Mattel Disney Pixar Diecast CARS: Dragon McQueen Collector’s Guide – Just a Mater Dream?
So, is the Dragon McQueen Collector’s Guide just another Mater dream?
The unofficial official news is not good … the rumors have been percolating for weeks … but now comes a quasi-official quote …
“R2201 CARS Collector Guide with DC Vehicle is now sold out and all orders have been canceled.”
So, what does it really mean?
Possibility #1
The statement is self evident. That’s it. Whatever got released is it. If you got one, great – if not, there are no more left. (also see possibility #7)
Possibility #2
It’s true that resellers cannot order it anymore as it’s no longer available as a standalone product “R2201” but that it could possibly appear on a Walmart pallet-endcap-sidekick in the near future as part of a bigger mix like last year when it was 1/4 of a pallet cube at some WM stores.
Possibility #3
The more remote possibility is that it becomes an exclusive. This seems unlikely at this point since if that was way the case, the product number would still be there but shown as an exclusive to one retailer – as is usually the case when a “normal” item becomes an exclusive. Other re-sellers cannot order it but it’s still there in the system for you to “see.” Now, I’m just saying it’s a remote possibility because anything is possible – just the normal process and paperwork rules do not seem to apply here.
Possibility #4
It’s true as of today but things could change tomorrow. It’s just easier for them to cancel orders and have resellers re-order. This is also remote as it’s unlikely they are going to restart production if they really stopped for a non-crucial item.
Possibility #5
They realized that putting in a Dragon McQueen – part of the Toon line was a non-starter for retailers (and their interest in ordering) so they are going to redo it with a CARS film CAR – probably a lenticular? Something no one can resist? Brand New Mater without Hood? Plain Ole Lightning McQueen with Metallic Finish?
Possibility #6
They will pack the rest in forthcoming cases as a single? The question is how many are left? So, it’s more like a CHASE, one per case? Or enough left to pack more? Logistically, it would be an easier fit in the Final Lap cases (card-size wise) but it’s not exactly logical without a change to the included Toon CAR with a booklet but … AGAIN, I’m just throwing out the possibilities.
Possibility #7
#1 is correct for this possibility. Because something like this is a one time production. The math is something like 12 in a case so @1,600 cases equals about 20,000 or a typical run of CARS but considering there are close to 9,000 stores from the big retailers and going by the availability of the 2009 version on the pegs, especially at WM, they must have sold a lot more than @1,600 cases. If you consider the WM pallet was more like 6-8 cases per side, that’s a pretty big run but if you subtract out WM this year? Maybe Mattel started production and thought they had WM on board for 2,000+ cases only to find they were taking zero? So, Mattel decided just to cut their loses and close out from what they had? Maybe less than 1,000 cases were available this year? Again, just speculation.
End Result
Basically, the problem is that there wasn’t much retailer support for this. It may not be this item specific but I was suspicious when it was not on the WM plan-o-gram, it may just be a by product of WM cutting back on pegs/SKU’s. It certainly didn’t help that the 2009 version were in short supply and then suddenly, every store got several cases followed by some WM’s that got the pallet of a hundred of these and with its own SKU and price, it was evident how well it’s selling or not selling. And by the time TRU and Target got these, the collector’s who really wanted one got one and anything with a giant date on it (2009 for last year’s) seems dated once it gets to June of that particular year even if it’s not quite dated.
And did assigning it a CARS Toon CAR for this year’s version further add to the already dwindling interest at the three main retailers? … keep in mind that as a separate item-SKU-UPC, it seemed like yet another CARS item when the retailers are already selling-committing to singles, megasize, 3-packs, launchers, haulers, toon singles, toon megasize, toon 4-packs, playsets, box sets, and their exclusives? (plus other sized CARS items?) It was just too much for something with a weak track record and coupled with a non-film CAR?
And not to be too annoying, the booklet was not particularly complete, not really a checklist, not for kids and not really for collectors … it was nice to see what was coming for the following year but …
So, as of now, it does look like what’s out there is what’s out there is what’s out there … I don’t believe it got released in Europe because of the language requirement but the UK and Australia? Did you guys get the 2009 or 2010 version?
“NascarBroncoFans” got one from Asia (HK or Singapore, not sure?) … that looks like the US version ..
But the back has appropriate Chinese language legalese … can’t tell if it’s a sticker or an overprint?
But in either case, you might have to find an overseas source for this … but as I click PUBLISH, I sense eBay and secondary pricing is about to go up … at least in the short term but hopefully, it will be back … good luck!
