Robotech Kickstarter Funded at $1.44 Million!

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**Eumerin**

Morgan Vening wrote:
However, those items WILL be available in the first wave of retail, which is currently scheduled for September*.

So at least 11 more months until retail. Got it.

**Forar**

They have specifically said that they will deliver to backers before it goes to retail. Personally, this far into the year, I think the best case scenario is them shipping the last of the boxes out using their usual processes and then firing out boxes for retail at a faster (but not ludicrously expensive) manner for ASAP distribution, ignoring that the latter might overtake the former for some places.

At worst, they're a good month or so from needing to make the hard call on whether they want their gak to be in place for the holiday sales season or not, and if they do (spoiler alert: they do) then they need to do something. Be it a "some boxes of stuff we don't need are going out for retail, no need to panic, just wrapping up the last few (... hundred) packages before we fire off for EU" or something similar. Some technicality or downplayed 'totally reasonable, don't you guys think it's reasonable? Look how awesome we are!" that the die hards can grab onto and cheer over and the rest of us can roll our eyes at.

And I fully admit I could be wrong.

But taking their statements at face value is benefit of the doubt that they are still a long way from earning back.

**Eumerin**

Forar wrote:
Some technicality or downplayed 'totally reasonable, don't you guys think it's reasonable? Look how awesome we are!" that the die hards can grab onto and cheer over and the rest of us can roll our eyes at.

"We've got our shipments for the EU backers coming in next week, and we need to clear out some warehouse space because there's so much stuff coming in! So we're going to go ahead and start sending some of the extra stuff that won't be needed for EU packages out to retailers starting tomorrow."

/innocent whistle

**Koltoroc**

Eumerin wrote:
Forar wrote:
Some technicality or downplayed 'totally reasonable, don't you guys think it's reasonable? Look how awesome we are!" that the die hards can grab onto and cheer over and the rest of us can roll our eyes at.

"We've got our shipments for the EU backers coming in next week, and we need to clear out some warehouse space because there's so much stuff coming in! So we're going to go ahead and start sending some of the extra stuff that won't be needed for EU packages out to retailers starting tomorrow."

/innocent whistle

For a moment there I thought I missed that line in the newest update (just released). But I agree, I just wait for them screwing over EU/ROW backers.

**Forar**

Ahoy there! It was another busy week at Palladium, featuring the arrival of Container #2 of Robotech RPG Tactics. Shipping will start in earnest tomorrow, but today, check out the Weekly Update.

http://www.palladiumbooks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=743:palladium-booksr-weekly-update-october-2-2014&catid=52:weekly-updates&Itemid=183

Robotech® RPG Tactics™

What is taking up a lot of time for many of us is the shipping of Robotech® RPG Tactics™ to our Kickstarter backers. But we are soooo delighted to be into it full swing now. With the arrival of Container Two at the Palladium warehouse this week, and Container Three in port (barring any delays, we should have it next week), we can now ship out Robotech® RPG Tactics™ products at a rapid pace. Prep work for the big shipping push is finished, we think all the bugs have been worked out of the new shipping system, and we are ready to rock and roll! We have some freelancers and volunteers coming in all weekend to help us prep and pack packages that can go out first thing Monday. We will continue to pack and ship all next week. Of course, a few hundred will be going out tomorrow and we intend to ship 1,000+ by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, Containers Four and Five are packed and at sea. And China is working on Container Six. Here are some photos of the delivery of Container Two taken by Matthew Clements.

*snip* If you want to see the pics you'll have to go to the page.

HELP Wanted: A few good volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to help prep, package and ship Robotech® RPG Tactics™ over the next few weeks. If you live in the area and are willing and able to help, please call the Palladium office (734-721-2903 tel.). Please do so even if you’ve already let us know you are willing to help. We have a couple of freelancers, the staff, NMI and a pal from Canada coming in to help already. Note: Please DO NOT just show up. We’ll want to schedule volunteers when they’ll be most helpful, so if you want to help, call first. Thanks.

TLDR Bulletpoints:

Battle Cry boxes STILL aren't shipping out, but they say hundreds should go out tomorrow, and a thousand by next week. Which is a lot. The 6,300+ they need to send, however, make that maybe 15% of what is going, making it a start, and they'll just have another 5,300'ish to send out in 3 weeks to cover that October shipping target.

Gondor calls for aid! I mean, Palladium needs volunteers for packaging! A chance to work shoulder to shoulder with the Staff of PB, and NMI himself! Truly the greatest of opportunities!

