Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: Revised Gift 3-Pack Assortments

Mattel definitely seems to have put Speed Racer on the back burner and turned their full attention back to CARS … as we CARS collectors might say, ‘about damn time!’

Though they must’ve burned a giant carbon footprint (21st century version of ‘the midnight oil’) thinkin’ up those short-card Lane Mates …

As we had speculated and confirmed stealthly through the trade show displays and through the partial listings on several retailers/re-sellers, it does seem Mattel is making the Gift 3-Packs the packaging of choice of most things Piston Cup … which is both good and bad - while we are losing some of the original CARS (Crew Chiefs mostly) as singles and “forced” to buy them as part of a 3-pack with - in many cases with Piston Cup Racers we already have, it’s probably better for the CARS series in the long to have the most visible and fun CARS as singles for the casual buyers (Jay Limo, Elvis RV, Chuki) and the “duller” Crew Chiefs for us serious collectors … it does however look that since the Pitty’s are both “fun” and price effective metal-wise, Mattel is continuing with those as singles as well as repeating them as 3-packs … so if you’re a completist, it’s wallet-time … but for those who shop carefully, you can skip a few Pitty’s … THOUGH based on the photo below from Toy Fair, do the 3-pack Pitty’s NOT include the tool chest & tires … if so, call the Gift 3-pack Pitty’s the extra crew Pitty’s for your diorama …

In any case, here is the REVISED lineup of Gift 3-Packs quasi-confirmed by Mattel through October 2008.

Box D (MAY)

Gold Mia Tia & Bling Bling McQueen (2)
Al Oft Blimp, Tom Race Official & Tow Truck (2)
Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)

Box E (JULY)

Al Oft Blimp, Tom Race Official & Tow Truck (2)
Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)
No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)

No Stall (#123) - Todd "The Shockster" Marcus

Shiny Wax (#82) - Darren Leadfoot

Box F (AUGUST)

Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)
No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)
Shiny Wax, Shiny Wax Crew Chief, & Shiny Wax Pitty (2)

Box G (SEPTEMBER)

No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)
Shiny Wax, Shiny Wax Crew Chief, & Shiny Wax Pitty (2)
Spare-O-Mint, Spare-O-Mint Crew Chief, and Spare-O-Mint Pitty (2)

(Spare O Mint (#93) - Earnie Gearson)

Disney Pixar CARS: Petersen Museum Exhibit Opens (Update Pixar Artists Talk)

The page is up and the exhibit is open at the LA Petersen Auto Museum, “The Art of CARS.

If anyone visits before we do, let us know what you think - write it and take some pictures!

Don’t forget to stop at Pink’s for a dog

The museum web page doesn’t contain much info than the press release they sent us and our original post.

The museum doesn’t even tell you to stop and visit the Mattel stores - only 40 minutes away (with no traffic … er, good luck with that). The El Segundo store is right by Mattel’s HQ. The link to the Mattel stores also offers a 10% off coupon. (If you land at l.AX, it’s right there so you can go there first).

If you’re planning on visiting all the Mattel stores - before you get to the City of Industry store, swing by Langer’s for the best pastrami in LA (call in your order, not much parking by MacArthur Park). The other stores in Pomona and San Bernandino are only reachable in the sense that Alaska & Australia both are on the Pacific Ocean=

UPDATE:

© Copyright Disney/Pixar

(PRESS RELEASE)

On Wednesday May 13, at 7:30pm, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will present a gallery talk by Pixar’s artists behind the movie, CARS with Art Director Tia Kratter, Sketch Artist Jay Shuster, and Character Team Manager Jay Ward were some of the creative minds and hands behind Disney/Pixar’s 2006 animated feature film, Cars. Hear the insider stories about the making of the film from three artists on this special evening.

This public program is offered in conjunction with the Museum’s latest exhibit, “The Art of Cars” on view in the Hollywood Gallery.

Free with Museum general admission ($10 adults; $5 seniors & students; $3 children ages-5-12; free under 5). Reservations are recommended. Call 323-964-6347 or email to yray@petersen.org for more info or reservations.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: P Case Assortment Announcement

Now, keep in mind, Mattel could change their mind but since it’s most likely been packed and on its way from overseas, it’s likely to be correct.

The other good news is Mattel seems to have actually taken a look at the inventory on the shelves and realized, hey, maybe if we pack more new ones in cases, the stores are happier when consumers strip the shelves bare AND of course, they sell more sealed cases - saving them a lot of time.

So, here is it, P Case - the first time some new CARS will come THREE to a case:

Bug Mouth McQueen
Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Fillmore
Kathy Copter (3)
Mario Andretti
Petrol Pulaski (RPM #64 Pitty) (3)
Race Official Tom
Radiator Springs McQueen
Ramone-Yellow
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Tar Lighting McQueen (3)
Van

No official photo of Tar Lightning McQueen.

And while not a perfect scenario, better than before and certainly better than the shipments of most of 2008.

