Which Online Toy Retailers Are in Trouble? (And Other Mailbox Questions!)

[@Nerdzoic]

As the Nerdzoic Toy Store continues to grow, how can we continue to keep our “mom & pop”? At what point do you feel like we lose that?

[@Obsidian-10101]

Honesty, I don't think you can. You'll keep it for a time but once the business goes beyond 20 - 40 people you wont be able to hear all the chatter going on with in it. Its natural for any growing company to become more "corporate" unfortunately.

[@mannyperez4126]

Is your biz an LLC ? Also, which platform do you use to pay yourselves? Gusto, ADP?

[@valricsteelblood2425]

I think what you're doing, right now, on youtube, is how you keep the 'mom and pop' feel in the internet age. Being the personable, visible face of your business.

[@TheRedDemonZero]

I've got a really neat mom and pop type shop nearish me called Radar Toys that sells toys, comics, and collectibles that started as an online store. The things they've done to continue that kind of Mom n' pop feel seem to be similar to what you're doing - cool sale type things with blind boxes and fast turn around time for processing and shipping. For the store front, they've really tried hard to make themselves part of the local community. Sometimes they'll set up free comic book day style events for the strip mall they're in and invite all the other businesses to participate (bake shop next door would have a root beer float special for example). They also go the extra mile for people - for example, i once saw the owner call a local hobby oriented toy store (that is technically their direct competition) to redirect a customer there and make sure they had what she was looking for. Made it so the lady even knew the name of the person who would help her when she got there. It was smooth, because at the same time he ended up networking with that owner and they seem to redirect people back and forth now since their shops have differences in spectrum of collectible.

[@mrjones5025]

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain…” I want you to make $1,000,000 doing this, but an unfortunate fact of successful business is loss of personal touch with scale. See: Google. They used to have the motto of "Don't Be Evil." Now they are the Unicron of tech.

[@modeisin7]

I say keeping the KZbin channel is definitely something that sets you apart. Really gives a human face to the store and your breakdowns of the business side is also something that I personally like.

[@t.f.t.f.8522]

I had no idea big boy collectibles went out of business. They were a go to for me whenever I missed out on things elsewhere. Too bad.

[@toeknee1505]

I must admit that I have stopped buying action figures at Walmart and Target since May 2023. Your latest breaking news video about reissues has sparked an interest in me. I also need to see your website to see what you have. The brick and mortar store toy aisles usually look sad and bare, so seeing an online website is a different experience because they tell you what they have, instead of physical stores of what is missing. Different perception. Thanks Big Nerdy! Hope your ankle is getting better. And thanks for this video!

[@TransHuman_Tia]

I think in regards to your questions about keeping the mom and pop feel for your store, this KZbin channel and your content gives viewers a perfect window in to you as a person and business owner and by continuing this series you will help keep the mom and pop feel to your store ( at least the online side) as we the audience see and hear you unlike big companies who have other people talk for them. Your show would be like if the ceo of Habro had a public video diary we all could watch to see why they choose at the things they do😅

[@DorkLair]

This right here is an excellent point, the channel itself is the answer.

[@omarflores4577]

Definitely keeping the KZbin channel, and keep giving updates on new products received and new pre orders that are coming up.

[@Jake_E57]

Continuing to be the face of your company, doing videos, livestreams, and videos documenting your trials and tribulations as a ‘mom and pop’ toystore really does wonders for helping you keep that feel. Even new people who come to you now as you continue to grow can go back and see you personally go from a toy related KZbin channel and growing into someone with a stake in the hobby. It also doesn’t hurt that you have a very big, and also very friendly personality which make your videos warm and inviting. You also work your butt off with everything you set out to do, so I know you’ll manage to keep that flavour to your business no matter how you manage to grow it.

[@yangor8260]

I think being on KZbin is the best way to keep the mom n pop feel. Because you do these videos, talk about your family involement, people feel like they know you. You don't have to have a small shop to have a small shop feel. Keep up the good work! 🙂

[@user-pb4vt5vl1c]

McFarlane's Customer Service has become horrible. Received a large order with same defects on each package and they admitted to me that all the items in-house were defective and to fix them myself! Who Has customers that would pay for items we have to open & try to fix when even McFarlane can't or won't repair it?!!

