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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Clone Wars '03-'05 => Topic started by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 04:03 PM

Title: EE Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 04:03 PM
(http://www.hasbro.com/starwars/images/news/clonetroopers_sm1.jpg)

Exclusive to EE!

They aren't on EE yet to order though

Variation 1: 1x red, 1x green, 1x blue, and 1x yellow clone trooper, each with battle damage
Variation 2: 1x red, 1x green, 1x blue, and 1x yellow clone trooper
Variation 3: 4x all-white clone troopers, each with battle damage
Variation 4: 4x all-white clone troopers
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 04:15 PM
Here they are at EE

Clean White 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85777)
Battle Damage White 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85776)
Clean Colors 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85775)
Battle Damage Color 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85774)
Set of 4 4-Packs (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85688AA)
Case of Clones (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85688A)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 4, 2005, 04:15 PM
GAH!
 
 :o
 
Wow, is Hasbro actually listening to us?!?!

edit - WTF?  $36 plus shippnig for 4 Clone Troopers?!?!  Ugh.  I'm not so excited anymore...

and $300 for a case of 48 figures isn't a good deal for Army Builders.   >:(

Jeff

Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Brian on January 4, 2005, 04:17 PM
Wow, this is an awesome surprise.  Clones in all kinds of flavors, and super articulated to boot?  Good move Hasbro, very good move.  So many clones, too little money ;).  Thanks for the heads up Scott.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 04:25 PM
Oh yeah, mr self control is doing well on January 4th ::)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 4, 2005, 04:27 PM
Anyone interested in breaking up a case with me? 

It'd be cheaper to buy a big case of 12 4-packs and split them up... only $100 plus shipping instead of $120 for a set of 4.

Any takers?  Drop me a PM and we can set it up...  :)

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: chuckles on January 4, 2005, 04:29 PM
$120 for one set of each 4 pack?  ::)   Thanks.

Let me see, the single carded super articulated clones were 5 bucks each. But to package 4 of them together, now they're $7.50 each? Makes perfect sense to me.

Of course, put me down for one of each.  :-\

So Jeff, count me in on going in on a case of them with you.

Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CHEWIE on January 4, 2005, 04:30 PM
These are very expensive.  Still ordering one set though.

 :P
Title: SA Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: evenflow on January 4, 2005, 04:31 PM
The story is on the front page. There are four different sets which look awesome and come in a nice box unlike the earlier army builder sets, but the price tag is sick. I went to entertianment earth with intentions of purchasing all 4 sets but just can't afford it. :( I pre-ordered the Color set clean.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 04:32 PM
Packaged Shot

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-05/eeclones.jpg)

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-05/colorclonegroup.jpg)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 4, 2005, 04:35 PM
So Jeff, count me in on going in on a case of them with you.

That's one... anyone else? 

It'd be $112 plus Priority Mail instead of $120 plus $20 shipping from EE for a set of 4 (1x each 4-pack).

Room for 1 more...  :)

Jeff
Title: Re: SA Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 04:35 PM
We have a thread going on this in the Clone Wars section...not really sure what section the discussion should go though

Continue Here for now (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=6079.new#new) :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 04:39 PM
Yeah, I'll do it, Jim can just send mine up, they'd go to him first anyway.  Confirm and I'll cancel my order.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 04:44 PM
I'm gonna end up ordering a case myself, I can just feel it already. That's the problem with these "exclusives" - the retailers can rape charge whatever they want to. Still, at $8.75 per figure, I guess it is technically cheaper than ebay.

Add another $300 to my yearly total  :o
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 4, 2005, 04:44 PM
Yeah, I'll do it, Jim can just send mine up, they'd go to him first anyway.  Confirm and I'll cancel my order.

You're #3, bug.   :)

I'll give Jim 2 sets when they arrive and he can pass on your set.

Should save you about $20 or so doing it this way... ($112 instead of $132).

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 04:46 PM
Awesome, thanks Jeff.  Saving 20 bucks is great and I get all my EE stuff sent to Jim anyway, so nothing but bonus here for me.

I'll go cancel my order now.  And adjust my march towards ten thousand (2005 collector's challenge)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 04:48 PM
So do you think these will end up being clearanced at some point? Would it be a good idea to wait and see, or do you think they will a sell out?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 04:53 PM
So do you think these will end up being clearanced at some point? Would it be a good idea to wait and see, or do you think they will a sell out?

A different question comes to my mind:  Will these be released on individual cardbacks at the new ($6.99) price point?  I hope so, but have to wonder. 

As to your question Dave, my guess is close to selling out.  It's a figure we all want and collectors usually don't quibble over a buck or two per figure.  Worse, they look nice packaged and I'm already thinking of getting a second set (must show restraint) to open - that's where my hope for single carded stuff comes in.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 4, 2005, 04:54 PM
Well, this one isn't like the Rebel Fleet Troopers or Endor Troopers...  :-\

1, - It's an exclusive
2. - It's a super-articulated figure that was VHTF when it was released and still sells well on eBay
3. - No one really knows how many they'll get.

EE isn't really prone to clearancing their exclusives, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.   :-\

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JediMAC on January 4, 2005, 04:55 PM
Holy ****.  And ****.

Why couldn't they just put them in the plain ol' white mailer boxes...   :'(

Now I'm in for packaged AND Loose.  All 4 packaged, and 3 of the 4 loose.  Ouch.

I guess I'll just go with a master case, with 3 of each.

Anyone want one of my sets?  I live right near EE, so I can save a little on shipping by picking them up in person, though I DO get hit with Sales Tax here in CA, so it's almost a wash.  So if anyone wants in on one complete set of all 4, let me know!  It'd be $108.25, plus shipping.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: SilverZ on January 4, 2005, 04:57 PM
Packaged Shot

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-05/eeclones.jpg)


****. Ordered 2 sets of the four. Nice pricing.  ::)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Mikey D on January 4, 2005, 05:02 PM


Anyone want one of my sets?  I live right near EE, so I can save a little on shipping by picking them up in person, though I DO get hit with Sales Tax here in CA, so it's almost a wash.  So if anyone wants in on one complete set of all 4, let me know!  It'd be $108.25, plus shipping.

I shouldn't be doing this, but yep, I'll take your extra set.  Damn you Hasbro and your cool exclusives.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 4, 2005, 05:03 PM
Here are the links again in case people missed them on the first page (or are too lazy to page back)

Clean White 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85777)
Battle Damage White 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85776)
Clean Colors 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85775)
Battle Damage Color 4 Pack (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85774)
Set of 4 4-Packs (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85688AA)
Case of Clones (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/aff-home.asp?id=JE-405087801&number=HS85688A)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JediMAC on January 4, 2005, 05:13 PM
I shouldn't be doing this, but yep, I'll take your extra set.  Damn you Hasbro and your cool exclusives.

Okee doke Mikey!  Just placed my order for a case, so your one-third share of the total will be $108.25, plus shipping from me to you.  Cool?  Should save you a little bit at least, going in on a case, and one that I can pick up in person and then ship to you for cheaper (if that helps make you feel any better :-\).

Still trying to stomach the $216.49 blow myself!  Ugh.  Right at the ROTS release too.  Perfect timing...  And ya' gotta hand it to EE, they sure know how to reel us in!  Nice packaging to snag both carded and loose collectors, multiple Clone colors, and then the whole clean and dirty trick.  Damn, they're good!   :'(

But aside from the whopping costs involved, you've all gotta admit that this is a pretty damned cool exclusive - all 4 of them!  But yeah, still tough to army build at those prices, but at least the option is there, and in multiple flavors and cleanliness, no less.   8)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Mikey D on January 4, 2005, 05:15 PM
Cool.  Thanks Matt!  Time to start putting a little away each week to cover this.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Diddly on January 4, 2005, 05:26 PM
OH MY GAWD!

But $120? Yikes..... oh well, it will be worth it since I never found them in the first place.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CHEWIE on January 4, 2005, 05:40 PM
Ordered one of each set.

 :P
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Ben on January 4, 2005, 05:57 PM
$35 a set? What. The. ****.

Try $25, you EE ****wits.

Oh well. At least someone took this exclusive and these are getting out there again.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Hemish on January 4, 2005, 06:39 PM
Oh Crap
WHo's gonna order another case???
I'll take a set from anyone if they are buying a set.
And i'll want em sent to me loose.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DualSaberMaster on January 4, 2005, 06:54 PM
YES! the rumors were true!  They cost an arm and a leg, but I just love these guys.  No more paying premium prices on ebay anymore.

With what I ordered, that statement "Grand Army of the Republic" should apply. :P

I'm glad Hasbro finally has heard the cries of us collectors to bring this awesome fig back+ w/different ranks/variants, even if the price is a bit steep.

At least they are made available for those who want them.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 07:23 PM
What more can I add?

Hasbro could've sold these damn things at retail and probably pushed more product, and made more $ for themselves.  At this stage of the game, I doubt people go ape **** and build mass armies with this...  I think we'll see it fail on some level, and Hasbro will take punishment out on us saying "well it didn't do well".

Yet another point in time the company won't pull its head out of its ass long enough to see the big picture, and that they could've easily moved that product at basic retail without having to screw its customers.

If someone needs another person to go in on a case, I'd really like to do that since it's the cheapest option to get a set.  Let me know, please.  I'm not sure after reading the thread exactly which of you guys need people to go in on one with you or not.

Just hit me up though!

This is a huge kick to the nuts...  It's a great concept, and it's something they needed to do for ages, but they executed like they do with so many other things by totally screwing us over in the process and then they'll blame the idea and the product instead of their own execution of it.  Great...  God dammit you know nobody running the show there is a fan at this point.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 4, 2005, 08:14 PM
Well Jesse beat me to the punch, I have to agree with him, the overall execution of these sets was poorly done. One has to ask why did this have to be an exclusive to EE, why not an exclusive to Target or TRU or why an exclusive at all? A widespread release of these 4 packs would have sold like hotcakes at Walmart, Target, KMart, etc.

And here's another thing to think about, why so much for the exclusives? By using an already developed set of molds to make these figures the overall costs in producing the figures has been significantly reduced. Add to that, that these could likely sell out, the production run costs drop with more units sold. For being an exclusive to EE, they could easily have just put these in white mailer boxes and sold them for $25 and made a lot of money. But this high price is going to make some think twice about buying these.

Personally, I won't be buying them, although not for the reasons I stated. I already have 7 SA Clones and with the rest of my Clonetroopers I have a pretty sizable clone army that doesn't really need much re-enforcements at this time. Though had I saw this in a store, I'd probably would have picked up the colored variant set.

Oh and I just thought of something else, won't these Clonetroopers become somewhat obsolete once ROTS hits theaters? Will we be getting another set featuring the different helmet? Just another way to rake in more bucks, surprising that this is the same company that treats its Transformers collectors so well....
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 08:17 PM

 For being an exclusive to EE, they could easily have just put these in white mailer boxes and sold them for $25 and made a lot of money.


[cynic] Who says they won't do that down the line, after EE has sold out?  I wouldn't at all be surprised to see these showing up at SSW.com at the very least and probably in the aforementioned white mailers.  Not sure how much cheaper they'd be, but at least a little, probably around $25 a piece.  [/cynic]
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Vator on January 4, 2005, 08:29 PM
Dear Sweet Jesus...I...my god...can I justify spending $350 on these? What am I to do? Maybe just 5 sets? That's 20....ugh, I hate you Hasbro bastards.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Diddly on January 4, 2005, 08:32 PM
I see each set comes with a 16x20 Clone Wars poster. Is this somehow influincing the high price?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 4, 2005, 08:40 PM

 For being an exclusive to EE, they could easily have just put these in white mailer boxes and sold them for $25 and made a lot of money.


[cynic] Who says they won't do that down the line, after EE has sold out?  I wouldn't at all be surprised to see these showing up at SSW.com at the very least and probably in the aforementioned white mailers.  Not sure how much cheaper they'd be, but at least a little, probably around $25 a piece.  [/cynic]

Morgbug, should those be [optimist] tags? :) Could they do the white mailer box thing down the road, sure, they could wind up doing anything down the road. I just don't really expect it to happen.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Dressel Rebel on January 4, 2005, 08:43 PM
Nice product, but the price is total BS.  Greedy bastards.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 08:43 PM
Would it literally or would it because Hasbro would say "But you get a poster!?" :)

Honestly, a poster adds little value or cost to it...  Really, they have not a solid excuse in their pockets as to the costs of these.  I'm seeing some label the term "exclusive" as a reason for increased cost, but when all the mold toolings are done and the packaging is relatively simplistic (which it is) then there's not even much cost there beyond basic production.

With the molds being tooled, these should be $5 a piece, or less.

They should chime in at the 4-pack TRU price, where you at least get something NEW in each set generally.

This is one of those days you don't know what to do with yourself as a collector...  You just got something you asked for, but not even VAGUELY in the ballpark of the price you asked for it at.  There's another cruel irony to all this.  The company that reads the boards, totally glossed over ALL the SA Clonetrooper discussions that have gone on around the net in the last year +, as they all said that "Wow if we got these in a 4-pack like the Stormtroopers and stuff, that'd be great".

So Hasbro decides to A) change the packaging...  OK, cool, I don't mind that in the least since it looks nice.  And then B) increase the price by what, 50% from what those other 4-packs ran?

And they were all but exclusive in name too as I recall.  The Stormie set WAS exclusive to the fan club for quite some time...  The others were "dumped" when the Fan club folded then...  

This is bull ****, plain and simple.  I'm as close to being genuinely pissed off at collecting as I have been in a long time.  This hobby shouldn't frustrate us to this extent, ever.  

Total crap my friends...  Total crap.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Ben on January 4, 2005, 09:04 PM
I already have the differently colored Clones from the CW wave 1 walue packs, plus two SA Clones, and six sets of the three-packs from the CW line, so there is very little motivation to own any more of this style Clone, especially when it will be obsolete shortly. Plus this price is nonsense.

