Hasbr-uh-oh - Business and Tariffs Discussion

[Steevy Maximus]

I got these earlier, and was planning a newspost about them, but was hoping to find if there was at least a third-such notice, just to kind of round things out. I'm not as entrenched in the online specialty toy store ordering scene, so does anyone know if anyone else selling Transformers/Hasbro product has issued anything of the sort?

Here’s something from the industry:
Jay Foreman, Chief Executive of Basic Fun spoke to The New York Post concerning tariff impacts on its business. For the record, Basic Fun is a Florida based toy maker known for K’nex, Lincoln Logs and has licenses for Pound Puppies, Tonka and Littlest Pet Shop. Basic Fun has HALTED shipments from China due to uncertainty concerning the tariff situation.

Luxury cars, watches, toys not being shipped to US over tariffs — here are some of the brands being held back

Normally in demand items will soon be hard to find in America as companies hold off on shipping their goods here.

nypost.com

I cannot risk putting any product on the water that might incur [high] tariffs as implemented and threatened by the president,” Jay Foreman, chief executive of Basic Fun, which makes toys in China, told The Post.

Kids’ toys​

Come July, Tonka Trucks, Care Bears, K’nex, Lincoln Logs and many more toys could be completely sold out in the US.

The classic toys are made by Boca Raton, Fla.-based Basic Fun, which today halted shipments of all its toys made in China.

“It’s one thing to try to absorb or pass along 10 percent to 20 percent, but 54 percent to [potentially] 104 percent is impossible!” said Foreman. “The consumer will just shut down, as will global trade.”

Again, when posting this, the tariff rate with China is 145%

 

[The Mighty Mollusk]

While not really Transformers-related (they carry some of the Flame Toys models and the Bishoujou statues, and even most of that is out of stock), USA Gundam Store has also posted a notice about tariffs. Thought it might be hobby-related enough to be worth posting.

What’s the Impact?
Unfortunately, due to recent tariff changes, we will be seeing price increases on affected products—this includes both new purchases and existing pre-orders. We’re actively working to minimize these increases by negotiating with our vendors, streamlining our import processes, and absorbing some of the added costs ourselves. We truly appreciate your patience as we work to reduce the financial burden on our customers.
When and How Will Prices Change?
Up until now, we’ve managed to hold prices steady despite the uncertainty. However, with the ongoing fluctuations and lack of clarity, we’ve decided that the most transparent approach is to continue displaying our regular, non-tariff-adjusted prices on pre-orders. A tariff surcharge will be applied at the time your order is ready to ship, based on the applicable tariff rate at that time. As of April 11, 2025, this surcharge may range between 5% and 50% of the item’s value, though this could change as the situation evolves.
To avoid confusion, all pre-order listings will continue to show the standard pricing, but will include a clear notice about the upcoming surcharge. When your order is ready, we’ll notify you of the exact surcharge. At that point, you’ll have the option to proceed or cancel the order without any cancellation fees.
Our customer service team is here to support you throughout this process and will remain flexible given the circumstances. We’re updating our website to reflect these changes, though it may take some time to roll out fully.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We truly dislike having to increase prices, but this tariff situation is outside our control. If tariffs are reduced or lifted in the future, we will promptly lower or eliminate the surcharge accordingly.
We promise to be fair, transparent, and to shoulder as much of this burden as possible. We’re already feeling the strain these tariffs are placing on our business, but we remain committed to delivering the quality and service you expect from us.
Whether you're new to our community or a long-time supporter, we are deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty you’ve shown to the USAGS team and your continued passion for the hobby. Thank you for standing with us—we will continue to work hard every day to earn your trust.
Warm regards,
The USAGS Team

 

[LBD "Nytetrayn"]

Aaaaand done.

Toys - Online Retailers Report Effective Changes as a Result of Tariffs

In light of recent events, online toy retailers are starting to feel the crunch as a result of the tariff war that is going on. This has prompted at least two such retailers, Allspark.com sponsors TFsource and BigBadToyStore, to issue statements about how this will affect their ability to...

www.allspark.com

While not really Transformers-related (they carry some of the Flame Toys models and the Bishoujou statues, and even most of that is out of stock), USA Gundam Store has also posted a notice about tariffs. Thought it might be hobby-related enough to be worth posting.

