I know ebay has its ups and downs...
Recently I'm amused at the onslaught of postings of individual 'original g1' lazerbeaks that happen to have super shiny stickers and mint conditions.
This happens to have followed the hasbro reissue of soundwave...
Well I can put two and two together, I hope other ebayers can and don't get duped into paying $20 + for a tape that came with another and a soundwave for not much more. I hate people faking original G1s, more than anything else in the transformers world.
One guy even had a photo centred on the lazerbeak, but you could see that he had him perched on the arm of the new (2 tape doored) soundwave. He was advertising it as original g1, so I messaged him, and he replied denying that it was the lazerbeak that came with the soundwave he had it pictureed with...whatever scumbag.

 

If someone were to do that, wouldn't it make more sense for them to buy the knockoff Laserbeaks? The Hasbro reissue is actually pretty expensive because it still hasn't been released in stores in USA or Canada. It's only out via Asia and shops like BBTS, and they tend to charge much more than retail...

 

This is why I hate knock-offs! and have my issues with reissues, although I still do buy reissues, but never knock-offs or bootlegs, unless they are at the dollar store or something just for kicks.

 

Says the guy to the guy with faka kabaya kits in his signature. Sorry I just find that kind of funny.

This is very much a buyer beware hobby. I have not stressed it enough in the past, research what you are buying, no matter who is selling it.

I recall the fiasco with the black version of the God Ginrai that was sold of eBay for over $1000 that ended up just being a Nucleon Quest convoy with a painted Ginrai set. Everyone is out to make a buck and not everyone cares how they go about doing it.

I don't find anything wrong with knock offs as long as they are marketed as such. I do sell suck knock offs but I tell everyone that they are indeed knock offs. It is terribe the guys who were paying $100 + for these on eBay when they first came out but that is one of the reasons I feel eBay is a terrible place to do your buying. If you buy only from people with a reputation, chances are you won't get ripped off. Unless their reputation is for ripping people off and then I would question why you would buy from them in the first place.

Anyway, if these people can't put two and two together, then why make it your worry? There are many stupid people out there and if you had to babysit for all of them, you would not have much time for yourself. research, research research. There are a lot of knowledgable people on this forum, i don't see why ANYONE should ever be taken.

Spencer.

 

Yeah, don't knock knockoffs!

I collect them as a separate line, myself.

 

and dont boot bootlegs.

KOs n bootlegs are people and have feelings too.

 

Their poor, miscolored feelings...

 

Yeah but I recall the Ratbat bootleg that showed up recently was stamped Hasbro 1986. And I've asked several times how can you tell if a G1 Prime is original or the China KO/bootleg and no one could answer me. I still dont know.

 

If I remember correctly, the way to tell the difference between the Primes is the box has a gray line or something around the picture.

 

^^ seems like there was something about the eye and window color on the cab as well, IIRC.

 

My knock offs are more like 'fill-ins"

Until their authentic replacements. Except for the mini gestalts, they're pretty cool. Would'nt mind getting some of these newer G1 knockoffs with the G1 box design, they're looking more like the real thing than ever.
Just sucks for those who get swindled with them

 

Again, one of the bonuses of having a good shop you can trust and deal with in person.

One of the only real ways to tell the difference of the KO cassettes is to touch them. The materials of them are different than vintage. Right down to the card stock used for the packaging. The new ones are made of a more pliable plastic than the original stuff, like all of the toys of today. Plus the weapons are more 'crisp' and the edges are more 'sharp' than the originals. I have not received my shipment of Optimus Prime figures yet but when I do, I will do a good inspection of them.

Here is a little bit of information regarding these KO figures. The factory that is doing them is an old HASBRO factory that was sold off a long time ago and these figures are all being done USING ORIGINAL MOLDS that have been cleaned up. Course all the packaging is new and a lot of the construction is using todays standards so there are differences in the product. Still, it is hard to really call them KOs if they are using original molds.

Go figure.

Spencer.

 

And Hasbro knows they are doing this and doesnt care? Or does Hasbro not know? I'm confused.

 

Different country, different laws. Note that the new knock off cassettes/Optimus'/Swoops are not being sold in american stores.

 

Exactly, China does not care and when Hasbro sold off the factory, I am sure it consisted of everything in it, including old molds. Who knows what cool stuff is there. Better yet, who knows what cool stuff is coming up!  

Spencer.

 

I would think Hasbro could still sue them, no? Especially since they are not only using the molds but also the Hasbro trademark both on the box and the toy itself. I don't know much about international law but I'd think they could do something. Suppose some little kid gets a hold of one the KO's and chokes on a small part and his family sues Hasbro because their name is on the product, there are risks involved for Hasbro here beyond the pissed off fans and use of their molds.

 

you don't know much about china do you?

Things are different there.

Spencer.

 

anyidea whe A3U will be getting the ratbat Ko's in? placed my order and paid, but havn't heard back

 

I guess I don't! I'm not trying to be sarcastic, just curious as to how they get away with these things is all.