A worry about HT and chase figures.. (READ)

[Birdeh]

So I took a trip to my local HT today to inquire about my preorder for the next batch of MLP vinyls, and to put my name down for a set of glitters if they so happen to appear.

The manager (who is a pretty chill guy) told me I shouldn't waste my time on the glitters..apparently HT (at least my local one) is having problems with people buying huge numbers of ponies, only to return non glitters and sell glitters for a higher price. This leads to a flooding of the store, and they stop ordering ponies until all the regular ones are gone.

Problem being, when you have a group of people (he told me it was five individuals who always came in together) buying absurd numbers of ponies, you're stuck with all these normal ones that might not buy out as quickly. When their inventory gets backed up like that, they stop receiving shipments of new ones.

Which means no more glitter ponies are added to the stock.

THIS, he told me, is why the rest of us are having problems finding them--because of people who'll buy 45 of each figure and return the 44 that aren't chases.

So I guess it's finally come back to bite us all in the butt. :/

But I'm not gonna give up hope--I'm going to pray that either I get one in my preorder, or that I'll still get lucky and nab one before anyone has a chance to return theirs. Because they DO get in an initial shipment that DOESN'T include pre orders, so they initially may have some glitters..but once they're snapped up and everyone turns in their regular ponies, that's apparently the end of their reign.

He also told me they may start having a return charge on ponies and other collectibles (my HT is a rather small one and they can't afford losing space to them)..so there's that, too..

[captgarlik]

I hope they do inforce such a penalty. I believe it would definitely help cut down on the store of that activity.

[lunarembrace]

It's a bit of a bummer that people do that without thinking of the consequences. A chase should be a fun find, not something that will turn into nothing for everyone! I really do hope they make some kind of penalty for stuff like this.

[JJMITMAN]

Thats ridiculous! I really wish they would not allow so many to be returned, especially to one store. That would/could/probably does kill their ratios for sales when they have to refund that sort of money. Luckily I've found a couple glitter ponies in my area so I don't think anyone around here has that dumb idea... at least thus far.

[ShoMeNodder]

I think they should refuse returns unless the box/piece is damaged.

[pezman]

hmmmm...never thought of that????

Just kidding!

[Kaljor]

Now what are Pumpkin Head and I suppose to do with the 80 ponies we ordered!!!

[Chemo_Nchicago]

They should just make pop sales final and only allow exchanges subject to approval.

[Squird]

So I guess it's finally come back to bite us all in the butt. :/

Ya think? Same goes for Herschel, Anna and Olaf. And 'Pre-Release' figures and Exclusive figures. And any figure any of us would pay more than retail for.

I would argue, and frequently do, that we are are our own worst enemy. We feed the beast with sticky threads and want lists and offers of big, big money. We pay and pay and overpay for things until someone posts a proto on ebay for 1500 dollars because they think they've hit the jackpot and we shake our heads in disbelief. That's crazy, we say, right before bidding on a 7.00 Funday cookie.

It's been biting us in the butt for well over a year now, guess if finally got around to yours.

[Birdeh]

So I guess it's finally come back to bite us all in the butt. :/

Ya think? Same goes for Herschel, Anna and Olaf. And 'Pre-Release' figures and Exclusive figures. And any figure any of us would pay more than retail for.

I would argue, and frequently do, that we are are our own worst enemy. We feed the beast with sticky threads and want lists and offers of big, big money. We pay and pay and overpay for things until someone posts a proto on ebay for 1500 dollars because they think they've hit the jackpot and we shake our heads in disbelief. That's crazy, we say, right before bidding on a 7.00 Funday cookie.

It's been biting us in the butt for well over a year now, guess if finally got around to yours.

I don't understand why you're being hostile about it...if that was hostile, I mean it seems like it to me...

[Birdeh]

They should just make pop sales final and only allow exchanges subject to approval.

Like if the figure is damaged or something. Not just because it wasn't what you wanted.

