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This pisses me the F off!!!


mynameisash

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Time to chime in.

 

OK, I see the point of view that the store would make a profit. I mean it is a business and that is the goal.

 

BUT, think about it. If this happened to ANY of us, we would raise h@ll!!

Without basic customer service and fair policy, there wouldn't be a customer base for any store to begin with. When I go to the store to pick up something, I don't expect them to roll out the red carpet, but I DO expect a fair shot at finding what I want.

What about the contract arrangement between two other parties is unfair to you? That's really the crux of this.

An arrangement was made between the retailer and a customer for "20 cases", and the complaintant wasn't included on the deal. A legal sale was made, the retailer was in their rights to sell to WHOEVER they chose, the customer secured the goods as by their rights--I assume money changed hands sealing the contract........where is there any call to judge this deal or have a say in it?

That the complaintant didn't get some?

 

Why hasn't anyone suggested this: Ask the retailer to order more. Commit your dollars to them and make YOUR OWN arrangement. Isn't that how commerce is supposed to work?

 

What the manager did was immoral and repellant from the perspective of any toy collector.

It also reeks of favoritism and a kind of "F You!!" attitude to customers

.

 

Why should one being a toy collector be relevant to this situation?

C'mon, seriously, that almost.........ALMOST suggests the retailer should sell only to certain kinds of people, or allocated limits to customers?

Why?

Why should they place limitations on THEIR ability to sell goods? Why impose a arbitrary RISK to their business when this retailer struck a deal with a single customer to minimize that risk and move 20 cases of product?

That's absurd and suicidal for business. There's no guarantee they'd get the numbers of customers in the door to sell those goods. In business terms, what this retailer did was actually quite savvy.

She had no idea that the complaintant was going to come in the door, no idea of their spending habits, or their interest in buying. How can she gauge intent here?

OF COURSE she is going to favour the person who has cash in hand and who is ready to buy.

She really acted in her own best interest and the interest of her business---and she's condemn for it?

Only toy collectors would do that to someone.

 

We don't rant when the last refridgerator is sold before we get there, or the last stereo, can of soup, or pair of socks. It only happens with collectibles.

 

If the stuff was sold to kids, or a family, or 20 teens, or ONE teen or kid, would their be cause to rant?

No.

The fact that it was sold to one other adult buyer is simply irrelevant.

Collectors often have their heads up their own asses with entitlement mindsets.

 

Here's another thought we as collectors too soon forget: toys are for kids.
Since when?

Does that mean an umbrella is only for a woman, golf clubs only for a man?

Is purchasing meant to be segregated by some kind of class? Again, this is just absurd. ANY product for sale can be sold to anyone, subject to guidelines based on content like porn or toxins, because the law assumes both parties in a contract to be equal.

This is like saying that candy is for kids.........

 

Why? Because it is bad policy to alienate and piss on your customers.
Well, this is about the only sensible point you have made.

 

What should have been done in this case was to offer the complaintant the very next items ordered in. If more of the same goods were expected, then an offer of some of those items could have smoothed things over.

If there was a conflict between the complaintant and another client seeking to buy up some of the others order, then stating UP FRONT that purchasing would be first come, first served if there's not enough goods to go around would be fair. If a deposit was made to secure items, that too would be fair, but not necessarily legally binding.

 

Now, that did NOT happen in this case.

And the retailer isn't obliged in any way to do this from the beginning.

She is risking her future orders on this one person ordering similar case amounts, and if they find a better deal elsewhere.......she's outa luck. THAT is her mistake to make though.

If the complaintant had a prior agreement to buy some of the goods, and she sold the whole shipment to someone else, THEN he'd have justification for his rant because of the implied agreement.

 

I have an arrangement not unlike the fellow mentioned above. I have a handshake deal to get Marvel Legends figures in with a local store of mine. He sets aside one of each of every set , just for me. I'm the first person offered variants. I could buy whole cases , if I chose to, but I don't. He's guarantees me he'll put them aside and I GUARANTEE I will but them from him. Symbiotic relationship its called.

If anyone else objects..........too bad. Its my arrangment, they can make their own.

Customers have come in and asked about items, and been told they have only one in and its on hold. If they object to that its not my concern--I've made my committment to the retailer and I've never broken it.

IF, by some chance that I do break it, then that arrangement goes poof, and the goods are up for grabs.

