It's reached that point.

[llamatron]

Yep. THAT point. I'm planning on doing pretty much all of my future TF shopping overseas. I just got someone in the USA to send me Animated Prowl, Lockdown, Blackarachnia, Ratchet and Starscream. Total cost (including shipping) works out to be less than $20 AU per deluxe and less than $30 AU per voyager. I suggest everyone does the same - just try and find a good contact in the USA who doesn't want to profit too much off you.

Hasbro AU have basically told us that they don't have any trouble selling their stuff, so I guess they don't need my contribution anymore.

Anyone else made the same decision?

[dirge]

I still prefer picking stuff up at retail, is more fun.

Having said that, Hasbro are cr4p at doing the collector-orientated stuff like BT & reissues, and I've always gone to Japan for that stuff.

The way the dollar is nowadays, your move makes sense.

I am somewhat selective with my purchases.

[dirge]

(stupid server won't let me post this in one go)

Ordering from the US isn't worthwhile for me - not what with Hasbro's not an aircraft hangar - a Transformer packaging needlessly bumping up postage.

I plan on ordering most if not all of the upcoming Henkai stuff from Japan. Which means I can avoid Hasbro's stupid decisions (like that ridiculous white Powerglide) completely..

[llamatron]

(stupid server won't let me post this in one go)

Ordering from the US isn't worthwhile for me - not what with Hasbro's not an aircraft hangar - a Transformer packaging needlessly bumping up postage.

I plan on ordering most if not all of the upcoming Henkai stuff from Japan. Which means I can avoid Hasbro's stupid decisions (like that ridiculous white Powerglide) completely..

Yeah, I'm getting this stuff sent minus the packaging.

It's not really an option if you're ordering from an online store, but if it's just some person you know then it makes sense.

[Paulbot]

I agree with Dirge that looking through the shops is more fun but am shifting towards buying more online. It doesn't help when things like the later Robot Heroes are likely not going to be released locally.

[Golden Phoenix]

I am getting sick of the prices on basically everything.
I like hunting for the figures, but I usually end up saving half buy getting it overseas. Which sucks, because I would rather spend my money in Australia.

[Pulse]

llamatron, does that mean you'll never go looking in the TF Section at a local store ever again? Sniffle, Sniffle.

[STL]

If I had a reliable contact w/ the requisite knowledge then I would be inclined to pursue such an option. I don't unforunately.

[jaydisc]

I was at this point a few months ago when I grabbed the Walmart deluxes and most recent movie Voyagers from the US. The deluxes were $19ish and the Voyagers $37.

I've since decided against it. When I began collecting/hunting movie toys 8 or so months ago, I paid any price due to their scarcity. After maturing a bit and improving my hunting skills, I reduced the prices I paid by buying figures on Sale and returning them on the full price receipt. I eventually realized that if I was patient, I could probably always get it cheaper or as cheap locally... AND have that oh-so-valuable receipt.

Then, the final straw occurred when I grabbed the Movie Ultras from Robotkingdom. We did it bulk and ended up paying A$50 each shipped, thinking it was a good deal as the figures were to be TRU exclusives. Then TRU released them at $40. With no local retail receipt, I had no course of action, and am stuck with my overpriced Ultras (which suck too!)

Ans now, we see that TRU is selling Animated Voyagers at the REGULAR price of $40. I think we'll be getting them on sale from other places below $35. My point is, that with a receipt, I've got choices, and that's always worth a buck or so per figure.

Like others too, I'm starting to focus more on Takara goods, and getting that locally is not an option. I'm additionally leaning away from pre-ordering things too, as patience is proving to always provide cheaper alternatives.

[roller]

so who wants to get stuff for Roller?