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Lara wrote:

Kilkrazy wrote:Yes, yes, indeed.

I got my Zoanthropes for something like £10.50 a year ago from Maelstrom. They are going up to £15.50.

Then consider there isn't much point having fewer than three, and you need a Pod (which GW don't MAKE!111) but if they did you would be looking at another £25 for that and suddenly a single unit in the Tyranid army is over £70.

Hive Guard are going up to £15.50 a pop too :( And Tyranids need them, desperately. But be fair to GW: they cheered me up with the hilarious joke of £21.50 for a Pyrovore.

No-one buys them anyway, because they are rubbish.

Amusingly, considering my comment about the extortionate price of Raveners -- see above -- I use Raveners to convert into my Hive Guards. Bought either from Maelstrom or secondhand.



Even after buying some crab claws and venom cannons for the conversion, my Ravener to Hive Guard conversion is still under £10 a model.

As much as I'd love to finsih my DE, I won't be. I went down stairs to my game collection after I got this news, and had a look at my stuff. I have 3-4 playable armies. I don't need more. I looked around at other games I enjoy, and promptly spent $14 on Catalyst games PDF's that will keep me going for some time.
Its frustrating, because I truly enjoy games set in the 40K universe, but can't justify supporting these sort of practices. Oh well...

Avatar 720 wrote:Is it just me, or is there no Sisters or Necron stuff getting a price increase?

I might actually be able to get the necron army after all... just maybe... Of course, from a discounter, but at least I won't be paying close to what it originally cost even with discounts.

Hopefully, it's because they are upcoming releases in the near future.

They are putting up the price on the starter set again?

The idea is to get kids hooked on th egame, not have them turn around and walk off because of the enormous start up costs.

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:They are putting up the price on the starter set again?

The idea is to get kids hooked on th egame, not have them turn around and walk off because of the enormous start up costs.

That's what tantrums are for. They're relying on the parents bringing the kids, the kids throwing a wobbler and the parents forking out cash to shut the bugger up.

Antonius wrote:

To Summarise:
1. What justification and reasons are there to the price rise being implemented on May 28th, 2011?
2. Why is there a price rise on products being moved to a cheaper production medium?
3. What justification is there for the policy change to EU and Overseas independent retailers?
4. Why are Games Workshop's loyal customers being ignored and treated badly?
5. Why is there a reported change to new product advertising to 1 week before release?
6. How does Games Workshop intend to address the very real concerns of its customer base?

I look forward to hearing from you, with answers to these concerns.

Yours,
[NAME]

You are just being nieve!

1. They have an obligation to increase shareholder returns.
2. GW provides a service not just a product. You are paying for the service and of course the brand.
3. To have more control over pricing, so as to return greater revenue.
4. This is a whole topic of conversation. The bottom line is GW is a company and has no obligation to anyone other than its shareholders. "Supporting" the "loyal customers" does not nessisarily increase profits.
5. Most companies do not advertise a price increase. Companies do not have any obligation to inform customers. They can change there pricing when they like with no notification.
6.This is a loaded question. GW sell models and books. WHat you do with them is up to you. If you do not like the product, dont buy it.

I would go on to say that the customer base that GW want are first time buyers, or new customers. This "loyal customer base" you talk about is actually a resource drain on GW. People like you who constantly attack the operating policies of a company that is simply trying to markey plastic models and books. The company does not in any way have a responsibility to provide you with low cost models or well integrated gaming rules systems.

There are better rules systems, better models, cheaper manufacturers and companies that support there product better. I suggest you investigate these rather than thinking writing letters is going to make a large company change its pricing policy!

Think of it like a car dealership. If all anybody did was buy a car there, they'd be out of business in no time. True, they'd make a little bit of cash - but the real money comes from selling parts, warranties, ripping people off on trades, repeat buyers, etc.

GW needs it's veterans. Why? Because without their recurring purchases, without their commitment to doing all of the word of mouth marketing the company swears by, you'd have no business. Yes, you can hope and pray that enough kids will funnel through the mall stores to keep the lights on, but if nobody is there playing and having a good time - if there is no social aspect to get the kids gaming together, no "crowd" to hang with, the moms are just in a WAY overpriced toy store, and will move on.

