Hasbro wants our Questions:

[Hothchad]

We all know from fellow troopers that were out there at sdcc that they were not limiting the 501st to 5 per person.  Do they think we are dumb and naive?  How hard is it to just own up and say we screwed and didn't have enough product.  I hate being treated like a little kid, see it all the time at work.  They should have known that there would be a high demand for these items and planned ahead.  Don't they have people there that are suppose to be on top of this stuff.  Hasbro remember we are the ones that are making your profits.  You can only bite the hand that feeds you for so long before they bite you back.

[wickedempire]

I'm really pissed that they flat out lied about the SDCC thing!! Like it wasn't reported on every sw site!!! I really can't say it better than Scalper, so I wont 

[Wayne]

Bottom line to them is the sale, The more they sell at once the more they make, they know it and it's all about the profits. We all know they would sell out reguardless if they sold them by the piece or by the case but they view a case sale as quaranteed money up front so they do it. They will never admit it but it's numbers driven,

[Master Frank]

I know it's frustrated listening to some of Hasbros answers, and sometimes I feel like saying to them...

In light of your recent answers to our questions regarding life, the universe and everything, we know that the answer isn't 42 as you state it is. What is the point in us asking you questions if you cannot give many straight answers? Additionally some of the answers you have given are ill supported (people were buying more than five SDCC 501st figures, your adoring fans witnessed people bragging and holding cases)?

Maybe Hasbro should consider allowing sites to submit 10 questions each week, and then pick and choose those they feel comfortable with and able to answer. This opposed to not answering those we ask.

Frank

[A.D.I.T.L.1979]

Bottom line to them is the sale, The more they sell at once the more they make, they know it and it's all about the profits. We all know they would sell out reguardless if they sold them by the piece or by the case but they view a case sale as quaranteed money up front so they do it. They will never admit it but it's numbers driven,

Right on, Wayne.  This is why I'm not all that upset about people buying them by the case.  I do hate scalping, which is what most of these intend to do with the figures, but I cannot fault Hasbro from wanting to sell their product and earn a profit.

My suggestion to Hasbro would be this: first, bring a lot more product to account for potential scalpers.  Set a limit of 3 per figure per PERSON.  People with more than one badge do not get more than 3 figures, no exceptions.  Then, in the last hours of the convention, once the lines die down, remove the limit and sell the product out to anyone.  That way, there are enough figures for all the collectors, and Hasbro can still sell out and make a profit.  Also, the scalpers would be relegated to waiting until the end of the convention to get the figures, which would lessen the lines a bit.

Erik

[wickedempire]

Yeah that is how it should have been, but having a lot of people waiting in line to get something then some jacka@@ buys all of them, that's really crappy. they would have made their money anyway. For something such as this, it was really crappy. It would be like if GG has sold cases of those shocktroopers to one guy!!!! And besides did you see how much a case of those 501st figs were going for, some jacka** has it for like 400 bucks!!! See that's just wrong, but your right, it's their product and they can do as they please, but lying to their fans when they set up the Q&A about it just further pushes the issue. I mean it's over and done with and I got my troopers and so did you guys but I would have just beee furious if I waited in line to get one or two of these and then be told they were all sold out for the day because some guy bought all of them....

[clonejediluuke]

after reading the HAsbro Q&A s from several websites for weeks now, it is apparent Hasbro just doesnt know how to deal with the adult collecting community. We collect now because we loved SW as kids 25 - 30 years ago and now have our own money to buy what we want and as many as we want. But big H still doesn't realize its now OUR kids we buy for as well as ourselves that keep the big machine rolling. If it werent for having a 6 yo son, I wouldn't have half of what I do because I buy most if it for him, and some things for me.
I want hasbro to just be honest with us thats all.

[Master Frank]

Q: Why did you release an Official Star Wars Figure Protector Case and advertise the use of it with the current Saga line, illustrated in its instruction flyer that comes with the cases, if it pinches the top of the current Saga line cards, thus damaging the collectable? I can only assume this was an oversight in marketing or in design. Is this something that will be corrected soon?

Everyone, boycott the protector cases sold 10 for $10 sold at HasbroShop.com!