For those keeping score at home, this was the original announced CASE P:

And back tracking - here is what is reported to be in the next shipment CASE K:

Bug Face McQueen (2)
Chuki
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Pitty (2)
Dudley Spare
Ferrari F430
Lightning Ramone
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Guido
Race Official Tom
Ramone
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van (2)

CASE L is listed as NOT AVAILABLE - going to Wal-Mart? Or simply an administrative change as Mattel shifts CASE M & CASE N also to the new “three” of each NEW in each case? Especially since the original CASE L was really a catch up box of CARS that would have been released in CASES E-K but since many didn’t get released, it was really just repeats from 2006 & 2007.

There is no case O normally as it might be confusing with O, the letter and 0 the number.

Some places already have reported receiving case M

Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (2)
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Charlie Checker
Chick Hicks
Cruisin’ Ramone
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Doc Hudson
Hydraulic Ramone
Lightning McQueen
Pit Crew Member Guido
Radiator Springs McQueen
Sheriff
Stacy (Leakless Pitty) (2)
Wingo
Yeti

So, that leaves us these MISSING CARS from the original announcement after K and between P (Original, L, M, N & P) …

Barney’ Stormin’
Jay Limo
Kori Turbowitz
Mini
Richard Kensington (SUV)
Ron Hover

Pit Crew Member Sarge*
Sarge*

Chick Hicks Crew Chief**
Octane Gain Crew Chief**

Not included above is Lightning Storm McQueen officially scheduled to be released as a “special” exclusive at SD Comic Con (July 23, 200 so he is definitely out of the running to be released in the next three shipments or in the next 5-8 weeks. A “normal” carded version will probably be in a CASE by autumn or the holidays 2008.

*Sarge(s) … let me tell you about a time, boys and girls when there was a CAR named Sarge … he was green and while slightly too large in scale, but he was actually on the store shelves … we could also buy gas for around $2 a gallon … I know you don’t believe me but if I’m lying, may I only buy CARS from the Disney Stores.

Will Sarge return in a blaze of glory as a WM exclusive? Along with Richard Kensington, Pit Crew Member Sarge & Jay Limo?

** The Crew Chiefs been shown in a Gift Pack (3-pack) and while we are waiting final confirmation on the Gift 3-Packs, they do seem to be going the direction we speculated on in March.

So even without a WM exclusive pallet, hopefully we will see the the missing Barney Stormin’, Jay Limo, Kori Turbowitz, Mini, Richard Kensington (SUV & Ron Hover) in the next shipments and be caught up with what we were promised … and of course, wave buh-bye to Speed Racer in the rear view mirror … hey buddy, when you get some eyes***, then we’ll talk

*** all plastic with crappy plastic wheels? You’re not even good enough to hang with TJ. The Jada ones, you’re alright as you’re metal but still, no eyes, I drink your motor oil shakes at Flo’s …

Hasbro Lego Indiana Jones: The Action Figure Checklist

Opening May 22, 2008, the long awaited return of Indiana Jones. Hard to believe it’s almost 20 years since the last one … at least they haven’t tried to simply pawn off the Indy character as just a few years after the LAST CRUSADE but that it’s “real time.” THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL is set in 1957, @19 years after the 1938 setting of THE LAST CRUSADE.

And unlike the first go-around, they are loaded for bear with toys this time.

For some odd reason, perhaps because the first release of action figures for Indiana Jones around 1982 did not sell that well, the two sequels never featured much of anything in the way of action figures. Presumably, also that the TEMPLE OF DOOM was not exactly kid friendly or all that compelling action figure-wise (hey look, it’s the variant box set of the Indian slave kids!) and of course, the LAST CRUSADE was Nazi’s and biblical - one controversial and one polarizing.

One reason the first figures didn’t particularly sell well was that they were not sculpted all that well …

Though conversely, because they were not that popular, if you have a complete set mint-on-card, it’s worth thousands … especially the mail-away Belloq …

There was a release not long ago that was available at the Disney Resorts that again did not look very much like Indy & also not very complete in regards to the number of figures:

Um, does anyone know what Harrison Ford actually looks like?

So, for the new release, Hasbro is making up for lost time & sales …

I’m sure there will be over 1,000 products tied into the release but we’ll just concentrate on the actual action figures. There are three main groupings.

The Hasbro 3/4″ line
The Hasbro 12″ line
& the others from Sideshow, Medicom and Takara.

Also note, some descriptions of characters & accessories might be SPOILERS so if you’re the type who can’t forget anything … you might not want to know … though the statute of limitations has run on some spoilers (Sean Connery is his father ).

The basic line is the 3 3/4″ line

(@6.99 retail)

You get your choice of 5 Indy’s …

In order: Indy & Idol, Indy in Cairo Square, Indy from Castle Grunwald & from the new film - Indy & Rocket launcher (not from Raiders) and Indy & Crystal Skull.

Each sold separately, of course.

Some look like Harrison, some look his stunt double … but it’s a nice price and all with accessories - of course, the Ark is the best accessory.

