The 7 Secrets Of Big Bad Toy Store (BBTS) Every Collector Must Know In 2025

Big Bad Toy Store (BBTS) remains one of the most vital online destinations for action figure and collectible enthusiasts worldwide, but the landscape for collectors has shifted significantly in 2025. With new global tariffs impacting pricing, subtle changes to the beloved "Pile of Loot" system, and an ever-expanding roster of exclusive drops, staying informed is critical to maximizing your collecting budget. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 17, 2025, dives deep into the current operational secrets, financial impacts, and must-know policies that define the BBTS experience today. The company, which has been a family-owned staple in the industry for over 25 years, continues to balance its commitment to customer service with the reality of increasing global shipping and manufacturing costs. Understanding these dynamics is the key to navigating pre-orders, managing your loot, and securing the latest releases from Hasbro, Bandai, NECA, and more.

The Founders: Joel and Dan Boblit Biography and BBTS History

Big Bad Toy Store is not a massive, faceless corporation; it is a business built from the passion of two brothers, Joel Boblit and Dan Boblit, in Somerset, Wisconsin. This family-owned foundation is a core part of the company's identity and is often cited by collectors as a reason for its reliable customer service.

• Joel Boblit: Founder and President. Joel is the visionary behind BBTS, beginning his journey as a collector of toys like *Transformers* and *G.I. Joe* in the 1980s. The idea for BBTS was born in the fall of 1999 from his decision to transition his personal passion into a full-scale e-commerce venture.
• Dan Boblit: Co-owner and Vice President. Dan was instrumental in the company's launch, utilizing his technical expertise to create the initial e-commerce website that allowed the business to scale beyond traditional mail-order and local sales.
• Founding Date: 1999.
• Location: Somerset, Wisconsin.
• Mission: To provide a massive selection of action figures, statues, and collectibles with a focus on pre-orders and reliable, collector-grade packaging.

The Boblit brothers successfully transformed a small-town operation into a global powerhouse for collectible toys, specializing in a massive inventory that includes everything from *Marvel Legends* and *Star Wars* to high-end Japanese imports and *McFarlane Toys*. The company’s longevity, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2025, is a testament to their business model and dedication to the collector community.

Secret #1: The Critical 2025 Tariff Impact and Price Hikes

The single biggest operational change for BBTS in 2025 is the direct financial impact of new tariffs imposed on products imported from China. Since May 2025, these tariffs have necessitated significant price adjustments that collectors must be aware of.

The New Financial Reality:

BBTS has historically operated with a 0% tariff rate, but recent policy changes have introduced new costs, particularly on products manufactured in China. This has led to a noticeable increase in the cost of certain items, especially those from major US-based toy manufacturers that rely on Chinese production.

• Hasbro Price Increase: BBTS specifically announced that pre-orders for *Hasbro* products would see a price increase. Collectors were strongly advised to place current pre-orders before the new pricing structure took effect to lock in the lower rate.
• Tariff Surcharge: The company has been transparent about the tariff situation, explaining that these are unavoidable costs on imported goods. While they strive to keep prices competitive, the new tariffs mean that BBTS prices may be a couple of dollars higher than some competitors who may be absorbing the cost differently or operating outside the US.

Collector Takeaway: Always check the current price on BBTS against other retailers, but remember that the slightly higher price often includes the peace of mind of their renowned customer service and the unparalleled advantage of the *Pile of Loot* system.

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Secret #2: Mastering the Pile of Loot (PoL) and Its New Nuances

The *Pile of Loot* is arguably the most important feature that sets BBTS apart. It allows you to consolidate multiple orders over time and ship them together for a single, flat-rate fee, saving massive amounts on shipping. However, the system has seen minor, yet critical, policy clarifications in 2025 that collectors need to understand.

How the PoL Works:

1. When you order an in-stock item or a pre-order item that arrives, you have the option to add it to your *Pile of Loot*.
2. Items are held for up to 90 days from the date they are added. This 90-day window is a hard limit, especially important now with tariff concerns.
3. When you are ready, you can ship the entire pile for the famous $4 Flat Rate Shipping fee (for domestic US orders). This fee covers a box of virtually any size and weight.

