Cancelled my PO with ChosenPrime and went with A3U instead as I'll get free shipping And price is the same.

So one's available at ChosenPrime!

 

if you select full payment it says $189.99

 

They earned this rep over ten years ago (maybe 9?) and have generally avoided doing it the same way since, but they have consistently screwed customers and other vendors for the entirety of their existence, and a variety of ways.

They are truly the most American of the online retailers that focus on TFs. Say whatever gets money in your pocket, and deal with the rest later.

 

I will say this: when I ordered MP Soundwave from TFSource, they honored the preorder price, no questions asked even when the retail price went up.

Same with Ultra Magnus.

When other companies wouldn't carry the original iGear seekers, my orders came in.

When other companies were canceling MP Exhaust orders, mine came in unaltered.

When BBTS was gluing in orange plugs, my Apollyon had no such plugs.

When I preordered the orange Constructor set through Chosen Prime at one price, my invoice was much higher when the order was finally filled. And I canceled because I ordered at the price I wanted to pay.

When my preorder through TFSource came in. I paid my preorder price.

 

How about a TFS store exclusive that 'sold out' then they put some more up a little later at an inflated price?

I can't speak to yours, but I seem to recall they customized Exhaust without telling people and it just showed up with some weird paint job and a little card explaining why.

 

Its kind a ironic TFS complains to 3P companies about China sellers prices but then sells Phoenix for $20 more than other US sellers, on top of holding back stock to do the same thing on other products. Seems like they like to have their cake and eat it too.

All I can say from there, is its good to have options and I finally understand why China sellers hide their prices on their websites. Thanks TFS!

 

At the end of the year, when we do the Best/Worst of 2020, there should be a category called Fans Turds of the Year. These are people (yes including retailers, Youtubers, conspiracy theorists, fans, etc) in the community who have made collecting FT's products during this year hell. And boy, expect a lot of winners.

 

Didn't see that! Thanks!

 

I am FTOTY, I caused the FT44 price hike

 

And that's before shipping costs.

 

I've wanted this guy for a long time, went with A3U.

 

Glad people that wanted one for so long finally got one

 

I'm just waiting to see if this makes it to TaoBao. FT have been massively cutting back stock to Chinese retailers and making them jump through a bunch of hoops to sell, so I'll be interested to see if this even gets on many sellers radar.
I already have one Phoienix for bot mode but it would be nice to pick up a second for alt mode display. Failing that I'll have to customise and paint a Siege Skyfire for alt mode.

 

It's wild how ShowZ is more expensive than US retailers, normally they're cheaper than them

 

Seems like ShowZ always gets screwed on the limited order re-releases. I remember ordering the first Sovereign M there thinking it would be a few bucks cheaper but it ended up more than the American places. They seem to do fine with the regular releases though.

Chinese retailers seem to be having a harder time getting FT stuff lately.

 

yeah, and they can't use the "we paid after-market price" as an excuse for the hike this time.

 

look like no one had posted this yet
TransFans
but this sure look like Phoenix KO to me (they also mention it is Non-FT lol)
EST: Feb 2021
Price: 50 USD
Contain 60% diecast

 

The North American access to supply for FansToys seems a lot more secure since they get theirs weeks before Chinese release. ShowZ has a $100 deposit I figure because the supply chain they want to go through requires upfront deposit for FT preorders. They're preorders for even figures far off like Trailbreaker have gone from $1 to $15.

 

If this is true, it could explain the rapid reissue at pre-Covid prices. Last ditch to get money from the mold before being forever undercut in a flooded market.

I'd pick it up as well, just to have one for alt mode or as a piece of history since FT sounds like it has powerful connections that threaten any ideas of KO-ing them.

 

My main issue is that their prices are higher than a lot of other sellers.

 

That's just someone's wet dream. I mean just look at that price. Oversized KO MPM Primes are at least 85 bucks a piece. This guy is bigger and yet cheaper.

When something's too good to be true, it usually is.