I miss the days of my youth when I would walk into a department store, head straight to the toy aisles and instantly be transported to a different world filled with multiple copies of every figure, vehicle and playset imaginable... everything I would see advertised on Saturday morning TV and then some. It was a wonderful time I wish today’s kids would have the chance of experiencing if even just once. I am so thankful everyday I grew up when I did. The world isn’t the same anymore and that’s not necessarily a good thing when it comes to everything. Keep up the great work, Michael and Melinda. You guys are the greatest. Thank you for this channel and for helping me to remember the good days.
I feel like Michael is telling someone they should breakup with a girlfriend who's bad news... seriously though, listen to Michael and stop dating Hasbro.
I think we need to differentiate between people who got Pulse specifically for the exclusives (burn, indeed!) and those who got it under the presumption of improved availability of *retail* product. I don't think there's anything stupid about assuming Hasbro's own site would have improved availability for regular releases. This is precisely why I got my (admittedly free) membership. I like being able to secure my acquisitions without paying the collectors' shop premiums and shipping. I've yet to be disappointed.
Not even SW like my local Walmart has like the same transformers from last year and nothing else from Hasbro most of the other figures are from Mattel or other companies.
Its more like kids dont play with action figures. Places like Walmart and Target sell what sells and lego and nerf outsell figures. Plus why carry toys that parents will not buy because why buy toys (clutter that does not get played with) when a FREE game ap does rhe job
This is because Hasbro wont put 4 Boba Fett's to a case (in this case not any at all). Instead they cram 4 Constable Zuvio's in a case and depending on the case assortment number, you may have to go through 2 or 3 boxes before you find the one carded figure that everyone is out searching for.
"You're being so mean to them!" "Shut up." Exactly. When a company is mean to the people who keep it going, they deserve pushback. And sometimes it might be "mean." I grew up in the 80s. Standing up to bullies usually solved the problem. We didn't just sympathize with their "plight."
Agreed. They act like companies like Hasbro are your best friend and will do anything they ask you to. Well guess what, fanboys. They don't give a damn about you and only care about the $$$ that they make. Especially all of you honks who want to spend $575 on a toy that will NOT be released until 2022.
All this Hasbro pulse stuff and haslab stuff came into being right when I became financially responsible for the first time in my life. The temptation, and the absolute want to get the Sail Barge was huge, but ultimately, and thankfully I made the mature decision to not to, and that’s when I divorced myself from that mentality you speak of. I’m quite happy with this decision. And my young bank account is too
Thanks, Michael. This was thought provoking, particularly on the larger issue of just generally not just supporting a major corporation (who doesn't care about your feelings) just to feel like you are a worthy collector or even just a worthy person in general. I think you are providing a unique safe-space on youtube for fans of toys/collectibles to think and talk like adults.
I've arrived to this channel quite recently, but I can't help but comment on each video I see because of how much I appreciate the fact that there's a voice out there lookin out for people like me who don't want to be strung around the balls by these b.s. sales tactics or companies who don't give a crap about how shoddy their figures are.
I'm shocked that this sold out so fast, yet the Marvel Legends Collector/Grandmaster set stayed in stock for DAYS and those are two of the most *BEAUTIFUL* (reference intended) figures Hasbro has made. You're right though. They're taking the wrong models. They need to do what Super 7 is doing and produce them by preorder amount.
I love it when Michael goes unplugged because he tells it like it is. Solid video, Michael. That was awesome. And my week is going very well and I hope my weekend is the same. Thank you for the well wishes. Love you guys loads.
I know I'm digging up a two year old thread, but I just stumbled on your channel. Thanks for your opinions and insight. You've helped me ditch Hasbro. I was always on the fence, I just needed the push. Keep it up and keep pissing off "Chad". 🤣
My take on this guys is Star Wars Toys hasn't been the same since Kenner was acquired and then absorbed by Hasbro. It was funny as a kid if something broke on my Falcon, like the landing door legs broke or the dish, I could write Kenner and they would mail me a replacement. Hell even in the early 90s they still did stuff like that when my little brother was playing with Jurassic Park Kenner toys. On the same card, something would snap on my Skystriker or Rattler, Hasbro was like "too bad kid by another one" even IF I offered to pay or exchange Flag Points for it. Kenner legit would occassionally mail me regular FREE action figures, just because I wrote them. Hasbro? "Fuck off, kid". Sigh... It was a hard day when they merged with Hasbro and were finally absorbed by them. The writing was on the wall a long time ago before Haslab and Hasbro Pulse.
