Update: Here's the video.

Here's my dilemma:

I've been a lurker for years and was just waiting for my ship to come in, so to speak. Well, it finally came in and my collection can finally start proper like. I've got quite a nest egg that I plan on dropping all at once on a combo of 3P/MP/Other. BBTS usually always has the best selection, but with no free shipping it's going to get expensive. I'd love to give my business to the smaller more customer focused shops, but they generally don't have everything that I'm looking for. Plus side is these guys usually have free shipping.

Do you suppose it's worth asking BBTS if they would work out a deal for free shipping? Any chance some of these smaller shops might have some more stock not otherwise advertised so I can minimize shipments?

Anyways, I'm looking for any and all suggestion or ideas.

Thanks in Advance,

ELJ

 

TCP and TFSource normally have most things you'd want to find.

 

Since the prices are mainly the same across the board, you might have better luck with BBTS' competitors. Some of them are members of TFW2005 and have just as good (if not better) customer service:

-TFSource
-The Chosen Prime
-Toy Dojo
-Captured Prey
-Ages Three and Up
-Toy Arena

These guys all do free shipping (usually at $150+, although a3u is $200 I think?) and I particularly like the rewards system at TFSource and The Chosen Prime. I don't think the preordering system is quite as good/painless at BBTS, but when in doubt, just take a look at their store policies or just email them with your questions.

Hope this helps!

 

The chosen prime usually has a lot of figures in stock and offers free shipping over 150 and rewards points that translate back into free figures .. All of this will definitely be worth it especially since you sound like you plan on ordering a lot.. They have crazy fast shipping times and if you have any questions their communication is top notch .. If you want to save a grip on shipping and get what you want fast they're a great option...

 

Oh and if you're looking for good deals, try the Junkion Exchange subforum here or even some of the facebook groups -- you'd be surprised by some of the prices you can find if you don't mind buying something that may have been opened/displayed once!

 

bbts may not offer free shipping, but their rates are very reasonable when you buy all your stuff together. You will probably not find everything you're looking for at one store though, so you may need to get things from different places to fill the free shipping quotas.

 

im assuming we are talking 4 figure kind of purchase? gotta make that purchasing power work for you

id ask bbts but dont be suprised by their answer... others love them, i find them cold and distant.

personally, id give the choosen prime your shopping list, then let them see what they can come up with... i think, i suspect, they have stock they dont list on the website because its mainly trotted out for conventions. plus i read that if you are s "whale" they will track stuff down for you

my opinion

 

Yeah, BBTS doesn't have free shipping and I doubt they will just give it to you but I find their shipping prices to be extremely reasonable. Last box I got from them had 2 Apollyons, MP-13 and some other stuff and it was only $7.

Otherwise, go with one of the listed shops above for free shipping. I like The Chosen Prime and Toy Dojo seems good too.

 

What are you looking to buy?

 

I'd buy from Toy Dojo all day long, but they are in Texas. I like my tax loopholes!

With that said, I'm actually planning on stopping by there next time I'm in Austin. I didn't realize they actually had a store front. Google FTW.

 

The chosen prime. Hands down. Brandon is one solid dude.

 

If you don't ask, you don't get.

 

toy dojo is solid. eddie always follows up emails and helps with broken pieces/parts. free shipping over $150.

 

Yes, 4 figures at least. 5, if I can get everything I want in a one stop shop.

MP-9 and up (including all repaints), some of the TRU MP's, and a boatload of 3P in both MP and CHUG/IDW. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 160-ish bots.

I know some of them might have to be hunted down on ebay, but the more of that I can avoid the better. I've been planning this for a long time and I'm stoked to finally get moving on it.

 

thats a hell of a ship to come in...

congrats on that.

yeah.. id give toy dojo or the choosen prime your list.... your price point, let them work for you

 

Look who has most of the stuff you want to buy, that should narrow your list.

Here's a bit list of sites that sell 3p Transformers:
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/trans...sive-list-e-tailers-sell-3rd-party-stuff.html

 

I would agree with everyone on Toy Dojo or The Chosen Prime. For the "out of production" itmes, I would also place a list in the Wanted Items section of the forum.

 

Go with TCP. As others have mentioned they have free shipping on orders over $150, and you get a $5 store credit for every $150 you spend. Also just because they don't have the item listed on the website it doesn't mean that they don't have it, just shoot them a message through their website.

 

For such a big list, I would highly recommend you take your time and shop around, by giving your full list by email to BBTS and The Chosen Prime and Toy Dojo, and having them give you the best price shipped. You will need to be patient and go back and forth, as to what they actually have available and redo your list for each, and not absolutely want to get everything from the same place. Do one final negotiation at the end when you have a sense of direction on what to get where, by simply asking, can you do better. Patience and politeness and being respectful are key here though, and I would personally try not to share the price with anyone (pls just keep it to yourself), including between the retailers, and giving them all a fair chance. All 3 of these shops are fair and will try to get your business, and will try to make accomodations to your needs. All 3 will give you good service, and it's ok to split your business between all 3 of them if you want, or two of them.

 

Thanks! My wife and I just sold our business, and after taking care of all the important stuff (savings, retirement, etc.), I get to treat myself for all the years of sacrifice.

Hopefully I'll be taking lots of pics/videos to share.