Toy News Blog

Greetings from the base space fans, well it is official, in spite of Hasbro Australia's' continual denial of knowledge of this products availability to the lands down under, we finally see the back room deals come to light with yet another offering exclusive to Australia's most incompetent and expensive collector retail franchise.

That's right collectors, as recently as 12 days ago this rebel can confirm full denial of knowledge from Hasbro in relation to this and other continental exclusive figures for distribution to the lands down under. yet here we see them as a franchise exclusive. 

So why is this a bad thing? Well strap yourself in this is why. As independent retailers we have not been offered any wholesale stock from the Hasbro lines since January 2021, and of these offerings they have delivered in reduced numbers on two of over 30 items. All this in spite of the articles turning up on Amazon and sporadically in big box outlets.

They have also locked all sale of Hasbro products to international markets from US wholesalers, which in spite of increased costs, has been to a degree a reliable inventory source now for several years, not any more!

What this means to you the consumer is dearer product from an anticompetitive market, where items are offered to franchises at the expence of all other retailers. Not only is this bad for customers it is illegal under anti competitive trade legislation in this country, but the ACCC are not interested nor are the Australian Toy Association, both of whom are supposed to ensure an ethical playing ground in Australasia, but again the almighty dollar prevails over the needs of the many.

Production shortages, distribution problems. and the COVID-19 pandemic all reasons we are told we can't get our toys in store or online, now I am sure these issues have certainly played a part, they are not the real reason. This type of thing really isn't anything new for those who collect any kind of pop-culture memorabilia. It doesn't matter if it's trading cards, action figures, POP! Vinyl figures or what-have-you. These things often seem to get produced in limited numbers, which was happening well before COVID.

 

This is a marketing tactic called "Scarcity Marketing", which is something we see being used more and more. For those not familiar with the practice, scarcity marketing is a marketing tactic that capitalizes on a customer's fear of missing out on something. It's based on the psychological principle that people want what is difficult to acquire. When something is scarce, it then miraculously becomes more valuable on the secondary market. Once something is valuable, people who wouldn't normally be interested sudden want it, hence increasing the overall demand. The downside to this however is that it simply takes the fun out of collecting. People who collect simply because they something can no longer find it on shelves. The people running in to the store or even transferring them from one loading dock bay to the trunk of the car, only to turn around and resell it at a significantly marked up price (Scalpers) end up becoming the dominate demographic of the hobby which then eventually drives away regular collectors.

While thankfully we haven't quite seen people drawing their firearms in the parking lots of their local Walmart for action figures, I have to wonder how long it will be until we see a story pop up involving people trying to get something like the latest Target exclusive Hasbro Cobra Island figures or Walmart exclusive Star Wars figures? And as sad as this sounds, the way things are going in this hobby, I don't think this scenario is to far-fetched.

An unexpected surprise this morning when my messenger started dinging away, the Walmart exclusive repack wave vintage collection 50th anniversary cards had shown up in some , not all, Big W stores around Australia.

So why was this a surprise to an industry member, well Hasbro have not indicated these items would be made available in the Australian market. In fact my conversations with Hasbro Australia just last week on this exact issue confirmed they had no idea if they would be coming down under. 

Hasbro have not offered or indicated any of the new reveal US store exclusive reveals will be available to wholesalers for distribution in this country. In fact they are strongly pushing the Amazon line in my opinion, in an obvious endeavour to undermine the independent toy industry in overseas countries.

This week we are highlighting the work of a freind of the store family who resides in Ft Worth Texas. He goes by the name Kflash900. A young  script writer who is also a  toy photographer focusing on Star Wars Black Series, Marvel Legends, McFarlane and Neca. Huge fan of all things Marvel and DC. Big fan of everything nerdy!

check out the portfolio

Well space fans, it has happened again the item listed for preorder and sold out in minutes, the purchase limit was 1 per customer, so wow! the bots were working overtime on this one RRP was AUD$18.50 so lets see what our friends on ebay and amazon are asking for us to have one. below is the item description from HASBRO the only thing they seem to be able to actually deliver. 

" With his customized Mandalorian armor, deadly weaponry, and silent demeanor, Boba Fett was one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy.Experience excitement like that of the engineers and designers seeing the first product samples of their designs with this Boba Fett figure! Inspired by prototypes that are often produced with whatever extra plastic is in the machine at the time, colorful prototypes enable the development team to look past the deco and focus on the sculpt, analyze mold alignment, and adjust for quality.
Inspired by 1970s action figures, this Retro Collection Boba Fett figure features original Kenner design and sculpt! Imagine the excitement of the ‘70s when the Star Wars original trilogy had just begun. Continue your collection from the galaxy far, far away! (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
Star Wars products are produced by Hasbro under license from Lucasfilm Ltd.
Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro.
• Includes: figure and accessory.
• Figure scale: 3.75 inches
• Ages 4 and up
• WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years."