Loved your captain America video. People often resort to calling someone else a hater when they are presented with facts that go against their preconceived ideas.
This is why I purchase SH Figuarts and Mafex. Sure they are expensive, but I know where to get it and I know I'm getting a superior product compared to the American toy companies. Other than GI Joe I've long abandoned the US market. Great message to collectors. I love hearing from someone like yourself that you don't need to buy everything they sell. Great words of wisdom that people should use in all aspects of their lives. A couple years ago I decided to collect only what I love, GI Joe and Batman. I sold off everything that wasn't in my heart. Have a great weekend! 🙏
I respect you for having strong values when it comes to supporting a community of fans and collectors opposed to a lofty big business model. Most of all, I appreciate the information that is shared to open my mind and eyes just a bit wider. Thank you and have a great weekend.
Appreciated your comments on this. I am (was?) a six-inch Black Series collector. Finding products in stores, online or even finding out about new releases became a full time job with diminishing returns. I'd hear about a figure, but never find it. I'd find figures I'd never heard about. Most of the ones I did buy, I purchased through third party sellers. And a lot of those I had to pass on because they were marked up so high. I've only bought one single figure this year. I've really given up on it.
Hi .. I have never commented on any of your videos, but I absolutely love this video .. I have been a original vintage collector for over 40 years and I am very proud of all the work , time , and money to make that happen 1977-1985 Kenner Star Wars . But then this SDCC Boba Fett really had my interest because the only black Series that I own are Boba Fett and Darth Maul versions, I pass on all the rest So my wife signed me up for Hasbro Pulse to get this item and the Luke Skywalker VC 3pack .. we have Galaxy 9s phones from Verizon, and the highest speed internet with blast from Xfinity for my HP laptop .. Me , my Wife , and my daughter had our phones and laptop refreshing them on for 9/9 - 9/10 we got the Luke 3pack but the SDCC Boba Fett was never offered it just siad SOLD OUT and then vanished... My wife called Hasbro and the gentleman siad that it went on at 8.57 pst 9/9 and sold out by 8.59 which was BULLSHIT because all 3 of us were on waiting.. What a waist of time .. I had originally had took the day off for Triple Force Friday to give away more money, but canceled my day off and will not be participating in Force Friday Hasbro and Disney has ruined Star Wars for me and I feel kicked in the face for the last time .. I will stick with all my original Kenner Star Wars 1977-1985 only .. because Kenner had it figured out ...keep up the good work and I look forward to watching more of your videos...
I gave up on Hasbro years ago; I buy exclusively from eBay, picking my items that I am willing to pay a bit of a premium for, and taking advantage of thrift shops which can have some surprisingly good bargains.
Ben_ToaofFire Exactly! I paid a premium for TFA Rey when I should have waited a year and I could have gotten her for far less. I’m currently reminding myself of that so that I don’t go all in on the SDCC Stormtrooper Luke; with patience, I’ll get him for much less in 2020 than I will now.
It’s also fun to pick up entire waves on clearance at other online retailers a year or two later. Oh look I just got the whole wave for what that scalper wanted for one figure a year ago.
Ryan Sargent Seriously?!? Where do you score to such a degree? Bear in mind, I’m in Japan, and while I have gone to BBTS and EE in the past, I blew my cost margin on shipping, and didn’t really save all that much. Truth is, I’m almost exclusive to Tunghori.
Haters will always be hating. Truth is Hasbro is not in it for the collector, it is only about them. Cheers for tour honest opions Micheal. I am glad that someone has the nuts to call it as it is. 👍🍻
Gone are the days when you could go into a store get a number of the things you want. Now there's only the same old, same old. I miss those times so much.
Great video and very spot on! If you thought the Boba Fett was bad last month they had an exclusive Hulk that went up for sale an hour later than Hasbro said it would and sold out in 2 minutes.
I totally agree with you, Michael, and that's what I have been doing too: I am not buying into Disney+, Pulse, Haslabs or "proposals" of that kind. I happen to be a Hasbro Premium member because at some point I bought some figures that I could not find anywhere else, and they upgraded me at no cost. The moment they ask for a monthly or yearly payment, that's the end of it for me because I don't support this comercial practice (I don't support Amazon Prime either because I don't want to be a captive buyer to justify a yearly spending on shipping). On another note, I used to be what I call a "completist", which is my made up name for collectors who want to get everything that is released in a collection. It's not that I found my personal value linked to having it all: I just thought (and still do) that there is beauty in having the cool and the ugly in a collection as long as the ugly is not excessively unappealing. Now I just cherry pick, because with all of that crap of exclusives here and there, and that engineered scarcity you mention (great name, by the way), manufacturers made impossible to keep up. I believe that something is very, very wrong when you loose lots of money from a loyal customer (and I say loyal simply because completists buy it all, not because of their attachment to a brand) just to make some extra sales. Still, this is a complex subject because many collectors I know thrive precisely on having pieces that no one else has... They don't enjoy the feat of finding them half as much as being able to show off. This extreme individuality, which has lots to do with a selfish approach to collecting, is what in my opinion really makes of this bussiness models a success so far.