That's the essence of fairness.

 

 

I think the problem here is more with the person doing the complaining. That they didn't think to act before this other party did and now they are left wanting. Really, that's too bad.

He can ASK that some fairness be enacted, that some product be reserved, but without a monetary committment or pre-established relationship with the retailer, there's just nothing beholding the retailer to do be "fair".

That's just plain ol' business.

The only leverage he has is his patronage and the collective buying power of his friends and family.

If the chain and retailer don't consider that to be a risk to them they will not change a thing.

 

So, was this rant an angry rebuttal for someone else's opinion OR was it a chance to grandstand about how you support the other buyer because you to have a back door deal in place to get all the variants. Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, chief...

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Rhinoman, good call on there

 

Arrow...

First off:

What contract? There was no mention of a contract. Where did you get that?!? I guess you may know about it though since you are the type of guy who does this. The point is the other customer was a greedy pig who screwed EVERYONE else that shops at that store by getting EVERY ML fig and leaving none for anyone else, and the manager HELPED him do it. Those figures WEREN"T ordered for him, he caught wind of the shipment, called her up and made a deal. The manager screwed every kid in that town with $10.00 of birthday money. She screwed every collector, except one, who has disposable income. The guy's a scalper, and you know it. How can you can feel justified defending him?

 

Second:

I am entitled to my opinion, and if you don't agree, fine.

You DON'T KNOW ME. YOU have NO RIGHT to judge me and decide what my SENSIBLE points are.

And since you've decided you think I'm an idiot and posted it for everyone here to see, how about this?

I find you deplorable, because you are a the equivalent of a schoolyard bully taking the other kids lunchmoney.

 

When you were a kid, life was wonderment and every promise of a new toy made you happy. Do you remember that? On the occasions you didn't get what you were promised and waited for in anticipation, you were hurt, because someone you loved and trusted, broke a promise to you, EVEN if it was beyond their control. All because someone else beat them to it.

 

NOW, you are the guy that does that to other peoples kids, by deprieving them of getting what they want. And the bad part is you don't care!! How self-centered and selfish are you?

It seems I'm not the one with my head up my ass here.

 

Third:

I WORK at a toystore, and you know what?

I see kids buying Marvel Legends EVERYDAY.

So Ml figs, and by extension, TOYS aren't for kids...right.

So you speak from personal experience?

So you never had any toys as a kid?

No G.I. Joes, no Big Jim or Action Man? No Star Wars, or Megos?

Well, that explains alot.

 

I don't care who's buying what, if it's in MY store I sell it to them.

BECAUSE IT IS POLICY. Not because I favor them.

 

My freindly and helpful attitude bring people back to my store. They ask for me by name, because I made a good impression on them. And long-term business from a family help my store better than some "investor" who will be there maybe a year.

 

And you know what? I'd rather see a smile from some kid in my store that a crappy attitude from some overweight, filthy, lives with his mom, greaseball who thinks he owns the place.

 

And my conscience is clean at the end of the day because I did the right thing. Good karma.

You reap what you sow.

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First I gotta say, I wouldn't believe they had 20 cases unless I saw them with my own eyes, not even if it was a close friend who told me about it. People exaggerate.

 

Then there's the chance that perhaps the guy who bought them had them ordered through the store for him. It's not unheard of for people to get special orders placed for them. In this case, TB Legends have far more peg warmers than they do hot sellers and with stores trying to get rid of them fast, a guy buying a huge amount at once would probably be a welcome sight.

 

Now if happens to be that the store just got them in and this guy called and said "hold them for me!" and they did, well then that's just plain wrong. The customer should have been told they would hold some, but some must be put out for customers too.

 

As for the store itself, well, I guess it's up to the company policy. If there is no policy in place to prevent this kind of thing then there isn't anything anyone can really do. I'm sure this isn't the first complaint or last complaint they've recieved about this kind of thing, it's up to them now to take action.

 

Unfortunately KB hasn't exactly been the strongest retail chain, so they're probably more inclined to take the big sales when, where, and how they can get them.

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Rhinoman, good call on there

 

Arrow...

