[Tucker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

What about those who work crazy/long hours and can't get to the stores until after people who grab every single one of a certain figure are done with the section?

Heck, knowing that some people will not give others a chance to find certain figs is sometimes almost enough to be discouraged from going out and looking and eventually wasting gas.

I really do understand your point, but it does come across as a little selfish and inconsiderate towards the collecting community.

I fall into this category, I work a lot and have a schedule that puts me in the "office" sometimes at crazy hours. However, thanks to a few of the guys in this thread who know I like to army build and know what I'm looking for, it is a very rare occasion when I don't get what I want.

In short, if there's something you're looking for, I suggest contacting one of them with a want list...

[dgnr82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tucker

I fall into this category, I work a lot and have a schedule that puts me in the "office" sometimes at crazy hours. However, thanks to a few of the guys in this thread who know I like to army build and know what I'm looking for, it is a very rare occasion when I don't get what I want.

In short, if there's something you're looking for, I suggest contacting one of them with a want list...

you need anything right now? I have tons of extras I am trying to move.

[CobraCommandr]

Just wanted to say what's up and that I am new to the Tank, but somewhat familiar. Does anyone know if Kmart still carries Joes?

[dgnr82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraCommandr

Just wanted to say what's up and that I am new to the Tank, but somewhat familiar. Does anyone know if Kmart still carries Joes?

welcome to the Tank! Kmart is terrible for Joes. your best bets are Target, Walmart, TRU, and Benny's.

[Fesifisky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Ninja

... Your saying you will go hunt around which wastes time and gas going from store to store instead of driving to someones house or public place and getting the fgures off said person ..

I certainly could have worded that better. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I thoroughly enjoy the thrill of the hunt when I can make it out as do several other collectors that I personally know, but if I already know in advance that certain figures are more than likely taken, it takes some of the fun out of it. Plus, if wanted figures are found, doesn't feel like gas was wasted. It's one thing if figures/vehicles are actually limited in stores, but another when there are much more and the majority of those were snatched up by a handfull of people for either personal troop building or just to hold onto until others ask. A friend of mine who is familiar with this topic said "it's like a control issue." Not sure if I fully agree with his statement, but that's another collector's feelings on it.

As far as what you mention about hard to find figures, I didn't specifically mean hard to find figures, everybody has their own favorites. For example, lately I've been seeing 1 to 2 IG's and/or Toxic Vipers in multiple places and I like both of them more than the vipers/troopers. That's why I even bothered to mention in another post that I found a viper at Shrewsbury CVS. I happended to be going right by there and had 5 minutes to spare, but just didn't feel like paying almost double the price for him.

Now had I been out that way just for looking for certain figs that day, I would've grabbed him, which goes back to the fact that I enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Again, just another point of view to take into consideration.

[dgnr82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

I certainly could have worded that better. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I thoroughly enjoy the thrill of the hunt when I can make it out as do several other collectors that I personally know, but if I already know in advance that certain figures are more than likely taken, it takes some of the fun out of it. Plus, if wanted figures are found, doesn't feel like gas was wasted. It's one thing if figures/vehicles are actually limited in stores, but another when there are much more and the majority of those were snatched up by a handfull of people for either personal troop building or just to hold onto until others ask. A friend of mine who is familiar with this topic said "it's like a control issue." Not sure if I fully agree with his statement, but that's another collector's feelings on it.

As far as what you mention about hard to find figures, I didn't specifically mean hard to find figures, everybody has their own favorites. For example, lately I've been seeing 1 to 2 IG's and/or Toxic Vipers in multiple places and I like both of them more than the vipers/troopers. That's why I even bothered to mention in another post that I found a viper at Shrewsbury CVS. I happended to be going right by there and had 5 minutes to spare, but just didn't feel like paying almost double the price for him.

Now had I been out that way just for looking for certain figs that day, I would've grabbed him, which goes back to the fact that I enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Again, just another point of view to take into consideration.

I know what you're saying. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt as well, and love when I go to a store and they have what I'm looking for. I am lucky enough that the stores near me restock all the time, and also that I am pretty much the only one buying them. there are no other collectors near me, hence why I buy so much. That and I have an online store. But that doesn't prevent me from offering the same figures up at cost when someone needs them.