[@robertwantland646]

Love your honesty. I've ordered all my Classified figures from you and (Pulse exclusives don't count) the fact you reached out to see if it was ok that a couple of my figures packages had slight damage and if I still wanted them was amazing. If anyone is reading this is wondering, I really had to look very hard to see what you and Anna saw. Great customer service!

[@georgemitri1171]

We had one shop in Toronto called Outrun Collectibles, they started online only but opened a physical shop last year. Unfortunately they ended up filing for bankruptcy, leaving many pre orders unfulfilled.

[@cobracommander9138]

I'm still salty Dorkside ran off with my money. Plus I met those guys at the Star Wars Convention.

[@danishjumari2870]

the realest toy channel out here...thanks for being transparent with the viewers ~

[@tomlegore5615]

Exactly by doing this type of video, you make us feel like we matter. You explain the business side of of it so us collectors can understand. Thanks for that

[@TrlllyToys]

Keep doing what you're doing big nerdy. Keep prices fair, keep engagement high, and keep making fun videos. Getting a look into the world of retail toy selling has been so fun and as long as you keep doing it, I'll be here

[@DCFCfanatic]

What you said Mattel told you about not dealing with you....not the first time I heard that. I used to go to this mom and pop Diecast toy car shop two towns over from mine. I got to know the owners there and they always had all the latest cars in stock. When the big stores got new stuff, they would get the new stuff too. Hell, they would even get the more collectible cars, the more detailed ones that at the time, Targets and Walmarts didn't carry. Then something changed. I started to notice they were no longer getting anything. It was the same stuff every day. Every once in a blue moon something new would come in but it was usually something that the main stores had already carried ages ago. But they were still not receiving things like they used to. They were constantly on the phone with the companies (Mattel, Greenlight etc) and getting into arguments with them. I never asked what was going on until the day I got to the store and found out they were closing shop. The owner told me that the companies simply told him that the major retailers come first. If anything else was left over, then they would send them that. WTF? Then they told him that they didn't want to deal with the small businesses anymore because it wasn't doing great business for them. So sadly the store closed. Even though they said they were gong to try and re open elsewhere, it never happened.

[@GodkingHD]

I was sad when Space Monkey Toys,Megalopolis,and Dorkside Toys went out of business.

[@taliajay1043]

Your defo right about what a pain in the ass finding good distros are. But after plenty of research you will eventually find those who have those £2.50 a marvel legends figure and £1.50 a figure for the 3.75” legends. You have to buy 50+ units but man its worth it. Dont wanna reveal too much as i know you buy from them too but trust me sellers they are out there.

[@GonzaloRubio.]

Watching these videos makes me wanna support nerdzoic and return of the nerd even more because I know they're honest people who also care about the products they sell

[@busdriverguy]

Mcfarlane Toys are typically the cheapest collector figures at my local stores so from my perspective Mcfarlane is skippable. However if you wanted to sell the harder to find or more sought out figures, you might see a profit

[@greygoatt66]

Big Nerdy your store is awesome. I have switched to buying all my figures from you. Fast turn around and constant communication

[@fatkungfu1972]

“BRANDING!!” 😂😂😂😁😁😁

[@DuplicitousDark]

if hasbro just cared little bit more abt small details they could really kick the figure quality up a notch.

[@drewkremer2609]

Thanks Big Nerdy. I always appreciate the “dealing in reality” videos. More to learn about the business.

[@Nickk9957]

The show you had when you went to collectors home was so great. I hope you have time to continue that

[@Ajztoyz]

Great insight. I've been collecting since 2001 seriously. I started selling because of space issues and the cleaning fatigue. I have both MIB and loose. But the thing is, no matter how much I sell it comes back to me but cheaper. I'm always looking for ideas and I get great info from your videoz...awesome content, I hope your ankle feels better....

