random Singapore toy news

[heroic_decepticon]

Was back in Singapore for the past 1.5 weeks attending weddings and shopping. Below price information might be useful for anyone thinking of going to Singapore over the coming break.

***
The TF prices I've seen have so far been unbelievably good.

- nobody bothers to sell Classics. Henkeis are everywhere, even at retail shopping centres.
- at CSC, all Henkei are A$20; Prime, Megatron, Skyfire are A$30
- at CSC Encore Prime/ Megatron at A$75
- at CSC Encore Soundwave A$40
- at CSC Encore Jazz at A$20
- at CSC Encore Ironhide & Ratchet at A$38 per set
- at CSC Encore Metroplex A$70 (at OG)
- at CSC Encore Sky Lynx at A$48
- at CSC Encore Omega Supreme at A$80
- at CSC Encore Sky Lynx and Omega Supreme as a set A$120

.... and the one that got away from me...

MIB, C10 complete, stickers unapplied Reflector for A$150!!!! (#$#$%*^%#*k the guy who got there 5 mins before me).

[JuzMel]

Ooooh yeah, apart from collecting Henkei Dirge and Thrust, I think the boyfriend will also have a list of TF items to buy from me when he goes back next Jan... heehee :D :D Wished I could go back more often, there's so many TFs in abundance including Takara ones, no need to "fight" at all... with other fans, children, parents etc...

Although sometimes there's quite a huge price disrepency. Like we got the Universe combiners here for average about AUD$45-$50 each, but it is SGD$85 back there. And 25th Anime prime is AUD$80 here but SGD$100 back there.

[heroic_decepticon]

there's so many TFs in abundance including Takara ones, no need to "fight" at all... with other fans, children, parents etc...


you're right about that. All shelves are packed solid with TFs at anyone time. I saw entire 'walls' of Encore Metroplexes and Omega Supremes :p



Although sometimes there's quite a huge price disrepency. Like we got the Universe combiners here for average about AUD$45-$50 each, but it is SGD$85 back there. And 25th Anime prime is AUD$80 here but SGD$100 back there.

That's true too. Its usually at retail that things are more expensive (ie: if you buy stuff from OG, TRU, Takashimaya, Tangs, etc). At the speciality stores, prices are usually lower than AU prices and retail store prices.

But hey, aren't Universe combiners $79.95? (at Myer at least).

[iceburn]

nice one bro...can't wait for my May trip...

[JuzMel]

you're right about that. All shelves are packed solid with TFs at anyone time. I saw entire 'walls' of Encore Metroplexes and Omega Supremes :p
Yeah it's about the same in Malaysia as well (most stores have new TFs in stock), I was so surprised to see newer waves of Movie figures appearing there first rather than in OZ when I went back last year.

It's just so stupid why retail stores in OZ don't want to stock on Takaratomy TFs, they stock on funny feng-shui head-shaking figures but not TFs. They have no idea how much sales they are missing out on. Some rich and smart businessman should open an OG or Takashimaya here. :D Or just a specialty store stocking on Takara stuff. That would make a lot of us fans here super happy. :D



But hey, aren't Universe combiners $79.95? (at Myer at least).
They were $69.95 from Myer without discount. But with the usual toy sales going on now during the festive season, prices have dropped to an average of about AUD$49.95 +.

[kay-al]

Although sometimes there's quite a huge price disrepency. Like we got the Universe combiners here for average about AUD$45-$50 each, but it is SGD$85 back there. And 25th Anime prime is AUD$80 here but SGD$100 back there.

Also the 5-pack legends is AUD$20-25 here and it's SGD$40 back there :eek:

[hanprimus]

Going to SGP next year Jan, really can't wait, just afraid I don't have big enough luggage for all the goodies....wahaha

[griffin]

Since comparing AU$ to SG$ makes no sense to the rest of us, the current exchange rate (for those wondering) is about 1 to 1 at the moment.
AU$1 = approx SG$0.98 according to xe.com

[blackie]

so whos going to bring me some encore goodness???

[hanprimus]

so whos going to bring me some encore goodness???

Encore Trailbreaker? :D If it's not such a big item then shouldn't be a problem..but all depends on how much space I got at the end of the day(I'm thinking to grab all the Henkeis and Encores...:cool:)

[Zippo]

When I was there in September I was amazed at just how many toys there where around -- stacks and waves of things. Nothing sadly that wouldn't be released in New Zealand though. I guess because the island is so small, and there are so many people importing that the only way to clear stocks is to sell cheap.