Hell, the only reason many moms will even entertain the idea of buying this stuff is because they want their kids out doing something other than sitting in front of the tv and playing video games. They want their kids getting socialized out of the house and if the kid won't play sports, they figure this is worth a shot.

Without anyone there to socialize with, their kids will get bored of their overpriced toy soldiers and will quickly move onto the next fad. However, if all their friends are doing it, and all of the people down at the shop are encouraging their hobby, then that's something else.

This hobby isn't just a diorama of little plastic men - it's about the people that make it what it is. Going to your LGS and having a great game on a lazy saturday is what it's all about. It's about showing off your long hours of hard work as you bring in your latest painted army. It's the excitement that brings people together, and it's the sharing of the experience through playing games that makes this as worthwhile as it is.

Without a dedicated hobby community, GW is just a toy store selling crap to kids that likely will never come back - and without that repeat business, there's no revenue stream. You'd be surprised how little many GW stores actually make and how integral the veteran hobby community is to non-gw LGS stores across the world.

During the week I went into the local model shop and told him about the coming 20% price rises as he's a new shop and only just starting to deal with GW. I went in again today and he said the 20% price rise was as he rang GW after I left and they told him it was only a 4% rise at most! Due to this he ordered some more stuff hoping to attract more customers. Lets say he wasn't to happy when I showed him the real price rises and is going to ring them again on Monday...

Mick

Thrax wrote:GW needs it's veterans. Why? Because without their recurring purchases, without their commitment to doing all of the word of mouth marketing the company swears by, you'd have no business.

I see more and more GW marketing done at a younger and younger level. The store snags hapless visitors, who then tell their mates of this "cool new thing". Us old-timers are not needed or wanted for anything anymore. I would never recommend GW games to any friend or relative, and would in fact try to talk anyone asking for my opinion out of it. In so doing I hope I am a net drain on the company coffers.

Ramshackle_Curtis wrote:
You are just being nieve!


1. They have an obligation to increase shareholder returns.
2. GW provides a service not just a product. You are paying for the service and of course the brand.
3. To have more control over pricing, so as to return greater revenue.
4. This is a whole topic of conversation. The bottom line is GW is a company and has no obligation to anyone other than its shareholders. "Supporting" the "loyal customers" does not nessisarily increase profits.
5. Most companies do not advertise a price increase. Companies do not have any obligation to inform customers. They can change there pricing when they like with no notification.
6.This is a loaded question. GW sell models and books. WHat you do with them is up to you. If you do not like the product, dont buy it.

I would go on to say that the customer base that GW want are first time buyers, or new customers. This "loyal customer base" you talk about is actually a resource drain on GW. People like you who constantly attack the operating policies of a company that is simply trying to markey plastic models and books. The company does not in any way have a responsibility to provide you with low cost models or well integrated gaming rules systems.

There are better rules systems, better models, cheaper manufacturers and companies that support there product better. I suggest you investigate these rather than thinking writing letters is going to make a large company change its pricing policy!

As I said. I knew people would poo-poo it. Thanks for proving me right.
Every single thing that you have answered with seems ripped verbatim from the "letter" posted by GW.
Perhaps you work for them?

To address what you have accused me of being naïve about:
1. As consumers of GW's self admitted niche product we hold an active stake in the company. Our purchasing decisions inform profits which in turn inform shareholders.
2. GW do sell a product and a service. So do people like Volkswagen, Apple and others. You can bet you behind they get constant customer feedback to improve the products and services. Both good and bad feedback.
3. Why not just shut down every single indie store the world over to control it? Oh, wait. Point 1…
4. I call bull on this. If a company that deals with the public has no obligation to it's customers it isn't in business long. Example time: Apple, a publicly listed company, with shareholders AND a form of customer service, has been awarded the best customer service for the 11th year in a row. And Apple products are increasing in sales all the time, in part due to advertising and in part because of satisfied veteran customers telling people their good experiences with them.
5. I made no mention of a price increase. I made mention of announcement of products. Unless, unbeknownst to everyone GW has been selling price points packaged as wargaming miniatures for 30 years?
6. You only believe it's a loaded question. You are a customer if you buy their product and use it, but only if I use it the way it's intended to?
So when I buy bread from Tesco that's got a picture of a ham sandwich on it and I make a jam sandwich and find the bread is stale, do I lose my rights, as I didn't make a ham sandwich? Of course not! What your answer amounts to is "suck it up or play warmahordes"
As it's my money I do choose where I spend it. But I enjoy GW stuff. So in my asking for answers to enable me to support a company, you're basically telling me "tough. Give GW your money and stop complaining or buy something else"
Which, frankly is as ostrich a move as GW's current decisions.

