Switch Theme:

Differing policies in GW stores  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
»
Author Message
Advert


Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
  • No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
  • Times and dates in your local timezone.
  • Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
  • Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
  • Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.




Made in gb
Member of a Lodge? I Can't Say





It seems apparent that policies on things like model usage vary from GW to GW. I thought I'd start a thread to collect these differences.

Mine is ok with 3rd party conversion parts as long as most of the model is GW. They also don't seem to have anything against Forgeworld.
   
Made in us
Prescient Cryptek of Eternity





East Coast, USA

 NivlacSupreme wrote:
It seems apparent that policies on things like model usage vary from GW to GW. I thought I'd start a thread to collect these differences.

Mine is ok with 3rd party conversion parts as long as most of the model is GW. They also don't seem to have anything against Forgeworld.


I used to run a store about 6-7 years ago. The only official guidance I was given is that it was a company store and that the expectation is that GW product should be used on the GW supplied tables. Past that, it was my discretion.

I generally allowed conversions so long as the majority of the model was GW product. Company folk threw around the 85%+ number, but there was no actual policy. I generally allowed Forgeworld. I generally disallowed homemade terrain unless someone was running a specific event. I did provide terrain.

I also gave table priority to people who bought stuff in the store. Yes, your converted Stompa that you made from a fixed up eBay Monolith with some extra bits glued on looks cool, but you haven't actually bought something in this store for a long time... so that other guy gets to use the table. Yes, your all Forgeworld Heresy Era army looks amazing, but you haven't actually bought something in this store for a long time... so that other guy gets to use the table.

The sad reality is that you have to prioritize the guy who is actually spending money in your store or else you won't sell enough to be able to pay your people, your rent, etc. It tends to alienate the guys who are hardcore hobbyists, but who don't actually spend much money in the stores. From a store perspective, that's tricky. Having them hang out in your store fills space and makes the store look fun, but you sort of want them to step aside as soon as an actual paying customer needs the seat.

Check out my website. Editorials! Tutorials! Fun Times To Be Had! - kriswallminis.com


https://www.thingiverse.com/KrisWall/about


Completed Trades With: ultraatma 
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran




I've been kicked out of GW stores for correcting staff on rules, and this wasn't argumentative either; this was "We work for GW, hence we know the rules better than you." Even if you show them how they're wrong.

I've had staff verbally abuse me that would get them fired from any other job on the planet.

Several places I've been to had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy for non-GW stuff and at the other end of the scale I've had staffers who were so vehemently opposed to special characters being on their tables that they declared "ALL SPECIAL CHARACTERS IMMEDIATELY EXPLODE! GET THEM OFF MY BOARD!"

I could go on, but a lot of these stores are run like personal fiefdoms so you're never going to find the same policies in any two stores.
   
Made in us
Ultramarine Terminator with Assault Cannon






My local GW store doesn't always adhere to the no quibbles exchange policy. Which I have a strong feeling isn't allowed to be at the description of the worker and is being biased due to sales quotas.

It seems to boil down to... the exchange will be accepted (popular product being returned) and other times the exchange will be refused (items that move slowly).
   
Made in ca
Posts with Authority




I'm from the future. The future of space

Call GW's customer service or email them about it. They care a lot about their exchange policy and would want to know if you have trouble.

Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better. 
   
Made in us
Member of the Ethereal Council






Ruin wrote:


Several places I've been to had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy for non-GW stuff and at the other end of the scale I've had staffers who were so vehemently opposed to special characters being on their tables that they declared "ALL SPECIAL CHARACTERS IMMEDIATELY EXPLODE! GET THEM OFF MY BOARD!"
.

I see this from alot of old guard.
Why are so many against the use of special characters?

5000pts 6000pts 3000pts
 
   
Made in ca
Posts with Authority




I'm from the future. The future of space

In 3rd edition all special characters were "use only with the permission of the opponent" and generally were never allowed in tournaments or anything like that. Given how many 3rd edition codexes were legal well into fourth edition, I think that persisted into that edition as well.

Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better. 
   
Made in au
Grizzled Space Wolves Great Wolf





 Kriswall wrote:
Yes, your all Forgeworld Heresy Era army looks amazing, but you haven't actually bought something in this store for a long time... so that other guy gets to use the table.
If you pulled that on me it's something I'd be emailing GW customer service about and hoping you get you pulled up on, and if I was in a particularly grumpy mood tell my friends to avoid your store like the plague.

Luckily the dude who works in the local GW wins people over with honey rather than vinegar. He seems to maintain a pretty good turnover while not being a dick about where you bought your models and whatnot. Of course he'll still try and sell you stuff, but it's far less obnoxious when he tries to sell you something after he's been friendly rather than abrasive.
   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

I could go on, but a lot of these stores are run like personal fiefdoms


I worked for a company (in a completely different sector) that similarly allowed its store managers a wide degree of freedom. It was great for me as I got to make my reputation taking on stores that had been run into the ground by idiots and turning them around. This is, of course, less good for the company!

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark

The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.

The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox

Ask me about
Barnstaple Slayers Club 
   
Made in us
Prescient Cryptek of Eternity





East Coast, USA

AllSeeingSkink wrote:
 Kriswall wrote:
Yes, your all Forgeworld Heresy Era army looks amazing, but you haven't actually bought something in this store for a long time... so that other guy gets to use the table.
If you pulled that on me it's something I'd be emailing GW customer service about and hoping you get you pulled up on, and if I was in a particularly grumpy mood tell my friends to avoid your store like the plague.

Luckily the dude who works in the local GW wins people over with honey rather than vinegar. He seems to maintain a pretty good turnover while not being a dick about where you bought your models and whatnot. Of course he'll still try and sell you stuff, but it's far less obnoxious when he tries to sell you something after he's been friendly rather than abrasive.


lol... you can email GW customer service all you want. Generally never did anything. Ultimately, the stores answer to the regional managers (or whatever they're called nowadays). Things may have changed, but a few years back a complaint to customer service would filter to the regional manager who would follow up with the store as necessary. My regional manager fully supported the concept that paying customers were prioritized over non-paying people using the store as a hangout. From a store profitability standpoint, boycotting a store when you weren't really a paying customer accomplishes little to nothing. If you weren't spending money, a boycott takes away how many sales? (Protip... it takes away no sales.) Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but anyone who doesn't get their way and retaliates by trying to hurt the store is generally poison to a gaming community. They tend to be a ticking time bomb. Ok, you can game on the table today. Will you freak out and organize a boycott tomorrow if we sell out of a new product before you're able to come in?

Also, I don't know why you assume I was "abrasive" or that I only used "vinegar". I was actually pretty friendly. It was generally understood and accepted that the tables were there for paying customers of the store first and foremost. Never once got a complaint over that policy. Table space, both gaming and painting, was limited. If a seat is free, feel free to sit down. If no seats are free, I might ask someone who hasn't spent anything in a long time to give up a seat. I know this is a wildly unpopular concept with certain entitled gamers, but GW stores are profit oriented, sales driven retail stores where the managers are paid more when sales go up. Lots of people hang out there, but they aren't gaming clubs.

Check out my website. Editorials! Tutorials! Fun Times To Be Had! - kriswallminis.com


https://www.thingiverse.com/KrisWall/about


Completed Trades With: ultraatma 
   
Made in ca
Posts with Authority




I'm from the future. The future of space

The store managers are often in very awkward positions. Their target numbers can mean that GW's other sales channels are competing against them.

In the next city over there is a GW store as well as a couple independent trade accounts and it can be a bit awkward as the customer base is split between the GW store, the other stores, GW's online store and online discounters.

GW made sales performance the key metric for their retail staff and that means they are directly competing with every other way GW product reaches the customers.

So they should prefer customers who actually buy things. And it really is there business where you got your army. It could end up meaning their job ends if they have a store full of people who play there but then buy from online discounters or even from GW's own online store.

