Anyone else ready to check out?

[Flair Forever]

No, I'm not "checking out" ..... but I am beyond frustrated with retail over the last several years, and I'm sure it's only going to continue to slide down-hill..... went to four stores today:

Target #1 - hoping to find some new Legends or Elites



Walmart #1 - hoping to find some new Elites or Superstars



Target #2 - hoping to find some Legends: Valentine or Dibiase (chase)



Walmart #2 - hoping to find some Elites or Superstars:

Okay, so this one actually had SOME stock, but it's all BASICS and Roman Reigns, and a few old Superstars. Nothing I need at all.



I guess I'm just old-fashioned, I miss that feeling of walking into a store and being able to pick out a figure (or two).

However, I did notice that it's September 30th, and they are putting out the Christmas decorations! So they're on the ball with all of that stuff! I wish we'd get about 10% of that sort of attention to the action figures.

Not checking out, but definitely not buying as much as I would if these places actually had any products at all to buy!

[coldblooded]

Nah, if anything, Mattel being slow pokes would make me quit.

[AxelSmackdown]

Sept 30, 2023 8:51:57 GMT -5 Flair Forever said:

No, I'm not "checking out" ..... but I am beyond frustrated with retail over the last several years, and I'm sure it's only going to continue to slide down-hill..... went to four stores today:

Target #1 - hoping to find some new Legends or Elites



Walmart #1 - hoping to find some new Elites or Superstars



Target #2 - hoping to find some Legends: Valentine or Dibiase (chase)



Walmart #2 - hoping to find some Elites or Superstars:

Okay, so this one actually had SOME stock, but it's all BASICS and Roman Reigns, and a few old Superstars. Nothing I need at all.



I guess I'm just old-fashioned, I miss that feeling of walking into a store and being able to pick out a figure (or two).

However, I did notice that it's September 30th, and they are putting out the Christmas decorations! So they're on the ball with all of that stuff! I wish we'd get about 10% of that sort of attention to the action figures.

Not checking out, but definitely not buying as much as I would if these places actually had any products at all to buy!

Walmarts are terrible at ordering WWE product. They over order or under order causing too much or not enough product. It’s ridiculous. I see way too many E93 and Top Picks Romans

[nerdcollector]

I have checked out some and am feeling like doing more. Ultimates, imo, are usually easily the best products and those are hardest to find (still haven't found Chase Razor). I'm mainly a fan of the women in WWE and the faces for them are still crapmore often than not (like Rhea recently) despite men being good. I'll probably cut down to Ultimates and that's it.

[teamextremelita]

Sept 30, 2023 6:41:41 GMT -5 jumpinjefffarmer said:

I am going through a similar situation. I am in the uk, and the price of one standard legends elite figure is unreal over here.

The ultimates were a great line, but they have lost something recently. The effort from mattel is minimal, we seem to have come to a point where they dont feel they have to be selective and accurate with part choices. Also, i refuse to pay $55 (£45) for one standard current figure. So the legends are not an option due to them being around $35 per figure retail - the ultimates are not an option at that price point either so im at a bit of a stand still. I have a huge collection of elites/ultimates/legends/retros/superstars...the only problem is the prices, and the stupid choices. I mean...i love brother love. I really do, but his face is just unforgivable lol. Nothing on earth is that red.

On top of all that....im still mourning the loss of who i think was wwe's only interesting character- Bray Wyatt. Suddenly all of my interest in wrestling has died down. I know its stupid but i felt he was the one guy connecting the old product to the new. Its just...not a good time for some wrestling fans lol.

Yawee wawee

I thought I was the only one! I thought his gimmick was soooo good and his passing away so young is still painful. I wanted to wear his mask for Halloween but it didn't feel right to do so, this year.

[punksnotdead]

Been there, several times. I'd recommend just cleaning up your collection. Decide what you really like the most. Sell some of the stuff you maybe bought on impulse or have different versions of guys you like more. That will give you flexibility financially and with space. And then just follow along when things get dropped and you're under no pressure to buy anything. That Mongo guy buys like 5 figures a year and seems pretty happy. Just keep your favorite things.

