Prototypes give first look at new Transformers on the way

Often the first look at upcoming toys that aren't on the shelves yet come via leaked prototypes. These are some of the first constructions of the particular figure from the factory, or toys that have been sent out in advance to certain reviewers. And they often end up on Ebay, where they sell for a nice profit to collectors. While these prototypes could potentially be worth more in the future, it often depends on if they are true prototypes or just the first ones to roll off the assembly line.
A certain Ebayer named menasor1979 who lists his location as "Shanghai, China" seems to have a connection to the Transformers factory. As the link to his auctions show, he has many unreleased Transformers and Transformer prototypes up for bid (some even marked NOT FOR SALE). Whoever he is, his access to early releases and prototypes has turned into a nice little business.
The upcoming Fall/Winter lineup for Transformers Animated leaked onto the web via Walmart last month, and Skywarp was on the list. Well, mensor1979 has Skywarp for sale now (see pic below). You can own him if you outbid the other ebayers. These leaked prototypes are a nice way for toy fans to get a sneak preview of the upcoming toys but I prefer to buy them complete in their box without the inflated price tag, even if it means waiting a little longer.