GW also seems to be experimenting at the moment. Some single employee stores have had their hours increased and a part time employee added. Store managers can try things and apparently they've added more regional staff that actually care more about what is working.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/04/21 19:06:47


Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better. 
   
Made in es
Grim Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain




Vigo. Spain.

The fact that online sales that you buy in your house and pick them to be sent to a store don't count to that store sales is just stupid. GW should change that, and it will help greatly GW store managers.

 Crimson Devil wrote:

Dakka does have White Knights and is also rather infamous for it's Black Knights. A new edition brings out the passionate and not all of them are good at expressing themselves in written form. There have been plenty of hysterical responses from both sides so far. So we descend into pointless bickering with neither side listening to each other. So posting here becomes more masturbation than conversation.

ERJAK wrote:
Forcing a 40k player to keep playing 7th is basically a hate crime.

 
   
Made in us
Fresh-Faced New User






Wait....my site to store order doesn't count for the store's sales?

.....Whelp, guess what I'm never doing again.
   
Made in ca
Posts with Authority




I'm from the future. The future of space

 Galas wrote:
The fact that online sales that you buy in your house and pick them to be sent to a store don't count to that store sales is just stupid. GW should change that, and it will help greatly GW store managers.


Really? That sucks That is stupid if it's the case.

Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better. 
   
Made in us
[DCM]
Dankhold Troggoth






Shadeglass Maze

It counts for them if you do it in store to be ordered, though, right?

GW stores aren't somewhere I'd ever want to game, but I used to do that quite often just to help the manager out, who was awesome. Hopefully it wasn't a waste
   
Made in us
The Hammer of Witches





A new day, a new time zone.

Yes. Ordering from the in-store kiosk online counts as a sale for the store. That's why you can pay for what you order online at the register in store. I do it frequently because my local GW is an awesome store with an amazing manager so I want to support it.

The fact that you can't order from home and ship to the store and have that count is a dumb policy, but fits into the thinking for Kirby-era GW. 'If they have to go to the store to do it....' It'd be nice if it changed.

"-Nonsense, the Inquisitor and his retinue are our hounoured guests, of course we should invite them to celebrate Four-armed Emperor-day with us..."
Thought for the Day - Never use the powerfist hand to wipe. 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Reynoldsburg Ohio

 Bookwrack wrote:
Yes. Ordering from the in-store kiosk online counts as a sale for the store. That's why you can pay for what you order online at the register in store. I do it frequently because my local GW is an awesome store with an amazing manager so I want to support it.

The fact that you can't order from home and ship to the store and have that count is a dumb policy, but fits into the thinking for Kirby-era GW. 'If they have to go to the store to do it....' It'd be nice if it changed.


With the pick up, do you pay online or when you pick it up? If you pay on pick up I can see it going to the store, but if you pay online then pick up, the money never went through the store. So I can see it through the COmpany's point of view in that instance.
   
Made in us
Quick-fingered Warlord Moderatus




It was generally understood and accepted that the tables were there for paying customers of the store first and foremost.


I feel like this is one of those things that should go without saying ... and yet ... it almost never does ...

Edit: I just googled ablutions and apparently it does not including dropping a duece. I should have looked it up early sorry for any confusion. - Baldsmug

Psiensis on the "good old days":
"Kids these days...
... I invented the 6th Ed meta back in 3rd ed.
Wait, what were we talking about again? Did I ever tell you about the time I gave you five bees for a quarter? That's what you'd say in those days, "give me five bees for a quarter", is what you'd say in those days. And you'd go down to the D&D shop, with an onion in your belt, 'cause that was the style of the time. So there I was in the D&D shop..." 
   
Made in us
[DCM]
Dankhold Troggoth






Shadeglass Maze

That's why I'm really glad to be part of a gaming club, instead - pay a yearly membership, get table access. I feel like most people would do so if given the chance. Unfortunately they're not nearly as common as just the tables-in-stores setup in the US...
   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

Tycho wrote:
It was generally understood and accepted that the tables were there for paying customers of the store first and foremost.


