I reckon everyone should use an acquisitions mascot. :D
Or if I'm placing a hex on you. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by roller
Printable View
I reckon everyone should use an acquisitions mascot. :D
Or if I'm placing a hex on you. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by roller
I think that this is just yet another Jaydisc thread that is digging for an answer to a problem that doesn't exist.
Did you recently get into a council job?
I've been away for the most part from the boards a little while now - Big, less-than-fun-stuff happening, including needing to move and all that jazz. LOTS of drama since I was last properly here...
My 13cents about buying for others (something I occasionally do, depending on whether I know what people want, or if it's a bargain, like the $15 screenbattles I found in bloody geelong first - I make a quick call or text around ) is that it's something that really helps the others do it -
With regards to cost and the issue of buying more of one thing prevents others from getting it, I raise the question:
Do you want a helping hand from a friend? Or not?
If we were to go looking into the cost of things, wouldn't it cost you or others more time by having to go out to that same location and buying the same item for yourself (there's time, petrol, PT fees, time cost involved) ; arguably more than if a mate of yours was willing to pick it up for you.
Sure, I know I haven't been included in all group orders (even little ones between 2 or so people), mass group buys, exclusive orders (dangit! I missed that CJ upgrade - lol), and the instore-multibuys. The initial reaction may well be a tinge of jealousy - a very human reaction, but c'est la vie. I'm bound to get what I want one way or another - perseverance and waiting all works out in the end. Of course, that said, if I can get it sooner, rather than later, and at a good price great!
So - I don't think any changes need to be made to the acquisitions thread - bring on the multiples etc etc. P!ssing contest or not, it's something that not everyone will do for everyone. Mates like helping each other out, and when comes back to it, it's just toys.
Never ceases to amaze me how worked up we get about them.
It happens whenever people are deeply passionate about something. If you're a gamer you know that gamers are LOUD. And just look at sports hooliganism. And sadly there was a shooting at Toys R Us in the U.S.. You just know that it's gone way too far if people are getting hurt or killed over sports and hobbies. :/Quote:
Originally Posted by lcz128
http://www.dw-world.de/image/0,,2585025_1,00.jpg<--German football fans rioting
"Sharon, his character is going to die if we don't get to him!"
"So what?"
"SO WHAT?!?!!"
(Make Love Not Warcraft, South Park)
Well most of us are doing that now hehehe :):DQuote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Actually, it sounds like you have assumed the reverse of my personal position. I'm actually against any regulation of this nature, but at the same time, I don't want to instill jealousy or cause ill will, so what I was doing was to try and gauge if certain styles of acquisition posts cause that. Contrary to popular belief, I don't want to upset anyone.Quote:
Originally Posted by MV75
I think the best advice for anyone getting annoyed (advice I need to consistently remind myself of), is to simply ignore. Either ignore certain threads or ignore specific posters. I encourage people to ignore me if I grate them. And I would never take offense to it, nor would I consider it petty.
I remember a statement my fourth grade teacher said that always stuck with me:
If you're in a movie theatre and the person in front of you is blocking your view, it's your responsibility to move, not to ask the person in front of you to move.
You lose Roller. I am sooooo uncultured :pQuote:
Originally Posted by roller
Capitalism is a bitch sometimes but he who gets there first with money wins :) I take pleasure in seeing fellow collecors having a win and see it as a privilege, as much as a brag, to have a case or two of new Masterpiece Grimlocks (for example) pictured in a blatantly pompous fashion when that person has taken the trouble to source them for others. Anyone else is just asking for a deal IMO :D
I have occasionally popped the question about availability to others on the board who have posted large purchases with no specified destination. That hasn't seemed to annoy anyone too much, but would quickly become a hassle if 10 others have the same idea and they were already taken :rolleyes:
But it is kind of like buying bulk from online shops to save on shipping. You save something in both cases. Both time and money is saved. The only difference is that having someone buy it in store for you is generally more spontaneous.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doubledealer
And I am fine with that. I don't have much time as it is and my income is limited. Anything that saves me time and money is welcome
And what is wrong with that?
Well put. I share similar feelings.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydisc
Hmmm collecting Transformers is like a giant, pointless, game of monopoly. It's lucky that I have the actual Transformers monopoly set so I can play the make believe fun version instead of the toy sniping shoot-em-up version.Quote:
Originally Posted by DigDug
I am extremely picky about transformers that I purchase and most of them have to tug significant G1 heartstrings. I use the sightings page to get a feel for what is where and who has the cheapest prices... For example my desire for Special Ed Dragstrip made me gravitate towards toy kingdom, more than usual, for a few weeks.