Anybody else imagine "Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing in the background? Lol. Wonderful speech Michael, I was on the fence about the Pulse / Haslab stuff from the get go. Really wanted that Barge though, but financial wisdom won in the end. I only collect the figures I really want. Black Series mainly, with some Legends. I got super lucky finding 90's Storm in the wild after she had been sold out online.
Thank you for talking about not needing to be a completist. I needed to hear that. I've noticed lately that I'm actually getting annoyed when they announce new stuff. Hasbro taking advantage of people's addictive tendencies.
Your rant means a lot. I only just started to use Hasbro Pulse this past Christmas cuz I am collecting the MMPR Lightning Collection figures the pre order and has lab garbage really hurts....they throw something in your face you are foaming at the mouth for and its just that...a tease...Hasbro has no reason for doing this....they used to fill my toybox as a kid and my shelves as a yung adult and now they have all but abandoned the store shelf for there own soul grabbing greed.
It's never easy being the voice of reason in this day and age, especially when it's a bitter pill to swallow for some folks. They better get wise and take it with a glass of water, otherwise they're just going down the road of delusion. Mike, you're the beacon of reason in the darkness of chaos. Keep up your great work you do! 😎👍
It was very frustrating! I took the morning off Monday to buy these items. I was at SDCC and they sold out by the time I was even able to access the overflow line to the booth. I got in on Hasbro Pulse when it was free to join during the first few weeks, so I feel worse for those who paid the annual fee for the service. Luckily I managed to get Boba the next day for the general release.
I haven't even heard of this Hasbro Plus thing. I think that everything will go the way of Loot Crate and just burn out in time. Our high street in Grantham here in England is absolutely empty. It's so depressing and people end up going into the big cities to shop or go online. I would love to have a great toy store in our town again but I cannot see it happening. I remember it feeling so special to have a trip to the toy shop and just the atmosphere was fantastic. Anyway this has been a great and informative video Dr. Sorry I mean Michael.
Sometimes I think i get sassy about your videos and gripe that your getting too grumpy... but... where you mention that we simply just dont need these items to be complete, and to let our ocd go... was truly insightful and worthy of the rant. You are truly good for toys. Thanks.
I never understood Pulse: Pay a subscription for the OPPORTUNITY to pay full retail. I can pay full retail anywhere with no subscription, or less on amazon.
I don't know about now but in the early 2000s at SDCC, their exclusives seem to be done in a similar way, you had to buy a raffle ticket to win the opportunity to buy the exclusive toy, I just said screw it
The Pulse Premium was offered for free with purchase and then sold for 50.00, They never guaranteed anyone exclusives. The core pulse perk is saving you on shipping costs. Bottom line people should read the terms.
I generally don't agree with this guy as he likes to trash hasbro any chance he has, like he did with the Sail Barge even when his facts were wrong. But in this case, he has a valid point. The only advantage you get with Pulse is free shipping, when they said pulse members will get offers monthly. I got the membership for free and I feel really bad for those who bought it thinking they'll be able to get the exclusive figures
Thorswars 12 He comes across as putting on airs. He makes it a little too much about cerebral intellect, it’s merely discussing collecting and what not. It is not that deep. Back to my point. Hasbro never promised pulse members a cut in line as it were.
Also anyone wanting a 6 inch Boba Fett can easily find the Archive version in stores. So I don’t see anything wrong with offering a comic con exclusive of the same figure on a card back. It’s a reward for those attending the con. If you were one of the lucky ones who scored one online. Well that was a bonus. You didn’t have to attend the con and stand in line to get one.
They really don’t have a clue apart from how to take the subscription fees. Totally agree with everything you’ve said especially how they should do pre-orders, that would work so easily and everyone would be happy.
You're right about Hasbro not actually putting stuff in stores people actually really wanna buy, especially the Star Wars line, if I had a dollar for every time I saw a Rose Tico or Rey action figure peg warming, or those 12" figures and Forces Of Destiny things clogging up the shelves I would be rich. What is really unbelievable and stupidly unfortunate for Hasbro is they are about to do the same again with some awful Galaxy Of Adventure 5" figures no one wants. As for all those exclusives and all that stuff that people do actually want, why make them limited it's like they don't wanna make more money or something, I just do not understand their marketing strategy at all.