Of course, you get other figures from the 4 movies … as noted, they are not kidding around this time … you get 21 others to choose from, that’s right, 21.

(these are lower res - and @3 3/4″ figures like Indy above, I figured you had a pretty good idea of what they look like as you’re not likely to get them without Indy … or in the case of the the new film, you’ll either grab them or you won’t).

NOTE - They are NOT three packs, to save space, I placed them together - they are all sold separately.

From the first & third films: Marion, Young Indy, Senior, Elsa, Col. Vogel, Grail Knight, German soldier, German officer & Cairo Swordsman.

Two chances to get the Grail cup! I don’t remember Vogel with an ax but okay …

From the new film: two versions of Col. Dovchenko, Russian soldier, Irinia Spalko, Cemetary warrior, Ugha Indian & three versions of Mutt Williams. The snake accessory comes with the Matt on the very left.

But that’s just the start, there are DELUXE VERSIONS of the 3 3/4″ figures … (@$9.99 retail)

There’s three two-fer sets: with Marian (a sword, a frying pan and monkey accessory!) & Cairo Henchman; German soldier with motorcycle and; a separate set of German soldiers (not photoed).

Indy has his own deluxe blisters …

The very nice Indy & Ark of Covenant (lid opens!)

For the truck chase, see next section …

Tree branches swings across pit.

Both sides left up (the trap).

Here’s what the blister cards look like for the deluxe versions.

And the truck for Indy to chase down on the horse …

The troop car that gives chase …

And from the new movie …

And the mega Lost Temple of Akator Playset

So, in case you’re keeping score, that’s 35 3 3/4″ figures, 4 vehicles, 1 horse and 1 playset.

Oh, one last thing - buy 6 of the BASIC figures, mail in stickers inside the packaging + $5.99 and get a Crystal Skeleton mail-away figure.

Six (6) relic stickers inside retail packages of Indiana Jones 3 3/4″ basic figure products to receive the Crystal Skeleton 3 3/4″ Figure with Throne. Each package contains one sticker. Stickers must be from 3 3/4″ basic figure products. No other stickers will be accepted for this offer.

The 12″ Hasbro line

(nicely priced at @$19.99 retail).

The two Indy releases have fun features.

As Hasbro says, “Embark on your own thrilling adventures with this Indiana Jones action figure that says fun Indy phrases, like “Trust me.” “Snakes…why’d it have to be snakes!” and “I hate these guys!” A 16-inch whip fits in Indy’s hand, while an additional whip stays coiled. A removable pistol fits in Indy’s holster and he also comes with a golden idol.

Action figure comes with shirt, pants, pair of boots, jacket, hat, belt, holster with removable pistol, 16-inch whip, coiled whip and golden idol. Includes 2 AAA Batteries.”

He actually has 11 phrases! I won’t spoil it for you … though shouldn’t he also say, “Why does this sculpt look more like Steve Spielberg?” Part of the reason is the mouth actually moves so they had to make his face rounder … I also hope it’s actually Harrison’s voice and not some random guy.

This sculpt actually looks much more like Harrison though it’s less interesting of a figure, if you hold his hand/arm above his head and press the button on his back, he can whip his arm forward and you get a whipping SFX. THe shirt and outfits looks pretty good though.

Other 12″ figures include:

They don’t seem to have many additional sound features but still, overall - a nice price at $19.99 - most other 12″ figures have straosphered from $30 minimum to a couple hundred dollars.

There’s also a mail-away just for the 12″ inchers also … you get a nice Ark of the Covenant … Hasbro treats you like a King … like the days of yore, you want an Ark of the Covenant, just request it and it shall be done! … well, okay, you have to buy 4 12″ figures and send in $9.99 …

“Four (4) Ark stickers inside retail packages of Indiana Jones 12″ figure products to receive the 12″ Ark of the Covenant. Each package contains one sticker. Stickers must be from 12″ figure products. No other stickers will be accepted for this offer.”

It shall be four. Not three. Not five. Four is the number. And if thy tries to use 3 3/4″ inch figure stickers, when thoust opens the ark, thou might suffer the same fate as waxy Nazi’s … you have been warned.

Info is included with each figure … if you’re buying the 12″ deal … make sure both sides are properly sealed as thieves might steathly cut open packages just to get the stickers … action figure redemption thieves are no better than tomb robbers. A thousand year plague on their mobile homes!

Mighty Muggs

Of course, you want the Mighty Muggs (covered in this post here, scroll down)

While not part of Hasbro, Lego has a whole slew of cool Indiana Jones sets and figures (also wallpaper and movie downloads!)