I feel like this is one of those things that should go without saying ... and yet ... it almost never does ...


When the customer has paid, just through a different channel, that's when the line starts to get fuzzy.

You can imagine how someone not familiar with GW's staff incentive scheme may be a little baffled to be told they aren't entitled to use a table in a GW store because they've spent £££$$$ in another GW store or through their website.

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark

The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.

The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox

Ask me about
Barnstaple Slayers Club 
   
Made in us
Frightening Flamer of Tzeentch




The Warhammer store in my area is pro FW though that may be as he uses HH to push sales

2000 6000 with Reaver Titan guard 2k
2500 (imperial force)
2500 (trimming down in 8th)
TS 30k at 5k points
Yes I have a problem
 
   
Made in us
The Hammer of Witches





A new day, a new time zone.

 Digclaw wrote:
 Bookwrack wrote:
Yes. Ordering from the in-store kiosk online counts as a sale for the store. That's why you can pay for what you order online at the register in store. I do it frequently because my local GW is an awesome store with an amazing manager so I want to support it.

The fact that you can't order from home and ship to the store and have that count is a dumb policy, but fits into the thinking for Kirby-era GW. 'If they have to go to the store to do it....' It'd be nice if it changed.


With the pick up, do you pay online or when you pick it up?

Neither.

You pay at the register when you make the order, along with anything else you're picking up at the store that day.

"-Nonsense, the Inquisitor and his retinue are our hounoured guests, of course we should invite them to celebrate Four-armed Emperor-day with us..."
Thought for the Day - Never use the powerfist hand to wipe. 
   
Made in ca
Posts with Authority




I'm from the future. The future of space

When you order online to pick up at the store you pay online using a credit card (or something like it) or paypal.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Azreal13 wrote:
When the customer has paid, just through a different channel, that's when the line starts to get fuzzy.

You can imagine how someone not familiar with GW's staff incentive scheme may be a little baffled to be told they aren't entitled to use a table in a GW store because they've spent £££$$$ in another GW store or through their website.


If I saw some social media posts about the new kharadron overlords and bought some $300+ of the stuff on the GW online store and then showed up at a local GW store the manager was like "no, you can't play because you didn't buy anything" I'd probably be pretty pissed off. It's not really a customer's business to be aware of the way GW competes with their own store managers and puts them out of a job if they lose.

It really shouldn't be the customer's concern and they probably shouldn't be treated as a lesser customer than someone who spent $50 at the store vs $300 online.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2017/04/22 03:15:59


Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better. 
   
Made in au
Grizzled Space Wolves Great Wolf





 Kriswall wrote:
My regional manager fully supported the concept that paying customers were prioritized over non-paying people using the store as a hangout.
That just shows how utterly f'd up GW's management structure is/was because people who buy from FW are paying people.

The more angry emails they get due to silly managers turning away paying customers the better.

From a store profitability standpoint, boycotting a store when you weren't really a paying customer accomplishes little to nothing.
Which is why I specifically said I'd tell OTHER people not to buy from your store

Will you freak out and organize a boycott tomorrow if we sell out of a new product before you're able to come in?
What? That has literally nothing to do with anything I mentioned.

Never once got a complaint over that policy.
That's probably because most the unhappy people didn't complain to you but instead encouraged their friends to buy elsewhere.

I don't deal with stupid retail clerks. I just can't be bothered. If you piss me off in your store I'll leave.... and bad mouth you to everyone.... and/or talk to the people over your heads.

When you are a GW store manager you are the face of GW. You aren't some independent retailer who is just carrying GW stock, it's not even a franchised store, you ARE Games Workshop.