Your not a hater. Your just saying what most of us are thinking. Personally, I think toy company's lost sight of the real joy about collecting; The Hunt. With all these online kickstarter subscription BS, the hunt has turned into a buying frenzy and the fans as well as brick and mortar are suffering for it.
They make plenty of money off of Marvel legends, which I collect a lot, and there is almost never problems like this with those. I feel bad for star wars collectors.
Got mine no problem at Fanexpo Toronto this year. Hasbro also went about it so that anyone with a vendor/exhibitor pass, wasn’t allowed to purchase one. Only general admission guests were allowed so fans and collectors could get one and not vendors who’ll flip them immediately for 10x the price. It’s a sexy figure for sure.
The Boba Fett was advertised as a San Diego comic con exclusive like many of the other convention exclusives that actually sold on their site. Well, selling a convention exclusive later online doesn’t make it a convention exclusive.
I really don't know what else to say but the fact I am very shocked to hear what Hasbro is doing to people nowadays. I'm glad you uploaded this video for us as a heads up warning. I myself will not get involved with Hasbro Pulse Boba Fett as well.
Hell yeah! I have been in against hasbros online crap since they tried the DTC direct to consumer website. If they cant be bothered to be a toy company that cares anymore, then sellfigure rights off to smaller companies so that maybe we can get cool stuff that doesnt warm pegs forever. If they are going online only, yea a preorder would be best, but i think they could do something cooler. Like have the backing cards be the checklist of what comes out in tye year, but have it where however many preorders a figure gets, determines which quarter it comes out in. So its not just preorder its also a vote, yet in the end of the year you know what will come out if they follow through.
I appreciate your voice of frustrations! It’s pretty much same view with few items in past. As for pre order. So far only one I been rip. Other got refunded. And other I got my order. Thanks for the warning!
I miss the days of my youth when I would walk into a department store, head straight to the toy aisles and instantly be transported to a different world filled with multiple copies of every figure, vehicle and playset imaginable... everything I would see advertised on Saturday morning TV and then some. It was a wonderful time I wish today’s kids would have the chance of experiencing if even just once. I am so thankful everyday I grew up when I did. The world isn’t the same anymore and that’s not necessarily a good thing when it comes to everything. Keep up the great work, Michael and Melinda. You guys are the greatest. Thank you for this channel and for helping me to remember the good days.
Damn right!!!
One huge reason I have pivoted to Lego...they seem to genuinely give fair price and fair warning of availability across the world
I also find it funny that Hasbro took down the ability to write a review on Hasbro Pulse Premium.
This video is 2 years old and nothing has changed
I feel like Michael is telling someone they should breakup with a girlfriend who's bad news... seriously though, listen to Michael and stop dating Hasbro.
WarParty! At the Outpost yea, that girlfriend (Hasbro) is bad news...
If into the Hasbro subrscription service you go... Only pain will you find.
Sometimes, you’ve gotta let the dummies burn themselves on the stove so that they fully understand that they shouldn’t touch it
"I will poop on your lawn!" I'm sorry, Lio, I just love that comeback.
Because people think everyone gets a trophy
😆😆😆👏👏👏
I think we need to differentiate between people who got Pulse specifically for the exclusives (burn, indeed!) and those who got it under the presumption of improved availability of *retail* product. I don't think there's anything stupid about assuming Hasbro's own site would have improved availability for regular releases. This is precisely why I got my (admittedly free) membership. I like being able to secure my acquisitions without paying the collectors' shop premiums and shipping. I've yet to be disappointed.
Ahem...unicron
And this is why stores like Target and Walmart have scaled down their SW toy aisle. They don't trust Hasbro anymore.
Not even SW like my local Walmart has like the same transformers from last year and nothing else from Hasbro most of the other figures are from Mattel or other companies.
Its more like kids dont play with action figures. Places like Walmart and Target sell what sells and lego and nerf outsell figures. Plus why carry toys that parents will not buy because why buy toys (clutter that does not get played with) when a FREE game ap does rhe job
This is because Hasbro wont put 4 Boba Fett's to a case (in this case not any at all). Instead they cram 4 Constable Zuvio's in a case and depending on the case assortment number, you may have to go through 2 or 3 boxes before you find the one carded figure that everyone is out searching for.