Edit: oh, and they still list "Retail Release Date: In stores September, 2014." This is going to be such a gangbusters event it's going to transcend time itself!

**Morgan Vening**

Forar wrote:
TLDR Bulletpoints:

Battle Cry boxes STILL aren't shipping out, but they say hundreds should go out tomorrow, and a thousand by next week. Which is a lot. The 6,300+ they need to send, however, make that maybe 15% of what is going, making it a start, and they'll just have another 5,300'ish to send out in 3 weeks to cover that October shipping target.

They plan to send out hundreds tomorrow. But they apparently haven't done anything the last two days. The container arrived Tuesday morning. I've done some container work, and it can be a hard slog for a small crew. So I'll write off all of Tuesday, for the forklifting of the pallets, and the removal of shrinkwrap and sorting the initial boxes into appropriate piles. But that doesn't excuse Wednesday or Thursday. Even if there's a disruption with the shipping companies (FedEx/USPS/etc might need notice to start picking up in quantity), but they could start packing them in anticipation of pickup.

Forar wrote:
Gondor calls for aid! I mean, Palladium needs volunteers for packaging! A chance to work shoulder to shoulder with the Staff of PB, and NMI himself! Truly the greatest of opportunities!

Yeah, them specifically calling out NMI, yeah, that's gonna have me rushing down to help. Unless he's going to be kept in medieval stocks, or a dunk tank. But then again, maybe that's the reason nothing got done Wed/Thur? They're waiting on the slave labour (I mean volunteers) to arrive. Get their hands dirty themselves? Heavens to Betsy, no!

Forar wrote:
Edit: oh, and they still list "Retail Release Date: In stores September, 2014." This is going to be such a gangbusters event it's going to transcend time itself!

It's been going on so long, it's no longer even funny. Strike that. It's still funny. But in a sad way.

**Smilodon_UP**

Morgan Vening wrote:
I've done some container work, and it can be a hard slog for a small crew. So I'll write off all of Tuesday, for the forklifting of the pallets, and the removal of shrinkwrap and sorting the initial boxes into appropriate piles. But that doesn't excuse Wednesday or Thursday. Even if there's a disruption with the shipping companies (FedEx/USPS/etc might need notice to start picking up in quantity), but they could start packing them in anticipation of pickup.

I'd be surprised if PB had something in the warehouse as efficient as a forklift given that they cost $$$ to run and maintain. More than likely they have one or two hand-jacks, which are probably not motorized either.

Unless of course they paid out money to rent something....

Morgan Vening wrote:
Forar wrote:
Gondor calls for aid! I mean, Palladium needs volunteers for packaging! A chance to work shoulder to shoulder with the Staff of PB, and NMI himself! Truly the greatest of opportunities!
Yeah, them specifically calling out NMI, yeah, that's gonna have me rushing down to help. They're waiting on the slave labour (I mean volunteers) to arrive. Get their hands dirty themselves? Heavens to Betsy, no!

True enough, the company could have been classy and offered an incentive like springing for a pizza or take-out breakfast/lunch/dinner while those folks bust ass, but then, you know, it is PB.

_
_

**Forar**

Eh, to be fair, it wouldn't surprise me if they bought lunch and hooked the helpers out with a core box or something. A couple hundred bucks in food and product to get some extra hands would be a small price to pay.

But... yes... I also wouldn't be surprised if they just thanked them. Maybe even a shout out in the newsletters!

**Joyboozer**

They're starting shipping and still don't have enough volunteers? Oh, if only I'd done my research before backing this.
Wait, WTF, Palladium should have done their research before starting thus project. Holy crap, guys, it's not the backers fault at all! We've been mislead!

**Duskland**

They plan to send out hundreds tomorrow. But they apparently haven't done anything the last two days. The container arrived Tuesday morning. I've done some container work, and it can be a hard slog for a small crew. So I'll write off all of Tuesday, for the forklifting of the pallets, and the removal of shrinkwrap and sorting the initial boxes into appropriate piles. But that doesn't excuse Wednesday or Thursday. Even if there's a disruption with the shipping companies (FedEx/USPS/etc might need notice to start picking up in quantity), but they could start packing them in anticipation of pickup.

@Morgan- That's also the first thing that came to my mind when reading the update. That and the fact that they haven't even got the packing lists set up yet (something to do during the two weeks they were waiting for container #2 to arrive me thinks). Oh well, no use expecting competence from PB at this late date. They've only been shipping out product for decades after all, they're new at this.

