The rec.toys.action-figures.discuss FAQ Part 1
SECTION 1: ON-TOPIC/OFF-TOPIC POSTINGS
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Q1:
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What is the newsgroup rec.toys.action-figures.discuss for?
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A1:
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Rec.toys.action-figures.discuss is the newsgroup for discussing the type
of toy known as an action figure and the toys that are included as part
of an "action figure line."
The following is the official newsgroup charter for rta-f.d:
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CHARTER: rec.toys.action-figures.discuss
Rec.toys.action-figures.discuss is an unmoderated newsgroup for the
discussion of action figure toys and related accessories. The scope of
discussion within this group includes action figures, as well as action
figure playsets, vehicles and other accessories intended for use with
action figures.The types of posts within this group may include (but not
be limited to) posts of news, release dates, collecting, customizing, and
reviews related to action figures and their accessories. Rec.toys.action-
figures.discuss is intended for action figure toys and topics that do not
have their own, more appropriate rec.toys.action-figures.* group. For
example, posts related to the buying, selling, trading or auctioning of
toys or other items belong in the appropriate marketplace group.
Crossposting to or from the marketplace group is not acceptable.
Additionally, crossposting to other rec.toys.* groups is discouraged.
******************************************************************
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Q2:
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How does one define an action figure?
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A2:
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Like the meaning of Life and other age old questions, the
definition of an action figure may never be truly known to the
mortal world. In other words, there is no point in trying to
define what an action figure is, because there will always be
disagreements over any given definition. Nevertheless, there
are a few guidelines one can follow:
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1)
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Is it a toy?
Since rta-f.d is part of the rec.toys hierarchy, obviously
on-topic posts should deal with toys. Now, that doesn't mean
that just because you consider your car or your super-duper
hi-fi stereo system your own personal toys, you can talk
about them on rta-f.d. Rta-f.d deals with toys in the traditional
sense, i.e. items that one would most likely find in a toy
store or in the toy department of any retailer. All it takes
is common sense to see the distinction.
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2)
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Is it an action-figure?
Since rta-f.d is the newsgroup for action figure discussion in the
rec.toys hierarchy, toys discussed on rta-f.d need to be action
figures or related items such as vehicles and accessories. Even
though the division of toys into "Boys Toys" and "Girls Toys" is
an antiquated one, it is useful in the traditional sense that most
"Boys Toys" fit the bill of on-topic "action figure or related
items" postings.
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Q3:
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The charter says that marketplace type postings are not allowed
on rta-f.d. If I can't post them to rta-f.d, then where can I
buy, sell, trade, and auction action figures?
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A3:
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Any request to buy, sell, or trade in any form is a marketplace
posting. This includes auctions, want lists, "I'm looking for..."
type posts, or any post that is a request to exchange goods and/or
money. These posts should be sent to
rec.toys.action-figures.marketplace.
Cross-posting these messages to rta-f.d
is unacceptable. Saying, "I know I shouldn't post this here,
but I'm only going to do it this one time" is unacceptable. There
is no excuse that warrants anyone ignoring this rule. This is
a sorepoint with readers of rta-f.d, and if you ignore this rule,
you will here about, so just save yourself and us the
aggravation and don't do it!
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Q4:
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I can't access the .marketplace newsgroup. Is it ok if I send my
marketplace posts to rta-f.d instead?
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A4:
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While it is unfortunate that, for whatever reason, you cannot access the
.marketplace group through your regular provider, this does not give
you a special license to disregard the rta-f.d charter. There are
absolutely no circumstances wherein marketplace-type posts are acceptable
on rta-f.d, not one! You need to either discuss the problem with your provider or seek out an alternative method of posting such as Dejanews
(http://www.dejanews.com). For
Dejanews users who can't seem to find the .marketplace group, this URL
will take you there: http://www.dejanews.com/bg.xp?level=rec.toys.action-figures
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Q5:
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Is it ok to post want lists to rta-f.d?
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A5:
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No. A want list is just another way of phrasing a buy, sell,
or trade post and should be sent to
rec.toys.action-figures.marketplace.
