Toy Hunters: Do you call stores to find toys you're after?

[ITZTRU]

So I've been calling Big W store after Big W store near and far looking for leader class starscream for the sale price but with no luck. (So if you know where I can find one, let me know!)

But everytime I get on the phone, I always feel like I'm dealing with those who I feel have no idea what I'm talking about and as a result, their search for my toy seems/feels half assed. By the time I get off the phone, I still feel the need to want to just go in there and look for myself just incase.

So aside from my shameless plug of looking for help, what I want to know from you is when u go looking for toys, do u call around to save yourselves the trip (especially if looking on the other side of town like i had to do yesterday for battle ops bumble bee and the weekend before for jetfire/buster prime) and hope and trust that the person on the other line knows what ur talking about and is accurate about whether the toy is actually there or not? Or do u not take any risks and hunt the toy down by yourselves?

I'd be curious to know!

[Paulbot]

No, because you're right: most staff have no idea what you're talking about.

[Hursticon]

No, because you're right: most staff have no idea what you're talking about.

Yeah, I'd have to agree with Paulbot for the same reason.
The vast majority of Retail Staff around my local area can't discern different Transformer toys at all, to them, if it has 'Transformers' on the packing then it's a 'Transformers Toy' and that includes Pencil Cases!?!.
(No, I'm not kidding - I've had a 14-15 y/o tell me a Pencil Case is a toy!?! )

[Doubledealer]

No, because asking staff that work in a toy section if they have a certain Transformer is akin to asking them the meaning of life. eg. You'll never get the answer you want and it's embarrassing for everyone.

[gantz]

The only store I call is Super Toyworld

Mainly because its a little difficult to get to, plus these guys know exactly what you're asking and know all of their stock, its fantastic!

[UltraMarginal]

I have called up a store once and found it to be an entirely unsatisfying experience, so not any more.

If I'm on a hunt, I tend to pick a location where there are a few stores withing walking distance and go to them all at once.

as for Leader starscream, I think they disappeared in a mighty hurry once the clearance started. haven't seen one anywhere.

[Lint]

No, but I've witnessed someone clean out a toy section of clearance items over the phone. The staff member utilised was reasonably competent.

I enjoy the thrill (read: pain) of the hunt. Getting someone else to do it for you is akin to having your child via a surrogate