By When it comes to buying toys and action figures in the USA, one of the stores that is pretty popular is Big Bad Toy Store. Formed in 1999 by Joel Bobot and his parents and brother, this toy store has expanded a lot since its inception.
With an unique business model based only on door-to-door delivery and no physical stores, people are skeptical about this store. Therefore, read this review post to learn more about them and decide on whether or not to purchase from them.
Big Bad Toy Store: How It All Started
Joel Bobit founded The Big Bad Toy Store in 1999 with his brother Dan Bobit. According to various interviews taken of him, Joel was a big fan of action figures. A passion that started in his childhood, Joel loved collecting action figures of Transformers, GI Joe, He-Man, and lots more.
During his college days, he loved collecting and trading action figures. Therefore, he was sure of his life’s calling – to start his own action-figure trading business. Towards the end of his college days, he was buying lots of vintage action figures and quickly reselling them on eBay. Soon, along with his brother Dan, he kickstarted the BigBadToyStore in 1999 to expand his trading business.
He started his business with an online website and a small collection of new Transformers toys made by Hasbro. Soon, in the next couple of years, the business became bigger, with more toys and other collectibles being made available. Soon, the store got bigger, which started at their garage, and soon was relocated to a renovated barn.
In 2003, they had to build a warehouse that was 12,000 square feet in size with employees for management. Soon, they remade their online website, which is still the most preferred medium for customers. Now, this store has a 120,000 square feet warehouse, where Joel’s mother, Lynn, works as the General Manager. Joel is currently the President of Big Bad Toy Store.
Big Bad Toy Store Products
Some of the different types of products sold by Big Bad Toy Store are:
Action Figures
Action figures are the primary products sold by Big Bad Toy Store. Action figures made by some of the biggest companies in the world are all sold by this firm. This store started out by selling Big Bad Toy Store Transformers and Masters of the Universe toys. Here, you will get amazing Batman, Captain America, Goku. Naruto, Mobile Suit Gundam, and more action figurines on sale! Add them to your collection now or present them as great gifts to children!
Cosplay Apparel
Do you love anime, video games, comics, and everything related to geeky pop culture? Then the Big Bad Toy Store has got you covered. This store has a huge assortment of clothing materials and apparel that you can buy to cosplay as your favorite anime character. From funky and spiky wigs to perfectly fitting Master Chief armor – you can get what you want right here.
Trading Cards
If you are a 90s kid, then you must have collected lots of Pokemon trading cards back in the day. Back in the early 2000s, trading card games like Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh took the world by storm. CCGs are not as famous now and have been taken over by the likes of FPS and MOBA games.
However, they still have a strong following and player base. Therefore, to complete your collection of Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, you just might get the Blue Eyes White Dragon you are looking for here at Big Bad Toy Store!
Books And Comics
Marvel and DC comic books, along with Japanese manga, have given us some of our childhood’s best role models. Seeing characters like Batman and Iron man take on bad guys, along with Goku and Naruto training hard to reach their drums have inspired many kids today.
However, before they were made into anime and live action movies, they first came as comics. At the Big Bad Toy Store, they have a big collection of comics and manga on sale, which also includes the latest chapters and columns as well!
Big Bad Toy Store Brands
When it comes to the various brands of products they sell, some brands are way more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular brands at Big Bad Toy Store:
Transformers
“Autobots, roll out!”
This single line said by Optimus Prime back in the Transformers cartoons made founder Joel Bobit become an instant fan. This is the line that birthed the Big Bad Toy Store. Therefore, it’s not rocket science that you will probably find action figures of every Transformers here.
DC & Marvel
DC and Marvel comics, cartoons, movies, and video games have inspired a generation of kids growing up. Therefore, you will find lots of action figures of Barman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Captain America, and more here.
Star Wars
“May the Force be with you.”
Ever since Star Wars IV: A New Hope was brought to life by Geoeg Lucas in 1977, the series has been regarded as a masterpiece. Therefore, it’s no doubt that Star Wars action figures of George Lucas and Han Solo have been popular for almost 50 years now. You can get them all here.
Anime
Anime action figures are some of the most popular action figures in stores. Whenever you go to a toy store, you will definitely see figurines of Goku, Naruto, Ichigo, Zoro, on the shelves. Action figures (especially of pretty women like Hinata, Erza, Lucy) are all drooled upon by self-proclaimed weebs these days.
Games
Several video game characters like Master Chief, Kratos, Lara Croft, Geralt of Rivia, Cloud Strife, and more have become collectors staples. In the Big Bad Toy Store, you will get all of them in one place.