I think I'll just pass on them entirely. What's the point of owning more obsolete Clones at $35 a box?

Now, if this was a four-pack of VOTC Stormtroopers, this would be a different matter entirely.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DSJ™ on January 4, 2005, 09:04 PM
Very nice but I'm not plopping down any $$$ on these.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Dressel Rebel on January 4, 2005, 09:05 PM
I mean, geez, these things are $35.99 plus shipping for a 4 pack.  That's $10 per figure.  We got these things for $5 sold individually.  Don't prices go DOWN when you buy more of something at one time?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 09:14 PM
Well, if you buy the whole case (like I did  ::) ) they come out to only $6.25 per figure, plus shipping. Not great, but not bad, considering what they are going for on ebay. I wonder if this release will actually drop the price of them on the secondary market?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 09:19 PM
Quote
Don't prices go DOWN when you buy more of something at one time?

Theoretically, yes, but when it comes to Hasbro they seem to become scrooge with stuff and increase prices as more of it is sold. :)  They're the anti-thesis of Cost-Co.

Is ANYONE going in on a case that needs someone else in on it?

I really would like a set...  1 of each 4-pack, but I'm wanting cheapest price possible.  If nobody's got room left on going in on a case I need to look elsewhere...  Likely locally.

This really just pisses me off, as sad as it is to say.  I want these, but that price is downright offensive given what these should be selling to us for.

I'm already seeing tons of folk claim that it's the articulation that is making them cost so much...   ::)  How soon people forget that this figure's already been made, and that the mold toolings cost (highest single cost on any figure) have already been met, and now will only depreciate with EVERY unit sold of this product.  For every single one of those Clones, the mold cost is depreciating rapidly and will be no more than a packaging cost or materials cost by the time this cluster **** is all said and done I would wager.

****, these things should sell for LESS than $5 considering they're practically pure profit.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 09:23 PM
OK, nix me from being on the needy list...

Local guys are going in on a case so I'm going with them on this.  Will extra save on shipping too anyway.

I hope we all can get a set as reasonably as possible.   ::)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Diddly on January 4, 2005, 09:31 PM
Anybody know how much shipping will be? I'm guessing around $10-$20... :-\
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 09:35 PM
$25 on a case, I think.  Believe that's what I was told...
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 4, 2005, 09:49 PM
Anybody else wanting to go in on a case?  EE wants to charge me $63US to ship these to Canada  :'(  That's about $80CDN - frickin' ridiculous. 

If any of you guys in the good ol U S of A would be willing to help out a Canucklehead, let me know.  At this point I don't even own any form of Clone Trooper (never been lucky enough to find the singles or 3-packs), so I just can't pass up on this.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DSJ™ on January 4, 2005, 09:57 PM
$63 US to ship to Canada! Thats insane! Then add customs on top!  >:(  >:(
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 4, 2005, 10:12 PM
For that price, these should be delivered overnight on a silver platter by a big breasted lingerie model.   ::)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Hemish on January 4, 2005, 10:29 PM
$63 US to ship to Canada! Thats insane! Then add customs on top!  >:(  >:(
Don't even ask how much shipping to Australia is.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 10:44 PM
If you Canuckleheads (and anyone else outside the U.S.) wants to get together and order these by the case, I'm sure I could pitch in and re-route them to a few people. Might not save much in the long run, but who knows. And I don't charge anything for re-routing pacakges, right Dale  ;)

All I ask is reimbursement for the shipping costs. But I don't want to be involved with collecting money for the products themselves - you guys are on your own with that.

PM me if interested. And I'm sure a few other JD'ers out there would be willing to help out as well, if there are that many people who want to do this.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 10:48 PM

 For being an exclusive to EE, they could easily have just put these in white mailer boxes and sold them for $25 and made a lot of money.


[cynic] Who says they won't do that down the line, after EE has sold out?  I wouldn't at all be surprised to see these showing up at SSW.com at the very least and probably in the aforementioned white mailers.  Not sure how much cheaper they'd be, but at least a little, probably around $25 a piece.  [/cynic]

Morgbug, should those be [optimist] tags? :) Could they do the white mailer box thing down the road, sure, they could wind up doing anything down the road. I just don't really expect it to happen.

Nope, not since I went in with Jeff and Jim for my four sets.  Not they'll come cheaper after I've committed to them.  Murphy's Law and all that crap. 

The optimistic side would be when I completley lose my mind and want to buy at least as many again to have loose.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 10:50 PM
The optimistic side would be when I completley lose my mind and want to buy at least as many again to have loose.

That's exactly why I ordered an entire case for myself. If I just go ahead and order 1 set of each, I'll be fine with that... for a while. But then I know I'll want to go ahead and open them up and "play" with them... and they'll be sold out. But now that I've gone ahead and ordered a $335 case, I'm sure they'll be on clearance for like $10 soon.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Darby on January 4, 2005, 11:02 PM
I was all excited until I saw the price.  I almost laughed.  Once again it's great idea, horrible execution. 
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 4, 2005, 11:05 PM

 For being an exclusive to EE, they could easily have just put these in white mailer boxes and sold them for $25 and made a lot of money.


[cynic] Who says they won't do that down the line, after EE has sold out?  I wouldn't at all be surprised to see these showing up at SSW.com at the very least and probably in the aforementioned white mailers.  Not sure how much cheaper they'd be, but at least a little, probably around $25 a piece.  [/cynic]

Morgbug, should those be [optimist] tags? :) Could they do the white mailer box thing down the road, sure, they could wind up doing anything down the road. I just don't really expect it to happen.

Nope, not since I went in with Jeff and Jim for my four sets.  Not they'll come cheaper after I've committed to them.  Murphy's Law and all that crap. 

The optimistic side would be when I completley lose my mind and want to buy at least as many again to have loose.

HAHA! :P

I say go ahead an open them up, by the looks of the packaging, it would be very easy to open them for awhile and then if you ever decide you want them back into the package, you can stand them up just nicely inside. Much better than with carded figures.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 11:09 PM
And, as per usual, Rebelscum's filled with people claiming this is the deal of the century...

One person's logic going so far as "Well the carded one sells for $20 on Ebay...  These are fairly priced!", all the while losing track of how business in America works.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 4, 2005, 11:19 PM
this surprises you how jj? with not even getting into the whole bashing of scum thing, there are just too many ill-informed collectors out there to not be surprised by a statement like the one you mentioned. i'm sure whomever said it is the same kind of person who would bid like crazy on a VC Jawa without taking the time to investigate its background for themselves.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 4, 2005, 11:22 PM
But it is the deal of the century, don't you know that by now Jesse?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 4, 2005, 11:37 PM
Business courses should be mandatory in high school.

Maybe I'm tooting my own horn since it's "my thing" since 9th grade, but god damn how are people this illogical about stuff?

Again, I've said it over in Wuher's when things just go out of control, but I weep for the future.  Truly I do.  When Ebay starts setting the standard by which the actual INDUSTRY determines price (and by which consumers accept said prices), then I think we're all in some deep **** folks.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: evenflow on January 4, 2005, 11:43 PM
They are awesome, but way too expensive. I pre-oprdered the colored clean set, but would liek to get them all.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 4, 2005, 11:54 PM
When Ebay starts setting the standard by which the actual INDUSTRY determines price (and by which consumers accept said prices), then I think we're all in some deep **** folks.

Too true.  I guess when Hasbro knows how bad we want these sets, they can set the price at virtually anything they want. 

I guess I'm simply another sucker that buys into this:
nice product + slick packaging = another sale. 

I simply love displaying stuff like this, and know that I SHOULDN'T pay as much as I'll have to to get them, but sometimes the heart wins over the brain.  Ah, collecting... ::)   :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 5, 2005, 12:16 AM
When Ebay starts setting the standard by which the actual INDUSTRY determines price (and by which consumers accept said prices), then I think we're all in some deep **** folks.

Better start digging then, Jesse. I hate to break it to you, but most of the price guides use Ebay as a pretty standard scale. Wizard magazine even has a section that shows what certain things sold for recently on Ebay. Granted, I'm speaking of comic books when I saw Wizard magazine, but you get my point. Some of the other toy magazines and price guides also use Ebay as a guide for pricing. Just look at Lee's Toy Review (at least I think that's what it's called, it's been a while since I actually picked up an issue). Again, they have an entire section that shows what's hot and what's not based on - you guessed it, tracking "online sales". Now, they say "online sales" but we all know what they really mean - Ebay. I guess they just can't use the name without giving some kind of kickback to them. Or something.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 5, 2005, 12:49 AM
When Ebay starts setting the standard by which the actual INDUSTRY determines price (and by which consumers accept said prices), then I think we're all in some deep **** folks.

Better start digging then, Jesse. I hate to break it to you, but most of the price guides use Ebay as a pretty standard scale. Wizard magazine even has a section that shows what certain things sold for recently on Ebay. Granted, I'm speaking of comic books when I saw Wizard magazine, but you get my point. Some of the other toy magazines and price guides also use Ebay as a guide for pricing. Just look at Lee's Toy Review (at least I think that's what it's called, it's been a while since I actually picked up an issue). Again, they have an entire section that shows what's hot and what's not based on - you guessed it, tracking "online sales". Now, they say "online sales" but we all know what they really mean - Ebay. I guess they just can't use the name without giving some kind of kickback to them. Or something.

ebay isn't a bad guide for determining the current value of items in the secondary market as it is a good gauge of what people are willing to pay for those items. but it should never be used as a gauge to determine the price of item on the primary market such as this Clonetrooper set. but as i stated in my previous post, there are just too many ill-informed people out there.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: jokabofe on January 5, 2005, 01:00 AM
Ahhh, I see now what Jesse was saying. Sorry - I misread his post  :-[
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Angry Ewok on January 5, 2005, 02:13 AM
Too expensive for this student/starving artist. I was definately interested, but I'm definately not independantly rich. No buy.

$20 would be fair.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2005, 04:14 AM
And the nuggets of wisdom at Scum continue into the new day...  Who wants to guess which Einstein whipped this remark out?

Quote
Considering (like what steve said above) we pay US$13 per basic figure the price of these aren't that bad, I honestly think some people are just spoiled rotten "the Clone wars version was $5.99 so these figures should be that price as well" - times change and what a perfect way for them to earn more money. Yeah it does suck but if you (and I'm not aiming this at anybody) do have a problem with the price then just flat out refuse to buy them - simple as that.

Now, I'm not about to take a dump on foreign collectors because the fact of the matter is they are entitled to their opinions...  And the "Steve" mentioned in the above quote is Stylie Steve from Scum, and he's a good guy and not really complaining about anything other than saying he's content with the price, etc.

But, to those who ARE complaining that U.S. customers need to "stop whining" simply because in their native lands they spend more $ on toys than we do, I have a little word of advice...

**** costs more in your country because it's not considered a domestic product, and as such there's prices paid to import it. 

Yes, Hasbro's an American company, and yes, as an American company they can make their product available to their consumers cheaper. 

The simple fact is, we're talking about international economic boundariers and structures.  Something I'm going to wager the maroon who made the above comment knows little to nothing about, so he really ought to think before he opens his sucker and inserts his size 3 foot.

On a more simple note, you can use the comparison of cars and their costs as imports and exports.

Imports in the U.S. can cost an arm and a leg, depending on the quality of the car.  The same is said for U.S. imports however, when sold overseas.  U.S. pick-ups go for premiums overseas, as do good U.S. cars (My car actually has a large collecting club for it in Europe I guess...  I sure would've never known that, and apparantly the U.S. engine with Turbo is the more popular model...  Go figure).

While one's definition of "value" is subjective, that's a fundamental rule of economics, it's a shame to see so many of the European, Australian, etc., collectors out there so easily willing to lash out when not actually understanding that things cost more in their country for a reason.

U.S. collector's are griping legitimately...  This isn't our "standard".  Of course one could always just say "Well imagine you had to pay $23 USD for figures instead of $13 ya numbnuts!", but I doubt that point would drive home to them either.

And it's not even "them".  It's mostly this one maroon, but there's others.

Again, should Steve read this I hope he sees the point and isn't offended...  And this is by no means the majority of foreign collectors, but it is a handful who EVERY time a U.S. price is disputed by a U.S. consumer that they have to pipe in with comments filled with ignorance.

Hey, have any of you figured out just who would have said something that stupid yet?

Begins with a G, ends with a T, and his quote is one of only countless remarks of utter stupidity.  I shouldn't be as surprised as I am, but he never ceases to amaze, this kid out there.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Ben on January 5, 2005, 04:24 AM
Oh, GNT. No surprise.

The guy can be a ******* dumbass.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2005, 04:28 AM
Can?

Oh he defines it...  Wrote the book on what not to say, and how to still spew it forth like so much verbal diahrea. :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jedirhino on January 5, 2005, 06:25 AM
These are awesome...too bad they are in an online market and not in stores... :-\
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jim on January 5, 2005, 07:39 AM
If anyone wants to go in on these let me know.  Would like to split it 3 ways.  PM me.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 5, 2005, 09:07 AM
Greggg pulled that one out a couple of times...its HIS choice as a foreign collector to buy American based collectibles.  Should I be petitioning Medicom to sell me Kubricks in America at the same price they pay in Asia?

Dude is a Class A Moron and the verbal diarrea he spews continually drives home this point
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DSJ™ on January 5, 2005, 09:29 AM
If you Canuckleheads (and anyone else outside the U.S.) wants to get together and order these by the case, I'm sure I could pitch in and re-route them to a few people. Might not save much in the long run, but who knows. And I don't charge anything for re-routing pacakges, right Dale  ;)

All I ask is reimbursement for the shipping costs. But I don't want to be involved with collecting money for the products themselves - you guys are on your own with that.

PM me if interested. And I'm sure a few other JD'ers out there would be willing to help out as well, if there are that many people who want to do this.