I know there are a few people who've tapped out completely with no regrets, but I'd say it's far more common to see people who have regrets because they've sold things and want them back. It's a buyers market right now, at least compared to 20-22. So don't over react to a down stretch in the hobby. We've had plenty of ups and downs since 2010.

[grandmasterPRA]

It definitely isn't as fun being a collector as it used to be. There are several reasons for that

1. They pretty much covered all of the exciting new FITL legends. Guys like Sting, Randy Savage, Chyna, RVD, Steiners, D'Lo Brown, Vader, Harlem Heat etc. etc. Pretty much all of the dream figures have been made, and the only other dream figures left aren't possible at the moment so they really don't have a lot of options in terms of giving us new exciting legends. They'll still sprinkle some in but it was always going to reach this point of diminishing returns

2. There is not actual chase anymore to get figures. The greatest hits series that hit Walmart a couple months ago was the first time in a long time that I can remember going to the store and actually finding something exciting and I miss that feeling. But between Amazon and Target pre orders and stuff, there really is no point in actually trying to go store to store to find figures because odds are the shelves will be mostly empty.

3. I think the last crowd fund project failing was a bit of a downer. It felt like the crowd fund thing might become an annual tradition and we would get cool new stuff but now it almost feels like they might never offer something like that again which is pretty disappointing.

4. I also think there has been a lot of frustration with the distribution in general. Some series (like basic 137 and 138) seem to have just completely disappeared for no apparent reason. I was able to order basic Pat McAfee from series 139 off of Amazon and have it in hand within two days and I still have seen no sign of the previous two series on Amazon or in stores. Like I don't understand what happened to them. Then there are series getting postponed. I don't know. It just hasn't felt very organized and easy to follow as of late.

5. I think there are too many series to keep track of that it is getting a bit overwhelming. You have the Legends series which is a Target exclusive. Then you have random boxed sets or Ultimates that are Mattel Creations exclusives. Then you Have Monday Night Wars and Ruthless Aggression that are Walmart exclusives. Not to mention some Ringside Exclusives as well. Then there is the Collesium Collection. The Entire Ultimate Line, PPV lines, Basic Lines, Elite Main lines, Top Picks, Now greatest hits that I think are exclusives as well? It is just so much to mentally keep track of that it gets a bit overwhelming.

6. Cost. This is a very minor complaint, but cost has creeped up a bit like with everything else in the world right now. That's not Mattel's fault. But it does play a role cause everything in life costs so much right now that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find the space to keep collecting figures.

[Flair Forever]

Nov 13, 2023 11:40:44 GMT -5 grandmasterPRA said:

It definitely isn't as fun being a collector as it used to be. There are several reasons for that

1. They pretty much covered all of the exciting new FITL legends. Guys like Sting, Randy Savage, Chyna, RVD, Steiners, D'Lo Brown, Vader, Harlem Heat etc. etc. Pretty much all of the dream figures have been made, and the only other dream figures left aren't possible at the moment so they really don't have a lot of options in terms of giving us new exciting legends. They'll still sprinkle some in but it was always going to reach this point of diminishing returns

2. There is not actual chase anymore to get figures. The greatest hits series that hit Walmart a couple months ago was the first time in a long time that I can remember going to the store and actually finding something exciting and I miss that feeling. But between Amazon and Target pre orders and stuff, there really is no point in actually trying to go store to store to find figures because odds are the shelves will be mostly empty.

3. I think the last crowd fund project failing was a bit of a downer. It felt like the crowd fund thing might become an annual tradition and we would get cool new stuff but now it almost feels like they might never offer something like that again which is pretty disappointing.

4. I also think there has been a lot of frustration with the distribution in general. Some series (like basic 137 and 138) seem to have just completely disappeared for no apparent reason. I was able to order basic Pat McAfee from series 139 off of Amazon and have it in hand within two days and I still have seen no sign of the previous two series on Amazon or in stores. Like I don't understand what happened to them. Then there are series getting postponed. I don't know. It just hasn't felt very organized and easy to follow as of late.

