Hasbro wants our Questions:

[shocktroopersorder66]

Dear Hasbro,
I am employed by WalMart. In previous statements you have said the Greatest Hits sets were/are very popular. Well I take offense to that considering there isn't a Walmart within a 60 mile radius of my store which has received any new figures since October due to the backlog or log jam the Greatest Hits figures has created. A customer came into my store today and made the same comments I'm making here. He asked if I would check the back for either wave 7 or wave 8 of the Saga Collection. Regretably for the customer and hundreds of others collectors and children the only thing we had in stock was guess what??? Over 20 cases of Greatest Hits and not ONE case of anything more recent. Merry Christmas from Hasbro?? Bah Humbug!!!!

[Hothchad]

Hasbro here is my question, it ties in with many others:  If the GB Virus wave(that's what we like to call it) is so popular and doing so well why are the stores so overstocked with these figures?  Consisdering this is the Xmas season and toy sales generally go up.  Not much new product is making there way to the pegs, since they have cases of this virus sitting in the back.  Everyone want wave 7 and 8 and can't find any because of this mess.  In the 5 years I've been collecting I never have seen stores get in so much of one wave, the exception being a movie year, but not cases of one wave.  Your losing business fast, thanks to your so-called popular sales of the GB Virus, I'm buying less of your product and I'm not the only one.

[jacensolo66]

you all can ask the gb virus question 5o million different ways but hasbro is still going to answer " even though the gb wave isnt doing well in your area it is still a strong seller for kids across the board, blah, blah, blah." or some baloney like that.

[dustrho]

you all can ask the gb virus question 5o million different ways but hasbro is still going to answer " even though the gb wave isnt doing well in your area it is still a strong seller for kids across the board, blah, blah, blah." or some baloney like that.

That, unfortunately, has been their response with no matter what wave or Star Wars product line for the last six years. It's always a great seller for children, yet pegs are swamped with crap, crap and more crap.

[darthdan]

Dear Hasbro,
I am employed by WalMart. In previous statements you have said the Greatest Hits sets were/are very popular. Well I take offense to that considering there isn't a Walmart within a 60 mile radius of my store which has received any new figures since October due to the backlog or log jam the Greatest Hits figures has created. A customer came into my store today and made the same comments I'm making here. He asked if I would check the back for either wave 7 or wave 8 of the Saga Collection. Regretably for the customer and hundreds of others collectors and children the only thing we had in stock was guess what??? Over 20 cases of Greatest Hits and not ONE case of anything more recent. Merry Christmas from Hasbro?? Bah Humbug!!!!

Welcome to sandtroopers, good to have a collector with the walmart inside scoop on board.  Look forward to hearing your reports in the future.  We seem to have adequate intel on Target at this site, it will be good to get more detailed info on what Walmarts up too concerning starwars collectibles.

[VadersFist]

Dear hasbro,
I live in the south and am wondering why my target and wal-mart CANT get more star wars stuff because i am a collector in this field and i hate it when i CANT get what i want because you folks wont get more to the stores in (target,wal-mart).I also wanted to know would the ARC-170 fighter plan be re-released for the 07 and when it does can you tell me about what season it mite come out.Can you also tell me is there any plans to release a (AT-TE TANK) cause that would totally be the best in the world.I also wanted to know is there any plans to release the turbo tank because you did release it in a titanium series.

[TAMER]

why does the MN Falcon with two gold titanium ships cost 28 bucks while the original is still at 34 bucks? I saw this at walmart yesterday?

[Darth Aussie]

Why do figures here in Australia cost $AUD15-16 bucks when they sell waay much cheaper over there? Even with Exchange rates as they are, they shouldn't be that high.....



DA

[VadersFist]

Dear Hasbro,

If anyone from hasbro is reading my post please read this CAREFULLY. I WOULD like to know WHY can't us collectors that DIDN'T get a chance to get a ROGUE 2 SNOWSPEEDER get one in a RE-RELEASE, so that some of us that couldn't as I said "GET ONE" because of the SCALPERS out there. It really makes it HARD to get one because their is so many out there that will buy extras when they DON'T need them and then that takes away from ME as a collector and I can't get one. I really want a "ROGUE 2 SNOWSPEEDER", but I am NOT paying a rediculous price of money to get one either. I also can't see spending "BIG BUCKS" on Ebay to get one either as well other web sites that have one for big bucks to and they are selling the rogue 2 snowspeeder for way beyond what it really sells for in retail. I would like to know if YOU HASBRO will re-release the Rogue 2 Snowspeeder because I want one and it would be nice to see it re-released again for the troops out their like me that couldn't get one, because of the scalpers and some folks that just bought all they could and wouldn't be nice for other collectors. Just like the old saying, be nice for others and take only what you need and leave the rest for others.

