Posted by Mark on May 11, 2006 at 04:06 PM CST
Since our first post on the problem last week, we've received several more emails from fans finding the new Saga Collection Vintage figures, minus the special offer Proof of Purchase tabs. Unfortunately, for some the problem appears to be the last straw...
Mark,
Just wanted you to know that I am through with collecting any more Hasbro figures. After 10 years of collecting the new wave of figures this new contest for acquiring the GL Stormtrooper figure is a waste of time. I found all the figures at my local Wal-Mart only to find that the POP's had all been removed. There were many figures on the shelf without the hologram but that is to be expected since they are packaged so crappy to begin with. I am really upset and frustrated over this and have written Hasbro to complain but I am sure it will do no good. I am sticking with the Sideshow Toy Star Wars figures; at least I have a fair chance of getting the premiums they offer without the disappointment (not to mention the price of gas to get to all the local stores). Just thought I would let you know.
Thanks for being there,
Tom
And this from a fellow collector in Southern California depicting one other form of tampering to watch out for…
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case....
I went to a Target here in Southern California and was so excited to find on the pegs the Biker Scout and Tusken Raider in the Classic Trilogy Collection. Since Hasbro has sealed these things good I didn't bother to look for the UGH POP sticker in the package itself.
Well, after I purchased the figures and got in my car I noticed that there was no sticker inside either figure. I examined the package a little closer and noticed someone had used a razor blade and cut into the side of the package (where it is not visible without close inspection) about an inch in length and removed the POP that you need to send in to get the George Lucas in ST disguise.
I was so disappointed. It took the whole collecting enjoyment out of it. I would have hated to have a kid get that only to find that what he needed wasn't there.
Just thought everyone should know to watch for this and check the packaging very carefully.
Oh...I returned the figures and made Target put them as damaged goods.
Thanks,
Erik
To say that this is a minor problem would be a vast understatement; I've personally come across tampered figures three times in the last two weeks, and we continue to get mail daily on the topic. Considering there is very little Hasbro can do at this point, collectors must be aware of what to look for, and do what they can to help each other and shoppers that may be unaware of the issue. If you find figure that have been tampered with bring them to the stores attention, if you see a parent or child in the toy aisle that may be looking to buy these figures, do what you can to ensure they're getting what they should.