My desire for Special Edition (heh, Special Ed has a different connotation :D) Drag Strip made me gravitate toward TRU, then their $40 price tag made me gravitate away! :p
Ahhh don't be so pessimistic D*R*J :) Like Lcz said:
Unlike Ebay, retail or online stores, the excess purchases here are more likely to benefit you and far less likely to be scalped off elsewhere to mystery buyers. Sure you will need to trade or make offers that won't always work out; but that, and the resulting toys can be more fun than fighting crowds.Quote:
Originally Posted by lcz128
If you refer to Scalping, the ugliest side of mass-purchasing, I can only suggest you keep up with the Australian toy release schedule and be very nice to your local toy department managers (while asking them to keep you informed) around the time they are expected. Also be realistic about the price you expect to pay for the product. I have missed far too many opportunities by waiting for sales that come after the stock I want is long gone :(
*screen blurs and time fades back to Robot High School*Quote:
Originally Posted by Golden Phoenix
Mixmaster: Hey Scrapper, how come there are no more Energon shakes left at the canteen? It's not even recess and they've sold out already. :/
Scrapper: Oh, yeah. That a***hole, Megatron bought them all so he can sell them to his friends at lunch time."
Mixmaster: Well yank out my all spark shard and send me to the scrap heap..."
*fades back to reality*
Not sure if this was meant to be addressed to me... but here goes. I know the excess spending or toy buying 'syndicate' is just saving people time and money... have nothing against it, like seeing the pictures. I choose not to participate because a) I'm anti-social b) I like purchasing my own transformers c) I like torturing my girlfriend with endless hunts...Quote:
Originally Posted by DigDug
I just feel for the kids who live near epping or northland or where ever else you guys hunt often... it must seem like certain toys never get released to them.
I like scalpers... well not really... but I think that when the movie came out, when bumblebee was the 'bee's knees' of children's toys, it really amused me to see middle aged, stinky men in bombers jackets scoping the racks for that one elusive toy... I'd watch them stare at the Cyber Slamming/ Stomping whatever rubbish with a confused look and snigger to myself... it helps that I didn't really want that toy. Apart from that I don't really think that we have that much of an issue with scalpers... after all our shelves are full of cheap plasic toys that are way over-priced.
You could say you were depolarized severely then heheheh, which TRU Gok? (is it....the nearest one here?) they really should lower their prices. ah well...:(Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Nobody's talking about scalping here. Scalping is an entirely different (and evil) practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by DigDug
This tends to happen more because of scalpers not because of active toy-hunters. Remember that toy-hunters are basically only buying for their own needs. Scalpers will take _everything_ - as in, fill up an entire trolley full of toys and then purchase them. There's stories of scalpers fighting with children over toys. Scalpers also tend to camp outside stores when they know there's a new stock coming out and they rush in and scoop everything up before anyone else can have the chance to get in there. They then sell the toys off to collectors at inflated prices.Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j
A person who buys a bunch of toys for him(her)self and his(her) friends is an entirely different thing. First of all, they usually don't take as many toys as scalpers do, and secondly their motivations are far more altruistic. It's one thing to grab a bunch of toys to help your friends/fellow collectors and basically sell them at the same price that you paid (i.e.: you're not making a profit). It's an entirely different thing to grab everything and then sell them at an increased price, with the intention of making a profit. The former is effectively doing a favour for other people, the latter is exploitation of collectors.
And as I said before, if you're worried about other people missing out then the only thing you can do is _stop_collecting_ because every toy you buy is a toy that someone else can't have!!
On some rare occasions toy stores have been known to enact anti-scalping policies, like restricting the sales to say a limit of 3 of the same toy to any one customer. I remember some toy stores doing this when Star Wars The Phantom Menace toys first came out - there was a limit of 3 per customer (of the same figure). The vast majority of stores don't do this though.