First off:

What contract? There was no mention of a contract. Where did you get that?!? I guess you may know about it though since you are the type of guy who does this. The point is the other customer was a greedy pig who screwed EVERYONE else that shops at that store by getting EVERY ML fig and leaving none for anyone else, and the manager HELPED him do it. Those figures WEREN"T ordered for him, he caught wind of the shipment, called her up and made a deal. The manager screwed every kid in that town with $10.00 of birthday money. She screwed every collector, except one, who has disposable income. The guy's a scalper, and you know it. How can you can feel justified defending him?

 

Whether he's a scalper or not is irrelevant to any of this.

Check the consumer law in your state/province or country and tell me if "fair access" to goods is writ in law?

Trust me, its not.

Consumer goods are typically sold on a first come first served basis.

That the guy was there first, with cash in hand means he can offer that cash for the goods.

By doing so, there's an intent to purchase, and with the retailer accepting that cash for the goods, you have a contract.

That's consumer law in the USA and Canada.

 

Check it out for yourself.

 

What you are arguing for is completely illogical.

 

As for screwing the kiddies..............oh c'mon............here's a "reality rope" to grab hold on to. It'll bring you to a safe haven of common sense.

If individual adult buyers came in and bought ONE EACH of those toys, those kids would still not have those toys in their hands. And there's be no arguement about those adults doing so, right?

Your argument does not wash.

 

See my very first sentence here again:

"Whether he's a scalper or not is irrelevant to any of this."

That someone came along and legitimately bought these toys up for their own reasons, is all that matters in this.

There's nothing wrong in that.

 

 

Second:

I am entitled to my opinion, and if you don't agree, fine.

You DON'T KNOW ME. YOU have NO RIGHT to judge me and decide what my SENSIBLE points are.

And since you've decided you think I'm an idiot and posted it for everyone here to see, how about this?

I find you deplorable, because you are a the equivalent of a schoolyard bully taking the other kids lunchmoney.

Whaa..........whoa, whoa..............how do you arrive at this?

 

I'm arguing against your points made, not your personallly, bubba.

If your points make no sense, I'll tell you so--they are not set in stone. If you can refute my points, by all means--its fair play. If you do not like your arguments shredded, then make better ones--you will always retain that option.

 

 

Where in my post have I "decided you are an idiot" or even addressed you as same?

What does not knowing or knowing you have to do with this?

 

 

And as for the bully thing? WTF?

 

C'mon man, grow up. Debate this like an adult please. Can you do that without casting an insult?

 

When you were a kid, life was wonderment and every promise of a new toy made you happy. Do you remember that? On the occasions you didn't get what you were promised and waited for in anticipation, you were hurt, because someone you loved and trusted, broke a promise to you, EVEN if it was beyond their control. All because someone else beat them to it.

 

What does this have to do with someone buying toys ( I think I'm hearing a violin playing in this)? You are reading and spinning this far and away into something its not.

 

NOW, you are the guy that does that to other peoples kids, by deprieving them of getting what they want. And the bad part is you don't care!! How self-centered and selfish are you?

It seems I'm not the one with my head up my ass here.

And what am I doing good fellow? I'm buying one of each toy that a retailer orders in. I have a retailer ordering in these toys by my request, and I agreed to purchase them from him if he holds them for me. I get my pick of them, can buy them all , IF I CHOOSE, but I buy just one of each. How could that possibly be wrong?

If that's depriving "other peoples kids" of toys, then what are you doing as a toy collector, now?

 

If you are buying toys as well, then are you not "self-centred and selfish"? After all, buying even ONE, by how you've defined this, means you are doing the very same thing you claim I do.

That last toy you bought just deprived a kid of that toy--by your logic. Its deprived ANYONE seeking that toy.

 

This is, that's how commerce works. First come, first served.

Equal limits in purchasing is an ideal that was tried in only one place for any length of time: communist nations. Is that an idea you are espousing? I don't think you are willing to take it that far, right?

 

When you buy a stove, the LAST stove in the store......do you lament that some single mom cannot cook aters for his 12 kids.........feed them warm food.........all because you bought that LAAAASSSTT stove?

Of course not. That would be silly.

Just like lamenting buying the last toy in a store is silly.

Do you see .....now.why I find your argument to be silly?

 

 

 

Third:

I WORK at a toystore, and you know what?

I see kids buying Marvel Legends EVERYDAY.

So Ml figs, and by extension, TOYS aren't for kids...right.

So you speak from personal experience?

So you never had any toys as a kid?

No G.I. Joes, no Big Jim or Action Man? No Star Wars, or Megos?

