Rumors of a Soda wind-down

[willy wonka]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Yeah even though I order a few and they came opened

Yeah I was able to get my money back for it. Just had to take a extra trip to the store when I should not have had to.

[FlinksPoppinPics]

Just when I think its stopped, I see more soda rumors! Fine by me, I just hope they stick to LE counts.

[DrunkoPop]

Just when I think its stopped, I see more soda rumors! Fine by me, I just hope they stick to LE counts.

Agreed. I hope they unleash an entire years worth of sodas before they close up shop on this successful product.

[digithor]

I can see how the new itty bittys are out selling the sodas, besides being the new hot item sodas are a bit expensive with the increase for people outside of the US.

I'm liking itty bittys for both their price point, and their ease of storage! Though now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure where I've stored my itty bittys from SDCC! So that's actually a hazard...!

Have you checked the itty bitty bag labeled SDCC?

[Elviax]

Just when I think its stopped, I see more soda rumors! Fine by me, I just hope they stick to LE counts.

Agreed. I hope they unleash an entire years worth of sodas before they close up shop on this successful product.

Same! Specifically I want them to release the Velma for my scooby set!

[Vinyl4Blood]

I like the idea of a slow-down every now and then.
It keeps my wallet from getting overwhelmed, the market from getting saturated, and keeps the lines fresh with top designs.
This way when a new wave or series comes out, there is hype for it, rather than just ... oh look... another soda.

Just so long as it ramps back up after the slow-down. I like the soda line and want to see it flourish.

[Ohlordypops]

Just when I think its stopped, I see more soda rumors! Fine by me, I just hope they stick to LE counts.

Agreed. I hope they unleash an entire years worth of sodas before they close up shop on this successful product.

Same! Specifically I want them to release the Velma for my scooby set!

Definitely waiting on this one and hoping it does get released. Will be sad if they stop before Fred and Daphne, but really want to at least get Velma for my collection.

[noahhrs]

I used to never like sodas then one day a flip switched and I started loving them. I hope they don’t get rid of them but I definitely think they’ve gone down hill. I totally dislike the lack of piece counts on all of the new Marvel and DC (not sure if it’s other IPs too). Hope they bring that back.

[Katers]

Agreed. And more hassle on the retailer having to mark down or eat the lose of the "damaged" soda. Or they have them behind the counter or locked up so you don't know if they have it. Ghus makes it too much of a hassle to get them. It was an idea for sure, not sure a good one though.

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I have no idea how much a vending machine would be, either, but I would think big box stores like Target and Walmart would consider the expense worth it to keep all the cans sealed until purchase! Just to make it fun - they could put in other problematic products (mystery minis!). The money saved from opened products that have to go on clearance would more than make up for the cost of the vending machine, theoretically?

[Katers]

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I would love that! For some reason I keep picturing someone getting one thinking its an actual soda and being frustrated

We can't solve all the problems... And hey, maybe that's the way to bring in new collectors?

[Katers]

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Yeah even though I order a few and they came opened

Yeah I was able to get my money back for it. Just had to take a extra trip to the store when I should not have had to.

Best case scenario out of a bad situation, glad it worked out. Frustrating that it happened at all though!

[DrunkoPop]

Just when I think its stopped, I see more soda rumors! Fine by me, I just hope they stick to LE counts.

Agreed. I hope they unleash an entire years worth of sodas before they close up shop on this successful product.

Same! Specifically I want them to release the Velma for my scooby set!

Oh ok. I could see that happen for sure.

[DrunkoPop]

Agreed. I hope they unleash an entire years worth of sodas before they close up shop on this successful product.

Same! Specifically I want them to release the Velma for my scooby set!

Definitely waiting on this one and hoping it does get released. Will be sad if they stop before Fred and Daphne, but really want to at least get Velma for my collection.

What is they do another Scooby cooler set? Oh the joy!

[Wiselordship]

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I would love that! For some reason I keep picturing someone getting one thinking its an actual soda and being frustrated

We can't solve all the problems... And hey, maybe that's the way to bring in new collectors?

Yea. No return policy, solves it all. Haha

[Wiselordship]

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I have no idea how much a vending machine would be, either, but I would think big box stores like Target and Walmart would consider the expense worth it to keep all the cans sealed until purchase! Just to make it fun - they could put in other problematic products (mystery minis!). The money saved from opened products that have to go on clearance would more than make up for the cost of the vending machine, theoretically?