**Alpharius**

Think of all the positive karma one could accumulate!

And no - I'm not kidding!

Someone, anyone - get in there!

**Cypher-xv**

I'm sure just the chance to work with NMI and Kevin in the same building will be EPIC. An event that only comes once in a lifetime. I'll be sure to post my envy about it in Dec when my 3 month ban is lifted.

**PallyDrone**

Cypher-xv wrote:
I'm sure just the chance to work with NMI and Kevin in the same building will be EPIC. An event that only comes once in a lifetime. I'll be sure to post my envy about it in Dec when my 3 month ban is lifted.

Damn...NMI is there. Man I should volunteer so we could pal around. I wonder if he's good at sensual massage?

**Cypher-xv**

Considering that Kevin still keeps him around I'm sure he does.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Hm just noticed my status has changed to a brownie pilot. I'm awesome and epic!

**Swabby**

Awesome job whomever added the Macross track!

**Brasidas**

FWIW, I received my tracking number from Palladium tonight, UPS has an ETA for Tuesday. I'm at the Battle Cry pledge level.

**warboss**

Brasidas wrote:
FWIW, I received my tracking number from Palladium tonight, UPS has an ETA for Tuesday. I'm at the Battle Cry pledge level.

Congrats! What was your backerkit number out of curiosity?

**Forar**

Update #161

Accelerated Shipping, Day 1

Here they are, the first batch of Battle Cry boxes patiently awaiting the UPS trucks, plural, three hours ago. Between these and the handful of boxes that went via USPS today, I know 200 backers who should be getting tracking emails any time now.

Our backs and feet are sore, and now we have to make hundreds more boxes to replace the ones we went through today, but this was a good day. We ironed out our packing and shipping processes in a few places, so we should be able to keep up this pace pretty easily, and hopefully speed things up as more containers come in.

We’ll be at this all weekend, making boxes and doing other prep work, but I hope the rest of you enjoy yours.

Oh noes, their backs and feet are sore!

Look, not to be 'that guy', but this is day one of the real work. They could have at least a month, if not two, maybe three, just full of days like this in order to get out backer boxes, EU wrapped up, and retail distribution.

Maybe 'hoping volunteers round out our efforts' isn't a winning plan here.

**warboss**

Swabby wrote:
Awesome job whomever added the Macross track!

Glad you like it. I really was excited about the project last year when I did it but Palladium has largely sucked that enthusiasm dry since. I'm glad though that a couple folks are using it. The last two secret ranks will be a hoot to see used.

**Forar**

And given how much longer we have left in this project, I'm sure there'll be a bunch of us up there by the time Wave 2 delivers.

BAM!

**BobtheInquisitor**

Forar wrote:
Update #161

Accelerated Shipping, Day 1

Here they are, the first batch of Battle Cry boxes patiently awaiting the UPS trucks, plural, three hours ago. Between these and the handful of boxes that went via USPS today, I know 200 backers who should be getting tracking emails any time now.

Our backs and feet are sore, and now we have to make hundreds more boxes to replace the ones we went through today, but this was a good day. We ironed out our packing and shipping processes in a few places, so we should be able to keep up this pace pretty easily, and hopefully speed things up as more containers come in.

We’ll be at this all weekend, making boxes and doing other prep work, but I hope the rest of you enjoy yours.

Oh noes, their backs and feet are sore!

Look, not to be 'that guy', but this is day one of the real work. They could have at least a month, if not two, maybe three, just full of days like this in order to get out backer boxes, EU wrapped up, and retail distribution.

Maybe 'hoping volunteers round out our efforts' isn't a winning plan here.

What they need is some great working music. A month of days like this? Remember the scene in Conan where the skinny kid is lashed to the giant mill-wheel and pushes that sucker until he develops the mighty thews of Arnold Schwarzenegger? That's probably how it's going to play out.

**NTRabbit**

I was asking because I like to give away a KS exclusive figure of some kind every year in a long running painting competition I'm in (and really bad at). I've got two of lot of them due to me from Robotech and figured on giving away onf of my Khyrons or something, but if none of them are going to arrive any time soon, I may have to make other arrangements.

**Brasidas**

warboss wrote:

Congrats! What was your backerkit number out of curiosity?

#404

(Edit, that might be the backer number, not the backer kit number? It's the number I get by going into backer history and clicking on the project.)

**Spartan-Kun**

As badly as I want my minis, the upside of this taking so long is that at least I can get painting done before hand.

