Massdrop - would it work for Transformers

[Sunsurge]

So I've just come across and joined up to the Massdrop website (https://www.massdrop.com/my-communities). For those who don't know, it's a way for members from certain hobbies(i.e. audiophiles) to approach a relevant manufacturer (e.g. Sennheiser) to produce an off-label version of an official product (e.g. HD650 headphones) at a MUCH reduced price. Some of these products may still even come with an official warranty from the manufacturer.

I've been thinking about our wonderful community and wether we could get Massdrop to benefit us as Transformers collectors.

My questions are:

1. Has anybody approached Takara, Hasbro or Hasbro Asia etc with the idea of doing a Transformers-related drop before?

2. Does anybody know if those official companies open to working with Massdrop?

3. How many fellow OTCA members would be interested in joining Massdrop to get a drop going?

[DarkHyren]

I'm not sure how this would work with collectibles honestly, it's easier with things that get used daily like headphones or TVs as with those one doesnt really care about details too much so long as it works.
However when we're talking about things like MPs for example this could be considered the same as factory seconds or high end KOs, at least in my mind.
My two cents anyway

[Borgeman]

Yeah I agree that massdrop and collectibles wont be compatible together.
I've bought from massdrop a few times, it works because they sell functional items for (semi)daily usage without always necessarily having the paint and polish of a retail item. But with collectibles you WANT that polish, so it kinda defeats the purpose.

The only possible thing with this that could work is creating a cut down recolour of an existing mold, for use as an OTCA exclusive for example. But even then HasTak might have too high a minimum quantity.

[GoktimusPrime]

The only possible thing with this that could work is creating a cut down recolour of an existing mold, for use as an OTCA exclusive for example. But even then HasTak might have too high a minimum quantity.

1000 units is the minimum

[Sunsurge]

I'm not sure how this would work with collectibles honestly, it's easier with things that get used daily like headphones or TVs as with those one doesnt really care about details too much so long as it works.
However when we're talking about things like MPs for example this could be considered the same as factory seconds or high end KOs, at least in my mind.
My two cents anyway

Yeah I agree that massdrop and collectibles wont be compatible together.
I've bought from massdrop a few times, it works because they sell functional items for (semi)daily usage without always necessarily having the paint and polish of a retail item. But with collectibles you WANT that polish, so it kinda defeats the purpose.

The only possible thing with this that could work is creating a cut down recolour of an existing mold, for use as an OTCA exclusive for example. But even then HasTak might have too high a minimum quantity.

Thanks for the input, guys. I can see where you're coming from.

I am a little intrigued by your suggestion of an OCTA exclusive, though. What about MP-36 or MP-10 in an OCTA exclusive colour scheme? Or perhaps XTB's upcoming Monolith? Fans Toys' Terminus Giganticus? Lots of possibilities...

[Borgeman]

Thanks for the input, guys. I can see where you're coming from.

I am a little intrigued by your suggestion of an OCTA exclusive, though. What about MP-36 or MP-10 in an OCTA exclusive colour scheme? Or perhaps XTB's upcoming Monolith?

I mentioned that as probably the only angle that could be broached (ie a regional exclusive). And I can't see it working with 3rd party toys, given likely trademark/copyright risks that massdrop would not want to delve into.

Also remember that unlike things like headphones and keyboards, where individual components like cables and keycaps have been produced billions of times over and have a long lifespan, the production cost of a transformer probably wont have much leeway given the comparatively limited lifespan of many molds. and with 1000 units minimum required (as per Gok's post) that would probably be the largest hurdle of them all. Considering how much larger the audiophile and tech communities are than TFs, few drops actually breach the 1000 sale counter. And in reality, in most drops you aren't saving all that much, rather you're obtaining a new/custom/product.

You suggest a custom MP-10 (MP-36 wouldnt work in Aus, guns are bad remember ), lets brainstorm: an Aussie themed massdrop release, so the figure would almost certainly come with no accessories other than say his gun and maybe a matrix. Minimal paint, no chrome. No trailer. No manuals or bio card, no unique mp box (I was gonna say no mp box at all, just a plain packaged box, but I can't see Takara agreeing to that, so perhaps they reuse the MP-10b sized box).

Would you find 1000 people willing to spend ~$180USD on that? Can't say I do. I think you'd have better luck convincing Takara to do a plain old limited release (like MP-10 EVA) without any corner cutting, and possibly use massdrop as the reputable platform with which to obtain the pre-orders (as you have to pay for the item in advance). That way, if its a bona-fide MP release, the worlds MP collectors/completionists would more likely jump on the wagon as well.

[Sunsurge]

You suggest a custom MP-10 (MP-36 wouldnt work in Aus, guns are bad remember ), lets brainstorm: an Aussie themed massdrop release, so the figure would almost certainly come with no accessories other than say his gun and maybe a matrix. Minimal paint, no chrome. No trailer. No manuals or bio card, no unique mp box (I was gonna say no mp box at all, just a plain packaged box, but I can't see Takara agreeing to that, so perhaps they reuse the MP-10b sized box).

I like it! MP-10 in green & gold colours with something Aussie-related like a cricket bat for smashing those Decptipunks

I'm gonna see if I can run with this...