Well, that explains alot.

 

Are you frothing at the mouth as you write this? Sorry to mock you in that manner, but none of that makes any sense.

Toys are a product for sale. Anyone can buy them. Who they are bought for is only the business of the consumer. Are you telling me that you insist that people buy something for YOUR reasons? That's not a very wise tact to have in retail sales.....

 

I don't care who's buying what, if it's in MY store I sell it to them.

BECAUSE IT IS POLICY. Not because I favor them.

I think I got my answer....

 

 

My freindly and helpful attitude bring people back to my store. They ask for me by name, because I made a good impression on them. And long-term business from a family help my store better than some "investor" who will be there maybe a year.

 

And you know what? I'd rather see a smile from some kid in my store that a crappy attitude from some overweight, filthy, lives with his mom, greaseball who thinks he owns the place.

 

And my conscience is clean at the end of the day because I did the right thing. Good karma.

You reap what you sow.

 

Okay, but what does any of your rant have to do with a single buyer, buying up an entire lot of one brand of toys in a store you neither work at, nor frequent?

To be honest, I simply do not get this attitude of entitlement or sellective buying you have regarding this whole thing.

You sound as if you've latched on this buyer being a scalper, and suddenly demonized them in the most illogical way. So what?

Do you insist that customers you sell to use the stuff they buy from you in certain ways?

I think I know your answer will be "no".

You have no idea what they will do with the goods, right?

You have no idea if a kid will open a toy, or keep it in package--and you have no idea if the mentioned buyer is a scalper or not. Even if the person is, what business of ours is it??

 

Look, I'm not defending scalping.

I never scalped toys. I buy for my collection and open all my stuff and that's it. That's pretty much the same as 90% of the other posters here in this forum, and probably of the collecting community as well. You are probably in there as well, otherwise your reasons for posting here become a mystery.

 

You can make whatever unflattering assumptions you like about how I go about that, but you are just a kettle calling my pot black.

That you, and I, and the fellow that bought the "20 cases" make purchases to our own choice and legal right is something we all share. Questioning those purchases is whose personal business?

That the retailer chose to sell all those toys to just one person is their right.

That the lead poster was too late to get in and get some of those themselves is.........just too bad. Life is unfair, eh?

 

So what is wrong in any of this?

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So, was this rant an angry rebuttal for someone else's opinion OR was it a chance to grandstand about how you support the other buyer because you to have a back door deal in place to get all the variants. Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, chief...

 

Try reading it as if in a matter of fact tone--and you open up a whole new POV.

 

Y'know, like the one I'm coming from?

 

I'm not supporting either side. There's a very simple arrangement that took place and someone didn't like it because it did not favour them. Tough beans.

My example of my situation is just that, an example. Nothing to crow about.

 

Want the skinny on something?

 

My local store is a small toy store localed in the rural BC interior. Its not a Kaybee, not a TRU, and I go in through the front door, LOL.

The owner gets in maybe 1 or 2 cases of product. The number of dedicated collectors in my area are about.........one.

Ergo: me.

That's from the store owner.

I'm lucky to have that, and he's probably glad to have me as a steady customer--its a sure sell for him.

I buy one of each for my collection, the rest the owner pegs to sell.

I don't get the variants. Unless I want them, which is pretty rarely.

 

Like I said, its just an example.

 

And you were thinking it was.........what??

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I do buy one of whatever I want not 200+ therefore not making them ... wait a minute.

You know what?

Whatever...

I won't waste my time on this with you.

You REFUSE to see my point, and I will NEVER agree with you.

So if you wanna post any little snide remarks, go ahead, I'm an adult with a life to attend to...

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I gotta agree with Arrow on this one. I understand your points starman but completely disagree with a lot of the kid related ones. As a kid you didn't care if you got chase figures or not, hell there were plenty of other things to do with your time like play outside, play video games, go to school/preschool, play with friends. Toys were always sort of secondary, and getting new toys was great but it's not like it was the only thing you had. Now I think every kid had a few toys they always wanted and never got, and that's a great life lesson right there. You're not always going to get what you want, and any parent that spoils their child to the degree that the kid has everything doesn't deserve to be a parent.

