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As a new player I'm looking into my options for finding games and players. I was first thinking about just going to a game shop and finding players and playing there. my local shop has a model and terrain painting day on sunday sometimes and I was wondering if proper etticate was to buy something while I'm there. it says it's just for a day for players to gather and paint but I'm not sure. I have spent a fair amount in the store and the owner knows me by name.

I would say its not a must but every shopkeeper likes money. I'd go with if you see something you want buy it but you shouldn't feel like you have to buy something.

I usually buy something, even if it's just a pot of paint.

It costs them money to stay open; I like to let them know that I appreciate it.

My FLGS doesn't mind people just popping in whenever they want without buying something, but I never usually spend a huge amount of time if I'm not going to buy at least a box or some paint. Whilst the company as a whole may be annoying, the guys in the store are paid tuppence and are actually really great guys that work very hard to make the shop a hobby community centre rather than just a place for GW to sell it's products, so I like to support them.
At least that's the case in mine. I used to only go in sporadically, but the guys always knew somehow who I was, and what army I was gathering. For example, went in and bought about £100 pounds worth of Tyranids. I never went for about 6 months, went in and started looking at Tomb Kings at the other side of the shop, and one of the guys came up and asked me by name how I was doing and how big my Tyranid army was. The stores quite busy as well, it's not as if there's only a few regular customers, there's heeps of us.

If he knows you by name then you are already in a good spot. I'd say at some point or another, just thank them for having this shop next time you make a purchase. They really do like to hear their efforts are recognized.

The manager of the local FLGS usually uses the regulars as Auxillaries for things...
Help build/paint scenery/models.
Help plan campaigns and other events.
Get food.
Help the newbies learn how to play.

Funnily enough, the above statement is completely true. Like puppies seeking favour from the manager. Talk about your army, make enquiries about other peoples ect. Just be friendly. Buying something small is always good.

Thanks for the advice guys. Another question, is it a normal thing for a shop to require a monthly spending of at least $25 in order to play there? not the same shop btw.

I've never heard of anything like that but its not to unreasonable.

Wait you have to spend money there in order to play there? That's silly. I could understand maybe a small fee per game, but having to buy 25 dollars worth of stuff to play there? That seems a little far fetched in my opinion.

Shower, can keep civil. Thats all there really is too it.

I too try to buy something. But I am a poor man. But I am a regular so I figure they care about my buisness and well-being.

Yeah, and there are benefits if you buy 100$ worth. he gives you 10% off. thing is I'm broke even on pay days. so 25$ is a lot for me. so I'm trying to decide between shops, one is completly free to visit, but the owner is in your face the whole time trying to sell his product, on the other hand the other shop has a much more low key enviroment but requires a monthly buy-in.

It sounds to me like your wallet already made your decision as to which shop you should go to. If you can't afford 25 bucks to play then you simply just can't play there.

Wallet Trumps Atmosphere. Currency, my old foe! You best me once more!