Turboduo Vendor Interview - Anyone care for it?

[wyndcrosser]

I found an original Turboduo vendor, who now lists on Amazon some of his remaining stock. I was curious if anyone would like some questions answered or anything like that, from someone who was in the busy back then? I know it's interesting at times to see how the market was at the time, how vendors received items, kickbacks for selling items, or how they were notified once the Turbografx/Turboduo was laid to rest.

I was planning on fielding some of my own, but you guys have had your consoles longer then me.

He was a direct seller of Turbografx and Turboduo consoles, games, etc. in the 80s and 90s, before the internet and places like Amazon and Gamestop took a heavy hold on the gaming scene.

Update: I never heard back, I sent multiple emails and through Amazon as well. He doesn't seem to be selling anymore either. I thought this would be interesting or at least informative, but ended as an epic failure. The guy/gal (it was a couple) seemed to be interested in doing it.
Thank you,

Wynd

[technozombie]

I don't have any specific questions but I'd be interested to here what he had to say about that era. Please report back.

[seieienbu]

I was always curious why my local walmart carried Sega Master System but not Turbo Grafx.  Any chance he'd know anything about that?

[turboswimbz]

If you could please find out if he has any info any the realease dates of the games that would be cool. I'm sure Esteban would appreciate the help in his quest to find out any info on the release dates of games, and when they hit the shelves.

[YANDMAN]

I would like to know the whereabouts of all the last cheap sealed Turbo games and consoles for cheap.

[wyndcrosser]

I would like to know the whereabouts of all the last cheap sealed Turbo games and consoles for cheap.

Sarcasm?

[bob]

Can he get me another coupon book that came with the duo?
I used all mine.

Release date of Bonk RPG and when i can pre-order.

Can i get an inside track of when games will hit the bargain bin?

Tell him if he and countless others did thier job when they had the chance, turbo would still be thriving.
Thank him for being incompetent.

[wyndcrosser]

Can he get me another coupon book that came with the duo?
I used all mine.

Release date of Bonk RPG and when i can pre-order.

Can i get an inside track of when games will hit the bargain bin?

Tell him if he and countless others did thier job when they had the chance, turbo would still be thriving.
Thank him for being incompetent.

Your last statement is incredibly funny...

[wyndcrosser]

If you could please find out if he has any info any the realease dates of the games that would be cool. I'm sure Esteban would appreciate the help in his quest to find out any info on the release dates of games, and when they hit the shelves.

More Sarcasm, or an actual question? Are you asking for actual street dates for releases? As maybe having a vendor docket for game releases?

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Yarr, ask him if he can fill us in on specific release dates.  Also, print run sizes if he knows 'em for any titles.

[esteban]

If you could please find out if he has any info any the realease dates of the games that would be cool. I'm sure Esteban would appreciate the help in his quest to find out any info on the release dates of games, and when they hit the shelves.

More Sarcasm, or an actual question? Are you asking for actual street dates for releases? As maybe having a vendor docket for game releases?

Comrade, Turboswimbz was looking out for me and was completely sincere, truly 

BACKGROUND: Many other folks have been truly frustrated in an attempt to pin down release dates.

EVEN IF we can't determine the "actual date of release", I was hoping to at least confirm "earliest date of sale" that could be gleaned from old receipts. Sadly, I lost a lot of my own receipts and only a handful of receipts have ever been posted at the forum.

I am curious about the relationship between NEC/TTi and vendors, I would love to hear about every aspect, no matter how mundane:
(1) What was typical markup? What were the terms for new stock/old stock/returns?
(2) What were there pricing tiers (older titles vs. newer, HuCARD vs. CD)?
(3) I read that R-Type was expensive at launch because it was more costly to produce...how long before NEC dropped the price?
(4) How often did NEC send promotional material, if any?
(5) Did you order stock as needed, and what catalog/pricing list was referenced? DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE DOCUMENTS?
(6) Any titles/products that stand out (best/worst sellers)? For example, were you stuck with a dozen TurboSticks that nobody wanted? Was there a game title that sold well? Was there a game that NEVER sold? Did you end up giving unsellable games as gifts to your family/friends? What niece/nephew was most disappointed, and why?
(7) How did you decide what to order/keep in stock? Did you talk to other retailers? Did NEC provide "top selling" lists? Did you keep your own records? Magazine reviews—did they influence any decisions? Did you simply take a gamble with some titles, hoping you would be able to sell them?
( Most returned item (software, accessory, hardware)?

[technozombie]

EVEN IF we can't determine the "actual date of release", I was hoping to at least confirm "earliest date of sale" that could be gleaned from old receipts. Sadly, I lost a lot of my own receipts and only a handful of receipts have ever been posted at the forum.

