MattyCollector "Mattel Hoverboard" discussion
- Thread starter hound97
- Start date
JakeBluesZombie
New Member
WAIT!
The little sign next to it gives a disclaimer about colors and deco 'not being final'. So....like.....the final, final board is still 'soooooo not final, not eeeven close'.:sick I'm baffled.
Scott Neitlich is so completely full of ****. He should get into politics, Matty runs itself like some ******* regime of a totalitarian third world country: Lies, distortions, suppressing the voice of the oppressed, unethical business practices.
Does Hugo Chavez need a press secretary? If Matty goes under, I nominate Scott.
The little sign next to it gives a disclaimer about colors and deco 'not being final'. So....like.....the final, final board is still 'soooooo not final, not eeeven close'.:sick I'm baffled.
Scott Neitlich is so completely full of ****. He should get into politics, Matty runs itself like some ******* regime of a totalitarian third world country: Lies, distortions, suppressing the voice of the oppressed, unethical business practices.
Does Hugo Chavez need a press secretary? If Matty goes under, I nominate Scott.
They had access to fur but decided to go along with the (mistaken) recollection of one of the designers when they met with him and Bob Gale. The designer insisted when he met with them that the strap was velcro instead of fur. Fans told Mattel that his memory was wrong, and Mattel knows that in every pic that exists of hoverboards onscreen and off the strap is fur, but they still decided to go with what he said.
The sign about it not being final looks to be a standard sign they use. Since the boards are supposed to ship next month, they are probably already on a container ship headed here from China. I don't think there's any time for further changes.
The sign about it not being final looks to be a standard sign they use. Since the boards are supposed to ship next month, they are probably already on a container ship headed here from China. I don't think there's any time for further changes.
deadbolt
Sr Member
:sick..For Mattel's resources, that is just so...terrible. And that's a nice way of putting it.
-Carson
JakeBluesZombie
New Member
I smell class action lawsuit to get group refunds once these are in hand. They cannot refuse refund and most lawyers will agree this was a classic bait and switch.
JakeBluesZombie
New Member
I think this is totally legit. You already have BBB claims against them for this item that accuse Matty of bait and switch, the hard part if trying to figure if there is any money here for a lawyer to glean off of this as a class action case. What are the damages? How many people know how bad this thing turned out versus what it should have been--screen accurate?
I still think it's hilarious that the BEST board was the first one. The 'looks like' model was the best of the three. Ironic, really.
Sergemeister
New Member
Ok, so I've lurked since this thread was created because I had the same concerns as everyone here. Mattel has repeatedly done this in the past with other licenses including the Ghostbusters figures line, DC Universe Classics and Voltron. Their cost-cutting measures have negatively impacted their reputation among collectors, problems including digital river customer service, Matty customer service, materials etc - It has all been bad. :angry
This company sells items at prices similar to Hot Toys yet nowhere near their quality or craftsmanship. If they don't deliver on this item I hope that more people will speak up and pursue the legal avenue that will hold this company accountable for their bait-and-switch tactics. :wacko
I like many others love these licenses and chooses beyond common sense sometimes to purchase them, hoping that they will look like the real mccoy. It is not the fault of the consumer however that they are forced into a binding agreement to buy a collectible based on promises of "screen accuracy" and then once they have secured your order to simply dismiss their own promises on delivering the product. Like many have stated before it IS a bait-and-switch and there are laws that protect the consumer. :sick
I'm still hoping for the best outcome here...:confused
JakeBluesZombie
New Member
Does it come with that fantastic display stand? Seriously, it's a plus.
Tommunist
Active Member
I put my pre-order in as soon as they were put on on the site. I figured it would be better than the foamcore one I got of eBay (or is it now ebay? I guess the big "B" is gone...) and would make a nice addition to my "ready room" of not meticulously screen accurate prop replicas. But when I saw the videos and read the posts on MattyCollector, I thought it could become something really special. And then reading about the generosity of time and effort put forth by the veterans of the RPF into trying to contribute to the effort and pointing Matty in the right direction (plus offering honest feedback), I have to say it is a shame that so many here feel like it was all for nothing.