Or how about taking your own (Expedia) Indiana Jones adventures (only without people trying to shoot you with poison arrows, snakes by the bushel-full and a monkey for a tour guide … but hey, maybe it’s just me …)

And of course, if you need to revisit the three movies, there is a new box set

FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Raiders of the Lost Ark”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– Indiana Jones: An Appreciation–The cast and crew of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” pay tribute to the original trilogy.
– The Melting Face–A recreation of the amazing physical effect of the villain’s melting face in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas commenting on the evolution of visual effects and CGI.
– Storyboard Sequence–The Well of Souls
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

The Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– Creepy Crawlies–Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Frank Marshall reminisce about snakes, bugs and rats.
– Locations–Travel across the world to discover where the films take place and where they were shot.
– Storyboard Sequence–The Mine Cart Chase
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

The Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– The Women: The American Film Institute Tribute–The three Indiana Jones women (Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and Alison Doody) reunite for a discussion.
– Friends and Enemies–Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Indiana Jones writers discuss how they created the most iconic characters in film history, including a look at new faces in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
– Storyboard Sequence–The Opening Sequence
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

Mattel Pixar Disney Cars: Visual Checklist 2008 (V1.1 - Now With Lane Mates)

Since, Mattel has added the short-card “Lane Mates,” cards, I have updated the visual checklist so here are the first 6 again (some without Lane Mates versions are the same - just repeated here for simplicity sake).

Not sure what #6 is but of course, it’s another McQueen - due next is Tumbleweed McQueen so is he #6?

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: eBay, the Conundrum

eBay is easy to hate but eBay really serves many purposes - some not so obvious.

On the surface, ebay is merely a virtual auction clearinghouse where buyers and sellers come together to sell and buy goods.

eBay has managed to trump most of the other online auction houses in the United States and in many countries because most people trust it through its processes and its longevity (of course, that’s not to say 100% of all transaction goes smooth or honestly but clearly enough do).

(Yahoo auctions leads in some Asian countries and others in other countries but they serve the same principle).

Part of the success of eBay and to a lesser extent of others is that you have a sufficient number of buyers and sellers. Just as why they do not hold ‘Old Masters’ auctions in Jasper, Wyoming or on a barge in the Amazon - as a seller, you not only want as many interested buyers but also the right potential buyers.

eBay is in many ways the perfect forum for supply & demand. Anyone in the world with internet access (and can read English for eBay US obviously) can see and bid on an item. You can literally buy items for one US penny or over a million dollars depending on supply & demand.

And of course, that fluctuates - as we clearly saw with CARS - the situation with Crusin’ McQueen in the last two months of 2006 was a textbook example of rationality taking a holiday.

For those that missed it, it went something like this.

This Movie Moment appeared towards the later part of the summer, the Crusin’ McQueen was all new and while most of us had a Sally already, since “new” CARS were so rare, most people were willing to bite the bullet (You can read the full story in our book) and buy this MM set … while it was not a pegwarmer as they are now, after the first few weeks, they were relatively available though selling briskly - since it was close to the holidays and at that point, no one was sure how much longer the line would last so might as well buy it to be safe.

But then a mysterious single carded version appeared that was not featured on the back of any Supercharged cards (showing which CARS were out) and in particularly, it was NOT featured on the back of his OWN card!

There were three different Supercharged card backs which featured either 21 or 23 different CARS but none featured Crusin’ McQueen. At this point, Mattel had just switched from the 30-CARS case to 18-CARS case but no one (not even 1StopDiecast) had any idea what was in each case - old Hot Wheels “treasure hunt’ and variant collectors wondered if this was a ‘treasure hunt?’ Or was it a short-pack? (For Hot Wheels, Mattel packs some ‘treasure hunts’ ONE to a box of 72-Hot Wheels - hence the jargon - short pack) Was this the CARS equivalent?

While Batman would shout “Let’s go to the batcave!”

We shout, “Let’s go to eBay!”

eBay serves as our bat beacon. If we see 1,000 listings …, we can pretty much breathe a sign of relief that it’s everywhere - but if there are only 5 listings?

Then the question is - what do you do? Do you succumb or do you resist?

The bottom line is its your money and you can choose to spend it as you see fit.

In this case, based on incomplete information, general craziness and whatever you want to call it, prices actually hit the $180 range for Crusin’ McQueen auctions. Yes, 1 car - @$3.29 retail (about average at that time) eagerly was sold for $150-$175 dollars.

Again, it’s your money. (just to note, I had a SC Crusin’ McQueen but I did not sell it - I bought it just a few weeks before the craziness when it was just seemed like another release - at that time, no one thought it was a rarity … or perceived rarity). Personally, I have spent that on a dinner and can’t remember if it was that great, I have spent that much on stupidity - getting a traffic ticket. We each have happy, sad and stupid stories about spending $200 or not spending $200 … there are people who wouldn’t spend $200 on an engagement ring but would on buying a hunting vest … to each their own.

I bring that up because eBay is merely an efficient distribution system.

Part of the problem is that the distribution system (in particular for toys) is wildly uneven and solely dependent on the stores in your area buying and shelving the proper amount of CARS (in this case) for your population and interest.