I remember in late 1986 Kups were shelf-warming and they were marked down to like $5 each or something really cheap like that. My mum went and bought a crapload of Kups! I got one, my brother got one and she kept the rest as presents for my cousins and her friends' children... so for the next year it was like, "Happy Birthday!" "Oh wow, Kup!" or "Merry Christmas! Oh wow, Kup!" over and over again. :D It wasn't scalping or anything, she was giving them away as free gifts to children. d:
So blame Santa. ;P
The one we went to last time. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by liegeprime
Just for the record, I didn't say what you've quoted me as saying.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Sorry Doubledealer - I've corrected my last post. :)
We do have a problem with scalpers on some toys. As you said, movie Bumblebee was heavily scalped and so was Masterpiece Starscream. I wonder if you would find it so amusing/charming if it was happening to a toy you wanted. :/Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j
I don't care what the toy is, if I see a scalper I will hurt his janglies. A lot.
Guys I think we should stop "arguing" about whether it's right or wrong to help friends buy TF figures (otherwise this might get to be a "heated" thread.) ;)
Everyone has their own perceptions and no one's bound to agree. From what I have read, there's no right or wrong in wanting to help your friend buy a TF. Maybe it's just a different way to approach it and also a compromise.
Instead of buying say 6-8 packs of the same TFs for yourself and other friends from one store (and other fans or parents nearby have less chance of buying), why not just buy extra for a couple of friends? In that way the shelves will still have more stock for parents and other fans who go over and buy for themselves later.
Some of us here have their little mini-groups of 2-3 who are on the look out for each other more as compared for other members (and we all know that) :). There's nothing wrong in that, so sometimes when we see in acquis that Member A bought extra for friend B or C, no one is really fussed about it.
But when it becomes heaps like 6 or more of the same TF item, then yes that would cause the jealousy, "why-was-I-left-out", "you're a scalper, you buy so many of the same item" factors that will come out.
Remember, not everything is on your "MUST HAVE NOW" list. :) And certainly no doubles, triples of quadruples or more in this festive season. Unless they are shelf-warmers of course. :D
You really didn't read that twice before posting, did you? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
I was attempting to clarify a comment D*R*J made earlier and you chided me then turned around and did exactly the same! :)
Did masterpiece Starscream get scalped? really? I saw it twice in Toys R Us and purchased it the second time... and that was the northland store so I must of had plenty of competition.
I liked the toy but thought that $100 was pretty steep. Am pretty sure you can still order it online for $100-110ppd... could've probably got it cheaper from the US before the US shipping skyrocketed.
And GP when you say;
I think you are talking to the wrong person... My collecting is really based heavily on G1, I'm not a completist and most of my purchases are agonisingly slow and well thought out. I do not own one single Animated toy, I consider them toys for the new generation of children along with every other post G1 series (with the exception of the 2007 movie line... even then this was simply treated as a curiousity).Quote:
if you're worried about other people missing out then the only thing you can do is _stop_collecting_ because every toy you buy is a toy that someone else can't have
Leave Brittany alone!!!!
Only a handful were available to begin with in Brisbane but it appears that MP Starscream, among a few other toys, has been scalped heavily here (hence my assumption about what you were getting at when you said collecting was a bit like Monopoly :D).Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j*
I thought $100 was steep but scalping is all about shrinking supply to artificially create demand. Even at $100 I was prepared to buy a couple of spares (*NOT* to scalp). It turned out I got the last one at TRU Garden City the first day they were released! They showed up online and elsewhere, often for several hundred $$ to begin with. This scenario was foiled for MP-3 scalpers with additional releases in the US but still continues to be a problem here, esp. with exclusives. *cough* MP4 *cough*
My Brother is a manager at a non TF-retailer (but owned by one of the big 2) and says, with some disappointment, that it is better to ignore 'retail quantity' rules that prevent scalping when the stores are usually under a lot of pressure to continually grow their sales... So this situation is unlikely to improve until management culture changes :(
Edit: BTW I am in no way affiliated with the Melbourne buying group, nor do I benefit from their arrangement.
This is where you cease to make sense... at least from a melbourne perspective... I must have seen MP-04 50+ times at Target on the shelf. It lasted (at least) two sales the first was 10% off the other 15%... I saw one last week in a target and could probably find another one if I so desired. This thing is close to a shelf warmer, and it's quality is comparable to the new Hasbro 25th prime.Quote:
Originally Posted by DigDug
I think that your scalper theory is baseless and just a result of stores not really believing that grown men can buy expensive toys in great numbers.
I have only got access to one Brisbane store regularly and a couple of others up here on a more incidental basis. I can't speak for Melbourne...Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j*
The local store filled their shelves and then sold all of their 20 MP4s a week before their first catalog sale. The other stores sold out in short order too although I didn't follow closely enough to say how soon.
