darkSpyro

So, I received my three Yawn Traps in the mail today - finishing out my Trap Team collection and bumping my total Skylanders collection to 599 figures.

Previously, I stated that the Yawn Traps were still going to be released in the US. I based this information off of a couple of conversations I had with a few different people - but some further conversations have heavily implied we won't be seeing them on retail shelves - which is a shame. I don't believe I'm a special snowflake that deserves special attention from Activision or anyone else. I did purchase every single Trap Team item offered (including various variations of them, like single Light & Dark Trap Masters and the Expansion Packs, etc., but not including the super-rare chase variants because I'm too cheap for them), managing to collect all of the various traps except for these - the lack of these three traps getting a release was a pretty big deal for me. In fact, big enough that I had seriously considered not picking up Superchargers (decided to go for it for a couple of reasons, but it was a tough choice).

Anywhoo, some time ago, there was the big hoopla about the Youtube video where the guy managed to get Activision to trade him the three Yawn Traps in exchange for his defective Nightfall figure. Awesome, eh?

I contacted Activision though their general Skylanders contact number (844-HELP-EON) and asked about the Yawn Traps - was given the run around. I asked for the same deal the Youtuber was given - offer to exchange my defective Nightfall for the three Yawn Traps - no go.

I've called them a few times since then, each with no luck.

However, I called them about two weeks ago - and got a really nice rep who took my information and said she'd see what she could do - and the next day or so, I had an e-mail stating that they were going to send the Yawn Trap to me as a one-time exception. Yay!

So this is *great* for me. But what about all of you? I don't know.

I know there are a couple of reasons why Activision failed to deliver the Yawn Traps. The port strike really, really affected their planned shipping schedule - and that sucks. Even aside from the Yawn Traps, we still have folks looking for some Trap Team stuff that was just near impossible to get then and is impossible to find now (Light/Dark expansions, Spotlight/Blackout, any traps other than Water traps...)

On the other hand, I know there's not a *huge* demand for the traps now. The game is over a year old, the new game is out, and, frankly, Skylanders sales aren't doing what they once were (let's not start *that* debate here).

But there are folks who do want them - so, Activision, I beg of you, for everyone that isn't me and doesn't have these, I ask - please consider releasing these, some way, some how, even if it's at a loss. I'll even give you some ideas!

• Obviously, the first way to consider releasing them would be just releasing them. The only traps you can find in stores now are, basically, water traps. There won't be a *huge* demand for the Life Yawn, since the starter pack comes with a Life trap, but the Fire Trap would be popular and the Light Trap would sell gangbusters (for those playing the home game, there were four different Light villains and one variant villain. We received two different Light traps and one Light trap pre-loaded with the variant villain. This means there are several folks who could use more Light traps!). Case shipments of 24 with something like 6-9-9 or such would probably work. I'm not suggesting that the market get flooded with them, but shipping some out would be nice.
  


• Three packs! You could release a three pack with all three Yawn Traps. That's a little bland though... You could do a few different combinations - re-release the Hawk Trap and the Spider Trap from the expansions (that people are still looking for). Throw folks a bone and re-release the Tech Tiki trap that was previously only in the 8-pack. Ship out three packs that include everything but Water Traps. Bonus idea for the three packs - include a pre-loaded variant villain in each one. Rebel Lob Goblin, Steamed Broccoli Guy, and the ever in demand (and previously event exclusive) Riot Shield Shredder. Each three pack could include one Yawn Trap, one of the three previously mentioned traps, and a third trap with the pre-loaded villain. Absolutely everyone wins here.
  


• A Trap 10-Pack. The three Yawn traps and seven more traps from the other seven elements.
  


• OR team up with Toys R Us, GameStop, or any other retailer that is overflowing with leftover Water traps. Ship them the Yawn Traps and have them do some kind of BOGO promo where you buy a Water Trap, you get a Yawn Trap. Move those Water Traps. :D
  


• OR team up with GameStop and ship them the Yawn Traps and let them bundle them with the overflowing amounts of Eon's Elite they're setting on. Ship out cardboard sleeves that the store employees could slip over an existing Eon's Elite and a Yawn Trap together.
  