I’ll cite my area, in NorthernCal. Most of the people here hate WM and refuse to let them build a giant 200,000 square feet store WM prefers so in NorCal and most of CA, we have probably a WM for every 750,000 to 1-million people … while in parts of the midwest or Southeast, in town/geo-areas of 1-million people, you might have 10 WM’s … not to mention Target’s and TRU’s … while we have more Target’s - we only have maybe 6-7 TRU’s to serve 10-million people … so unless each store decided to order 20-cases of everything, we simply don’t have enough.

So, eBay serves to re-distribute what WM-Target-TRU & Mattel was not able to do correctly.

And that extends out to Europe or other parts of the world. I am not the person who cares that much about exclusivity. I am lazy and would like nothing better than to buy everything while I’m buying Coke at the grocery store (one reason I don’t care if WM wants to build a 200,000 square foot store) and I frankly don’t care that much about jumping through hurdles to buy something (like Blu Ray DVD McQueen) … I’ll do it but it being limited or exclusive holds no great interest to me beyond having it (not as something to sell) but I understand it from a marketing point of view - you create hype and an artificial shortage that serves a couple masters.

Because strangely, if it’s easy to obtain, that thing loses the “extra” luster. How many people fight to collect detergent bottles or gum packaging or even closer to home, CARS bedspreads … not many because there’s no fight to find it.

So, that’s the fine line - what’s too much and what’s not enough? You sometimes have to be careful of what you ask for. What’s the right amount of Chuki’s per store? - 4? 10? 100? 1,000? Because at some number point, you might actually stop buying it because you figure, “I’ll just next time.” Because if you stop perceiving its scarcity (real or imagined), you might put off buying until the holidays or worst of all, stop buying because it’s common. Of course, that’s impossible to predict or gauge as it will vary from day to day and region to region.

That’s the irony - you don’t want too much trouble to find it but if it’s too easy everytime … then maybe you stop caring or yearning because the hunt is too easy.

AND eBay can add to that, giving you reason to be early to track it down, knowing that your only recourse is to pay more - having that “easy” outlet to sell and re-sell actually adds value to that you hunt for.

Before eBay, unless you were well connected, you had no idea what was going on unless you read one of the enthusiast magazine and I meant really read it - sometimes MONTHS later - hardly anyone was ever complete (and thus why older toys are so much more valuable) was that you had no idea if they released a red version to FRED MEYER (the chain) if you lived in a state with no Fred Meyer and because mail order was so iffy, you had to drive out of state to a toy show in hopes to see it and buy it … or that in Fred Meyer territory, it’s a pegwarmer and they’re trying to give it away - meanwhile, the rest of the country was willing to pay 3 times that amount … but eBay changes all that as a secondary distributor … now, if they release a gold version only in Hawaii, first of all, we scream to the company that it’s crazy to make such a limited item and then we jump on eBay to bid on it … and remember, if no one else is interested, you get it at the starting price, it’s only if two people value it - that’s when it gets interesting … and if 50 or 100 people are interested? Then you have name calling and the emptying of bank accounts.

But again, you have free will sitting in front of your computer and you in theory should ONLY pay what you are willing to pay … okay, I know it’s easy to get carried away … like being in Las Vegas … just do everything up to the point before you sleep and marry the stripper.

Bottom line is eBay sellers post items as a test and those that have interest encourage others … how many Green Ramones sold last week? And if they did, how many went past about $5 including shipping?

So, while eBay can encouraging hoarding or immediate transfer from stores to eBay listings - ultimately, demand meets supply or vice versa. Of course, in an odd way, you can blame the liberal return policy from stores on encouraging over-buying … and not really eBay’s fault. With a receipt, you can return un-opened toys within 90 days for a full refund so the eBay seller has a 90-days to try and attempt to make a profit

However, there are short term fluctuations in distribution and interest causing prices spikes and later price drops … now the situation in Europe or Asia is different than in the US. In the US, everything that is limited is announced (Blu Ray McQueen, Speedway of the South, Factory Set) - otherwise, it’s not really limited unless you a packaging variant collector … (for instance, there are much fewer Supercharged (red) Mia & Tia’s than there are WOC carded red Mia & Tia’s - the value you place on that is your call). So it is understandable international buyers are eager to have it in hand because a) they don’t know when or if it will make it over there and b) if it becomes common in the US, ironically, sellers stop listing them so if you’re looking for Bug Mouth McQ, good luck finding a listing …

Ultimately, eBay serves several purposes - helping to hype the hype … helping to re-distribute product where there are shortages … for a collector, it can be a curse, and a hinderance but it can also serve to even out distribution as long as you have enough sellers … and of course, how do you encourage more selling? More buyers … it’s a cycle … but if the profit for an item starts to fall too much, you lose seller’s interest and so, be careful of what you wish for & or wish against. It’s a fine balance equilibrium in regards to pricing and of course, different for everyone.

eBay is a fair system. Unlike a real marketplace where other factors might come into play in the seller setting a price (based on ethnicity, gender, you’re not local, etc …) directed towards a seller standing right there … eBay is only based on the price you’re willing to pay. Sometimes that’s a great thing, sometimes a good thing and sometimes - you have buyer’s remorse … but hey, thanks for participating in the ultimate worldwide test of supply & demand.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: The Short Card “Lane Mates” & Checklist

It’s never dull collecting the Disney Pixar CARS. There is always something going on - and of course, when there’s nothing going on - there’s still something going on.

