Neca TMNT SDCC Video Game sets

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by lilmotto

Where did you get these numbers from? (Not saying you are wrong just overall curious).

From the Shopify API.

[go_ninja84]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

I don't understand the sense of entitlement. They made products that you liked when you were younger so you bought them. They make products now that you don't like so you don't buy them. That's all well and good. Support the products and the companies that you want to support.

But the company itself doesn't owe you anything. They're a business and they're doing what they feel serves that interest best. It shouldn't be taken as a personal slight against you.

thats the thing how can we support a company when Playmates is cockblocking them at retail? not everyone can order online or go to SDCC

you must work for them or something, you seem to be the only one defending them for their poor quality and stingy attitude

i do feel they owe us something. we were loyal to them for years and this is what we get? we cant even get decent collectors figures from them

[Powder]

Yeah, while you've made a lot of fair & informed posts, you're going up to bat for them an awful lot. Informing people is good, but let's be real, no matter the reasons behind them, their practices are a point of contention for many people. Let 'em vent/bitch. Some of their moves are strictly business, sure, but there are elements of pettiness, disrespect, entitlement on their part too, both towards other license holders & the fan base.

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

you must work for them or something, you seem to be the only one defending them for their poor quality and stingy attitude

i do feel they owe us something. we were loyal to them for years and this is what we get? we cant even get decent collectors figures from them

I'm not trying to defend their position, and I don't work anywhere near that industry (I'm a web developer). Nowhere have I said that I think they're right. I think it sucks that they won't allow NECA to sell TMNT stuff at retail. All I'm trying to point out is that taking their business decisions personally makes no rational sense, and if I ran a business like theirs, I'd probably do the same thing to protect my position if I had that choice.

Originally Posted by Powder

Yeah, while you've made a lot of fair & informed posts, you're going up to bat for them an awful lot. Informing people is good, but let's be real, no matter the reasons behind them, their practices are a point of contention for many people. Let 'em vent/bitch. Some of their moves are strictly business, sure, but there are elements of pettiness, disrespect, entitlement on their part too, both towards other license holders & the fan base.

I have no issue with people venting. Franchises thrive on the passions of their fans, and that's why we're all here -- we're fans. I'm not going to SDCC this year, so normally, I would be without these figures as well. Luckily, an acquaintance who is going has volunteered to help me out. But even if that weren't the case, my position would remain the same. I'm not going to curse the company because they're serving their interests. That's why companies exist, and it's the furthest thing from a personal attack possible. Companies don't owe us anything. They make something and we either buy it or don't. That's the end of the transaction.

And anyone who really wants these figures will be able to get them. People may pay an inflated price, but that's their prerogative. I'm paying an inflated price, too, when you factor in a tip for my friend and shipping. But them's the breaks, aren't they? I buy limited edition stuff on the secondary market quite frequently, and I accept that that's the way it is. I don't curse the company who made it just because I'm choosing to pay more than the retail value for something. If I want something bad enough to pay that amount, then it's worth it to me.

[Shark_Blade]

Any other place to get these other than ebay?

[DVD]

I think they are going to made available at San Diego....

[Autbot_Benz]

Originally Posted by Shark_Blade

Any other place to get these other than ebay?

San Deigo Comic Con only no retail release you can blame Playmates for that

[go_ninja84]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

I'm not trying to defend their position, and I don't work anywhere near that industry (I'm a web developer). Nowhere have I said that I think they're right. I think it sucks that they won't allow NECA to sell TMNT stuff at retail. All I'm trying to point out is that taking their business decisions personally makes no rational sense, and if I ran a business like theirs, I'd probably do the same thing to protect my position if I had that choice.

im sorry i disagree with your statements and nothing you say will change my mind about Playmates they are the stingiest/cheapest company i have seen

while i do agree if people want these figures they will do what it takes but the amount the jumping through hoops to get them is what i blame Playmates and their stingy way of operations.

aside from the cheap ass figures they have numerous times let fans down not releasing figures canceling vital figures for collections and all around cheapness. if a factory in Hong Kong can produce the same quality figures and are selling them for less then 5 dollars while Playmates figures continue to come short on quality but surprise surprise no change on price. i recently bought the OOTS disguised figures and returned them the next day when i saw the cheapness in them Leos belt is not even painted all the way around!! just the front is. Raphael had paint chipping off while he is still in the package, in fact i could even see some of the white paint ships on the bottom of the package from his arm wraps how cheap!!

[ProactiveMan]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

I'm not trying to defend their position, and I don't work anywhere near that industry (I'm a web developer). Nowhere have I said that I think they're right. I think it sucks that they won't allow NECA to sell TMNT stuff at retail. All I'm trying to point out is that taking their business decisions personally makes no rational sense, and if I ran a business like theirs, I'd probably do the same thing to protect my position if I had that choice.

I agree that it isn't worth getting crazy over toys.