[Kaljor]

That's crazy, we say, right before bidding on a 7.00 Funday cookie.

That cookie I bought was definitely worth $8! I don't regret the purchase!

[Squird]

I'm not being hostile, just honest.

It's our fault. If you haven't seen it before now, you haven't been looking. We create the demand that these individuals are trying to meet. They're taking advantage of us. Heck, we're taking advantage of us. Folks trying to double up on pieces EVERYONE knows what they paid for (400 Batgirl protos, anyone). I see posts here and on FB complaining that some scalper bought up all the stock right before they could do the same, you know, to help everyone else out.

I'm trying to figure out why these people are buying all the ponies, then returning the non-glitters? They're not blind boxed, just buy the damn glitter, you're not being sneaky or clever.

[a99kitten]

I think they should refuse returns unless the box/piece is damaged.

They should absolutely make all sales final on stuff like this. If you want the chase figure so bad, you take the risk of buying a case or whatever.

I will say over and over and over...I HATE scalpers/flippers.

[Birdeh]

I'm not being hostile, just honest.

It's our fault. If you haven't seen it before now, you haven't been looking. We create the demand that these individuals are trying to meet. They're taking advantage of us. Heck, we're taking advantage of us. Folks trying to double up on pieces EVERYONE knows what they paid for (400 Batgirl protos, anyone). I see posts here and on FB complaining that some scalper bought up all the stock right before they could do the same, you know, to help everyone else out.

I'm trying to figure out why these people are buying all the ponies, then returning the non-glitters? They're not blind boxed, just buy the damn glitter, you're not being sneaky or clever.

oh, sorry then...I'm still new to the collector world so no, I haven't been looking.

people buy them because the glitters will sell at insane prices (Sweetie is going for 250 - 300 atm) and because once they hit the shelves, they're gone anyways.

[Squird]

So I guess it's finally come back to bite us all in the butt. :/

Ya think? Same goes for Herschel, Anna and Olaf. And 'Pre-Release' figures and Exclusive figures. And any figure any of us would pay more than retail for.

I would argue, and frequently do, that we are are our own worst enemy. We feed the beast with sticky threads and want lists and offers of big, big money. We pay and pay and overpay for things until someone posts a proto on ebay for 1500 dollars because they think they've hit the jackpot and we shake our heads in disbelief. That's crazy, we say, right before bidding on a 7.00 Funday cookie.

It's been biting us in the butt for well over a year now, guess if finally got around to yours.

I don't understand why you're being hostile about it...if that was hostile, I mean it seems like it to me...

And because Pumpkin King is still asleep, apparently.

[Birdeh]

Who is Pumpkin King?

[Squird]

Who is Pumpkin King?

Someone 'hostile'.

He ain't called the crusher of dreams for nothing.

[TulaBug]

I posted about this somewhere else. The ultimate goal for Hot Topic is for them not to sell the Glitter ponies on their website at all anymore. They are hoping that would stop people from ordering them by bulk. I wish they charged a restocking fee when they were returned. That would help solve the problem.

The Hot Topic employees have also been instructed not to hold the glitters. This will make things difficult for us.

[Birdeh]

I posted about this somewhere else. The ultimate goal for Hot Topic is for them not to sell the Glitter ponies on their website at all anymore. They are hoping that would stop people from ordering them by bulk. I wish they charged a restocking fee when they were returned. That would help solve the problem.

The Hot Topic employees have also been instructed not to hold the glitters. This will make things difficult for us.

in a way, but it'd also mean more on the shelves, right? So it'll be more of a right place right time sorta thing...right?

[JJMITMAN]

I posted about this somewhere else. The ultimate goal for Hot Topic is for them not to sell the Glitter ponies on their website at all anymore. They are hoping that would stop people from ordering them by bulk. I wish they charged a restocking fee when they were returned. That would help solve the problem.

