Flex Pay a new business strategy?

[BadMoon]

So I went to the site to pre-order the Sand Trooper. Was only given the option to pre-order using flexpay. My question is will this be the new standard? I am guessing this is because there are charges if you cancel a flexpay item. I wonder if this is the new way Sideshow has decided to handle this in order to prevent cancelations? Not sure I like it at all.

[BadMoon]

Yep I decided. I think this new strategy sucks. :lol

[Fetunche]

The non-flexpay were probably sold out, :emperor

[Cocoboloboy]

When I saw that it was Flexpay I hesitated so long that I missed the preorder. One of the things I really liked about SS was the ability to cancel if I had to or , more importantly, if the final product isn't up to par, without getting hit with a fee.

If this continues there will be a lot less SS ordering for me. If SS had a better proto to production piece track record it would be less of a problem.

This stinks.:mad:

[Darth Waller]

The non-flexpay were probably sold out, :emperor

I think this is it. I was able to choose which one to order.

[BadMoon]

When I saw that it was Flexpay I hesitated so long that I missed the preorder. One of the things I really liked about SS was the ability to cancel if I had to or , more importantly, if the final product isn't up to par without getting hit with a fee.

If this continues there will be a lot less SS ordering for me. If SS had a better proto to production piece track record it would be less of a problem.

This stinks.:mad:

I agree completely. I don't see how the way you pay for something makes the same item sold out. :dunno Very very underhanded if you ask me. I am not rich by any means but I certainly don't need to flexpay a $100 figure. :monkey2

[pixletwin]

Me too. I chose flexpay because I think its LONG OVERDUE for 1:6 payment options.

:rock :rock THANKS SIDESHOW! :rock :rock

[BadMoon]

Me too. I chose flexpay because I think its LONG OVERDUE for 1:6 payment options.

:rock :rock THANKS SIDESHOW! :rock :rock

Your missing the point Marc. :rotfl

[Cocoboloboy]

Why not give the option of flexpay to every piece instead of giving a certain number a Flexpay requirement and some not though?:confused:

[MaulFan]

I ordered for myself and a friend under two accounts and both saw two order options, not sure if something with the webpage went goofy, but there was a non-FP option at some point in all this.

[Cocoboloboy]

I agree completely. I don't see how the way you pay for something makes the same item sold out. :dunno Very very underhanded if you ask me. I am not rich by any means but I certainly don't need to flexpay a $100 figure. :monkey2

Exactly.:banghead

[Darth Waller]

It does seem like they had a certain number of figures available for regular purchase and the rest available for Flexpay.

[Karma]

I don't see the problem, there was the option to flexi or non flexi

the only thing to take from this is positive as they've realised times are tough & lowered the price limit for flexi items

[pixletwin]

Your missing the point Marc. :rotfl

Point being? :dunno

Its obviously a new business model and I believe it will keep the figs after market value up. Whats wrong with that?

[FQRizzo]

I don't get the draw of Flex Pay. Why do I want to pay SS for something I won't get for months? If I want to save up the money for something, I'll put it aside in an evelope or something, so the money is still in my possesion if I really need it for something vital.

[devilof76]

I chose not to FlexPay because I don't want anyone asking me for money until the last minute. I guess you just had to be quick enough. Obviously all of the figures wouldn't be alloted as regular orders, and those went first. If more people had wanted FlexPay, then the regulars would have been left at the end.

:dunno

[Cocoboloboy]

I don't see the problem, there was the option to flexi or non flexi

the only thing to take from this is positive as they've realised times are tough & lowered the limit for flexi items

There was no option when I went to order though. It was Flexpay or nothing.

[ck1]

My thoughts on this are that it does seem odd you would get charged to cancel something that is not due to be released for almost a year, secondly, I feel sorry for the wait-listers as people will be less inclined to cancel if there is a charge.

On the flip side, it heats up the PPO which cant be bad!

[Darth Waller]

the only thing to take from this is positive as they've realised times are tough & lowered the limit for flexi items

I think that's a great idea and look forward to it in the future.

[ck1]

When I ordered two i had to choose one of each of methods of payments which is also rather strange. I simply ticked both boxes as I saw no option to enter a value of two in one payment method?!?

[BadMoon]

Point being? :dunno

Its obviously a new business model and I believe it will keep the figs after market value up. Whats wrong with that?