[@forceisstrongwiththis1256]

Same people dealing with the same customers

[@NoMoreThyme]

Your videos about collecting and depression really connected with me. I hope that you continue to do well. Thank you for your videos. If you had the magic to create 3 figures from any media, and from any toy line, what 3 figures in the style of what 3 toy lines?

[@cbreezy1322]

BBTS was my number 1 until they started price hiking preorders. I still have a few but I mostly shop somewhere else now and I hate to say that but 24.99 for a 19.99 figure is too much for me to stay loyal too. The McFarlane Batmobile is 10 dollars more than everywhere else. ✌🏼

[@YourUserNameSucksx10]

They hike up their prices to help somewhat neutralize their 4 dollar shipping. Getting the Tumbler shipped for 4 bucks beats getting it from Sideshow

[@cbreezy1322]

@@YourUserNameSucksx10 They should consider doing a minimum balance achieved to get free shipping. At any retailer I don't generally do paying for shipping or even discounted 4 dollar shipping. It's just an instant no for me practically at all times. Rare occasion is like the 6 pack of Batman at McFarlane. I unfortunately had to tolerate that one.

[@danielg.1365]

I appreciate the transparency 😊

[@JEDITOYMASTERS]

If I wasn't broke right now I would buy from you brother.......Love your online store and this channel. Great content. May the Figs be with you!

[@georgewaters2533]

Hasbro might get it in first, but they ship it out last. Everything I have ordered from them comes out after people have received from big bad, target, Walmart, just about anywhere. I love the free shipping, but they are god awful at getting product in your hand in a reasonable amount of time, relative to other vendors.

[@LordGeekus]

Question for Big Nerdy: Where do you store your product? I don't mean to be OCD but is it in a temperature controlled environment? Also do you make sure that your employees are held to the same standard you are for checking products for condition and shipping properly? Cause one of the things i love about your company is the careful shipping 👍

[@hsoj32]

I love these videos! I work in business and Action Figures are my hobby so its so fun to hear how both sides come together.

[@ThirdCydonian]

You’re my go to for the NECA figures I purchase, you almost always have them first as you stated in the video and you ship lightning fast.

[@shincedon655]

Love your channel/store Big Nerdy, keep up the good work and try not to roll your other ankle.

[@RACCAR.]

👽❤️ how to keep your mom and pop charm: just keep doing what you’re doing! Open, honest, humble, nice, friendly, super informative, entertaining, and a wonderful positive attitude! One of the best parts of going to my local toy store ( Albella Bargain Store ) in Milwaukee, is talking toys with the owner and his son. I want to support them buy buying from them because they are enthusiastic and have a love for toys and they are as kind as can be. By you creating KZbin videos it’s kinda like being there with you, you take the time to engage and have fun with us. The only reason I buy toys from you is because i would rather support you than someone I don’t know. If anything I would love to see more videos from you. 💕

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I really appreciate your transparency. Bigger companies sugar coat every response. You mentioned that you respect BBTS. I agree with you that they feel like a real business that will be around for the long haul. I stopped ordering from BBTS because (from my experience) they take a extremely long time to ship things that they have in stock. I would be happy to place some orders with you. How long does it normally take you and your wife to ship something that you have in stock? I'm just looking for a rough estimate. Thanks!

[@christianservera8362]

love learning about this. awesome stuff and always wishing you the best!

[@FrankPerkins]

Appreciate the honesty in telling us about your business and goals.

[@citadelli]

What a great perspective. Thanks for sharing your information.

[@brianhoffman8756]

Great Video, nice to hear you talk about business. I like your takes on running a business and how you share details. Always, awesome to see a return of Monday Vids!

[@DaBigCheeso]

I can't wait for Star Trek Snake Eyes!

[@JayWoods483]

Thanks for this video Big Nerdy. I hope the ankle is healing. I really appreciated your efforts in defining the difference between Nerdzioc the action figure collector and Nerdzoic the online retailer. I agree with you that when buying the ultimate version of the character in action figure form, the offerings from Mafex and Mezco etc are better options. Another option is Diamond Select, as their Marvel Select line has impressed me very much. Can't wait until you get the Crimson Dynamo and Annihlus in stock. As a Canadian, how much of hassle is it for shipping?