@@910dohead Arggg. ..Constable Zubio. What a useless character that didn't need to have his own figure. I still see this guy peg warming the aisles.
@@skabcat242 Yeah, he had exactly 1 second of screen time. Great figure...
We at The Fans Strike Back approve this message.
That was truly brilliant, Michael.
Jeffrey Piatt pretty sure he gets all that, champ. Also none of it is relevant to the larger point.
"You're being so mean to them!"
"Shut up."
Exactly. When a company is mean to the people who keep it going, they deserve pushback. And sometimes it might be "mean." I grew up in the 80s. Standing up to bullies usually solved the problem. We didn't just sympathize with their "plight."
Agreed. They act like companies like Hasbro are your best friend and will do anything they ask you to. Well guess what, fanboys. They don't give a damn about you and only care about the $$$ that they make. Especially all of you honks who want to spend $575 on a toy that will NOT be released until 2022.
Well chosen words
Hey Michael, this is the other 80% and I want to say thank you and please enjoy your weekend too!
All this Hasbro pulse stuff and haslab stuff came into being right when I became financially responsible for the first time in my life. The temptation, and the absolute want to get the Sail Barge was huge, but ultimately, and thankfully I made the mature decision to not to, and that’s when I divorced myself from that mentality you speak of. I’m quite happy with this decision. And my young bank account is too
Congratulations on reaching that level of understanding!
Thanks, Michael. This was thought provoking, particularly on the larger issue of just generally not just supporting a major corporation (who doesn't care about your feelings) just to feel like you are a worthy collector or even just a worthy person in general. I think you are providing a unique safe-space on youtube for fans of toys/collectibles to think and talk like adults.
Hasbro is the one losing money. They are only making money for scalpers.
All thoughts and arguments aside....to Hasbro a scalper is not a scalper they are a customer plain and simple.
Sad thing is they are vital to Hasbro.
Yep Don't Renew. Stop the abuse.
I've arrived to this channel quite recently, but I can't help but comment on each video I see because of how much I appreciate the fact that there's a voice out there lookin out for people like me who don't want to be strung around the balls by these b.s. sales tactics or companies who don't give a crap about how shoddy their figures are.
"When someone shows you who they really are, believe them."
That's going in my quote book.
It’s a quote by Dr. Maya Angelou. 👍🏼
Michael you are the "Legend of Billie Jean" of the toy world. Keep up the great work, live all the Retro Blasting Content!!!
I'm shocked that this sold out so fast, yet the Marvel Legends Collector/Grandmaster set stayed in stock for DAYS and those are two of the most *BEAUTIFUL* (reference intended) figures Hasbro has made.
You're right though. They're taking the wrong models. They need to do what Super 7 is doing and produce them by preorder amount.
I love it when Michael goes unplugged because he tells it like it is. Solid video, Michael. That was awesome. And my week is going very well and I hope my weekend is the same. Thank you for the well wishes. Love you guys loads.
I know I'm digging up a two year old thread, but I just stumbled on your channel. Thanks for your opinions and insight. You've helped me ditch Hasbro. I was always on the fence, I just needed the push. Keep it up and keep pissing off "Chad". 🤣
Preach Micheal Preach. I have no love for haslab/pulse either.
Lordy Lordy Lordy! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! :)
My take on this guys is Star Wars Toys hasn't been the same since Kenner was acquired and then absorbed by Hasbro. It was funny as a kid if something broke on my Falcon, like the landing door legs broke or the dish, I could write Kenner and they would mail me a replacement. Hell even in the early 90s they still did stuff like that when my little brother was playing with Jurassic Park Kenner toys. On the same card, something would snap on my Skystriker or Rattler, Hasbro was like "too bad kid by another one" even IF I offered to pay or exchange Flag Points for it. Kenner legit would occassionally mail me regular FREE action figures, just because I wrote them. Hasbro? "Fuck off, kid". Sigh... It was a hard day when they merged with Hasbro and were finally absorbed by them. The writing was on the wall a long time ago before Haslab and Hasbro Pulse.
Loved your captain America video. People often resort to calling someone else a hater when they are presented with facts that go against their preconceived ideas.
Hasbro is getting more sketchy by the minute.
Love love love this channel
YES!!!!!! Thank you MICHAEL!!!!! Love your channel.
This is why I purchase SH Figuarts and Mafex. Sure they are expensive, but I know where to get it and I know I'm getting a superior product compared to the American toy companies. Other than GI Joe I've long abandoned the US market. Great message to collectors. I love hearing from someone like yourself that you don't need to buy everything they sell. Great words of wisdom that people should use in all aspects of their lives. A couple years ago I decided to collect only what I love, GI Joe and Batman. I sold off everything that wasn't in my heart. Have a great weekend! 🙏
I clicked on this because I thought you were going to do acoustic versions of all your music.