Does anyone know where I can get custom transfers made? I plan on making all the Joint Fighter Wings from Strike Witches (anime) into veritech squadrons, and want to put the JFW number (501st, 504th, etc.) as well as their symbol on the wings. I was gonna put transfers of names under the canopies but that's just too small @.@

**Albertorius**

Has anyone heard anything about EU shippings? Because apparently there are some pretty strong rumours over here that PB is going to ship everything themselves, and via USPS.

...in which case, there will be pretty hefty additional costs that I'm most certainly NOT happy paying for this.

**Forar**

NTRabbit wrote:
I was asking because I like to give away a KS exclusive figure of some kind every year in a long running painting competition I'm in (and really bad at). I've got two of lot of them due to me from Robotech and figured on giving away onf of my Khyrons or something, but if none of them are going to arrive any time soon, I may have to make other arrangements.

Yeah, nothing LE in this wave. Wave 2 is scheduled for "?" currently.

Brasidas wrote:
warboss wrote:

Congrats! What was your backerkit number out of curiosity?

#404

(Edit, that might be the backer number, not the backer kit number? It's the number I get by going into backer history and clicking on the project.)

Yeah, that's the Backer number. Backer Kit number is found on the BK site we all filled out a year and change ago. You can go back to it and hit "next" and it'll tell you your number again. For example, I'm KS backer #31, but I'm number 308 in the Backer Kit itself.

Albertorius wrote:
Has anyone heard anything about EU shippings? Because apparently there are some pretty strong rumours over here that PB is going to ship everything themselves, and via USPS.

...in which case, there will be pretty hefty additional costs that I'm most certainly NOT happy paying for this.

No. People have been asking for ages, and they did touch on it a few updates back, but nothing concrete, and yes, I recall in the FAQ them saying that they'd take care of the shipping costs. Really hoping they don't feth that up, because with 8 boxes coming...

**Alpharius**

I feel like we've been over this before but, 200 boxes a day doesn't seem like all that an impressive a number to me.

With most of their staff packing along with Fan Friend/Volunteers, they can surely do much better than that!

**Forar**

It doesn't seem so to me either. I mean, even with just 3 or 4 people working, 50-65 boxes per person across a day isn't exactly a back breaking pace.

Now, they also talk about building boxes, and getting those built, taped up and ready to go adds time (caveat; in the last month they could've filled every foot of available warehouse space they didn't need for RRT shipping/pallets with those boxes and been ready to go) and can be a pain, but yeah... it's not exactly taking things at a run.

If I continue to be more fair than they deserve, there are also limits on their ability to put out boxes (they said about a thousand by the end of next week) and Container 3 hasn't arrived at the warehouse yet, so it may simply be them pacing themselves until they have another giant supply up stuff for battle cries.

But yeah... pre-built boxes and the right motivation, I feel like I could do 100+ in a day on my own. It's tedious stuff, but it's not rocket science.

**warboss**

Alpharius wrote:
I feel like we've been over this before but, 200 boxes a day doesn't seem like all that an impressive a number to me.

With most of their staff packing along with Fan Friend/Volunteers, they can surely do much better than that!

It's better than the 200 boxes they did for the past month since they loaded the first container with only the stuff they wanted to sell at gencon despite those accounting for less than 5% of pledges. You have to look at the bright side... even if that bright side is a flickering candle in the night breeze 500ft away! As for the fan friends, it is likely that all but their employees (including the freelancers and forum mod) will go back to their normal lives after this weekend.

Do Yak or Lego make you fly out and help them move as a condition of being a forum mod?

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Forar wrote:
Brasidas wrote:
warboss wrote:

Congrats! What was your backerkit number out of curiosity?

#404

(Edit, that might be the backer number, not the backer kit number? It's the number I get by going into backer history and clicking on the project.)

Yeah, that's the Backer number. Backer Kit number is found on the BK site we all filled out a year and change ago. You can go back to it and hit "next" and it'll tell you your number again. For example, I'm KS backer #31, but I'm number 308 in the Backer Kit itself.

Yeah, I'm backerkit number 250ish and didn't get a notification which is why I asked. My wave one is just a simple battlecry and two decal sheets so I'd expect that the simplicity of my order, US status, and low number would put me in the first week if not the first batch.

**Tamwulf**

It seems to me that I need to take a weeks vacation, buy a plane ticket, and get a hotel reservation to volunteer at PB just to ensure I can pack and ship my own pledge to myself. That's about the only way I can think of getting my pledge anytime soon...