Since then the Singapore Dollar has gotten a lot stronger against the NZ (when I went it was 1-1) so while these deals seem good, they are not as good as September.

[roller]

bah! useless relatives will never buy me stuff:mad:

everyones got international connections but me

[Wheel-J]

***
The TF prices I've seen have so far been unbelievably good.

- nobody bothers to sell Classics. Henkeis are everywhere, even at retail shopping centres.
- at CSC, all Henkei are A$20; Prime, Megatron, Skyfire are A$30
- at CSC Encore Soundwave A$40
- at CSC Encore Metroplex A$70 (at OG)


Thanks HD! I'll benefit from this bit of info you shared.
Noticed any MP seekers btw? store location? price? :)
I also wonder how much does a universe deluxe (e.g. hound) sells there?


Going to SGP next year Jan, really can't wait, just afraid I don't have big enough luggage for all the goodies....wahaha

Me too! Though it's just a one-day stopover around the city. :o


so whos going to bring me some encore goodness???

May also be able to help dude (but don't put much hope on it) as hanprimus said :)


if it's not such a big item then shouldn't be a problem..but all depends on how much space...

[heroic_decepticon]

If you have one day, I'd recommend going to CSC (ie: China Square Central) because it has the most dense concentration of toy shops.

Classics Hound and Cyclonus, I have only seen in Tangs (in Orchard road)- S$26 each. Other universe deluxes range from $24 to $29.90, depending on whether there's any sale.

MP Starscream (jap) = $65-$100 on average. As low as $60 is possible. Sold with Coronation set = $80
MP Skywarp = $120
MP Thundercracker/ Ultra Magnus/ Megatron = $120

(all in Singapore dollars, which is almost 1:1 with the AU $).

[orionpax1]

someone should do a mass order and get the money (before you go) and then send it all back.

[blackie]

someone should do a mass order and get the money (before you go) and then send it all back.

BRILLIANT

[roller]

neat idea, i have a list of secret shops if this goes ahead

[llamatron]

I'm going to Singapore in March. I'll be on the hunt for Henkei Megs, Encore Ratchet / Ironhide and a whole bunch of other stuff. I'm taking an empty suitcase and I intend to fill it. ;)

[liegeprime]

Well Im not asking for anything from you guys as it'll probably be too much baggage ( just from YOUR TFs hehehe:D) just for pictures lotsa them, Im a nut for looking at neato pics of the shops, their display stands, shelves full of TFs and all that! Pleeeeassse! :):)

[Wheel-J]

If you have one day, I'd recommend going to CSC (ie: China Square Central) because it has the most dense concentration of toy shops.

Classics Hound and Cyclonus, I have only seen in Tangs (in Orchard road)- S$26 each. Other universe deluxes range from $24 to $29.90, depending on whether there's any sale.

MP Starscream (jap) = $65-$100 on average. As low as $60 is possible. Sold with Coronation set = $80
MP Skywarp = $120
MP Thundercracker/ Ultra Magnus/ Megatron = $120

(all in Singapore dollars, which is almost 1:1 with the AU $).

LOVELY!! :)


someone should do a mass order and get the money (before you go) and then send it all back.

lol! :D much as I'd like to, I'm leaving soon in less than 48 hrs. :)
Sorry I forgot to mention that my Singapore stopover is on my return flight back to Melb.
Anyway, I'm serious on helping out (especially for the Melbourne group - coz I'm lazy sending post, only for cash pickup :)), just PM me if anyone is interested. Though I could only accomodate limited number of smaller items and (sorry) no commitments attached. :rolleyes:

Now, back to my packing...

[Wheel-J]

Well Im not asking for anything from you guys as it'll probably be too much baggage ( just from YOUR TFs hehehe:D) just for pictures lotsa them, Im a nut for looking at neato pics of the shops, their display stands, shelves full of TFs and all that! Pleeeeassse! :):)

Suuure! :) As long as it is not illegal to take pictures on their stalls. :D

[heroic_decepticon]

Well Im not asking for anything from you guys as it'll probably be too much baggage ( just from YOUR TFs hehehe:D) just for pictures lotsa them, Im a nut for looking at neato pics of the shops, their display stands, shelves full of TFs and all that! Pleeeeassse! :):)

This is in OG rom a few trips back... This time round OG had 'walls' of Encore Metroplexes and Omega Supremes, literally walls of them taller than a person.
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/42218/2568552360100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2568552360100811158wdEPQU)

The great thing is that Singapore shops are very open to people taking photos, unlike HK shops. I didn't take any pics this time though... sorry liege :(

[jacksplatt11]

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/42218/2568552360100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2568552360100811158wdEPQU)

Sexy

[STL]

Roadtrip!