[@RenzoMocs]

Love your stuff man! I actually pre ordered that Iron Man and Thanos two pack around 2 years ago, and completely forgot about it. I meant to reach out to you, but forgot again, sure enough, I just recently got a shipping notification for it. I already found it in store way back, but I’ll be gifting it for my buddy who missed out. Thanks for pulling through, y’all rock!

[@kraven_the_collector4329]

It’s always a pleasure to watch your informative vids brother. Keep it up 👍🏼 As for the mom and pop shop feel, I think you’ll lose it from an online standpoint (seeing since there is little to no one-on-one interaction), but you’ll gain it tenfold WHEN you have a brick and motor store 🔥 My inexperienced suggestions would be, considering a membership with perks or have you ever tried some type of mail in incentives? Maybe something community based? Say for instance, send a personal picture of you posing the figure you just bought for some entries to X giveaway or accumulate points for X awards?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ I don’t know if anyone has done stuff like that 🤔 Might not be cost effective on both ends though, like I said…inexperienced advice lol 😅

[@tonys8641]

Your wife is a lucky lady! Been a fan of your vids and looking forward to becoming a future customer. Wishing you the best!

[@cerethpainting6606]

Love your store! I like paying for my pre-orders upfront. Mom and pop charm, sell loose? I custom paint almost everything, so buying loose is a good value for me.

[@bryanheinrich8217]

wow! your videos are great! thanks for the information and the transparency!

[@PhillyPhilmBuhl1]

Matt! Keep up the great work. I'm giving up my collecting days, but your videos are informative and almost makes me want to get back into it. Go Phills!

[@budkin]

Love your videos and your passion for toys Big Nerdy! Thank you for the insight into running an online store!

[@jessenewkirk6111]

Don't stop taking the money right away on preorders. I love that feature of your store.

[@t.f.t.f.8522]

I only preorder at places that charge preorders when they ship. Hate paying for things I won't get for months to a year.

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot2]

Awesome video brother, very informative, your videos are top notch. I love buying from your store, just another good toy store to have pre-orders through. Thank you for explaining the ins and outs of the business, I always wondered about certain things and those questions were answered. Stay Nerdy brother!!!!

[@imanny2012]

Your videos are always so informative and positive, my man!

[@thomastouby4753]

Brutha! U wanna stay mom and pop, just keep doing what your doing. Idk what anyone who works at bbts looks like, ur a real person, we see u, the owner, a man of the ppl.

[@NostalgiaUnboxed]

Any Hasbro Pulse items I ordered in the past would ship weeks after Target had them out. I’m so over them as a company

[@seangood111]

to keep that ma and pop feel all you have to do is ire authentic people and have a hirimng process that focusinng on drawing out that comfort and hapiness in your people then they will take care of the rest

[@Tatoruzu]

Damn, now I'm kinda hyped for a Nerdzoic physical store.

[@jamesbounds]

I enjoy these question videos.

[@daniellenihan9832]

I've ordered from you multiple times have been nothing but happy!!😁👍 I recently ordered the marvel legends morph and received cyclops from the animated series line, while I was sad about the mess up, you guys got back to me in literally a couple hours with a easy solution!!👍 I'll happily keep buying from you, I love the randomness of stuff you get!! The fact that you get certain lines early and others after most big retailers is why i like ordering from you!!!🤙🤙🤙

[@christopherfowler3269]

I wish you would stock some of the more popular SH Figures (like the upcoming Battle Damaged Vader) & SH Monsterarts (Godzilla 2023/ Minus One). Being able to by cases of one figure instead of an entire wave could be financially beneficial. Yeah there would have to be a markup considering the Bandai profit margin....but having some of these figs readily available would be nice. Oh, which reminds me, have you considered the Hits Monster verse, GI Joe, Aliens/Predator stuff?

[@Tuvok10]

I’m regards to your question about keeping the mom and pop feel; first, clearly define what that is for you and how each process within your company aligns with it. Second always put your focus on the things you can do. Delegate the rest. Third hire smart and wisely move or dismiss those who unwilling or unable to align themselves with your vision.