I find humor in the whole monthly subscription concept. Like the gym membership you never use, except for the first week you have it.
2021: the Hasbro riots
You are the most chill and no nonsense toy gey ever I love star wars and your videos
Michael Unplugged is my favorite Michael
‘Engineered scarcity.’ Precisely. If you see the trap, you can avoid it.
I respect you for having strong values when it comes to supporting a community of fans and collectors opposed to a lofty big business model. Most of all, I appreciate the information that is shared to open my mind and eyes just a bit wider. Thank you and have a great weekend.
Michael has the perfect look for an adult toy collector,he looks old and young at the same time.
You are so wise. Love your channel. Truth is it Michael.
Totally agree with you. I’m glad you made this video.
"Shenanigans" could be a series you do on Hasbro.
Appreciated your comments on this. I am (was?) a six-inch Black Series collector. Finding products in stores, online or even finding out about new releases became a full time job with diminishing returns. I'd hear about a figure, but never find it. I'd find figures I'd never heard about. Most of the ones I did buy, I purchased through third party sellers. And a lot of those I had to pass on because they were marked up so high. I've only bought one single figure this year. I've really given up on it.
Hi .. I have never commented on any of your videos, but I absolutely love this video .. I have been a original vintage collector for over 40 years and I am very proud of all the work , time , and money to make that happen 1977-1985 Kenner Star Wars . But then this SDCC Boba Fett really had my interest because the only black Series that I own are Boba Fett and Darth Maul versions, I pass on all the rest So my wife signed me up for Hasbro Pulse to get this item and the Luke Skywalker VC 3pack .. we have Galaxy 9s phones from Verizon, and the highest speed internet with blast from Xfinity for my HP laptop .. Me , my Wife , and my daughter had our phones and laptop refreshing them on for 9/9 - 9/10 we got the Luke 3pack but the SDCC Boba Fett was never offered it just siad SOLD OUT and then vanished... My wife called Hasbro and the gentleman siad that it went on at 8.57 pst 9/9 and sold out by 8.59 which was BULLSHIT because all 3 of us were on waiting.. What a waist of time .. I had originally had took the day off for Triple Force Friday to give away more money, but canceled my day off and will not be participating in Force Friday Hasbro and Disney has ruined Star Wars for me and I feel kicked in the face for the last time .. I will stick with all my original Kenner Star Wars 1977-1985 only .. because Kenner had it figured out ...keep up the good work and I look forward to watching more of your videos...
I love the opening!! Awesome!! Thanks for the laugh. Keep up the great work!!
That Intro was just so wonderful...
You hit the nail on the head bro thanks for this 👍👍👍
a pretty straight shooting dose of common sense and reality. that's why you are trusted by geeks all over. don't go changing
I gave up on Hasbro years ago; I buy exclusively from eBay, picking my items that I am willing to pay a bit of a premium for, and taking advantage of thrift shops which can have some surprisingly good bargains.
Well, they do tend to have better prices than most retailers if you're willing to wait.
Ben_ToaofFire
Exactly!
I paid a premium for TFA Rey when I should have waited a year and I could have gotten her for far less.
I’m currently reminding myself of that so that I don’t go all in on the SDCC Stormtrooper Luke; with patience, I’ll get him for much less in 2020 than I will now.
It’s also fun to pick up entire waves on clearance at other online retailers a year or two later. Oh look I just got the whole wave for what that scalper wanted for one figure a year ago.
Ryan Sargent
Seriously?!?
Where do you score to such a degree?
Bear in mind, I’m in Japan, and while I have gone to BBTS and EE in the past, I blew my cost margin on shipping, and didn’t really save all that much.
Truth is, I’m almost exclusive to Tunghori.
Oh Hasbro. Never ceases to disappoint.
My pulse membership was free. I ordered a product and was automatically signed up for the year.
So amazingly well said. I 100% agree!
As someone who has had about as long a relationship with hasbro and toys in general as you have I think you're spot on, keep up the good work!!!
Have a great weekend too Michael!
You are 100% right, took the words right outta my mouth...
PREACH!!!! Hey have you ever done any vid s on sky commanders, if not would love to hear you take on the line.
Mad respect for you, mate.
