JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:RAR, I think we're looking at two different things. You're looking at bar code number, while I look at the Hasbro product codes directly above or below them. Both serve the same purpose for identifying product, but the former is more for store logistics, and the latter for Hasbro. I did notice that "Transformers" bar code numbers, at least in the US, always start with "30509" regardless of line: even Combiner Force Starscream and Legion Springload started with that number.
We have Character cases sent out to some retailers they have stickers applied at the factory ontop of the normal barcode so they ring up by characters - typically this applies to online retailers who sell by character like the entertainer - sometime they put their own sticker on the outside instead that is nothing to do with Hasbro codes.
I've never checked if there is any relationship between the single character numbers on UK stock and the US numbers .. i'll have the check that out.
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Anyway all of the NEW Warrior class (new mould and new packaging) share a number.
All the old Warrior class (New packaging old product) share he same number.
So all 3 packaging variations of Grimlock have the same number.
But that same number is also the same number on Strongarm as well (or Optimus. Drift, Windblade whatever) basically just those repacks got the old generic deluxe barcode that applies to a lot of previous toys and just the new moulds (& white drift) get a new number.
So you pick up two warrior class combiner Force cards if it's Strongarm and Grimlock they have one number. if it's any of the other it's another number.
The assortment only barcodes are typical for most retailers (but not all) - the American way of having a unique number for each character is becoming a little more common.
But in some case they don't even have a proper way of identifying them like with the Minicon multi-packs.
I don't know about the item codes - if they changed them - as i've not actually checked if they did that one the last Grimlock release either (since Green coloured Warrior Grimlock is now out in 3 different kinds of packaging style now) I'd not be surprised if it's the same or different. Though VERY have put to listings up for the same toy depending on the packaging.
I'll be interested to see what TRU do when they get that stock as they must be scratching their head a bit about why they now have two identical Starscream's with different stock identities - and that applies as much in the US too.
I didn't think to look at Starscream's barcode so I didn't notice which code they gave him the normal Warrior code or the new code like White drift.