And apparently instead of designing CARS RV’s or the Cozy Cone Motel playset, the project group that made sure there was a Buzz & Woody in every store on every shelf corner on every street all over the world has finally finished their work - and moved onto something everyone felt was long overdue.

Mainly, Purple Ramone on a new card.

Waiiittt? Whhaaat?

Man, I should start reading those petitions I’m signing in front of Target.

Yes, our long national nightmare is over.

Purple Ramone is finally here on a short card.

That is what you’ve all been shouting from the rooftops, right?

Mattel has introduced a growing number of CARS on smaller cards called “Lane Mates.”

It is everything you ever hoped for on a backing card and just a little bit less.

You know what the regular card backs look like for CARS?

Yea, these are shorter - hence the name ’short’ cards but in actuality, they are called ‘Lane Mates’ for the checkout lanes …

According to sources, they are NOT a K-Mart exclusive as I first thought but will be gushing into Mattel pipeline soon. I was just surprised that since Kmart received them, they might be an exclusive but nope … they’ll be available soon to Mattel wholesalers so no need to go the eBay route if you’re a completist.

While in theory, Mattel is saving some money using less paper and ink, the oddity is that the cards are custom (examples below) - see where Ramone or McQueen poke out “off” the scene? That is a custom cut - with all (except Barney Stormin’) of the previous 100+ cards from the line, other than the printing, the cards are all exactly the same cut and shape. With these, out of few examples below, we already can see several different CUSTOM shapes. If you order a couple million, it doesn’t add much to the cost but it’s odd because the few pennies they are savings in paper & ink, Mattel is plowing back into the custom die shape … strange if this is solely a cost savings measure …

Sure, retailers might like it because they can stock a few more rows & pegs but that also means they have to order more so it’s not a huge difference maker …

Is this merely to provide Kmart with an ‘exclusive’ but nothing that WM, Target or TRU care a whit about? Retailers and retailer buyers from a ‘competitor’ don’t really care about packaging exclusives especially as ‘mundane’ as smaller cards. So this might be a safe way for Kmart to get an exclusive that don’t affect the relationship with the much more important WM, TRU & Target.

Casual buyers don’t really care - only ultra completists will care.

What’s really amusing is the back art … or lack thereof … the back of the short cards art?

A photo of the regular card.

I hope they extend this concept. They can do an even smaller ‘mini’ card that will feature the ’short’ card art on the back … and eventually just do a blister shape CAR with the art of the ‘mini’ card on the back … how small can you go? How small can you go?

And of course, “Collect Them ALL!”

Though what’s disappointing is that the ONLY art on the back on ALL the cards is LIGHTNING McQUEEN … so that would fall under the ‘money savings’ category obviously …

Thanks “Mike” for the photos and the update on the card backs!

And what the Mattel Hot Wheels short card looks like:

“Husker_Crazy” has been kind enough to give us a running checklist so far …

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Brand New Mater
Chick Hicks
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
King
Lightning McQueen
Lightning Ramone
Mater
Radiator Springs McQueen
Ramone - Purple
Tongue Lightning McQueen

UPDATE: There is a a A & B Case - each also with 18 cards/CARS. As soon as I have a full breakdown, I’ll let you know. Presuming only Box A is out, there might be up to 18 Lane Mates cards/CARS or the more likely possibility of 14-16 …  How much overlap is there with case B?

Some people have asked about their collectibility value and to that, I say - yes, no, maybe …

Mattel is using its best Jedi mind power, ‘These are the CARS you are looking plus many more in larger card sizes.’

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: Mini Adventures - Packaging Variant or Just Confusion

You can debate whether Mattel simply doesn’t know what they’re doing or they are purposefully trying to sell you an extra card …

On the back of the RADIATOR SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT card for Ramone & Flo, it lists them as themed “Race Rods.”

Other Cards that show them correctly.

The ACTUAL cars match the photo, that little dot/blur on their back quarter panel area? The Radiator Springs Fire Department logo so these are the Fire Department Ramone & Flo … even if their OWN card is confused by what theme they belong to.

The Checklist of what’s out is here.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: The Contact Numbers & Websites

© Copyright Disney/Pixar

Collecting CARS is nirvana and we’re all a giddy as schoolboys and schoolgirls - life could not be finer, full of rainbows, 32-oz steaks and free parking … well, at least for the first 3 days … after that, we tend to get a little grouchier.

So, if collecting CARS or buying CARS is not entirely 100% the way you like … go straight to the source and politely tell them how you think things could be improved upon …

Mattel doesn’t have email but they have 800-numbers:

Canada- US: 800-524-8697 (hearing impaired: 800-382-7470)

You can write them at:

Mattel, Inc
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012

You can also let them know what they think about their website.