That said, I feel that for the amount of money I'm paying for a specialty "toy", it will still do the trick for my "needs". I have no prop building skills (although I "boiled and popped" a few action figure heads in the day for Star Trek toys) and I don't have a lot of disposable cash (but who does?) So, this type of product appeals to me in the same way I like the Diamond Direct Art Asylum Trek toys: I can't afford the EFx or Master Replica high end items, and I feel more comfortable handing my "pretty close toy" versions of phasers and triocorders. Although I'm new here, I recognize a few people I've purchased items from on ebay here, when looking for inexpensive props that still have a level of care or detail you won't find at retail, or items that no company would even think to sell!
So, I understand the great frustration to those who feel let down, defrauded or even "betrayed". Maybe a middle-of-the-road'er like me is the target audience for the hoverboard?
I've never purchased from MattyCollector before, missing out on JLU exclsuives which meant I'd never have a complete set, on not getting the Ghostbusters ghost trap before the "toy scalpers" grabbed them. I don't have confidence that they will be around for much longer. (By the way, I was at an Ollie's store which is a discount and closeout chain, and they a whole bunch of General Zod and Lex Luthor figures and a few of the Matty DC action figures for sale, if it hasn't been mentioned).
Mattel's little specialty section for the adult collector seems to have ticked off the most passionate of their audience, which is never a good idea. I hope those who want refunds will get them, but I bet you could flip your purchase on auction for a pretty penny and then use yoru profit on items made by your fellow RPF crew. It's a great community here, one of which I'm happy just to lurk in most of the time.
That said, I feel that for the amount of money I'm paying for a specialty "toy", it will still do the trick for my "needs". I have no prop building skills (although I "boiled and popped" a few action figure heads in the day for Star Trek toys) and I don't have a lot of disposable cash (but who does?) So, this type of product appeals to me in the same way I like the Diamond Direct Art Asylum Trek toys: I can't afford the EFx or Master Replica high end items, and I feel more comfortable handing my "pretty close toy" versions of phasers and triocorders. Although I'm new here, I recognize a few people I've purchased items from on ebay here, when looking for inexpensive props that still have a level of care or detail you won't find at retail, or items that no company would even think to sell!
So, I understand the great frustration to those who feel let down, defrauded or even "betrayed". Maybe a middle-of-the-road'er like me is the target audience for the hoverboard?
I've never purchased from MattyCollector before, missing out on JLU exclsuives which meant I'd never have a complete set, on not getting the Ghostbusters ghost trap before the "toy scalpers" grabbed them. I don't have confidence that they will be around for much longer. (By the way, I was at an Ollie's store which is a discount and closeout chain, and they a whole bunch of General Zod and Lex Luthor figures and a few of the Matty DC action figures for sale, if it hasn't been mentioned).
Mattel's little specialty section for the adult collector seems to have ticked off the most passionate of their audience, which is never a good idea. I hope those who want refunds will get them, but I bet you could flip your purchase on auction for a pretty penny and then use yoru profit on items made by your fellow RPF crew. It's a great community here, one of which I'm happy just to lurk in most of the time.
plasmapulse
New Member
Could have been much better but it could have been worse (really). I still want the board and see it in person. I am sure I will be able to sell it here locally (Netherlands) if I want to get rid of it.
BUT what concerns me is the sticker application. It looks very wobbly overall in one of the first pics and the sticker on the rim doesn't look very well applied either. It has been pointed out by someone else earlier.
Point is, I can live with inaccuracies (I will be replacing the strap though)as long as the overall board is well made.
BUT what concerns me is the sticker application. It looks very wobbly overall in one of the first pics and the sticker on the rim doesn't look very well applied either. It has been pointed out by someone else earlier.
Point is, I can live with inaccuracies (I will be replacing the strap though)as long as the overall board is well made.
FakeBritishAccent
Sr Member
I think you put it perfectly, friend. Seriously, everyone who's pissed should just take a chill pill and re-read this post.
I pre-ordered the board as soon as they were announced and I'm keeping it. Those who are unhappy, get a refund or flip the board on The Junkyard or eBay. What's done is done...and all the angry posts in the world isn't going to change anything.
-Jonaas
razorsharp192
Sr Member
just thought i'd post this, thought it was interesting. I emailed Matty to see how i'd go about cancelling my order if i wanted to, this is the reply i got...
Thank you for contacting the MattyCollector.com online store.
