Thanks to our very own 2005 Boards member AutobotJazz1 we can confirm that the new Target exclusive Buzzworthy Bumblebee BB-44 Studio Series Dark Of The Moon Optimus Prime has been found at US retail.
This is a re-release of the original Studio Series SS-44 Leader Class Dark Of The Moon Optimus Prime now in a Buzzworthy Bumblebee closed box. A great chance to finally get this hard-to-find figure to complete your Studio Series collection. It was found at a Target in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Happy hunting!
Zress Tayasu
late to the party saying it, but it's really nothing new or unusual with BBTS. back in the day when revenge of the fallen hit, they were selling the icecream truck version of skidz and mudflap (which was in massive demand) for as much as they were asking for the entire case assortment that it was included in.
sometimes, the big bad toy store turns into the big bad toy scalper. at the same time, sometimes they end up selling some items out for suprisingly cheap.
I used to be a lot angrier about it, but then I really thought about it and concluded that they have to subsidize the $4 shipping somehow. it's kinda like how tfsource (whom I have a bottom-of-page ad from as I type this) has various things massively overpriced – likely as much subsidizing their "free 3~4 day shipping/$6 2-day shipping over $200" stuff as being greedy. it's really skeevy, but probably for a purpose. or at least, that's what I tell myself to avoid losing more faith in the stores we all end up having to work with.
octobotimus
I mean there’s only 2 ways for them to get the stock initially. Either they get it directly from the manufacturer, which they can since that’s how they get most Hasbro stuff. Or they buy it 2nd hand from other stores, at which point they would indeed be scalping.
VVa
It's almost like they want us to buy the KOs instead, which tend to be up to par if not better than the official releases in quality.
Sigmus Prime
They've acquired exclusives and sold them for greater than retail price in the past, which makes me curious how they get that stock to begin with. Depending on rarity, they may have to spend more than usual and then overcharge in order to make a profit? On the other hand, they're selling Buzzworthy NEST Bonecrusher and Ratchet at their original prices; but those figures are easier to come by both online and in stores. Whatever the case, it's unfortunate for the consumer.
And that's the biggest problem, for sure. Honestly, it's insane to me that an *Optimus Prime* figure was so short-lived on shelves that you have to pay double on the aftermarket not half a year later, regardless of exclusivity. In a perfect world, the original 44 would still be bouncing around and easily obtainable.
VVa
Makes you wonder why the fuck Hasbro makes things exclusive when the stores are more than likely to carry a dozen figures and never any more.
Invisibleman145
I don’t love it but I guess I’m not helping either since I just bought one from them.
octobotimus
There’s something wrong about seeing a massive online retailer like bbts scalping….
Sigmus Prime
BBTS just received stock, priced at $85. Even at that price I don't see it lasting long, so now's the time if anyone missed out and still wants a copy.
Transformers Buzzworthy Bumblebee Studio Series 44 Optimus Prime Exclusive
Frogdude45
Thanks, I'm really not a reseller. I just don't want it.
edgs2099
A few were sold on ebay for $120 + $15 shipping. One as recently as Wednesday. $85 shipped is a good deal.
VVa
Haha.
Frogdude45
That isn't a good price for it?
VVa
Lmao
Frogdude45
I have one for sale. $85 Shipped. NIB but box is damaged.
VVa
Try reading comments.
Stratosphere
Is this a direct repaint or there are some new things added?
TF Hot Rod
The changes where mainly in shades of blue and red. Grill tabs IDK since I haven't transformed mine but I don't think so no. But could be wrong.
VVa
Okay, I know it was said that there weren't any changes compared to the original release, but did they strengthen the grill tabs? Guess that would count as a change, but I'm hoping for that much. . .
PrimeBot
That sucks, hopefully you can find another version without any problems in the product.
I get trying to be eco-friendly, but removing plastic from these boxes or window-less packaging is only going to result in non happy customers