Hot Toys – MMS204 - The 1/6th scale ED-209 Collectible

[BatBrain]

So basically most people are just going to tell HT it's ok to send us shoddy merchandise so they can continue doing it in the future. I totally understand everyone wanting to keep their ED, myself included. And it's awesome that Anthropoid is willing to make custom domes. But by saying you are ok sinking another $50 into this and just writing angry comments on HT's Facebook wall, you are just allowing them to get away with this kind of thing again and again. They've shown that they simply don't care about the customers so the only way to hurt them is in their wallet. If they see that there are massive amounts of returns coming in then that will get their attention. I have no damage to mine yet but as soon as I do it's going back to SS. I don't want to spend my time having to do modifications to a $400+ piece. I value my money and if I spend that kind of cash I expect quality merchandise in return. Hot Toys won't give us that if they don't feel they have to.

 

[franpincho]

Everybody who has an ED should get the domes replaced with anthropoids dome when the time comes.

Actually, no. Everybody shouldn't. While I appreciate Anthrapoid's willingness to make replacement domes, I don't see why everybody should just take it in the @ss. Unless you are an international customer, or bought this through ebay, I say return it to SSC/BBTS/etc! Mine hasn't deteriorated yet, but it's been boxed, that's likely why.

Back it goes to SSC, I don't care. And to the ones saying that this will be the only time they'd release an ED209, think again. You are likely the reason HT keeps ****ing us left and right.

 

[coll83]

The liquid casting resin I will be using starts out clear; when I add a liquid pigment to it, (black) it becomes totally opaque. After it hardens, it's rigid like hard plastic. However, if you heat it up with a hair dryer, it gets slightly flexible; this will be a good thing, so each dome can be heated and pressed down onto the head for a perfect fit. After it cools, it's totally rigid again.
Because I will need to use a separating agent to prevent the domes from sticking to the inside of the mold, the separating spray will give the dome castings a semi-shiny surface. Let me clarify that: The shininess won't be residue of the separating spray that can be wiped off. The spray will make the inside of the mold shiny, so that is how the castings will come out. The cured resin can be painted; even though they will be black, I intend to add a very light metallic sheen to mine.
I'm sure if you had a box-fresh ED standing next to another ED that had a custom dome installed, the two would look slightly different. The surface texture detail should be very good though.

coll83 and CollectorGuy, I will consider accepting your kind offers for start-up funding, and thank you both for that.
Money has been tight lately, and I will need to order the materials online. Due to my health issues, I can only execute the planning and prep work right now, so pre-funding might not speed up the process all that much anyway. Let me think about it.

No problem at all! Im in a situation where I am not sending ED back for more than one reason. I also understand that sometimes cash can be tight and you get the old 20 people want it done so you make 20 and only 10 pay so I don't mind committing for mine. not a problem!!

 

[P.]

****in' bad joke is what it is

you still think it's a joke? read lots above and see i'm right )

 

[a-dev]

you still think it's a joke? read lots above and see i'm right )

Listen! And understand!

 

[Budo17]

This is so disappointing and a big ****** u from Hot Toys to all their customers. I was hoping to get this, and even contemplated getting Anthrapoid's replacement dome. But in the end it would be too much hassle to have to fix a new figure. I rather not have the ED than buy one that is made to fall apart. It would just annoy me looking at it.

 

[P.]

Listen! And understand!

 

[a-dev]

 

[skullboy]

Yeah someone should hunt him down (if he's there) who knows, he may be protected from knowing about all of this faulty stuff.

 

[skullboy]

Is anyone here going to SDCC? I am sure Howard Chan will be there, and I'm thinking the best thing would be for those going to talk to him and mention the issues. Given that he is the president of Hot Toys I'm hoping he will listen.

Yeah someone should hunt him down (if he's there) who knows, he may be protected from knowing about all of this faulty stuff.

 

[The Chev]

 

[franpincho]

Has anyone here returned his(hers) ED209 to SSC without the problem having started? They are telling me to send a couple of pics and that they'll take it back, but mine is boxed up, with the plastic on top of the dome.... No cracking yet.

 

[Taibhse]

Rubber sprays etc are only prolonging the inevitable.