Big Bad Toy Store Companies
Big Bad Toy Store has all its merchandise from various manufacturers from all around the globe. Some of the most common companies are:
- Hasbro
- Bandai Spirits
- Banpresto
- Takara Tomy
Big Bad Toy Store Review: What Customers Have To Say
When it comes to Big Bad Toy Store reviews, reading customer reviews will help you understand their products and services better. Therefore, I decided to have a look at its reviews from sites like TrustPilot.
Here’s a positive 5-star review from Miguel Torres:
“Recently I purchased a Jurassic Park Wood Art frame from Doctor Collector and it definitely continues the great quality of their Jurassic products. It's a great decorative piece and it's an easy conversation starter. The item was packaged well and it arrived very quickly. Overall an easy recommendation.”
However not all reviews have been positive. Here’s an anonymous critical 1-star review:
“Big Bad Toy Store lost my $300 Hot Toys figure during shipping and when I contacted customer service a guy called Matt assured me they would investigate the situation. When I contacted CS again after 2 weeks of silence asking for an update the same guy told me that I have exceeded their 30 day policy and that I was not eligible for a refund despite having contacted them about it the first time BEFORE the 30 days had passed!! Not that it should matter at all! Luckily Paypal sided with me and returned my money. Never order from this store and I will make sure anybody who asks goes elsewhere.”
Some Other Toy Stores In The US
If you would like to know more toy stores like Big Bad Toy Store that offer different types of toys and action figures. Then you must visit these toy stores located in the US.
Plaything, Etc
Plaything, Etc toy store is located in Butler, Pennsylvania which is north of Pittsburgh. The store is the most unusual looking toy store you will ever come across yet it is the coolest toy store you will ever see. The store has the coolest entry doorway.
The store offers some of the coolest toys like giant spaceship replicas, 6000 toys for children, puzzles, educational and futuristic games and more. Employees are helpful and will guide you towards any specific toy you are looking to purchase. You can spend hours in this magical toy store.
American Girl Place
If you are looking to purchase dolls in a toy store but don’t know what to pick then definitely visit the American Girl Place toy store. This store has several dolls you can choose from along with all the accessories of the dolls.
The store is a child’s dream come true offering a cafe where your child can dine with dolls or get their picture taken after visiting the beauty salon in the toy store that offers matching hair styles with the dolls. The beauty salon also offers mini-manicures and ear piercings.
In the iconic Water Tower Place within the store you will find all these activities in store for your child to enjoy. The store also has an American Girl bookstore that offers several great books for kids.
You will also find accessories, furniture, and outfits within this toy store.
LARK Toys
LARK Toys is another recognised toy store by Travel+Leisure, USA Today, Reader’s Digest and WCCO as ‘World’s Coolest/Bestest/Greatest Toy Store in the World.’ This toy store has won several awards for being a magical place for children as well as adults. The store is located in Kellogg, Minnesota near the Mississippi River. It’s a toy store owned by a family and is one of the country’s largest independent toy stores.
The store offers several games and toys for all ages along with a children’s bookstore filled with different types of books. In the store you can easily spend hours playing in the mini-golf course or spending time in immersive workshops watching toys being created and playing on the handcrafted fairground carousel.
This place will entertain you as well as your child.
Toy Joy
Toy Joy store is located in Austin, Texas and was founded in 1987. This store was voted by Travel+Leisure and USA Today as the ‘World’s Best Toy Store.’ The toy store has brought fun and happiness to many generations of children in and around Austin.The store is located in the 2nd street district in Austin. The store offers various collectible figurines, nostalgic toys and more collectible novelties. This store will make you feel nostalgic and increase your desire to turn back time to your childhood days.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):-
Action figure collectors have various questions regarding Big Bad Toy Store. I have answered a few of their questions down below:
Ans: When it comes to finding a Big Bad Toy Store, you will not find one. This is because all the orders are made online, with products being delivered to your doorstep.
Ans: Yes, you will get complete refunds on defect products if you claim a refund or exchange. To get this done, you will have to do so within 30 days of receiving your order.
Ans: The shipping charges depend on your location. Shipping charges will definitely apply for international deliveries. However, charges for national deliveries inside the USA will vary too.
Bigger The Toy, The Better They Are!
Big Bad Toy Store has become one of the biggest toy retailers in the USA. They are unique because of its 100% online shopping experience. This company has no retail stores. Therefore, all purchases and orders must be made online. They have lots of collectibles, like action figures, trading cards, comics, cosplay apparel, and lots more.
When it comes to reviews, they are mostly positive. Some customers have praised the high quality of products, whereas others criticized its customer service department.
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