[scalperhunter1]

Consider it done.

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Why has Hasbro abandoned Wizard World Chicago for the 3rd year in a row?  Since WWC is the largest and main show in the Midwest, why not set up directly from San Diego?

Pat

[Lt. Starfox]

Why do we get so many Vader figures released so close together?  The SAGA Hoth Vader is choking the pegs in some stores locally (more than 15 Vaders at one store alone) and then the Bespin Vader is released within a few months, and now I have 2 Vaders that look almost exactly the same choking the same pegs out.  Can you not release so many different versions of Vader in the same year?

[fishboy_254]

Q: Why did you release an Official Star Wars Figure Protector Case and advertise the use of it with the current Saga line, illustrated in its instruction flyer that comes with the cases, if it pinches the top of the current Saga line cards, thus damaging the collectable? I can only assume this was an oversight in marketing or in design. Is this something that will be corrected soon?

Everyone, boycott the protector cases sold 10 for $10 sold at HasbroShop.com!

Thanks for the heads up!  I was actually going to purchase those.  Not anymore!

[wickedempire]

Q: Why did you release an Official Star Wars Figure Protector Case and advertise the use of it with the current Saga line, illustrated in its instruction flyer that comes with the cases, if it pinches the top of the current Saga line cards, thus damaging the collectable? I can only assume this was an oversight in marketing or in design. Is this something that will be corrected soon?

Everyone, boycott the protector cases sold 10 for $10 sold at HasbroShop.com!

Thanks for the heads up!  I was actually going to purchase those.  Not anymore!

Spice, this is a great question as I found this out as well. Plus the case needs to be brought out a little further as it rests against the bubble. I have noticed that many of the shadow stormtroopers have had marks on the bubble because of the case rubbing against it. I would like to see a case like that of the demise of grievous. That CASE is much better and I hope is made so one can purchase...

[Major fett]

Why do we get so many Vader figures released so close together?  The SAGA Hoth Vader is choking the pegs in some stores locally (more than 15 Vaders at one store alone) and then the Bespin Vader is released within a few months, and now I have 2 Vaders that look almost exactly the same choking the same pegs out.  Can you not release so many different versions of Vader in the same year?

This is what I want to know, I have asked this before but no response! Even if we do get an answer to this question it will be Hasbro likes to keep popular/familar characters flowing in abundace so that new collectors have a chance tp buy them.

[Master Frank]

Why do we get so many Vader figures released so close together?  The SAGA Hoth Vader is choking the pegs in some stores locally (more than 15 Vaders at one store alone) and then the Bespin Vader is released within a few months, and now I have 2 Vaders that look almost exactly the same choking the same pegs out.  Can you not release so many different versions of Vader in the same year?

This is what I want to know, I have asked this before but no response! Even if we do get an answer to this question it will be Hasbro likes to keep popular/familar characters flowing in abundace so that new collectors have a chance tp buy them.

Hasbro is a bit dodgy when answering questions, so ask the reverse!

Q: Me and my friends just can't get enough of the Darth Vader figures. I mean, like, he's the best in the SW universe. So my question is; how many Darth Vader figures do you plan to release in the next year, and are any of them new sculps, two-packs, or deluxe packs?! Will any have a special grip on his robot arm, similar to what G.I.Joe had?

[scalperhunter1]

Why won't Hasbro ship to APO addresses?

This question needs to be asked.

I'm sure they have a pre prepared lie that will be just another BS response.

[Obi-WanJay]

ok i've got a few (sorry if these have been asked but i'm TDL to go back and look for them)

1) why was my $54 george lucas in stormtrooper mailed in a .03 box, and crammed into my mail box tus denting the bubbel (ok second part is the fault of the USPS but wouldn't happen if mailed in a sturdier package)

2) will the 2007 collection be "collector friendly" or will we have less than 822 variations.

3) will army builder figures ever be released at more than one per case

[sithmasterc]

I would like to echo Obi-wan Jay's question:
Why are certain figures short packed,namely the clones.You guys should have realized that Scortch and Cody were going to be the hot figures.