Basically it means you can no longer pre-order and then have the option to cancel without losing money. Oh sure you can, but you are only able to pay like a normal person if you are right there on time. So now if the production ends up being crappy we the consumer are now forced to pay something. I would rather them just come out and say that they are going to charge fees for cancelations. This just seems sneaky.

[devilof76]

They've always had separate lots of figures whenever a FlexPay is offered. I don't see what's new.

[EVILFACE]

Why not give the option of flexpay to every piece instead of giving a certain number a Flexpay requirement and some not though?:confused:

Coco speaks the truth!!

[BadMoon]

Coco speaks the truth!!

:lecture:lecture:lecture:lecture

[The ill Jedi]

Me too. I chose flexpay because I think its LONG OVERDUE for 1:6 payment options.

:rock :rock THANKS SIDESHOW! :rock :rock
I like it! If they can offer this on say Hot Toys figures, that would be awesome.

[Karma]

I like it! If they can offer this on say Hot Toys figures, that would be awesome.

would make the new predator releases more affordable

[pixletwin]

Basically it means you can no longer pre-order and then have the option to cancel without losing money. Oh sure you can, but you are only able to pay like a normal person if you are right there on time. So now if the production ends up being crappy we the consumer are now forced to pay something. I would rather them just come out and say that they are going to charge fees for cancelations. This just seems sneaky.

Why should they ask our permission? :lol

They are prolly hurting in today's econimic climate and they are trying this out as a possible solution.

[BadMoon]

Why should they ask our permission? :lol

They are prolly hurting in today's econimic climate and they are trying this out as a possible solution.

Don't think they needed to. I like to pay for something upfront. I also like the ability to cancel if need be. FlexPay is great for some people. However like coco said why don't they just offer it to everyone then? Why seperate it? To PREVENT cancelations. That's why. Now I don't want to get into production issues but do you see the point? We pre-order based off of the proto photos is all I am saying. If we don't get exactly that then we should also have the ability to cancel.

[MaulFan]

They've always had separate lots of figures whenever a FlexPay is offered. I don't see what's new.

They shouldn't do that on something like this though. I've never heard of an item where folks couldn't get it non Flex-Pay before, but clearly this may have happened on this figure. If FP policies with cancelling stay as they've been, it's not right people getting stuck to those terms when it's not what they wanted and was their only option.

[pixletwin]

Don't think they needed to. I like to pay for something upfront. I also like the ability to cancel if need be. FlexPay is great for some people. However like coco said why don't they just offer it to everyone then? Why seperate it? To PREVENT cancelations. That's why. Now I don't want to get into production issues but do you see the point? We pre-order based off of the proto photos is all I am saying. If we don't get exactly that then we should also have the ability to cancel.

But you can cancel.... for a price. :devil

:lol

[FQRizzo]

Would someone explain to me why they like using FlexPay as opposed to, like, putting money in a jar every month? (I mean, there's no cancelation fee for the jar :lol)

[Cocoboloboy]

We pre-order based off of the proto photos is all I am saying. If we don't get exactly that then we should also have the ability to cancel.

:lecture This is the main problem right here, especially for 1:6 products.

[devilof76]

They shouldn't do that on something like this though. I've never heard of an item where folks couldn't get it non Flex-Pay before, but clearly this may have happened on this figure. If FP policies with cancelling stay as they've been, it's not right people getting stuck to those terms when it's not what they wanted and was their only option.

Are exclusives usually offered with FlexPay?

[BadMoon]

:lecture This is the main problem right here, especially for 1:6 products.

That and we pre-order this stuff sometimes a year in advance. If anyone can tell me what there situation will be like in a year I may have to flexpay you a few figures. :lol

[pixletwin]

Would someone explain to me why they like using FlexPay as opposed to, like, putting money in a jar every month? (I mean, there's no cancelation fee for the jar :lol)

The reasons are two fold

1) To deter people from canceling

2) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[FQRizzo]

The reasons are two fold

1) To deter people from canceling

2) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

By "they" I don't mean SS, that one is obvious ($$$). I mean my fellow freaks.

[BadMoon]

The reasons are two fold

1) To deter people from canceling

2) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

So you do understand my point. :rotfl:chew:rotfl

[Darth Waller]

I saw this on their site. Has this always been in the Flexpay section?

