unhappy with MS/Tomy

ION · #1 12-09-2003, 11:01 PM

I was really hoping MS would have some cool new stuff in time for Christmas this year, and it doesn't look like it is going to happen. Even the BCGs have been non existent.

On the flip side...
Toyeast just sold out with the Super Perfection III models, and they already are selling the new SPII light up beetle sets along with a new SPIV set with Lambo and Ferrari bodies. These sets are really leading the innovation right now.

Meanwhile, back at Tomy, they have let a clone company beat them in design, and they don't have anything new for Christmas. One might say that because of design and production, Tomy may not want to rush product to the shelves before it is ready. One could also say that by missing the Christmas season, they are also missing out on huge amounts of money that they could be used for the previously mentioned design and production. Most toy companies spend all year not making any money, and the Christmas season pays for the whole entire year.

I started this hobby with MS, and since I have the money I thought I would simply stick with the quality product and not gamble on clones. I have been patiently waiting for MS to come out with the type of product that I want, and it doesn't seem like it is ever going to happen. Not only are the clone companies producing the type of products I want, they are going above and beyond with features, price point, marketing strategy, and availability.

So long MS, it is obvious that you have given up. I can't wait for my SPIV to get here in the mail.

EGCivic93 · #2 12-09-2003, 11:23 PM

Tomy recently released the Limited SBCG Ferrari and Lamborghini sets and the SBCG Enzo Ferrari set. I'm anxiously awaiting for my super perfection IIIs.

crazydave · #3 12-10-2003, 10:37 AM

After getting a crappy clone, and slow Zip Zap, I finally bought a BCG, it was perfect. So I was biased towards Tomy, but then I got a series of MSs that didn't handle right. Now I just got a batch of BCGs, 'cause they're cheap now, and it seems that the quality was always a tad spotty, and I just got lucky with my first one.

I bought about 10 of those 5 dolla Thunder Charger cars from Big Lots, and every single one worked perfectly, handles great, and was fast out of the package.

Now Perfection is stepping up to the plate, and really meeting consumer demands, at good price. Meanwhile it seems Tomy is off in their own little world, totally ignoring what we want.

The new bodies are nice though.

ION · #4 12-10-2003, 10:38 AM

Yeah, those SBCG sets are nice, but I can't justify the price of the set for just a few bodies. Tomy marketing is completely backwards, and they seem directionless. It is even more apparent in their misguided MS/Hobbico line.

We will now see Tomy start to clone stuff the other companies are doing. In fact, clone companies have already beat Tomy in batteries, under glow, head lights, multiple frequencies, motors, tires, 2 speed availability, product marketing for the greater than 6 year olds, .... the only things BCG has over the clones are bodies and buses- clone companies are cloning the bodies almost as fast as BCG can put them out, and who gives a BLEEP about a bus?

PauloBecker · #5 12-10-2003, 03:57 PM

Heh I need to find some decent clones, all I get here in Brazil are the ultimate crap ones

But I bought one and I think I'll install a 3.6 volt cell on it to see how fast it goes

My BitCharG Skyline is still my favourite though.

Comrade_Boris · #6 12-10-2003, 03:57 PM

i have a SP-I and i love it! great body detail and comes with 3.8 motor........i wanted a SP-III but, ya, they sold out.....

Canadian Bit · #7 12-10-2003, 05:09 PM

Well, I'm not sitting here in my own world. Just give them a while. I bet SPG where in the R&D stage when BCG came out. I don't understand why you guys wan't American Muscle bodys, It's just too square. As soon as TE ships my Murc, I'll be happy, because I'll finally have a decent set of super car bodys.

crazydave · #8 12-10-2003, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Canadian Bit
Well, I'm not sitting here in my own world. Just give them a while. I bet SPG where in the R&D stage when BCG came out. I don't understand why you guys wan't American Muscle bodys, It's just too square. As soon as TE ships my Murc, I'll be happy, because I'll finally have a decent set of super car bodys.