After you join the Hot Wheels Collectors Club, you can post to the forums including:

The Site Feedback Forums.

The Off-Topic Forum (as there is no specific CARS Forum though you can send the webmaster an email and ask them why not: comments@hotwheelscollectors.com)

NOTE: Both sections above will require you to sign up to view.

In Europe:

Mattel Europa, B.V.
Gondel 1
1186 MJ Amstelveen
The Netherlands

(or check their international customer relation website front page)

You can contact Target by email or phone here. Or if you’d like to comment on merchandise (or lack there of), here is the ‘merchandise’ email form.

You can contact WM by email or phone here. Or the merchandise comment email is here.

TRU contact email form is here. Or by phone - 1-800-869-7787.

Or if you have any sins you wish to confess.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: The UK/Scotland Report

From reader, jackdaddy2008 who has thoughtfully agreed to give us a report on CARS availability in the UK, specifically - Edinburgh, Scotland … If anyone else wants to report in from anywhere else on Earth, send it via email - make sure to include a couple photos …

SUBTITLED: So Who Really has all the Disney Diecast Cars in the UK?

On Thursday April 24^th, I visited every retailer of Disney diecast Cars in Edinburgh to research their availability. For those of you who do not know, Edinburgh is the Capital city of Scotland and fourth largest UK city. It is very similar to London in regards to retail and has all the stores that most if not all towns and cities in the UK have. Chances are that you can buy more Disney diecast Cars in Edinburgh than you can in most American towns and small cities of similar size and demographic. Not as good choice or variety, but probably more units.
I visited –
2 ASDA WALMART
TOYS R US
2 BIG W/WOOLWORTHS
2 SAINSBURYS
TESCOS
JENNERS
JOHN LEWIS
DISNEY STORE

11 STORES!

(MET COMMENT: Humm, a slightly nicer building than the one we house our retail toys in …)

I must have looked at over 1000 die cast cars. Yellow Ramone, Green Ramone, Fred, Buzz & Woody, Sally and Dinoco McQueen are in abundance. Most stores had dozens of each. But not a lot else.

(John Lewis stores)

(MET COMMENT: UK Disney Store - the US Disney Stores do not carry this much stock of anything, let alone CARS … though now that the stores are coming back in the Disney fold, that might change however).
The much anticipated ‘new’ releases Anime Chuki and Lighting Ramone were not on any shelf. NOT ONE!

Ghost light Ramone, Pit Crew Fillmore, and Pit Crew Doc were not anywhere to be found either. Considering they have been out since February, this was quite surprising.
Only a few of the more recent releases (November) like RPM64, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mario Andretti etc. were available.

Sainsbury’s (probably the best retailer for Cars in Edinburgh) had all the pit row race launchers. Considering Octane Gain has never been released over here (Target is not in the UK),I found this surprising. Then I saw the price. £7.99 ($14) each! A movie moment is £5.99 ($12). Why are we being asked to pay this? I bought all of mine from the states for half that including insured shipping!

After looking at over 1000 die cast cars during all my visits, I only found 1 car that was worth buying. I bought a Mr. and Mrs King Movie moment that my son doesn’t have open. The same store also had the other 4 cars that would have been worth buying to sell. Rusteze movie moment and red Mia & Tia. I decided to let someone that needed them have them.

The Manager at Toys R Us revealed that they have 16 cases of new cars that are on a delivery pallet in the warehouse cellophane sealed! According to him, the rep from the seller (MATTEL?) has to give them clearance to open it. Basically they won’t until the other cars have sold! I half considered buying all their peg warming stock to flog at a loss on eBay just to get access to all their cases, but obviously I woke up and didn’t ask! It occurred to me that he was talking crap, and that most probably, the staff open all the cases and take the good ones. If we have to wait until they sell 32 yellow Ramones, then we should get those cases when the second movie comes out. That will be a nice bit of nostalgia!

I have watched staff meddle with cases before. It was in Jenner’s last year. An assistant was putting new cars out (Tex,Ferrari etc.) but pulled all the newer and rarer ones back and took them away? I wonder where?

When I was consulting a big retailer recently, all their staff used to get first choice on newer cars, and although not as blatant and dishonest as Jenner’s way, the cars would still be gone before the average consumer had a chance to get them.

So why do the staff open all the cases and take ‘the good ones’ before the consumer gets a chance to buy them. EBay obviously!

Recently, ALL of my Cars purchases have been on eBay. I have spent over $1000 this year alone. Shouldn’t that money have stayed in Britain? When I got home from my research I looked up eBay and found Chuki - dozens available from UK based sellers at a starting price of £5 ($10). Her buy it now prices was £10 $20) and there wasn’t a live auction with under a day left that hadn’t secured £7.50 ($15).

Maybe, there is a financial agreement involving eBay? They probably make more in listing fees than retailers do in sales/profit margins? And they don’thave a stock holding or delivery process.

