Secret Sightings Section idea

[Cat]

So what would this mean for someone like me who has over 1600 TFs and I have been collecting for 28yrs but only of a rank 3?

Nothing, as the *hypothetical* system is based on board participation, not collection-size or loyalty to the brand.

You're right, it may seem a bit unfair that someone collecting for 6 months could theoretically get a choice tip on a hot new figure, over someone who's been doing this for 10 years. But that hypothetical person/people should realise what the purpose of community is, and that they're welcome to the same information, they just have to participate (and participate means exactly that. You don't have to provide insider info on who MP30 is to count. It's introducing yourself, and participating).

The flipside to the loyalty to the brand thing is that if you've got a hot tip on a highly desirable figure, do you want it to go to others who participate actively to make the board what it is, and possibly provide reciprocal tips for other items that could aid you, or some random guy who just types in the address once a year to get the new MP, and if he knows that someone's reserved one, he can say that it was him and they got the name wrong and take it (happened to me once with a Star Wars item).

Exact rank is kind of a moot point for this stage of a very hypothetical idea. But personally, I'd be fine with being excluded, because all it would mean is that I need to contribute more of myself to discussions, you know.

After all, my chances to get the item would be the same as they've always been. I just wouldn't get that additional heads-up that increases my chances of getting it. People would still see that the toy is out, just not the specifics, and probably not for more than a week or two.

If it's just me, my odds of successfully finding that elusive desirable item is *1*. With additional, specific sightings info that I get from the collective knowledge and experiences of the board, my odds increase to *1.10*, maybe. I still have to be on here at the right time to see the post for my area, if it's something that's snapped up so quickly. So it's very situational. Your benefit would be a matter of hours for a sighting, not days, really.

*All that is just IMO, and from what I think the general groove of the conversation has been. I could be completely wrong, and could be projecting my own thoughts on it a bit much.

** There are counterpoints to everything I've said that are just as valid. My key words are 'community' and 'participation'.

[Bidoofdude]

Could we get like a survey or something for the amount of people wanting each product that is hard to find, such as the amount hoping to get a Hasbro Soundwave, to get a better approximation?

[speros]

I went to Hong Kong at the begining of June this year and guys I'm telling you you have to go there with an empty suitcase and a minimum of AUD2000 for TF toys and they have almost every MP you want. but the shops are hidden in towers and warehouses you gotta google the shops and go searching I brought back a few things from there including a spare head (AU25) for my 1 metre Optimus prime tower!! I wish I took more money

[jazzcomp]

Could we get like a survey or something for the amount of people wanting each product that is hard to find, such as the amount hoping to get a Hasbro Soundwave, to get a better approximation?

Just look at what happened with TRU Hasbro MP Prime. That kind of demand would probably happen.

[Bidoofdude]

Just look at what happened with TRU Hasbro MP Prime. That kind of demand would probably happen.

Well put. Hmm. This is actually quite a controversal matter here, it seems.

[lj7369]

Scalpers know the release dates fairly easily if they bother to make an effort.
TRU US website is listing it already. when it comes down to it, if i found the item(s) in question, knew of someone, (especially in a rural situation) who was never going to be able to pick it up,i would aquire one or eight depending on my financial situation at the time, i dont believe that its wrong as long as they have a place to go to.
A secret sightings idea will slow scalping from here, but it imo wont make 2 shades of difference in the end.
From working in retail, its pure luck of the draw, i remember with prime at pac fair tru, i was told he had arrived on monday afternoon by a staff member, who looked for him among 12 pallets of load (what i was told and the truth may differ), return tuesday to be informed they sold out, call wednesday and ask for mp tc details, to be told "he's here, ill put one aside if you like, would you like the red truck one too??" it all depends on how much they care to recieve their $20 an hour.
my 2 cents.

[GoktimusPrime]

Scalpers know the release dates fairly easily if they bother to make an effort.

Yeah but not all scalpers would be that diligent. The idea may help to reduce the number of toys scooped up by more opportunistic scalpers.

TRU US website is listing it already.

But that wouldn't indicate the Australian release date, would it? I remember before MP OP came out, I kept on calling TRU including their head office about when this toy would come out, and they couldn't give me an exact date. It was more like, "Whenever we get it from Hasbro." And Hasbro were like, "Whenever we receive orders from TRU." Gah!

when it comes down to it, if i found the item(s) in question, knew of someone, (especially in a rural situation) who was never going to be able to pick it up,i would aquire one or eight depending on my financial situation at the time, i dont believe that its wrong as long as they have a place to go to.

I agree, that's not scalping. Scalping is the idea of buying a toy and then later reselling it at an increased price. If you're buying a toy and then reselling it at cost and not making any personal profit, then it's not scalping. You're just helping out your fellow collectors.

What I find objectionable is when people buy out a certain toy, often making it harder to find than it normally would be, and then later trying to sell it off at an inflated price. Mind you... half the problem is also collectors who pay scalper prices. Honestly the best way to combat scalping is to NOT pay above retail prices for any current/recent toy. People will only continue to scalp if collectors are willing to keep them in business by paying their stupid prices.

A secret sightings idea will slow scalping from here, but it imo wont make 2 shades of difference in the end.

Impeding the progress of scalpers can make a significant difference, especially if the toy is in limited supply. Imagine if a TRU only gets a small handful of MPs -- a secret sighting section may help collectors to swoop in and get them before someone else does. It's a short term "band aid" solution for sure... the best solution is really just to not give scalpers our business in the first place.