• OR a mail-in offer. Let folks send in UPCs or something to get them.
  


• OR let everyone call 1-844-HELP-EON and complain that they want Yawn Traps too. I worked for me and it has worked for a couple of other folks. Why not you? And BE NICE when you call. Don't be a MEGAJERK to some random phone rep that you talk to. Be nice.
  

Really good post, man! Good job.

I don't have a defective Nightfall, but I'll try calling them anyway. Any good points you think I could bring up? I'm already going to mention how I have everything else in the series from every game.

Again, thanks for this post. I was waiting for someone to come along and post a thread like this.

Glad it worked for you UncleBob, And I hope a solution does arrive to suit the masses. Thanks for the post.

Very well put together post UB..... calling and talking to them also worked for me.

I should clarify, I did not have to send in my defective Nightfall or anything - I merely asked about the status of the Yawn Traps in the US. I didn't talk about my collection (this time), try to make myself sound more important than I am, or anything of the like. Just asked about the Yawn Traps in the US. :D

Quote: Spybomb

Very well put together post UB..... calling and talking to them also worked for me.

Did you have a defective figure to trade? Or did they just give them to you?

Quote: Chompy-King257

Quote: Spybomb

Very well put together post UB..... calling and talking to them also worked for me.

Did you have a defective figure to trade? Or did they just give them to you?

No I just called as did UB and inquired about a U.S. release and such......I do have a defective Nightfall but did not bring it up.

Quote: Spybomb

Quote: Chompy-King257

Quote: Spybomb

Very well put together post UB..... calling and talking to them also worked for me.

Did you have a defective figure to trade? Or did they just give them to you?

No I just called as did UB and inquired about a U.S. release and such......I do have a defective Nightfall but did not bring it up.

Sweet! Can you please tell me what you told them? I'm trying this soon, you see. I would really appreciate it!

Quote: Spybomb

Quote: Chompy-King257

Quote: Spybomb

Very well put together post UB..... calling and talking to them also worked for me.

Did you have a defective figure to trade? Or did they just give them to you?

No I just called as did UB and inquired about a U.S. release and such......I do have a defective Nightfall but did not bring it up.

Yeah, I did not mention the defective Nightfall or anything of the like when I called and was successful :D

If you say the same things he said it might raise questions...just ask about the releases in the U.S. if they will be any...and talk to the rep...be friendly let him/her get to know you a little....but don't talk to much. You don't to sound like a rabid fan...lol.

Quote: Phoenix_Lord

If you say the same things he said it might raise questions...just ask about the releases in the U.S. if they will be any...and talk to the rep...be friendly let him/her get to know you a little....but don't talk to much. You don't to sound like a rabid fan...lol.

Good point - BE NICE when you call. The random rep you get on the phone has no control over the Yawn Traps getting released in the US. Don't be a jerk

Quote: UncleBob

Quote: Phoenix_Lord

If you say the same things he said it might raise questions...just ask about the releases in the U.S. if they will be any...and talk to the rep...be friendly let him/her get to know you a little....but don't talk to much. You don't to sound like a rabid fan...lol.

Good point - BE NICE when you call. The random rep you get on the phone has no control over the Yawn Traps getting released in the US. Don't be a jerk

Just be patient and calm its not the reps fault they are just the middleman.

Quote: UncleBob

Quote: Phoenix_Lord

If you say the same things he said it might raise questions...just ask about the releases in the U.S. if they will be any...and talk to the rep...be friendly let him/her get to know you a little....but don't talk to much. You don't to sound like a rabid fan...lol.

Good point - BE NICE when you call. The random rep you get on the phone has no control over the Yawn Traps getting released in the US. Don't be a jerk

Oh yeah. Being a jerk will just make it worse.

Well I called and got it escalated, will see how it goes. On the plus side the rep fixed my activision support account that I have not been able to login to for over a year (have called 4 times before about my account not working).

What's up with this? Can we have more details what's going on?

http://iconosquare.com/p/1186581611411921841_1377483573

"spybomb on Darkspyro just got these from Activision. It looks as if reviewers will be receiving the yawn traps soon."