Yep, Dave's been a great help re-routing pacakges packages my way. Maybe Jesse can get a couple of the Snowtrooper guys on this, as for me, I'm still not getting these. 
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2005, 10:09 AM
Not that I'm in any way defending GNT, but I'm not in complete agreement with you guys on the "American" based product schtick.  I'm not sure I'm looking for sympathy, understanding or what, but it's not 100% simple, straight forward economics. 

Look at it this way: you guys generally paid out $5 US per figure.  For the longest time, that was a basic price, plus or minus a few pennies.  Fair enough, US based product. 

Now, not so long ago the Canadian dollar sucked **** relative to the US dollar.  Two years ago I went away on vacation and the Canadian dollar was $0.61 USD.  Our star wars figures cost $8.92 at Walmart at the time.  This year I went away on vacation and teh Canadian dollar was $0.85 USD - a rather whopping change.  Our star wars figures cost $8.92 at Walmart. 

My point?
Quote
**** costs more in your country because it's not considered a domestic product, and as such there's prices paid to import it. 
Agreed, as a basic concept.  The problem is our dollar changed by $0.24 USD and the net price stayed the same.  Why?  Well frankly because it's not a direct linear relationship in the first place and it's coupled with either one or both of Hasbro and Walmart gouging the **** out of us. 

I think foreign collectors have every right to bitch about prices just as much as US consumers do. 

What the price is for these sets is what the market will currently bear.  Clearly EE and Hasbro have a better image of their market than we'd like to give them credit for.  How many of us are already in on these figures at this site alone?  How many of us ate up the OTC ****?  How many of us dropped $10 US on VOTC, including rather substantial pieces of crap like 3PO, R2, etc?  We can whine and bitch all we want, but most of us pony up the cash within minutes of seeing something like this.  EE and Hasbro exist to make profits, not satisfy customers.  Doing the latter is often a really intelligent way of ensuring the former, but hell, do you blame them. 

As an entirely separate possibility in spite of the molds already being there and the packaging being inexpensive to manufacture, the US dollar has fallen precipitously in the last 12 months.  Blame Bush, blame a recession, blame Iraq (which is the same as blaming Bush, I think) or whatever you like, but the American economy is not currently the juggernaut it was two years ago.  Hasbro is an American company but where are the toys manufactured - sure as hell isn't Rhode Island.  So you've got a depressed US dollar and product being shipped from overseas.  Manufacturing costs are likely higher, as are shipping costs.  Need oil to get the boats/planes/trucks to move the product.  The product we so love is made of plastic - where does plastic come from (hint-oil)?  Maybe, just maybe, that in spite of the other factors, these things are costing more to make than just two years ago. 

None of this is to say I disagree with the basic complaint, these things are overpriced as they stand.  I'd much rather pay $20 for a four pack (though I don't think that's fair given it's not a white mailer box) but think with the fancier packaging $25 is not unreasonable.  That would make them $6.25 a piece.  Strangely, that's exactly the same price that Dave is getting and Jim/Jeff/Me are getting by ordering a big case.  Oddly, it's actually a hair cheaper than the new figures out at stores at $6.99.  Hmm. :-*
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 5, 2005, 10:11 AM
I agree, $35 plus shipping is too much for this set individually.

However, since Jim, Brent, and I are splitting a case, we are each getting a set of four 4-packs for $112, that's only $28 for each 4-pack or $7 per figure shipped.

Maybe that's $8 more than if I was able to find 4 CW Clones back in 2003, but I guess I understand because:

1 - it's a year later
2 - At least 3 of the 4 sets have "new"/different figures thanks to the colors and battle damage
3 - it's an EE exclusive

In fact, I'd wager that the $35 price is almost ALL Entertainment Earth's doing, NOT Hasbro's.  EE is the same company after all that "let" us buy the Holiday Jawas for $17.99 even though the 2003 Holiday set was $12.99 at Wal-Mart.  Were Jawas more complex than R2/3PO?  No.  EE knew we (the complete-ists) would pay whatever the price they set to get it.

If this set were at Target/TRU/Wal-Mart, I can easily see it falling into the $20-25 price range for 4 ultra-articulated Clones.  The fact of the matter is though that this set is not at Target, it's at EE and they can charge whatever the heck they want (like it or not).

It sounds like this set was proposed by EE and created for EE.  It is an exclusive that EE requested.  I don't think it would have been done if EE had not specifically gone to Hasbro and asked for this type of Army builder set.

EE knows what they've got.  They are run by SW Collectors who keep a close eye on the communities, they are most definately aware of the demand for these.  It's a 4-pack of highly articulated army builders with new decos on 3 of 4 sets.  They know that the completists will buy at least 1 of each for the packaging, the army-builders will want in on them, the loose completeists will end up bying a set or two to get the colored troops, etc.

As such, it's no surprise that EE has set the prices on these the way they did.  They know what they've got here and they know (thanks to vOTC) that collectors will pay a higher price if the product is good enough.  They know that while there may be vocal outcry on fansites, they'll still sell out most likely.  

Is it Hasbro's fault?  I don't think they care what EE does once they ship the product to EE.  After it's gone, I don't think Hasbro really cares much.  I also don't think Hasbro would ever say anythig to EE about the pricing.   :-\

So, do I think the pricing sucks on these?  Yes.  Is it Hasbro's fault?  Probably not, probably EE's fault.  Am I going to end up buying them?  I already put in my order.   :-[

I am not trying to excuse the price away, but simply stating my opinion.  I think it's another Sandcrawler-esque example of "be careful what you ask for, you just might get it".  

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2005, 10:19 AM
Quote
Should I be petitioning Medicom to sell me Kubricks in America at the same price they pay in Asia?

A totally better analogy there that if I'd pulled my head outta my rump I would've remembered that one.  Perfect really Scott.

Kubricks aren't a U.S. product...  There's a ton of Transformer stuff that isn't U.S.  either I guess, and transformer fans are SOL if they want it for prices offered in Asia.

I'm not saying that I like that foreign fans can't get figures for $5 a piece, not by any means...  It'd be nice really if we all got domestic prices on everything.

So far my two favorite logics are:

"Well I live overseas and we pay $13 for basic figures so this is a steal and you need to quit whining about it"

&

"Well the CW version sells on Ebay for $20 so at $10+ you should be happy because that's a good value"

Neither opinion with any logic or solid thought behind it.   ::)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 5, 2005, 10:22 AM
Good Points Brent, and while I've used the oil thing a few years ago to drive home the point that raw material costs are skyrocketing right now.  I have 2 friends that work in the glue business.  Their company is getting their ass handed to them thanks in large part to raw material costs and small profit margains on their products.  Toys I think have a pretty healthy profit margain but they also will suffer from increased production costs

And while I agree on the basic line and your points there...Exclsuives are something totally different.  Foreign collectors will get raped more on US Exclusives and that I don't think should suprise anyone.  It is the nature of collecting a US Based Toy line (as, again I point out with those of us who collect Asian based Kubricks)

And...I think Jeff is right too, EE has set the price on these, Hasbro gives retailers and etailers the Suggested Price, EE has the will to charge whatever they want based on what they think will sell
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2005, 10:27 AM
 Foreign collectors will get raped more on US Exclusives and that I don't think should suprise anyone.  It is the nature of collecting a US Based Toy line (as, again I point out with those of us who collect Asian based Kubricks)


No argument whatsoever and it's why I end up being so grateful from a collecting standpoint to have so many friends in the US that are willing to help out.  Jim alone saves me hundreds of dollars a year, never mind the rest of you guys. 

I suspect that without the help of the Americans on JD I would have spent an additional $2000 last year in shipping, customs and brokerage fees simply because of outrageous shipping costs.  EE is not a pretty place for Canadians to order from, as Jesse indicated earlier in this thread.  I'm not sure why it is so much, there are cheaper options than UPS. 

End point being the best place to be a collector is in the US.  'Nuff said.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Scott on January 5, 2005, 10:28 AM
Of US Based Products ;)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 5, 2005, 10:37 AM
You know, on second thought Brent, maybe Hong Kong would be a better place for collectors to live?

You could nab cheap Kubricks AND pick up the Star Wars stuff that "falls" off the Hasbro trucks AND you'd have it all weeks before everyone else in the USA!   :P

Hmmm... maybe I better ask the wife if she ever wanted to move to Asia?   :-\

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2005, 10:40 AM
Hmmm, wonder if they need a bug guy in Hong Kong?  Maybe if I found that stuff falling off the truck, I could just sell toys for a living.  Change my name to Andy Thong or something like that >:(
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: chuckles on January 5, 2005, 10:41 AM

So far my two favorite logics are:

"Well I live overseas and we pay $13 for basic figures so this is a steal and you need to quit whining about it"

&

"Well the CW version sells on Ebay for $20 so at $10+ you should be happy because that's a good value"

Neither opinion with any logic or solid thought behind it.   ::)

While I don't think you should be happy about EE's prices compared to what ebay prices are on the single carded SA clones, I do think that the going rate on ebay plays a part in why these will cost as much as they do.

If EE did indeed set their own prices on these sets, you can't tell me they didnt' take into consideration the going rate on ebay for SA clones. I'm sure that played a large part in why these are priced as high as $10/fig. They are in the market to make money, so why price a 4 pack of figs for $20 when the going rate for these on the secondary market is 4 times that.

And while I agree they "should" cost $5/fig because that is what they retailed for last year, show me where you can find one for $5 right now??
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DSJ™ on January 5, 2005, 10:51 AM
Change my name to Andy Thong or something like that >:(

 >:(   >:(
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2005, 10:54 AM
I agree that there's some good points coming out from Brent and Jeff, but I disagree on a few things somewhat...

And I don't think anyone's saying they DON'T sympathize with the plight of foreign collectors either.  If I could make sure everyone got figures for as cheap as possible, I would love to see it happen really...  I don't begrudge anyone, but GNT's argument has no solid basis in anything.

He basically is saying "We pay more, so you should be happy".  So yeah I agree you (meaning anyone outside the U.S.) has as much right to complain about pricing...  GNT is basically saying ONLY the people outside the U.S. can complain about it...  That we "have it good", when in reality we're buying what ammounts to a domestic product for the U.S., even if it's physically created in contracted factories over seas.

That said, I agree that I am not HAPPY to see anyone pay a ton for figures...  I don't like seeing it at local Toy Shows, on Ebay, overseas or whatever...  And it's everyone's right to say "this sucks", because it does.

As far as the US dollar fluctuations though, that's more a long-term economic effect...  No company is going to change price on the short-term based on that factor unless the U.S. dollar's value was truly expected to be at a new "permanent" low...  It's not though, so Hasbro's not going to change their pricing based on what's being considered wild dollar value fluctuations in the past year+.

Let's say the U.S. dollar made a huge gain just this month or next...  For whatever freaky reason.  Does that mean everyone should pay $30 per basic figure outside the U.S. then all of a sudden?  It's part of pricing and everything, but it really isn't going to affect an action figure's price in any way other than long-term, and if the value change took a more permanent plateau...  Which is unlikely.

I don't think anyone's disagreeing with your points, either entirely or mostly Brent, because I'm not I know...  And I don't believe in a "tough ****" attitude to anyone outside the U.S. either...  I wish nothing but good will to anyone outside the U.S. trying to get figures or whatever, and get them for cheapy cheap too.

The thing is though, these ARE import products to countries other than the U.S., and as long as the economic structure of the world stays (pretty much) as it currently is, which is how it has been for quite some time, then U.S. product exported to other countries will cost high prices in other nations, just as product from other nations exported here will cost more.  Global economics aren't near taking over enough to where things are more balanced globally.

To say that the U.S. collectors need to stop whining because someone buying what DOES ammount to import product in another country has to pay more, simply isn't logical on any level.  U.S. car buyers don't complain when they see sticker shock on a BMW.  Kubrick fans can't gripe too much about prices on them...  It's just expected.

I'd classify the Raw Materials similar to the FER as well...  Something that doesn't get highlighted as a sharp spike in price increases for product like we are seeing with Star Wars figures right now...

To me, it's more to the idea of Hasbro and EE (and whoever else you want to include) making that extra $ while they can.

The question then with the Clones is, will they sell as many units, and will the sales at the increased price match what was possibly made with MORE sales at a cheaper price?  That's not an easy question to answer...  not to mention any possible adverse effect this could have on turning consumers off to the brand, on killing possible future ideas, etc.

I have my set purchased too...  But I have my SET.  Not my sets.  So had these been $5 to $10 cheaper, then what kind of profits would we have been seeing?  

There's not much easy answer to this either because it's an exclusive, and there you throw yet another wrench into the whole concept...  And EE's also touting the famed, "Limited Edition" too with this...

By no means was anything meant to be offensive to collectors outside the U.S., and I tried being careful of that with my post because I know the topic is sensitive...  But everyone has a right to gripe about pricing, they just have to know why the pricing is what it is before they make their opinion known...

GNT didn't do his homework, and that I think we can all agree on.  And in the end, U.S. guys have as much right to cry foul on this as Canuckleheads and those over the pond(s) as well.  

And if anyone's happy to pay that, well then they're wealthier than I, or just easier going maybe.  :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 5, 2005, 10:58 AM
[Scum Mod] Hey this isn't a chat room! [/end Scum Mod]  :)

Wow, 6 replies in the time it took me for one, and a poorly patched together one at that.

In the end, ideal is working in Hong Kong at a salary for a company that pays you a higher COL rate than what Hong Kong requires (Like working based ona  U.S. salary over in Hong Kong) and living like a king in their country because you're getting paid in foreign dollars but putting up with the costs of their country.

Then you're in collector heaven.  Hell you can get figures out the back door of factories for super cheap, and even not completely put together in some cases.

