Transformers questions by newbies, and not-so-newbies

[Bidoofdude]

Any Deluxe to Voyager toys that look enough like Bludgeon from the Old Titan Hunting crew in IDW? (the one with TC)

[Megatran]

Much of the items on the overseas online stores do not mention the actual size of the TF item. I'm not referring to the box, but the actual toy itself. Only in few instances does the description actually mention, say the height of the toy. The experience can be underwhelming when you first open the shipping box! Don't get me wrong. As great as the toy may be in terms of functionality, detail, QC and playability goes, sometimes you feel shortchanged value wise. Is there a way to find out the size of the toy prior to purchasing the item? The Toy Review threads are FANTASTIC by the way.

[Paulbot]

Much of the items on the overseas online stores do not mention the actual size of the TF item. I'm not referring to the box, but the actual toy itself. Only in few instances does the description actually mention, say the height of the toy. The experience can be underwhelming when you first open the shipping box! Don't get me wrong. As great as the toy may be in terms of functionality, detail, QC and playability goes, sometimes you feel shortchanged value wise. Is there a way to find out the size of the toy prior to purchasing the item? The Toy Review threads are FANTASTIC by the way.

There's an old school TF reviewer named Dave Van Domelen who's pretty thorough at giving sizes for toys in both modes in his text reviews (that go back to BW days) and in cm too for his non US readers.

[Megatran]

Thanks Paulbot.

This next question definitely fits into the category of a newbie & probably been asked by others on many occasions but I don't have the luxury of time to comb through the forum. Is shipping cost included as part of the $1,000 limit for GST exemption on overseas online store purchases?

[Iriorne]

Shipping only counts if the value of goods is over $1000.

$1000 goods + $100 shipping --> no charges
$1001 goods + $100 shipping --> GST on total value inc. shipping + customs duty on goods value (+ maybe a processing fee too)

[Cat]

There's an old school TF reviewer named Dave Van Domelen who's pretty thorough at giving sizes for toys in both modes in his text reviews (that go back to BW days) and in cm too for his non US readers.

It's also worth Googling the figure. You'll often shots people have taken of it with other relevant toys (eg '86 movie cast in Classics form), so you'll often see them next to a figure you own, a nice way to work out the size.

It also helps to have an idea of the general times when there have been general sizes to changes, ie what we saw with initial PRID and FOC figs. It may help a bit with generally managing expectations.

Or just ask. Whatever it is, someone on here is bound to own it.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Right now I am toying with the idea of getting Subscription Figures: Jackpot, Breakdown and Slipstream but am torn whether to get them from the Collectors Club store or from BBTS. Both have their pros and cons:


BBTS:
Jackpot - $39.99
Breakdown - $79.99
Slipstream - $99.99
Shipping - Can be put into my POL

Club Store:
Jackpot - yet to appear in store. Hopefully he will
Breakdown- $59.00
Slipstream - $69.00
Shipping - apparently quite expensive


So my questions are: A: Which should provide the cheaper option? and B: Are the figures worth the price? Since my wife's maternity leave pay has finished money is fairly tight so may have to bypass them altogether or at least limit myself to one or two, possibly Jackpot and Breakdown. I really want a Slipstream toy, but I'm not sure the TFCC version really does the character justice.

[UltraMarginal]

I'd investigate whether or not you can get first class international with the club, that would be cheaper than their other options most likely. but probably still not as cheap as adding to your POL. of course the 20 - 30 difference between the cost of each figure might make all the difference.

define "worth the price" ?

they are exclusives so they are more expensive than retail by nature.
Breakdown has a fair lot of paint apps and looks good in both modes. it's as good a quality mold wise as classics red alert.

Slipstream is based on an excellent mold has a pretty good colour scheme. I'd have to have a closer look to check out the paint apps. The head design is OK, better tan photos and different to Starscream (unlike allll the other repaints of this mold) Another advantage of the new head not having a crest is the crest can't get bent up in vehicle mode. As lithe and feminine as the starscream feels, Slipstream kind of feels a little masculine some how.

I'm still waiting for Jackpot.

[Cat]

And it there's a problem, BBTS is a hell of a lot easier to deal with than the Club.

It's up to you how much that is worth though, and if you're expecting problems in the first place.

[BigTransformerTrev]

As lithe and feminine as the starscream feels, Slipstream kind of feels a little masculine some how.

I kind of got that impression from the pics. Think I may bypass her and hope they do a generations mold or something down the line that actually represents her as a femmebot rather than a blokebot with a femme face. Cheers UM and everyone else for your advice