Hasbr-uh-oh - Business and Tariffs Discussion

[CoffeeHorse]

I hope they let him work on something interesting. We lost out on so much.

 

[LBD "Nytetrayn"]

Odd that he's posting about it now, when he was there with them at Toy Fair like a month and a half ago.

I mean, good on him! But still.

 

[Undead Scottsman]

EE's prices went up..

$26.99 for a Deluxe (8% increase)
$37.99 for a Voyager (8.57% increase)
$59.99 for a Leader (9.1% increase)
$97.99 for a Commander (8.89% increase)
$163.99 for Star Convoy (9.33% increase)
$218.99 for Other Titans (9.5% increase)

Dear Valued EE Customers,

I want to update you on the current environment (specifically related to new tariff policy) and the impact it is having on our business and our pricing.

Since February, the Entertainment Earth team has been working as hard as possible with our vendor partners and internally to absorb as much cost impact as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot absorb all of the cost increases/tariffs, particularly on products coming from China. Additionally, the current situation is preventing many retailers (ourselves included) from importing product from China which will impact timing of product receipt.

A few things to know:

You will be receiving information in the coming days on price increases and/or delays based on cost increases from vendors and/or tariffs.
To protect you and your purchases, you will be able to adjust your orders without penalty, as we understand the new costs may impact your ability/desire for these products.
If the environment changes and we have the opportunity to reduce prices, we have every intention to do so based on positive changes in the cost structure of toys. Our goal is to support you in building and growing your collections.
Entertainment Earth was built by fans with the singular purpose of bringing pop culture joy to all of you. As fans and collectors ourselves, it truly pains us both personally and professionally not to be able to deliver amazing collector products from so many terrific partners at prices that meet your (and our) expectations.

Please know that we continue to advocate for improved pricing from all possible partners, that we continue to “tighten our belt” as much as possible to serve you, and that if we see positive changes that can lower price, we will pass them on.

Thank you deeply for your continued support and partnership. As always, please feel free to reach out to our team with any questions.

Best regards,
Billy Lagor, CEO Entertainment Earth, and the EE Team

 

[Steevy Maximus]

Odd that he's posting about it now, when he was there with them at Toy Fair like a month and a half ago.

I mean, good on him! But still.

IIRC, he was just a consultant/extra hand with TLS at Toy Fair. Presumably, he's announcing his formal employment by TLS. Also, that sort of stuff is maybe better suited to the MASK and other Hasbro Revival thread we have over in General:

The Loyal Subjects to relaunch MASK, and other Legacy Hasbro Brands

Reported by The Toybook, The Loyal Subjects (TLS) has secured a major licensing deal with Hasbro for a number of legacy properties: Jem and the Holograms, My Buddy, Popples, My Pet Monster, ROM the Space Knight and MASK. TLS has had notable success in relaunching Strawberry Shortcake and...

www.allspark.com

EE's prices went up..

$26.99 for a Deluxe (8% increase)
$37.99 for a Voyager (8.57% increase)
$59.99 for a Leader (9.1% increase)
$97.99 for a Commander (8.89% increase)
$163.99 for Star Convoy (9.33% increase)
$218.99 for Other Titans (9.5% increase)

I saw the other day that the newest wave of GI Joe Classified figures went from $24.99 all the way up to $31.99 (a whopping 22% increase). Likely a result of more recent GI Joe figures being sources from China, where as Transformers are sourced from Vietnam.

 

[Platypus Prime]

re: Prices, WOW...I stupidly did not expect it to apply to existing product solicitations, I think I mentally glitched and just assumed that they were already set up, I'd completely blanked on the sheer amount of lead-time needed. They're still in production...

I guess this is why BBTS started making a vague 'tariff surcharge' since no one knows exactly what is going on, this appears to be 'best guessing' the situation. Saw this on toynewsi, re: Exo-6, who apparently do a lot of high-end Star Trek figures, posted:

"Effective May 2, 2025, the U.S. will enforce a new tax rule for packages from China or Hong Kong, charging 120% of the declared value or $100 (whichever is higher), increasing to $200 on June 1. While SFExpress and ChinaPost believe fees will apply after delivery, implementation details remain uncertain. EXO-6 has suspended shipments to U.S. addresses as of April 20 and will not resume until courier companies and U.S. Customs clarify procedures, ensuring it is reasonable to proceed."

Given that Bandai has also decided to cease shipping once they get the stuff on the water now delivered, for the small niche fandom of TF and GI Joe, I think we're doing WELL, in a weird way...