The Hot Topic employees have also been instructed not to hold the glitters. This will make things difficult for us.

in a way, but it'd also mean more on the shelves, right? So it'll be more of a right place right time sorta thing...right?

I agree with this. I don't like the idea of items being pulled aside and held even if its for true collectors. I think the most fair thing would be to let it just be a free-for-all and if a flipper gets it then so be it, but if a Pony collector or Funko collector gets it then good. Seems like an unfair tactic to have things pulled directly and held in my opinion.

[TulaBug]

I posted about this somewhere else. The ultimate goal for Hot Topic is for them not to sell the Glitter ponies on their website at all anymore. They are hoping that would stop people from ordering them by bulk. I wish they charged a restocking fee when they were returned. That would help solve the problem.

The Hot Topic employees have also been instructed not to hold the glitters. This will make things difficult for us.

in a way, but it'd also mean more on the shelves, right? So it'll be more of a right place right time sorta thing...right?

Correct. If they don't sell them online then more will go to the stores.

[TulaBug]

I posted about this somewhere else. The ultimate goal for Hot Topic is for them not to sell the Glitter ponies on their website at all anymore. They are hoping that would stop people from ordering them by bulk. I wish they charged a restocking fee when they were returned. That would help solve the problem.

The Hot Topic employees have also been instructed not to hold the glitters. This will make things difficult for us.

in a way, but it'd also mean more on the shelves, right? So it'll be more of a right place right time sorta thing...right?

I agree with this. I don't like the idea of items being pulled aside and held even if its for true collectors. I think the most fair thing would be to let it just be a free-for-all and if a flipper gets it then so be it, but if a Pony collector or Funko collector gets it then good. Seems like an unfair tactic to have things pulled directly and held in my opinion.

This will always be a disagreement between people. I certainly don't like when the flippers get the pieces and sell them on ebay for hundreds of dollars.

I just don't like calling a Hot Topic and them saying they have a piece and driving the hour to get it and it is gone. Even when they hold pieces there seem to be a fair amount that go to flippers and a fair amount that go to collectors.

[grandpa_stern]

This isn't necessarily MLP related, but at my HT I've heard of several similar things occurring.

1. A guy comes in with a small, portable scale and weighs all the Mystery Minis to try and find the chases.
2. They mistakenly put out all of their stock of an exclusive Pop! and a guy bought all of them saying that he had lost his job and this was how he was going to make his rent. He's probably on this forum somewhere.
3. A guy buys all the mystery minis and then breaks the ones he doesn't need and brings them back saying that they were defective.

We know there's no way to reason with flippers. They will always say that it's their right to make a living. The only way to stop it, IMO, is to not make it profitable anymore. However, that would require that not only everyone in this community agree not to get the cold sweats if they miss the last piece they need to complete a set, but also all those OUTSIDE the community. It's a cruel to be kind scenario. Buying six of something at your local store to give to boardies inadvertently takes away 6 that 6 local fans could pick up. The only up side is that a flipper doesn't get them.

The second thing that would need to happen is for the HT and other retailers to take a stand. Set limits. Use critical thinking skills. In the case of stopping buy and returns it makes business sense. However, they are a business and their goal is to move all their stock. Whether its to you or some flipper, the business doesn't care. All we can hope for is empathy on the part of the company or to make a big enough racket that they feel their business is threatened.

It's a dilemma, to be sure. And a hazard of this hobby.

[JJMITMAN]

in a way, but it'd also mean more on the shelves, right? So it'll be more of a right place right time sorta thing...right?

I agree with this. I don't like the idea of items being pulled aside and held even if its for true collectors. I think the most fair thing would be to let it just be a free-for-all and if a flipper gets it then so be it, but if a Pony collector or Funko collector gets it then good. Seems like an unfair tactic to have things pulled directly and held in my opinion.

This will always be a disagreement between people. I certainly don't like when the flippers get the pieces and sell them on ebay for hundreds of dollars.