[jedibrian77]

The scalpers are a problem but there really isnt anything hasbro can do about it because even if they did rerelease it whats to stop the scalpers from buying those too.

[fishboy_254]

why does the MN Falcon with two gold titanium ships cost 28 bucks while the original is still at 34 bucks? I saw this at walmart yesterday?

I wouldn't ask this.  Hasbro might reconsider and jack up the price another 20 bucks.  And I really want one!

[jedibrian77]

Sorry just realized that the Saga Clone Sergeant is not the evolutions sculp so new question: Will Hasbro ever consider releasing the Captain and Sergeant in the evolutions sculp since you have now given us the captian, lieutenant, and trooper.

[jokabofe]

The scalpers are a problem but there really isnt anything hasbro can do about it because even if they did rerelease it whats to stop the scalpers from buying those too.

But, see... if enough of these are released, the demand goes down. No demand=no scalpers. Scalpers only buy (and re-sell) what they can get good $$ for. If there are a plentiful stock of something - then the scalpers don't really touch it. The solution to getting rid of the scalpers is just to produce enough product so that everyone who wants something, can get it at retail.

The problem that arises then, however, is this: TRU gets in a case of 6 of product x. A scalper buys the case.  Customers come in and ask for that product, so they order more. Another scalper buys that case. So they order several cases, and flood the market. Everyone buys what they want/need, and the scalpers can't sell their stuff on ebay or at toy shows. So they return it to the store they got it from. But now that everyone has it, they sit on the shelves until clearance prices, and then most likely will get purchased at a fraction of the original retail, and TRU (or Target, Wal*Mart, etc.) ends up LOSING money on that exclusive item. And then they don't order the next wave of figures, or the next wave of ships, etc.

Basically, it's a never ending, losing battle for collectors like me. I can't tell you the last time I actually saw new figures at retail. All of the stores around my house - Target, Wal*Mart, TRU, etc. - have pegs full of tatooine wave and GB waves. That's it. Nothing after that - never saw Naboo and/or Endor waves, and I haven't seen a single Wave 8 figure. And I don't think I will. That's why I order everything from EE nowadays.

[jedibrian77]

True. If they make more the scalpers dont want it but they become peg warmers (most of the time anyways).

[Wayne]

Another option is for Hasbro to have a better direct to consumer catalog. If they would offer the full line through catalog and actually keep the inventory full they would have better customer satisfaction ala teh DC Joe lines.

[Artoo]

Will we ever see a Phase 2 Armor Captain Fordo as seen in the Battle of Coruscant?

Why is the RC set an online exclusive? Seeing how fast scorch moved (& still is) this set wouldn't be a shelf clogger.

[Major fett]

If you have any GL Stormies left would you consider selling them on HTS for people that either missed him or want more?

What is the possibility for another release for the gunship at the $30 price point, I still want more?

Since you brought us the fabulous Delta Squad Republic Commando Set are there any plans to do a similar set featuring Omega Squad? I would buy it!

[Jaing Skirata]

Are you going to sell the 501t Trooper that was issued to the 501st members who marched in the Rose Parade to the general public? The packaging is awesome!

Here's teh link if you want to see it...

http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/501st_Stormtrooper_Exclusive_Gallery_102771.asp

[theblurg]

Here's my question:

Dear Hasbro,

The AT-ATs and Imperial Shuttles seem to have sold really.  If big vehicles like these are selling well, can we be hopeful that more big vehicles like the AT-TE or Juggernaut might get made?

[Major fett]

Are you going to sell the 501t Trooper that was issued to the 501st members who marched in the Rose Parade to the general public? The packaging is awesome!

Here's teh link if you want to see it...

http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/501st_Stormtrooper_Exclusive_Gallery_102771.asp

I doubt it I think it's meant as an honor for those people, for the different packaging.

