Here's my 2 sen on this issue.

Most ppl do not like to spend additional on something they do not like, that is why they do not like shops which sell in set. Sure Hasbro is acting like a big brother and forcing this down the small retailers, but the fact is, if we do not buy, Hasbro won't do such a thing. I seriously doubt Hasbro would want all the little pop and mom shops to kaput, since it is also part of their distribution channels.

Also, if they screw the big retailers like those small chains and give those big retailers lousy assortments, don't you think the big chains will make noise too? Maybe it is because of this issue Jusco gave up on Hasbro?

I tell you what I have learned from TFTM 1, if you see something you like but the shop is screwing you over or it is selling too expensive, wait till the movie heat dies down. Let me give you an example, BB08, the most highly sought after TF. After the movie was released, finding one was as hard as scoring 4D one forumer used to say. But then as the months go by there are so many different variants of BB08 that in the end some of the stock took a while to move. Same as Ultimate Bumblebee, so hard to find initially, but then after a while there were so many left in TRU.

So be patient. Dun fork out extra just to get that LC Prime coz later Hasbro will come out with PREMIUM LC Prime for the same price and berlambak coz everyone spend all their money buying ROTF toys in a hurry. I have learned my lessen, ordered Takara LC Prime for RM 240, only to find LC Prime Hasbro berlambak in Isetan KLCC the week later If I have waited 1 more week or so, maybe I could have save some cash. Same goes to BB08, bought in set from Toyliers, but months later berlambak in an even cooler variant and in premium colors.

I could go on and on, but as a toy company Hasbro would want the stock to move fast. It does not want stagnant stock in retailers as then retailers will complain that they cannot get rid of stock and will not buy new ones. At the same time the fans are complaining to Hasbro why aren't the toys moving and where are the new releases!!!

I dunno why, Hasbro and Mattel seem to share a common evil. After my hiatus from TF collecting (too expensive), I began collecting Hot Wheels, MBX and the like. Man, you would not believe how screwed up Mattel is with their car distribution. Underpacking nice cars, charging extra for 3 packs and 5 packs, no discount for even cars 2-3 years old hanging on the pegs! For Mattel I have took the initiate to tell Jusco that they should order more nice sellable cars and not underpack them. I do not know if Jusco can "persuade" Mattel or not. Have not tried with Hasbro, since I gave up buying TF toys.

I have not bought any ROTF toys yet. The price increase from RM 49.90 to RM 59.90, RM 189.90 to RM 219.90 and RM 99.90 to RM 109.90 or more is simply putting me off buying anymore ROTF products. Maybe I'll buy a Human Alliance, but see the price first.

I have learned my lesson; be patient, chances are Hasbro will want to milk the same mold over and over so there are many opportunities to get that mold. But be smart and look-out for price fluctuations or discounts.