Haters will always be hating. Truth is Hasbro is not in it for the collector, it is only about them. Cheers for tour honest opions Micheal. I am glad that someone has the nuts to call it as it is. 👍🍻
Gone are the days when you could go into a store get a number of the things you want.
Now there's only the same old, same old.
I miss those times so much.
Straight from the hip, click boom, you nailed it Mike..!
Great video and very spot on! If you thought the Boba Fett was bad last month they had an exclusive Hulk that went up for sale an hour later than Hasbro said it would and sold out in 2 minutes.
I totally agree with you, Michael, and that's what I have been doing too: I am not buying into Disney+, Pulse, Haslabs or "proposals" of that kind.
I happen to be a Hasbro Premium member because at some point I bought some figures that I could not find anywhere else, and they upgraded me at no cost.
The moment they ask for a monthly or yearly payment, that's the end of it for me because I don't support this comercial practice (I don't support Amazon Prime either because I don't want to be a captive buyer to justify a yearly spending on shipping).
On another note, I used to be what I call a "completist", which is my made up name for collectors who want to get everything that is released in a collection.
It's not that I found my personal value linked to having it all: I just thought (and still do) that there is beauty in having the cool and the ugly in a collection as long as the ugly is not excessively unappealing.
Now I just cherry pick, because with all of that crap of exclusives here and there, and that engineered scarcity you mention (great name, by the way), manufacturers made impossible to keep up.
I believe that something is very, very wrong when you loose lots of money from a loyal customer (and I say loyal simply because completists buy it all, not because of their attachment to a brand) just to make some extra sales.
Still, this is a complex subject because many collectors I know thrive precisely on having pieces that no one else has... They don't enjoy the feat of finding them half as much as being able to show off.
This extreme individuality, which has lots to do with a selfish approach to collecting, is what in my opinion really makes of this bussiness models a success so far.
Anybody else imagine "Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing in the background? Lol. Wonderful speech Michael, I was on the fence about the Pulse / Haslab stuff from the get go. Really wanted that Barge though, but financial wisdom won in the end.
I only collect the figures I really want. Black Series mainly, with some Legends. I got super lucky finding 90's Storm in the wild after she had been sold out online.
Amen brother! Amen!
Michael spitting out truths left, right and centre.
i agree with you. there is so much i want to add to that, but i think you summed it up well.
Michael Dropping truth bombs as usual!
Quite possibly your best video, love the commentary about the culture of collecting.....three cheers
Solid! Hasbro is driving away the casual collector.
Hallelujah, I have seen the light!
Preach it 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
Thank you for talking about not needing to be a completist. I needed to hear that. I've noticed lately that I'm actually getting annoyed when they announce new stuff. Hasbro taking advantage of people's addictive tendencies.
Your rant means a lot. I only just started to use Hasbro Pulse this past Christmas cuz I am collecting the MMPR Lightning Collection figures the pre order and has lab garbage really hurts....they throw something in your face you are foaming at the mouth for and its just that...a tease...Hasbro has no reason for doing this....they used to fill my toybox as a kid and my shelves as a yung adult and now they have all but abandoned the store shelf for there own soul grabbing greed.
Could'nt have said it better myself brotherman, great video. All 100% true
Keep it up Mike!!! Loving everything RB does!!
And from the darkness, there came a small glimmer of light!
It's never easy being the voice of reason in this day and age, especially when it's a bitter pill to swallow for some folks. They better get wise and take it with a glass of water, otherwise they're just going down the road of delusion. Mike, you're the beacon of reason in the darkness of chaos. Keep up your great work you do! 😎👍
It was very frustrating! I took the morning off Monday to buy these items. I was at SDCC and they sold out by the time I was even able to access the overflow line to the booth. I got in on Hasbro Pulse when it was free to join during the first few weeks, so I feel worse for those who paid the annual fee for the service. Luckily I managed to get Boba the next day for the general release.
Very well spoken Michael.
I haven't even heard of this Hasbro Plus thing. I think that everything will go the way of Loot Crate and just burn out in time. Our high street in Grantham here in England is absolutely empty. It's so depressing and people end up going into the big cities to shop or go online. I would love to have a great toy store in our town again but I cannot see it happening. I remember it feeling so special to have a trip to the toy shop and just the atmosphere was fantastic. Anyway this has been a great and informative video Dr. Sorry I mean Michael.
Sometimes I think i get sassy about your videos and gripe that your getting too grumpy... but... where you mention that we simply just dont need these items to be complete, and to let our ocd go... was truly insightful and worthy of the rant. You are truly good for toys. Thanks.