Ideal for customizers right there. :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Darth Broem on January 5, 2005, 11:06 AM
Wow!  I just saw these this morning.  The price is too high for me unfortunatley with a mortgage, newborn, 2 car payments, and ROTS products coming out in a few months.  That is a great exclusive though.  I really wish I had the extra mula for these.  I might get one set though.  To good to pass up!
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: evenflow on January 5, 2005, 01:44 PM
The sad thing is, ebay, although convenient at times, has destroyed the value of collecting. I remember when I was into comics and even still with toys certain items were valued. Now you can find anything on ebay and usually half the price. It seems to have taken away the rarity of collecting, the fun of the chase, and although i may not be explaining it fully really hurt the toy industry.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 5, 2005, 02:02 PM
The sad thing is, ebay, although convenient at times, has destroyed the value of collecting. I remember when I was into comics and even still with toys certain items were valued. Now you can find anything on ebay and usually half the price. It seems to have taken away the rarity of collecting, the fun of the chase, and although i may not be explaining it fully really hurt the toy industry.

As a former comic collector, I can relate.  It killed the card industry, comic industry and has hurt the toy market as well.  What was formerly rare in a given region no longer matters.  Print runs are huge regardless of what the subject is and now there is a national/global market you can access.  What I find odd is some of the items that retain value, above and beyond their counterparts - EU Dark Trooper versus Mara Jade for example.  Why?  I know that's drifting right out of context here, but it's  reasonable example. 
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Diddly on January 5, 2005, 07:25 PM
I'm still considering which set to get.

I really only want the two clean versions, and that's $70 plus shipping. However, a set of all four 4-packs is $120 plus shipping, which isn't even double what two of the packs are.

So, do you guys think I should pay for the two packs that I want, or should I go for all four?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: DoctorPadawan on January 5, 2005, 07:54 PM
I think the idea of the packs is a good one: put a figure that a lot of people never saw in the first place back into circulation.  Since it is a figure that a lot of people would want multiples of, put it out there in multiple versions with no one version being more plentiful than another.  The fact that we can effectively pick which ones we want or don't want is very appealing, as there is no "chase" 4 pack or anything like that. 

What I don't like is the obvious price gouging.  When I went to the EE page, I nearly spit my juice out at the price for a single four pack.  35 dollars?  That's almost 9 bucks a figure, and as I have never ordered anything from EE that has cost under ten bucks to ship (then again, it's been a while since I ordered from them, so they're probably up to 20 by now) it would end up more than likely costing me 50 bucks for a single pack.  I'm hoping that some kind soul will let me in on a third of a case (I've already PM'd one person in this thread, so please have pity on me rebeltrader :) ), because I can justify paying 25 bucks a pack plus shipping more than I can 35.

The thing that *really* shocks me about all this is that SWShop.com didn't get these as exclusives.  After all, how many more people go to the Official Site and would see that they were on sale there than those who go to EE.  Actually before I even went to EEs site, I was thinking "they'll charge 30 bucks a pack for them" and they exceeded my expectations.  As horrid as the SWS.com service has been (that photo of the puppet at the computer still cracks me up every time I see it), I would think that they would sell them for about 25 bucks a pack.

EE is, in my opinion (and chuckles' as well it seems), watching Ebay for the original sales of the Clones and using that as their pricing gauge for the four packs.  The simple fact that the two Holiday exclusives prior to this year were made up from scratch, sculpt-wise (R2 is questionable) and went for 12.99 (isn't Yoda still on sale at SWS.com for that price?), when compared to the Holiday Jawas, an EE exclusive, who had new arms and new lightpipes in their heads, and went for 18 bucks? 

I'd be very curious to know EE's wholesale price on these from Hasbro, but I would be willing to bet it's well below what they are charging the consumer.  Oh well, welcome to the year of "IT'S THE LAST STAR WARS MOVIE EVER AND WE'RE CASHING IN!!!!!"
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jim on January 5, 2005, 08:23 PM
Hemish and Doctor Padawan, check you PM.  I saved you the other two slots in the case I ordered. 
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: darkksith on January 6, 2005, 01:43 PM
i want to know if the all-white clones w/battle damage are going to have the damage marks all in identical spots or if all four will have differently placed and shaped battle markings? i figure i don't need this 4-pack if they are all the same and i already have a clean all-white version so i don't need that 4-pack either, just the two colored 4-packs. has anybody dug up this info?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 6, 2005, 01:53 PM
i want to know if the all-white clones w/battle damage are going to have the damage marks all in identical spots or if all four will have differently placed and shaped battle markings?

From the looks of the picture at EE:
(http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/AUTOIMAGES/HS85774lg.jpg)

It looks like the blast marks on the Red and Blue Clones ARE in different spots, the red has a blast mark on his left, the blue more of a scortch mark on his right, but no one really knows until better pictures with all 4 dirty clones surface or people start receiving them...  :-\

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Vator on January 6, 2005, 03:43 PM
That poster has Sneak Preview Clones? Why?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 6, 2005, 10:22 PM
Who knows on the poster Vator...  SA's a better sculpt overall I'd say, but whatever.

More signs that Rebelscum's obviously Hasbro's research & marketing material:

Quote
Reasons for the higher price on these items:

1) EE always has higher prices (their shipping rates are the real killer)
2) These are super-articulated (I don't seem to recall many people on rebelscum threads complaining when they bought 20 or more VOTC stormtroopers at $10 a piece)
3) Limited quantities

The only reason the super-articulated clone troopers sold for $5 last time was because they were done in a low production as a test market figure.

&

Quote
I do not thing the price is that bad at all:
Figures $20
Packaging $5
Limited product(exclusive) $5
EE premium(always) $5
Total: $35

Anytime a toy company produces an exclusive(20,000 units) the per-unit cost is a bit higher than a regular production run(150-300,000 units).

LucasFilm is not ripping us.
Hasbro is not ripping us.
Entertainment Earth is not ripping us.
They are all just giving us a great product(that we ALL have asked for) for a decent price.

I love seeing the "expert" opinions.  Apparantly Hasbro released production information to just these two people.  Whew, well now it's all explained truthfully to us.   ;D
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Ben on January 6, 2005, 11:40 PM
What a bunch of sheep.

Hasbro recognizes that army builders sell, so they stick them in the overprice VOTC line and in expensive boxes like this.
They know people are going to go ape**** for them, so they're making the biggest buck they can.

Just like the figure prices being $7. Last big push they'll ever get, so they're riding for all it's worth.

Figures $20-- But let's see, the figures were five bucks, MOC. Which would negate #2, dumbass.
Packaging $5-- it's a Cinema scene box. Really think they've got $5 worth of cardboard here? Tard.
Limited product(exclusive) $5-- I'll give 'em this one.
EE premium(always) $5-- this too. Gotta have some profit.
Total: $35
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 7, 2005, 12:25 AM
I still wonder however, WILL they make the best profit possible, or would it be wiser to sell more at a lower price?  From what I see, even the die-hardiest of the die-hard army builders are NOT going ape **** on these.

I'd include myself in this, but I don't see the others saying "Yeah I'm gonna buy every set I can!".  It seems more that people are going in on a case...  I'm trying to get HALF a set on a second case (all BD variants), but at this point that's likely all I'd get, and only because I'm going in on cases locally with collecting pals.

I don't see people saying "Yup, buying up an army of 100 Clones" on this one though.  And with that, I truly wonder just what losses they'll incur with a set that, for all intents and purposes, should make army building affordable, and should sell TONS upon TONS of the white sets.

I have no doubt these will sell, but I do doubt if they'll live up to potential profit, and be "successful", especially if they're figuring these will sell as hot and as easily as the CT STormie 4-packs of old.  Oh what I'd give for the #'s on these at the end of things. 
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 7, 2005, 06:52 PM
The telling sign on well these sell, is to see how long down the road EE is still selling them. If in 6 months they still have them for sale, you can say that collectors/army builders weren't ready to drop down some good cash for these in sight of the upcoming ROTS onslaught. If in a year from now they still have these for sale, then you can say that it was definitely a bust, because at the price of the old army builder sets these should sell out within a month.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: SilverZ on January 7, 2005, 10:08 PM
I don’t like the price, personally, but I do understand it - from what limited knowledge I have, and how things have come to be (or not come to be, when it comes to SW exclusives) for items such as this. A few things for thought:

It has to be considered that EE may be the SOLE worldwide distributor of this set. It makes sense for them as an online retailer, where their competition routinely acquires inventory from Asian sources. By limiting the production run to only the quantity EE orders, they get a true exclusive, but the cost of the run increases per figure by a few factors.

For reference and comparison:

My friend runs a side business of model airplanes – those metal ones of commercial jetliners. They’re made by Dragon, and they’re made in China on the same line that Dragon does any other line they make, and then that line is shared by other companies, too. One day they will be making his 737, the next day, Mystery Machines. 

He does his business as a hobby, mainly because he wants to see airline designs none of the major companies were interested in producing. Braniff planes, things like that. He licenses those designs, and manufacturers what he wants, and there’s a small group of collectors that want them as well. The problem is, his runs can be as low as 500, and as high as 5,000. At both ends of the scale, they are small runs for Dragon, and require a production run that only takes days. This has to be scheduled between those 350,000 unit runs on Scooby Doo crap, where they have to switch tools, paints, and packaging materials on the line. The operation of the line is cheap; meaning paying the guys on the line is nothing.  The money is in upfront costs, so the more units you crank out for that line switch, the lower your costs will run, assuming someone is on the retail end to buy the stuff. So the total amount of units produced, the timing of the production run, and the complexity of the tools, parts and paint apps (even for existing molds) factor into the cost of the run.

In his case, producing specialty products in the midst of an industry based on mass production makes his product expensive. It all sounds very similar to the circumstances under which an exclusive like the SA Clones exists under.

So think about being an online retailer, out to get an exclusive they can sell online, that won’t be shared with a B&M or available outside the US by someone else. You want a worldwide exclusive. Your order quantities aren’t going to be anywhere near a Walmart, Target, or TRU. And, on top of that, you’re asking for a run of a product with more parts and paint applications at that smaller quantity. You’re going to pay a higher price for the line time, and not make that money back in bulk because you only have an end-user need to fulfill a fractional amount of orders. So, you charge more.

Is Target, Walmart, TRU, or anyone else banging down Hasbro’s doors, asking for a 4-pack of super articulated figures from a movie, now three years old? Or in quantities large enough to send an average of 6 cases to each and every store in their chain? Is there a second worldwide distributor lined up for it? No. So is this a pricey thing to do for whoever takes on the concept? Probably.

So my point is, we’re getting something we actually want, and it’s being done the right way. We get SA clones in multiples, and in new variants. It’s costing more than we want, but what has happened to make it a reality, as delivered, may just require the cost. If we as consumers don’t like the cost of something like this, we can just not buy it. Then other companies that want to offer exclusives will learn to deliver something in a cheaper way, maybe by using 3-pack clone molds or dropping variants. Then we can complain about those being cheaply made and how we’re willing to pay more for better product.

So I guess that makes me a sheep-like EE and Hasbro supporter, right?
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 7, 2005, 10:30 PM
Tydirium,

While you do make some valid points, we also have to take into account where the production costs lie, will it be based on the single figure, or the full 4 pack of figures. But I don't know much on that front so I won't assume anything.

What I can say is that it's quite possible this item will not be just an EE-exclusive. There are many previous US exclusives that have wound up not being exclusive elsewhere in the world, a case in point would be the POTF2 Y-Wing and Skiff which from people I spoke to and reports I read on the web were found in abundance in many countries, an example being Austrailia. Even exclusives that Hasbro deems as "this store will be the only place in the world to get this item" have not been the case, a look back at the fiasco that was the Imperial Shuttle will show that Hasbro cannot be taken at their word for what an exclusive really is.

Also one has to wonder, whose idea was this 4pack in the first place? Reading some posts one would think that Entertainment Earth brought the idea to Hasbro, but does EE have the ordering power to be able to do so? What if it was Hasbro who brought the idea to EE after the major retailers passed on it (which if they did, sucks major ass!).

Just some food for thought, in the end I believe Hasbro could have looked at larger sales numbers if the price was cheaper and if it was sold at retail. Of course we're not going to hear about it from Hasbro, which is why my previous suggestion about seeing if EE has this still in stock 6 to 12 months from now is a good gauge of it's success.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 7, 2005, 10:42 PM
Also one has to wonder, whose idea was this 4pack in the first place? Reading some posts one would think that Entertainment Earth brought the idea to Hasbro, but does EE have the ordering power to be able to do so?

I thought that was the case because EE said so right in the item description...

"First time ever - Entertainment Earth worked with fans, GalacticHunter.com, Hasbro and Lucasfilm to design this exclusive item from the ground up. "

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 8, 2005, 12:49 AM
Also one has to wonder, whose idea was this 4pack in the first place? Reading some posts one would think that Entertainment Earth brought the idea to Hasbro, but does EE have the ordering power to be able to do so?

I thought that was the case because EE said so right in the item description...

"First time ever - Entertainment Earth worked with fans, GalacticHunter.com, Hasbro and Lucasfilm to design this exclusive item from the ground up. "

Jeff


ya know, i looked on the item description and on the announcement on hasbro for anything like that and didn't see it. well i guess that does show they indeed do have the buying power
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 8, 2005, 04:05 AM
First, you are a sheep Jared.  :)

Second, something Jason said,

Quote
While you do make some valid points, we also have to take into account where the production costs lie, will it be based on the single figure, or the full 4 pack of figures. But I don't know much on that front so I won't assume anything.

I personally think the key thing to it all, and the thing nobody's likely to ever know, is what the total production run is on this for EE.  They're touting it as "limited", and if it is then there's some legit explanation to the pricing there...  I don't think it's ENTIRELY an explanation, but it's a thought, and one we'll never get an answer to.

The other thing that's not really answerable right now, and likely ever, is:  Does MORE at a lesser price yield higher profit than LESS at a higher price?  A lot of times, volume's the answer.  More likely than not I'd say, but not always of course.  A lot depends on the product, and that very thought ties into what EE's said they'd commit to buying.