I just don't like calling a Hot Topic and them saying they have a piece and driving the hour to get it and it is gone. Even when they hold pieces there seem to be a fair amount that go to flippers and a fair amount that go to collectors.

I think if you call and reserve it then go buy it thats a'ok. However those people who have "connections" and as soon as the employees open the case they pull them aside for them... I don't like that for flippers or collectors either.

[AquaticNeon]

They shouldn't allow large amounts to be returned to the store like that, I personally have never returned the extras I buy. I really hope they don't remove glitters from the online store because that would make it even harder for me to get them..

[Dinobuzz]

Okay, I don't buy the pony Funko but I'm trying to understand why not just buy the glitter? I don't get the buying all of the ponies then returning regular ones.... are the packages opened when they return them?

[zebus_0]

It's a bit of a bummer that people do that without thinking of the consequences. A chase should be a fun find, not something that will turn into nothing for everyone! I really do hope they make some kind of penalty for stuff like this.

I'm honestly not surprised. When it comes to anything collectable those types will find a way to break the system intended by the manufacturer so they can make as much profit off of it as possible. Same deal on the cutting and peeking going on with blind boxes (I assume you're talking about blind boxes right?) going on in-store.I like the chase stuff too but part of the fun is hoping I have it not ruining it for everyone by flooding the store with the commons nobody wants.

[zebus_0]

This isn't necessarily MLP related, but at my HT I've heard of several similar things occurring.

1. A guy comes in with a small, portable scale and weighs all the Mystery Minis to try and find the chases.
2. They mistakenly put out all of their stock of an exclusive Pop! and a guy bought all of them saying that he had lost his job and this was how he was going to make his rent. He's probably on this forum somewhere.
3. A guy buys all the mystery minis and then breaks the ones he doesn't need and brings them back saying that they were defective.

We know there's no way to reason with flippers. They will always say that it's their right to make a living. The only way to stop it, IMO, is to not make it profitable anymore. However, that would require that not only everyone in this community agree not to get the cold sweats if they miss the last piece they need to complete a set, but also all those OUTSIDE the community. It's a cruel to be kind scenario. Buying six of something at your local store to give to boardies inadvertently takes away 6 that 6 local fans could pick up. The only up side is that a flipper doesn't get them.

The second thing that would need to happen is for the HT and other retailers to take a stand. Set limits. Use critical thinking skills. In the case of stopping buy and returns it makes business sense. However, they are a business and their goal is to move all their stock. Whether its to you or some flipper, the business doesn't care. All we can hope for is empathy on the part of the company or to make a big enough racket that they feel their business is threatened.

It's a dilemma, to be sure. And a hazard of this hobby.

The thing is you're right, you can't stop it though. Retailers shouldn't HAVE to impose limits on things like this. And for things like blind boxes (I'm not sure if this is what we're even talking about) it makes it a pain in the a** when you can only buy one at a time to try and get things you are looking for (even if it isn't blind). How are people returning blind box stuff? I didn't know you even could, doesn't that defeat the purpose of the packaging? I know I wouldn't buy repacked minis.
OP, I know you shouldn't have to, but are there any other places in the area that sell them or close enough it's not extreme? I'd just shop elsewhere. Sucks that a few scumbags are ruining your store, but the "beauty" of capitalism and collecting hobbies is that stuff like this is in the grey area and not really against the rules so there's no way to really stop it from happening.

[AquaticNeon]

Okay, I don't buy the pony Funko but I'm trying to understand why not just buy the glitter? I don't get the buying all of the ponies then returning regular ones.... are the packages opened when they return them?

The glitters are only 1/24 so you can't just buy them normally it's random.

[AquaticNeon]

This isn't necessarily MLP related, but at my HT I've heard of several similar things occurring.

