While we have had had a section on buying factory sealed cases within the WHERE TO BUY post, we still get questions about buying sealed cases (what, people don’t read every word I write? 😉 ).

While this is a photo of an old box from last year, the current boxes of individual CARS ship in a box that looks essentially the same and holds 18 CARS. So, if you are at a retail store and you see one of these boxes and they have the words CARS CHARACTER ASSORTMENT, you are looking at a factory box. The clincher is “CONTAINS 18 TOYS.” (and yes, diecast cars are not technically ‘action figures’ but close enough).

Right now, the giant internal code reads something like: M1054-999D – the last letter indicating which Box Assortment. D is the current shipping box (December 2007) and the last of 2007 for individual CARS.

The Movie Moments codes are slightly different: M4255-999B being the current shipping box code.

All the shipments for 2008 that we have detailed info for are contained in this post.

So, one way to avoid the driving around and arriving at empty pegs – which then causes you to close your eyes and place your fingertips on the empty pegs – trying to draw psychic energy from the slight vibrations – was Dale Jr. there? … and for how long … one way to avoid the stares and kids running away from you is to buy them by the case.

Sure, it’s not as much fun as all other cars on the road skid off from the sleet but you were smart to put on the studded tires – you arrive as they are unpacking a container of CARS and you are the only one in the store … it could happen … or is the more likely scenario where you wonder how is it possible NOT to stock 3 pegs for 2 freakin’ MONTHS! They don’t run out of Oreros, do they? Why would they not stock CARS that sell like Oreos?

Or instead of deciding you need a 220v hair drying voltage converter as an excuse to drive 15-miles out of your way, why not just sit at home and answer the door – and have them drop off 18 CARS – untouched by human hands after they left the factory?

Now, it’s not all peaches and cream as Mattel insists on including older CARS in every shipment so you do have to read our other post on what’s coming to make sure it’s the CARS you do want but it is nice … and as long as you have others collecting, it’s not the world’s worst problem to have an extra RPM or two … and for international collectors, it’s a nice way to go instead of trying to guess if this month, Mattel might run the imaginary blockade to Europe and drop off more CARS …

So, some online retailers to look first for SEALED BOXES include:

Of course, our first sponsor, Children’s Toy Closet which is easy to recommend. Not only do you get great personalized service, you get some of the best prices for sealed boxes. They use UPS tracking & email so you get a blow by blow account of when the box is on its way and what day to expect it. They also have some of the lowest prices on the Movie Moments cases & the cases of the new 3-pack series. They do ship international and they take credit cards via Paypal (they also accept checks & money orders).

One the mainstay retailers to consider for sealed box ordering is 1StopDiecast, very reputable and excellent double packing. Their pricing includes shipping to anywhere in the US and it’s double boxed. Their website is the most customer friendly listing what Mattel has announced for each shipment for 2008 and its box code. Simply click on each one you want to order. The only sight confusion is the first listing is a I-want-order-every shipment-box-order so unless you want that, scroll down a little. They answer emails and phones promptly. They also sell Movie Moments by the case. They do NOT sell individual CARS. They do ship international.

BigBadToyStore is another reputable dealer with great customer service that I have personally ordered from. They carry lots of other toys and they answer emails promptly – highly recommended. They are the first place I’ve seen that is offering the new LAUNCHERS sealed box – 6 in the box though it is unclear how each case is packed:

Collectible Diecast I know they have been around a while though I have personally never ordered from them. If you collect other diecasts, they might be your way to go as you can combine your order.

Of course, there’s also eBay – not usually the cheapest way to go but always a consideration.

And yes, people always ask if they can just open up an account with Mattel – yes – as long as you have a real business storefront and you’re willing to spend a minimal amount each quarter (I’m pretty sure it’s in the thousands but I do not recall the exact amount) but in either case, not something you lightly get into …

So, good luck – whatever you decide.

OUR OTHER POSTS:

THE BASICS

If you want a recap of the Mattel Pixar CARS line from the beginning.