"If the item's cost is less then $199, the cancellation fees may be scaled lower in proportion to the final item's cost."

[pixletwin]

So you do understand my point. :rotfl:chew:rotfl

Yes yes.... I understood. I just don't see what the big deal is. It forces you to be more introspective. :lol

[BadMoon]

It forces you to be more introspective. :lol

But but I am impulsive! :chew:lol:chew

[Darklord Dave]

They always have an allotment up for regular and another allotment up for flexpay. If like me, you waited 2 mins. before logging in, all you saw was the Flexpay, because the regular allotment was already sold out.

It's not a business strategy or a great conspiracy - it's just how their flexpay system works. I've never ordered flexpay before, but I'll be emailing to ask to switch it to the other method.

It was probably divided 50/50 and most people went for non-Flex, thus us latecomers only saw the Flex.

[devilof76]

They always have an allotment up for regular and another allotment up for flexpay. If like me, you waited 2 mins. before logging in, all you saw was the Flexpay, because the regular allotment was already sold out.

It's not a business strategy or a great conspiracy - it's just how their flexpay system works. I've never ordered flexpay before, but I'll be emailing to ask to switch it to the other method.

It was probably divided 50/50 and most people went for non-Flex, thus us latecomers only saw the Flex.

I knew I got it. BM needs to stop cryin'.

[BadMoon]

They always have an allotment up for regular and another allotment up for flexpay. If like me, you waited 2 mins. before logging in, all you saw was the Flexpay, because the regular allotment was already sold out.

It's not a business strategy or a great conspiracy - it's just how their flexpay system works. I've never ordered flexpay before, but I'll be emailing to ask to switch it to the other method.

It was probably divided 50/50 and most people went for non-Flex, thus us latecomers only saw the Flex.

I guess we won't really know because we don't know what they allot. I also will be shooting them an email to see if I can get rid of the flexpay. If they honor it then yes definately no conspiracy. I don't think I saw them offer it on such a low priced item before though. :dunno

[BadMoon]

I knew I got it. BM needs to stop cryin'.

:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2

[occulum]

I dont think so Dave.
Im about 99% sure ive seen Dusty mentioned theyre all pulled from the same pile because Ive seen this happen probably half-dozen times so its been asked before.

i think its just an oversight and that puling both versions once its sold out isnt automated and its a manual process that leaves room for human error.
We all know SS isnt always very prompt / efficient with their website maintenance/updating ...

[devilof76]

:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2

Damn. You're so sthenthitive.

[WetaWork]

I also will be shooting them an email to see if I can get rid of the flexpay. If they honor it then yes definately no conspiracy.

Please let us know how that works out.

[devilof76]

I dont think so Dave.
Im about 99% sure ive seen Dusty mentioned theyre all pulled from the same pile because Ive seen this happen probably half-dozen times so its been asked before.

i think its just an oversight and that puling both versions once its sold out isnt automated and its a manual process that leaves room for human error.
We all know SS isnt always very prompt / efficient with their website maintenance/updating ...

So why do they have separate ordering pages for FlexPay and non-FP?

[occulum]

So why do they have separate ordering pages for FlexPay and non-FP?

my guess would be a website encoding/processing issue ...

.. personally I think they should have 1 product page with a checkbox during checkout to make the purchase a flex-pay item...

[Cocoboloboy]

I've never noticed the Flexpay alotment on a 12" figure before. If this is the way from here on out I've either got to really be fast on PPO day or forget about the EX then.

[BadMoon]

So why do they have separate ordering pages for FlexPay and non-FP?

So why don't they have a flexpay exclusive sticker on the box when you receive it? Since it is a different version and all. :monkey3:rotfl

[devilof76]

I've never noticed the Flexpay alotment on a 12" figure before.

There's never been one. But have they ever had it for exclusives of the types of stuff they normally offer it for? Because if they did, then this is nothing new in the least. Why has it never been an issue for the people who buy exclusives of the normal FP items?

[devilof76]

So why don't they have a flexpay exclusive sticker on the box when you receive it? Since it is a different version and all. :monkey3:rotfl

So that you can ask me this dumbass question. :lecture

:lol

[BadMoon]

So that you can ask me this dumbass question. :lecture

:lol

:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

I actually laughed out loud. Haha!