He got them the same way I did - and the same way I suggested you (and everyone else) do it in the OP - calling Activision and whining. :D

I deal with this every day!!

On the fence about this subject!!

Quote: newkill

"spybomb on Darkspyro just got these from Activision. It looks as if reviewers will be receiving the yawn traps soon."

Reviewers getting yawn traps? Was that a misspoke? Doing that is really odd and out of no where. Making me think that perhaps we'll be getting Trap Team 2 for Sky 6 as there is no real reason to send these out to the reviewers. It would only serve to seriously piss off the die hard fans who has been trying to complete their sets.

I know it displeases me as I plan to complete TT 100% both figures and crystals someday (like I'm very close to doing right now with SF), but these yawn traps obviously would prevent me from ever doing that without spending way too much to get a set. Missing out on something because I chose not to buy it is obviously my fault, but never being offered a chance to get something and then seeing it raise to mad high prices is another matter entirely. As Bob said, they really need to offer some way to get these out to the fans. A final hurrah to TT. I'm in for a set if they do (if they don't pack it in with 7 over stocked water traps at full markup that is).

Sadly I wouldn't feel right about calling and demanding a free set. No amount of my buying Skylanders crap (and I've at least 85 to 90% of all the reasonably obtainable Skylanders figures excluding SC) would justify that. My morals dictate that I should be offered a fair chance to buy them rather than getting a free set for acting that I deserve them because I'm such a devoted fan. Stupid morals as I'll probably loose out on ever getting a set for feeling this way, but oh well. Sadly I don't have any broken figures and I wouldn't lie to get a set either. As much as I would like a set, I wouldn't lower my already low set of morals to obtain one. LOL

You know...

Activision could easily sell these things online only through retailers like Amazon and even ebay. I think what would make allot of sense for Activision if they are going to continue doing Skylanders is create some kind of collector club for hardcore collectors and allow them to subscribe for figures and chase variants that get shipped to them.

How much would you guys be willing to pay to have each wave sent to you directly from Activision?

I would buy it directly from them, I have no problem doing that and that's how I felt they should do things after the era is over. I mean what are they even going to do with the stock they clearly have anyways? Gift bags for the employees?

Anyways, I'll give it a shot, it would nice to have them.

No one is saying you should call and demand a free set. All I did was whine about them getting a US release. :D

What are their hours?

That is funny I'm no reviewer or anyone special I'm just a consumer that made a polite phone call. Go interwebz!

Quote: Spybomb

That is funny I'm no reviewer or anyone special I'm just a consumer that made a polite phone call. Go interwebz!

Yup. Someone stole your photo, reposted it without permission, did not link back to the source page, and just made up a story to go with it. :D

If you look up Skylanders themed instagrams this happens all the time. Even worse with rumors or fake leaks; people have no idea of the control they hold over news or any idea of how to properly source.

Thanks for the clarification. Since it's from Instagram I pretty much expected it to be bull**** anyway...

that's terrible, people stealing your photos, that's a reason why when me make something or post something specific, we have to add a watermark.
just another little joy of the internet.

Quote: Portal___Master

that's terrible, people stealing your photos, that's a reason why when me make something or post something specific, we have to add a watermark.
just another little joy of the internet.

Then they plaster their huge eye-burning watermark on top; some unfortunately aren't above that to get first to post.

So... a poster on Reddit has replied to say he called and got a super-nice rep who is sending out the traps to him TODAY. Whereas when I called, it took a follow-up email to offer to send them to me.

Sounds like they have set up an organized response - so I recommend - highly - if you want these, call sooner rather than later - they'll run out eventually.

I wonder how many scalpers are going to call just to flip them.

Quote: mantez

I wonder how many scalpers are going to call just to flip them.

That's just going to make them change their minds about helping even faster,but you can't tell a jerk to stop being a jerk expecting that to just happen.

I'm calling them tonight. Wish me luck!

Also, what number do I call?

Just got off the phone with them...mine are on the way...thanks BOB!...like he said just be polite!

"BE POLITE & COURTEOUS" !