[@artofdissonance]

Didn't have to scroll far to see similar comments. But being the face of your company that we can see and hear will help you even when you have 20+ employees. I have zero clue what BBTS or EE or anyone else 'looks' like.

[@danielcraig9666]

I don't know, I've preordered plenty of things on Hasbro Pulse and everybody was getting their stuff from BBTS, EE, etc long before me.

[@ADAM_COLLECTS]

helpful stuff mate, thanks

[@diegolaradiaz8948]

Only bad thing I personally have with BBTS is the outrageous price hikes they put of most Imports nowadays

[@RisingBean]

Thanks for the video. As an adult I've grown to find the business and logistics of action figures to be as interesting as the figures themselves.

[@BlankCoverNetwork]

Great video as ever Big Nerdy. A question for your next Q&A video: how have you found getting into the Pokemon TCG? What differences have you felt compared to the action figure industry and suppliers? Much obliged!

[@Roca891]

One thing Big Bad and Entertainment Earth don’t do that I would really like to see is send me mailers when a toy line I’m interested in has a new product. I don’t subscribe to their email lisst anymore because I keep getting irrelevant stuff like Funko pops and horror toys and bishuojo and just other random stuff I just do not care about. Now, if Transformers or Star Wars or MOTU has a new release I’d like to be informed about that and I will probably order it immediately. But as it is right now, I have to get my info from social media just so I’m not bombarded with stupid emails.

[@dk6419]

Love big bad I have been buying from them for years I totally agree that they are making space for more new inventory. As for the big stores I go in but I rarely find anything as they get nothing.

[@ljkelty1766]

Hasbro is a nightmare for customers. I can only imagine the small business owner pain. They seem to have several dumps per year which costs customers $$$$ at a single time.

[@WedeSkates707]

BBTS prices are above all other retailers. EE are a buck or two cheaper. Add up a bunch of figures and you’re saving lots of dough. Also the prices are way too high and people are buying less. BBTS has been kinda trying to flip things, example, the Neca loot crate boxes. $50 retail and they’re charging $139.99. I feel that’s bad practice. A retail site shouldn’t be up charging like that… There’s a million other problems going on too. 🍻👍

[@dennisdevito2829]

Over the years all the McFarland figures I bought from Walmart or Target I can count on one and 1/2 hands except for exclusives my Walmart’s rarely has any current McFarlands and what they do have is sparse and Target is too far away the majority of my McFarlands I buy on line from BBTS, EE , and McFarland store.

[@BrappyHour]

I’m glad I listened to this vid. I preordered Dirge and Megatron on the shop, but I actually saw Dirge at a GameStop a couple weeks ago. Was wondering what was going on.

[@robertpage6594]

I think regardless of the size the business grows to ….it’s all on how u run it if u keep the same way u run it now with customer service and reaching out to customers the mom and pop shop feel will always remain when things become more corporate and customer care is secondary to profit that feel disappears

[@teeglocarbonite9625]

Hi Big Nerdy, to answer your question at the end of the video: as your business/ footprint continues to expand, in order for you to preserve the "image" that you referred to, you will need to hire people that you can trust to handle the tasks that you do not want to busy yourself with. Delegation of authority is key to helping you maintain the identity you value, but you will have to trust others to take care of the other tasks at hand.

[@death-motion3844]

You lose it when the wheat grows bitter and belittles, as you live, time will get old, your legacy will die out and fold. A fools gold will only start to mold. Ba doo ba doo.

[@robchewbaccaToys]

Old Republic was so scummy. They closed down their store and said it was to update their site…. They opened back up for a week or 2 and then took more pre-orders then filed for bankruptcy!!! Gross 🤮 I got my $$ back from my bank / credit card but the only prepay I’ll do is for Haslab, or pre orders that don’t pay up front

[@DucktorZom]

Keep it up, Big Nerdy and Fam, great to have another local Mom n Pop business doing good things in the tri-state area! RIP Oxford Valley TRU 🧸🦒🕹️

[@williambabcock3317]

I love nerdzoic I try to get all my toys there much love to the hole big nerdy family when you open a physical store I will be there keep up the great work

[@uglyewok6715]

You should never open a physical retail location. If anything just a small warehouse space to work out of. Best to find a different home property that has a Morton type building on-site that can be converted or built out as a small warehouse with some office space. Hopefully get a separate 911 address for it to satisfy the toy companies.