[occulum]

if there was always a seperate allotment for Flex-Pay items, this wouldnt be something new. Youd see it happen with every item when the regular sells out ... :monkey1

[devilof76]

:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

I actually laughed out loud. Haha!

:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

[The ill Jedi]

This has been BadMoon's ^^^^^ of the week...

...brought to you by:

http://www.mediabistro.com/prnewser/original/Douche.jpg

[BadMoon]

This has been BadMoon's ^^^^^ of the week...

...brought to you by:

http://www.mediabistro.com/prnewser/original/Douche.jpg

Thanks Ill! I will remember to use it properly this time. :duff

[galactiboy]

Weird... I was ordered and done pretty fast. I saw the flexpay option, but picked regular. Didn't think about it being a way to deter cancelations... probably a smart move for Sideshow.

But does mean I will have to be more cautious ordering figures from them... especially non-exclusives.

[Shropt]

This was the first time they've done a Flexpay on a figure preorder. Things are always a little weird the first time.

Next time will be easier methinks.

Also, why is Badmoon suddenly a Teemu-thinker?

[Darth Waller]

"Enjoy Being a Woman"? That's the best they could come up with? :lol

[The ill Jedi]

"Enjoy Being a Woman"? That's the best they could come up with? :lol
:dunno...:lol

[BadMoon]

This was the first time they've done a Flexpay on a figure preorder. Things are always a little weird the first time.

Next time will be easier methinks.

Also, why is Badmoon suddenly a Teemu-thinker?

I forgot my tin foil hat today. :horror The toxins in the air have entered my fragile brain. :D

[The Josh]

I ordered for myself and a friend under two accounts and both saw two order options, not sure if something with the webpage went goofy, but there was a non-FP option at some point in all this.

I saw both as well. Mine was regular ole order type but if I had only saw FP I would have still gotten it.

I like it! If they can offer this on say Hot Toys figures, that would be awesome.

I do 2. Really don't see the big deal here. It makes you wonder how badly do you really want this and honestly I'd like to see it offered more for figures from say Hot Toys that cost quite a bit.

[Darth Madden]

I had both choices. I think the option of flex-pay is great but it does really suck that they forced some people to use it.

[Alice Adrenochrome]

I can perfectly understand why SSC launched the Flex Pay option for less expensive items (see article USA TADAY), but, it's simply wrong to place collectors in a dilemma.
Offering Flex Pay is basically a good thing, but people should be able to chose for this option voluntary, and not be forced into it because some monger or computer system dictates them to. I hope this get resolved in favor of what should be most important to SSC: their customers. Frankly, we have to deal with enough ^^^^ already, and there might come a time, when people have other things in mind then buying toys.
If SSC manages to get this Flex Pay thing rolling without upsetting their customers, it'll be interesting to see if they expand this idea to all other items in the $100 range, meaning to items from all other manufacturers they represent.

Jobless rate spikes to 7.2% as Dec. payrolls plunge by 524,000

By Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The unemployment rate jumped to 7.2% in December, the highest in nearly 16 years, as employers slashed the most jobs in 2008 since 1945, the government said Friday in a report that painted a grim picture of the U.S. job market.

The jobless rate was up from 6.8% in November. The increase brought the rate to the highest since January 1993, the Labor Department said. More than 11.1 million Americans were unemployed in December, up 3.6 million from when the recession began in December 2007 and the highest since June 1983. Here's the link if someone wants to read the whole article.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-01-09-jobs-dec_N.htm?csp=34

[Memnoch]

I went flexpay because it gives me a more solid date to expect arrival and know when the money will be taken so I can plan ahead of time and accordingly. Flexiblity and advance knowledge are my friends.

[DerMann]

I went flexpay because it gives me a more solid date to expect arrival and know when the money will be taken so I can plan ahead of time and accordingly. Flexiblity and advance knowledge are my friends.


I agree, plus the payments aren't due until Aug and Sept. I'm surprised Sideshow hasn't started charging people for regular cancelations like some third party dealers.

[Dusty]

A note about FLEXPay - if an item offers a FLEX option, you can request to change it from one to the other before payments start... ie: if you order via the 'straight pay' option and you decide later that you'd rather make payments, you can call customer service to switch to FLEXPay (which is why we offer it now when someone decides to cancel their item).

