BC12 panel - Collector Club

[griffin]

(pics to be added later - check the global fansites until then)

Showed their usual creation process for this year's convention exclusives and packaging.

Junkions were originally planned to be Sharkticon colours, but story later prompted them to go with an Insecticon theme.

Figure Subscription Service

A new system to replace the 2-per-year exclusives that sell out within hours at odd hours...
This one guarantees the figures, as they will produce toys to meet demand.
Probably need to be a member though.

No price-points known yet, but will start up within a month or two, as soon as they sort out their online store issues. (and roll it out with the GIJoe club first).
People can either pay in full or in installments - toys would be shipped in blocks to save on shipping costs. So, one may be released each month, but would only be shipped out every 3- 6 months (if selected).
No boxes, just bagged, to save cost & shipping.

The first six were shown, but the order of release will be a surprise.
(first five on the list are Deluxe size, last one is Ultra size)

(Gen1) Breakdown - using Classics Sideswipe mould
(Actionmaster) Jackpot - using Animated Jazz mould
(RiD) Scourge - using Classics Gen2 Optimus mould
(Animated) Slipstream - using TFPrime FE Starscream mould & new head
(Actionmaster) Circuit - using Movie Lockdown mould
(Beast Wars) Ultra Mammoth - using JP BW Big Convoy mould


Also shown was the 2013 Membership figure.
Depth Charge - using the Dlx Movie Terrordive mould


Date & Location of BC13 has not been decided yet, so can't say.

[Paulbot]

I was annoyed that the BotCon set has some rather unpopular choices, while the ones fans have been asking for or expecting (Scourge, Slipstream, Breakdown) are released this way. But the "made to order" option that means we should be able to get these easier, makes me happier.

And a repaint of Terradive I actually like? (Didn't care for Space Case) They are going to suck me back in.

Did they mention if their new system is secure? Was that asked about at the panel?

The shipping cost per figure to Australia is still going to be a concern but I see discussion about getting around that's already underway.

[swoop]

I really like the boxes that their exclusives came in and its a pity that they are doing away with them but I understand the need to keep shipping prices down.

I hope they use this to release some of the animated toys like thundercracker that were cancelled. I'm looking forward to signing up for this I really want that ultra mammoth and slipstream.

[Hursticon]

It is rather pleasing to see that they'll be limiting orders of 1x figure per subscription, i.e. you can only order 1x of each figure but that is only initially as apparently they'll open up to multiples of the 1x figure if there are enough spares.

From the looks of things, the whole animosity towards FunPub has been pretty much bluster as it was expected to be a rather fiery panel; looks like toy reveals can have wondrous effects.

[griffin]

It is rather pleasing to see that they'll be limiting orders of 1x figure per subscription, i.e. you can only order 1x of each figure but that is only initially as apparently they'll open up to multiples of the 1x figure if there are enough spares.

If that's true (limit of 1 per person - I musta missed that bit), I don't think that's a good thing for foreign fans... it means everyone who wants these figures will have to join as a member (an extra $82) and the toys will be sent separately to each person (preventing us from saving a little on shipping, as we would with a bulk order).

And if every subscriber is guaranteed a figure, I don't see a need for limiting it to one-per-person, because they aren't going to run out, as scalpers will only order up big if an item is expected to sell out (creating more desperate fans to prey on).

[Hursticon]

If that's true (limit of 1 per person - I musta missed that bit), I don't think that's a good thing for foreign fans... it means everyone who wants these figures will have to join as a member (an extra $82) and the toys will be sent separately to each person (preventing us from saving a little on shipping, as we would with a bulk order).

And if every subscriber is guaranteed a figure, I don't see a need for limiting it to one-per-person, because they aren't going to run out, as scalpers will only order up big if an item is expected to sell out (creating more desperate fans to prey on).

The way I see it dude; it's the perfect recipe to force people to join the club as they'll have no other means to acquire the figures beyond an inflated and limited eBay market, it also doubles as a thing for FunPub to boast about as they'll likely use these guidelines in order to say: "Look at how many members and sales we have!".