Right. If I remember correctly most are just allowing you to house your vending machine for a cost. You maintain and fill. So overhead of maintenence and filling would the machine wod be the cost. Seems like it would be not bad overall, especially over wasted opened cans.

[Katers]

I can see how the new itty bittys are out selling the sodas, besides being the new hot item sodas are a bit expensive with the increase for people outside of the US.

I'm liking itty bittys for both their price point, and their ease of storage! Though now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure where I've stored my itty bittys from SDCC! So that's actually a hazard...!

Have you checked the itty bitty bag labeled SDCC?

Oh, so we're being logical about this?

They were in fact in a bag of SDCC sodas and pops...and my Fundays championship medal. Seriously though - looking through that bag that held both sodas and itty bittys, I hope both are here to stay. We got some really great Freddy sodas from Fundays 2023, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for 2024!

[Katers]

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I have no idea how much a vending machine would be, either, but I would think big box stores like Target and Walmart would consider the expense worth it to keep all the cans sealed until purchase! Just to make it fun - they could put in other problematic products (mystery minis!). The money saved from opened products that have to go on clearance would more than make up for the cost of the vending machine, theoretically?

Right. If I remember correctly most are just allowing you to house your vending machine for a cost. You maintain and fill. So overhead of maintenence and filling would the machine wod be the cost. Seems like it would be not bad overall, especially over wasted opened cans.

Right? I'd heard somewhere, once upon a time, that the Funko section at walmart wasn't stocked by employees, but rather a contractor. No difference to them stocking shelves or a vending machine, right?

We're such good problem solvers.

[funko_gtx91]

To be honest I like the soda over bitty because there is more detail in the soda

[DrunkoPop]

To be honest I like the soda over bitty because there is more detail in the soda

Agreed and you can barely see the bitty. I can’t even imagine how I would even display them in the wild.

[Wiselordship]

I have no idea how much a vending machine would be, either, but I would think big box stores like Target and Walmart would consider the expense worth it to keep all the cans sealed until purchase! Just to make it fun - they could put in other problematic products (mystery minis!). The money saved from opened products that have to go on clearance would more than make up for the cost of the vending machine, theoretically?

Right. If I remember correctly most are just allowing you to house your vending machine for a cost. You maintain and fill. So overhead of maintenence and filling would the machine wod be the cost. Seems like it would be not bad overall, especially over wasted opened cans.

Right? I'd heard somewhere, once upon a time, that the Funko section at walmart wasn't stocked by employees, but rather a contractor. No difference to them stocking shelves or a vending machine, right?

We're such good problem solvers.

Yea. That would make sense. Cause ours is rarely cleaned up and stocked. Lol. Heck I'm surprised someone isn't making a deal to have their own and work with them. Lot of people do vending machines on the side. Might be a good side hussle.

[Squird]

Bittys are doing that well?

Exactly.

[Squird]

I would like them to continue the line, but if they don't they don't. But if they do, I hope they get rid of the open editions and pull them from Targets and Walmart. Product goes there to die.

[Fnava87]

I would like them to continue the line, but if they don't they don't. But if they do, I hope they get rid of the open editions and pull them from Targets and Walmart. Product goes there to die.

Real!!…make them a bit more rare lower count too

[Katers]

Right. If I remember correctly most are just allowing you to house your vending machine for a cost. You maintain and fill. So overhead of maintenence and filling would the machine wod be the cost. Seems like it would be not bad overall, especially over wasted opened cans.

Right? I'd heard somewhere, once upon a time, that the Funko section at walmart wasn't stocked by employees, but rather a contractor. No difference to them stocking shelves or a vending machine, right?

We're such good problem solvers.

Yea. That would make sense. Cause ours is rarely cleaned up and stocked. Lol. Heck I'm surprised someone isn't making a deal to have their own and work with them. Lot of people do vending machines on the side. Might be a good side hussle.

Given how many Funko products I've bought in those stores, it would definitely make a great side hussle. And it would be such a treat to find untouched sodas in store!

[The1one1]

I would like them to continue the line, but if they don't they don't. But if they do, I hope they get rid of the open editions and pull them from Targets and Walmart. Product goes there to die.

Facts. It seems like more and more I’ve been seeing a huge Funko clearance section at my local target. Not too many sodas but if they keep pumping out huge quantities maybe that’s next.

