Walmart Exclusive Generation 1 Optimus Prime Vintage Reissue Out in Canada

[79transam]

Originally Posted by OptimusB38

Maybe TT does have their kickbacks from these companies

Ever wonder why you never see them try shutting the KO business down?

[OptimusB38]

Right!!!

[OptimusB38]

I can’t not buy a mp ko SS with better qc and paint! They could b...the ko LEGO got shut down pretty quick

[79transam]

Originally Posted by OptimusB38

Right!!!

And remember how fast Shockwave was knocked off?
But.... everyone knows the lavender was crap. If the "KO" company was REALLY independent and looking to win, why didn't they go dark purple?

I'll tell you why... because TT Official had plans to go dark purple first. TT knew they blew it with the lavender and opted to usher the overstock out the KO route to recoup investment.

That establishes communication and cooperation at the very least. It's SOOOOOO obvious.

[Echotransformer]

MP $440 + Walmart G1 reissue prime=nearly the cost of a mortgage payment. Or a monthly payment on a BMW. Or...nevermind...

Dayum.

[Matrix_Holder]

I'll pick up the transform element prime because I feel it looks so much better but if I wanted that mp44 I'd definitely support ko on that. Mp beast wars megatron is my last official mp. Takara has basically pissed on all the fans with these new prices and I hope ko companies really hurt them and force them to reconsider screwing fans for pure greed.

[MapleMegatron]

Originally Posted by 79transam

Ever wonder why you never see them try shutting the KO business down?

Sounds like a crazy conspiracy theory.

[79transam]

Originally Posted by MapleMegatron

Sounds like a crazy conspiracy theory.

Lol. Have you turned on the tv lateley? And you think THIS is crazy? Haha

[steamwhistle]

What if what people think are KO's are actually factory seconds and/or off-hours over-productions?

What if MP Lavender Shockwave was a just colouring error which Takara realised, perhaps a bit late after accepting the product from the factory, but then figured to sell them anyway knowing the demand (with pre-sales roaring)?

Personally, I don't think the "spitting image" replicas are KO's. I think they are factory seconds or over-runs for one reason or another.

To me, KO's are the off-beat colourings and mis-matched packaging... Kind of like the G1-esque combiners sold in Toronto Chinatown for $10-$20 (20 years ago). Constructicons were a weird colour - almost matching, but the plastic was flimsy and accompanying stickers were the cheapest stickers possible. Same for the other combiners. A "Computron" knock-off might have had a KO Stunticon in the set.

[79transam]

Yeah once a guy starts to see what they're doing to squeeze as much as they can from collectors, it makes you see the hobby differently.
Market research is quite "in your head" as in it covers all sorts of scenarios that people will put up with or such. Brand loyalty is a huge aspect in sales. And it's not just transformers. I'm talking automakers, dishsoap, laundry detergent, jeans, dc vs marvel, samsung vs apple... there is a LOT of physiological manipulation in play before any one of us buys in.

I still think the best way was like in the 80s. Tons of product, affordable, for everyone who wants to play.