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Q6:
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Can I post pictures and other binary files to rta-f.d?
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A6:
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Absolutely not. Usenet is structured so that binary files
are only posted to groups that are specifically created to handle
binary postings. One binary file can easily equal hundreds of
regular text postings, eating up loads of bandwidth. Posting
binaries to newsgroups they don't belong in can result in ISPs
dropping the newsgroup because it is taking up too much bandwidth;
causing messages to expire faster, making people miss out on messages
that do belong in the newsgroup; and causing people who have to pay for
their download time to get stuck with higher bills because they
unwillingly and unwittingly downloaded binary files that shouldn't
have been there (not everyone lives in the U.S. and has access
to an ISP that provides unlimited service). If you want people to
see your pictures, either post it to an appropriate binary
group, such as
alt.binaries.pictures.misc,
and let people know it's there, or upload it to a web page. You can get
free web space at places like
www.geocities.com if you're provider
doesn't give it to you as part of your service.
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Q7:
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What absolutely does not belong on rta-f.d?
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A7:
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The charter clearly sets the guidelines for rta-f.d, but sometimes
things need to be stated explicity for those who are, to put it politely,
slow on the uptake. Here are some of the most common off-topic subject
to avoid.
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1)
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Marketplace postings (See Q1.3)
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2)
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Binary Postings (See Q1.6)
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3)
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Toys that have actions:
Just because a toy does something, that does not make it
an action figure. "Action figure" refers to a type of
toy, not the function of a toy. For example, a vibrating
stuffed animal does not in any way resemble an "action
figure" and cannot be considered an action figure
because it has an action. This is a common argument employed
by those who want to defend their off-topic posts and
this stance has absolutely no merit.
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4)
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The latest fads:
Just because a toy is this year's over-hyped-by-the-media
fad does not mean that it's on-topic on rta-f.d. Tickle
Me Elmo, Sing and Snore Ernie, Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis and
Furbies are all clear-cut examples of toys that are not on-topic
regardless of their supposed popularity or worth. If
one insists on posting about these types of toys, they
deserve whatever flack comes their way.
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5)
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Items that are related to certain characters who have action
figures:
Just because there are Star Wars action figures does not mean
that Star Wars comic books, trading cards, cereal boxes, dog
food, etc. are on-topic on rta-f.d. Basically, if it's
not an action figure or part of an action figure line, it
doesn't belong, regardless of it's relation to the characters of
existing action figures.
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Q8:
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Is there anything else I should read in order to become better
acquainted with rta-f.d?
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A8:
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Read the newsgroup! As with any form of intercultural
communication, you'll want to be aware of the norms and values that
define the unique culture of rta-f.d before you post to the
newsgroup. Lurk for a week or two to learn what you can about the
newsgroup so that you are as informed as possible when you begin
posting.
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Q9:
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What are some of the common abbreviations used on r.t.a-f.d?
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A9:
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AB&R - Adventures of Batman & Robin
AFNTR - Action Figure News & Toy Review
BF - Batman Forever
B&R - Batman & Robin
BTAS - Batman: The Animated Series
CS12 - Star Wars 12" Collector's Series
EWJ - Earth Worm Jim
FF - Fantastic Four
IM - Iron Man
LOB - Legends of Batman
NBC - Nightmare Before Christmas
POTF - Star Wars: Power of the Force (the original line)
POTF2 - Star Wars: Power of the Force (the new line)
POTF95 - Star Wars: Power of the Force (the new line)
PR - Power Rangers
rassc - rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting
rta-f.d - rec.toys.action-figures.discuss
rta-f.m - rec.toys.action-figures.marketplace
rtm - rec.toys.misc
RTM - Raving Toy Maniac website
SLU - Starting Line-Ups
SOTE - Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
TMNT - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
TNBA - The New Batman Adventures
TRU - Toys 'R' Us
TB - Toy Biz
XM - X-Men
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SECTION 2: TOY RESOURCES
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Q1:
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Are there any other toy newsgroups?
