What is your main source of Transformer toys?

[Wheel-J]

I belong to the top selection of the poll - first option.

[SofaMan]

I get the overwhelming majority of my toys through ordinary retail sources. I'm suprised this wasn't one of the poll options; I had to choose Other.

[5FDP]

I get the overwhelming majority of my toys through ordinary retail sources. I'm suprised this wasn't one of the poll options; I had to choose Other.

I guess this is aimed more at the vintage collector as the obvious answer for those interested in current toys would be their local toy shops.

Does this answer your question of why there is no option for retail sources or do you mean something else?

[dirge]

Mainly through local fans. I do use eBay, but rarely nowadays. In the past eBay was my primary source, and before that was through alt.toys.transformers sales!

[optimus1]

I'm also getting most of mine through fellow fans whom I trust, thanks a lot everyone

I've yet to try and use online shops, I'm not confident on how to use them yet

But for current Australian releases, mostly through local shops.

[GoktimusPrime]

I guess this is aimed more at the vintage collector as the obvious answer for those interested in current toys would be their local toy shops.

Does this answer your question of why there is no option for retail sources or do you mean something else?

I get most of my Transformers from retail stores. And I have a G1 collection too, most of which I got from retail stores. So anyway, I clicked "other" cos most of my Transformers come from local shops. :/

[liegeprime]

Well, the bulk of my then purchases and that of my meager recent ones ( mostly parts and accessories) is Ebay. for more recent ones of course - retail shops but the vintage, G1,G2 BW stuff I get from ebay , a small portion from here in this forum and of course Parramatta Fair.

[5FDP]

And I have a G1 collection too, most of which I got from retail stores.

I should have created a special category for you Goki as you would be one of a select few that would have obtained the majority of their G1 collection via retail outlets

[GoktimusPrime]

Stories like this make me feel relieved that I buy most of my Transformers from the shops. You don't get these kinds of issues when shopping in a store and you can inspect the toy first hand yourself. If the toy happens to be defective then you can easily return it to the store for an exchange or refund. You also don't need to wait for shipping or worry about the toy being damaged or lost in transit because the toy is right there in your hands to take home.

IMO shops offer greater comfort and security compared to purchasing online. Having said that, purchasing online can sometimes be easier when you're getting something that you've been unable to find in local stores. Toy hunting can be a massive pain in the bum (and a big waste of time and fuel) when you drive great distances to look for a toy in hopes of finding it (which can also be really emotionally draining and downright frustrating to the point that you want to put your hand through a wall!). Both shopping online and in stores offer pros and cons, but in the majority of cases I prefer buying in stores. I suspect that I'm probably the only person here who doesn't have an eBay account.

[5FDP]

Stories like this make me feel relieved that I buy most of my Transformers from the shops. You don't get these kinds of issues when shopping in a store and you can inspect the toy first hand yourself.

So... you don't believe that credit card fraud happens in retail shopping, or you only use cash when making purchases? Even if it is the later, I'm assuming that you would withdraw this cash from an ATM somewhere. You hear about skimming devices used on EFTPOS machines and ATM's all the time. In fact, there was one reported just last month and also this week.