5. I think there are too many series to keep track of that it is getting a bit overwhelming. You have the Legends series which is a Target exclusive. Then you have random boxed sets or Ultimates that are Mattel Creations exclusives. Then you Have Monday Night Wars and Ruthless Aggression that are Walmart exclusives. Not to mention some Ringside Exclusives as well. Then there is the Collesium Collection. The Entire Ultimate Line, PPV lines, Basic Lines, Elite Main lines, Top Picks, Now greatest hits that I think are exclusives as well? It is just so much to mentally keep track of that it gets a bit overwhelming.

6. Cost. This is a very minor complaint, but cost has creeped up a bit like with everything else in the world right now. That's not Mattel's fault. But it does play a role cause everything in life costs so much right now that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find the space to keep collecting figures.

I really like and agree with everything you posted;

Why does it seem like the big box stores only ever get ONE KIND of figures in at any given time? Shelves sit empty for weeks, and then they'll get loaded with ..... Basics....... when those are gone, then they'll get in a case or two of.... Elites...... other times, they seem to load up with the Two-Packs........or Superstars. but they never, never seem to get a few different series or lines all at once.

Which become frustrating because, as you pointed out - some series (especially main-line Elites) never seem to hit the shelves at all. Where do they all go?

I miss Toys R Us, in a big way.

[jmjc1983]

Sept 28, 2023 18:08:50 GMT -5 The Madness said:

I’ve been collecting since 1989 with no signs of slowing down. The only thing that keeps me from buying as much is when there are less pre-Attitude era legends, since I tend to stop with the New Generation.

Being a strictly loose collector, the new boxes don’t bother me, but I do dislike anything that keeps me from being able to examine the entire paint job on the figure.

1989 ? Dam, would love to see your collection room, or is it an entire 2nd home dedicated to just figures

[Deleted]

Not yet. All of my online carts are currently empty.

[Keck Collects]

I'm not checking out, I've been collecting these things for far too long (1992). I'll just enjoy the quiet period as I have in the past, and wait for the next wave. Luger and X-Pac are definitely on my radar now.

[J-MANN]

After todays reveals, hell no.

[mikedanger]

After yesterday I am ready to check out at Ringside with a full cart

[J-MANN]

Nov 15, 2023 10:38:33 GMT -5 mikedanger said:

After yesterday I am ready to check out at Ringside with a full cart

💯💯💯

[Biff Slamkovich™]

Nov 13, 2023 11:40:44 GMT -5 grandmasterPRA said:

It definitely isn't as fun being a collector as it used to be. There are several reasons for that

1. They pretty much covered all of the exciting new FITL legends. Guys like Sting, Randy Savage, Chyna, RVD, Steiners, D'Lo Brown, Vader, Harlem Heat etc. etc. Pretty much all of the dream figures have been made, and the only other dream figures left aren't possible at the moment so they really don't have a lot of options in terms of giving us new exciting legends. They'll still sprinkle some in but it was always going to reach this point of diminishing returns

2. There is not actual chase anymore to get figures. The greatest hits series that hit Walmart a couple months ago was the first time in a long time that I can remember going to the store and actually finding something exciting and I miss that feeling. But between Amazon and Target pre orders and stuff, there really is no point in actually trying to go store to store to find figures because odds are the shelves will be mostly empty.

3. I think the last crowd fund project failing was a bit of a downer. It felt like the crowd fund thing might become an annual tradition and we would get cool new stuff but now it almost feels like they might never offer something like that again which is pretty disappointing.

4. I also think there has been a lot of frustration with the distribution in general. Some series (like basic 137 and 138) seem to have just completely disappeared for no apparent reason. I was able to order basic Pat McAfee from series 139 off of Amazon and have it in hand within two days and I still have seen no sign of the previous two series on Amazon or in stores. Like I don't understand what happened to them. Then there are series getting postponed. I don't know. It just hasn't felt very organized and easy to follow as of late.