So many people who routinely say they're going to buy MORE of something are now saying "Ya know, one set's all I want", and some are even not getting in on this at all.

When you order a case with local buddies, the price is tolerable, but you're still screwed if you want more whites on this, and that will always suck.  It makes getting one set almost your only route unless you truly think $10-ish is a good price to army build at...  And the high price itself (IMO) defeats the entire IDEA of building armies.

Maybe Hasbro thinks people will go ape**** and just buy up stuff in droves at $10 per figure these sets, I dunno.  I can't justify it...  If I was wealthy, I suppose I would probably do it and be damned any thought of making a statement by not buying, but as it stands I was justifying VOTC Stormtroopers which I want probably 10x as much as these Clones.

I really think they're missing the ball on selling more for less, but that's me, and I can't prove that notion.  When dealing in something with such low costs in the first place (which this has to be), I can only imagine selling it in the highest total units possible (since that seems, to me, the logical way to go) would make more money.  I dunno.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Nicklab on January 8, 2005, 10:47 AM
I can't believe the cost discrepancy between buying one set and buying them by the case.  The cost per figure breaks down like this:



If you buy just one set of 4 figures, it comes out to ~ $8.77 per figure.

Buy the set of all 4 variations, and it's ~ $7.50 per figure.

Buy a case, and the cost goes down to ~ $6.25 per figure.

So buying in bulk is definitely an advantage for savings
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Nicklab on January 8, 2005, 10:58 AM
Also one has to wonder, whose idea was this 4pack in the first place? Reading some posts one would think that Entertainment Earth brought the idea to Hasbro, but does EE have the ordering power to be able to do so? What if it was Hasbro who brought the idea to EE after the major retailers passed on it (which if they did, sucks major ass!).


I heard about this set from a good source about 6 weeks ago.  Sure enough when I heard that the story was that it was EE that approached Hasbro about doing this.  They're definitely ramped themselves up with Star Wars in the past few years.  Just look at the Holiday Jawas.  That was an EE exclusive as well.

With the change in management in the Star Wars brand within Hasbro, you also had to see something like this coming.  The new brand manager came from the GI Joe line, which may be somewhat on the skids, but is actively doing the troop builder thing.  Hasbro ultimately wants to make money, and they do surf message boards for ideas.   They know which figures are hot and which aren't, and they also know there's a market for army builders.  I fully expect them to do things like this if they're serious about maintaining a solid fanbase for the toy line past 2006.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4-Packs!
Post by: JediMAC on January 10, 2005, 04:57 PM
Well, it's a tricky thing, this 4-pack.  Yeah, buying in bulk is the cheapest way to go, and puts them at a very reasonably priced $6.25 each (cheaper than most current figures), but obviously not every collector has $300 to plunk down on 3 complete sets.  Nor do some collectors want to deal with splitting cases up, and such.

Though I'm not a big fan of the price on these, I don't think it's totally outrageous.  I think some folks are having a tough time stomaching the fact that there's so many new variants they now need, and packaging completitsts are now having to nab four of them too.  But as exclusives to an e-tailer, and with the nice packaging these got placed in, I guess I understand the cost, in general.  Maybe $30 a set would've been more appropriate, but oh well...

I just think a nice, cheap, white mailer box of 4 Clean SA Clones for $20 would've made a lot of folks really happy too (like the prior army building sets) - maybe in addition to the 4 packaged, more expensive sets.

I do like that EE's taking the initiative though, in getting some "new" product out to collectors that they want, and that Hasbro would probably not be intelligent enough to put out on their own (apparently).  So kudos to EE for that.  So what part did GH play in making this happen?  I found that part of the description interesting.  I wonder if they get just a tiny little slice of the pie if they helped EE put this idea together...

If so, I'm gonna have to go yell at Mike for making me shell out a couple o' bills on these things!   :P
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4-Packs!
Post by: Mikey D on January 10, 2005, 05:48 PM

If so, I'm gonna have to go yell at Mike for making me shell out a couple o' bills on these things!   :P

Yeah, like you would have had the willpower to not order these anyways.  :P
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JediMAC on January 10, 2005, 05:55 PM
I was referring to Sullenger (who apparently helped facilitate this idea with EE), not you Mikey!   ;)

As for my willpower, I have none when it comes to Star Wars collecting.  I just do what I'm told by Hasbro...   :-\
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 10, 2005, 09:48 PM
I held off ordering these because of the cross border shipping, but now 3 Canadian e-tailers have stepped up the plate and are going to provide these.  Priced between $39.99 and $44.99 CDN: Ages 3 and Up (http://www.agesthreeandup.com/store/bloorcom.viewItem.asp?idProduct=1087), Legends (http://www.legendsactionfigures.com/en/products.php?prd=1123293139&cat=788159934), and Toy Addict (http://www.toyaddict.ca/) (not yet listed). 

Considering they are $35 US and since I'm a carded kind of guy, I really like the packaging and decided I can live with the Canadian prices.  And with that being said, I ordered one of each set.   :)
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 10, 2005, 09:52 PM
The $6-ish price, on the case orders that is, is tolerable I've come to grips with...  Though it's more than $6.25 I've found I think.  $6.75-ish a figure was what our total came to out here in Pittsburgh.  I mighta found a 2nd case I can get in on and get 2 extra white sets (1 BD & 1 Clean).

That's not bad...  Not great, and no 4 in a white mailer price, but it ain't no $10 a figure crock of **** they've been trying.  The extreme variances in price also tell me that either they needed to ALSO offer a completely white case (no officers) or at least offer a 3-set of white Clones for the $6-ish price.  I'd have been pretty content with that I believe.  These gaps in prices are shady though, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Morgbug on January 10, 2005, 10:34 PM
I agree Jesse, mostly because of what the other Jesse posted.  The guy at ages3andup is a good guy, but unless he's getting a deal on these, $34.99 works out to at least after $39.99 (his selling price) never mind shipping and customs fees, which he won't have a choice on paying.  EE's markup is substantial and there must be another place for other etailers to get them, or they are being offered great discounts.  I guess I could see them eating some costs, but not that much just to increase exposure.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jeff on January 20, 2005, 11:06 PM
The telling sign on well these sell, is to see how long down the road EE is still selling them. If in 6 months they still have them for sale, you can say that collectors/army builders weren't ready to drop down some good cash for these in sight of the upcoming ROTS onslaught. If in a year from now they still have these for sale, then you can say that it was definitely a bust, because at the price of the old army builder sets these should sell out within a month.


A quick update on these Clone 4-packs:

This is what EE is saying about the Clone 4-pack in their latest e-mail newsletter:

Quote
Also, I want to thank you for the overwhelming positive response we've received since announcing our exclusive Hasbro Star Wars Clone Trooper Troop Builder 4-Packs. I strongly urge anyone who wants these to order them now. This limited edition exclusive may be pre-sold out sooner than expected.


Now, take it with a grain of salt because it is in their best interest to make people think that they are almost gone, but if they are telling the truth it would seem like they are doing very well with this by pre-selling out.  Most people thought they'd sell out in like a month at the old price point, but it look like they may sell out sooner than a month even at the higher price point...  :o

It makes me wonder, would EE try to commision a second manufacturing run from Hasbro if they do pre-sell out the 4-packs from the first run?

Jeff
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on January 21, 2005, 12:39 AM
The telling sign on well these sell, is to see how long down the road EE is still selling them. If in 6 months they still have them for sale, you can say that collectors/army builders weren't ready to drop down some good cash for these in sight of the upcoming ROTS onslaught. If in a year from now they still have these for sale, then you can say that it was definitely a bust, because at the price of the old army builder sets these should sell out within a month.


A quick update on these Clone 4-packs:

This is what EE is saying about the Clone 4-pack in their latest e-mail newsletter:

Quote
Also, I want to thank you for the overwhelming positive response we've received since announcing our exclusive Hasbro Star Wars Clone Trooper Troop Builder 4-Packs. I strongly urge anyone who wants these to order them now. This limited edition exclusive may be pre-sold out sooner than expected.


Now, take it with a grain of salt because it is in their best interest to make people think that they are almost gone, but if they are telling the truth it would seem like they are doing very well with this by pre-selling out.  Most people thought they'd sell out in like a month at the old price point, but it look like they may sell out sooner than a month even at the higher price point...  :o

It makes me wonder, would EE try to commision a second manufacturing run from Hasbro if they do pre-sell out the 4-packs from the first run?

Jeff

Jeff,

Sounds very interesting if EE is indeed telling the truth, which they may be, maybe a little stretched though. That brings us to your question, would they commission a 2nd run on the 4packs and if so how well would those sell? Perhaps they don't come close to selling out the 2nd run, because almost everyone who wanted a set already got theirs from the 1st run. Could they lead to a discounted price down the road? That would be nice and that could lead to the 2nd run selling out. Just thinking out loud....

Cheers!
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on January 21, 2005, 01:01 AM

It makes me wonder, would EE try to commision a second manufacturing run from Hasbro if they do pre-sell out the 4-packs from the first run?

Jeff

I doubt it.  I would think that they'd just consider the sell-out a success, and perhaps use those production numbers towards another potential (different) exclusive in the future.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 21, 2005, 01:29 AM
I wouldn't doubt it, and if it is "limited" (possible, but why the hell limit a set for army building?  Dumber things have happened though) then the price these are ringing in at is at least a little more understandable...  Still not 100% justified to me though, but short production runs have higher start-up costs involved. 

annoying, stupid, and a larger production run would've sold just as well, but it does lend more credence to the price.

Again though, you're right Jeff that it's all in their best interest...  Maybe they're honest with their consumers though?  I dunno.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: darkksith on January 21, 2005, 11:27 PM
does anyone who already ordered a case of the entertainment earth clone trooper 4-packs need a partner to help split the case. i would want one each of the 4 different 4-packs. i live in michigan. please lmk if interested.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Diddly on January 22, 2005, 12:55 AM
Well I ordered my set, and it comes out to around $10 a figure (I ordered both clean sets). Pretty reasonable, I guess.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 31, 2005, 02:43 PM
So in GH.com's Q&A column the question was posed to Adam Pawlus about the weapons and footholes in the Clones, since Adam's had a hand in the creation of the sets.

The foothole question I completely see as unwarranted, as while I agree that some footholes would be nice, I also see where "retooling" isn't a simple thing you just go in and do and it increases costs...  And in this case I have to think it's relatively unnecessary.

By now I assume you've guessed there's no footholes on these guys like the original SA Clone.

But what perplexes me is the issue of the gun, which Adam Pawlus said is the small Carbine the original SA Clone had, and not the large rifle which was the predominant weapon the Clones used in the film.

I have my theories and reasons explaining to myself why Hasbro did this, but I don't think they're really GOOD reasons beyond sheer laziness...  The footholes I can buy easy as I never thought it was even in question about that, but the weapon's a matter of simply changing the production order for the item I believe, while I think Hasbro simply said "we'll produce more of product # 1138 with deco alterations...  That's it", rather than changing it for accessories as well.  It's not a cost issue really, so I don't see it being anything other than an issue of laziness.

My question posed would've been, "why the hell are these costing $10 a figure when sold as individual packs, instead of being a reasonable $5-$6 a figure except when you buy by the case?", or something to that effect. :) 

I guess it's all in your priorities.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: SilverZ on January 31, 2005, 05:40 PM
I can totally understand the pegholes reasoning. Fine.

I don't like the idea that they are coming with carbines, though. Maybe it comes down to something as small as the fact the original rifles had paint apps on them that fiddled with costs in some way, but I'd take unpainted guns any day, really. I'm swimming in carbines. I have a real need for more rifles.

Hasbro seems to really like doing this. It goes right in hand with their logic of issuing rifles with the Comtech Stormtrooper.

And there is no easy way to get more rifles in a cost-effective way if they aren't included in these sets. Which brings me to another comment...

I'm a little disappointed in Pawlus's suggestions for acquiring rifles that goes a bit far beyond practicality. He's reached a touchy area where he's defending a product he is involved in, by a company that has given him writing work, and as a result his ability to objectively respond to genuine issues is fairly well compromised.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Jesse James on January 31, 2005, 07:09 PM
I can't say it's a practical answer either.

Buying figures for guns = a much higher cost on something that already costs a good bit.

I have extra rifles, so while I'm not completely set on arming my clones, I'm close.  I'm thinking of a secondary method to arm them with rifles too that won't be entirely cost-prohibitive but it may be a while before I get on that...

To me, I agree that a non-painted rifle should've been included.  I'd have liked it much more.  I don't see why they didn't pack BOTH in though, so you could choose.  It seems the more "Hey, we like our customers!" kind of thing to do.

The peghole thing though, while I understand people are annoyed by their lack of pegholes, I still see Hasbro's reasoning for not "fixing" that.  I was never that annoyed by the peghole thing either though so maybe I'm biased.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on February 2, 2005, 02:39 AM
To me, I agree that a non-painted rifle should've been included.  I'd have liked it much more.  I don't see why they didn't pack BOTH in though, so you could choose.  It seems the more "Hey, we like our customers!" kind of thing to do.

Silly you for thinking Hasbro cares enough to make an appropiate decision as to which weapon the Clones should come with. As you mentioned earlier, I'm sure it came down to someone saying ok we're making new runs of the Clonetrooper from the Clone Wars line with some new paint apps on the figures. But those who were in charge of making the order never bothered to look into the details of said figure and it was completely overlooked by everyone involved. Poor QA from a customer appreciation level. Matches the oft poor QA from a production level....
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Violentfix on April 13, 2005, 05:00 PM


My question posed would've been, "why the hell are these costing $10 a figure when sold as individual packs, instead of being a reasonable $5-$6 a figure except when you buy by the case?", or something to that effect. :) 


I think the price just has to do with the fact that it's Entertainment Earth.  Their prices are always out there.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ruiner on April 15, 2005, 02:31 PM
That and the production run is a lot lower than a "mass" produced figure.