SONOFA--

I mean, that's great! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Rhinox]

If nothing else, the fact that we are here in our niche little corner of the internet, talking about our niche little hobby and are unable to segregate politics from our every day lives as collectors shows just how much impact politics really does have.
This is an end to the argument that it doesn't matter whose in charge politically.

As for me, outside of main line stuff, I can no longer collect. I've got 2 Dr. Wu preorders that haven't yet been filled. I'm keeping them (the cassette bots) but that's the end of any third party collecting because I can't afford the price hike. Hell, the newest Archecore figure is over $200! 200 bucks! I paid only 130 and 150 for the last two big figures.
It's done. And I know I'm not the only one. And that may kill that company that is making great toys and doing wonderful things. Gone.

All so some Melon Felon can manipulate the markets enough to pillage the retirements and funds of thousands of ordinary Americans, ushering in the greatest transfer of wealth in the last 5 generations.

 

[Anonymous X]

Just a thought, but anti-Americanism will be a factor in many countries going forwards. As in American brands like Transformers could actively lose a lot of support overseas. This tariff crisis will spike prices in the rest of the world, and people in not-America will be angry at the nation whose government significantly impacted their standard of living.

 

[Princess Viola]

Nah see Transformers is only half-American, overseas fans will only half boycott it.

 

[Cybersnark]

Yeah, Transformers specifically can make the case of being a Japanese brand (I've actually spoken with non-fans who didn't even realize it was made in the US and just assumed the whole thing was imported/dubbed).

 

[Sabrblade]

Yeah, Transformers specifically can make the case of being a Japanese brand (I've actually spoken with non-fans who didn't even realize it was made in the US and just assumed the whole thing was imported/dubbed).

I know from first-hand experience that the Unicron Trilogy years certainly had casuals convinced that Transformers was and had always been a Japanese-original anime franchise with zero conceptual input from the U.S. side.

 

[Tuxedo Prime]

I know from first-hand experience that the Unicron Trilogy years certainly had casuals convinced that Transformers was and had always been a Japanese-original anime franchise with zero conceptual input from the U.S. side.

Not just the UT....

I can't be sure if it was a misreading of the Microchange trademark on Soundwave's cassettes, but it had been a long-standing misconception among casuals (and apparel license holders) that Fight! Super Robot etc. etc. debuted the year prior to the Transformers toyline launching in America (which was not in fact the case).

 

[Princess Viola]

I mean tbf almost every other mecha franchise is Japanese-original and is just imported to the US, so why would casuals and non-fans assume Transformers is any different?

 

[MrBlud]

TakaraTomy releases (almost) everything Hasbro does and is often cheaper for Europe and definitely would be for Asia.

 

[lastmaximal]

Speaking for must the Philippines, Takara stuff tends to be pricier still, even post POTP brand unification, from specialty stores that imort both.

It's been that way for so long that resellers almost instinctively push what they're selling as Takara product to try and command a higher price (I remember someone specifically touting his Hasbro Studio Series item as Takara because the Takara logo was up top on the front of the box -- no Japanese language name sticker or numbering or anything, just the same Takara logo that was in that place on all Studio Series product on both shores). Not that that ever really works.

But, ehh, this country is weird in so many other dumb ways.

 

[LBD "Nytetrayn"]

I'm tired of living in interesting times.

 

[Rhinox]

I'm tired of living in interesting times.

I feel this so goddamn hard. Like, can we please have a break? I need just a week of semi normalicy to reset.

 

[The Mighty Mollusk]

Can we try precedented times for a while? Please? I feel like we haven't lived in precedented times since the late 80s.

 

[Exatron]

Since this seems to be the place for discussing the impact of the tariffs on Transformers, I have something I've been wondering about. All the talk, articles, fact checks, etc. I've seen regarding tariffs has been about purchasing items from companies that import their products from other countries. I would hope it's fully understood by everyone at this point that it's the importing companies that pay the tariffs, and that increase in cost to them means an increase in cost to the end customer, just like any other increase in cost would.

But what happens if we, as individuals, import products from other countries directly? Do we get a bill sent to us that has to get paid before it's released? If so, how? When? From who? Do the new tariffs apply to products that were already in transit, but not yet in the US? I'm assuming they would apply to products that are pre-ordered (even if pre-paid), but not yet shipped? I'm guessing many of these would typically get excluded by the de minimis exception, but Trump was also eliminating that, right? Or is that yet another thing he was made to realize was a hug up and reversed? Would the exact nature of the purchase have any bearing on any of this? For example, would buying from a company like Show.Z or TF Safari be handled any differently than buying from some random person on eBay?