1. A guy comes in with a small, portable scale and weighs all the Mystery Minis to try and find the chases.
2. They mistakenly put out all of their stock of an exclusive Pop! and a guy bought all of them saying that he had lost his job and this was how he was going to make his rent. He's probably on this forum somewhere.
3. A guy buys all the mystery minis and then breaks the ones he doesn't need and brings them back saying that they were defective.

We know there's no way to reason with flippers. They will always say that it's their right to make a living. The only way to stop it, IMO, is to not make it profitable anymore. However, that would require that not only everyone in this community agree not to get the cold sweats if they miss the last piece they need to complete a set, but also all those OUTSIDE the community. It's a cruel to be kind scenario. Buying six of something at your local store to give to boardies inadvertently takes away 6 that 6 local fans could pick up. The only up side is that a flipper doesn't get them.

The second thing that would need to happen is for the HT and other retailers to take a stand. Set limits. Use critical thinking skills. In the case of stopping buy and returns it makes business sense. However, they are a business and their goal is to move all their stock. Whether its to you or some flipper, the business doesn't care. All we can hope for is empathy on the part of the company or to make a big enough racket that they feel their business is threatened.

It's a dilemma, to be sure. And a hazard of this hobby.

The thing is you're right, you can't stop it though. Retailers shouldn't HAVE to impose limits on things like this. And for things like blind boxes (I'm not sure if this is what we're even talking about) it makes it a pain in the a** when you can only buy one at a time to try and get things you are looking for (even if it isn't blind). How are people returning blind box stuff? I didn't know you even could, doesn't that defeat the purpose of the packaging? I know I wouldn't buy repacked minis.
OP, I know you shouldn't have to, but are there any other places in the area that sell them or close enough it's not extreme? I'd just shop elsewhere. Sucks that a few scumbags are ruining your store, but the "beauty" of capitalism and collecting hobbies is that stuff like this is in the grey area and not really against the rules so there's no way to really stop it from happening.

They are not talking about blind boxes the glitter ponies are 1/24 odds in an assortment.

[eily311]

It's so difficult trying to get a glitter pony from ht. I have tried calling and calling different hot topics and have not had luck not once. So out of curiosity I started calling out of state hot topic stores and even ten I had no luck. I have never bought 24 ponies at a time either because I just can't afford that so the only way for me to get my glitters is on ebay etc. It's kind of disappointing because I do like going pony hunting and finding the ponies I'm looking for.I wish they weren't so hard to get.

[lexiyrock]

Well, I think that Hot Topic should do what BN is doing about not accepting returns of "bulk" orders which consist of 40 items or more.
HT should allow a maximum of 23 item to be returned per each particular order. It will guarantee that flippers won't buy a case because if they don't get what they want, they can only return 23 and must loose money by keeping one.

The scale thingy is funny. I saw someone at my local comic shop doing it. It is too variable. Each store can extra wrap the boxes. Some stores add the alarm device to prevent theft.

It is impossible to stop flipping. On the boards, I see flippers all the time. Unless we are all committed to sell everything at cost, that includes the FREE Freddy's we get a fun day, we can't really complaint about scalpers. We can get a 300 Deadpool Freddy for $40 but members here will sell it for "market" price which is the scalpers price. They aren't willing to sell it at cost, so why should flippers sell at cost as well? Truth is that selling at cost doesn't benefit anyone except the person who missed the item and I see it almost impossible that the community come together and sell everything at cost without making a profit.

[grandpa_stern]

Well, I think that Hot Topic should do what BN is doing about not accepting returns of "bulk" orders which consist of 40 items or more.
HT should allow a maximum of 23 item to be returned per each particular order. It will guarantee that flippers won't buy a case because if they don't get what they want, they can only return 23 and must loose money by keeping one.

The scale thingy is funny. I saw someone at my local comic shop doing it. It is too variable. Each store can extra wrap the boxes. Some stores add the alarm device to prevent theft.

