Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 6:32:12 GMT -5
Toys R Us and Smyths not getting figures will kill the UK business, prices of these figures are just far too much for the quality. Look at how many people are moaning at quality compared to last year or the year before. Is it then also worth the hassle to order online if your figure is stiff or paint is horrible. No not really. If Argos stopped the NXT series that could be me done or like 5-10 figures a year depending on who comes out Its only a handful of collectors talking about quality, kids wont care of theres a scuff on Cena's eyebrow
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Post by Vamp55 on Nov 7, 2018 6:32:57 GMT -5
At least you have Walmart and Target stores so actually have a chance of finding these figures... other countries/collectors don't . This - I just paid over $100us to get HOC Warrior and Paul (figures+shipping) cause they are never going to see the light of day in Australia. It’s been this way for years for international collectors, but it feels like even evil bay prices are rising cause the figures are harder to find. Hell, I still gotta hey all of Flashback 3, and HOF Kane/Ron Simmons. Seems to go in cycles - it will come back around, and maybe a little less is more from Mattel. I just hope the Ultimate Edition line super high end.. 2-3 heads, cloth accessories- and every belt that makes sense for the wrestler. I’m happy to pay the money for a high end product... and I’m pinning all my hopes on this line...
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Deleted
Joined on: Sept 29, 2024 0:32:28 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 7:23:30 GMT -5
why dont they just make em and sell on the shopzone? make a certain amount, if they sell out quick, order some another batch. im sure in near 2020, mattel/wwe could make that work.
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Post by Glorydaysofwrestling on Nov 7, 2018 7:25:06 GMT -5
Mattel has always gone in waves. Sometimes flashbacks are abundant and other times we go through droughts. The only thing consistent is that they are usually hard to track down.
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Post by The Assassin on Nov 7, 2018 7:31:27 GMT -5
YES
I only collect characters from the Monday Night Wars era (1995-2001) particularly WCW.
My interest in the hobby lately is at the lowest it's ever been since I started collecting in the mid-1990s. Main reasons being:
-Far too few WCW/NWO era flashbacks, and not enough WWF Attitude era flashbacks either -Flashback headscan likenesses are often hit and miss, Mattel really need to raise their sculpt approval standards -Not enough new headscans on flashback characters that have been released before, though I'm hoping alternate heads might become standard -Too many smiling headscans on flashbacks, particularly on females (females can be tough and angry you know Mattel) -Half the time the flashbacks aren't the version of the character I remember, way too much focus on 80s and early-90s WWF (i.e. Alundra Blayze but no Madusa, Queen Sherri but no Sister Sherri, Brutus Beefcake but no Disciple) -Flashbacks are often expensive and hard to get hold of (I'm in the UK)
I guess I'm just getting sick of how ridiculously long it's taking to fill the holes in my collection, there are literally hundreds of WCW/NWO era and WWF Attitude era superstars I want, but I'm lucky if Mattel make one or two of them a year and even then, half the time the head likenesses look off or they give it a goofy smiling headscan, or it's not the version of the character I remember. I really would like to see Mattel find ways to dig deeper into wrestling history and go beyond the A-list and B-list talent for flashbacks, there's so many great characters that have never been made who aren't even obscure by any means. And lastly if I want to buy new flashbacks, increasingly my only option is importing it from the states for like £40-£45 per figure ($55-$60).
In all honesty pretty much the only thing in the wrestling figure world that has caught my attention this year is Bill saying at Ringside Fest that they have another classic WCW belt for figures in development. Really happy they're finally taking steps to SOLVE the problem in giving the fans WCW belts, though I can't help but feel pessamistic thinking how much longer is it going to take before we have all the significant WCW belts in figure form, when aside from the big gold belt, it's taken us 15+ years (first with Jakks and then Mattel) to get even one.
Honestly the recent Alundra Blayze figure is a prime example of my dissatisfaction with the wrestling figure scene. I've been waiting 22 years for a Madusa figure, but I'm disappointed to see the WWF version is prioritized (even though her most significant persona was Madusa), it's yet another smiling headscan, the likeness is distinctly mediocre, if I buy it I'll end up paying £40-£45, and I feel like Mattel won't bother making any other versions of her, or at the very least will reuse the same lacklustre head. I just increasingly feel like I can't be bothered with all this anymore and achieving a comprehensive roster of high-quality WCW/NWO era figures is a dream that after 20+ years I'm tiring of chasing and fighting to get made.
