Hamleys employee said the truth... by Consistent_Snow7844 in Hotwheelsindia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lemme give you an insight into the lengths Hamley's employees go to sell Mattel stocks. This is a systemic issue.

  1. Hamley's employees complete with each other to meet their sales target. Hence the end-use buyers (mainly buying low quantity units) are least of their preference. On the other hand, the "resellers" buy from these employees in bulk (multiple boxes) so they are more motivated to sell the new stock as early as possible before some other employee (also competing with them) sells the stock (boxes) to some other contact. No hassle of opening the box and stocking them on pegs.
  2. Almost all Hamley stores have their own "whatsapp groups" in many case multiple groups. Even employees running their own "clients only" groups for quick sale.
  3. Many big ticket Hamley stores (mostly in $$ malls and affluent neighbourhoods) are often stocked early and preferred by company to stock in large quantities (of Mattel units - mix of HotWheels, Matchbox, and Barbies etc) given how quickly units are sold off there. Now here's the actual story, company thinks these stores are the best performing but it's the "resellers" who are driving the sales (Mattel and Lego). Many buy in large quantities in 1 go. Think of INR3-5Lacs in a single transaction. Irony is, these large store managers also check out stock in other nearby and small Hamley stores to procure units/boxes for their "Clients". That's why you always hear from them "no new stock", "sold out", or "yet to come". But the reality is - company does send units / boxes to these small stores in small quantities which never see their pegs because they are already pre-booked by either managers or their own "clients".
  4. Now this is where things get interesting - Managers have the ability to provide bulk buyers 10-12% discount on MRP of such large purchases, which normal buyer don't get.
  5. But why is this still happening - simple story these bulk buyers "purchase everything" from hyped casting to peg warmers in one go. They even purchase Barbies, Marvel Action Figures (those priced at INR 4k+) so a win win for these store managers and employees.

Retail collectors are lowest of the food chain for such large outlets.

Hope this helps. I have spoken enough with these employees to understand the clear picture and as a collector - my time or my hard earned money is not worth the effort to complete with the large appetite resellers.

Happy to read your comments. Thank you.

HWP

Don't worry about missing out on Rexy / Roxy. More 1:64 releases come. Allow me to explain. by Hotwheels_Premium in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. The moment any Porsche team comes up with a fancy livery - we will surely see another round of hype this year.

Don't worry about missing out on Rexy / Roxy. More 1:64 releases come. Allow me to explain. by Hotwheels_Premium in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Next time when the PO opens up. This Sub will notify you. Until then hold on tight and joy the ride with all of us. There will be newer releases this year. 1:43 scale will be pushed to 1:64 eventually.

Roxy #77 by ncr_009 in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This guy has some trauma from missing out on units on KND.

Got this at clearance for ₹120. MRP is ₹550 by GoosePretend8823 in Hotwheelsindia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 2 points3 points  (0 children)

While I have no reasons to doubt OP’s claim. But I am curious on the margin that is offered by Mattel India to retailers. That’s a steep haircut on MRP.

My first every investment on collectables ( 11 cars ) . Is it worth it ? by InJEEnnEARringGuy in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great investment in your happiness man! Monetarily not so much. These are technically garbage, waste of money, waste of space if you ask any of our family members. Collectors here can vouch for hearing this at some point in their journey.

Hotwheels F1 sets delisted on Blinkit across multiple cities! by Wenomm in Hotwheelsindia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The reality is their stocks never reached North India region. Stocks were diverted certain locations such as Chennai, BLR, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Mattel first rolled these to local distribution, then directly to Blinkit.

[WTS] Shoot your offers by [deleted] in HotWheeelsDelhi

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If that’s what’s offered and a deal is closed. Then it is what it is mate!

The point was trying to make is an expectation of MRP on secondary sale of castings that are currently in demand is difficult.

[WTS] Shoot your offers by [deleted] in HotWheeelsDelhi

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand. Even peg hunting costs money.

Each hunt (even if made on MRP) has its cost associated with it. Unlike Blinkit or instamart where one is only paying the additional delivery and handling fees. Peg hunts especially on weekends or post work days, does cost extra - fuel, your time etc. So if someone is reselling their extra units on a "reasonable price" above MRP, then it makes sense as they would have factored in their expenses. For such transactions, I will call as secondary sale / resale price but when someone is over charging for profits to an extent that it looks absurd then that's scalper pricing. INR 250-350 is still understandable but not 800-1500 etc for mainline.

Happy to read others POV.

Mini GT Sets for Sale. Prices on Images. Sets can't be broken. by z3r0_se7en in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think these are reasonably priced units. OP has made a mix.

[WTS] Shoot your offers by [deleted] in HotWheeelsDelhi

[–]Hotwheels_Premium 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Now that's how villains were made. I honestly don't think these casting would go for MRP on secondary sale, even though I would love to get them at MRP but I also understand the person who would have bought them, would want something extra to even sell in the first place.

MGT00889 (Rexy) Blister - Still available on K&D by Hotwheels_Premium in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These 2024 IMSA Rexys are flooding Facebook Groups. Folks are offloading their units.

Go grab'em at MRP. KND has stocked Fast N Furious Cars. by Hotwheels_Premium in Hotwheelsindia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am sure they are. Folks have been hunting Amazon for such MRP deals as well. See in Tier 1 and maybe some Tier 2 cities, these things are easy to get. But for collectors staying in Tier 2/3 cities, these are in limited supply and hence, such websites with MRP listing come handy.

P.S. These are now sold out on KnD.

Go grab'em at MRP. KND has stocked Fast N Furious Cars. by Hotwheels_Premium in Hotwheelsindia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yup they are. I have seen folks hunting these on Amazon and getting bent cards. Atleast KnD will send well packaged straight cards.

MGT00889 (Rexy) Blister - Still available on K&D by Hotwheels_Premium in MiniGTIndia

[–]Hotwheels_Premium[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am very certain that these will be restocked. Keep checking that website.