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect

Unlike other toys/hot items that stay hot for a few weeks or months – this Mattel Pixar CARS diecast line has pretty been SIZZLING for 16 months – not just rare but almost un-heard of.

The post below outlines why the line is so difficult and some solutions. There is a list of the main retailers, some online options and for international customers,s ome options.

Mattel Pixar Cars: I Want to Buy But Where?

BUYING CASES & WHAT’S NEXT

First, one way to skip the driving around is to buy sealed cases, here is a brief rundown on what that is AND what are the CARS coming this holiday season (the last two months of 2007):

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes

And what’s coming in 2008 by the sealed case:

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes Holiday 2007 & 2008

Or what’s the latest on the shelf cards & CARS look like?

Mattel Pixar: What’s in Stores Now

If you wish to plot out what CAR will make its first appearance & in what box in 2008, a friend of 2aDay has thoughtfully provided a spreadsheet you can download or it’s also been added to our online checklist/spreadsheet.

HOW TO COLLECT

For those on the intermediate & advanced stages of this obsession (yes, I has the fever! I has the fever 🙂 ) … you’ll want a “field guide” to spotting what’s what:

A Basic Checklist (in spreadsheet form)

The checklist offers a few versions on how you like your poison 😉

Then of course, a more indepth guideline on how to collect them – just one of each? one of each available on a different card?

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: How to Collect

As you progress further, you might need or want a guide to understanding what do the three different designs on the front indicate and how complete of a collector you want to be:

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: Card Backs

Info on the Blu-Ray Dinoco “Blu” CAR

The LIMITED & EXCLUSIVE Disney Blu-Ray “Blu” Dinoco McQueen

MORE INFORMATION THAN NORMAL

Of course, by now, you’ll want to know everything and plan your budget carefully … Mattel will definitely release 35/36 of the Piston Cup Racers in one massive collector’s set but will they release them in smaller sets? Our speculation on why rioting is probably not necessary:

Mattel Pixar Cars: All the Piston Cup CARS-Speedway of the South Box Set

If you prefer to see some of the cardbacks in a larger file size or to view the two posters for a visual look at the CARS to collect, our FLICKER page is here.

Did you know the Blu-Ray DVD (for HDTV’s) will include a “name-spotter” feature that will let you see the names of 217 CARS within the movie?

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect-Part II – 217 CARS?

And while we’re at it – pure speculation on our part as to what might be coming next?

Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009

Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009? Part II

Mattel Pixar Cars: Mia & Tia – All the Possible Variants

Whether you want a nice display case or a plastic box to keep it night and sealed/unopened, here are some links that should point you in the right direction.

How to best display your CARS?

Here’s what my collection looks like so far … just on a bookcase now because I’m too scared to look at another “easy assemly” instruction 🙂 though that Ikea glass case looks like nice and at a great price

Our Photo Blog

MORE USEFUL INFORMATION

Details on the Mattel sponsorship & CARS charity auction for CAAF (Children Affected by AIDS Foundation):

Mattel Pixar Cars & Children Affected by AIDS Charity Auction

While Frank the Combine on eBay seems enticing, you might want to know that he’s very small and all plastic but there are some other options …

Mattel Pixar CARS Movie: Frank the Combine – eBay Warning

The 2006 Mattel Factory Set …

The Scoop & Our opinion of it and thanks to Noel, some great unboxing photos …

Too much money in your bank account – starting collecting the other CARS line …

NEW Mini Adventures CARS & Playsets

The Sarge Recall:

Mattel Recalls Pixar CARS Sarge Diecast Metal Car

Nothing very insightful about what’s coming but still good to know that CARS is bringing in money and everything is looking smooth.

Mattel Pixar Cars: 3rd Quarter 2007 Earnings-Financial Numbers

CARS 2, THE SEQUEL?

Yes, more speculation & answers on our part but the stars and other things seem to be syncing up for a 2011 sequel:

Pixar CARS 2 Sequel: Rumors, Rumors, Rumors