As well, I think this particular figure costs more to make because of the super articulation (more parts).

I'm very excited to get these and am thinking I should order another set to open - these look really cool in the box.

 :P
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 15, 2005, 11:47 PM
Technically, more parts doesn't cost more than a figure with less parts except the mold toolings...  For all intents and purposes, that cost was likely made up with the figure's initial run in Clone Wars.  While it seemed limited to most people, I know I saw tons of the remnants of his wave at stores around my area...  Most people seemed to find those figures easily enough, but the Clone was (of course) not so easy to find.

Construction's a minimal cost though, so really he doesn't cost more to produce now than before, and as more units are made, all the "fixed" costs of production will then decrease...  So technically for every time this guy's put back into circulation, the cost comes down a little bit more. 

I have it on pretty good authority that the packaging is a major reason for the cost increase...  It's at least a driving factor.  I think Violentfix's idea that it simply being an EE item doesn't bode well for it having a low price either.  They do tend to charge that little bit extra...  That puts it about right that they're still profiting when selling a full case, and the per-figure price comes to about $6.25/figure/case.  That's not much more than retail.  Where it stings is buying individual 4-packs and things.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: CorranHorn on April 16, 2005, 04:29 AM
To me, I agree that a non-painted rifle should've been included.  I'd have liked it much more.  I don't see why they didn't pack BOTH in though, so you could choose.  It seems the more "Hey, we like our customers!" kind of thing to do.

Silly you for thinking Hasbro cares enough to make an appropiate decision as to which weapon the Clones should come with. As you mentioned earlier, I'm sure it came down to someone saying ok we're making new runs of the Clonetrooper from the Clone Wars line with some new paint apps on the figures. But those who were in charge of making the order never bothered to look into the details of said figure and it was completely overlooked by everyone involved. Poor QA from a customer appreciation level. Matches the oft poor QA from a production level....

The decision of only giving these Clones the blaster, instead of including the rifle is even more baffling now that the ROTS #6 Clonetrooper comes with BOTH weapons. So glad I didn't buy these exclusive figures.....
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2005, 05:54 AM
If I didn't know people going in on cases, I would've skipped this too I think, or been very selective anyway.  I lucked out with locals who were banding together on this one...  really it was the only way to go.

At $8 to $10-ish a figure if you bought them by them individually or by getting all 4 variants in a set, that just wasn't gonna happen for me...  :(
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Violentfix on April 16, 2005, 01:02 PM
I just wish they had better case selection.  I was thinking about the case but I want more clean white clones than anything else. 

A perfect case would be 10 clean white clone sets and two color clean clone sets.  that would be worth $300 to me and I would absolutly buy it.  I have no use for dirty clones and an army of seargents and officers.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 16, 2005, 03:22 PM
I agree.  I'd go so far as to say a whole case of whites should've been offered...  I'd have figured a way to get one just for myself...  2 officer sets is a good idea too though. 

As it stands though, there are gonna be "too many captains, and not enough mates", as it were.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Nicklab on April 16, 2005, 05:52 PM
I split a case of these with one friend.  We're both army builders, and that quantity of figures was ideal for us.  We're each getting 1 complete set of all 4 variant packs.  We're also going to divide the third set between us, and we'll actually split the figures out from that.

I'm curious if EE has offered a semi-firm delivery date on these yet.  My friend made the order on these, so I haven't been in the loop on these as much as he has.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Brian on April 18, 2005, 09:22 AM
I preordered one set of these when they first went up for sale, but to be honest, as cool as the figures are, I've considered cancelling it lately.  I don't know if it is the fact that I'm a little more into ROTS clones right now, or that collecting spending is tight enough as it is, or a combination of both...but I'm not sure right now they are worth it to me or not.  I still haven't cancelled them, because I'm afraid I'll end up regretting it, but I've definitely been thinking about it.  I just have one set of the four, non-damaged, colored clones on order...but at $8-$10 each, I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ruiner on April 19, 2005, 09:27 AM
Technically, more parts doesn't cost more than a figure with less parts except the mold toolings... For all intents and purposes, that cost was likely made up with the figure's initial run in Clone Wars. While it seemed limited to most people, I know I saw tons of the remnants of his wave at stores around my area... Most people seemed to find those figures easily enough, but the Clone was (of course) not so easy to find.

Construction's a minimal cost though, so really he doesn't cost more to produce now than before, and as more units are made, all the "fixed" costs of production will then decrease... So technically for every time this guy's put back into circulation, the cost comes down a little bit more.

I have it on pretty good authority that the packaging is a major reason for the cost increase... It's at least a driving factor. I think Violentfix's idea that it simply being an EE item doesn't bode well for it having a low price either. They do tend to charge that little bit extra... That puts it about right that they're still profiting when selling a full case, and the per-figure price comes to about $6.25/figure/case. That's not much more than retail. Where it stings is buying individual 4-packs and things.

Not to start an argument or anything, but more parts = more assembly labor and more tooling ammoritization.

If extra parts did not increase the product cost, one would think we'd see that level of articulation across the entire line.

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2005, 11:32 AM
But minimal costs are involved in construction, etc., while mold toolings are regarded as a principle cost in development of a single item.  I agree though that construction's going to cost more to put together a SA Clone than a 3-pack Clone comparing 1 - 1...  It's going to be a really minimal ammount however.

It's like drawing a comparison between what a vivid/intricate paint application would cost compared to just additional colors (well, loosely anyway).  For instance, if one added many simplistic additional colors sprayed/splotched on to form a faded camo will be an additional cost but minimal whereas something akin to painting an intricate/accurate camo pattern on a figure's going to cost more even if it only utilizes 3 colors.

Articulation's key cost comes in its additional mold toolings.  The construction's increased, but one can always look at what yields the additional cost of the articulation (all costs it incurs) bring about as well, like potential higher sales, etc.  If I can sell more of unit A because it's got higher articulation than I can sell of unit B because it has less...  or if I can sell unit A (a 3-pack of SA Clones for instance) because while there's more parts they're also 3 of the same figure which also simplifies construction, while unit B has a higher construction cost because it's 3 unique items within a package constructed differently, etc...  But these things are all minor issues. 

I think the reason we didn't see articulation increase over the years was simply that mold toolings aren't cheap and Star Wars didn't give anyone an impression of longevity.  I don't know that it does now either though, but it's certainly become a more competitive brand in comparison to other toy lines. 

If articulation construction was enough of a reason to keep Star Wars in the "dark ages" of toy line advancement, then I think smaller and "cheap" toy lines like Lanard's, or PTE would have dropped off long ago.  They make their costs in mold toolings up quickly though through reuse of them repeatedly, and their construction's even more complex in some sense than SW (not the injection molding portion always, however). 
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Violentfix on April 19, 2005, 03:46 PM
I preordered one set of these when they first went up for sale, but to be honest, as cool as the figures are, I've considered cancelling it lately.  I don't know if it is the fact that I'm a little more into ROTS clones right now, or that collecting spending is tight enough as it is, or a combination of both...but I'm not sure right now they are worth it to me or not.  I still haven't cancelled them, because I'm afraid I'll end up regretting it, but I've definitely been thinking about it.  I just have one set of the four, non-damaged, colored clones on order...but at $8-$10 each, I'm not so sure.

I understand completly.  If they had a set with the current clone uniform, I'd be much more willing to buy it.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: DoctorPadawan on April 19, 2005, 03:47 PM
What is comes down to (when taking into account what Hasbro charges for these things) is that Hasbro is trying to minimize costs while maximizing profits, since a huge chunk of the sales of a SW toy go to LFL.  With GI Joe, they can make a figure with a larger amount of articulation and higher quality plastic, throw two of them in a package, and charge a buck more than a SW figure, and make more money because they own GI Joe and see all the profits from said toy.  With SW, I don't know the percentages, but they don't see as much.  Hence, they're going to spend less money, use a cheaper quality plastic, and put less effort into SW toys because they want to get every dollar that they possibly can.

The Clone four packs that EE got were a cheap "do" for Hasbro.  They got to reuse a mold they had lying around (no tooling costs) and that was most likely being produced anyway for those Vader cases and as the basis for the ROTS Clone figure (mostly), do minimal paint application, and use the pretense of a "much requested figure" to gouge for a higher overall price.  The fact that EE charged as much as they did for these doesn't surprise me at all in retrospect, as an EE price is usually retail plus 25% anyway.  Or, in the case of the four packs, retail plus 75%.

Hasbro is making a killing off these four packs and they probably spent about 1/50th of the price of one four pack in the actual development of the item.  The fact that they have (apparently) failed to include the peg holes on the feet and/or the large rifles shows that they put as little effort into these as they possibly could.  I would imagine that the cost/benefit analysis of these four packs is akin to the old stories about compact discs costing about 3 bucks to produce and they retail for 15 dollars (showing my age here, big time).

There's also an excellent commentary (related to Earth Day) in the latest "Fried Circuits" column at T'Bone's SW Universe (http://www.starwarz.com/tbone) that talks about how needlessly elaborate packaging is these days and how, at least for openers, a plain white mailer box is a lot more environmentally friendly than the fifteen million twist ties, rubber bands, plastic trays, inserts, and bubbles that are on the average figure these days.

I'm going to go back to hugging my tree now.   :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 19, 2005, 04:13 PM
I agree wholeheartedly on the packaging issue.  In a POP situation I can see the need for something more ornate, but in something that's A) being ordered online in the first place and B) that (theoretically) is targeting army builders (or more to the point, "openers"), then the whole packaging issue truly stunk to the heavens.  That stuff wasn't cheap to produce from what I've heard, from a packaging cost perspective, and wasn't important to the final product.

I think the %'s paid to LFL via Hasbro are exagerrated at times though...  They make a killing, no doubt, but they also spread it out over quite a duration, not to mention that production on Star Wars, which generally has matched retail demand for it, has been incredibly high.  It may not show in secondary numbers but what retailers want seems quite a bit.  Hasbro's done well with the line.

I like that we're seeing articulation increase though, and pretty intelligently across the board.  The army builders and "action" characters of the ROTS line got more attention than a Senator-esque figure...  It's as it should be, and should have been for the past 10 years...  The idea sticks on these Clones though, that this is a screwjob towards us that, for my $.02 worth, Hasbro could've done better (not just by us, but by their own bottom line) by selling more product at a lower price than selling less at a higher price... 

Honestly though, the better option to me is that they should have made a case of white.  I think that would've made many people happy in the long-run and been the amicable solution...  A case of whites would've garnered my $300+ for just myself, and I'd have a sizeable army at a modest price then.  Hell I'd have still gone in on a case of the officers/whites with my local collecting buddies too, just to flesh out the officers some more.  I think they'd have done better at that rate.

I wonder what the sales #'s on Clones for ROTS is though, and I'd love to see what kind of profit %'s that just THOSE figures generated in comparison to others.  It'd be interesting figures to see, not that we would ever get to.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jokabofe on April 19, 2005, 10:28 PM
I ordered a case of these when they were first announced on EE, but over the course of the last few weeks I've been seriously considering cancelling it. Now that the Episode 3 Clones are out, I kinda feel like an ass getting an entire case of Episode 2 Clones. But that's nothing a quick head cast can't fix, I guess. But still, there's something in the back of my mind urging me to cancel my order for the full case and just buy one or two sets... but that's probably going to end up costing me almost as much as the entire case.

Decisions, decisions....
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Stim on April 20, 2005, 12:14 AM
I've got a set of 4 on order...and I'm debating splitting it up.  Anyone interested in splitting a set of 16 with me?  I haven't completely decided to do that yet, but I'm leaning that way.  We'd each take 2 of the white clean, 2x white dirty, 2x colored clean, and 2x colored dirty (opposite colors).

Anyway, let me know if anyone would be interested in that sorta thing...
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on April 20, 2005, 08:05 PM
Does anybody know when these are shipping? It only says May on EE's website, and I haven't heard anything else about these since they were announced.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Brian on April 21, 2005, 02:24 PM
Looking at their site today, it looks to me that they could be shipping any time now.  Many of the packs/cases are listed as "in stock" and "hot off the truck", and when I checked my order status it said it was processing.  I have read a few reports around the net today that their credit cards are starting to get charged, so maybe they will be on the way before too long.  I ultimately decided to cancel my order, just because I am spending money on so much other Star Wars stuff this year, and for some reason it just feels right to cancel it for me personally.  Hopefully I won't regret it later :).
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on April 21, 2005, 05:42 PM
Yeah, I got an email today saying that they were "Sold Out and Arriving Soon". I checked my order status, and my credit card has been approved. Hopefully these arrive soon!
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on April 22, 2005, 02:17 AM
They're sold out? ****.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on April 22, 2005, 02:22 AM
Somebody sell me a set of clean officers...? :-\
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: Dressel Rebel on April 22, 2005, 08:33 PM
Well I ordered my set, and it comes out to around $10 a figure (I ordered both clean sets). Pretty reasonable, I guess.

Reasonable?  No dude.  Extortion.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on April 22, 2005, 09:59 PM
Well I never saw this guy in stores, and I paid $10 for each of my VOTC Stormies, so I think it's good. Besides, it beats paying $30 for ONE on eBay. ::)

And I think that email I got had false information, the website still says they're available, and in stock.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Dressel Rebel on April 23, 2005, 12:58 AM
I can see now that pre-ordering those clones at almost $10/figure a few months back was just a nice little stepping stone to Target hosting the EIII clone with the red dot stage painting on the armor for $12.99 + tax/ each.  You have no idea how happy it would make me to see pegs overflowing with this figure.  It is a $5-6 figure.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Brian on April 25, 2005, 08:54 AM
I started to think that the price was a bit much to me as well, possibly because I'm in more of a "ROTS Clone" mood right now.  I attempted to cancel my order, figuring they wouldn't ship until May, but apparently I was a little too late and they are coming sometime this week.  Oh well, I'm not too disappointed...because they should be nice figures (I just got one set)....but for the $40 it cost me with shipping, I just keep thinking I could have picked up about 7 of the SA Clone from ROTS (if they can be found)...or other figures/army builders.  Oh well, at least they aren't bad figures :).
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ruiner on April 25, 2005, 08:59 AM
Good news!  My set shipped on Friday.

