared to set your timers for the release date

[griffin]

I'd be keen to try if I knew that it would work for us here... or if it isn't a limited quota of one per person, to piggyback onto another local planning on trying it.

[Deonasis]

I’m thinking a lot about this one. may try and get it.

No sign of Soundwaves batteries..

[DELTAprime]

I love Soundwave, but I think I'll pass as I'm really trying to narrow my collector focus.

[Paulbot]

Take some of those stickers away, replace with reprolabels of the G2 Decepticon logo and I think you get what a G2 Soundwave release would have looked like in 1993.

[Krayt]

I'd be keen to try if I knew that it would work for us here... or if it isn't a limited quota of one per person, to piggyback onto another local planning on trying it.

Apparently NTWRK calculates shipping per item... so order 2 and you pay shipping x 2

[Tha_Phantom]

So if anyone is wondering why this looks likes a horrible KO, that's because it apparently was based off one.
Although Hasbro are well within their right to rip off rip-offs of their own work of course. :p

https://i.ibb.co/sWQhFqV/tf-kollector-2017-03-18-13-13-59-17333680-638149709728003-8964576020770324480-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/NTpXLKy)
https://i.ibb.co/9wKV5Hv/yellowave.jpg (https://ibb.co/B4WrM2P)
https://i.ibb.co/2709Kcf/yellowave2.jpg (https://ibb.co/Z6RjTck)

I am unsure of the source of these images but happy to provide credit if anyone knows.

[Dkaris]

The smiley face is his logo I think. I remember he did a collab with Takashi Murakami and instead of Murakami's flower face it was a similar one with the lightning bolt eyes. All the hype beasts will be all over this. They'll pop up on depop for about 20 times their RRP

[1AZRAEL1]

I've signed up to this app to see how it all goes. It drops at 2am Wednesday our time. Gonna see if I can snag a couple

[griffin]

So, does it look like it will be possible to order it from here through the app, or it doesn't let you know yet?

[1AZRAEL1]

I'll try play around with the app sometime during the to see how that should work. Accepts an Aussie address in the app, so I assume it should be fine

[Krayt]

I got the app.... if you share your code you can get $10 credit.

Tried to buy a shirt, about 30 postage. So looks maybe 100us all up

[1AZRAEL1]

I just noticed that the video shows him having 2 guns. As someone who doesn't have Jetfire, and hard to tell in the picture of items, that gun he's holding has 2 that combine right?

[nalops]

I just noticed that the video shows him having 2 guns. As someone who doesn't have Jetfire, and hard to tell in the picture of items, that gun he's holding has 2 that combine right?

Yes, and the combined gun has a single grip.

[Krayt]

Ordered!!

$30 to post

Had 20 credit used from the 40 in account.... so 80 us total

[griffin]

I think it is still available as I think I just ordered one.

[optimus1]

I love this redeco version of Soundwave :)
And am a fan of J Balvin - he's a megastar in Colombia and in the Latino music community

Just put in my order! :)

[reillyd]

Overslept but still available

[griffin]

There doesn't sound like a lot of interest for it, anywhere... so it might not sell out.
People will still try to scalp them for 10 times the price on ebay, mistakenly thinking that rare equals expensive.

[1AZRAEL1]

Could be one of those that will sell cheap until he's scarce, then price will go up. Regardless, I'm glad I've ordered.

[1AZRAEL1]

So last night before the sale went live, I read there was an issue with NTWRK and Hasbro doing a bait n switch with a GI Joe exclusive figure, didn't fill me with confidence. But hoping that we don't have any issues with this when he comes out in October

[nalops]

There wasn't any indication that they'll have trouble shipping to Australia, right?

Still debating whether I should get it or not. Was hoping to use more than $20 credit though.

[griffin]

Credit card gets charged straight away. Total converted for me was au$130.

[nalops]

Managed to get $40 credit. Decided to get some socks so I could use up all the credit but I actually saved a bit on shipping as well so I paid $96 AUD all up.

[reillyd]

So last night before the sale went live, I read there was an issue with NTWRK and Hasbro doing a bait n switch with a GI Joe exclusive figure, didn't fill me with confidence. But hoping that we don't have any issues with this when he comes out in October

What do you mean: you order Soundwave and instead get a tiny G.I. joe figure?

[1AZRAEL1]

What do you mean: you order Soundwave and instead get a tiny G.I. joe figure?

Sorry, meant NTWRK had an exclusive GI Joe figure. Best read this link about it rather than me trying to explain

https://toy-wizards.com/2020/06/19/ntwrk-did-a-bait-and-switch-on-cobra-commander-light-blue-variant-at-the-last-minute-then-told-everyone-to-gtfo/

[griffin]

Apparently someone got a sample sent to them from Hasbro to show off (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/07/18/transformers-collaborative-j-balvin-x-transformers-j-balvintron-in-hand-images-437697), tweeting out a few photos of it.

