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What do you think when someone at your local game store buys all their stuff on line and never even buys a sida their complains because of the stores lack of product?

I'd charge them to use my tables.

I say Well, they are jerks to use something for free and not appreciate it.

What I would do is explain that there's a lack of stock because there's a lack of local sales. He can't increase stock for one guy, but he might increase stock if people start to order through the store. Also, explain that while there's no requirement to buy from store to play in store, it's due to people who do buy in store that he gets to use the tables and terrain for free.

I organize a meetup at a FLGS. I started it, mostly to meet other players and have them come back regularly (so far, excellent results). I also started it partly because I did want the store to have a better 40k stock. I didn't blame them for it, because there weren't enough sales. Plenty of interest, but not sales.

Thankfully, that changed when I introduced totally new players to 40k, as well as people interested in buying 40k for less than a GW store would charge. None the less, we have people who bought entire armies outside of it, or on Ebay, who weren't contributing to the sales.

I've always told everyone at the meetup that there's no need to buy from the store. However, I also explain to them that if they do buy from the store, it benefits everyone. They understand, but budgetary reasons prevent them, and I can understand that in turn. Having people attracts more people, so they're technically helping anyway.

I've never had one of the complain, and they do buy drinks, though rarely. They're smart folk, but I believe they appreciated the terrain and tables more after my explanation.

I don't think it has happened with 40k, but I know it happens with Magic at the FLGS. We actually talked about it last night a bit with the owner. His attitude is just don't ever ask for anything. He also told someone to go booster draft online and see how much that costs.

Apparently they are the worst customers, like as a group as a whole. Most of the 40k/WHFB guys buy in store, or buy most of there stuff in store.

edit: forgot my personal opinion. Well I can understand buying things online (I have done it before when I first started) for a discount, but you better drop some money in store, be it on soda, paint, or minis. Don't expect me to offer a game up or be too friendly if you don't contribute to the place i hide at between work and home.

If you don't support the local store, they're not gonna stay in business. Then where will you meet and play? I used to go to another area and play and the people there always bought online, and the store closed. Now they are always asking me if I know anywhere for them to play. They're even considering renting a place once a month to play. If only they had invested in the store, they wouldnt have this problem.

I saw a remark about Magic and they're absolutely right. For a while, Friday night was Magic night, and it was like going back in time to a Junior High Cafeteria...screaming kids. The owner finally stopped it cause none of them bought anything, left a huge mess every time, and drove regular customers away with the high prepubescent shrieks .

I buy everything through my local guy. Yeah, I pay more but at least I'm trying to keep his shop from closing up. He runs one of the last independent bookstores in this area. I like playing there, I like the group of players, and I'd hate to see it close up. We have a boardgame night, FFG cards night, 40k/warmachine night, heroclixs night, and a few others that show up.

I have even run events at his store, like Blood Bowl, that he can't make money off, cause the pieces are all GW direct. So I usually give a $20 store gift certificate to the winner of the event. That way we still support his store, and kinda pay for the wear and tear on the tables.

Our Blood bowl league can get pretty violent.

Support your local store. If there stock is low or w/e they should order what you want. Mine does anyways. I want a place to play and meet.

I would not care. None of the stores I frequent has earned by loyalty to a point where I would step up to defend them pro bono.

Funny, I've been saying the same thing for two years now...

Supporting your local store allows them to stay open. Complaining about how little stock/paying full price/tables charges/etc are reducing your ability to play the game, then buying online, you are the contributing factor.

sparkywtf wrote:I don't think it has happened with 40k, but I know it happens with Magic at the FLGS. We actually talked about it last night a bit with the owner. His attitude is just don't ever ask for anything. He also told someone to go booster draft online and see how much that costs.

My experience with MtG is that you usually pay for every event you attend, whether you get the cards from the shop or elsewhere. In a draft, you buy the booster packs from the shop on the day, so that's cool. For an event where people bring their constructed decks, it's very likely they have bought/swapped them elsewhere, but you're not buying any cards, just using the table space, so there's a small fee for entering.