OR if you order via FLEXPay and decide you'd rather pay for it all at once when it ships, you can also call to switch... as long as the payments haven't started yet, there is no problem whatsoever. So there is always a choice, even after you've pre-ordered!

Long story short, if you were one of the few who only had the FLEX option for the Sandtrooper available during the 1 minute or less that is was like that, call up and change it to the straight pay if you don't want FLEX! It's as simple as that :duff

(Also, we can't offer it on EVERY item because, unfortunately, it's a manual process and each FLEX item number requires a bunch of manual labor to keep up with... it's not simply a payment option on the back-end, our system treats it as a completely different item and payments are processed manually. Which is also the reason for the cancellation fee, unfortunately.)

[The Monster]

I'm surprised Sideshow hasn't started charging people for regular cancelations like some third party dealers.

Do not put this idea in their heads please.:D

[Wish]

I don't get the draw of Flex Pay. Why do I want to pay SS for something I won't get for months? If I want to save up the money for something, I'll put it aside in an evelope or something, so the money is still in my possesion if I really need it for something vital.

Exactly. It's even more ridiculous when you're in the EU.
If it were not a marketing gag, why not offer every customer the chance to either FlexPay or pay Regularly until they're all gone? There's nothing like a FlexPay-Version of a statue. :slap :faq

[Memnoch]

Exactly. It's even more ridiculous when you're in the EU.
If it were not a marketing gag, why not offer every customer the chance to either FlexPay or pay Regularly until they're all gone? There's nothing like a FlexPay-Version of a statue. :slap :faq

Did you even read what Dusty posted?

[JacktheRipper]

A note about FLEXPay - if an item offers a FLEX option, you can request to change it from one to the other before payments start... ie: if you order via the 'straight pay' option and you decide later that you'd rather make payments, you can call customer service to switch to FLEXPay (which is why we offer it now when someone decides to cancel their item).

OR if you order via FLEXPay and decide you'd rather pay for it all at once when it ships, you can also call to switch... as long as the payments haven't started yet, there is no problem whatsoever. So there is always a choice, even after you've pre-ordered!

Long story short, if you were one of the few who only had the FLEX option for the Sandtrooper available during the 1 minute or less that is was like that, call up and change it to the straight pay if you don't want FLEX! It's as simple as that :duff

(Also, we can't offer it on EVERY item because, unfortunately, it's a manual process and each FLEX item number requires a bunch of manual labor to keep up with... it's not simply a payment option on the back-end, our system treats it as a completely different item and payments are processed manually. Which is also the reason for the cancellation fee, unfortunately.)

Good to know. There have been a couple of times I've wanted to switch. One of the aspects of Flexpay that I don't like are the fees. I understand them I don't have to like them:peace. Not that I plan on canceling, but with so many other things in life I would like to be able to cancel without being dinged for it.

[devilof76]

A note about FLEXPay - if an item offers a FLEX option, you can request to change it from one to the other before payments start... ie: if you order via the 'straight pay' option and you decide later that you'd rather make payments, you can call customer service to switch to FLEXPay (which is why we offer it now when someone decides to cancel their item).

OR if you order via FLEXPay and decide you'd rather pay for it all at once when it ships, you can also call to switch... as long as the payments haven't started yet, there is no problem whatsoever. So there is always a choice, even after you've pre-ordered!

Long story short, if you were one of the few who only had the FLEX option for the Sandtrooper available during the 1 minute or less that is was like that, call up and change it to the straight pay if you don't want FLEX! It's as simple as that :duff

(Also, we can't offer it on EVERY item because, unfortunately, it's a manual process and each FLEX item number requires a bunch of manual labor to keep up with... it's not simply a payment option on the back-end, our system treats it as a completely different item and payments are processed manually. Which is also the reason for the cancellation fee, unfortunately.)

Get 'em Dusty. :whip

[BadMoon]

A note about FLEXPay - if an item offers a FLEX option, you can request to change it from one to the other before payments start... ie: if you order via the 'straight pay' option and you decide later that you'd rather make payments, you can call customer service to switch to FLEXPay (which is why we offer it now when someone decides to cancel their item).

OR if you order via FLEXPay and decide you'd rather pay for it all at once when it ships, you can also call to switch... as long as the payments haven't started yet, there is no problem whatsoever. So there is always a choice, even after you've pre-ordered!