It's kinda sad that I'm thinking of not trading away some of my unused miniatures because to rebuy them later would probably cost me twice as much money. Like I'm hording gold and silver or something..

great business management at its best. im actually surprised they havent gone bankrupt from how bad they treat their customers (bit hypocritical as i do buy some of their products from time to time..)
hell i think a GCSE business student could run their business better than the overpriced suit monkeys do. and this is coming from a business AS student.

chaoz wrote:great business management at its best. im actually surprised they havent gone bankrupt from how bad they treat their customers (bit hypocritical as i do buy some of their products from time to time..)
hell i think a GCSE business student could run their business better than the overpriced suit monkeys do. and this is coming from a business AS student.

I do GCSE econs. I probably could.

Hey guys, got the price rise list from GW today, i hate having to reprice all my stock, because everyone's going to be really annoyed :( anyway, sorry if this has already be posted, a picture or two of what i could take. Sorry for the poor image quality.




Sorry, that's all i could get hold of today. There's lots of things that are staying the same., particularly the Dark Eldar stuff.

Son of a. They're touching the Ravenwing Battleforce.

They've crossed a line!

Sentinel and Weapon Team prices tick me off particularly. And God, the Falcon too!

Battleforces going up by a tenner hurts MY SOUL.

Kanluwen wrote:Son of a. They're touching the Ravenwing Battleforce.

They've crossed a line!

Mother of god. Nooooooooooo.

This is the man who made this decision, do not cross him.

Noez! Not Teenage Mutant Super Fat-kid!

sphynx wrote:Hey guys, got the price rise list from GW today, i hate having to reprice all my stock, because everyone's going to be really annoyed :(
...
...
.

That's OK, you don't have to.

Retail Price Maintenance is illegal in the UK. Sell your stuff for whatever price you like, not what GW say.

Mick A wrote:During the week I went into the local model shop and told him about the coming 20% price rises as he's a new shop and only just starting to deal with GW. I went in again today and he said the 20% price rise was as he rang GW after I left and they told him it was only a 4% rise at most! Due to this he ordered some more stuff hoping to attract more customers. Lets say he wasn't to happy when I showed him the real price rises and is going to ring them again on Monday...

Mick

That increase will be what the retailers buy it for, not what customers pay for it.

Avatar 720 wrote:

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:They are putting up the price on the starter set again?

The idea is to get kids hooked on the game, not have them turn around and walk off because of the enormous start up costs.

That's what tantrums are for. They're relying on the parents bringing the kids, the kids throwing a wobbler and the parents forking out cash to shut the bugger up.

Any parents will tell you that pester power doesn't work if you just laugh at your mewling offspring as they paddy about on the floor.

I may give in for a bag of sweets. £60 a pop? get lost! It's a good job my lads are very conscious of how far their money goes. they want more bang for their buck.

Im so mad about this well at least I bought a battle force befor price increace I also need to get cornel iorn hand starken in meatl befor i cant find him any more.

xXH0LYCRUSAD3Xx wrote:Im so mad about this well at least I bought a battle force befor price increace I also need to get cornel iorn hand starken in meatl befor i cant find him any more.

Since when was Straken made from meat?

Random observation.

I freely admit I may have got some of this wrong, people who are particularly interested should look up the numbers and work it out for themselves.