I used to buy Cars to sell on eBay, but I have decided not to anymore. It’s just not morally right in my opinion, GROSSLY profiteering off someone else’s desperation for a child’s toy doesn’t help me sleep at night! If I was buying cases as a business, then yes I would, but going to the shops and clearing the shelves won’t happen anymore. I think it is lowlife stuff.

So why is it that the Cars are so scarce that we can only get them on eBay? Apparently if you look for them in America (go to one or 2 shops twice a week) you find new cars.

(MET: It varies from place to place)

The movie was a great success when released. Kids and adults loved it, and when it went to DVD it sold well, particularly as a Christmas gift. Merchandise sold well too.

At first, buying merchandise was great. The Golden age of Disney Cars collecting!
The Disney store had every die cast vehicle available and restocked weekly.Toys R Us were the same and most retailers with a decent toy selection did ok too. If you wanted to get a toy car, you went to the shop and bought it. Playsets, gift packs and race tracks were easily found.

Then something happened.

Like most consumers, MATTEL probably didn’t know how well die cast 1.55’s would sell, and released the 12 back cards, initial play sets and then 16-backed as test markets. If sales were good, (which they obviously were) then they would release more items and choice.

This is where I think they simply got it horribly wrong.

Supercharged was launched (remember how exciting it was when buzz & woody came out?!)………..THEN………Sarge was recalled……….Consumer demand went throughthe roof……………Mattel!……….. Staggered……hesitated……..slowed the market down!

Why?

Mattel will most probably say -
“……….. The credit crunch has affected sales and production……..”
“…..sales in the Fisher price division were down 13% percent….”
“……….it’s the retailers ordering systems fault….”
“……….the recalled Sarge affected consumer confidence and sales slipped…….”
“………..they cost too much to make…………..”

I have some answers to all these claims.

The credit crunch has mainly affected the housing markets, high pricedluxury good purchases and business start ups. Joe average is not going to stop buying $3 - $10 toys because of it and there is no evidence that they ever have or will. In fact, people feeling the pinch financially will probably spend more time at home, rather than go away for the weekend, eat out etc. What happens when people stay at home more? They find cheaper ways to entertain and amuse themselves, for little kids that’s usually with TOYS!

The 13% lost by Fisher Price somehow having any relevance to the way cars have been produced and sold is ridiculous. If Cars IS the new Star Wars, then Mattel should be enjoying record profits and not worrying too much about FisherPrice. How often do opportunities like Cars come along for a toy company to exploit?

If there is a problem with the retailers ordering systems, then they should be changed. If stores have 20 yellow Ramones and 15 Buzz and Woody’s lying around collecting dust and the retailer selling them refuses to order new Cars product until they sell, then the manufacturer or owner (whoever is the main marketer) should intervene and solve the problem!

The recalled Sarge did not ruin sales, if anything it put them up, because toy collector’s ears were pricked when it happened and they started collecting. The market probably grew. Sure, I accept that some people shied away due to the health risk, but how many and essentially, FOR HOW LONG?!

They cost too much to make? Well if that’s true, add a buck to the price and release more new ones that currently sell on eBay at twice and three times theprice.
MY THEORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MATTEL HAVE SIMPLY, WELL AND TRULY MESSED UP!

Just look at this years release schedule! I count over 50 announced as being released in 2008 as still to be released, and its now May.

If the much criticised Motor Speedway of the south set is a tester, sneakpeak pre sale of single cars, that number is over 70, and with Christmas nearly looming (yes in retail it starts looming in July), MATTEL have set themselves a huge task getting these Cars out before then! I estimate that in order to meet demand and give themselves a good shot before Christmas, they will have to release 70 different packaging styles of Car in 6 – 7 months, which is 10 amonth!

IT SIMPLY WILL NOT HAPPEN!

The problem in my opinion is the way they are sending the cars.

The policy of 12 cars nobody wants or needs in a case with some that we do needs to stop.

IT NEEDS TO STOP!

There is no excuse for 32 yellow Ramones, 15 buzz and woody’s, 16 Sally’s and 13 Dinoco McQueen’s to be on the shelves with nothing else! Neither is it acceptable for my 4 year old son to only be able to get the newer toy car forhis collection at 300 times its rrp.

If the newer ones were more common, the eBay thing would cancel itself out (some cars struggle to get shelf value now).

Also, people feel ripped off, not just financially, but time wise. Parents think ‘what’s the point’. This should be fun not a job!
SO…………………..

I would like to get a petition done; start right here on this forum!

Get as many signatures as you can for the revision of case shipping from MATTEL, so that we can all get the Cars we want at the right price, hopefully before we die.
Failing that, MATTEL should just deal direct with eBay.

Has that happened already without them realising?

(MET COMMENT: Not to shill our own book but several chapters in the book is devoted to the retail distribution situation we have had to put up with and our speculation or )

(MET COMMENT: So, thanks Mark - clearly passionate about CARS …).