(Thanks for photo, “Nascar.”)
| « Mattel Disney Pixar Diecast CARS: Mater Tall Tales Singles CASE F | Mattel Disney Pixar Diecast CARS: Euro Still Toons Ahead … » |
2 April 2010
86 Comments
Well, I did’nt take any chances. I open them anyway for the kids so I
bought ours LOOSE on Ebay for $24.99 and I will tell you it is great looking! I didn’t want the guide anyway.
The prices though on Ebay are going up, uP, UP.
I just got off the phone with U.S. Mattel Consumer Relations. I was told that these are just now being released to retailers which still means they won’t start showing up for 4 more weeks or so, depending on retailer distribution schedules. I was persistent enough that she put me on hold for several minutes to verify the accuracy of the release information.
SO THERE IS STILL HOPE!
This is still baffling to me because this version of McQueen has got to be one of the nicer ones out of all.
Someone at Mattel took George Costanza too seriously when he decided to do everything in the opposite. Let’s produce the coolest version of McQueen ever, and then not distribute it!
Hey Mattel — the Jerk Store just called… 😡
(MET: 😆 ).
Jon, i think they tought that if they send them ALL to europe they will win up some more Collector. They just didn’t know that here most of the people don’t really care anymore about cars. We have, like Gipsy says, Collectors Guide in TONS and everytime i go to the stores i think in all T5ers that are looking for one :-(( The only minus i find in this is that our version don’t have the names on it.
Hope your donig fine 🙂
Dolly, what’s your email?
perello72@hotmail.com 🙂
Well, okay, sounds logical.
And Mattel can provide them: look at our stores and you will be amazed how many we have got here. They will stay pegwarmers as nobody will buy them here. Okay, it is the international version, but guess Mattel does not care that they made much more of them and delivered them all here where they will not sell due to the fact that there are much less collectors here.
If it were a big deal, then the guys that made the Pit Crew Chief – Pit Row tool boxes would be in deep S*&^. They are not. They saw a niche and filled it. (YEAAAA kudos to them) Or Met and others that reprint the cards in their books and collector magazines might have copyright problems. They dont.
I think its fine and should not be a big deal
Hey everyone, I am going to borrow a 2010 Collectors Book and scan it at high resolution for everyone to print out their own books. Anyone that wants copied please email me at:
nascarnbroncosfansATmsn.com
Not sure how this is handled in the US, but here you would not be allowed to do so because of the copyright.
Only a problem if you “sell” it.
I am simply doing the scanning and proving the scan.
If Mattel cant provide them someone will for free
theres a few in new zealand. i picked up two a few weeks ago. unfortunately, there are none on my town and the nearest ones are an hour away. unfortunately, they are $20NZD each, which makes them quite expensive.
for some odd reason, two of my local stores got sent a case or two each of the 2009 guide, which they are now struggling to shift. i dont know why they got sent them. strange as. they were sent them about the same time as news of this years guide broke. [late last year]
I am glad I got one but would like abother so my boys don’t have to fight over it.
Serves them right for packaging a Collector’s Guide on a Toon car.
maybe that is why it was cancelled?
Looks like:
Diecast Direct is taking pre-orders 9.95 each
http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_modules/add_item.asp?ProductCode=CARS-R2201
I thought that this car was a cars toon so that it was availiable everywhere and NOT lenticular, final lap OR store exclusive… apparently i was wrong 🙁
Thanks for the info. I just ordered one.
Hey Kevin, thanks so much for the link. I pre-ordered 5 so I can cover a couple of others who I know will want at least 1. Now, lets just hope they actually get them in!
no problem, check your local hobby stores.
Odds of that producing any results are low, as we’re down to 1 hobby store, and they don’t really do any die-cast, they’re heavily into RC planes more than anything else.
Met:
It is a china direct purchase. It is a sticker on the back. At 30.00 plus shipping I am not about to open the package and check the book for English
Was a little disappointed in the collector guide – could have been nicer. There are even several pages with the words “no images available” or something and the car name, nothing else. Almost like it didnt get finished. I mean, its better than the last one, but couldve made the front/back thicker paper, etc.
This is somewhat reminiscent of the N2O Cola racer, isn’t it?
Ooooohhhh, the ONLY way you’ll EVER get one is through the 5 for 1 TRU promo. Buy 5 cars you don’t really want, and you’ll get the car you never thought you’d get.
Oh, wait, what’s this?
Kmart will have N20 Cola during their Cars event and you’ll get him for what, $3.69?
Something’s fishy with this whole 2010 Dragon/Guide thing. 🙁
agreed. even if mattel only made 20,000 of these, where are they? they haven’t been in TGT, TRU or WMT so where were the 20,000 sold???
Well, I was hoping K-Mart K-4Day was going to knock all our sox off with about 6 to 8 NEW HAULERS but after yesterday’s news of several out already….