[Zippo]

I got some pictures from September if anyone wants a look.
Stores at CSC were not to happy about me taking pictures though.

http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/nz-kiwiman/Singapore%202008/

[liegeprime]

Thanks Zippo! Wowowowowow they get out stuff en masse! OOOOOdles of yummy stuff:D:D Must plan for a holiday there one time! Oooh from HD's pic - a wall of Alt Ravage (jaguar) and we cant even spot a measly one here :(:(:(. Our stores are sooooo slack!!

[jaydisc]

I got some pictures from September if anyone wants a look.
Stores at CSC were not to happy about me taking pictures though.

http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/nz-kiwiman/Singapore%202008/

Wow... it's like.... heaven.

[iceburn]

haha...anyone wants me to go back PERMANENTLY and become a middle-man?

[sanbot]

My gosh! Look at all those sexy pictures! :eek:

Either I'm blind as a bat, or they knew another TF fan was coming and hid them all! Coz when I was in Singapore in October, I didn't see nearly as much as those pictures would indicate!

[Tropisetron]

Cool.....

I'm now currently in JB Malaysia and am going to spend 3 weeks in Singapore for my medical placement.

I might be able to help some of you get what you want/need if you want me to. I don't think i can lug it all back but will most probably post it back.

No commission required :)

Just drop me a pm and we can discuss details...

[hanprimus]

Wow... it's like.... heaven.

mmmhh....heaven.......Japan........:D

[heroic_decepticon]

these were from my last trip back...

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/44685/2448485640100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2448485640100811158HEtOmn)

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/42676/2876334910100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2876334910100811158yfQBty)

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/44359/2240802730100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2240802730100811158uhCYno)

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/6697/2178108530100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2178108530100811158AFnMUw)

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/35950/2911079800100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2911079800100811158SXWNbE)

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/44609/2979590100100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2979590100100811158DuJYQU)

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/44843/2090217630100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2090217630100811158PTiPqB)

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/43943/2300200330100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2300200330100811158eRpYmV)

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/40822/2837966780100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2837966780100811158rBBzCQ)

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/42969/2844289360100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2844289360100811158nXOSJv)

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/38944/2772973890100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2772973890100811158MSwqhe)

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/43950/2091334610100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2091334610100811158GhWiWS)

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/42389/2940790480100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2940790480100811158KugpQz)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42928/2292460520100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2292460520100811158ocdpJP)

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/43877/2875951030100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2875951030100811158zvpfEv)

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/32874/2782096320100811158S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2782096320100811158BNLEwr)

[iceburn]

abundance of TF Love! unlike here!

[Zippo]

Those last few pictures - Robo Robo in the Exclesior Basement or somewhere else?

[heroic_decepticon]

Those last few pictures - Robo Robo in the Exclesior Basement or somewhere else?

last few from Robo Robo, although its substantially different this time round. The last pic is from a comic shop in Bugis Junction.

[valkyrie_76]

All I have to say with thos pics there HD is.........."OH MY POOR WALLET!!!!!"

Anyway how where the prices for the G1 stuff there in those series pf pictures?

Got to get back there ASAP I think.

[Zippo]

last few from Robo Robo, although its substantially different this time round. The last pic is from a comic shop in Bugis Junction.


I managed to make it there once just as they were closing and never made it back because of the inconnsistant hours. It was the only place I found that had G1 stuff..

[gamblor916]

That is amazing, I am speechless :eek:

[Lint]

Shucks i'm missing asia again

[sifun]

i would love those alternators ravages

[heroic_decepticon]

i would love those alternators ravages

the ironic thing is that they were throwing Alt Ravages and Rumbles are fire sale prices in SG and HK at time. These 2 were everywhere, in every retail shopping centre and collectible shop, in mass quantities. I must have bought mine for 25 bucks or something and the guy was begging to get it so that he can clear his stock. Suddenly, they've now become rare(?)