Having said that, I don't think complaining about this situation is out of line, and I don't think it's necessarily futile. If Playmates don't care about this market and don't stand to gain anything from our goodwill, we cannot effect their bottom line because we don't contribute to it. Never the less, they are effecting our buying power, so we have to respond via the only means necessary. Whining at everyone who will listen in the hope that we can make Playmates look bad in the eyes of the customers they do care about.

I understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, but that doesn't mean I have to accept it. I understand why the Coca-Cola Company (allegedly) whacks union leaders in Columbia, but there's no way I will condone that. That's just an example BTW; I'm not seriously comparing murder with toy licensing.

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

im sorry i disagree with your statements and nothing you say will change my mind about Playmates they are the stingiest/cheapest company i have seen

while i do agree if people want these figures they will do what it takes but the amount the jumping through hoops to get them is what i blame Playmates and their stingy way of operations.

aside from the cheap ass figures they have numerous times let fans down not releasing figures canceling vital figures for collections and all around cheapness. if a factory in Hong Kong can produce the same quality figures and are selling them for less then 5 dollars while Playmates figures continue to come short on quality but surprise surprise no change on price. i recently bought the OOTS disguised figures and returned them the next day when i saw the cheapness in them Leos belt is not even painted all the way around!! just the front is. Raphael had paint chipping off while he is still in the package, in fact i could even see some of the white paint ships on the bottom of the package from his arm wraps how cheap!!

Nothing wrong with that. But you need to remember: they're not creating products for you. Their market is children, and children who want TMNT figures aren't nearly as discerning as adult collectors. They don't make products of higher quality because they don't need to.

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by ProactiveMan

Having said that, I don't think complaining about this situation is out of line, and I don't think it's necessarily futile. If Playmates don't care about this market and don't stand to gain anything from our goodwill, we cannot effect their bottom line because we don't contribute to it. Never the less, they are effecting our buying power, so we have to respond via the only means necessary. Whining at everyone who will listen in the hope that we can make Playmates look bad in the eyes of the customers they do care about.

I understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, but that doesn't mean I have to accept it.

The best means possible would be to talk directly to Playmates. They have e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook pages. Complain where it might actually do some good and where others can see it. Complain to Nickelodeon and let them know how you feel. Let them know that you don't support anti-competitive business practices, and more importantly, that Nickelodeon is losing money by allowing Playmates to do this.

Nick is part of a publicly-traded conglomerate, and the best way to make them care about an issue is to demonstrate how it will effect their profits negatively. That's how you get companies to pay attention. Complaining on a message board for hardcore fans isn't going to get anyone to notice the issue who doesn't already know about it.

Originally Posted by ProactiveMan

I'm not seriously comparing murder with toy licensing.

That line made me nearly spit up water at my desk!

[go_ninja84]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

Nothing wrong with that. But you need to remember: they're not creating products for you. Their market is children, and children who want TMNT figures aren't nearly as discerning as adult collectors. They don't make products of higher quality because they don't need to.

thats all well and good for kids but what are the adult collectors supposed to do? they make us jump through hoops to get the stuff they forbid to sell in retail. thats where i blame them

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

The best means possible would be to talk directly to Playmates. They have e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook pages. Complain where it might actually do some good and where others can see it. Complain to Nickelodeon and let them know how you feel. Let them know that you don't support anti-competitive business practices, and more importantly, that Nickelodeon is losing money by allowing Playmates to do this.

thats does nothing, they ignore the cries of fans and post stupid trivia, pictures of kids playing with the toys, and instructional videos the epitome of a useless company

[Autbot_Benz]

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

thats all well and good for kids but what are the adult collectors supposed to do? they make us jump through hoops to get the stuff they forbid to sell in retail. thats where i blame them

thats does nothing, they ignore the cries of fans and post stupid trivia, pictures of kids playing with the toys, and instructional videos the epitome of a useless company

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

thats all well and good for kids but what are the adult collectors supposed to do? they make us jump through hoops to get the stuff they forbid to sell in retail. thats where i blame them

You just answered your own question, my friend. Again, they're not here to serve adult collectors. That's not why they exist. I'm not saying it's right -- just that that's the way it is.

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

thats does nothing, they ignore the cries of fans and post stupid trivia, pictures of kids playing with the toys, and instructional videos the epitome of a useless company

Are you talking about Playmates or Nickelodeon? Why not try speaking to the people that can actually do something about it? Like the people that own the property?

[Powder]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

The best means possible would be to talk directly to Playmates. They have e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook pages. Complain where it might actually do some good and where others can see it. Complain to Nickelodeon and let them know how you feel. Let them know that you don't support anti-competitive business practices, and more importantly, that Nickelodeon is losing money by allowing Playmates to do this.

Dude, seriously, you have no idea the depths of their sh*ttiness. I give you props for the business insight & such, you know your stuff & I appreciate you presenting it with a calm demeanor, but you clearly don't have the experience with Playmates that we do. I can tell because you'd be feverish as the rest of us if you did.

