Hasbro wants our Questions:

[Jaing Skirata]

that's a lot of answers, but I still do not understand the Lucas trooper answer....they cashed my check in August and 3 months later, still nothing....hhhmmmm

Yeah, I hear ya. They recieved mine two months ago and I was hoping to have it for my sons B-day... we'll see but Im not holding my breath.

[MetalJedi]

I have a question for Hasbro. Why do they continue to put out piss poor product for collectors and children alike? Rehashing and rereleasing figures is not going to make your company money. People want to see new product not some clone trooper repainted into a thousand colors or a figure from 10 years ago with a new accessory. 

[scalperhunter1]

I just spent 90 minutes formulating my response to the latest isuue of hasblo BS. When I hit the button to post it I got the, while you were -------- someone else has posted --------- you may want to review your post. My post disappeared and I cannot find it. Anyone have any idea how to retrieve it?

[Major fett]

Putting kids aside, who are also considered heavily in our line planning,

Yeah, that pretty much sums up Hasbro's view of the collectors, despite the fact that we are the ones keeping the line selling and your profits in black.

E

You know on that subject here's a question for Ha$bro, if your target audience is kids why is most of you product rather spendy?

I have a question for Hasbro. Why do they continue to put out piss poor product for collectors and children alike? Rehashing and rereleasing figures is not going to make your company money. People want to see new product not some clone trooper repainted into a thousand colors or a figure from 10 years ago with a new accessory. 

Obviously the big H believes they make enough money otherwise they wouldn't be rehashing so much, right?
 

I just spent 90 minutes formulating my response to the latest isuue of hasblo BS. When I hit the button to post it I got the, while you were -------- someone else has posted --------- you may want to review your post. My post disappeared and I cannot find it. Anyone have any idea how to retrieve it?

This happens to me alot that's why I started highlighting, right clicking, and copy the text bfore I hit the post button.

[Lt. Starfox]

I just spent 90 minutes formulating my response to the latest isuue of hasblo BS. When I hit the button to post it I got the, while you were -------- someone else has posted --------- you may want to review your post. My post disappeared and I cannot find it. Anyone have any idea how to retrieve it?

usually when it says that, all you have to do is hit POST and it usually works, but sometimes, when I write lenghty, I copy before I hit POST, just in case.....so with further ado, Ron, please re-submit!

[Jaing Skirata]

Question... In 2007 or 2008, are we going to see any Star Wars Legacy figures? I'd love to see a Darth Talon, Darth Kryat, Cade Skywalker, Delialah Blue and mostly the new Stormies and Imperial Knights.

[TAMER]

shark paint job arc170? I think fett asked that, but not sure.

ATTE? Please. real answer?

[Jaing Skirata]

Question... In 2007 or 2008, are we going to see any Star Wars Legacy figures? I'd love to see a Darth Talon, Darth Kryat, Cade Skywalker, Delialah Blue and mostly the new Stormies and Imperial Knights.

Addition to question....

What about  3 3/4" Fem Trooper, especially if the Legacy line is done as therre are Female Stormtroopers in the Imperial ranks.

[Major fett]

Question... In 2007 or 2008, are we going to see any Star Wars Legacy figures? I'd love to see a Darth Talon, Darth Kryat, Cade Skywalker, Delialah Blue and mostly the new Stormies and Imperial Knights.

Addition to question....

What about  3 3/4" Fem Trooper, especially if the Legacy line is done as therre are Female Stormtroopers in the Imperial ranks.

Keeping this theme going will we ever see female Imperial officers as well?

[SandTrooper79]

I just have one question about the tantive iv battlepack. why did you make the stormies dirty instead of leaving them clean whitle like they are in the movie?

[dustrho]

why did you make the stormies dirty instead of leaving them clean whitle like they are in the movie?

Because Hasbro doesn't employ the smartest individuals.

[Darth Spice]

THE latest:

Since you are delving into the EU are there plans for figures such as Commander Faie, Commander Keller, Clone Assassins?