[Jaing Skirata]

Are you going to sell the 501t Trooper that was issued to the 501st members who marched in the Rose Parade to the general public? The packaging is awesome!

Here's teh link if you want to see it...

http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/501st_Stormtrooper_Exclusive_Gallery_102771.asp

I doubt it I think it's meant as an honor for those people, for the different packaging.

I know... just wishful thinking. 

[Major fett]

Ok when does Q&A return?

Also does Hasbro have any plans to cast Clone Troopers in a clear type of plastic in the near future? I've seen customs of some and think it would be a cool concept, you could call it a Stealth Camo Trooper.

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Q&A resumes this week, so get ready!

Pat

[scalperhunter1]

Q&A resumes this week, so get ready!

Pat

Are there any questions regarding playsets?

[Jaing Skirata]

Q&A resumes this week, so get ready!

Pat

Are there any questions regarding playsets?

Why even waste the effort typing!

[Jedi Scholar 8]

Troops, your help is needed with some more questions.  However, I'm going to only say this once.  There will NOT be any questions asked pertaining to playsets, the GB virus, AT-TEs, or any other question that has been answered 100 times already.  Let's try and stay original, and ask some quality questions.

Pat

[sithmasterc]

Hasbro,

I need to know this.Why do you pack the one figure everyone has to have one to a case,For example Appo?This figure is going to be impossible to find when he comes out.Will the figure be in reviosion cases?I mean last year Scortch and Cody were difficult to find because they were one to a case.

[Darth Spice]

THE latest! WARNING: DUE to the fact these Q & A sessions have run nearly a year, you may see material previously submitted by another website. We appreciate not all of you have the time to hit every site that participates. We will continue to ask the questions from our readers. Thanks for understanding! Now for another AWESOME Q & A Session!

The aliens from Jabba's Palace and Sailbarge show some of the most wild creatures in the Star Wars Universe.  Are you planning to make never before made figures from the movie, such as Sgt. Doallyn, Bane Master, Weequay Skiff Master, Weequay Marksman, Kithaba(an easy Barada repaint), and of course new Niktos?

You bet - that is very fertile ground.  However, like Cantina aliens and other favorites, we'll be doing a couple at a time and over time will add more characters (and hopefully one day almost all of them) so collectors can recreate this very iconic scene.  Your suggestions are very good ones, but I can't give you any more info on who is up when in the rotation.


2. I fully applaud the current direction you're taking with respect to the EU characters that are slated for 2007. I'm a big EU fan and especially love Timothy Zahn's creations. That said, I'm thrilled to see a new Thrawn, Mara and Bothan announced, or so I read. For the Bothan, what interpretation (source) will you be using for the figure? (I'm very partial to the old 'SW: Rebellion' computergame look for the Bothans myself) Also, are there currently plans to incorporate Talon Karrde, Joruus C'baoth and a Noghri into the line?

Patience - with time, we hope to get to most of these pretty important figures (we're not sure about C'baoth though….he's lower than others).  As for Bothan reference, we'll probably take our cue from the Rogue Squadron-esque styling of Fey'laa and others which has been a consistent visual mainstay in many of the Dark Horse EU books.


3. Is there any truth to the rumor tail end of waves aren't produced as much as figures in the beginning of the line?

In the past this has been the case, and it usually happens when line planning volumes are overestimated and characters become over-released meaning we can't hit our full volume plans but decide to release the figures anyway.  It can also happen when too many new waves are slated for any given production window, meaning that each wave might be produced at a lower quantity of each needed to support sales.  This is why you saw a different strategy in '05 & '06 - front-loading the figures so they are heavier in the front of the year and taper off toward the back half, followed by the need to keep the heat going by introducing some new (often repainted) figures to bridge the gap.  It's always a balancing act to get everything right and running like clockwork, and we do use all the forecasting metrics at our dispoable to smooth out the figures and ensure we have newness throughout the year, so we don't have short waves that will frustrate collectors.

[Lt. Starfox]

there are some new fresh questions with new fresh answers....thank you Hasbro

[garrfett]

Out of all the holographic figures that were made I see only one that hasn't seen the light of day,why don't we have a Holographic Darth Vader, you know the one we saw in the Empire Strikes Back on board the AT-AT Walker.