About that time the nototrious quality problems also became apparent, meaning the savvy buyers would still avoid them. Too late for the eager buyer(s) from around here, but not for those who were waiting for the inevitable catalog sale to be put off...
Be that coincidence or not, please note that my observations above are just that. A theory would take research, which sounds all too much like hard work for a Friday afternoon :p I only intend to voice suspicion of the situation. You may not have faced this sort of behaviour before, but if it were happening to you, I'm sure you'd be damn suspicious too
I saw the toy plenty of times when it came out and it was in plentiful supply. I mean plentiful. Shelves were full and the extra storage shelves on the top were also packed. Then after Xmas/New Year there was _nothing_. Unfortunately this occured when this board was at the old location so I can't pull up the old Masterpiece sightings thread as reference. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j
In that case this entire discussion about acquisitions/hunting/scalping of current TF toys is irrelevant to you then?Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j
No ill-will was intended dude. m(__)mQuote:
Originally Posted by DigDug
I was just trying to clarify a point. I agree with you about how scalping is indeed the darker (evil) side of mass toy purchasing as it's done out of selfishness whereas mass buying for friends is done with more noble intent. :)
Absolutely cool Gok, no offense was ever taken hope none was made. I only intended to indicate the lighter side of the situation. :)
Edit: I only just caught up with the 'other' recent acquisitions thread and now I realize why this subject is so touchy... I will just shut up now :rolleyes:
Yeah in large part. Talk about animated toys is pretty irrelevant to me as a consumer... I don't own them or intend on owning them. I still read some threads that are animated related and enjoy seeing what is currently available. When reading the acquisitions my main interest is Universe/ Classics with some interest in Encore/ Re-issue and Masterpiece. I'm also not really into buying second hand stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydisc
Ok then, from that POV; Nah, I don't really give a toss that you do display a whole pile of stuff, but, it would be nicer if you seperated your stuff once in a while so we know what you got for yourself, then the others you buy for could then do that themselves. Unless you're just after lots of recognition for buying for others...... Yes, it can be seen as being a "look at what I did" attention whore. Now if that is what you wanted to know, then there you go. Not that I think that readily of you, it's nice to see a big group of the same stuff, but that's all really, no real thoughts of "that's great he got himself that toy" cross my mind in those sorts of shots.
Personal aquisitions are a nicer thing to see overall. ;)
I don't think it needs to be physically separated - and there is some coolness in seeing a "wall" of the same TF. But it could be simply explained in text in the post by saying, "one is for me, others for A, B, C, D and E" or something like that, or even "group order/purchase" says it all really. :)
Once we start censoring the aquisitions thread according to who is jealous of what... then what is the point of an aquisitions thread? I thought that it was there to inspire the kind of envy only obsessive collectors can feel.
That combined with a rough educational guide as to what toy was where, who collects what and who is generous enough to buy for others.
Seriously... It saddens me.
Couldn't have said it better myself, 100% agreedQuote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j*
Quote:
Originally Posted by MV75
Guys, from another point of view, maybe Jay couldn't resist to post the "wall" pic (hey it's cool and many of us enjoy seeing these). AND at the same time he didn't feel the need to mention names, as he didn't want to remind each individual he helped that he has helped them?Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Whenever I see one of us on this forum posting a "wall" pic, it's just common sense that the toys will be going to good homes (fellow board members) with the poster keeping 1 or 2 for himeself. I don't see the need to take separate photos, nor I see the posters have to explain themselves everytime. While we can't stop others from thinking negatively and jumping to a conclusion, this forum will continue to be a nice place if we can all think positively towards fellow members. :)
That's true, we've had many mass-acquisition "wall" pics posted and nobody's ever kicked up a stink about it before. It seems unfair to me that when other people do it nothing's ever said but when jaydisc does it, suddenly it's something bad. :/
I think I said that in my first reply Goktimus. ;) I didn't even know there was an issue until this thread appeard.
I don't think I should need to repeat myself again that I don't care if there are mass groups pictured. I just don't take as much interest in them as the more "personal" postings. :)
[board staff]Quote:
Originally Posted by d*r*j*
Can we please refrain from this sort of statement? Constructive criticism is fine, but I don't think metaphors such as these really help.
Thank you.
[/board staff]
dirge you need a snazzy new font like paul has :D
Would it help if I replaced the word 'communist' with 'socialist'?Quote:
Originally Posted by dirge
Not really, no. And a new font wouldn't help either (:
Colourful language makes the world go round yo