I called them and first asked politely "Do you happen to know the status of the last three traps, called the Yawn Traps? Were they ever released in some way?" All they told me was "They were never released." I asked if they are "shipping them or available online" or something, and they said the same thing. Just my luck... any other tips? Should I call later and hope I get another agent? Email? Both?

I'm going to issue a little "Pay it Forward" challenge to my fellow Portal Masters. If you get Activision to send you a set of Yawn Traps for free, take the $15 you would have spent on these in-store and donate it to a charity of your choosing. If you need a suggestion, I am a huge fan of the work done by St. Jude's.

If you do it, don't come back and #douchebrag or anything of the like. Just do it and be happy.

Calling about the Yawn Traps isn't supposed to be a way to get free toys - it's about getting Activision to fulfill their advertising of "Collect them All!" - so be glad you got to finish your set and Pay it Forward in a more meaningful way. :D

Quote: UncleBob

I'm going to issue a little "Pay it Forward" challenge to my fellow Portal Masters. If you get Activision to send you a set of Yawn Traps for free, take the $15 you would have spent on these in-store and donate it to a charity of your choosing. If you need a suggestion, I am a huge fan of the work done by St. Jude's.

If you do it, don't come back and #douchebrag or anything of the like. Just do it and be happy.

Calling about the Yawn Traps isn't supposed to be a way to get free toys - it's about getting Activision to fulfill their advertising of "Collect them All!" - so be glad you got to finish your set and Pay it Forward in a more meaningful way.

Good suggestion UB...I'm good with this I usually donate to CMN at work....children's miracle network. I myself will donate.

Point one when I called I didn't expect anything.
Point two I am beyond greatful.

I would pay a monthly price of up to $25 maybe $30 bucks a month to get a monthly sub box of Skylanders Swag! Figures, Traps, etc. That would be cool I'm surprised this hasn't already happened with the success of other subscription boxes. Maybe it will happen would be awesome if they see this post and do something like that.

I called and was told no they couldn't send me anything they are only being released in Europe and Australia. I'm gutted! Congrats to all of you that have been able to get them. I think it is BS that we don't get a chance to get what was suppose to be on shelves everywhere. Guess they were not lying about them being rare.

Just called. I got a nice guy, too. He said he would see what he could do and would email me when he finds out. Did this happen with you guys, too?

Anyway, here's to hoping, I guess!

Hey, does anyone have the number and business hours?

When I called, I got the "take your information and get back with you..." :D

Also, another quick question for those who already got them: do you have to have an account with Activision? Or can you just give the guy your email?

Quote: sprocketrocket

Hey, does anyone have the number and business hours?

The number is in the OP. Twice.

"JUST PAY IT FORWARD !"

Quote: UncleBob

I'm going to issue a little "Pay it Forward" challenge to my fellow Portal Masters. If you get Activision to send you a set of Yawn Traps for free, take the $15 you would have spent on these in-store and donate it to a charity of your choosing. If you need a suggestion, I am a huge fan of the work done by St. Jude's.

If you do it, don't come back and #douchebrag or anything of the like. Just do it and be happy.

Calling about the Yawn Traps isn't supposed to be a way to get free toys - it's about getting Activision to fulfill their advertising of "Collect them All!" - so be glad you got to finish your set and Pay it Forward in a more meaningful way.

Heh, there are people out there that will do exactly as you say, then put them straight up on EBay. Count on it.

However, great idea for the honorable folks. Worthy organization, I wish they chose them for the Power Blue promotion instead. If I collected traps (more than one of each and a couple others obtained through deals), I'd be all over this - but as it is, I just would feel bad taking a set away from someone that does collect them.

Does anyone have the business hours and time zone?

11am PST

Wait... where the Yawn Traps released during Superchargers? It's like the Avengers triple pack coming this march for Disney Infinity 2.0, yet it's being released during 3.0. Has skylanders caught up on the trend? If so, does that mean alts designed for Skylanders Giants will be released during Superchargers, therefore, ALTMAGEDDON CONTINUING?!

Can you read the OP, night bomb guy? Usually you need to do that to know the subject.

I don't know why it's even needed to give a forum tutorial, but you managed to ignore literally everything about this topic to assume eveything wrong.