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A1:
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There are a number of newsgroups in the rec.toys hierarchy:
rec.toys.action-figures.marketplace
rec.toys.cars
rec.toys.lego
rec.toys.misc
rec.toys.transformers.marketplace
rec.toys.transformers.moderated
rec.toys.vintage
There are also a number of newsgroups in other hierarchies that deal, at least partially, with toys:
alt.collecting.beanie-babies
alt.food.pez
alt.toys.gi-joe
alt.toys.gi-joe.1980s
alt.toys.transformers
alt.toys.transformers.marketplace
rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.customizing
rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.misc
rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.vintage
rec.collecting.dolls
For more details on the toy related newsgroups, check out RTM's Internet Toy Resources page at http://www.toymania.com/itr/.
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Q2:
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Are there any World Wide Web sites for action figures?
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A2:
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Below are a few of the most essential action figure related sites.
For the most comprehensive list of toy sites available, check out RTM's
Internet Toy Off-White Pages at http://www.toymania.com/links.
Action Girl's Guide to Female Figures
http://users.aol.com/sarahdyer/index.htm
Maintained by Sarah Dyer ([email protected])
An incredible guide to every female figure ever made. If you like
to learn about toys you never knew existed or you're just looking
for a comprehensive guide, this is the place to go.
The Official R.T.A-F Collector's Haven (TORCH)
http://12.6.109.132/torch/
Maintained by Cherie Powell aka Figment ([email protected])
TORCH is the web site that spotlights the personalities that make
rta-f.d what it is. Among the sites' features are good trader
lists, rta-fer profiles, toy club listings, feature articles,
and wants lists from people in the rta-f.d community.
Raving Toy Maniac
http://www.toymania.com
Maintained by Eric G. Myers ([email protected]) and
Jason Geyer ([email protected])
The premiere action figure site on the web. It's home to this
document as well as many, many other pages, including, but not
limited to:
The Custom
Corner
The Ultimate X-Men Figure
Guide
Batman: The Animated Series
Archive
Super Powers Archive
The Mego Museum
The Internet Toy Off-White
Pages
Up-to-date Toy News
The Star Wars Collectors Archive
http://www.toysrgus.com/
Maintained by Gus Lopez ([email protected])
From the rarest Star Wars pieces to pictures of the newest figures.
Choose from picture galleries of Kenner U.S. figures, non-U.S.
figures, prototypes, custom-made figures, bootlegs, and more.
Pictures you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else, and other
useful SW resources.
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Q3:
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Which stores sell action figures and related toys?
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A3:
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(stores that specialize in toys are distinguished by an *)
| Ames |
Bradlees |
Big Lots |
Caldor |
Circus World* |
Eckerds |
FAO Schwarz* |
Kay-Bee Toys* |
K-Mart |
Meijer |
Odd Lots |
Service Merchandise |
Spencer Gifts |
Target |
Toy Liquidators* |
Toys 'R' Us* |
Toy Works* |
Venture |
Wal-Mart |
Walgreens |
Many comic book stores also sell toys, albeit at higher prices.
(See Q2.6 for store addresses and phone numbers).
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Q4:
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What books and magazines have information about action figures and related toys?
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A4:
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ACTION FIGURE NEWS & TOY REVIEW
556 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468
Sample copies are available for $6.45.
Subscriptions are $21.95/six issues and $39.95/year for 12 issues.
COLLECTIBLE TOYS & VALUES
P.O. Box 569
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Subscriptions are $29.95/year.
COLLECTING TOYS
P.O. Box 1612
Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
1-800-533-6644
Subscriptions are $19.95/year for six issues.
go figure! MAGAZINE
1325 Curson Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
ATTN: Subscription Dept.
1-800-530-3322
Fax: 1-323-876-9768
URL: http:/www.gofiguremagazine.com
Subscriptions are $21.95/year for nine issues.
SEARS WISHBOOK
1-800-948-8800
$3/issue (200 pages), comes with $5 coupon.
TOMART'S ACTION FIGURE DIGEST
3300 Encrete Lane
Dayton, OH 45439-1944
URL: http://www.tomart.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Sample copies are available for $8.00.
Subscriptions are $65.00/year for twelve issues, $35.00 for six
issues.