 

First off the original poster was obviously lieing about the 20 cases. There's no room for 20 cases of Marvel Legends in a KB store, not even in the back room. I worked at one of the biggest KBs in the state, in the third or fourth biggest mall in America. There wouldn't even be room for 4 cases of Marvel Legends. So lets say KB got in 2 cases, how do we know any kids would have gotten those ML even if the guy didn't buy them all? Chances are guys like the original poster would have gotten to them first and picked them clean anyhow. And when it comes to collectors we've been playing the scalper game for quite a while, it's nothing new. I would be pissed, but I wouldn't go on and start bashing the store for making a sale. I'd let them know I'm very interested and I wouldn't make friends per say, but I wouldn't act like they're satan.

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So, was this rant an angry rebuttal for someone else's opinion OR was it a chance to grandstand about how you support the other buyer because you to have a back door deal in place to get all the variants. Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, chief...

 

Try reading it as if in a matter of fact tone--and you open up a whole new POV.

 

Y'know, like the one I'm coming from?

 

I'm not supporting either side. There's a very simple arrangement that took place and someone didn't like it because it did not favour them. Tough beans.

My example of my situation is just that, an example. Nothing to crow about.

 

Want the skinny on something?

 

My local store is a small toy store localed in the rural BC interior. Its not a Kaybee, not a TRU, and I go in through the front door, LOL.

The owner gets in maybe 1 or 2 cases of product. The number of dedicated collectors in my area are about.........one.

Ergo: me.

That's from the store owner.

I'm lucky to have that, and he's probably glad to have me as a steady customer--its a sure sell for him.

I buy one of each for my collection, the rest the owner pegs to sell.

I don't get the variants. Unless I want them, which is pretty rarely.

 

Like I said, its just an example.

 

And you were thinking it was.........what??

 

If you would have included your little ditty about how you're the sole ML customer of a small independent toy retailer in your little Canadian village, it might have cleared things up a bit. But, no. You presented your "example" in a very vague manner, opening it up to speculation and doubt and yourself to ridicule. Good job. Maybe you should go back and re-read what you posted. Perhaps, you too, will experience an new POV. And your tone isn't matter-of-fact, it's more like arrogance, which breeds contempt. Ergo, Starman's frustration towards your snide remarks. After reading your statements, I conclude that you think you're better than most of us and try to illustrate that by talking down to people. Now, that's how one uses a matter-of-fact tone.

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This whole topic, though very silly, is very entertaining. It's amazing how far a simple complaint can go on these boards.

While I don't deny that I myself hate it when someone else beats me to something I want, that's life, and ARROW has made some very smart and legitimate points. Kudos on your reasoning of the issue.

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I also agree w/ Arrow. Toy collector's in general love to piss and moan about what they can't find and it's always someone else's fault, be it scalpers/stores/the toy company, etc. It really gets old. Nothing is "yours" until you purchase it and walk out of the store w/ it. ML collectors complained for years about how tough it was to get variants. Then TB made it easier to get the variants starting w/ Wave 9 and people complained about that because they were now too easy and they no longer felt special for finding them or they weren't worth anything. I am convinced that most people are not content unless they are b1tching about something. If somebody in the "real world" came in and read some of the whiny posts that float around this place people would have an even lower opinon of adult toy collectors than they already do. It is truly pathetic.

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After seeing the BS that the original poster wrote about the forum members not helping him get his collection back up to par, I am GLAD THIS HAPPENED TO HIM! Who does he think he is? and How dare he assume that people will part with their time and collectibles to help him.

 

You don't deserve one figure, much less a case of them!

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If you would have included your little ditty about how you're the sole ML customer of a small independent toy retailer in your little Canadian village, it might have cleared things up a bit. But, no. You presented your "example" in a very vague manner, opening it up to speculation and doubt and yourself to ridicule. Good job. Maybe you should go back and re-read what you posted. Perhaps, you too, will experience an new POV.
Let's re-read this together okay? This is from my reply above, with some things emphasized for you.

Feel free to check it above, and place in it context with all I've said.

 

I have an arrangement not unlike the fellow mentioned above. I have a handshake deal to get Marvel Legends figures in with a local store of mine. He sets aside one of each of every set , just for me. I'm the first person offered variants. I could buy whole cases , if I chose to, but I don't. He's guarantees me he'll put them aside and I GUARANTEE I will buy them from him. Symbiotic relationship its called.

 

Now, what part of that is a problem for you, or anyone? Is locale the crux of this?

