FLGS owner hates Btown

[nitsky416]

My LGS in Richmond allows trades in the store, but you have to do them in store credit. So if we both want to swap $20 in minis, we both have to buy the other a $20 gift card and 'buy' the minis from the other guy. Interesting way to make money from the secondary market.

My LGS here in Baltimore is RABID about ordering stuff. She started carrying Infinity just because I mentioned it in conversation, and is really good about ordering literally anything I might need. I'd rather give her the business than save 10-20%, and she puts in orders several times a week and it's never a "*sigh*, I GUESS I'll call the distributor", it's always "Hey this new thing is coming out, should i order you an extra one?". Definitely top-tier, no wonder she's been in business for 30+ years.

[tacticalguy24]

@ Nitsky416
This is what I could get used to, polite service. Hopefully when I get to Colorado Springs, the stores there are run similarly.

[carmachu]

If you are not buying it from him, and are instead getting it off of B'Town; then the FLGS owner is indirectly losing business to B-Town.

Depends. When I'm getting a model or unit at 50% off......that definately would push me over to get it. If I had to buy the same unit, say the new landraider at $72 or the stormraven at $80+ there's no way I'm spending money on it, instore or online. Its not really worth it at the price point. Not even if he were to offer it at 20%-25% off in store.

[nitsky416]

20-25% off is nearly his entire margin, if GW still has the same wholesale deals going that they did last time I checked.

[carmachu]

20-25% off is nearly his entire margin, if GW still has the same wholesale deals going that they did last time I checked.

But even then its not worth it for some models. I remember the landraider's released was $45. $50ish was alright. At $72 its just not worth it.

[aruki]

I have experienced many different types over the years. My current local one I mainly avoid because of its limited range. Everything is full retail once a year and they only really carry gw and some privater press. Unfortunately they are the only store in the city, maybe even in the country from the information I have found, that carries any mini war gaming stuff. But every time I am in there i buy something even if it is just green stuff or glue because as many of you have said support it or its gone. Though since my interests lie outside of what the store carries I do buy a lot online.

[don_mondo]

Game Vault in Fredericksburg, VA

Awesome store, friendly staff. They have a trade/sell section on their store forum and hold regular swap meets in store. Only rule at the swap meets is no cash sales, you buy in-store credit for 'cash'. They have had problems on occasion getting stuff from distributors, but hey, I guess they can't be perfect. As a side note, somehow the store wound up in the phone book as an escort service.........................

[Fluttershy]

We don`t have one where i live, so i have to go all the way to the GW, which I am not too fond of because they constantly try and sell me things, despite my unwillingness to buy and the fact I dont show much interest in things beyond paint and books and the odd model (I paint more then play, so like to get random things to paint and display)
I dont think they like me that much, I have stated my own opinions (good and bad) and they keep trying to wave me off (apparently when you say how you think the new chaos codex is the best one GW has made in a long time, and love what they did with it, it bothers them...)
who knows.

[MagickalMemories]

Fluttershy, you know you can get items online cheaper than via GW. Right?
Why patronize them, if they're not serving you well? With a day or two forethought, you can get anything you want from one of our numerous advertisers here, and at a discount.
I can almost guarantee they'll treat you right every time.


Eric

[jason1977]

Never, ever pay full retail price when you dont have to. 3rd party sellers buy from GW at a discounted rate. Those 3rd party sellers thus sell to you at a discounted rate. GW is still getting money so they stay in business. You keep some of your money and help local places stay open. Its a good cycle to get into. If you dont have a indy local store try any number of indy store owners here.

[Byte]

Is he supposed to like it? He's trying to feed his kids and keep the lights on. Thats like going to a cat breeder and talking about rescue cats...

[MagickalMemories]

Poor analogy. A good cat breeder would appreciate someone rescuing cats.
Eric

[Doctari]

The problem with most FLGS is that they existed before the internet came into being. And because of that they had people driving long distances to spend money with them. Early 90s to early 00s there was 2 stores in a 200 mile range that carried any of the nerd stuff. If you wanted it, you went there and paid full price and were happy to get their limited stock.

Now it's just not the case. If I want something I go online and get 25% off and it's delivered to my house. The alternative is going into town, talking to someone who is so bored by being around games 24/7 that even the thought of talking about them turns their stomachs. I guess I'm probably a little different as I have zero desire to play with random angry folks in a store when I have a solid group who games and rpgs at my place every weekend.

RE: Having to buy gift cards to swap something I own with someone else. I would have laughed in that shop owners face and walked out in front of their shop and conducted my trade there. That has to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

[Phiroth]

It reminds me of the way video game publishers feel about used game sellers. Some people see red when something cuts into their potential profits.