If anybody need the European version (without names) we have still enought of them here in Austria. The cost is €9,99 . The ones i already ship to USA packaged where €9,70 for shipping. I’m not charging any extras. So hose who need help, just send me a mail.
perello72@hotmail.com
Dolly
is dragon mcqueen still availiable on amazon or is he all sold out? cause i cant seem to find him when just yesterday there were over 50 in stock from one seller and an unknown amount from another
I believe he is officially sold out on amazon… so if you were lucky enough to order him…. good for you (just to let you know, knowing that all of them are sold out now and that there were more than 50 availiable yesterday… MORE THAN 50 2010 COLLECTORS GUIDE LIGHTNING MCQUEENS WERE SOLD IN 12 HOURS!!! THE RACE IS ON TO GET THE 2010 COLLECTORS GUIDE!!!
(but if someone DOES find it anyway still availiable on amazon…. could u give me link cause i cant find it and i know several more people who want it….)
oh and one more thing….. where are the easter egg cars… i cant find them at any of my targets and they should be easy to spot….. i look at the easter display.. THEY ARENT THERE! They are being sold at target right? or is it walmart this year? Or is it all the stores?
IT IS OFFICIAL!!! THE 2010 COLLECTORS GUIDE IS SOLD OUT ON AMAZON!! OVER 50 SOLD IN 12 HOURS (I FEEL LIKE A BROKEN RECORD LOL) AHH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF MATTELL!?!?!
carsfreak64, the only place I found the Easter egg Cars was at Target in the candy area (along with the pink Thomas The Tank Engine characters and such). I haven’t seen any in about three weeks. I believe the disappointing sales from years past probably caused Mattel to schedule a low production run. Their conservative (i.e., boring) mix of characters would tend to back up that theory. This selection of characters would also seem to make the Easter eggs less interesting in future years. To me, this year the most interesting thing about them was the egg itself!
I saw them once in the toy aisle with the regular cars…. try both sections.
If you reside in the Great Pacific Northwest you may want to try Fred Meyer. Today, the Fred Meyer store on 19th Street in Tacoma, WA has ample supply in the Easter section. If they are there on Monday, I may breakdown and buy Axle at 50% off. The rest are a pass.
So here is a link to the German TRU website for all those who want to have a look at wha you get if you buy it from overseas:
http://www.mytoys.de/Mattel-CARS-Collector-Guide/Disney-Cars/KID/de-mt.lc.lc01.43/1981948
i have not seen the 2010 book here in sydney australia.tons of 2009 were available.the latest find is yakkoza and el materdor playset in myer.
boogity here, in the uk/ireland we will be lucky to see this at all, unless of course you get it on ebay at an inflated price.
why anyone would buy 2 and then buy 6 is beyond me, enough said!
boogity
aka the seeker of truth and….. justice
I bought one to open and one to keep sealed. And 6 for friends – I have sold every one of them at cost… at a loss if you count the 250 mile round trip I made to Indianapolis in search of Cars.
thats fair enough then!
crickey almighty you must be keen to do that trip!!!
all the best
boogity
Meanwhile in Belgium…
Both 2009 and 2010 guides are still everywhere here. I guess there aren’t that many collectors here.
Can you buy some for me ? If interested please mail me dikenlitel_2001 et yahoo ()com
I’m sure they will show up eventually… Some store probably bought out the remaming stock for wholesale…
Still LOADS of them here in Singapore at S$19.90 retail. That’s about US$14.50, give or take a bit… And we have the US card without the chinese sticker at the back.
Need help? let me know.
Will trade for Final Lap Antonio, and upcoming Final Lap Case F cars too.
–Jared
murdock_m22@yahoo.com
Nope, haven’t seen this in Australia. However none of this really surprises me at all given Mattel’s track record.
Hardly any of the news on this site is true people. Sounds like someone is trying to make a profit on their stash before it hits the masses to me. Remember when Final Lap wasn’t going to be normal eyed???
Wrong, wrong, wrong. The information was sent directly from Mattel to several hundred retailers, including myself.
Keep drinking the Kool-Aid and reselling Target exclusives for $9 buddy.
kdthomas, Contrary to your uncalled for comments, I have found the news on this site to be VERY true. You seem to be implying some underhandedness from the persons connected to this site that I have never seen any evidence of. I suspect this may be a figment of your own imagination and, based on your second comment, an inappropriate miserliness.
You should also go back and read Met’s excellent analysis of what this announcement might mean.
I still can’t find this car!!!! 🙁
is this a late april fools joke?