These are good figures (the Commanders can be seen in action in Dark Horse's Republic comics series), but haven't found a specific opportunity for them yet.

Most of us hate the elbow swivel joints they are using, it makes posing too hard. Are there any plans to change this, or will this be what we see from now on?

We take the needs for each figure into account and realize that there are inherent trade-offs between the different styles of articulations and, importantly, cost of the waves.  Swivel will remain an option for us when a figure needs more articulation, but we are not able to execute a different or more complex (i.e. ball and socket) scenario due to figure or wave costing.

The Heroes & Villains, Greatest Battles, and other figure re-hash lines have been teeming the pegs at all of our stores.  This begs the question: are these product lines actually profitable?  Hasbro has frequently stated that one of the reasons (if not the only reason) for this re-packing is to filter popular characters to younger collectors, who ultimately only want the popular characters.  Is this philosophy based on the actual sales of these type of figures, or focus groups of children who may or may not be collectors? Will Hasbro provide a comprehensive analysis that demonstrates their philosophy that lines like Heroes & Villains and Greatest Battles ACTUALLY sell?  Doesn't the mass amount of figures from these re-hash lines collecting dust, while waves of the new line are selling well, demonstrate that younger collectors--like older collectors--are also more interested in new product?  Does this lack of sales of the Heroes & Villains/Greatest Battles waves cause stores such as Wal-Mart and Target to purchase less Star Wars figures from other lines of new product such as The Saga Collection and, potentially, the upcoming 30th anniversary line?

We use both market sales data and research with kids to inform our decision-making.  In the case of the Episode III greatest hits figures, we took sales data from Episode III and selected the best-selling figures who still had some ways to go with their sales potential.  As you recall from last year, we had huge demand and many kids couldn't get their favorites by the end of the year.  We have been chasing this demand all year.

[Major fett]

THE latest:
The Heroes & Villains, Greatest Battles, and other figure re-hash lines have been teeming the pegs at all of our stores.  This begs the question: are these product lines actually profitable?  Hasbro has frequently stated that one of the reasons (if not the only reason) for this re-packing is to filter popular characters to younger collectors, who ultimately only want the popular characters.  Is this philosophy based on the actual sales of these type of figures, or focus groups of children who may or may not be collectors? Will Hasbro provide a comprehensive analysis that demonstrates their philosophy that lines like Heroes & Villains and Greatest Battles ACTUALLY sell?  Doesn't the mass amount of figures from these re-hash lines collecting dust, while waves of the new line are selling well, demonstrate that younger collectors--like older collectors--are also more interested in new product?  Does this lack of sales of the Heroes & Villains/Greatest Battles waves cause stores such as Wal-Mart and Target to purchase less Star Wars figures from other lines of new product such as The Saga Collection and, potentially, the upcoming 30th anniversary line?

We use both market sales data and research with kids to inform our decision-making.  In the case of the Episode III greatest hits figures, we took sales data from Episode III and selected the best-selling figures who still had some ways to go with their sales potential.  As you recall from last year, we had huge demand and many kids couldn't get their favorites by the end of the year.  We have been chasing this demand all year.

This last statement doesn't make that much sense in the terms of Senator Amidala.

[lordabell]

If the HV/GH lines sell so well, why do all my local stores have hundreds of these overflowing the pegs and not even a sniff of the Endor 2/ TPM wave?  Some of these would nice before the final 22 figure waves start to hit.

[dtityus]

HASBRO, Please make a new Tatoonie skiff  that has the feature of picking up R2D2 and C-3po! It can't be that hard.It would not be that much bigger and it would be the right size for todays figures.

[Jaing Skirata]

I just have one question about the tantive iv battlepack. why did you make the stormies dirty instead of leaving them clean whitle like they are in the movie?

Hasbro's answer to Jedi Defender Collector...