[TAMER]

wow, what a load of bs on the SDCC question. I bet this has the entire collecting community up in arms. Uh, duh, did they think we wouldnt believe them if they said if one was willing to buy in big qauntities that they would see more than five per person. Man, talk about a bare faced lie. I cant stand a lot of things, but I dont like a liar. Question then is: Would you care to rephrase your answer in regards to some people being allowed to purchse five cases of the 501's at SDCC remembering that the collecting community that will be reading this answer will know something that smells rotten in Denmark?

[Master Frank]

A question for Hasbro pertaining to Target..

Q: Are you aware that Target has an active policy prohibiting their staff from locating Star Wars items for customers? Will you stand for this non customer-friendly environment that they are creating - do you plan to address this?

Details...
Many Target stores have a sign in the Star Wars isle that states that sales associates cannot check stock for availability of collectables for customers. Though Target sales associates will check for any other merchandise. Recently I inquired about Star Wars product that was in stock at the time but not on the shelf, but a label for the merchandise displayed, which is why I asked. Target staff told me to read this sign and then commented that I go to Toys R Us to find it. I find this practice outrageous, counterproductive to establishing good customer service, and believe it slows the movement of merchandise, directly impacting sales goals/quota! Will you stand for this bad practice?!

On a brighter note, last year a Hasbro rep was present one afternoon in a south bay California Target and addressed this by saying that the staff needs to stock the merchandise and proceeded to leave and come back with Star Wars stuff after the Target staff was not helpful.

[The Barve]

Will we get any great articulated Army Builder packs? Stormtroopers, Clones, Battle Droid, Rebel Troopers, or Tuskens even?

  James

[Hothchad]

I would like to ask hasbro this question:
Why not have a like on their website so collectors can write in and give advice on marketing their SW products.  It seems to me that they are a little clueless in what would sell better.  Like the other troopers have been saying, why packing a battlepack with all repacks.  I like the arrest of sidious pack, but why can't they give us something new in each pack, maybe a new sidious sculpt.  All that is going to happen is they are going to get clearence out.

[Darth Spice]

THE Latest:

1) A report in the NY Post recently reported a loss by Hasbro last quarter. Many feel this is due to the amount of times Hasbro issues repacks. With many collectors turning to high-end collectibles (Gentle Giant, Sideshow), what are Hasbro's plans to rebound? Is this a concern?

Two issues here - I'll deal with the tougher one first.  The misconception is that we do repacks instead of doing new figures.  We actually plan our year with a mix of both, knowing that we cannot do an entire year of Star Wars with 100% new figures/vehicles - it's simply too costly from both a resource and tooling standpoint.  Instead, we look to repaints and repacks that make sense for the target audience (mainline battle packs, for instance, we know have great kid appeal. For single carded figures we take kids and collectors into consideration for the mix or volume we release). 

As for your second question, it's moot to compare the performance of the line this year to last year (the all-time best Star Wars year for Hasbro). The line always comes down after the activity of a movie year. The key thing is how the line is doing versus expectations.... and the good news is the line is doing great and is exceeding all expectations through the first half of the year.  So thanks to you guys and the incredible kid response to the brand, the outlook is very, very good, and that's why we have gone back and added some items like more basic figures, reintroduced battle packs, added the Galactic Heroes Cinema Scenes, et al.  This is on top of the new products already in the pipeline slated for the back half to keep both kids and collectors engaged in the brand.

Announcements:

* Our friends at Hasbro will be enjoying a shortened work week, next week (8/14-8/18), as they are closed on Monday for a state holiday (Victory Day).  As a result, the Star Wars Weekly Q&A submissions made by 5pm today will be answered on Friday, Aug. 25.  (Please do not submit additional questions on Friday, Aug. 18.)

* Due to the difficulty of finding vintage Scout Troopers, among others, at retail, we are relaxing the criteria that consumers send in one of each of the five vintage figures to complete the offer for the George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise mail-in figure. Effective immediately, consumers may send in five stickers from ANY mix of the five eligible figures. Certificates completed as such will be honored. Thanks for spreading the word to the Star Wars collecting community!