TOYFARE: THE GUIDE TO COLLECTIBLE TOYS
Toyfare Subscription Department
P.O. Box 658
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
URL: http://www.toyfare.com
$29.95/year for twelve issues.
TOY SHOP
Circulation Department (ABAKCR)
700 E. State St
Iola, WI 54990-0001
URL: http://www.krause.com/collectibles/html/ts.html
Means of ordering and rates are available on-line.
WHITE'S GUIDE TO COLLECTING FIGURES
Collecting Figure
Subscriptions
P.O. Box K-46
Richmond, VA 23288
URL: http://www.whitesguide.com
$4.95 per issue US, $5.95 per issue Canada, $5-$10 per back issue.
Subscriptions are $34.95 for 12 issues, $18.95 for 6 issues.
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Q5:
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I'm looking for the address of a toy manufacturer/distributor, where should I look?
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A5:
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Below is a listing of many of the more common
manufacturers/distributors:
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Bandai America
Bandai America, Inc.
12851 E. 166th Street
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (310) 926-0947
e-mail: http://www.bandai.com/email.html
URL: http://www.bandai.com
Cap Toys
Cap Toys, Inc.
26201 Richmond Road
Bedford Hts., OH 44146
Phone: (216) 292-6363
Fax: (212) 807-6822
Exclusive Premiere Collectibles
Exclusive Toy Products
2029 Century Park East, Suite 2880
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: (310) 284-5777
Fax: (310) 284-8333
URL: http://www.exclusivepremiere.com
Flatt World Figures
Flatt World Figures, Inc.
Phone: 1-888-66-FLATT
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.flattworld.com
Galoob
Galoob Lewis Toys Inc
500 Forbes Blvd
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: (415) 952-1678
Phone: 1-800-4-GALOOB
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.galoob.com/
Hasbro
Hasbro Inc
1027 Newport Ave
Pawtucket, RI 02861
Phone: (401) 431-8697
Phone: 1-800-255-5516
Fax: (415) 583-4996
URL: http://www2.hasbrotoys.com/hasbro/home.html
Irwin Toys
Irwin Toys Limited
43 Hanna Avenue
Toronto, Ontario MGK 1X6, Canada
Phone: (416) 533-3521
Phone: 1-800-268-1733
Fax: (416) 533-3257
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.irwin-toy.com
Just Toys
Just Toys Inc.
50 West 23, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 645-6335
Fax: (212) 741-8793
Kenner
Kenner Products
A Division of Tonka Corp.
1014 Vine St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 579-4000
Phone: 1-800-255-5516
Fax: (513) 579-4704
URL: http://www2.hasbrotoys.com/hasbro/home.html
Mattel
Mattel Toys, Inc.
333 Continental Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012
Phone: (310) 252-2000
Fax: (310) 524-2179
Consumer Information Line: 1-800-524-TOYS
McFarlane Toys
15155 Fogg Street
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (313) 425-0340
URL: http://www.spawn.com
Playmates
Playmates Toys, Inc.
16200 S. Trojan Way
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (714) 739-1929
Fax: (714) 739-2912
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.playmatestoys.com
ReSaurus
ReSaurus Company, Inc.
240 Outerbelt Street
Columbus, Ohio 43213
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.resaurus.com
Toy Biz
Toy Biz, Inc.
333 East 38th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (216) 682-4700
Fax: (212) 633-2181
Customer Service Line: 1-800-634-7539
Toy Vault
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.toyvault.com
Trendmasters
611 N. 10th Street
Saint Louis, MO 63101
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.trendmaster.com
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Q6:
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I'm trying to find the address of a specific retail store that carries toys, where should I look?