If I had said I lived in NYC, or LA, or Boise Idaho--would it have made a difference? And if there were 20 customers for this retailer I know..........would that make a difference in this?

 

The answer is " no" , right?

 

You do understand that each and every person reading this can make the very same kind of arrangement, take a lot of stress out of collecting.....and quite possibly enjoy the hobby they pursue a lot more.

I suppose someone like that might be called savvy.

 

Rather than jump into the midst of an insane rat-race with other collectors, all vying for the same items, each with a pretty much equal chance of either getting the items, or not.............I don't ( and never have) see that as fun.

I used to live in the big city, I used to participate in the same collecting rat-race. That kind of insanity doesn't make for an enjoyable hobby, so I circumvented it.

Even in the city, I found retailers that were willing to set aside items for me, and they did so simply because I was a steady patron. If other people wanted the same stuff, the retailers ordered MORE.

Why go about things harder when you can think smarter and make your life and hobby easier?

 

Again, is there a problem with that?

 

 

Now, that's my why, and my how, friend.

Was all that necessary in the first place? Or was just an example that it works for someone else all that was needed?

Or, must a poster constantly address and soothe the inclination of others to always think the worst of their fellows, rather than assume the best of others?

Kind of like what you have done?

If that's the case, you too, have done a good job.

 

But don't sweat it. This is just a discussion, not some personal malaise--despite some folks attempts to turn into just that.

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After seeing the BS that the original poster wrote about the forum members not helping him get his collection back up to par, I am GLAD THIS HAPPENED TO HIM! Who does he think he is? and How dare he assume that people will part with their time and collectibles to help him.

 

You don't deserve one figure, much less a case of them!

 

Ppl has actually offered to help him with his request since I know I have offered to sell a figured or two to him as a comment to his thread, but I think on the original thread, he asked ppl to give it to him for free or something.

 

Original topic URL:

http://forums.toynewsi.com/index.php?showt...2026584&hl=

 

so, any of you just kindly send me all of your extras, we'll all be better friends
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I dunno this "scalper" sounds fine to me. He's buying the good.. sure, but he's also getting all the bad. I hate the scalpers that pull the chases and leave the peg warmers... it's not like an ML series was hard to find (except maybe 6 and 7). Put yourself in kb's shoes, would you rather sell maybe 1 or 2 select figures to one collector and then have to worry about all the crap rotting on the pegs, or would you sell the entire case to a guy and not worry about it. And 20 cases? C'mon KB would be lucky to get 1 case of ML.

 

Just buy your figures from wal-mart or something.

 

Dollars to Dognuts says this prick is taking home the cases, pulling the "Rare!" and "HTF!" figures then returning the pegwarmers either to other KayBee's or his local Wal-Mart, Target, TRU for store credit.

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I just wanted to add this, lest anyone think I don't empathise.

Seeing a fellow collector having trouble or not getting the stuff they collect frustrates me too.

 

Its not fun when someone wants to enjoy the hobby, but cannot because of whatever reasons.

I consider myself fortunate and grateful that I can not only continue to enjoy my hobby, but that I can also share that joy with other collectors--and have done so even through tough times.

 

I collect for myself , first and foremost, though--and as "dog eat dog" as that that mindset is, its also reality for everyone.

From where I sit, there's more than enough stuff to go around and there always has been--the sole question remains one of access.

 

I've long said that if a collector is relying on the footwork of going to stores and taking a chance that items are on the pegs, they are gambling with their hobby.

With the parasitical nature of the secondary market and scalpers---going to the very same venues they haunt is just bound to yield sparse results.

If they are experiencing frustration and not enjoying the effort, then its probably time to try something new.

If a collector chooses to order stuff on-line, have fellow collectors do hook-ups, or arrange to have items held by a favoured retailer--then, imo, they are playing the game smarter. My long-time experience has been that there are MANY resources and people out there to bring what you seek to your hands.

Yes, it can cost more than just retail.......but lets be honest here, adding a few dollars to stem frustration ( even resentment) sounds like a fair price to pay.

Sometimes all it costs is a smile.

If someone is collecting these days and insists on paying the least for the most--unless they are very patient-- they are bound to experience some pain. Some people do this because its "fun"--to each their own, I guess.

 

I've just never seen the sense in that.

 

We all come at this hobby from different perspectives, and different means. If someone has a method that works reliably for them--awesome, good on them. It might work for others, it might not.