3. Early catalog images of the "Capture of Tantive IV" battle pack also appeared this week (so I'm sure you'll also see this question asked by someone else). Collectors are already asking about those Stormtroopers. Are they based on the VOTC sculpt or the Evolutions sculpt or something else entirely? Will the Stormtroopers be nice and clean or will they be "battle damaged" or dirty? The mock-up images make them look pretty dirty which is disappointing if true, everyone knows the Stormtroopers have shiny new armor; it's the rest of the imp troopers who get dirty. 

** The figure is the Evo Stormtrooper sculpt. The troopers will be clean. The dirty ones are an error at the factory that we are working to correct. As a result, this one will be delayed relative to the other two national battle packs (Dagobah and Geonosis), but should catch up in schedule quickly. These packs will be available throughout the spring ('07), so collectors should be able to pick up one or more Tantive IV sets without a problem.

[Jaing Skirata]

Question... In 2007 or 2008, are we going to see any Star Wars Legacy figures? I'd love to see a Darth Talon, Darth Kryat, Cade Skywalker, Delialah Blue and mostly the new Stormies and Imperial Knights.

Here's Hasbros answer to SW Collector

From SW Collector

2.) Dark Horse Comics' new STAR WARS: LEGACY monthly is certainly stirring up the imaginations of figure customizers, with multiple Sith Lords and all-new Jedi and Stormtroopers. Any possibility of seeing figures from this comic in the next few years?

ANSWER: Not next year for sure (we locked down the year before we knew about Legacy), but it is a strong contender for future issues. This series certainly has some fantastic new characters, and if any fan isn't currently reading this title, they should be!

[scalperhunter1]

Q. The Battle of Naboo wave is just starting to show up at retail now and there are 22 more figures slated for the Saga Collection and less than 2 months to go before the new year. Are these all slated for release in 2006 or is the plan to have them released in 2007 and lap over the start of the 30th Anniversary Collection?

A. These last 22 Saga figures will stretch out from roughly the first week of December through 3/24, when the 2007 greatest hits waves should start to feed into the pipeline. If all goes according to plan, these will have ample time at retail for collectors to get them and will not suffer the same short-window fate as prior basic figure waves.

Soooooo, whos fault was it that the prior issue of basic figures suffered the short window fate? Hmmmmm?
 

Q. How many comic book 2-packs are planned for 2007. Can you tell us which story arcs they cover?

A. We have 15 packs slotted into the lineup next year with a possible early ship against the 2008 line bringing in one more wave before the end of '07. We don't want to be too specific on the story arcs, but it covers some of the greatest Dark Horse stories (with the occasional Marvel reprint) from both movie period and beyond.

This is good news. We might actually see something new from Hasbro. Hopefully they will get it right the first time.


YN: The "re-release" of the 7" Unleashed has not gone well (at least  from what I see here and read on the fansites), Both Wal-Mart and Target have "red-tagged" these down to under $5 and yet they still  sit. Even the resculpts at Wal-Mart sat around for long time. Is it safe to say these are done and only the smaller line will continue?

H: There will be another wave slated for WM in Spring. One of the things we were trying to accomplish with this line is find an additional audience for the figures over and above the collectors who got these the first time around, since the (first) audience didn't get us to where we needed to be to continue the line. After spring, we'll take a look at the program and see if there are future opportunities for Unleashed 7", looking at the volume we released, sell-through rates, etc..

Trying to find an additional audience for the figures? Hello! Anyone home? Wake up hasblo. These aren't selling because all of us already have them in our collections.
The line will sell just fine if you do just one simple thing.
SUPPLY US WITH FIGURES THAT HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN OFFERED!
 




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Master Frank]

Q: I feel tht the current Saga Heroes and Villians and Greatest Battles waves/sets are a waste of time from a collector standpoint. Why do I want to buy the same figure that was just bought last year? It's clear that the majority, with the exception of those for army building are not aimed at the collector. If so much is being done for the collector, why disrupt collections with 3 waves of reissues? Now I have to wait for these figures to unclog the pegs before the collectable figures resume. Because the cards of these are identicle to the current Saga cards, stores are stocking these as they were the Saga figs. Will you change the card designs so next year's greatest reissues aren't been substituted for the regular line by retailers and upsetting the collector who has to wait for them to pass?