[thejosh2010]

I really like the line even though I haven’t hit them all like I would do in the past! The chase hunt for literally every one is a bit of chore that makes me less inclined to buy as many, but hopefully this is just a slow down as opposed to a go away.

[Wiselordship]

Right? I'd heard somewhere, once upon a time, that the Funko section at walmart wasn't stocked by employees, but rather a contractor. No difference to them stocking shelves or a vending machine, right?

We're such good problem solvers.

Yea. That would make sense. Cause ours is rarely cleaned up and stocked. Lol. Heck I'm surprised someone isn't making a deal to have their own and work with them. Lot of people do vending machines on the side. Might be a good side hussle.

Given how many Funko products I've bought in those stores, it would definitely make a great side hussle. And it would be such a treat to find untouched sodas in store!

Yea. It would be cool for sure. And I would totally try it. Specially if i was in search of some new sodas.

[Ohlordypops]

I really like the line even though I haven’t hit them all like I would do in the past! The chase hunt for literally every one is a bit of chore that makes me less inclined to buy as many, but hopefully this is just a slow down as opposed to a go away.

A slow down would be great, keep the line going but lower piece counts and not flooding the market.

[Wiselordship]

I really like the line even though I haven’t hit them all like I would do in the past! The chase hunt for literally every one is a bit of chore that makes me less inclined to buy as many, but hopefully this is just a slow down as opposed to a go away.

With you on this. Hopefully they are just taking a look and going to turn it back to the old way. Since we still need some sodas from lines they started.

[Elviax]

I really like the line even though I haven’t hit them all like I would do in the past! The chase hunt for literally every one is a bit of chore that makes me less inclined to buy as many, but hopefully this is just a slow down as opposed to a go away.

With you on this. Hopefully they are just taking a look and going to turn it back to the old way. Since we still need some sodas from lines they started.

Yes please! In particular the scooby line please!

[ArmyGuy2017]

Well if that happens then I'm glad so we don't get all those Freddy sodas from the exclusive boxes from events

[LoneWolf72]

I think slowing down the line is a good idea. It will create a bigger demand for the products that are already made, and allow collectors to catch up on sodas they couldn't afford. Plus flooding the market is never good, especially when you have multiple lines that are very collectable. In today's economy collectors just can't afford to keep up with all of them.

[Markn12]

I don’t like this rumor at all. But I’d be back with some reasonable scale backs.

[digithor]

I'm liking itty bittys for both their price point, and their ease of storage! Though now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure where I've stored my itty bittys from SDCC! So that's actually a hazard...!

Have you checked the itty bitty bag labeled SDCC?

Oh, so we're being logical about this?

They were in fact in a bag of SDCC sodas and pops...and my Fundays championship medal. Seriously though - looking through that bag that held both sodas and itty bittys, I hope both are here to stay. We got some really great Freddy sodas from Fundays 2023, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for 2024!

They did have some nice sodas, that vader was nice. Excited to see the goodies for 2024 also.

[SpaceDude]

I don’t like this rumor at all. But I’d be back with some reasonable scale backs.

I know me either, I love soda's

[Universal_ghost]

I loved the sodas in the beginning when they weren't blitzing us with wave after wave. It did get to be a lot when they went full ahead of steam. I think pulling them back is a good idea.

[DiegoLo]

I hope not be true, I am still waiting a Megara Soda and Ellie and Russel (up) Soda to finish that line.

[funko_gtx91]

To be honest I like the soda over bitty because there is more detail in the soda

Agreed and you can barely see the bitty. I can’t even imagine how I would even display them in the wild.

Yes it would not make sense to display them

[Katers]

Have you checked the itty bitty bag labeled SDCC?

Oh, so we're being logical about this?

They were in fact in a bag of SDCC sodas and pops...and my Fundays championship medal. Seriously though - looking through that bag that held both sodas and itty bittys, I hope both are here to stay. We got some really great Freddy sodas from Fundays 2023, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for 2024!

They did have some nice sodas, that vader was nice. Excited to see the goodies for 2024 also.

My favorite was Thor! But I've also come home from ever Fundays with a SW themed Freddy, so I appreciated coming home with Vader Freddy! He wouldn't have been on my list of wants, but he's definitely in a forever home now!

[DrunkoPop]

To be honest I like the soda over bitty because there is more detail in the soda

Agreed and you can barely see the bitty. I can’t even imagine how I would even display them in the wild.

Yes it would not make sense to display them

That’s the main reason why I don’t collect them, although I do see them on the come up.