***

Zippo, G1 stuff can also be found at Vincent's Collections (ground level) and U-Toys (2nd level) of China Square Central. In fact, there are a scattering of shops in CSC that has G1 stuff (some more obvious than others).

Sundays at CSC are when there would be more G1 than normal because private sellers set up store there from morning till evening. So if you make a trip to SG, try to have at least spend a Sunday there too. :p

[iceburn]

Sundays at CSC are when there would be more G1 than normal because private sellers set up store there from morning till evening. So if you make a trip to SG, try to have at least spend a Sunday there too. :p

absolutely for my vote toooooooooooo

[doubleclouder]

hey peeps!

glad that there is a thread on SG shops!

ANd guess what, I am from SG!

iceburn pretty sum it up pretty well, we do have alot of toys at decent prices..but yea, from what we know, hongkong is the place to go!

do feel free to ask me any questions eh! haha..maybe you can take a look at our website's classifieds, we have some items for sale, nt sure if the seller mind sending to Aussie..

but hey, there is another store at CSC called Ng'S collection and ToyNToys!
in fact, beside Vincent toys, there is a new shop!

Oh yea I know the owner of robo robo, he in fact has an ebay online store called ksgi i tink..do feel free to ask me questions, more than happy to help!!!

[orionpax1]

Hi doubleclouder thanks for the info, do any of these shops have websites?

[heroic_decepticon]

you can check sgcollect.com for a listing of the shops. I'm not 100% certain, but most shops do not ship overseas and if they do, they will charge 'market' prices (ie: what the item is going for online or on eBay), which defeats the purpose. Bargain prices can only be got when you're physically there to buy and pick up from them. It's much the same for HK toysellers.

I think that is mostly the case but I could be inaccurate and correct me if I am.

[doubleclouder]

well, we do have a directory:
http://www.tf.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=35

and for websites, you can try searching for "the falcon hangar", toyntoys and u-toys!

http://tfh.com.sg/
http://www.toyntoys.com.sg
http://u-toys.com/

I do know one of the toy distributors and he mentioned that the most important factor lies in the charge of taxes levied on bulk purchases. Anyways, I can keep you guys updated of the pricings! :)

[ChlorHex]

I'm not 100% certain, but most shops do not ship overseas and if they do, they will charge 'market' prices (ie: what the item is going for online or on eBay), which defeats the purpose.

You're spot on with that statment, HD.
I realised that when it comes to online dealings with sellers from either HK or Singapore, I'd get quoted a much higher price than what they'd normally retail the item for if you physically bought it from the store.
Locals get charged the local rates and "foreigners" (as long as you're not in the country) get charged the dang higher foreigner rates.
Shipping rates often get bumped up quite a bit as well... which truly sucks :mad:

[ChlorHex]

I do know one of the toy distributors and he mentioned that the most important factor lies in the charge of taxes levied on bulk purchases.

hey welcome to the forum, DC :)
could you elaborate on the taxes your distributor mentioned before?
it peeves me when they quote "taxes" and additional shipping fees when these "fees" aren't there at all.
oh, you've got there a really cool TF website btw :D

[doubleclouder]

ahhh my pleasure in elaborating on the taxes part.
this is dependant on your country itself

like for Singapore, if your goods are known to be more than 300 SGD, then you will have to pay goods and service tax, which is set at 7% in our country. so assuming i had purchased goods from aussie, and they pass thru SG customs, and if they are declared as 1000 SGD, i have to pay 70 bucks extra.

So it is highly dependant on the amt of taxes ur country charges.

How to bypass this? Simple, ask the person who delivers this parcel to you to underdeclare it :) or ship it in many parcels + under declare it.

You cant under declare too much esp when tis one BIG box but declarred as a cheap price.

so thats it, hope i answered ur qn!

[JuzMel]

Cool.....

I'm now currently in JB Malaysia and am going to spend 3 weeks in Singapore for my medical placement.

Ahhhh JB, my hometown.. wished I could be back home with my parents sometimes...

Anyway, we DO have a "Middle man" here... doubleclouder is from singapore right? Any chance you can speak to the toy shops there and help us do bulk orders over to here in OZ? I was gonna personally talk to the shops when I go back Singapore next year anyway.

