what to do with the scalpers?

[UltraMarginal]

A first submission

have at him

[millhouse]

I just don't see the point in this. I mean, it's a fact of the hobby. It's not that I disagree that scalpers are a problem, but we're looking at something that isn't released in Australia yet (and being we're in Australia, I think it's a fair point).

Put it this way, I didn't have issues getting MP-10 or Thundercracker here, so much so that there were multiple opportunities in multiple stores. I think that's suggesting that, if you're on the ball, you're often get what you want at retail in Oz. If you're not, then you'll find the same issues we saw with people wanting a YOTS Omega Supreme three weeks after the start of the sale and frankly, that's where it's not a distribution issue, it's (often, not always) laziness, ignorance, a lack of awareness, or a late decision on the part of the collector.

I'd expect MP Soundwave to be a catalogue item when it hits Oz (like MP-10 Prime was), and as such, they'll have to have a certain amount available for the sale (in accordance with advertising laws in Australia).

Either pay the extra while it's easily available overseas, or wait and try to buy local. It's not as if they won't be available on eBay if you miss out on the local sales.

/playingdevilsadvocate

[UltraMarginal]

you've missed my point, the intent is to make scalping irritatingly difficult for those who go out and purchase large amounts of a known sought after retail product for the express purpose of flipping it for large profit through eBay. If you don't have any interest in participating then don't.
there are plenty of other threads to discuss the pro's and cons of scalping

[reillyd]

you've missed my point, the intent is to make scalping irritatingly difficult for those who go out and purchase large amounts of a known sought after retail product for the express purpose of flipping it for large profit through eBay. If you don't have any interest in participating then don't.
there are plenty of other threads to discuss the pro's and cons of scalping

Ahh, but what in what way COULD you make it irritatingly difficult for scalpels? If you choose not to buy, others surely will - but if you buy yourself, you're fueling the scalping. It has always seemed like an intractable problem..... But if you come up with an idea or two, I'd be glad to help put it into practice.

[reillyd]

The only possible way that I could ever think of was to give fellow collectors a heads up in sightings threads, as they are (hopefully!) less likely to scalp. Sort of community spirit come collector activism

[UltraMarginal]

have you not read the first post? I'll bold the bit that's specific to my plan for world domination.

[reillyd]

have you not read the first post? I'll bold the bit that's specific to my plan for world domination.

Ahh, that makes SO much more sense now. Just being a little too subtle for a long work day. Bold makes everything BOLDER

[Bidoofdude]

Ahh, but what in what way COULD you make it irritatingly difficult for scalpels? If you choose not to buy, others surely will - but if you buy yourself, you're fueling the scalping. It has always seemed like an intractable problem..... But if you come up with an idea or two, I'd be glad to help put it into practice.

Scalpels can get irritated?

Back on point, it seems ok but it might get out of hand really quickly.

Just don't buy and encourage others to do the same. Eventually they'll just lose money.

But unfortunately, every so often, Mr Hugewallet McSpendheapsofpointlessmoneyman comes along and spends $300-$400 that sold for $150 a year ago or something else like that...

[nexusnixx]

I agree with Millhouse as to how come robot kingdom can retail them when it clearly says toys r us exclusive.
I did check with my suppliers and contacts and hasbro did not give them the option of buying these at all.

And is robot kingdom the only retailer besides toys r us selling these?

[UltraMarginal]

My intention of starting this thread was to provide a place for Scalpers to be called out and then for people to work together as a global community to make life a little harder for Scalpers.

it wasn't intended to be a discussion. there have already been plenty of those.

Helping with an endeavor generally doesn't include listing all the ways it can go wrong or not work.
I see so many people in various places angry about scalpers, I was providing a tool that could be more effective and proactive than watching other deperate people spend their hard earned cash.

If I didn't explain myself I apologise.