Long story short, if you were one of the few who only had the FLEX option for the Sandtrooper available during the 1 minute or less that is was like that, call up and change it to the straight pay if you don't want FLEX! It's as simple as that :duff

(Also, we can't offer it on EVERY item because, unfortunately, it's a manual process and each FLEX item number requires a bunch of manual labor to keep up with... it's not simply a payment option on the back-end, our system treats it as a completely different item and payments are processed manually. Which is also the reason for the cancellation fee, unfortunately.)

:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana

[Dusty]

Slight addendum before everyone gets too excited... I'm not 100% sure if switching from FLEX to "straight pay" does not incur a fee, I just know that it IS possible to get them switched. My main point is that when in doubt, always call customer service to ask, as it can't hurt either way!

As for this Sandtrooper PPO, it appears that the piece was oversold a bit during that one minute that only the FLEXPay option was showing on the site. So if you did see that option and were able to get your order in - fee or no fee, you were lucky to secure your pre-order at all! :chew If things had gone completely according to plan, those orders would be Wait List reservations rather than T orders!

[Dusty]

P.S. To clarify completely - "oversold" doesn't mean we will make more than the edition size, it simply means there won't be as many available to fulfill Wait List reservations when cancellations / card declines occur :duff

[occulum]

:lol .. dont you love rererereading your own posts to make sure they cant be twisted and/or misinterpreted ...

[The Josh]

:lol .. dont you love rererereading your own posts to make sure they cant be twisted and/or misinterpreted ...

Dusty had kids(us) before she had a kid. :lol It will serve her well I imagine.

[Dusty]

Dusty had kids(us) before she had a kid. :lol It will serve her well I imagine.

Ha! Good one Josh :rotfl

Also, if you find that you aren't gonna be able to pay for a product all at once and want to switch to FLEXPay, we've made it even easier than calling in :) You can request FLEX online now, when you go to 'cancel' that item, it will ask you if you'd like to request a FLEXPay schedule for that item. That's by far the most efficient way to go from non-FLEX to FLEX because someone will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available. (for those who ask "Why do FLEXPay at all?" - well, some people - me being one of them! - are not as good at putting aside money on our own, without some kind of outside influence like the threat of a cancellation fee :lol)

Long, long (long) story short - FLEXPay is definitely not a new business strategy to try to force collectors into keeping their orders, or to collect cancellation fees from the unwary. It has been and always will be a little extra on Sideshow's part to help the collector out and make some of the higher priced items a little more money-manageable - just be sure you really really want it before signing the contract (aka, checking the 'accept terms and conditions' button), or be prepared to be charged a small cancellation fee to cover the extra processing for FLEX items. (By the way, I have been told that the cancellation fee will be proportional to the item's cost - so expect it to be a bit lower for the Sandtrooper figure since it's only $109.99.)

In this one particular instance (Sandtrooper), we were were experimenting to see how it would be received when offered for a 12-inch figure, and it was a complete fluke that *only* FLEX showed up during the PPO for under a minute. When the item sold out, our system (for some reason) didn't remove the FLEX item number from being visible, only the 'straight pay' item number. Thus my point that above - that those who were able to place that FLEX pre-order in that small time frame are very lucky to have an order at all! :duff

[Darth Madden]

You can request FLEX online now, when you go to 'cancel' that item, it will ask you if you'd like to request a FLEXPay schedule for that item. That's by far the most efficient way to go from non-FLEX to FLEX because someone will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available.


Even better. I think old Blackbeard is going to go Flexpay now.

[Darth Waller]

My Han Solo in Carbonite waitlist just came through, so I might end up changing that to Flexpay now.

[Alice Adrenochrome]

...

Also, if you find that you aren't gonna be able to pay for a product all at once and want to switch to FLEXPay, we've made it even easier than calling in :) You can request FLEX online now, when you go to 'cancel' that item, it will ask you if you'd like to request a FLEXPay schedule for that item. That's by far the most efficient way to go from non-FLEX to FLEX because someone will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available. ...

Now that is good news. But what does the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." mean?
When my wait-list for the Thor exclusive PF came through, I immediately contacted the customer service to see if they could change it to a FLEXpay, and the answer was "no". Why? Because all FlexPay Thors where sold out! Very strange. Even telling them that I had items changed to Flexpay before, didn't help. The only options I had left where either to cancel the Thor altogether, or, keep it as an ordinary order. I guess that's what the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." means, right?
Fortunately for me, changing the Thor ex. to FLEXpay wasn't strictly necessary. All of that happened before Sideshow introduced the online request for FLEXpay.