Most of us here have PayPal, so if shops like Falcon Hangar and those at CSC can help us with bulk orders on Takara stuff, they will be making extra money for themselves too. And shipping from SG to OZ is not as expensive as US to OZ. Do you think you can have a chat to them? Thanks. :)

[doubleclouder]

yup, i can have a chat with them, why not?
so i presume you guys are talking about the latest release like encore?
shall i give my contact an email to contact you guys? :)

[doubleclouder]

updates..we have the encore cassette tapes for sale at about $60 Sing bucks :)

[Fungal Infection]

Had to dig this thread up since I could find a direct answer - I'm going to be stopping over in Singapore for 6 hours when I go on holiday next week - are there any toy stores within walking distance of the airport I can check out for stuff? I'd rather not have to get any public transport or walk more than 15 minutes since I'm afraid of missing my connecting flight. Plus I don't wanna drag the missus and my daughter all over town looking for toys. Any help?

[grimlock531]

there's a small toy shop at the airport, found it pretty easily when i went, cant remember the name of it though, might have the reciept still back at home.

[Zippo]

Only thing close is a small store in the Airport as above. Same price as town and the only place I saw Universe Ironhide just as he was released in Singapore.

Otherwise, its MRT into town.

[kurdt_the_goat]

There's actually 2 toy stores in the airport, you'll have to check the map though since i don't know the names either - but i do remember they're in different terminals. They both have good selection and were a good few weeks ahead of Australia in terms of releases, last time i was there.

[valkyrie_76]

There's actually 2 toy stores in the airport, you'll have to check the map though since i don't know the names either - but i do remember they're in different terminals. They both have good selection and were a good few weeks ahead of Australia in terms of releases, last time i was there.

Damn wish I had known that.......could have whittled the hours away there.

[iceburn]

the airport shop is where i got my G1 RH Gnaw + another figure

[Fungal Infection]

Having checked out the airport on my stopover, I've found there are 3 toystores at the airport. Not much available that you cant get in Australian stores TF-wise but they did have the 10 pack of mincons (the one with the taxi minicon, Overcharge) at $36 Au, the ROTF legends 5 pack (with the green Warpath repaint) at $30 Au, and all the latest ROTF deluxes including the Twins Icecream truck variant packed in robot mode, all at $24 Au each. Also various henkei deluxes at $24 Au and japanese versions of the movie FABs at $24 Au as well. But the jewel in the crown for me was the Ferrari Lego sets of which I purchased the Team truck at $120 Au. I intend to grab a few more items on the trip back home when my suitcase will be significantly lighter. :D

[Autocon]

icecream! icecream! why are they packed in robot mode?:confused: does this mean we will get more icecream twins in robot mode later

[iceburn]

ok... dear Ozfans,

Sighted so far and I'm only quoting some cheap ones

TRU has but limited to stock:
25th Anniversary Insections S$60
25th Anniversary Perceptor S$60
ROTF Voyager Bludegon S$41
ROTF Voyager Recon Ironhide S$41
ROTF 3pack Megatron, Fallen and G1 colour Soundwave
ROTF 2pack Hoist and someone else
ROTF Deluxes going at S$22
ROTF Voyager Fallen in Flame colours $52
Movie Voyager Skywarp $52
Movie Voyager Ramjet $52

Metro
Encore Ironhide/Ratchet S$20
ROTF Legends 5pack S$40

Kiddy Palace
Universe minicons 10pack S$40
ROTF Legends 5pack S$40

Takashimya
Disney Mickey Mouse S$70
Alternity Megatrons (Silver/Blue) S$70
Alternity Prime Black S$70
ROTF (Movie Dreadwing repaint) with 2 legends


Okay... if anyone is interested, please pm me and send me $$ so that i can grab them fast for you. Note, I'm giving first priorities to Melbournians as it's expensive to post from here and also to bring back to Melbourne and then post them off.
As I don't own a car here in SG, I will have to carry them back to my home and number of toys will be limited per day to as many I can buy.

Let me know and I'll be visiting China Square Central on Sunday..so if you have anything special that you need me to look out for. Let me know within the next few days.

Ta,
ice

[Zippo]

Oh, so tempting ..
Pity that I have no cash, and do not like in Melbourne.

[heroic_decepticon]

Singapore does not disappoint on prices. Prob why I keep buying and buying when I go back... heh.

[Starscream212]

Hey iceburn i pm'd about your offer thanks