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A6:
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Below is a listing of many of the more common retail stores that carry
toys:
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Ames
Ames Department Stores Inc
2418 Main St
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (203) 257-2000
Fax: (203) 257-2198
Bradlees
Bradlees Stores
1 Bradlees Cir
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (617) 380-8000
Caldor
Caldor Corp
20 Glover Ave
Norwalk, CT 06856
Phone: (203) 846-1641
Fax: (203) 849-2019
Circus World
Circus World Toy Stores
100 West St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 499-0086
Fax: (413) 499-3739
FAO Schwarz
767 5th Ave, Suite 401
New York, NY 10153
Phone: (212) 644-9410
Catalog Phone Number: 1-800-426-TOYS
Fax: (212) 644-2485
URL: http://faoschwarz.com
Kay-Bee
Kay-Bee Toy Stores
100 West St
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 499-0086
Fax: (413) 499-3739
URL: http://www.kbtoys.com
K-Mart
K-Mart Corporation
3100 W. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (810) 643-1021
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.kmart.com
Meijer
Meijer Inc
2929 Walker Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: (616) 453-6711
Fax: (616) 453-6067
Service Merchandise
PO Box 24600
Nashville, TN 37202
Phone: 1-800-251-1212
Fax: 1-800-582-1966
TDD: 1-800-367-2744
URL: http://www.servicemerchandise.com
Spencer Gifts
Spencer Gifts Inc
6826 Black Horse Pike
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Phone: (609) 645-3300
Fax: (609) 645-8062
URL: http://www.spencergifts.com
Target
Target Stores
33 S 6th St
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: (612) 370-6073
Fax: (612) 370-5807
URL: http://www.target.com
Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us Inc
461 From Rd
Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 262-7800
Fax: (201) 262-8919
URL: http://www.tru.com
Toy Works
Toy Works Inc
Fiddlers Elbow Rd
Middle Falls, NY 12848
Phone: (518) 692-9666
Fax: (518) 692-9186
URL: http://www.kbtoys.com
Venture
Venture Stores Inc
2001 E Terra Ln
O'Fallon, MO 63366
Phone: (314) 281-5500
Fax: (314) 281-5152
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores Inc
702 SW 8th St
Bentonville, AR 72716
Phone: (501) 273-4000
Fax: (501) 273-1931
e-mail: [email protected]
URL: http://www.wal-mart.com/
SECTION 3: RESTORATION/MAINTENANCE
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Q1:
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What is the best way to remove price stickers without damaging
the package?
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A1:
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From Eric G. Myers ([email protected]):
"Far and away, I recommend a product called "Goo Gone." Its
available at retail outlets like K-Mart. It can be found in the
cleaners section or sometimes in the automotive section. It is a
citrus product and will not damage the card if used correctly (do
not over-apply and allow to soak into the card). Others will tell
you to use things like: rubbing alcohol, nail polisher remover
etc. These things also work but may leave a dull spot on the card
by removing some of the card coating. In some cases, these types
of products can actually remove paint or ink from the card itself.
Some will tell you to use a hairdryer, set on low. This does
loosen up the glue on some stickers but does not work for all
stickers. Plus, you run the risk of softening up the bubble
(potentially misshaping it). Its a bit tricky, but it can be done.
Get the Goo Gone first. You won't be disappointed. If you can't
find it, then try one of the other methods carefully."
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Q2:
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Is there a way to restore or replace worn out decal sheets?
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A2:
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One commonly suggested method of replacing decal sheets is to take them
to Kinkos and have them color-copied onto adhesive paper.
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SECTION 4: ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
SECTION 5: CONTRIBUTORS
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The following people have contributed to this document at some
point during it's history:
Marcia Bednarcyk ([email protected])
Bruce Bernard ([email protected])
Chip Cataldo ([email protected])
Sonya Choi Lee ([email protected])
Julius Cooper aka Weasel ([email protected])
George Emmons ([email protected])
John Gersten ([email protected])
Jason Geyer ([email protected])
Pamela Green ([email protected])
Gus Lopez ([email protected])
Leigh Melton ([email protected])
Randy Matthews ([email protected])
Eric G. Myers ([email protected])
Aaron Newton ([email protected])
Brian Pearce ([email protected])
rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting FAQ Maintainers
Ted Sallis ([email protected])
Terry ([email protected])
David Thiel ([email protected])
TZ (Tom Zarzecki) ([email protected])
C.W. Walker ([email protected])
Barb Williams ([email protected])
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FAQ Index | FAQ Part 1 | FAQ Part 2
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