It is impossible to stop flipping. On the boards, I see flippers all the time. Unless we are all committed to sell everything at cost, that includes the FREE Freddy's we get a fun day, we can't really complaint about scalpers. We can get a 300 Deadpool Freddy for $40 but members here will sell it for "market" price which is the scalpers price. They aren't willing to sell it at cost, so why should flippers sell at cost as well? Truth is that selling at cost doesn't benefit anyone except the person who missed the item and I see it almost impossible that the community come together and sell everything at cost without making a profit.

I see flipping as deliberately buying something with the express purpose of reselling it at a profit. If someone goes to Fundays and doesn't get the Freddy they want, I don't have a problem with them selling it at market value. I don't have a problem with someone buying 1 of something, needing money, and deciding to sell it. I do have a problem with someone going to comic con and buying 50 of an item and then selling them at a higher price. The distinction is intention and consequence. When someone buys all of the exclusives at HT, then my options become go without (which is probably the smarter choice) or pay inflated prices. I don't mind people selling on a mark up as the market will determine whether that is viable. I do have a problem with the market being cornered so that they only way to get something is the shady, overpriced back alley way. Just my opinion.

[videguy]

I'm not being hostile, just honest.

It's our fault. If you haven't seen it before now, you haven't been looking. We create the demand that these individuals are trying to meet. They're taking advantage of us. Heck, we're taking advantage of us. Folks trying to double up on pieces EVERYONE knows what they paid for (400 Batgirl protos, anyone). I see posts here and on FB complaining that some scalper bought up all the stock right before they could do the same, you know, to help everyone else out.

I'm trying to figure out why these people are buying all the ponies, then returning the non-glitters? They're not blind boxed, just buy the damn glitter, you're not being sneaky or clever.

I bet they try to sell them on Ebay and when they don't sell they bring them back. Just a theory.

[Mauison]

I'm not being hostile, just honest.

It's our fault. If you haven't seen it before now, you haven't been looking. We create the demand that these individuals are trying to meet. They're taking advantage of us. Heck, we're taking advantage of us. Folks trying to double up on pieces EVERYONE knows what they paid for (400 Batgirl protos, anyone). I see posts here and on FB complaining that some scalper bought up all the stock right before they could do the same, you know, to help everyone else out.

I'm trying to figure out why these people are buying all the ponies, then returning the non-glitters? They're not blind boxed, just buy the damn glitter, you're not being sneaky or clever.

I bet they try to sell them on Ebay and when they don't sell they bring them back. Just a theory.

What I think is happening is they order a bunch, hoping one of them will be a glitter, then return all the non-glitters to their local store.

[Birdeh]

I'm not being hostile, just honest.

It's our fault. If you haven't seen it before now, you haven't been looking. We create the demand that these individuals are trying to meet. They're taking advantage of us. Heck, we're taking advantage of us. Folks trying to double up on pieces EVERYONE knows what they paid for (400 Batgirl protos, anyone). I see posts here and on FB complaining that some scalper bought up all the stock right before they could do the same, you know, to help everyone else out.

I'm trying to figure out why these people are buying all the ponies, then returning the non-glitters? They're not blind boxed, just buy the damn glitter, you're not being sneaky or clever.

I bet they try to sell them on Ebay and when they don't sell they bring them back. Just a theory.

What I think is happening is they order a bunch, hoping one of them will be a glitter, then return all the non-glitters to their local store.

^This.

They buy as many as they can and return the regular ponies, which are much slower to be bought than their glitter versions.

[cellularSP]

If someone came into my store (theoretically) with a scale to weigh mystery minis I'd probably kick them out

[lunarembrace]

How is it that a chase mystery mini weighs more than a regular mini..? I totally don't understand that.

[Birdeh]

How is it that a chase mystery mini weighs more than a regular mini..? I totally don't understand that.

We're not talking about minis..

and the one about the scale was probably just trying to find the 'rarer' or ones they're missing (different figures have different weights). I don't think that could be used for chase figures.