5. I think there are too many series to keep track of that it is getting a bit overwhelming. You have the Legends series which is a Target exclusive. Then you have random boxed sets or Ultimates that are Mattel Creations exclusives. Then you Have Monday Night Wars and Ruthless Aggression that are Walmart exclusives. Not to mention some Ringside Exclusives as well. Then there is the Collesium Collection. The Entire Ultimate Line, PPV lines, Basic Lines, Elite Main lines, Top Picks, Now greatest hits that I think are exclusives as well? It is just so much to mentally keep track of that it gets a bit overwhelming.

6. Cost. This is a very minor complaint, but cost has creeped up a bit like with everything else in the world right now. That's not Mattel's fault. But it does play a role cause everything in life costs so much right now that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find the space to keep collecting figures.

A well thought out post, and I agree with multiple points you made.

For me, I've been collecting wrestling figures since the Jakks BCA days and that passion has been burning since. However over the last 3-4 years, my interest in WWE programming has essentially stopped and my focus has shifted to collecting Legends and alumni only.

As you mentioned, Mattel tries to trickle out new FTITL Legends here and there, but my issue is that too many big names have not been made and I got annoyed with seeing the same names being released over and over again. I'm just burnt out from all of the Undertakers, Warriors, Hogan's, etc and really, really wish we could start getting some of the much needed Superstars we're missing.

I get that Mattel is beholden to WWE signing talent to deals, but from a customer/collector standpoint, this period we're in now has to be the lowest and most boring in the 13 years Mattel has had the license.

As more time passes without seeing guys get made like Raven, Hardcore Holly (and Crash), Test, Steve Blackman, Savio Vega, Grand Master Sexay, Spike Dudley, etc., the hope of ever seeing them in Elite form dwindles, and subsequently so does my interest. There are fewer things more frustrating as a collector than not being able to collect. Variety is the spice of life as they say!

[Jackass Pacific]

i'm more or less checked out until they get the rights to macho man again. sure i'll buy something here and there if i like it enough, but there's not much in the pipeline that i'm tremendously impressed by

[Next Manufactured’s Sweater]

If you’ve reached the point in the hobby where it just makes you miserable and whiney, it’s best to give it up. You’re doing yourself a disservice wasting time and money on something you don’t enjoy.

[Papi Joker]

Nov 15, 2023 21:49:57 GMT -5 Next Manufactured’s Sweater said:

If you’ve reached the point in the hobby where it just makes you miserable and whiney, it’s best to give it up. You’re doing yourself a disservice wasting time and money on something you don’t enjoy.

No hobby should be this hard to keep up with, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, LEGO, model trains fans don't suffer like this...


Amazon has been there for me the last few years. I miss Toys R Us like Rey misses Eddie

[Next Manufactured’s Sweater]

Nov 15, 2023 21:52:20 GMT -5 Papi Joker said:

Nov 15, 2023 21:49:57 GMT -5 Next Manufactured’s Sweater said:

If you’ve reached the point in the hobby where it just makes you miserable and whiney, it’s best to give it up. You’re doing yourself a disservice wasting time and money on something you don’t enjoy.

No hobby should be this hard to keep up with, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, LEGO, model trains fans don't suffer like this...


Amazon has been there for me the last few years. I miss Toys R Us like Rey misses Eddie

I’ll bet you a hundred American dollars that there are Star Wars toy forums where grown men are whining about collecting Star Wars toys. I would assume the same is true of the other things too, but I know it’s definitely the case when it comes to Star Wars. That fanbase is almost as entitled and permanently-upset as the wrestling one.

[Papi Joker]

Nov 15, 2023 21:57:10 GMT -5 Next Manufactured’s Sweater said:

Nov 15, 2023 21:52:20 GMT -5 Papi Joker said:

No hobby should be this hard to keep up with, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, LEGO, model trains fans don't suffer like this...


Amazon has been there for me the last few years. I miss Toys R Us like Rey misses Eddie

I’ll bet you a hundred American dollars that there are Star Wars toy forums where grown men are whining about collecting Star Wars toys. I would assume the same is true of the other things too, but I know it’s definitely the case when it comes to Star Wars. That fanbase is almost as entitled and permanently-upset as the wrestling one.

that is a good point mate, personally in my retail WWE just don't exist anymore