The average salary in australia, converted into £ is £44k apprx.
The average salary in the EU, converted into £ is £33k apprx.
The average salary in the US, converted into £ is £29k apprx.
The average salary in Japan, converted into £ is £26k apprx.
The average salary in the UK is £25k apprx.
The average salary in NZ, converted into £ is £19k apprx.

If you convert the price of a Dwarf warriors regiment into £, then express this as a % of the average salary:

New Zealand: 0.15%
Japan: 0.12%
UK: 0.08%
EU Av. (used french prices): 0.079%
Australia: 0.075%
US: 0.070%

So what does this show?

Not much really, as it ignores postage, tax and the general cost of living...

But. As a % of their average income, australians and americans pay half as much as new zealanders and less than people in the UK.

Grimtuff wrote:

xXH0LYCRUSAD3Xx wrote:Im so mad about this well at least I bought a battle force befor price increace I also need to get cornel iorn hand starken in meatl befor i cant find him any more.

Since when was Straken made from meat?

Well...he is supposed to be a "beefy" guy..

Mr. Burning wrote:

Avatar 720 wrote:

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:They are putting up the price on the starter set again?

The idea is to get kids hooked on the game, not have them turn around and walk off because of the enormous start up costs.

That's what tantrums are for. They're relying on the parents bringing the kids, the kids throwing a wobbler and the parents forking out cash to shut the bugger up.

Any parents will tell you that pester power doesn't work if you just laugh at your mewling offspring as they paddy about on the floor.

I may give in for a bag of sweets. £60 a pop? get lost! It's a good job my lads are very conscious of how far their money goes. they want more bang for their buck.

The amounts of parents I see who give in to their child's every whim just to appease them and stop all the staring is astonishing. Parents who let their children scream their heads off in the middle of a shopping centre are usually very thick-skinned, and somewhat rare around here, because crowds will hear a screaming child and will give a synchronised evil-stare at the parent who will then promise their child whatever they want so they stop bawling.

Grimstonefire wrote:Random observation.

I freely admit I may have got some of this wrong, people who are particularly interested should look up the numbers and work it out for themselves.

The average salary in australia, converted into £ is £44k apprx.
The average salary in the EU, converted into £ is £33k apprx.
The average salary in the US, converted into £ is £29k apprx.
The average salary in Japan, converted into £ is £26k apprx.
The average salary in the UK is £25k apprx.
The average salary in NZ, converted into £ is £19k apprx.

If you convert the price of a Dwarf warriors regiment into £, then express this as a % of the average salary:

New Zealand: 0.15%
Japan: 0.12%
UK: 0.08%
EU Av. (used french prices): 0.079%
Australia: 0.075%
US: 0.070%

So what does this show?

Not much really, as it ignores postage, tax and the general cost of living...

But. As a % of their average income, australians and americans pay half as much as new zealanders and less than people in the UK.

I just did a similar exercise here GW Response thread, but have come to a different conclusion since I used the respective countries retail price of AoBR/40K rulebook.

Now while I freely admit that this is not extensive research it does indicate that GW are treating everyone similarly across the globe.

So if I have that "average" job in any of these counties it will cost me about 3 hours labour to get a 40K rulebook.

GW have closed a loophole that was damaging their distribution customers (contracts work both ways) at the expense of savvy Aussies/Kiwis.

Off the back of this, one would hope that those FLGS down under will now increase support of GW products and strengthen the local wargaming communities. Sorry just trying to see a silver lining here for those that have lost out of a cheap supply.

Cerebrium wrote:Battleforces going up by a tenner hurts MY SOUL.

Kanluwen wrote:Son of a. They're touching the Ravenwing Battleforce.

They've crossed a line!

Mother of god. Nooooooooooo.

Ah hell no! This calls for letters of complaints and polite rioting*.


*Just kidding, lets take those money-sucking bastards down!*


*Just kidding again. To be honest, I'm never buying directly from GW again. End of story. What's more, I'm actually going to start SELLING my 40k!

I'm not buying directly and I'm not buying anything new once I get the CSM squad and rhino I need to finish my army. After that, if I DO buy anything new, it will strictly be through eBay and third-party suppliers.