The facts are: -

1) This is still the best 1/6 model of ed209 there is, or probably ever will be

2) The existing rubber dome is doomed to deteriorate over time - get over it. Metal rusts, plastic rots, people die, buildings burn....

3) Letters, petitions, rants etc are a waste of time and energy. They have our money, they are not obliged to do anything. These toys dont come with a lifetime guarantee.

4) If you can return for a refund - great. You are still going to be ed-less when all is said and done. Make your decision - do you want an ed209 or not.

What we need to do now as a collecting community is focus on making a quality replacement - hard plastic cover or frame covered in acoustic speaker mesh imho.

There is a tremendous amount of talent and energy on this forum - I am sure we will find a solution that looks good and will last a lot longer.

Absolutely.. why on earth would you take a multi-million dollar corporation to task, for stiffing you on a sub-standard $409.99(excl. shipping) product after only a couple of months ownership.. much better to suck it up, bend further over the barrel and say "Thank you sir, and could I have another.. that'll show 'em you are not to be trifled with, and HT will certainly not make the same mistake twice!.. oh wait....

 

[5x10]

what are some options so that I am not taking it in the a**, other than a flat our boycot of Hot toys all together

 

[franpincho]

what are some options so that I am not taking it in the a**, other than a flat our boycot of Hot toys all together

Return it.

 

[5x10]

Return it.

i dont think timcent will take it, ill ask HT directly once it cracks

 

[franpincho]

Has it been more than 90 days, 5X10?

Never mind, it's 45 days.

 

[Tick-Tock]

I'm hoping online retailers drastically drop their price on this and I'll be able to pick it up for $300. I know, unlikely, but I'm willing to play the waiting game at this point.

 

[Taibhse]

what are some options so that I am not taking it in the a**, other than a flat our boycot of Hot toys all together

If you bought it through the grey import channel, sadly you options are going to be very limited:
Ideally you used a credit card (via PayPal).. this is generally a good idea with grey imports, because you have slightly better consumer protection, than just PayPal's 45 day cover (always factor the 45 day PayPal protection into grey Pre-orders).. if you used a Credit Card, contact the card company's customer service and check your legal entitlement.

If you are buying from a retailer in your own country, then you should have a range of Consumer Protection, regulatory options.. although a Credit Card transaction still helps to give an extra 'sense of urgency' to the retailer, over your problem.. so, contact a Consumer rights organisation to check your legal entitlement.

Pre-order from a no deposit retailer in your home country.. or even better wait till they have stock.. yes, there is a 'risk' under these circumstances you might have to pay a little more.. or very occasionally the figure sells out.. to weigh the importance of these factors, ask yourself: Is the figure genuinely a limited edition or is the hype stratospheric.. yes, Hot Toys Midas, I am looking at you.

Read Sideshow Freaks for all the latest news..quality control alerts.. and banter about the awesome Toys you love to collect!..forewarned is forearmed.


There is one limitation at the moment.. and that is the fact a considerable number of owners are now aware of the issue, but have not yet experienced the physical evidence of this QC problem on their own figures.. again, I would advise contacting a Consumer rights organisation for advice on your legal entitlements under these circumstances.. this is not a cheap figure.. and the fact Hot Toys had exactly the same issue on their previous ED-209 figure.. plus the volume of publicity this new QC problem is generating should help.

Corporations have a marketing tipping point.. once a QC problem starts to damage their business, more than ignoring the problem does, they will generally act to fix the problem.. so do not accept shoddy goods and make a lot of interwebz noise about not accepting them.
Your wallet actually carries more clout than your vote.. all it requires is the mobilisation of the Consumer to stand up for their rights.. you do not always have to boycott a company, to boycott a product.

 

[Megacolor]

Actually, no. Everybody shouldn't. While I appreciate Anthrapoid's willingness to make replacement domes, I don't see why everybody should just take it in the @ss. Unless you are an international customer, or bought this through ebay, I say return it to SSC/BBTS/etc! Mine hasn't deteriorated yet, but it's been boxed, that's likely why.

Back it goes to SSC, I don't care. And to the ones saying that this will be the only time they'd release an ED209, think again. You are likely the reason HT keeps ****ing us left and right.

I'm with you on this!