[Major fett]

YN: The "re-release" of the 7" Unleashed has not gone well (at least  from what I see here and read on the fansites), Both Wal-Mart and Target have "red-tagged" these down to under $5 and yet they still  sit. Even the resculpts at Wal-Mart sat around for long time. Is it safe to say these are done and only the smaller line will continue?

H: There will be another wave slated for WM in Spring. One of the things we were trying to accomplish with this line is find an additional audience for the figures over and above the collectors who got these the first time around, since the (first) audience didn't get us to where we needed to be to continue the line. After spring, we'll take a look at the program and see if there are future opportunities for Unleashed 7", looking at the volume we released, sell-through rates, etc..

Trying to find an additional audience for the figures? Hello! Anyone home? Wake up hasblo. These aren't selling because all of us already have them in our collections.
The line will sell just fine if you do just one simple thing.
SUPPLY US WITH FIGURES THAT HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN OFFERED!

Agreed they have to realize that with this line they can't repack us to death, these are exspensive figures compared to the basic line and once I have one I don't need another! They also should have reissued the really rare ones not the ones that were clogging shelf space the first time around! Boba was a good idea but GG, Luke, and Vader c'mon throw us a bone!
I also have to say that if you're planning this for the three rumored ones for 07 Anakin, Obi, Shadow Trooper then you're missing the boat again. Hasbro you have me as a return customer and a loyal collector of Unleashed if you would just do new characters like Commander Cody, Bly, Gree, heck any clone should sell not to mention cool characters like Kit Fisto, Luminara & Barriss, Ki-Adi-Mundi, ?Mara Jade?, this is just a small sample of figures you could do maybe you should do a fan choice poll for this line to determine what gets the plastic treatment?

Q: I feel tht the current Saga Heroes and Villians and Greatest Battles waves/sets are a waste of time from a collector standpoint. Why do I want to buy the same figure that was just bought last year? It's clear that the majority, with the exception of those for army building are not aimed at the collector. If so much is being done for the collector, why disrupt collections with 3 waves of reissues? Now I have to wait for these figures to unclog the pegs before the collectable figures resume. Because the cards of these are identicle to the current Saga cards, stores are stocking these as they were the Saga figs. Will you change the card designs so next year's greatest reissues aren't been substituted for the regular line by retailers and upsetting the collector who has to wait for them to pass?

I would just like to say I'm tired of this subject this type of line is here to stay and nothing we say will do away with it, some may think it's a waste some may not but Hasbro says they sell well enough. And no I'm not trying to pick a fight or dis anyone I am just vocalizing my contempt for this question that gets asked every hour even after the big "H" has responded to it.
Arrgghh, rant over.

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

I think we keep asking it because, quite frankly, they're not answering it....or at least mine was not answered to any satisfaction. 

Erik 

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Guys, in all honesty, I really need you to start coming up with original questions.  I know that we don't like some of the answers we get, but what are ya gonna do about it?  It is the answer they gave us.  Continually asking the same questions tears down credibility with Hasbro and the other sites around, and we're better than that.  Many of you are in positions in your career where you cannot disclose EVERY piece of info requested from others.  With that in mind, let's ask some more killer questions, as you guys have been really slinging them some good ones!

Pat

[scalperhunter1]

Guys, in all honesty, I really need you to start coming up with original questions.  I know that we don't like some of the answers we get, but what are ya gonna do about it?  It is the answer they gave us.  Continually asking the same questions tears down credibility with Hasbro and the other sites around, and we're better than that.  Many of you are in positions in your career where you cannot disclose EVERY piece of info requested from others.  With that in mind, let's ask some more killer questions, as you guys have been really slinging them some good ones!

Pat

Pat you make a good point regarding the repetition of certain questions and I understand your request to stop asking them.

Hasbro however has to and needs to understand the frustration felt by a large percentage of the people purchasing their product.