Agamemnon2 wrote:I would not care. None of the stores I frequent has earned by loyalty to a point where I would step up to defend them pro bono.

My lgs totally has earned mine.

Agamemnon2 wrote:I would not care. None of the stores I frequent has earned by loyalty to a point where I would step up to defend them pro bono.

Just out of curiosity, what are they supposed to do in order to earn your loyalty? Provide lavish game tables? Keeping every model in stock all the time? 20% discounts across the board? Free cookies?

Howard A Treesong wrote:

sparkywtf wrote:I don't think it has happened with 40k, but I know it happens with Magic at the FLGS. We actually talked about it last night a bit with the owner. His attitude is just don't ever ask for anything. He also told someone to go booster draft online and see how much that costs.

My experience with MtG is that you usually pay for every event you attend, whether you get the cards from the shop or elsewhere. In a draft, you buy the booster packs from the shop on the day, so that's cool. For an event where people bring their constructed decks, it's very likely they have bought/swapped them elsewhere, but you're not buying any cards, just using the table space, so there's a small fee for entering.

At least with my FLGS, he makes very little on drafts. Usually only making about a dollar per person there just from the draft. Some nights there will be one pod, some nights there will be 4. Not really a consistent thing. Some nights someone will buy a box of packs, some nights no one buys a thing.

Luckily there is no little kids there playing it. They go to a different store that has lower prices (selling under MSRP). For those who pay more, it is worth it for the mature crowd. Same thing with the 40k players. No really immature players or the win at all costs. They don't survive long in the store.

SoloFalcon1138 wrote:

Agamemnon2 wrote:I would not care. None of the stores I frequent has earned by loyalty to a point where I would step up to defend them pro bono.

Just out of curiosity, what are they supposed to do in order to earn your loyalty? Provide lavish game tables? Keeping every model in stock all the time? 20% discounts across the board? Free cookies?

Good customer service is often enough. I don't know about A2's specific case, but some stores (sadly) are very badly run, by folks more interested in having a personal clubhouse in which to be surrounded by comics and games, rather than in being polite and helpful to customers and keeping a clean and attrative store. Some of those kind of folks are downright unhelpful and unreliable when it comes to ordering stuff for you.

OTOH a true Friendly Local Gaming Store is clean, well-lit, full of our fun toys, and has friendly and supportive staff who welcome you, gladly make special orders, and will turn you on to new products and stuff related to your interests.

Depends how much you value the store. If no one buys anything there, and there's no other stockist/flgs in your area, then you're gonna be without a place to game if it shuts down.

I would echo that statement by Mannahnin, customer service is all. So very many 'flgs' stores are actually poorly run or poorly staffed. One really stands out in my mind as, on entering, the guy behind the counter was playing WOW and only when I started asking questions at the counter did he manage to grunt at me, without taking his eyes off the screen. I was asking about several items and preparing to lay down a quantity of money. Annoyed at the lack of service (along with the horrible damp smell throughout the store, clutter, poor lighting,badly presented stock and the general appearance and personal hygiene of the guy behind the counter), I left and never went back.

Contrast that with, say, Showcase Comics, where we have our dakkacons. The place is large, well lit, clean, air conned, nicely presented and the guys in the shop are attentive and happy to help, because it's run by a professional retailer rather than an amateur hobbyist. When Mrs S and I visit, we are happy to spend several hundred dollars on minis there, at full retail, because we are also using the facilities (tables, electric, advice, painting space etc) and I believe in supporting a business that well run. Mikhaila knows his stuff, you talk to him about any number of game systems, new mini lines and rumours and 9/10 he'll know what you're on about (and the other 1/10, he'll be keen to find out about) and that expertise and professionalism is worth it's weight in gold to me.

