Transformer Toys are a Giant Letdown, Hasbro

I agree! The older ones were much sturdier and didn't fall
apart..however the ones my son has fall apart and there are tiny
pieces everywhere and I am sure we have lost a few, I stopped buying
them for him because all they do are fall apart. They are basically
junk to me.

I wish they still made a lot of things they did when I was
younger...but they do not.
And since most toys such as Transformers are made in foreign countries
the quality is not what it used to be either.

Its a shame...truly, but its a sign of the times. Maybe someone will
be selling the ones from the 70's-80's at garage sales or flea
markets. You can talk the prices down on these epecially if they are
not in the original packages.

Sure there's a way to go back to the old way of making the
Transformers, as well as hundres and thousands of other toys - stop
making them in China.

It's not only the Hasbro company. Let's talk about all the toy
companies including Fisher Price and Mattel just to name a few.

When I shop for toys, or any other items for my family, especially for
my 7 year old grandaughter, I look for the signage "Made In China".
If it's made in China I DO NOT BUY IT. It's JUNK, and it's about time
the American companies, stop looking to appease shareholders and
making such huge profits -- make safety issues a top priority. I
don't want lead or melamine in any of the products coming into my
home.

I take my time looking at product labels. I don't buy anything made
in China, no matter whether its toys, clothing, and nowadays it's even
liquid hand soap and candy. Can't we in America make these products
anymore?

I've even made my 7 year old grandaugher aware of inferior, and lead
containing products from China as well as the Chinese children working
in sweat shops. She even tells me that she can't have an item just
because it's made in China.

What's the matter with everyone in the U.S.A. these days? Just because
it's cheap to purchase Chinese items don't make them safe for our
kids. Nowadays, it's even getting harder to some food products
without seeing a Made In China label on it.

Doesen't anyone realize that once you buy this cheap stuff, if it's
something you're going to use for any length of time, you have to
replace it more often than if you purchased a higer dollar, and a
better quality item. Just look at the quality of the clothing sold
these days --- you can put your fingers right through the fabric on
some of the products, and that even includes Levis jeans.

It's time not only for the tea parties for the tax issues, but let's
all get involved in trying to get the American companies making their
products in the Good Old U.S.A. and bring some jobs back to the
States.

Great letter. They sure don't make 'em like they used to. I've found
this with not only Transformers, but a lot of other toys I enjoyed as
a child.
As far as the Transformers go, we have a lot that are missing pieces
because they come apart so easily.

I hope Hasbro responds. They should, as I believe they are very
customer oriented.

Your letter reminded me that I've neglected to write my own little
missive to Fisher Price about the quality of a few toys my son has
received. For one in particular, a Sesame Street garage, the quality
is terrible. The tracks, which are supposed to snap on the back, do
not stay on with even the slightest pressure. Whenever I put a car on
the track - which is what you're supposed to do! - the whole thing
falls apart.

So, I completely understand your frustration. Unfortunately, quality
issues seem to be true for a lot of things these days.

Let us know if Hasbro responds.

Which Transformers are you purchasing, and are you reading the age
limits AND challenge levels on the packaging?

Also, the toys are actually designed to come apart so as to minimize
real breakage. That way mom or dad can just pop an arm or leg right
back on rather than break out the super glue.

The old molds still exist for most (but not all) of the originals, but
they are reserved for collectors editions and even those can be quite
fragile.

How funny that I got my son a Transformer for his Easter basket today.
It is a small activator one that turns into a dinosaur. He figured it
out pretty quick but the legs fall off pretty easy. I thought he broke
it but it has a small round plastic thing that just snaps into the
body.

He has a larger one that turns into an SUV and it can be a little
challenging to change it. I wonder do this toy companies actually have
people play with the toys? (remember the movie Big...paying him to
play with toys.. awesome!) They should test run toys and give them to
children and have their feedback on a toy. If a kid thinks its dumb
then case closed.

I wish Stretch Armstrong would make a comeback! ;o)

Great feedback! I've generally been unimpressed with many of the
"remade" toys lately. I've actually thought of picking up some of the
old action figures at flea markets and local "antique" shops. It
seems like the newer stuff gets more and more expensive while the
quality of the product keeps deteriorating.

This is feedback the company needs to hear. It is a shame that
companies cheapen things so much that they are no longer useful. You
would think that they would test them for a period of time to simulate
real world use.

I hope Hasbro gets back to you quickly. Good luck.

Excellent letter!

Excellent letter. Hasbro has great customer service. I'm sure you'll
hear from them. If they get enough feedback, I wouldn't be surprised
if they actually make changes to improve this product.

My kids had a lot of toys, but transformers were always my favorite.
They have to work right to be any fun otherwise it would be very
frustrating.

Depending on your son's age, you could even involve him in
communicating with Hasbro. It's great when a kid sees that you can
sometimes get results!