Canadian Bit, who said anything about muscle car bodies in this thread? I'm sorry, I just don't get how that was relevant to the discussion, Everyone said the new bodies are nice, and besides so what if I do like muscle cars?

My car, my opinion, my choice. So you don't need to understand.

strakka · #9 12-10-2003, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazydave
My car, my opinion, my choice. So you don't need to understand.

Pfft! everyone is entitled to MY opinion....

anyways, i think tomy just gave up on bit char-gs in general, the new super bit char-gs came out just cuz the had to come out with those bodies...

Snow · #10 12-11-2003, 02:57 AM

So where do I get one of these Perfection cars?

Canadian Bit · #11 12-11-2003, 07:22 AM

Why'd they give up? I think that they'll eventually make some good models for NA. but, they're doing well in the far east.

ION · #12 12-11-2003, 10:08 AM

Ok, this has nothing to do with NA muscle cars. I do have body types I would like to see, but I am more into racing than getting the look I want. (and just so you know more about me, I actually like the Asian car styles)

All I want is a Tomy two speed car with more frequencies than just two. I would even order it from Asia if they made it, but there are none available. Now the clone companies are making exactly the types of product I want to buy, and they are greatly exceeding my simple wants. Tomy seems to be ignorant of market trends that people are asking for.

And as far as "I think that they'll eventually make some good models for NA", that was addressed in my original thoughts. Hobbico/MS is missing a HUGE opportunity to make some cash by not taking advantage of the holiday season. Why would a toy company not do everything possible to have lots of product on the toy shelves in December? Add to the fact that the clone companies are making a killing this season, and Hobbico/MS are really the big losers.

slotsurfer · #13 12-11-2003, 02:15 PM

I think The Micro Car fad has passed and is gone that is why Tomy is not putting in much effort.Look at all the after market companies that have droped by the way side ie; drift king,QFM.Go to TRU or Target they have a ton of MS sitting on the shelves.I was at savon last week they had the$1.99 clones from last year stock still.Hobby people has tons of Atomic Z cars on their shelves. RS Has quite a few ZZ also.What happen the general public bought them for their kids last christmas. The same little brats that crash their Big R/C car in to Curbs or their friends cars for fun. The Micros did not last but a week or one day. So the parents are not buying them this year. Maybe astojaks, electronics or video games try to go buy something at Best Buy it is one huge line.
So now what do we do nothing! Micro R/C is back to it's cool stage again. When only the hard core micro R/C guys were around when Martini was the only board.We were scronging around E Bay and paying outrageous prices for BiT chargs.
But you do need to support your LHS or TINY R/C so we will have Micro R/C cars and web boards.Or we will be back to the days of ebay and paying $60.00 for a regular BiT charg.
You have to admit is kind of nice not having to sift through a couple 100 posting a day on Tiny web board.That's why I took a little break it became to much for me

ION · #14 12-11-2003, 03:25 PM

I agree, with all of the really really cheap clones flooding the market, and the fad having been worn off, Tomy does not have quite the profit margin it once had in the micro rc hobby. This fits in well with what I was saying about Tomy/Hobbico.

First of all, Hobbico's marketing.... Has anyone watched a 6 year old play with a toy? Whatever is on the toy that can be broken, will be broken within about 10 minutes. So why is MS reliant upon setting their target market at children? If Tomy wants out of the business, then that is fine and there isn't really anything we can do about it.

If they want to stay and compete and still try to make some cash, then they are going at it completely wrong.

Comrade_Boris · #15 12-11-2003, 03:39 PM

no ofense to anyone but i live in a town filled with redneck farm bows and noone gives a hoot about rc anything.......im am one of a few people in my town who have rc cars...let alone micro rcs..........i have 4 MS, 1 SP, 3 ZZ, 1 CB DigiQ, 1 XMOD, and 1 scratch built Bit-Plane (its still in the works....).......