Can Steve comment on the life cycle of the Fighter Tank?

[JPCJedi]

Apologies if this falls under the restrictions.

The Fighter Tank's elusiveness has proven curious, and I'm wondering if Steve can comment on just what happened. Did it just sell out before anyone realized? Was it meant to be a mostly Shop at Home set? Was it made with a smaller production run, and if so did the phone deal last week represent a second run?

[dWhisper]

It was a Target exclusive last winter, the same as the Hoth Base was a TRU exclusive the year before. It sold out in a similar way, mostly for being awesome and a limited run. The Fighter Tank lasted a whole lot longer than the base did, honestly, before it was re-re-introduced.

[legofactory]

No worries. I have a pretty good feeling this set will return. Just like the hoth rebel base, sith infilrator and other awesome sets. Limited Edition Sets that sell out really quick within a couple of months will most likely make an apperance back once more. Also, I think the set that was most popular would probably be the hoth base, than fighter tank, than sith infiltrator.

[yankeeken]

legofactory might be right, as the TRU Indiana Jones exclusive Peril in Peru recently made a come back on S@H after be sold out for quite sometime.

[speaknspell]

it was a fourth quarter exclusive with a single run. it was made to sell out during the holiday season. Its the way lots of retailers like to do things because the exclusives drive people into the store and they don't have to worry about left over inventory when new products start in January.

Steve

[Prince Kahuka]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly? I'm sure many of us would appreciate a warning on those sets so we don't miss out thinking we can pick it up later. Notices could possibly be done through the ambassadors who would make sure the news hits all the major sites.

[onions]

dude, don't you know? information flow through ambassadors is a one way street, outside in.

[Turkguy19]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly? I'm sure many of us would appreciate a warning on those sets so we don't miss out thinking we can pick it up later. Notices could possibly be done through the ambassadors who would make sure the news hits all the major sites.

Most of the late year exclusives are meant to sell out quick.

[Puddleglum]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly? I'm sure many of us would appreciate a warning on those sets so we don't miss out thinking we can pick it up later. Notices could possibly be done through the ambassadors who would make sure the news hits all the major sites.

Most of the late year exclusives are meant to sell out quick.

Yeah, the best advice here is any time you see a set that is "Exclusive" (They always put it on the box), I would assume it won't be around for long, and buy it if you want it. Sometimes they come back, sometimes they don't. (IIRC Dwarve's Mine was originally an exclusive that was later brought back with a wider release)

[Draykov]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly?

Turk and Puddleglum have summed it up, but allow me to add this handy-dandy formula for anyone who still hasn't quite grasped the concept:

Christmas + Exclusive = made to sell out quickly

[Gumby]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly? I'm sure many of us would appreciate a warning on those sets so we don't miss out thinking we can pick it up later. Notices could possibly be done through the ambassadors who would make sure the news hits all the major sites.

That could be a double-edged sword... If LEGO explicitly said "this is a limited run for this Christmas season only", resellers might go nuts and scoop everything up...

[speaknspell]

Would it be possible for LEGO to let fans know when they release sets that are made to sell out quickly?

Turk and Puddleglum have summed it up, but allow me to add this handy-dandy formula for anyone who still hasn't quite grasped the concept:

Christmas + Exclusive = made to sell out quickly

this would be the best advice to follow. I've said it many many times before...but Dray used waaaaaay more colors than me.

Steve