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walkingturtles
Main Eventer
Joined on: Apr 22, 2018 19:54:00 GMT -5
Posts: 1,703
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Post by walkingturtles on Nov 7, 2018 7:56:40 GMT -5
Not trying to come off as a whiney thread but do any of you feel the end is near? Either you don't feel like trying to keep up -- or you're just frustrated? Is it the choices in direction or the overall lack of availability? I'm new to this game as of a few years ago. I purchased many figures online from the past that I was able to collect for decent prices but I've noticed how difficult it is to track down new ones at Walmart and Target. I've been to so many Walmarts, some farther away than I wanted to go to find these -- and I just can't score the new Flashback Wave, it's always a couple of straggling Stone Colds. It's not reassuring either knowing that previous waves were stocked maybe twice in my area. Then there's Target? Ha, forget it, wave 2 and 3 of HOC is nowhere to be seen around here. Half the stores barely got any of those from Wave 1. Now the new Mattel plan is to insert flashbacks as store exclusives. Rhetorical question here but do you guys have any idea of how hard it's going to be to snag a Backlund, Sherri or whomever they add in an actual store? Answer: I'm not sure I'll even bother trying. My problem is availability, finding these things can be hard to do. I wish store exclusives would be sold on that particular stores website, that I think would help drive sales and increase production. The second issue I have is choices, I feel like whoever is choosing the attires or superstars purposely avoids the most popular choices for something obscure. Need I say more about 2000 Triple H. I also feel like Mattel needs to do something about re-releases of popular figures. We can all agree that E16 Nash and DM Bret Hart need to be re-released.
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bigm25
Superstar
Joined on: Mar 10, 2016 11:58:52 GMT -5
Posts: 695
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Post by bigm25 on Nov 7, 2018 8:09:45 GMT -5
all I can say is that this Harley Race problem I’m having is extremely discouraging and stressful
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Deleted
Joined on: Sept 29, 2024 0:32:28 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 8:47:48 GMT -5
all I can say is that this Harley Race problem I’m having is extremely discouraging and stressful Is not finding a figure in a store yet really a stressful situation? Its only just come out so no wonder its not in every store yet
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Post by stc13 on Nov 7, 2018 8:49:43 GMT -5
For the sake of discussion, what would you like to see Mattel *realistically* do to improve the Flashback offerings? It's clear they're only going to use WWE-signed Legends and properties (belts, etc), whether by force or by choice. The line with international distribution is that "they're made available to international retailers, and it's their decision whether or not to order the figures." So I don't think changes in those areas are either unlikely or out of Mattel's hands. But I do think there are some areas Mattel could quickly and easily address that would increase my interest almost instantly.
For me, I'd like to see: -Utilize the basics/2-pack lines for first time in the line figures that wouldn't sell at retail. At one point there was a Rock/Rocky Johnson 2-pack that came up in placeholder lineups, and that seems like a perfect way to squeeze in new characters. I know some only want Elites, but I'd much rather have a basic Disciple in a 2-pack with Hogan (a guy can dream...) than none at all. Lower price point and more kid-friendly line would probably help avoid pegwarming, and fill out the shelves for adult collectors.
-Allow for more direct consumer input. At one point, Bill would regularly ask collectors to vote on what figures or attires they were interested in. Whether it's on a collector-centric forum, social media, or wwe.com, I think it could help steer the line towards figures we're actually interested in. I'd be less salty about the 30th Macho or Warrior if it's an attire I am remotely interested in.
Any other thoughts?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 9:03:36 GMT -5
stc13They should do 6 figures in each elite wave, 3 current, 1 female, 1 nxt and 1 flashback per wave. 3 Battlepacks per wave, 2 current inc. Nxt and women, 1 flashback 6 figure basic waves, 4 current/nxt, 1 woman and 1 flashback. Maybe introduce an online only Flashback series, available via Mattel and WWE shop, perhaps 3 waves per year consisting of 4 Flashback elites at a slightly higher price than stores Continue as is with the gimmicky lines and retros Limiting the quantities of FBs which clearly dont sell as well as current stars will stop figures hanging around in stores, which then stops stores buying the latest waves, that will also stop the idiots blaming Mattel for stores poor distribution, stores need to re-evaluate their distribution methods, no store should have 100 of any figure, there should be no need to clearance a figure, this only happens when stores over order and ship the product incorrectly
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WrestleFest
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Oct 29, 2018 15:59:13 GMT -5
Posts: 151
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Post by WrestleFest on Nov 7, 2018 9:24:52 GMT -5
Honestly while my state is slow to get the Target & Walmart store exclusives, I’ve never had problems finding everything...eventually. So long as they keep making them & finding ways to release more (ie outside the main elite line) then things are still rolling along. I agree with this. Usually, even if it's like 4-6 months after a set comes out I can find whatever I am looking for in stores. I literally just found NXT Asuka and Ember Moon like this past weekend. Now, as for Flashbacks, it seems like my area people are more into current wrestling rather than old school stuff, so oftentimes I can grab that stuff too. I get the frustration though, it SUCKS when you can't find stuff, makes you want to give up, but hang in there!