So yes, you ARE being a bit of a dick for telling someone who has spent uuuge amounts of money on Games Workshop products they can't play in a Games Workshop store. I understand you as a checkout chick don't get paid for FW products, and I feel slightly sorry for the GW store managers for that reason, but as far as I'm concerned that's their problem for choosing to work for that company.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Bookwrack wrote:
Yes. Ordering from the in-store kiosk online counts as a sale for the store. That's why you can pay for what you order online at the register in store. I do it frequently because my local GW is an awesome store with an amazing manager so I want to support it.
I did that once to try and support the local GW manager because he's a good bloke, but it's so inconvenient. You have to go in to the store, pay for it, wait until it comes in... which is usually middle of the week when I'm working, and then because it's a 1 man store it's probably open weird hours so if you have a normal job you have to wait until friday or saturday and go in and pick it up.

It's so much more of a pain in the arse than just ordering online from home and getting it delivered to my house.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/04/22 04:42:40


 
   
Made in gb
Decrepit Dakkanaut




UK

 Galas wrote:
The fact that online sales that you buy in your house and pick them to be sent to a store don't count to that store sales is just stupid. GW should change that, and it will help greatly GW store managers.


online purchases through the terminals in the GW stores DO count towards the managers totals

but if you order at home etc and use the free delivery to a gw store option then go in and pick the stuff up it doesn't

 
   
Made in gb
Secret Inquisitorial Eldar Xenexecutor





UK

My local (GW Maidstone) has fantastic looking tables built by staff and local veterans (all GW materials obviously) usually refreshed over a 6 month period with two laid out ready for gaming in excess of the two demo tables.

Models must be entirely GW or FW components, no exceptions, conversions allowed etc but no use of 3rd party components

Special characters, forgeworld rules etc all allowed.

Events are run by local gamers (also relief staff) designed to be inclusive but generally my campaign packs don't get complaints. Store happy to theme table projects to the upcoming campaigns.

Soon his foes would learn that the only thing more dangerous than a savage three hundred pound brute is a savage three hundred pound brute with a plan - Ork Codex

30K Imperial Fist Progress
Tale of 6 Gamers - 30K

I've recently started taking on commissions, if you'd like to talk a project over feel free to PM me here, or find me at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasiliskStudios
Email: Basilisk.Studios@yahoo.co.uk 
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

We can argue over these things abstractly but the reality is about relationships.

Last week, I went into the local WH to play a game of Shadow War. I asked if I could bring in a non-GW mat and the clerk said sure. Note: I asked before even bringing the mat in. I also bought something before asking. And I had come in several times over the last few weeks making some purchases and feeling out whether I wanted to play in her store and to introduce myself/establish that I am not a freeloader. So I acted reasonably and lo and behold so did the clerk. And if she had said no - I would not have gone off or anything. Part of realizing that you need to ask permission is realizing that the response can be no.

The same applies to using tables. Understand that a WH store is a retail space and therefore tables are sales displays. Access to those tables is not something you purchase along with your models. If you spend $300 on models then you get the models - guaranteed access to those tables is not part of the transaction.

If you want access to the tables, work on rapport with the staff. This obviously includes buying things but that is not the full story.

   
Made in us
Douglas Bader






 Manchu wrote:
We can argue over these things abstractly but the reality is about relationships.


No, the reality is about business. This is a for-profit business we're talking about, not a community of friends.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
online purchases through the terminals in the GW stores DO count towards the managers totals

but if you order at home etc and use the free delivery to a gw store option then go in and pick the stuff up it doesn't


This is an amazingly stupid policy, but I suppose that's what we should expect from GW.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/04/23 06:33:19


There is no such thing as a hobby without politics. "Leave politics at the door" is itself a political statement, an endorsement of the status quo and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. 
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

You're the only one talking about "a community of friends."

   
Made in us
Douglas Bader






 Manchu wrote:
You're the only one talking about "a community of friends."


You didn't use those words, but that's what you're describing. In a community of friends you do things like feeling out the mood and establishing yourself as a legitimate member of the community. In a normal for-profit store you walk in and buy the thing you want, and if the store doesn't give you what you want you go elsewhere.

There is no such thing as a hobby without politics. "Leave politics at the door" is itself a political statement, an endorsement of the status quo and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. 
   
 
Forum Index » Dakka Discussions
Go to: