What is your main source of Transformer toys?

[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.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't have a credit card, but you make a fair point about EFTPOS fraud and ATM skimming devices. But I still don't feel the need to buy most Transformers from the net... for me it's just quicker and easier to duck over the Kmart or something and just grab it then and there.

Maybe I'm just simple... but it works for me.

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

Sofaman also pointed out that he gets most of his toys from shops, and apparently 17.86% (at the time of this post) of poll respondents have also elected the "None of the above" category, although I'm not sure if they're all necessarily also buying from local shops too. Even if it's a minority I think it would've been nice to have it included in a poll. Ah well, no use getting your arm chopped off by a lightsabre and crying over spilt blue Bantha milk I suppose.

[SGB]

I get my Transformers figures from retail stores, online stores, and via private sales with fellow Transfans.

[MV75]

Specify:

From the obvious main option you neglected to add; retail off/on-line stores.

[5FDP]

Hmmm... I tried to modify the poll as you guys have asked but it doesn't seem to allow me to

To be honest though, I think it makes for an interesting discussion for those that have continued to purchase through retail stores over the years and have managed to 'build' such impressive collections. You're dedication should be told in a story.

[MV75]

Why?

There was no difficulty about buying the whole cybertron range here at retail. It was all here and plentiful.

Plus there is/was no amazing feat about buying encore at hlj as they were released.