We have received your request to cancel shipment of your order;
unfortunately we were unable to do so. Your order was processed for
shipment immediately upon completion, and no changes were able to be
made.
This is outlined in our refunds and cancellations policy, located at:
MattyCollector.com Online Store - Returns and Cancellations
If you do not wish to receive the shipment and you would like a refund,
you may refuse delivery. We apologize for this inconvenience.
I actually didn't ask them to cancel it, i asked how i would cancel it if i wanted to. Since the email is all in the past tense i replied asking if this has already been shipped?! No reply yet. Not great that you can't cancel a pre-order though if it hasn't been shipped yet
Thank you for contacting the MattyCollector.com online store.
We have received your request to cancel shipment of your order;
unfortunately we were unable to do so. Your order was processed for
shipment immediately upon completion, and no changes were able to be
made.
This is outlined in our refunds and cancellations policy, located at:
MattyCollector.com Online Store - Returns and Cancellations
If you do not wish to receive the shipment and you would like a refund,
you may refuse delivery. We apologize for this inconvenience.
I actually didn't ask them to cancel it, i asked how i would cancel it if i wanted to. Since the email is all in the past tense i replied asking if this has already been shipped?! No reply yet. Not great that you can't cancel a pre-order though if it hasn't been shipped yet
bowspearer
New Member
Except that it's more than just that though - it's not just a case of being disappointed but a case of being disappointed, knowing it's not what we want, and knowing Mattel are now going to try and force it on us by claiming that we are legally bound to buy it regardless - even though such an act, considering we're talking about a bait and switch. It's this secondary that makes it more agitating and gives everyone who bought one the right to take it more personally than a mere disappointment over it not being what we hoped.
The time to let it drop will be when it's all over, which wont be until after it ships. On that note, Alan's posts have been highly flawed as he's claimed that Mattel aren't trying to rip us off here. The fact that as Razorsharp has just proven with Mattel are playing games as opposed to allowing people to opt-out of preorders; trying to scam us is precisely what Mattel is doing here.
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bowspearer
New Member
Actually wouldn't you guys in the states would be much better off filing a formal complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) than the BBB?
Here we go again :rolleyes
After seeing the reply razorsharp192 received, it is self-evident that Mattel does not intend to give refunds merely on request.
However, they did not say they won't.
If the board is different from their original promotional specs, then there is grounds for a refund, and they are not denying you (in general for those who want it) that.
I say 'if', because till I see the final board that is actually being shipped (yep, call me St. Thomas if you wish, its the way I am.), nothing is set in stone yet.
Now for the real crux.
Let's assume that the board turns out to be different from their original promotional specs.
Is this fraud or a scam ? No, it isn't.
It is, in simple terms, the unfortunate reality of "The final product may vary yada yada yada yada ..." disclaimer, made right from day 1.
Are you entitled to a refund ? Yes. And they will give it to you, as they said above. Just refuse the delivery.
Is this the correct way to do it ? Ethically, absolutely not. That is a PR disaster for diehard fans. Mattel should have allowed opt-outs from their pre-orders.
Yet, technically, they are doing nothing wrong I'm afraid. They said the product may vary, and the procedure to get a refund if you feel it is different, is as they said - refuse delivery.
Want the deposit you paid back before then ? Do a charge-back through your credit card.
Notwithstanding what anyone may say, eg that it is fraud, a rip off, a scam, legal suits and the likes, is utter nonsense.
That statement comes from direct experience in the legal side of consumer related matters, spanning over 20 years (European).
Fraud only comes into play if a refund is refused.
And that is because there are zero 'actual damages' - except emotional. Here, no judge will award 1c to anyone who may claim they have been scarred for life because their toy is not 'right'.
It is nothing except, as I said, a PR disaster for Mattel vis-a-vis their diehard consumer base.
Rest assured, however, that they will still sleep at night, and still declare a profit at the end of the year.
This hoverboard is but a drop in their ocean of enterprises.
If one chooses not to accept these realities, then there is little else I can say except repeat my original advice : take it easy, its not worth the ulcer.
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Alan, here in the states, the legal proceedings for Bait and Switch are pretty standard, however, the State of California has extra laws on this specifically to protect the consumer. In this case, with Mattel being based there, they face stricter and broader legal definitions which make it easier for the consumer base to pursue such a breach. Just a heads up on this particular issue.
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