[TAMER]

Question. do these pop's need to be on the form that only comes with the vtsc luke?

[clonewarskid]

i know everybody's bugging out by the at-te(we all want it yes?) but wat about other republic vehicles like the ift-x as seen in the Battlefront 2 game AND the corporate alliance tank droid thing?? if lego can make it why cant hasbro make it for our 3 3/4 figures?


ps- a clone turbo tank should also b made too....

[scalperhunter1]

THE Latest:

1) A report in the NY Post recently reported a loss by Hasbro last quarter. Many feel this is due to the amount of times Hasbro issues repacks. With many collectors turning to high-end collectibles (Gentle Giant, Sideshow), what are Hasbro's plans to rebound? Is this a concern?

Two issues here - I'll deal with the tougher one first.  The misconception is that we do repacks instead of doing new figures.  We actually plan our year with a mix of both, knowing that we cannot do an entire year of Star Wars with 100% new figures/vehicles - it's simply too costly from both a resource and tooling standpoint.  Instead, we look to repaints and repacks that make sense for the target audience (mainline battle packs, for instance, we know have great kid appeal. For single carded figures we take kids and collectors into consideration for the mix or volume we release). 



Announcements:

* Due to the difficulty of finding vintage Scout Troopers, among others, at retail, we are relaxing the criteria that consumers send in one of each of the five vintage figures to complete the offer for the George Lucas in Stormtrooper disguise mail-in figure. Effective immediately, consumers may send in five stickers from ANY mix of the five eligible figures. Certificates completed as such will be honored. Thanks for spreading the word to the Star Wars collecting community!

It's time for another Scalperhunter1 HASBRO IS BLOWING SMOKE UP YOUR ASS BITCH AND MOAN SESSION!


I'll address these one at a time.

Paragraph 2 states "we take kids and collectors into consideration for the mix or volume we release." My reply is very simple. BULLHOCKEY! If hasbro wants us to believe this cock and bull story then why are we able to find only one or two of the new figures packed in every case of rehashes?

Paragraph 3 totally refutes the statement made in paragraph two.
"Due to the difficulty of finding vintage Scout Troopers, among others, at retail,----
Hasbro just admitted that they are not manufacturing enough of the most wanted figures. They also admit that they are completely aware of the situation and are unwilling to take the steps necessary to keep their customers happy.

Lies from hasbro. More and more lies.
First they lied about Comic Con and not more than a week later they look us straight in the eye and do it again. TWICE!

[Hothchad]

Another question I have for Hasbro, deals with something they said themselves in reference to repacks.
We all know that repacks are here to stay and there isn't much that is going to change that.  If hasbro is going to do them, then repack figures that are going to sell.  My advice to them is repack genric figures, clones, stromtroopers, etc.  These figures never stay on the shelfs for very long.  Hasbro admitted that themselves with the vtsc biker scouts.  Last week when I found alot of the greatest battles figures there was a ton of the 501st and at-te gunners and I bet if I go back there today they are all but gone.  These figures are always in high demand from collectors and kids for army building, diaorama's and battle play for the kids.  You would think it would help their bottem line instead of having a ton of vaders hanging on the pegs collecting dust, and preventing the retailers from ordering in more figures.  I realize they must balance the assortment of figures in the cases, but comone only putting 1 scorch in a case, knowing the demand for EU figures is at an all time high.  What are there marketing people doing, they are not in touch with there target audience.  Your customer base is your greatest assest, so lets start using them.  We in effect are the reason you have jobs and we are telling you what we want and need, listen.

[Jedi Scholar 8]

The one thing to keep in mind with the VTSC Biker Scouts is that everyone was waiting for them to make a SA Scout Trooper, and some people have bought upwards of 40+ of them for army building.  No one is going to do the same with Han Solo, Greedo, and not likely Tusken Raiders.  That's why they are all sitting on shelves everywhere.  As far as the repacks go, I agree to repack the figures that are always flying out the door: Troopers, and ones shown by statistics to sell out quickly.

Pat

[Major fett]

I agree I would like to see them repack the Evolution Clones!

[Darth Spice]

Wizard World what???