They are jerks, straight up. When they're not deleting our comments (& blocking us after the fact) they're being rude, dismissive, or in some cases, outright mocking us. One guy from the company joined the forums a few years back & straight bullied the hell out of a member who was then a very vocal, disgruntled buyer. Someone who was fair & constructive in their criticism, asking questions & making suggestions in a totally reasonable fashion. The Playmates rep who came here basically wrote a novel of insults, berating him on a pretty personal level, as well as the rest of us by extension. Saying that they would read his emails aloud & laugh at the absurdity of an adult caring about these things or whatever.

They even have in-house shills. I remember a bunch of us were ticked off about something on their Facebook, this guy was saying all kinds of foul sh*t under the guise of being a defensive fan of theirs. After a little snooping about, I learned he worked for the damn company.

They do not care about us or our opinions. If you get a response via email, it's cookie cutter copy & paste nonsense, corporate as all get out. As far as social media goes, anything that isn't complacent praise is either removed or met with attitude. The first time, they'll delete your comments, the second, they're passive aggressive (if they reply at all), they'll outright block you, too. Messages aren't even read. Trying to get them to hear us out is a lost cause. By all means, if you can think of/know/find parties at Viacom who would hear these cries, please direct us to them. I'd be happy to write an informed & impassioned letter were it not to fall on blind eyes.

[Autbot_Benz]

Originally Posted by Powder

Dude, seriously, you have no idea the depths of their sh*ttiness. I give you props for the business insight & such, you know your stuff & I appreciate you presenting it with a calm demeanor, but you clearly don't have the experience with Playmates that we do. I can tell because you'd be feverish as the rest of us if you did.

They are jerks, straight up. When they're not deleting our comments (& blocking us after the fact) they're being rude, dismissive, or in some cases, outright mocking us. One guy from the company joined the forums a few years back & straight bullied the hell out of a member who was then a very vocal, disgruntled buyer. Someone who was fair & constructive in their criticism, asking questions & making suggestions in a totally reasonable fashion. The Playmates rep who came here basically wrote a novel of insults, berating him on a pretty personal level, as well as the rest of us by extension. Saying that they would read his emails aloud & laugh at the absurdity of an adult caring about these things or whatever.

They even have in-house shills. I remember a bunch of us were ticked off about something on their Facebook, this guy was saying all kinds of foul sh*t under the guise of being a defensive fan of theirs. After a little snooping about, I learned he worked for the damn company.

They do not care about us or our opinions. If you get a response via email, it's cookie cutter copy & paste nonsense, corporate as all get out. & as I said before, anything that isn't complacent praise is either removed or met with attitude. Trying to get them to hear us out is a lost cause. By all means, if you can think of/know/find parties at Viacom who would hear these cries, by all means, direct us to them. I'd be happy to write an informed & impassioned letter were it not to fall on blind eyes.

Preach My Brother Preach.

[imevilduckie]

Originally Posted by Powder

They are jerks, straight up. ...

Wow, that makes me sad to hear. I had no idea that their disdain for customers was quite that bad. Now that I have that context, so much of the vitriol makes sense. I'm sorry that that has happened to people on here. Harassment shouldn't be tolerated -- especially from a brand that is meant to appeal to families and children.

Originally Posted by Powder

By all means, if you can think of/know/find parties at Viacom who would hear these cries, please direct us to them. I'd be happy to write an informed & impassioned letter were it not to fall on blind eyes.

Well, here's what I was able to find after some searching:

David Sztoser
Vice President, Licensing
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sztoser-a096332

Liz Rich Cohen
Senior Director Licensing, Toys
[email protected] (or possibly [email protected])
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-rich-cohen-4a05b81

Either/both of these people would probably be a good place to start. They are based at Nick's HQ in New York City. The phone number for the main Nick switchboard is: 212-846-2543.

[Digital Ghost]

I'm replying, for the mere purpose of agreeing with everything Powder stated. Playmates Toys doesn't appear to understand the basic concept of decent customer service and the only time you'll witness anyone under their employ behaving professionally is when they're showcasing a new product for the camera. I've been on the receiving end of their poor behaviour, simply inquiring about a product or two... and the last time I contacted them, they stated they couldn't assist me because I'm in Canada and they don't consort with Canadian customers.

To read that an employee of theirs registered to berate a TMNT fan doesn't surprise me one bit.

[ProactiveMan]

Originally Posted by imevilduckie

That line made me nearly spit up water at my desk!

Haha, I guess I'll have to try harder next time.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Powder

They are jerks, straight up. When they're not deleting our comments (& blocking us after the fact) they're being rude, dismissive, or in some cases, outright mocking us. One guy from the company joined the forums a few years back & straight bullied the hell out of a member who was then a very vocal, disgruntled buyer. Someone who was fair & constructive in their criticism, asking questions & making suggestions in a totally reasonable fashion. The Playmates rep who came here basically wrote a novel of insults, berating him on a pretty personal level, as well as the rest of us by extension. Saying that they would read his emails aloud & laugh at the absurdity of an adult caring about these things or whatever.

Yeah that person was me and trust me I've not forgotten.
The @sshole then shrugged it off like it was my roast or some bullcrap.
I could run that company better with my eyes closed, hands down.
Give me one year and I'd set things on the right path.