Questions that are answered with we can't say right now or you'll have to wait and see does not heighten the interest of the potential buyer.

Your right that some of us are not in a position to reveal company secrets. Why? Competion for our market share.
Hasbro continuously refuses to tell us about future products and
this is frustrating. Why? Simple. Hasbro has absolutely no competition. They are not in a position where divulging information could help the competitor and decrease their market share and when they do give us a hint it almost always seems to be a figure/ship that has been seen in the past. Sometimes more than once or twice.

A case in point was my question regarding wheather other collecter sites would be given the opportunity to host fan polls. Did they answer the question? No. They replied with we may use the Hasbro site in the future and the vote is not exclusive to Rebel Scum. Anyone can vote.
Nice answer but THEY DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION! All they had to do was say yes or no.

Your comment that the answer is the one we get and what are ya going to do about it is well taken. My answer is to ask the question again but preface it with something similar to the following.
I realize we have asked this question before and it's very possible you misunderstood the question that was given. We would be very appreciative if you would address this question a second time so as to clarify any ambiguity or gray areas.

Now, do we need to continue asking the KILLER questions? Absolutely.
Does sandtroopers ask some of the best questions? You bet.
Should we repeat every question that is not fully answered? No.
Do we want to lose credibility with Hasbro? Uh. Uh.
Do we want honesty and credibility from Hasbro? Yes.
So far, from Hasbro, I don't see as much of either one as I expected.
 
 

[TAMER]

Do we get an ATTE?

[Jaing Skirata]

Do we get an ATTE?

You have a better chance getting a straight answer from a magic 8 ball... or those burger king "force premonition" figures that came with the kids meals. In fact, let's see what the Jedi Council has to say about this (We only have Masters Windu and Fisto)...

Master Windu: "Use the Force"
Master Fisto: "Not Possible"

There you go... gibberish and a confident answer. Take them as you will.

[Lt. Starfox]

Master Windu: "Use the Force"
Master Fisto: "Not Possible"

There you go... gibberish and a confident answer. Take them as you will.

 

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Ron, excellent counter-points.  Also, it's not that I am in disagreement with the fact that Hasbro has not fully answered several of our burning questions.  I"d love a better answer on a lot of these, especially yours about anyone besides Slum getting these nifty little insiders.  PM coming on this shortly.

As for an AT-TE.  They have answered that question with a flat out "No."  This question has been asked by just about every site out there, and the answer has always been no.  I think someone got a "Not at this time, but if a way can be found to create one at a decent cost there is a possibility."  The Endor AT-AT is the same as the POTF2 AT-AT with a new paint job, so it's not a new sculpt or anything.  They will have to make up a brand new mold, amongst other things, so I believe them when they say No.  I'd love one myself, and hopefully one day it comes.

Pat

[TAMER]

Ron, excellent counter-points.  Also, it's not that I am in disagreement with the fact that Hasbro has not fully answered several of our burning questions.  I"d love a better answer on a lot of these, especially yours about anyone besides Slum getting these nifty little insiders.  PM coming on this shortly.

As for an AT-TE.  They have answered that question with a flat out "No."  This question has been asked by just about every site out there, and the answer has always been no.  I think someone got a "Not at this time, but if a way can be found to create one at a decent cost there is a possibility."  The Endor AT-AT is the same as the POTF2 AT-AT with a new paint job, so it's not a new sculpt or anything.  They will have to make up a brand new mold, amongst other things, so I believe them when they say No.  I'd love one myself, and hopefully one day it comes.

Pat

I am sure if we ask again they will say sure, just for the tamer this time!

[Master Frank]

Dear Hasbro,

Are there any plans to introduce action figures into different lines of toys, outside of the action figure line? For example, maybe package an action figure with the TV Plug N Play star wars game controller?
(see example)
I've been waiting to ask this! 

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Nice question Frank, and one that will definitely be asked in the next round.  As for you, Tamer, I think you're right:  They'll only make one and it's just for the Tamer!