Seriously? [Shakes head] I won’t say anything for the sake of the children that read this forum. But you have an idea of how pissed off I am if they stop production on this and can’t get one…
don’t be too concerned i was in hong kong a couple of weeks ago on holiday & shopping with my 4 year old looking for cars toys at all the trus (x3) & other department stores (sogo, justco and another can’t think of now) and the dragon lightning is everywhere with 12+ at each store so not sure what going on in north america since the tru have it there with a lot of new stuff (garage) i’m sure we will get them here too. we didn’t buy anything from mattel as we didn’t want to haul it all back & find it on shelves here.
they will not be stacked 12 deep for long once this news gets out.
(get ready for Hong Kong collector edition Dragon Mcqueen’s to show up on ebay very soon)
They already have. One HK seller has 31 available for 18.99 plus 10.99 shipping.
they are quick….. I was all over ebay and did not see that one listed.
They raised the price to $23.99 plus $10.99 shipping and sold them all! Someone bought 8 of them at that price!
i found a few more on ebay
Gypsy What languages appear on them. Are they in English on the guide book.
Here in Germany the McQueens with collectors guide 2010 are available in tons at TRU. Only sad thing is that they are nearly $15 here.
post one on ebay for $20 and make yourself some dragon mcqueen moola. LOL
this news reminds me of “bank fail friday’s”…. release the news friday night when no one is listening or watching
Hello again gypsy02
Here I am: dikenlitel_2001 et yahoo ()com
Altan
well…. if you are against ordering on ebay… then they have them on amazon for about 15 dollars plus shipping (4.99)so you can order there (even though it is overpriced)
thank you.. I picked up two to get the free shipping. (while it was shipped by amazon)
no problem 🙂 (i actually picked a couple up for myself off amazon)
JUST TO TELL YOU, THIS CAR IS NOW SOLD OUT ON AMAZON…. SORRY 🙁
just to make sure….. dragon mcqueen IS availiable in ENGLISH right? cause from the comments… it looks like every country is getting them EXCEPT America….
Someone above said Hobby Stores in Indianapolis
I know… the last comment was in the comment box for some reason and i accidentally submitted it…. it wasnt supposed to be submitted…
oh well… LOL
I would guess it’s not available for retailers because they are out of stock. Retailers bought it up but are waiting on putting it on the pegs so they are sitting in warehouses until they clear out Rescue Squad Mater.
Wow, I wonder what I can get for my extra one?
;>
That’s ridiculous. I really want the collector guide. I have the car but it was just the car.
Totally off topic, can you post your email or contact me at paulbarron@rocketmail.com I have photos of the parade cars you were interested in and want to send them to you. Regards, Paul
Ok (deep breath)….I have been looking for this for weeks now. Has anyone found one in the US?
I dont think anyone has……. DOESNT MATTELL UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE COLLECTORS IN AMERICA THAT ARE WILLING TO BUY THE 2010 COLLECTORS GUIDE?!?!? wait i forget….. THEY DONT UNDERSTAND!!!
I traded for the Dragon with guide USA version. Gave a Bubba 2 pack for it. Thought it was a expensive trade at the time. It seemed strange that for months on end this was not available at the big USA retailers, and I figured something was wrong, as it was available all over Europe, HK and elsewhere since before Christmas. TRU never had the 2010 Guide in their system. Now glad I traded, seems my instincts were right.
are you serious? Will we not see this car? WT H-E-double hockey sticks?
I got 2 from a friend in Singapore in January and bought 6 at a hobby store in Indianapolis. I still think we’ll see them at Toys R US eventually – if they ever clear out the 2009 guide, the Trunk Fresh/Gil Haulers, the leftover Cars Toon singles, and other old stock that won’t sell until the cut the price by at least 50%.
It would have been a great item for the 2009 Christmas season. Who knows when it will be widely available. I guessed by the end of February 2010, and I was wrong… which happens alot with Mattel distribution or the lack thereof.
I saw the 2009 Collector’s Guide at Wal-Mart and Toys R Us, but Target?? Were those really available at Target?
Never saw the 2009 at Target.
i never saw the 2009 at target or walmart… though I just picked up 3 at meijer two weeks ago on clearance… $1.74 each
yeah… the meijer i shop at finally got sold out of those and i think meijer isnt ordering any more cars except playsets and haulers cause i saw mood springs there just yesterday and vinyl toupee hauler there as well!
So, it will become available on eBay for $100! 🙂
Seriously people…. Don’t buy into the b/s hype of this one. These will be available soon enough in mass quantity just like last years. Do not be fooled into spending upwards of $100.00 for a paper booklet… the car is available. If it doesn’t show up again, that is showing the market trend that the line is truly dying out anyway, and the car will be worthless.