If the hobby is frustating someone to the point of becoming upset, its probably time to take stock of just how good a fit the hobby is in their lives. If a person is unwilling or unable to adjust how they do things, and if patience is not their forte, then MAYBE scaling back or giving up the hobby is in order.

That is the least desired of all outcomes.

 

Its just completely pointless tearing a stripe off a retailer because they are looking out for their best interest-- and because the ranting collector is doing exactly the same thing.

Sharpening knives for a scalper is equally pointless because its SO EASY to bypass how they work--and with global commerce at our fingertips, we can pretty much guarantee getting collectibles into our own hands, when scalpers cannot even offer that. My own collecting career, and the career of many of our fellow posters can stand as testament to that.

Its not an exclusive "club" or privilege, anyone can do this at anytime, and I've freely posted my own resources(as have others) here for all to see in other threads.

If you need help--ASK.

 

So c'mon folks.......the only thing you'll miss out on is NOT having fun.

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You do understand that each and every person reading this can make the very same kind of arrangement, take a lot of stress out of collecting.....and quite possibly enjoy the hobby they pursue a lot more.

I suppose someone like that might be called savvy.

 

 

Actually that may be true where you live, but here in the states most stores will not do such a thing. Walmarts and Targets especially WILL NOT do any special favors for collectors. Most won't even get them out of the stockroom if they have them, they make you wait until they put them out. They even post signs informing collectors of that policy.

 

Comic shops or something might hold or order figures just for their regular customers, but that usually won't come without that shop making a not so friendly price hike for the trouble.

 

I don't want to be a part of being on any one side or another here, I just thought I'd point that out.

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You do understand that each and every person reading this can make the very same kind of arrangement, take a lot of stress out of collecting.....and quite possibly enjoy the hobby they pursue a lot more.

I suppose someone like that might be called savvy.

 

 

Actually that may be true where you live, but here in the states most stores will not do such a thing. Walmarts and Targets especially WILL NOT do any special favors for collectors. Most won't even get them out of the stockroom if they have them, they make you wait until they put them out. They even post signs informing collectors of that policy.

 

Comic shops or something might hold or order figures just for their regular customers, but that usually won't come without that shop making a not so friendly price hike for the trouble.

 

I don't want to be a part of being on any one side or another here, I just thought I'd point that out.

 

 

Madman is 100% correct. Wal-mart and Target...forget it. TRU...maybe, but only if you know a stockperson and even then it is a backdoor deal. Their systems are so behind that I have bought new things off the shelves that weren't even in the system yet and needed to be rung up by hand. KB's...sounds like you can do deals there but good luck since there is one about every 1000 miles. And LCS...easiest option but w/ the price-gouging...I'd rather take my chances hunting everyday.

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Just to clarify:

In my original post I was merely pointing out the way the store manager acted and how it affected every consumer (not collectors, because I don't want this to be misconstrued) within her area in a negative way. I was taking the point of view that if this ever happened to any of us as consumers (not collectors, because I don't want this to be misconstrued) of said product, we would be understandably upset by it.

 

I posted an opinion from a consumers point of view, not a monetary one. The problem here is,

I'm an advocate for the consumer (not collectors, because I don't want this to be misconstrued), not the corporation. This, in turn means I 'm on the side of everyone on this board.

 

If you are lucky enough to have a connection, which means you don't have to find these things in chain stores like the rest of us, great, BUT, that is an entirely different situation, and realise that most of us DO NOT have that option.

 

Most LCS that where in the US 10 yrs ago are gone, and 75% of the one left are a joke.

Out of the 7 LCS in a 45 minute drive from my home 2 remain, one which doesn't order toys, and the other is run by an immoral pervert you gouges prices (and in regards to this seller, that is no joke, ask DRAVEN79, he know's the guy).

 

That means that most of us have to rely on Target, TRU, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and KB. Deals don't get made at these places, as others have pointed out, and if they do, it is most likely under the table.

That is what is frustating. First come, first serve, yes. But in the case of this topic it was first come, get all. That is wrong. For all of the other CUSTOMERS (not collectors, because I don't want this to be misconstrued), although not the store.

 

Everyone is viewing this as a good sale for the store, and it is, BUT it was bad for customers (not collectors, because I don't want this to be misconstrued), that will go to that store searching for ML figures to find nothing but empty pegs.