I am curious about the relationship between NEC/TTi and vendors, I would love to hear about every aspect, no matter how mundane:
(1) What was typical markup? What were the terms for new stock/old stock/returns?
(2) What were there pricing tiers (older titles vs. newer, HuCARD vs. CD)?
(3) I read that R-Type was expensive at launch because it was more costly to produce...how long before NEC dropped the price?
(4) How often did NEC send promotional material, if any?
(5) Did you order stock as needed, and what catalog/pricing list was referenced? DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE DOCUMENTS?
(6) Any titles/products that stand out (best/worst sellers)? For example, were you stuck with a dozen TurboSticks that nobody wanted? Was there a game title that sold well? Was there a game that NEVER sold? Did you end up giving unsellable games as gifts to your family/friends? What niece/nephew was most disappointed, and why?
(7) How did you decide what to order/keep in stock? Did you talk to other retailers? Did NEC provide "top selling" lists? Did you keep your own records? Magazine reviews—did they influence any decisions? Did you simply take a gamble with some titles, hoping you would be able to sell them?
( Most returned item (software, accessory, hardware)?

Somehow, I find this detailed level of interested to be interesting....does that make any sense? I'm used to knowing  way more details about things than people around me. lol

[bob]

the release quantities would be very interesting

[roflmao]

Did the Bonk Head for the Turbo Stick ever actually exist!?  I seriously want one!

[bob]

Did the Bonk Head for the Turbo Stick ever actually exist!?  I seriously want one!

Maybe thats an idea for the 3d printing site.

[wyndcrosser]

haha, I honestly didn't think anyone took this serious, so I haven't talked to him. I'd be more than happy to still do this.

[roflmao]

Please do! Inquiring minds want to know...

[roflmao]

Double post...

[esteban]

I am still interested in anything this fellow remembers. 

[Psycho Punch]

As some said before, release dates and printing nos. would be cool.

[HailingTheThings]

I'd be interested in learning the numbers for the last 21 HuCard releases, just for fun.

[HailingTheThings]

Bump.

[VestCunt]

Wynd - this is a good idea. You should do it. I've purchased from the dealer you're talking about (on Amazon) and remember looking at his website in the mid-nineties. Cool that he's still out there.

My questions:
1) HARDWARE release dates. We nailed the TurboDuo down in a discussion a while back, but the TurboExpress and CD-ROM releases are still debatable.
2) how well was the TurboGrafx received by DEALERS? Were distributors and shop owners as ambivalent as gamers? Were they rooting for it as an underdog or did they think it was a waste of warehouse space?
3) what year had the busiest holiday season for the Turbografx?
4) when did the future look the brightest for the TurboGrafx market? Launch? The Bonk's Adventure commercial? The CD-ROM release, Sherlock and Ys? Turbo Technologies?

Thanks.

[EvilEvoIX]

What is his seller ID in Amazon?

[gamerslife]

its always interesting to talk to adults from that era....they actually remember more about the scene and inner workings and less just the nostalgia and excited kid/teen feelings of the games. different prospectives are always interesting and their reactions to the lame duck games being highly sought after now lol

[wyndcrosser]

WTF, I never heard back from either guys from the 'company' I emailed back with questions, I've been waiting for months.

[mrhaboobi]

ask him if he dumped any new sealed copies of Magical chase in a new mexico land fill..

[420GOAT]

WTF, I never heard back from either guys from the 'company' I emailed back with questions, I've been waiting for months.

now you know why this info is so coveted.

[wyndcrosser]

now you know why this info is so coveted.

Very true. I tried once more on Wed to see if he'll respond.

[esteban]

...

[wyndcrosser]

...

What's the ... for?

[geise]

i think it's his way of drawing an ascii art tumble weed.

[wyndcrosser]

I loss track of threads sometimes, I don't always visit here as much as I used to. So, I never heard back after I emailed the guy MANY times with the list of questions. I don't see him selling on Amazon anymore either. I thought this would be REALLY cool, but I guess not.

[esteban]

I loss track of threads sometimes, I don't always visit here as much as I used to. So, I never heard back after I emailed the guy MANY times with the list of questions. I don't see him selling on Amazon anymore either. I thought this would be REALLY cool, but I guess not.

I still think it is a good idea. It's a perspective I am curious about. Of course, we should make a documentary about the buffoons who sell stuff on eBay. That's what we should do.

[wyndcrosser]

IS the doctor you? lol.

[esteban]

Doctor who?

[wyndcrosser]

"I want to interview Doctor OrangeJuicer.  That dude has stories... let me tell ya. Plus he had GREAT prices on SEALED games!*

brought to you by DoxPhile

(* = I approve of this statement. Dude is cool.)"