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

You have a great store. My only issue is you no longer carry McFarlane, and I’m not collecting Marvel Legends anymore. I wish you the best and continuing success for you and your family.

[@cska_om4021]

I used to work in a warehouse for grocery store most people don't even understand those specials that they get are actually things warehouse has waaay too much of and needs to get ride of pronto.

[@vacasupreme]

Maybe this could be part of a future Q&A. What is your favorite Marvel and Star Wars figure of all time?

[@JTpopCULT]

I’m worried about Sideshow. There biggest event of the year is SDCC and they weren’t there this year and they aren’t even far from San Diego. Plus there sales have to be way down. The statue prices are through the roof and with Marvel/DC not doing well it’s got to be cutting in Hot Toy sales.

[@johnelms2551]

You doing business the way you do is awesome people seeing ur videos on KZbin I think would go a long way keeping the mom and pop feel

[@n8dawgaic]

Just placed my first Nerdzoic order 🎉

[@mrdude88]

The one thing about BBTS that they need to stop doing is having an item on pre-order and not having enough to distribute. Like, I have had an item on pre-order for 2 years now. Like the retro card Black Suit Spider-Man. I got the whole set from them minus the lack of suit spidey. Also, I have a few Gundam that is still on pre-order. Doni believe they will ever restock it nope, because those kits are 7-8 years old. But my thing is, don't make a pre-order unless you're going to get it. Thankfully, BBTS has a practice of not charging you unless they have the item, but at the same time you bank on them to have the item and in the end, they don't, you have to find it elsewhere, and got items can become really expensive in the aftermarket. But I still shop from them, they are good.

[@TheWandifan]

It’s so sad that what I collect the most. Is Masters of the universe origins, because Mattel sucks. Their distribution is awful. They cancel things before the little businesses get them so shipments always end up getting canceled. I’ve had my pre-orders cancelled a lot because of that. They always take so long shipping things out and it’s all over the place. I think they hate their fans because they just make the dumbest decisions over and over and over. Seems like nobody knows what the fuck they’re doing over there.

[@LobsterAfternoon]

you are indeed likeable! This is a great video, you are showing unparalleled transparency in a business that seems to thrive on keeping secrets for no reason.

[@kingofkrakatoa]

Have you ever had something come in that you initially didn't want to buy for yourself but then when it came in you like oh yeah I need that for the collection

[@lindyxmjh4589]

People really think BigBad is in trouble? Sure they run sales and clearance now, but most of that stuff in the "Summer Sale" is just junk (and the sale prices are still too high).

[@kenbest76]

My cynical brain has always thought that Hasbro Pulse wasn’t about selling toys; it’s about selling subscriptions. It doesn’t make sense to me that Hasbro would purposely undercut its biggest retailers like Walmart and Target by having it available on Pulse first (hence the limited availability of retailer exclusives). However, considering their crappy distribution, I can certainly see small retailers getting the shaft when it takes Hasbro forever to get the product out.

[@FallenGemini]

A bit confused. If Hasbro has the exclusive master license for 6 inch figures, how can Mezco and Mafex makes six inch figures? Is it due to them making their figures costina lot more than a ML? Thanks

[@MauroRaptor86]

Recently Toyopolis Uk has gone missing (with my preorder money)

[@hyramgonzalez9187]

Big nerdy is the man!

[@robertpage6594]

Hey nerdy seen u said u got the Cassie lang wave in I have a order still pending for crossfire and egghead any idea when they may ship

[@quinncollects6764]

Very informative video man Cheers

[@llovethe80s]

Your very likable and great personality. Your video are always amazing and informative. Hope you last as long as you want to. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@johnkirby2774]

I know its hard with time restraints.. but personal interaction with customers will keep the mom and pop feel no matter the size and fanciness of your store.. my 2 cents that's not even worth that.