The Policy Clarification (Cancellation):

While the ability to hold items remains unchanged, there has been community discussion regarding the cancellation policy for items *already in* the Pile of Loot. Historically, you could cancel most pre-orders before payment. However, once an item is paid for and added to your PoL, the ability to cancel it for a full refund becomes restricted. Some collector forums suggest that after an initial grace period (e.g., 7 days), cancellations may only result in store credit, not a refund to your original payment method. Always check the official policy, but be aware that the PoL is intended as a shipping consolidation tool, not a long-term holding or cancellation buffer.

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Secret #3: The Unmatched Value of $4 Flat Rate Shipping

In an era where shipping costs are soaring, especially for large, heavy collectible boxes, the $4 Flat Rate Shipping policy remains BBTS’s crown jewel for domestic US customers. This feature alone can offset any minor price difference on the figure itself.

• Cost Savings: Shipping a single, large $100 statue from a competitor might cost $15-$25. Shipping that same statue from BBTS, combined with five other figures in your *Pile of Loot*, still only costs $4.
• International Shipping: While the $4 flat rate is for domestic US orders, BBTS does ship internationally. Global collectors should check the current rates on the BBTS website, as the PoL feature still allows for consolidation, which can significantly reduce the overall per-item shipping cost compared to individual shipments.
• Packaging Quality: BBTS is widely respected for its robust packaging, often referred to as "collector-grade." This minimizes the risk of damage during transit, which is a major concern for "Mint In Box" (MIB) collectors.

Secret #4: Navigating Pre-Order Delays in 2025

Pre-orders are the lifeblood of collectible retailers, but they are also the source of the most common customer complaints—delays. In 2025, new factors are contributing to these extended wait times.

Reasons for Delays:

• Tariffs and Customs: The new tariffs are not just affecting price; they are causing administrative and logistical friction at customs. Collectors are reporting that items expected in late 2024 or early 2025 were delayed by several months due to these new customs procedures.
• Factory Production Issues: Post-pandemic supply chain volatility continues to affect the manufacturing of toys from major companies like Hasbro, Bandai, and NECA.
• Container Shipments: BBTS receives most of its inventory via large container shipments. A delay on one container can push back the arrival of dozens of different products simultaneously.

Collector Strategy: The best approach is patience. BBTS is known for reliably fulfilling pre-orders, even if they are delayed. The best practice is to pre-order and forget until the arrival notice hits your inbox. Use the Pre-order page on the BBTS website to view updated arrival information and manage your expectations.

Secret #5: Hunting for BBTS Exclusives and Drops

BBTS frequently secures exclusive distribution rights for specific figures or entire product lines, making them a mandatory stop for collectors hunting rare items.

• 25th Anniversary Exclusives: In celebration of their 25th year, BBTS has been dropping special anniversary exclusive sets, such as the *Big Rubber Guy Legion of Doom* figures.
• M.A.S.K. Revival: BBTS was the exclusive pre-order home for the highly anticipated *M.A.S.K. Series 1* figures from The Loyal Subjects, including the *Mobile Defense Unit* variant. This demonstrates their role in launching niche, high-demand collector lines.
• SDCC and Convention Exclusives: BBTS is a consistent source for items that were initially intended as San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) or other convention exclusives, often making them available to the general public after the event.

Secret #6: Why BBTS Customer Service is Worth the Premium

While some online reviews mention that BBTS prices can be slightly higher, the consensus among long-time collectors is that the superior customer support and reliability justify the cost.

• Immediate Phone Support: Unlike many online retailers, BBTS is known for having customer support that answers the phone quickly and handles issues efficiently and professionally.
• Tariff Transparency: The company earned respect from many collectors for its transparent and respectful handling of the 2025 tariff situation, explaining the necessary price adjustments clearly to its customer base.
• Damage Claims: BBTS is generally regarded as excellent for resolving issues with damaged items, which is a key factor for carded or MIB collectors.

Secret #7: The Power of the Wishlist and Email Alerts

For popular items, especially those with limited stock or highly volatile pre-order windows, the BBTS Wishlist and email alert system is your best defense against missing out.

• Wishlist Functionality: Add any sold-out item to your Wishlist. If stock is found (often due to canceled pre-orders or warehouse reconciliation), you will receive an email alert. This is frequently how collectors secure highly sought-after figures like rare *Transformers* or limited-edition *Anime Figures* months after the initial pre-order window closed.
• Newsletter: Subscribing to the BBTS newsletter is the fastest way to get updates on daily deals, Black Friday sales, and new pre-order announcements for major lines from *NECA*, *Bandai Tamashii Nations*, and *DC Comics*.