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Scott on April 25, 2005, 04:59 PM
My set is also on the way.  Around here we were some of the first people to order them so it would stand to reason that they ship them to us first :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Darth_Anton on April 25, 2005, 05:55 PM
I picked up my case on Friday. I don't know it thhis is common knowledge, but they do have holes in thier feet.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: CHEWIE on April 25, 2005, 10:35 PM
Good news that they have the foot holes.  I guess my set might show up this week.

 :P
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on April 25, 2005, 10:46 PM
Mine hasn't shipped yet, but it's "processing." I hope I get them this week.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on April 26, 2005, 04:53 PM
I guess mine are on the way too...  Dude that got our cases said they are anyway.  That's good.  Now to think about where I'm gonna put any of this stuff.  I'm running out of room at the moment for figures.  I need more shelf space, STAT.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on April 26, 2005, 07:08 PM
Alright, mine shipped yesterday. Can't wait to put one next to the E3 Clone and a Stormtrooper. :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: bobafett1121 on April 27, 2005, 12:12 AM
I think they look great but they are really expensive for a collector who can't really afford that much all at one time.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ruiner on April 28, 2005, 09:11 AM
Holy ****, I got mine yesterday (a full set) and these things kick ass!

I really like the packaging and I am contemplating ordering a second set to keep boxed.

Nice job Adam, EE, and Hasbro!

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 28, 2005, 09:22 AM
I ordered a case of these - a complete set of four to open, a set of four to keep MIB and another set of four to I dunno what with...

Anyway - these things rock! I was pleased to see that they put peg holes in the feet of these (just like the Target ROTS SA Clone).

I opened one box last night - the clean ranked Clones - I'm pleased to now have a Captain (Red), Commander (Yellow), Lieutenant (Blue) and Sargeant (Green) all in the SA sculpt.

Kinda pricey, but I'm glad to finally have a nice size AOTC Clone Army to fill my AOTC and Clone Wars Gunships with.

I would love it if Hasbro and EE went back and took this four-pack concept one step further and offered us the Delta Squad Commandos from the Republic Commando game - that would rock! I would gladly pay $40 - $50 for a set of those.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Hemish on April 29, 2005, 12:55 AM
I would gladly pay $40 - $50 for a set of those.
Dont give them ideas , cause you know they will
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jeff on April 29, 2005, 10:19 AM
Despite thinking I would only keep the "battle damaged" versions and sell the others, I opened up all 4 of my boxes last night.

 :-[

I am a damn sucker for these SA Clones.  Of course, my Arena Display now looks even better with 16 more SA clones spilling out of my gunships to save the Jedi's behinds, but I just wish it would have been a little cheaper.  Oh well, too late now.  I guess $25 for a box of 4 SA clones isn't too bad - $6.25 each.

And, like others have said, I do like the colors of these clones.  I think they are a bit nicer than the colored pre-posed clones we got in the 3-packs.

Jeff
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: SilverZ on April 30, 2005, 02:56 AM
I'm loving these as well. I can't get over how happy I am that there are pegholes on these guys. I really couldn't ask for more out of an army builder set with the possible exception of rifles.

Now I'm starting to think I may want more clean all-white ones to do headswaps with ROTS #6 clones, since the white matches better than when done with the old carded SA bodies.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jokabofe on May 1, 2005, 12:48 AM
I'm loving these as well. I can't get over how happy I am that there are pegholes on these guys. I really couldn't ask for more out of an army builder set with the possible exception of rifles.

How about a lower price point next time? I would have bought another case of these if they were a little cheaper. I love them, and I can't get enough, but at the same time, they are putting me in the poor house with this stuff... 

Quote
Now I'm starting to think I may want more clean all-white ones to do headswaps with ROTS #6 clones, since the white matches better than when done with the old carded SA bodies.

How easy is that to do Jared? Have you tried it yet? I may be doing the same thing, if it turns out to be fairly easy  :-\
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on May 1, 2005, 01:31 AM
Two cases should've been offered.  White/Officer mix and an All White Trooper mix...  I'd take a case of those, and just wimper at the bill.  :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on May 1, 2005, 10:18 PM
Has anyone ever ordered from ToyWiz.com? They have them cheaper, and have a 10% sale going on.

http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=159&show_article=529
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on May 1, 2005, 10:33 PM
Right now, the cheapest set on that site is $30. It's good with 10% off though, I suppose. However, this site also wants $15 for a #6 Clone, $30 for a Clone Commander, and $70 for the Target Exclusive Clone.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on May 2, 2005, 12:57 AM
My buddy got my sets in, yay!  Should be able to pick them up the night of E3's premiere too.  What a night that ought to be. :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Brian on May 2, 2005, 08:52 AM
I got my set (just ordered one set of clean, colored clones) on Saturday, and these really are great.  I wish I could have afforded to get more of them, but I guess at this point I'd rather have more ROTS style clones like this.  One thing that I keep thinking as I have looked at them, and that we have discussed before, is that I cannot understand why these weren't released to retail.  A great exclusive for EE to be sure, but I just think these sets would have sold like crazy at the big retail outlets.  Sets like these, similar sets of ROTS style clones, Stormtroopers, etc. would just be a tremendous success it seems.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jokabofe on May 2, 2005, 10:34 AM
I'm still trying to figure out why these aren't ROTS clones instead of AOTC Clones? The movie is less than a month away, but they decide to make a whole new set of figures that are 3 years old at this point? I wouldn't doubt that there will be another set of ROTS style Clones coming out before year's end. Especially if the response to these were good (which I'm sure it is).
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: SilverZ on May 3, 2005, 02:07 AM
How easy is that to do Jared? Have you tried it yet? I may be doing the same thing, if it turns out to be fairly easy  :-\

It's dead easy. If I had the camera going I'd take a shot, but just take a look at the Target exclusive and you pretty much can see how it looks. The ROTS helmet sits a tiny bit lower than the AOTC helmet, but looks right to my eyes. The heads pop off with little effort and no tools. It's like a 30 second job. I've only done one so far.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jokabofe on May 3, 2005, 11:54 PM
...but just take a look at the Target exclusive and you pretty much can see how it looks.

 :'(

Don't have one...
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: SilverZ on May 4, 2005, 03:31 AM
Quote
Don't have one...

(http://www.jedidefender.com/gallery/files/gallery/Collectibles/Modern/Revenge_of_the_Sith/Exclusives/Clone_Trooper_%28Target%29/rots_tclone_ac4.jpg)

See, the head sits a bit low, at least compared to the ROTS #6 Clone. Personally, I prefer the lower fit like this. The #6 looks like a giraffe.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on May 5, 2005, 05:35 PM
Got my packs today, I can't put them down. I'm pretty tempted to order another set of white Clones now... :-\
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Nathan on May 6, 2005, 12:52 PM
Last night Scott hooked me up with the Dirty White 4-pack (thanks man! :)). They're fantastic figures and all, but really pricey ($8.25 per). At least it was cheaper splitting an order than individually.

Does anybody know why there are red dots on the tips of the helmet fins? According to the Photo Archives at 'Scum, they all have them--even the gold, blue, and green ones. *scratches head*
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: DoctorPadawan on May 6, 2005, 03:17 PM
Quote
Does anybody know why there are red dots on the tips of the helmet fins? According to the Photo Archives at 'Scum, they all have them--even the gold, blue, and green ones. *scratches head*

From the film standpoint, all the Clones had them on their helmets in AOTC.  It's not really visible until when Padme and the Clones run into the hangar on Geonosis following the Dooku/Yoda duel (and even then it's not visible unless on a really big television or a movie screen), but they are there. 

Interesting fact: the LED light on the back of the helmet fin of the Clone Troopers is said by ILM employees to read "1138." :)

The original CW SA Clone had the red dot on the back of his fin too, so while it might seem a little odd, it is film accurate.  So there you go, hope that helps, Valin!

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jor_supersid on May 8, 2005, 01:27 AM
man i still cannot belive how expansive these figures are. what happened to the cheap thrown in the box mailers. cuz think about it these are mostly bought and sold as the concept of them as army builders not a higher end collectable, with slim to none varation for 30++ bux
it just seems a bit much to me. cool looking or not.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Nathan on May 8, 2005, 05:49 PM
From the film standpoint, all the Clones had them on their helmets in AOTC.  It's not really visible until when Padme and the Clones run into the hangar on Geonosis following the Dooku/Yoda duel (and even then it's not visible unless on a really big television or a movie screen), but they are there. 

Interesting fact: the LED light on the back of the helmet fin of the Clone Troopers is said by ILM employees to read "1138." :)

The original CW SA Clone had the red dot on the back of his fin too, so while it might seem a little odd, it is film accurate.  So there you go, hope that helps, Valin!


Thanks Doc, that does help. :)

In that case I strike my question and change it to: Why did whoever designed the troopers put those red dots there? ;D
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: DoctorPadawan on May 8, 2005, 06:11 PM
Quote
In that case I strike my question and change it to: Why did whoever designed the troopers put those red dots there?  ;D

I dug through the "Art of Attack of the Clones" for you, Valin, and while my initial suspicions of Doug Chiang being responsible for the "streamlined" Clone look were more or less correct (he was the only artist listed as being responsible for the concept art of the Clones included in the book), it also says in the text that the final look was due to the sculptors and that the fin was added at the maquette stage by Lucas himself. 

I didn't see any mention of the LED on the back of the fin as it applies to the film (it's one of those things you literally have to strain your eyes to look at on most televisions; as it is, I only remember it from the theatrical run of AOTC), but it seems like something that ILM would stick in there.  But who knows; it could have been Lucas throwing it on there in one of his, "You know what would be cool?" moments that brought us Threepio's head on a Battle Droid and a farting Eopie.   ;D

I would think that this type of thing might be mentioned in the Visual Dictionary for AOTC, but as I don't have that book, I can't check.  Anyone else, as Valin's got me curious as to the LED's actual function now too. :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on May 9, 2005, 01:08 AM
Has anyone gotten their ToyWiz orders yet?
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 24, 2005, 12:17 PM
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/2-05/Clone4PackROTShead.jpg)

There's a guy on eBay with the white clean & battle-damaged Clones, but with the ROTS heads instead of AOTC heads.  Naturally, I have to be skeptical, so do you think he may have managed to switch the heads and reseal the packages?
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Gregorbian on May 24, 2005, 12:40 PM
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/2-05/Clone4PackROTShead.jpg)

There's a guy on eBay with the white clean & battle-damaged Clones, but with the ROTS heads instead of AOTC heads.  Naturally, I have to be skeptical, so do you think he may have managed to switch the heads and reseal the packages?
I'm almost positive that's what the guy did.  Do you have a link to the original auction?  I would like to see how he words it.  Does he say it's a "variation" or a custom?
It's really not hard to put a #6 Clone head on the SA Clone Trooper, so if this thing sells for a lot, I'd expect to see many more ::)

I love these figures and think that it was an excellent idea.  They definitely could have made the price around $25/set and cut out the packaging, but as it is, I'm not complaining (and I do love the packaging). 
Here's hoping that we get real ROTS Clone Trooper Builder sets
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 24, 2005, 12:51 PM
He claims it is a error / variant and is asking $50 each:

Battle-damaged: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2476&item=5976532596&rd=1

Clean: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2476&item=5976532020&rd=1

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Gregorbian on May 24, 2005, 12:56 PM
Thanks for the links ... I'm pretty sure this guy is lying through his teeth >:(
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on May 24, 2005, 01:30 PM
I haven't got a doubt in my mind that he's lying Gregorbian...  Typical.  He's scamming to get the figures he wants and hoping to make a tidy profit at the same time.  The packaging to those Clones would be incredibly easy to pull the old switch-aroo on though, there's no doubt he's full of **** on this.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Nathan on May 24, 2005, 08:03 PM
Last week I re-watched AOTC in preparation for ROTS (the first time that I've viewed it projected in 60" on the wall) and I did see the red spots in a few scenes. For example once on the gunship, you can see it right past Mace's head.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Gatillo on May 25, 2005, 09:08 AM
Glad to see that goober didn't get his way and nobody placed a bid ;D
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: bobafett14 on May 25, 2005, 09:53 AM
I gotta say these 4 packs are fantastic, I love everything about them!

Very glad I spent the $ on these.  I also have to say all the clones out now are great:

* the Clone w/glass exclusive from Target
* The EE 4 packs
* The Target SA exclusive
* #6, #41, etc. etc. including all the normal run clones like the pilot, commander, etc.

Just gotta love Hasbro and give them props for giving us what we want!



Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on June 1, 2005, 09:09 PM
Has anyone gotten these from ToyWiz yet? I still haven't been billed.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Morgbug on June 7, 2005, 03:30 PM
I seem to have stumbled into a complete second set of these.   For Free (http://www.snowtroopers.ca) 8)  Good, old Canadian site played perfectly into my hands and drew my name, giving me a lovely second set to use in my Colman imitation.   :P
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Gregorbian on June 7, 2005, 07:39 PM
Congrats man!  Not a shabby set of figures to win  8)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on June 7, 2005, 07:45 PM
Congrats man! Not a shabby set of figures to win 8)

Exactly!  And to show how great a guy is, he offered to give them to me and even pay the shipping.   :P 

(Actually, I'm still waiting for mine from the online store I pre-ordered from...   :()
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Commander JediSearch on June 7, 2005, 07:52 PM
I seem to have stumbled into a complete second set of these.   For Free (http://www.snowtroopers.ca) 8)  Good, old Canadian site played perfectly into my hands and drew my name, giving me a lovely second set to use in my Colman imitation.   :P

Congrats!  That's cool.  :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: JediMAC on June 7, 2005, 08:12 PM
...giving me a lovely second set to use in my Colman imitation.   :P

You think you're funny, punk?!  >:(

We don't allow our staff members to participate in our own drawings here at JD, so fortunately for you, Snowtroopers does.  You are staff, right?  Or is that just at big conventions?  :P  Maybe it was their way of saying thank you for your fine coverage of C3 using their "Press" pass.  :-X
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Scott on June 7, 2005, 11:36 PM
They don't even let the retirees enter drawings around here, bastards >:(
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Morgbug on June 8, 2005, 11:37 AM
...giving me a lovely second set to use in my Colman imitation.   :P

You think you're funny, punk?!  >:(

We don't allow our staff members to participate in our own drawings here at JD, so fortunately for you, Snowtroopers does.  You are staff, right?  Or is that just at big conventions?  :P  Maybe it was their way of saying thank you for your fine coverage of C3 using their "Press" pass.  :-X


Shhhh. :-X
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: DSJ™ on June 8, 2005, 12:59 PM
Press Pass... Bastard!   >:(   :P   ;D 
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ook on June 10, 2005, 03:05 AM
I got my set of clean officers today. Pretty neat. Too bad they weren't reasonably priced.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: evenflow on June 10, 2005, 02:09 PM
I am enjoying my color set, but i am hoping these eventually go on sale so i can pick up the damamged color set.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ThePerennial on June 17, 2005, 08:26 PM
I seem to have stumbled into a complete second set of these.   For Free (http://www.snowtroopers.ca) 8)  Good, old Canadian site played perfectly into my hands and drew my name, giving me a lovely second set to use in my Colman imitation.   :P

Yeah, Congrats on the win from Snowtroopers, Morgbug! I forgot to cangradulate you there.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Kill_Solo on June 22, 2005, 06:22 PM
I love the EE Exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs! Since I missed out on the Clone Wars SA Troopers, these sets make up for it. ;D
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: mordamire on July 4, 2005, 12:30 AM
 Reminds me of delta squad from Republic Commando.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Tijuanajedi on October 2, 2005, 07:44 AM
I love these packs, the clones are the best I have ever seen, even better than ROTS.

I opened mine yesterday, cant put them down.
Title: Re: Clone Trooper 4 Packs!
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 2, 2005, 03:14 PM
Considering they are $35 US and since I'm a carded kind of guy, I really like the packaging and decided I can live with the Canadian prices.  And with that being said, I ordered one of each set.   :)

(Actually, I'm still waiting for mine from the online store I pre-ordered from...   :()

Well, it's a damn good thing that I managed to get my hands on a set of these from Jeff.  The Canadian site I pre-ordered these from has forgotten about me and it seems I won't be getting them (I'd been hoping to get 2 sets - 1 boxed, 1 loose - my OCD is worsening  ::)).
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on October 3, 2005, 03:19 AM
I'm still waiting for these "fantastic sellers" to show up in grand photos of huge armies.  Or did the army builder 4-pack get severely limited production so that it actually wasn't good for amy building on yet ANOTHER level beyond its asinine pricing?

Funny, but this set was probably one of the biggest middle fingers that Hasbro and a retailer could've given.  Still stings the way this whole thing was handled if you ask me.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: jokabofe on October 3, 2005, 10:58 PM
I'm still waiting for these "fantastic sellers" to show up in grand photos of huge armies. 

When you say "grand armies" how many are you talking about Jesse? I've got a case sitting in my back room just waiting to be opened, but I'm not sure that's "grand" enough for ya  :D
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on October 4, 2005, 01:02 AM
Oh I'm talking KBZ Rob kinda grand here Dave...  :)  Like at least 30 or so white Clones with their corresponding officers and non-coms...   I guess my point is that I don't think these were the "great" thing they were touted as for army builders, and were more a great thing only for Entertainment Earth and Hasbro...  For army builder collectors this was more of a kick in the nuts I'm thinking.  I could be wrong though.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ryan on October 4, 2005, 04:34 AM
Oh I'm talking KBZ Rob kinda grand here Dave...  :)  Like at least 30 or so white Clones with their corresponding officers and non-coms...   I guess my point is that I don't think these were the "great" thing they were touted as for army builders, and were more a great thing only for Entertainment Earth and Hasbro...  For army builder collectors this was more of a kick in the nuts I'm thinking.  I could be wrong though.

I completely agree with that. Darth_Delicious got 48 clones but that really isn't that many. I have yet to see a large army of these guys. They are too damn expensive to do any army building. It is the same thing with the Target clones, I've never seen more than 3 or 4 of those in an army.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Errex on October 20, 2005, 12:29 PM
I got my set a few days ago, and I'm still opening them, a box every other day  ;D

I absolutely love the figures. I don't mind the price I paid for them to EE, nor their subsequent value in the secondary market (my precioussss). They are still way below of what I would have paid from any of the local scal..., erm, specialized dealers.

My only complaint is that they should have thrown in some DC-15's along with the poster, but really, it's a minor nitpick.

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Diddly on February 12, 2006, 01:50 AM
EE now has a full case of white Clones available. 48 total, all white, for $300. I don't know if this is old or not, but it's new to me, so I thought I'd share it.

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS85688AW (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS85688AW)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on February 13, 2006, 07:50 AM
See, now that's not too bad there.

Unfortunately since they didn't let people prep for this in the slightest, I know I can't afford it right now. :)

I'd consider this though if it's still available a month or two from now...
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: ruiner on February 13, 2006, 11:17 AM
Sooo tempting...a new computer or a case of clones?

Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Clone Commander on February 19, 2006, 10:03 PM
Well I went down to the market today and the shop keep had a 4 pack hidden in a white box on a shelf with a few evolution packs.
I bought it for 40$ Canadian and I cant put these guys down!
And to think my original intentions were to go there and buy a anakin skyhwalker jedi starfighter...well I would have, but it was gone!
Hooray, thank goodness I didnt spend my money on it.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on February 21, 2006, 01:41 AM
EE's still got individual sets, I think you'd have been further ahead to follow the link on our front page out there Clone Commander.

They're definitely fun sets though...  Worth owning.  If you have a local collecting group, let me HIGHLY suggest you get involved with them.  Ordering in bulk on items like these makes it REALLY affordable for you.  I got my sets in a case our local group ordered, now they're talking about ordering the new all white case for more and pulling me in on a set again.  That'll build up the troops for me a good bit.  I love the early war Clones design maybe even more than the ROTS...  Hopefully Hasbro puts a basic CW SA Clone out on pegs again.  No reason not to really.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Clone Commander on February 21, 2006, 09:04 AM
Well I bought them because I figured they are right here.
I might as well.

I also like the phase 1 clones too, they look alot less threatening.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Ryan on February 22, 2006, 03:09 AM
EE's still got individual sets, I think you'd have been further ahead to follow the link on our front page out there Clone Commander.

They're definitely fun sets though... Worth owning. If you have a local collecting group, let me HIGHLY suggest you get involved with them. Ordering in bulk on items like these makes it REALLY affordable for you. I got my sets in a case our local group ordered, now they're talking about ordering the new all white case for more and pulling me in on a set again. That'll build up the troops for me a good bit. I love the early war Clones design maybe even more than the ROTS... Hopefully Hasbro puts a basic CW SA Clone out on pegs again. No reason not to really.

No reason not to? Wouldn't that go against their moral code of repacking good figures? ::)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on February 22, 2006, 03:15 AM
My pointing out there's no reason not to is probably all the reason they'd need.   You're right Ryan, I shoulda kept my mouth shut.

Me - "Sora Bulq really needs knee joints, I mean he's a Jedi for cripes sake, the guy's flying all over the Arena hacking up droids, he's a rockin' character no matter how background he may be..."

Hasbro - "Yeah...  Let's give him ankle joints, but we'll leave the knee articulation off...  Good idea."

I love Hasbro, they're fun to observe.

It's like those monkey commercials where they're all dancing because sales are up but in reality they have the graph upside down...  but they don't care and they leave it that way and keep celebrating.

Hasbro rules!   ::)

How's it go with the sheep elsewhere?  Something along the lines of, "We should be grateful they even make this stuff!", or some asinine nonsense like that...  Yeah, the day I should feel as though I owe someone even after I pay them, that's the day hell freezes over I'm afraid.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Sentinel on March 6, 2006, 05:47 PM
Anyone willing to sell a pack that's colored and Battle Damaged?
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Aucassin on June 24, 2006, 10:55 PM
Yes! I just ordered 3 of the white clone packs (2 clean, 1 damaged) on ebay for $89 shipped! Now I just need to track down a colored set and maybe a couple more white sets and my AotC army is built.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Reid on June 24, 2006, 10:57 PM
Yes! I just ordered 3 of the white clone packs (2 clean, 1 damaged) on ebay for $89 shipped! 

$89 for the three or $89 for each set? If it's the former that's a decent deal.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Aucassin on June 24, 2006, 11:10 PM
It was $89 for all three. They were $24.99 each. ;D
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on June 30, 2006, 08:18 PM
That's a pretty good price overall Aucassin.  Good score on those.  I could use more I know but I've not gone out of my way to find them I guess.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Aucassin on July 1, 2006, 01:41 AM
Thanks! I'm really looking forward to these. I didn't get them last year because I was so into the RotS look that I didn't really care about the AotC clones. But after the Evolutions sets came out I started to appreciate these clones more. I ended up buying the fourth set that he had, so the finally tally is four 4-packs for $116.96. Or $7.31 per figure, which is only $0.26 more than what I pay for current Saga figures at Wal-Mart. I was just lucky that I was able to find these auctions when I had the extra money. I doubt I'll be as fortunate with the colored set.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on July 1, 2006, 02:08 AM
EE has a case of just white troopers if you're looking to army build.  $300 or so but you're getting solid white so that's not bad when you break down the case actually.  I've considered it but never have $300 laying around to blow on the set.  God I'd love to though. :)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: madoka on July 1, 2006, 04:42 AM
EE has a case of just white troopers if you're looking to army build.  $300 or so but you're getting solid white so that's not bad when you break down the case actually.  I've considered it but never have $300 laying around to blow on the set.  God I'd love to though. :)

I'd love to order about 3 of those cases, yet I've searched EE in vain.  All I see is that they are out of stock on the $35 box of four.  Do you have a link?
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Jesse James on July 1, 2006, 04:43 AM
I'll look here now for it, hold on a sec...

Ah, and with good reason.  The item # they were under is no longer available.  Guess they're done getting these in or canned the item because nobody was ordering it perhaps. 

Dumb of them honestly.  If they'd sold solid white cases from the get-go I think they'd have done better personally.  I was all about splitting a case 4 ways with the officers in it, but a case of all white I'd probably have pushed to find friends to split that 2 ways...  Or I'd maybe have bought one myself at the time instead of the officer sets and tried to build the officers up myself.  I got a number of white sets extra from friends who didn't want them all but I'd love more...

The prices for those individual sets and stuff were just too high to army build with, yet again.  Silly packaging and all kind of hosed the purpose IMO.
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Darth Slothus on July 6, 2006, 02:35 PM
I don't think it was about 'getting them in'. I've been watching this item on EE for a long time. I've noticed that EE first sold out of the colored set, then the color damaged set...the plain white clones actually lasted awhile but then the damaged sold out and finally the plain ones did. From when EE offered these a whole year ago I would have to say they did a pretty good job selling them off. I bet the demand for the colored sets isn't as high as many folks think. I don't see EE not demanding more of this product for it's consumers IF consumer demand was so high. Therefore I surmise demand wasn't high enough to generate a second/refurbish shipment of these. 8)
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Darth_Anton on August 15, 2006, 10:29 AM
Yes! I just ordered 3 of the white clone packs (2 clean, 1 damaged) on ebay for $89 shipped! Now I just need to track down a colored set and maybe a couple more white sets and my AotC army is built.

I have an extra colored set W/O damage. Perhaps a trade can be arranged for one of the clean packs?
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: I Am Sith on November 2, 2006, 08:58 AM
I'm not sure if anyone is still looking for these or not, but tfaw is having a sale at the moment and both the battle damaged and clean white trooper 4-packs are on sale for $29.99 each.

http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/Star-Wars%3A-Clone-Trooper-White-With-Battle-Damage-Action-Figure-4-Pack___198289

http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/Star-Wars%3A-Clone-Trooper-White-Without-Battle-Damage-Action-Figure-4-Pack___198287
Title: Re: EE exclusive Clone Trooper 4-packs!
Post by: Straxus on November 3, 2006, 01:26 AM
Wish TFAW had those in their local Portland store...
I will have to order some on payday if they still have any, to supplement the ones I already have. I wish I could have got the ones with rank colors on them.
Title: Re: EE Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: Diddly on August 11, 2012, 04:33 AM
So I've noticed over the last few months that my Clones from these sets are really starting to yellow. Anybody else having a yellowing issue?
Title: Re: EE Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: Jesse James on August 20, 2012, 02:24 PM
This has been pretty common for some  years now unfortunately...

Plastic degrades, but varying levels of quality can mean they'll get damaged far earlier.  Mine were in cool and sunless areas, and they yellowed too.  No smoking here.  They are destined for this.

For some reason my officers look ok...  I'm ok with these yellowed ones being mixed into the ranks, but for the cost they really should've used a better plastic.
Title: Re: EE Clone Trooper 4-Packs
Post by: Diddly on September 2, 2012, 08:12 PM
Yeah, it's happened so far with these EE clones and my 2006 Commander Cody, who is VERY yellow now. I mean it doesn't look awful but it's noticable. I've reorganized the blinds where the sun shines through so hopefully that fixes things.