#87: The Answers 5/25/11

[YAK_Jayson]

It's been a while. The Yakface/Hasbro QnA returns this week with questions submitted on 4/29. In this session get official answers regarding the availability of the proper Spacetrooper, a confirmation of a delayed vehcile in "Vintage-style" packaging and the deafening silence regarding distribution of figures this year.

Q1: A few months back now we were told that we'd be seeing a re-issue of the 2010 EU Spacetrooper (originally available in the exclusive EU wave sold through Toys"R"Us) in the Saga Legends line. Recently (3/9/2011), you released images of this new wave of SL figures but the solicitation imagery showed the DARK TROOPER instead (although it was shown with the proper "Spacetrooper" Galactic Battle Game card). Can you clarify as to which figure we will actually be getting? Troop builders want to know!!!

A1: You will be seeing the Spacetrooper at retail. The Dark Trooper was simply a placeholder.

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Q2: Over a year ago (Feb 2010), you stated in a QnA we could expect a re-issue of Luke's Landspeeder sometime in 2011. Now that we are into the second quarter, has a more definitive time and method of release (general or exclusive) been determined? Will we see this available in the gorgeous "Vintage" style packaging as well? Sounds like a perfect holiday release item to me!

A2: The Landspeeder in Vintage packaging should hit U.S. Target shelves towards the end of 2011

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Bonus Question: In short - where are all the figures????? The action figure aisle have been dryer than the Jundland Wastes since Christmas (unless you want an actual Clone Army of discolored yellow helmeted EIII clones). Some areas of the country getting passed over on entire wave of figures. We thought that 2011 was suppose to bring a new hope and change in terms of distribution of the Vintage Collection. Many long-time Kenner/Hasbro devotees have quit collecting altogether because of this not to mention the rising cost of the figures themselves and fuel prices.

Answer: None

 

[YAK_Chewie]

Well, I'm glad that the Landspeeder will be coming out, and Target seems like a pretty good retail partner. I'll plan on getting another one when I see one at retail. Then if there's the standard "Target clearance" after Christmas, I'll consider getting a few more for custom repaints.

I'm really disappointed that they ignored the distribution question. Looks like RS sent them a similar question and they flat our ignored it. I really didn't expect much of a response, but one would think they would respond in some manner to the frustration in the collecting community. That doesn't seem like very good public relations to me from Hasbro. :?

:wink:

 

[zedhatch]

I'm really disappointed that they ignored the distribution question. Looks like RS sent them a similar question and they flat our ignored it. That doesn't seem like very good public relations to me from Hasbro.

You mean Hunter PR who handles thier public relations, yeah I am really getting into blameing the right people lately (although Hasbro shares some blame for hireing them).

Which also might explain why there is no answer, they just don't know and cannot come up with a bottled answer quick enough, just a hunch. that they are waiting for Hasbro to give them something and just acting like it doesn't exist until they do, typical PR outsourceing at work.

 

[AaylaSecurasMan]

I am really dissapointed with Hasbro's answers from all the sites. It is almost funny, so useless.

 

[Paulskywalker]

Finally answers!

Nice to see the landspeeder coming back in vintage packaging, bugger that its the usual exclusive! and is it new?

Well what a surprise no reply to the distribution question and how bloody rude to actually ignore you customers; Hasbro cares! :roll:

 

[YAK_Chewie]

Nice to see the landspeeder coming back in vintage packaging, bugger that its the usual exclusive! and is it new?

I would assume it's the SAGA sculpt, which is actually pretty good.

:wink:

 

[Grimace]

I am really dissapointed with Hasbro's answers from all the sites. It is almost funny, so useless.

ASM is right on the money, on the nose, bingo, correctamundo, yuppers, and I agree

 

[The Professor]

Which also might explain why there is no answer, they just don't know and cannot come up with a bottled answer quick enough, just a hunch. that they are waiting for Hasbro to give them something and just acting like it doesn't exist until they do, typical PR outsourceing at work.

Considering they haven't answered questions in months, they've had plenty of time to come up with a bottled answer. But, your point is well said. Hopefully that is the reason; I just have doubts.

 

[Paulskywalker]

Jedinews.co.uk did get an answer to ratios, could this hint at a new strategy for distribution too?

2) With new figures in both The Vintage Collection and The Clone Wars only shipping one per case it is getting frustratingly hard to get each and every new figure. Surely it would make sense to pack all new figures two per case therefore ensuring that more people get access to these new figures and then leaving the remaining slots in the cases for the more popular figures from previous waves? It seems brick and mortar shops are ordering fewer cases and by making this switch you'll allow a greater number of collectors and kids to get the new figures they want and stop the problems we're currently encountering whereby all we're finding at retail are huge quantities of Clone Troopers and Sandtroopers (that's probably stopping the retailers from ordering more product - it’s seems like a vicious circle!).

We are continually optimizing our ratios in order to maximize the most sought after figures in each case pack. Beginning in fall 2011 and continuing into 2012 you will see this strategy in action on a more regular basis.

 

[The Professor]

Maybe so. That is a positive sign either way.