 

[Princess Viola]

I'm guessing many of these would typically get excluded by the de minimis exception, but Trump was also eliminating that, right? Or is that yet another thing he was made to realize was a hug up and reversed? Would the exact nature of the purchase have any bearing on any of this? For example, would buying from a company like Show.Z or TF Safari be handled any differently than buying from some random person on eBay?

The de minimis exception is still being eliminated for goods imported from China or Hong Kong.

So...yeah, he hasn't backtracked on that front. (And he likely won't because if you can say he had a 'plan' here it was to try and continue what began during his first term and continued during the Biden admin by lessening reliance on China and Chinese import - hence why lots of companies like Hasbro moved manufacturing to Vietnam because they saw the writing on the wall. Of course also Trump is a fuckin idiot and now he is also surrounded by idiots too who don't realize that you kind of need allies who you don't alienate to do something like this)

And yes we will have to pay these if we're importing stuff directly. How? Depends: if it's a retailer, chances are they'll be including the new tariffs directly in the price for US customers and therefore the tariffs will be paid for you, if it's just some random eBay seller IIRC like you'll have to pay the postal service/UPS/FedEx the tariff cost once the items have cleared customs but before they can release them to you.

 

[Steevy Maximus]

Others are probably better versed to answer, but from what I’ve gathered:
Yes, de minimis was “closed” with the newest round of tariffs. Tariffs are appraised on all items regardless of value.

MY UNDERSTANDING is that tariffs/fees are assessed by US Customs. Presumably, you’ll receive a notice for paying any due tariffs on imported items with a set time before the item(s) are destroyed. Yes, if you don’t pay your fees, Customs will just destroy your jive. What you have to pay is determined by claimed item value, what the item is, and I think I heard there are even fees for just receiving a package. Again, I know the absolute basics, but don’t have direct experience with a direct import shipment.
TF Safari, from my quick little read, is actually skirting fraud with how they handle customs claims. Though, I doubt the size and value of their products are going to flag any major response. Unless you are dealing with a middleman in the US (like BBTS or Entertainment Earth), if the shipment is direct to your home, YOU are responsible for any tariffs placed on the item.

Tariffs are assessed ONCE THE ITEM ENTERS THE US! Doesn’t matter when the item(s) were shipped, no fees are assessed until the items enter a US receiving port. That means the items you paid for will still get nailed if they get here in 3 months with whatever the current rate is at the time. That‘s why the representative from Basic Fun (from the article I posted above) had to pause all shipments: it might have taken 2-3 weeks for their products to GET to the US, where Basic Fun would then be liable for any tariffs upon their arrival. Some electronics companies, beside pausing shipments, actually spent the money to air lift and “fast track” products this past spring in order to get inventory to the US before the tariffs were put in place.

 

[Platypus Prime]

That's a huge part of this problem, there's been no warning or regularity on when tariffs change, so there's no way to be sure what they will be on item arrival till it happens. For electronics from China it literally went from 25% to 125% to exempt in a week. And individuals aren't exempt, you have to pay it the same as a corporation. EBay international was always a pain buying or selling BEFORE. Now I won't even try it, everything I do will have to be 'US Bids Only'.

 

[Exatron]

See, this is where I'm getting confused. I've been expecting to get a bill at some point. I've made a few orders from Show.Z this year, especially for Blokees. My previous completed order was placed in mid-March, shipped on the 25th, and arrived earlier this month. So it should have been at least after some of the tariffs were supposed to go into effect, albeit before everything really blew up. I have another order in transit now, in three shipments for some reason, and they're all in the US. Two show "Batch delivery to carrier" and the third has already made it through a shipping hub in Illinois. I was kinda expecting to get a bill once they hit the US, but that doesn't seem to have happened, which is why I'm confused.

Actually, I just did another search, and I think I figured out the answer. Looks like the de minimis exception being eliminated for China is effective May 2nd. So there are a couple more weeks left where small packages like this can still come in tariff-free. I may have to look and see if I want to order anything else before it's too late. Based on my last couple orders, I think they could just barely squeak in.

Of course, if I do, Trump will probably get pissed off again and decide to summarily implement them immediately.