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Post by SmithyPlayz on Nov 7, 2018 15:18:09 GMT -5
Toys R Us and Smyths not getting figures will kill the UK business, prices of these figures are just far too much for the quality. Look at how many people are moaning at quality compared to last year or the year before. Is it then also worth the hassle to order online if your figure is stiff or paint is horrible. No not really. If Argos stopped the NXT series that could be me done or like 5-10 figures a year depending on who comes out Its only a handful of collectors talking about quality, kids wont care of theres a scuff on Cena's eyebrow Tbh I don't mind that quality of stuff, but when people are on here about them not moving that's not very good. Some parents may not know that hot water fixes it. I didn't before I found WFigs but luckily I've only needed it a couple of times
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Deleted
Joined on: Sept 29, 2024 0:32:28 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2018 16:04:56 GMT -5
For the sake of discussion, what would you like to see Mattel *realistically* do to improve the Flashback offerings? It's clear they're only going to use WWE-signed Legends and properties (belts, etc), whether by force or by choice. The line with international distribution is that "they're made available to international retailers, and it's their decision whether or not to order the figures." So I don't think changes in those areas are either unlikely or out of Mattel's hands. But I do think there are some areas Mattel could quickly and easily address that would increase my interest almost instantly. For me, I'd like to see: -Utilize the basics/2-pack lines for first time in the line figures that wouldn't sell at retail. At one point there was a Rock/Rocky Johnson 2-pack that came up in placeholder lineups, and that seems like a perfect way to squeeze in new characters. I know some only want Elites, but I'd much rather have a basic Disciple in a 2-pack with Hogan (a guy can dream...) than none at all. Lower price point and more kid-friendly line would probably help avoid pegwarming, and fill out the shelves for adult collectors. -Allow for more direct consumer input. At one point, Bill would regularly ask collectors to vote on what figures or attires they were interested in. Whether it's on a collector-centric forum, social media, or wwe.com, I think it could help steer the line towards figures we're actually interested in. I'd be less salty about the 30th Macho or Warrior if it's an attire I am remotely interested in. Any other thoughts? communicate with wwe about legends. bill always says if they let us know we can do so and so, and then we make them. how about a monthly meeting with wwe about trying to see if they could budge on few legends that dont have legends deals. talk to each other, work with each other. i gaurantee if i could talk to someone at WWE about this id get them to understand you dont have to black ball your former wrestlers and its ok to let them get a fig made. fans should be whats it about, not holding grudges against legends.
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MR._SOCKO
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jun 2, 2002 11:08:22 GMT -5
Posts: 4,268
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Post by MR._SOCKO on Nov 7, 2018 16:05:35 GMT -5
At least you have Walmart and Target stores so actually have a chance of finding these figures... other countries/collectors don't . This - I just paid over $100us to get HOC Warrior and Paul (figures+shipping) cause they are never going to see the light of day in Australia. It’s been this way for years for international collectors, but it feels like even evil bay prices are rising cause the figures are harder to find. Hell, I still gotta hey all of Flashback 3, and HOF Kane/Ron Simmons. Seems to go in cycles - it will come back around, and maybe a little less is more from Mattel. I just hope the Ultimate Edition line super high end.. 2-3 heads, cloth accessories- and every belt that makes sense for the wrestler. I’m happy to pay the money for a high end product... and I’m pinning all my hopes on this line... PM sent. I can help you out!