[Fast_Draw]

I squad build (3 troopers or 2 troopers and 1 officer). There are only a few cases where I have more than 3 (BATs and Snow Serpents thanks to the $3 Family Dollar craze and Steel Brigades because they're the only Joe trooper).

I don't really buy any extras unless I know someone is looking for it. Yes, I have a network of friends and we all help each other when we can, but I definitely leave most of what I see. I give others tips if I know they're looking for stuff, too.

I work full-time and that cuts down on my time to hunt unless it's the summer. That is why I order some stuff online. Sometimes it's just easier than driving all over creation given the spotty retail presence GI Joe has right now.

[Air-tight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

What about those who work crazy/long hours and can't get to the stores until after people who grab every single one of a certain figure are done with the section?

Heck, knowing that some people will not give others a chance to find certain figs is sometimes almost enough to be discouraged from going out and looking and eventually wasting gas.

I really do understand your point, but it does come across as a little selfish and inconsiderate towards the collecting community.

Is that to mean I'm a fool for say, leaving a 25th BAT on the peg at TJMaxx/Marshalls when they have 2 or 3 because I know other collectors might want one too? Am I a fool for trying to help out other collectors that I may not know/not have met yet?

A tip of where to find certain figs is one thing, hence this thread. Even picking up the occassional 2 at a time because you know someone who doesn't have one will pay you back because they can't be there for whatever reason is understandable; but to make it so that mainly only one or two people need to be contacted to arrange getting those figs might be seen as monopolizing or hoarding by some who don't share your views. Plus there's not always the option of scheduling a meet up or paying extra for shipping.

One of the great joys of collecting is finding the object of ones desire on their very own fruition.

Again, I get what you're saying; however, your wording gives the impression of a lack of respect towards others in general, which hurts the integrity of your argument, but also doesn't lighten the frustration others have had in not being able to find certain figs.

Not at all trying to start anything, just trying to show another perspective.

(I know a few others have chimed in on this discussion as well, I just glossed over the comments so I apologize if I repeat anything that has been said). I also want to preface my statement by making it clear that I'm not at all trying to promote my thoughts on hunting/buying figures as some kind of cruel doctrine to make life miserable for any of my fellow collectors. I consider myself a very generous and good-spirited person and would never like to see a fellow joe fan upset about missing out on a figure that he/she wanted. (I will also try to be as professional as possible with my response and hopefully not offend you with what I say).

The most important thing you can get out of reading my post (and I apologize for the length!) is that you consider those of us who do what I do as friends and suppliers, not competition!!!

First of all, I do appreciate your respectfulness and also completely understand the frustration that you feel towards my point of view. Believe me, I've been there and I know how aggravating it can be to just miss the very thing that you've been searching for. I've had it happen to me countless times, but with the right amount of effort- you can get almost anything that you want. My views on this are fairly blunt, but I can't stress enough that I am not at all a selfish person.. ShadowNinja, FastDraw, dgnr82, mike000 and a few others can personally attest to this, I've hooked all of them up using this system and they in turn have all helped me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

What about those who work crazy/long hours and can't get to the stores until after people who grab every single one of a certain figure are done with the section?

Heck, knowing that some people will not give others a chance to find certain figs is sometimes almost enough to be discouraged from going out and looking and eventually wasting gas.

What about them? Am I supposed to sit at home and wait to go out until I think everyone else has gotten their fill? If someone else beats me to a new wave that has hit the shelves, good for them. It's frustrating, but I will just keep hunting and inevitably get what I'm after.

It's a rough economy to begin with, and an even rougher time for G.I. JOE product (compared to years past) and I'm going to get my hands on everything I want (as well as everything my friends here may want) whenever I have the chance and as early as possible. It's not selfish, it's just common sense- If I don't get it, somebody else will! I consider myself a "retail recon soldier" and some days the job is good, others not so good. Leaving awesome figures on the pegs (unless you really don't need it at all) for some stranger to find doesn't benefit me at all, I have no idea who bought them and thus have no prospects of meeting them. There are a lot of scalpers out there that I don't want to help. To be honest, I'm not too terribly interested in other people's schedules either, or when John Q gets off of work. If John Q is smart, he'll PM me, ShadowNinja, dgnr82, or any one of us and get what he wants because he's noticed that we were fortunate enough to get the time to hunt early and therefore have product available.