My opinion is if you can buy it locally, do so, to support the gaming store you hang out and play at. If the store doesn't have what you want though, then buying it online is fine.

Mannahnin wrote:Good customer service is often enough. I don't know about A2's specific case, but some stores (sadly) are very badly run, by folks more interested in having a personal clubhouse in which to be surrounded by comics and games, rather than in being polite and helpful to customers and keeping a clean and attrative store. Some of those kind of folks are downright unhelpful and unreliable when it comes to ordering stuff for you.

I second this. The manager of my local gaming store sighs when people walk into his store to buy, and "interrupt" him playing or reading No Quarter or whatever. But he does arrange game nights, hold a good stock and what have you, plus he's got some nice employees. I buy most hobby stuff from there.

the only time you should buy online is if the models are only available to be purchased that way like the IG stormtroopers or kasrkin.
if a kits not in store then order it IN store...

I have a GW and a really bad local Store.

I choose to play in peoples houses who have 4x8 tables and enough terrain to play with.

Where someone buys a model effects our group none.

The beauty of Garage gaming is that its invite only.. so no TFG or WAACs to ruin my night or some black T shirt wearing Tweeny who knows everything about everything.

My local gaming store is a Games Workshop...

I could very well end my post here by saying "'nuff said.'"

However, I have recently bought a handful of the new paints there.

Of course, being a Games Workshop and since I'm older than 12... I don't think I've ever played a game there.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:I would echo that statement by Mannahnin, customer service is all. So very many 'flgs' stores are actually poorly run or poorly staffed. One really stands out in my mind as, on entering, the guy behind the counter was playing WOW and only when I started asking questions at the counter did he manage to grunt at me, without taking his eyes off the screen. I was asking about several items and preparing to lay down a quantity of money. Annoyed at the lack of service (along with the horrible damp smell throughout the store, clutter, poor lighting,badly presented stock and the general appearance and personal hygiene of the guy behind the counter), I left and never went back.

Contrast that with, say, Showcase Comics, where we have our dakkacons. The place is large, well lit, clean, air conned, nicely presented and the guys in the shop are attentive and happy to help, because it's run by a professional retailer rather than an amateur hobbyist. When Mrs S and I visit, we are happy to spend several hundred dollars on minis there, at full retail, because we are also using the facilities (tables, electric, advice, painting space etc) and I believe in supporting a business that well run. Mikhaila knows his stuff, you talk to him about any number of game systems, new mini lines and rumours and 9/10 he'll know what you're on about (and the other 1/10, he'll be keen to find out about) and that expertise and professionalism is worth it's weight in gold to me.

Here here

I tend to buy stuff like paint, codex, finecast, etc at the Bunker but I like to pool my plastic order into a big one and get it online.

Agamemnon2 wrote:I would not care. None of the stores I frequent has earned by loyalty to a point where I would step up to defend them pro bono.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:I would echo that statement by Mannahnin, customer service is all. So very many 'flgs' stores are actually poorly run or poorly staffed. One really stands out in my mind as, on entering, the guy behind the counter was playing WOW and only when I started asking questions at the counter did he manage to grunt at me, without taking his eyes off the screen. I was asking about several items and preparing to lay down a quantity of money. Annoyed at the lack of service (along with the horrible damp smell throughout the store, clutter, poor lighting,badly presented stock and the general appearance and personal hygiene of the guy behind the counter), I left and never went back.

Contrast that with, say, Showcase Comics, where we have our dakkacons. The place is large, well lit, clean, air conned, nicely presented and the guys in the shop are attentive and happy to help, because it's run by a professional retailer rather than an amateur hobbyist. When Mrs S and I visit, we are happy to spend several hundred dollars on minis there, at full retail, because we are also using the facilities (tables, electric, advice, painting space etc) and I believe in supporting a business that well run. Mikhaila knows his stuff, you talk to him about any number of game systems, new mini lines and rumours and 9/10 he'll know what you're on about (and the other 1/10, he'll be keen to find out about) and that expertise and professionalism is worth it's weight in gold to me.