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LuisTX
Main Eventer
Joined on: May 19, 2009 14:02:30 GMT -5
Posts: 1,810
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Post by LuisTX on Nov 7, 2018 16:06:16 GMT -5
A couple of things here, I do think they have tried many many different ways to get flashbacks to us to many varying results. Online exclusives, it’s own line, store exclusive lines, putting them regularly into the line and we get to a certain point where the line slows, or just rots. It’s been stated many times stores just don’t want that. They want current top stars on their pegs at all times. Bill has stated that over and over again. The stores want their consumers to be able to walk in a store and get Aj, Cena, Roman, Braun. Despite what we think, that’s what the stores want. Up to this point the stores have also probably been ok with Hogan, Warrior, Macho, Flair because they are the top stars of all time. But how many of those can they keep making? This is another attempt to find a way to get us the figures that we want. Really we should give them the benefit of the doubt and see how this plays out. Bill mentioned getting more pegs in the stores for elites and holding off on the store exclusive lines for now. Look say what you will we all here want Sherri, but put Sherri in every single store and she will wind up like JYD, Tugboat, and Berzerker. This is a new way to get us who we want. The only one I don’t agree with of the first five selections is Pete Dunne. I think he would have sold just fine. Let’s see what the stores look like in 2019 before we go condemning them again and again in these threads. From a business standpoint, what you are saying is totally fair. But if that's the case, and Mattel recognizes this but continue to do nothing about it, that's what I don't get. I've never owned a business, but I gotta believe having figures stay on pegs forever and stores not wanting to put out new items because of that is not good business. They should really figure out a different strategy, and I don't think putting Flashbacks into the regular series is going to work, either.
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bigm25
Superstar
Joined on: Mar 10, 2016 11:58:52 GMT -5
Posts: 695
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Post by bigm25 on Nov 7, 2018 17:30:44 GMT -5
all I can say is that this Harley Race problem I’m having is extremely discouraging and stressful Is not finding a figure in a store yet really a stressful situation? Its only just come out so no wonder its not in every store yet Well........when 12 out of 12 Walmart’s writhin a 50 mile radius have all gotten the set in, he’s packed one per case and none of them get replenishments I’d have to say yes this is a stressful problem sorry I’m not a fan of driving hours on end or paying over $50 to get one $18 figure
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erikg
Superstar
Joined on: May 31, 2016 9:41:59 GMT -5
Posts: 809
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Post by erikg on Nov 7, 2018 18:37:58 GMT -5
stc13 They should do 6 figures in each elite wave, 3 current, 1 female, 1 nxt and 1 flashback per wave. 3 Battlepacks per wave, 2 current inc. Nxt and women, 1 flashback 6 figure basic waves, 4 current/nxt, 1 woman and 1 flashback. Maybe introduce an online only Flashback series, available via Mattel and WWE shop, perhaps 3 waves per year consisting of 4 Flashback elites at a slightly higher price than stores
Continue as is with the gimmicky lines and retros Limiting the quantities of FBs which clearly dont sell as well as current stars will stop figures hanging around in stores, which then stops stores buying the latest waves, that will also stop the idiots blaming Mattel for stores poor distribution, stores need to re-evaluate their distribution methods, no store should have 100 of any figure, there should be no need to clearance a figure, this only happens when stores over order and ship the product incorrectly This is a great idea
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erikg
Superstar
Joined on: May 31, 2016 9:41:59 GMT -5
Posts: 809
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Post by erikg on Nov 7, 2018 18:40:20 GMT -5
It's just frustrating that two years ago we were getting Flyin' Brian, The Narcissist, Lord Steven Regal, Harlem Heat, Bam Bam Bigelow, Terry Funk, Nasty Boys, Natural Disasters, Berzerker and all of a sudden all of that is gone now.
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Post by Ultimate Figure Collector on Nov 7, 2018 19:11:18 GMT -5
It's just frustrating that two years ago we were getting Flyin' Brian, The Narcissist, Lord Steven Regal, Harlem Heat, Bam Bam Bigelow, Terry Funk, Nasty Boys, Natural Disasters, Berzerker and all of a sudden all of that is gone now. I’m a huge Flashback collector and have all of those figures. With that said, there is a reason we haven’t gotten more names like this. 80% of them sat on shelves. I still see Regal to this day, and I’ve seen Pillman at Big Lots.
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Post by BCizzle on Nov 7, 2018 20:07:45 GMT -5
It’s not just the Flashbacks, though. With TRU dead, Target cutting down their shelf space, and WalMarts around me not stocking, where can I buy new figs?
I’ll have to wait for Amazon to get stuff in stock, or for Ringside to lower their prices (not buying $50 MSRP Undisputed Era for $65), and hope I can find the exclusives online.
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