[Warrior Alien]

P.S. To clarify completely - "oversold" doesn't mean we will make more than the edition size, it simply means there won't be as many available to fulfill Wait List reservations when cancellations / card declines occur :duff

Haha! The second I read this I was getting ready for the lynch mob and riot!!! Good thing you clarified! :lol

[Dusty]

Now that is good news. But what does the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." mean?
When my wait-list for the Thor exclusive PF came through, I immediately contacted the customer service to see if they could change it to a FLEXpay, and the answer was "no". Why? Because all FlexPay Thors where sold out! Very strange. Even telling them that I had items changed to Flexpay before, didn't help. The only options I had left where either to cancel the Thor altogether, or, keep it as an ordinary order. I guess that's what the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." means, right?
Fortunately for me, changing the Thor ex. to FLEXpay wasn't strictly necessary. All of that happened before Sideshow introduced the online request for FLEXpay.

That's very strange! Yeah, there should be no problem switching to a FLEXPay option - perhaps the person you talked with was new and didn't realize that s/he could manually switch it? But yeah, now it's best to go through the online request so that they all get sent to the appropriate person and that doesn't happen again!

By 'if it's available' I mean if there's a FLEXPay option for that product. Some people request FLEX on some items that never offered a FLEX option in the first place.

[uulwyn]

I think flexpay is a potentially very good idea from sideshow. Could i ask though does flexpay on a waitlist item still incurr fees if you cancel? I assume not, but i just wanted to check.

Thanks

[Dusty]

I think flexpay is a potentially very good idea from sideshow. Could i ask though does flexpay on a waitlist item still incurr fees if you cancel? I assume not, but i just wanted to check.

Thanks

If your order starts with a 'W' then no - that means it's still in Wait List status and not a true order yet. If it has 'converted' to an order and now starts with a letter other than a W (usually a 'T'), then the cancellation fee goes into effect. I think they make you check that 'cancellation fee' button even with Wait Lists so that you know that if it converts, there will be fees incurred if you cancel :duff

[onethousandmasks]

I like the flex pay option. Makes it alot easier on the wallet.:D

[Skiman]

If your order starts with a 'W' then no - that means it's still in Wait List status and not a true order yet. If it has 'converted' to an order and now starts with a letter other than a W (usually a 'T'), then the cancellation fee goes into effect. I think they make you check that 'cancellation fee' button even with Wait Lists so that you know that if it converts, there will be fees incurred if you cancel :duff

Hey Dusty, I have a quick question is there a limit to how many Flex items you can have, I have two Flex items that are close to being paid off and I didn't know if I wanted to Flex another two items would that hurt my chances. I recently just called about Flexing Arnold and got the "if" scenario option could be applied.

Just wondering if the Flex option is not available looks like I'll have to get Arnold at a different time. :monkey2

[Dusty]

Hey Dusty, I have a quick question is there a limit to how many Flex items you can have, I have two Flex items that are close to being paid off and I didn't know if I wanted to Flex another two items would that hurt my chances. I recently just called about Flexing Arnold and got the "if" scenario option could be applied.

Just wondering if the Flex option is not available looks like I'll have to get Arnold at a different time. :monkey2

Hi, I answered your PM, but in short, no there is no limit at all on how many items you can have on FLEXPay at any one time. Just know that if you cancel any of them, there will be cancellation fees assessed :duff

[Skiman]

Hi, I answered your PM, but in short, no there is no limit at all on how many items you can have on FLEXPay at any one time. Just know that if you cancel any of them, there will be cancellation fees assessed :duff

Yup, they will have my consent :rock :rock :rock

I'm good just goin on a trip and this week is the week, so end of the month is phenomenal for me!

This is great news Dusty thanks for the reply here and the PM!:banana :duff

[Fritz]

Now that is good news. But what does the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." mean?
When my wait-list for the Thor exclusive PF came through, I immediately contacted the customer service to see if they could change it to a FLEXpay, and the answer was "no". Why? Because all FlexPay Thors where sold out! Very strange. Even telling them that I had items changed to Flexpay before, didn't help. The only options I had left where either to cancel the Thor altogether, or, keep it as an ordinary order. I guess that's what the "...will email you back with all the info and a schedule if it's available." means, right?
Fortunately for me, changing the Thor ex. to FLEXpay wasn't strictly necessary. All of that happened before Sideshow introduced the online request for FLEXpay.