 

My post was an opinion piece not a debate. Yet out of every post here, mine was the on picked apart line by line and refuted. That is taking it out of context. If you can't refute the idea and jist of the piece then, in my opinion, you missed the point. I can take any opinion and refute it by taking it out of context. Anyone can.

 

Arrow, you failed to grasp the whole idea behind the opinion, in this case consumer rights.

 

I didn't write it to argue and debate, I wrote it as an opinion. If anyone fails to grasp that, then I'm sorry.

 

I will not argue the point, that's not who I am, and I will not take part in it.

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You do understand that each and every person reading this can make the very same kind of arrangement, take a lot of stress out of collecting.....and quite possibly enjoy the hobby they pursue a lot more.

I suppose someone like that might be called savvy.

 

 

Actually that may be true where you live, but here in the states most stores will not do such a thing. Walmarts and Targets especially WILL NOT do any special favors for collectors. Most won't even get them out of the stockroom if they have them, they make you wait until they put them out. They even post signs informing collectors of that policy.

 

Comic shops or something might hold or order figures just for their regular customers, but that usually won't come without that shop making a not so friendly price hike for the trouble.

 

I don't want to be a part of being on any one side or another here, I just thought I'd point that out.

 

Who said you have to limit your buying to just the continental United States, or just TRU/Walmart/Target? The market you have access to today is international, global even.

And I'm not even talking about Walmarts or Targets...........really.......shopping at those chains are almost pointless BECAUSE of the very reason you cited.

You've got 50 states in the Union, and how many population centres and HOW MANY possible collectible/toy stores in each of those states?

Yea, I'm in Canada..........big deal, location is irrelevant.........The Walmarts and TRU's up here have the same no-hold policy, by and large..........which is why I do not rely on them.

The big chains are not even on my radar anymore.

 

If a store hikes the price because of the "service"--find another store. How simple is that?

Not every store gouges too.

 

If a collector is putting in a lot of time and sweat hitting store after store and coming up dry, why not invest that time into finding other stores outside your search area............or trying stores that others reccomend and see if they work better??

There's bound to be some mark-up--I pay maybe $2 more a figure than most folks around me---pft, which is nothing.

The cost of gas money, time, and effort in a foot hunt usually far exceeds that.

If a collector is willing to accept that.......they can come out ahead in the long-term.

 

Use the area reports here , and if someone else appears to be having an easier time in the hobby, ask them how they do it.

Look........here's the ones I use in Canada:

http://www.fascinationstreet.ca

http://www.agesthreeandup.com

http://www.thecomicshop.ca/

 

 

They all have toll-free numbers AND email, --so it will not cost you to contact them.

Now, I'm not shilling for them.........if anyone calls them up, they make their own deal with them.

These three places have never screwed me around, and if anyone is still wary, I can give them the names of the folks that run the joints--folks I know personally. Treat them courteously and they will not gouge you......buy from them consistently ( if you can) and.........well, you can reap some rewards.

The only way that happens though is by taking the time to build the relationship.

 

Now, your options have just increased by three.

Find a couple of posters willing to do hook-ups and you've increased your options some more. TNI has almost 10,000 members, meaning 10,000 potential hook-ups.

Post in other forums.......and the numbers just go up. Wow.

All without setting foot in a TRU, Walmart or Target.

 

All I'm saying in this is that the opportunities exist, not only to find stuff, but to make things easier on yourself so you and anyone else can enjoy things more.

My nearest Walmart/TRU is over 2 hours away, in another city. My local toy store is 30 minutes up the highway, two of the retailers I mentioned above are SIX HOURS drive away.........so mail-order or the very rare personal visit are my options with them. I'm in the boonies here--but I'm not having any trouble collecting.

 

Some folks like the hunt--they live for the thrill and exercise of scouring stores finding those few items.

Often times they'll come up empty-handed. I did that for YEARS--and to what end? I wore out shoes is what, LOL.

Its just stopped being fun doing it that way ( other things in life became more important), so I changed my approach. What changed was that when I actually did go out to hunt, something would actually be there waiting for me when I arrived--because it had been set up that way. Wouldn't everyone prefer to have it like that?

 

 

If your methods work for you, do not stop using them, but if you are not having fun that way--TRY SOMETHING ELSE. In today's paradigm there is just no need for anyone in the hobby to be frustrated.

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