[griffin]

For anyone still interested but not keen to shop through a phone app, it looks like you can order it through a website after all. (https://shop.thentwrk.com/collections/balvin-transformers-e8546-project-jam/products/transformers-x-j-balvin-project-jam).. and appears to still be available. (I guess it was a bit too colourful to sell out).

[Krayt]

RK just listed this for 79.99US

[1AZRAEL1]

With USPS not currently shipping to Australia, I've sent NTWRK a message to see if that's going to affect us and what we can do being that this is due this month

[1AZRAEL1]

With USPS not currently shipping to Australia, I've sent NTWRK a message to see if that's going to affect us and what we can do being that this is due this month

Got a response that they use other carriers such as FedEx so should be fine. So that's good news at least

[Krayt]

Hello,

We hope you are well.

Thank you for your continued patience in relation to your purchase from the J Balvin + Transformers E8546 Project Jam Pre-Order Drop on NTWRK.

As you know, there are a high volume of restrictions in place as a result of the rising cases and awareness of the COVID-19 Delta Variant such as, port closures, limitations on carrier resources, and overall shipping delays. Unfortunately, this is a circumstance that is out of our control and orders for this drop have a new date in which they will begin fulfillment. Your order will be shipped by November 30th, 2021.

Once your order ships, you will receive tracking information via email.

We greatly appreciate your continued patience. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and someone from our team will gladly assist you.

Thank you for choosing NTWRK.

NTWRK
Customer Advocacy
Support@thentwrk.com
www.thentwrk.com

*sigh*

[griffin]

At least it wasn't an email to tell you that it had been cancelled because it was too much hassle for them to post it.
I think since they didn't sell out, they would be desperate to send out every one that was purchased, so that they aren't stuck with more unwanted stock.

[Krayt]

Well look at that…. Email says it’s shipped!!!

[1AZRAEL1]

Now to wait for my 3 emails lol

[nalops]

I got this email today....



Hello,

Thank you for shopping on NTWRK.

You are receiving this email as our team has identified that you have an on-going order that has not successfully processed for shipment due to inventory related issues.

As a result of this, we have processed a refund in full which will be reflected on your bank statement within 5-7 business days.

In addition to the full refund, we have also applied $20.00 of NTWRK Credit to your account profile which will be reflected in your account. If you do not see the credit reflected, please allow 24-48 hours for it to post.

We would like to apologize for this inconvenience. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions relating to your unsuccessful order or refund, please reach out to our support team and would be happy to assist you.

Thank you.
NTWRK
Customer Advocacy


Checked my bank account and I've gotten a refund for $27 (I had ordered some socks to be able to use 2 vouchers) but now Soundwave isn't showing up in my orders.

[griffin]

That sucks...
They had it up for preorder for a long time after I ordered it, so I had better not get the same message.

[1AZRAEL1]

I ordered 3, I better not get the same message or I'll be most annoyed

[Krayt]

Reports on Facebook that the fedex is charging Canadians more shipping when it arrives

[1AZRAEL1]

I've got one of mine shipped. Wouldn't let me order all 3 in one order which annoyed the hell outta me

[griffin]

Still no notification yet on if mine has been cancelled or shipped.

[1AZRAEL1]

I wouldn't be too worried just yet. They're probably slow to getting them out

[1AZRAEL1]

Strangely it seems order numbers don't matter as a lower order number for me got processed after the other.

[nalops]

I emailed them asking if my Soundwave was cancelled as well but they said it should ship soon so I guess it was just the other things I had ordered.

[1AZRAEL1]

I got an email for all 3 of my orders for Soundwaves. I would say everyone will have theirs sent soon. He's still available via the link you posted Griffin, so they wouldn't have run out. Doubt they will.

[Krayt]

Well it's here.... no extra to pay, damn Fedex with "delivery dates" held it at the depot for 3 days.

Meh.... where's the bloody batteries/guns??....

[griffin]

I think it only comes with the items pictured in the first post, which didn't include the "batteries" for some reason.

[1AZRAEL1]

Probably because the guy it's based off asked it the way he wanted. I guess.

One of them turned up today, next one probably next week. Other one, who knows.

[griffin]

I've got one of mine shipped. Wouldn't let me order all 3 in one order which annoyed the hell outta me

I never got an email notification, but logged into the app today and it told me that it shipped the day after yours (on November 20th), but seems to be doing a world tour, as it is currently in Japan (after leaving the US on the 22nd)... so I wasn't as lucky as you to get it within 5 days (currently 10 days and counting).

[1AZRAEL1]

I never got an email notification, but logged into the app today and it told me that it shipped the day after yours (on November 20th), but seems to be doing a world tour, as it is currently in Japan (after leaving the US on the 22nd)... so I wasn't as lucky as you to get it within 5 days (currently 10 days and counting).

Strange no email, and annoying ay. My second one was due to arrive today as per tracking, but didn't. It's literally showing a few suburbs over at a facility. My 3rd one which was a fall back using a shipping forwarder has arrived at the warehouse for me to forward on. Unsure what I'll do with the 3rd one

[griffin]

12 days and it arrived today.