These two posts bare repeating as they are the truth. I am, frankly, sick of "nerd caves" where you get eyeballed as soon as you walk in the store and can't help feel that your presence there is an inconvenience. Also, general atmosphere is important. Stores that stink of unwashed bodys and have the feeling of being in a cesspit won't convince me to stay and buy. A hobby store that is unpleasant to be in or one that offers deep discount to its regulars (who, conicidentally, act as revolting customer warding weirdo's) whilst treating the casual customer with suspicion doesn't deserve to last.

As for me? I buy my models and supplies as cheap as I can. I have limited money and would prefer to make my quid work for me instead of going along with this rather patronising concept of "Customer Loyalty". I prefer to game with people I know at home with homemade terrain where we can eat Italian food, swear a lot and make ill advised statements and judgments on groups of people without feeling guilty

It depends on whether your FLGS is an independant or a GW store.

If it's a GW store, you're already paying to maintain it regardless of where you buy your new GW minis. So why worry about it?

If it's an independant store, though, that's a problem. Sure, I look for bargans in used stuff on e-bay. But if I'm purchasing something new, it's from the FLGS. I also buy paints, magnets, greenstuff, flock, and what-not there. Paintbrushes... not so much, the local art store has better quality brushes for that price.

At the bare minimum, a soda or two. And conisidering that many weeks my gaming budget is under $2 that's a fair percentage of what I have available. On the rare occasion I have more... then I'll check and see if there's anything I want to fill out an existing army and pick it up. If they don't carry it, I'll try and order it from them first. Some stuff, they can't/won't order... and at that point I have no problems ordering it online at the cheapest price I can find.

I think that you have to buy from your local stores or they go out of business, and then where the hell are you gonna play?

I recently had my nearest GW store shut down. They don't run on fairytales and magic.

I like to get my model's with bargains if i can, and go a lil ways to a FLGS to use their discount coupons i get in the mail. But the FLGS closest to me i go to for glue and paints and greenstuff, since i don't always get my models there, even though I regularly game at home.

The fact that they were around when i first got into gaming and were really helpful then and now makes me wanna buy there to keep them around.

I always buy GW and other games at my FLGS. However, I also keep my eye out for good second hand deals/trades.

So both?

As far as mooch-hammer, we have one of those... It's not a good thing. People should do their part to keep the lights on, otherwise go play somewhere else.

Well the same people that didn't bhy a thing at our store nkw want to come to my house and play there. Ummmm....no!! Why so you can come.to my house, use my electriciry, food, soda, beer, Jim Beam and toilet paper? Then never bring anything, help out setting up, taking down or even a thank you? I can do without people like that. Trust me. I mean my girl friend dumped like $300 in ribs, appetizers, paper plates and the like for our last.game. Everyone brought stuff to eat too. That's how it's supposed to be. Just the same.as.supporting your local store. I had my stuff lined up to open one. Stupid people that take.and take is a main reason i didn't do it.

Any time you buy something for more than the absolute minimum you are effectively making a charitable donation.

If you can buy something online for $15, and instead you buy it locally for $20, you are effectively giving the local retailer a donation of $5.

Sometimes the retailer deserves it, and sometimes they don't.

FLGS with gaming tables that you make use of almost always deserve it. FLGS with gaming tables that you don't make use of still probably deserve it.

Even if a store has crappy customer service, if you are happy to go there and game then they are providing essentially a free service that you not only want, but make use of. It's only fair that you do something in return.

And even if you don't want or use that service, it's still contributing to the player base and creating a larger and more diverse gaming community, which only helps everyone.

Having said that, the size of the donation is important. A few dollars here and there is reasonable for most people, but when the disparity between the local and online retailers gets too large, it becomes much harder to justify that 'donation'.