That's very strange! Yeah, there should be no problem switching to a FLEXPay option - perhaps the person you talked with was new and didn't realize that s/he could manually switch it? But yeah, now it's best to go through the online request so that they all get sent to the appropriate person and that doesn't happen again!

By 'if it's available' I mean if there's a FLEXPay option for that product. Some people request FLEX on some items that never offered a FLEX option in the first place.

Let me take a shot at this. I have no idea if this is true it's just my personal thought for this example. The Thor Exclusive was highly sought after with many wait listers waiting for an opportunity to get it. Since converting your order to flex would mean they would have to keep it in stock while waiting for your multiple payments, there were probably many other people willing to pay right away, so they decided not to accept flex pay conversions for that particular statue at that particular time. Again, I have no idea if that's what actually happened but it makes sense to me and I would do the same if it was my call.

[Skiman]

Let me take a shot at this. I have no idea if this is true it's just my personal thought for this example. The Thor Exclusive was highly sought after with many wait listers waiting for an opportunity to get it. Since converting your order to flex would mean they would have to keep it in stock while waiting for your multiple payments, there were probably many other people willing to pay right away, so they decided not to accept flex pay conversions for that particular statue at that particular time. Again, I have no idea if that's what actually happened but it makes sense to me and I would do the same if it was my call.

Yea and if there was so many jumping ship on a certain piece they would strive to stop ppl from canceling and convert them to Flex is my way of thinking.

[MaulFan]

By 'if it's available' I mean if there's a FLEXPay option for that product. Some people request FLEX on some items that never offered a FLEX option in the first place.

So FlexPay option when you go through a cancellation process can only pan out for items that were posted with and FP option, but say you were in a position where it was FP or cancel a 1/6 Star Wars figure that never had FP, you can't just turn that piece into an FP you'd have to cancel it?

[onethousandmasks]

So FlexPay option when you go through a cancellation process can only pan out for items that were posted with and FP option, but say you were in a position where it was FP or cancel a 1/6 Star Wars figure that never had FP, you can't just turn that piece into an FP you'd have to cancel it?

When you go through the cancellation process, they give you an option to cancel or for them to see if flex pay is available. I did for EX Vader, Ex Snake Eyes, and most recently EX Utapau Trooper (non had FP option at the time of pre-order). On all 3 occassion they told me it was available if I wanted it. So Im going to assume that most items have it. And they do warn you that after it is converted, it will have a cancellation fee. Once you accept it, you get a notice that you item is flex pay. Also, FP doesnt mean you get your items last either as many speculate. I got my Snake Eyes the day after it started shipping (ofcouse being in CA helped a little). That that means my FP order was as good as any regular order.

[MaulFan]

Did your FP item ship before you made all your payments?

[onethousandmasks]

Did your FP item ship before you made all your payments?

No, actually they way they set it up is that they take part of the payment the month before it is due to ship. They actually give a specific day date your first payment will be charged. In the case of a 12" figure, its done in 2 payments.

[MaulFan]

Oh, well I'm switching to FP right now because the item's about to ship and I can't cover it, so it will be delayed a few months.

[lerath666]

for what it's worth, I sualy DON'T cancel anything. Not if i can help it anyways. I'm not wealthy by an streach of the imagination. infact i'm very poor (i make about 800$ a month). as Such, i flexpay EVERYTHING i can now that this system is in place. I like it alot, and it lets me get things i might otherwise have had to pass on.

[onethousandmasks]

for what it's worth, I sualy DON'T cancel anything. Not if i can help it anyways. I'm not wealthy by an streach of the imagination. infact i'm very poor (i make about 800$ a month). as Such, i flexpay EVERYTHING i can now that this system is in place. I like it alot, and it lets me get things i might otherwise have had to pass on.

I made the mistake of cancelling the EX Cobra Commander (One big regret). I should have started using the flex option then. If you have multiple items your wallet doesnt feel it as much. And with 3 kids and a mortgage, FP is a fantastic option.