It's also important for me to mention that even in MA and RI alone, there are A LOT of retail stores. A LOT. The places that I hit on a regular basis covers MAYBE 5% of them, and I've always believed that you are entitled to whatever you find. Also, you're out in the Worcester area, right? I'm barely ever out there anymore so you have nothing to worry about anyway ;)

A hypothetical situation that I will attempt to use to convey my point:

An apple orchard is open from 9am-5pm. I get there at 9:15am, pick a lot of really juicy, fresh apples, eat and keep what I want and then keep the rest in my basket with me. You come strolling in at 3:30pm and notice that everyone else has taken all of the good apples and only a few rotten ones remain. You have 2 choices, pout and leave empty handed or come over to me and take some of my fresh juicy apples without me ever asking for a profit or marking them up. The "picking" of the apples is where the thrill lies, just like finding a fresh case of joes on the pegs, but if you can get over missing out on the initial high that the "picking" provides, you can still leave happy and with just what you need- and someone else just did the work for you!

Hopefully that might help to illustrate my point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

your wording gives the impression of a lack of respect towards others in general, which hurts the integrity of your argument, but also doesn't lighten the frustration others have had in not being able to find certain figs.

I have nothing BUT respect for others, especially my fellow Joe collectors, and will do everything I can to help them out. I know I'm a bit blunt, but I don't think the integrity of my argument or the principle behind what I do is hurt by this. At the very least, we can agree to disagree- but hopefully I've made what I was saying before a little bit clearer with this post.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck in your hunts!

[StormShadow73]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesifisky

Heck, knowing that some people will not give others a chance to find certain figs is sometimes almost enough to be discouraged from going out and looking and eventually wasting gas.

I really do understand your point, but it does come across as a little selfish and inconsiderate towards the collecting community.

Is that to mean I'm a fool for say, leaving a 25th BAT on the peg at TJMaxx/Marshalls when they have 2 or 3 because I know other collectors might want one too? Am I a fool for trying to help out other collectors that I may not know/not have met yet?

A tip of where to find certain figs is one thing, hence this thread. Even picking up the occassional 2 at a time because you know someone who doesn't have one will pay you back because they can't be there for whatever reason is understandable; but to make it so that mainly only one or two people need to be contacted to arrange getting those figs might be seen as monopolizing or hoarding by some who don't share your views. Plus there's not always the option of scheduling a meet up or paying extra for shipping.

One of the great joys of collecting is finding the object of ones desire on their very own fruition.

Again, I get what you're saying; however, your wording gives the impression of a lack of respect towards others in general, which hurts the integrity of your argument, but also doesn't lighten the frustration others have had in not being able to find certain figs.

Not at all trying to start anything, just trying to show another perspective.

And to keep this relevant to the thread: 5 Vamps, 4 black dragons(with different stamped #s on the back, not 119 nor 165), 2 Hazard Vipers, 5 IG and a bunch of Stalkers at Worcester Walmart.

I couldn't agree with you more. And to touch on your point of relying on other tankers to get you your figures and vice versa. I have picked up some figures in the past for certain tankers, with my money and tried many times to set up a day and time to meet up to trade figures or get reimbursed and it was only to me getting excuses why they could never meet on the days and times I asked. 1 thing I've learned in here, it's in your best interest to not rely on other tankers to hook you up. I am not including all tankers that have helped me out in the past. But there are a couple on here though that 1 minute they will present themselves as your friend and help you out, but the next minute you're stuck with figures you've picked up for other people and the figs you passed on seeing on pegs because you thought you had them coming back to you, you fall in the category of "you snooze you lose."

My advice, only depend on yourself. Like you I've had a hectic schedule and have also diminished my collection due to the lack of time I can devote. So I use online retail and eBay. Just yesterday I won a MOC Renegades SE on eBay for $8.00 including shipping. So that's one less figure I don't have to waste time and gas to hunt for.

[Fesifisky]

Well put, I understand your point. As far as the respect comment, I definitely didn't word that as well as I could have, I meant just the wording of that one previous statement gave that impression, not that you don't actually have respect for other collectors, from some of your past posts, I know that's you do have respect for them.

Happy hunting to you as well sir.