All absolutely true, Michael
I never understood Pulse: Pay a subscription for the OPPORTUNITY to pay full retail. I can pay full retail anywhere with no subscription, or less on amazon.
I don't know about now but in the early 2000s at SDCC, their exclusives seem to be done in a similar way, you had to buy a raffle ticket to win the opportunity to buy the exclusive toy, I just said screw it
The Pulse Premium was offered for free with purchase and then sold for 50.00, They never guaranteed anyone exclusives. The core pulse perk is saving you on shipping costs. Bottom line people should read the terms.
I generally don't agree with this guy as he likes to trash hasbro any chance he has, like he did with the Sail Barge even when his facts were wrong. But in this case, he has a valid point. The only advantage you get with Pulse is free shipping, when they said pulse members will get offers monthly. I got the membership for free and I feel really bad for those who bought it thinking they'll be able to get the exclusive figures
Thorswars 12 He comes across as putting on airs. He makes it a little too much about cerebral intellect, it’s merely discussing collecting and what not. It is not that deep. Back to my point. Hasbro never promised pulse members a cut in line as it were.
Well said Michael! I agree word for word.
I can't leave him, I love him!
Also anyone wanting a 6 inch Boba Fett can easily find the Archive version in stores. So I don’t see anything wrong with offering a comic con exclusive of the same figure on a card back. It’s a reward for those attending the con. If you were one of the lucky ones who scored one online. Well that was a bonus. You didn’t have to attend the con and stand in line to get one.
They really don’t have a clue apart from how to take the subscription fees. Totally agree with everything you’ve said especially how they should do pre-orders, that would work so easily and everyone would be happy.
With that kind of intro, you know its going to be good
Totally agree with you! As collector we no need buy everything is come out!
You're right about Hasbro not actually putting stuff in stores people actually really wanna buy, especially the Star Wars line, if I had a dollar for every time I saw a Rose Tico or Rey action figure peg warming, or those 12" figures and Forces Of Destiny things clogging up the shelves I would be rich.
What is really unbelievable and stupidly unfortunate for Hasbro is they are about to do the same again with some awful Galaxy Of Adventure 5" figures no one wants.
As for all those exclusives and all that stuff that people do actually want, why make them limited it's like they don't wanna make more money or something, I just do not understand their marketing strategy at all.
You are the man!
Well said as always!
This is perfect, thank you!
Your not a hater. Your just saying what most of us are thinking. Personally, I think toy company's lost sight of the real joy about collecting; The Hunt. With all these online kickstarter subscription BS, the hunt has turned into a buying frenzy and the fans as well as brick and mortar are suffering for it.
They make plenty of money off of Marvel legends, which I collect a lot, and there is almost never problems like this with those. I feel bad for star wars collectors.
dreamlandnightmare I’ve found it at at least 6 Walmart’s in my area.
dreamlandnightmare It’s fine I live in Georgia.
The lack of seeing figures on the shelf at retail blew a hole in my collecting modern for a while
Now I stick to vintage
Got mine no problem at Fanexpo Toronto this year. Hasbro also went about it so that anyone with a vendor/exhibitor pass, wasn’t allowed to purchase one. Only general admission guests were allowed so fans and collectors could get one and not vendors who’ll flip them immediately for 10x the price. It’s a sexy figure for sure.
The Boba Fett was advertised as a San Diego comic con exclusive like many of the other convention exclusives that actually sold on their site.
Well, selling a convention exclusive later online doesn’t make it a convention exclusive.
Brilliant! I couldn't agree with you more.
That was a great video!
Right there with you - 100% agree.
I really don't know what else to say but the fact I am very shocked to hear what Hasbro is doing to people nowadays. I'm glad you uploaded this video for us as a heads up warning. I myself will not get involved with Hasbro Pulse Boba Fett as well.
If Mike rants at Hasbro like this, just imagine if Broken Vader does the same.
Hell yeah! I have been in against hasbros online crap since they tried the DTC direct to consumer website. If they cant be bothered to be a toy company that cares anymore, then sellfigure rights off to smaller companies so that maybe we can get cool stuff that doesnt warm pegs forever. If they are going online only, yea a preorder would be best, but i think they could do something cooler. Like have the backing cards be the checklist of what comes out in tye year, but have it where however many preorders a figure gets, determines which quarter it comes out in. So its not just preorder its also a vote, yet in the end of the year you know what will come out if they follow through.
I appreciate your voice of frustrations! It’s pretty much same view with few items in past. As for pre order. So far only one I been rip. Other got refunded. And other I got my order. Thanks for the warning!
Thank you for your comments, you have given me a lot to think about