It’s become clear that Mattel does not want to make money, nor do they care about their customers. They brought out the popular Cars diecast toys in June 2006 (I only noticed them in December 2006) and they were selling faster than Pepto at a chili cookoff. By Spring 2007, everyone had all the cars Mattel had released and we were all waiting for the new assortment. They release a few here and there throughout the year, but not in the same quantities as the first set.

Some of the cars advertised on the back of the packaging ("Collect them all!") aren't even made available here in Canada. Yet, the cars are distributed through Mississauga, Ontario - even the cars sold in the US! I have been made aware that the situation is even worse around the world. Americans are also complaining about lack of availability now. Everyone is now in agreement - the situation is getting out of control now.

The websites Mattel provides are not helpful and nor is calling customer service. Customer service will tell you that Mattel can not control what stores make available. Don’t the stores make available what the manufacturers provide? Why would they deliberately not put out merchandise for sale when the store wants to make money too? Mattel offers cases that offer unequal amounts of different cars, releasing only 1 or 2 of a new item, which results in many unwanted cars on store shelves because collectors already have them.

We know that many internet “stores” have been selling the same products online only for double, triple and even ten times the price in stores, and that since most of these “stores” are in America, you have to pay shipping & handling fees which can be $95 on top of your order. These “stores” not only release up coming models before Mattel’s site does, but have these models before any other physical store available to the general public.
Why should collectors outside of the US have to pay exorbitant rates to collect cars that are advertised in all markets?

In order to make changes, Mattel need to see that the concern is not just from one or two parents making complaints. I know from the endless blogs on the net that others are frustrated with this situation. So, I am asking all Cars fans to call or write Mattel - or sign the petition - and get them to give our kids (and us) what we want – more Cars! (read less)

It’s become clear that Mattel does not want to make money, nor do they care about their customers. They brought out the popular Cars diecast toys in June 2006 (I only noticed them in December 2006) and they were selling faster than Pepto at a chili cookoff. By Spring 2007, everyone had all the cars Mattel had released and we were all waiting for the new assortment. They release a few here and there throughout the year, but not in the same quantities as the first set.

Some of the cars... (read more)