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I buy from my FLGS (http://dirtygoblingames.com) While I do play a game on the table in my basement once and a while, most of my gamin takes place up there, so I'd like to keep him in business. Even it it takes a little extra time to get stuff. And while not deep discounts, he does offer some deals to keep prices down. If you've ever been in a situation where there is no place to game, you realize how important your local store is. Something no online store can provide.

A number of years ago, me and my friends made up the core group of regulars at our FLGS. The owner gave us employee level discounts (30-50% off) Because we were usually there playing card/40k/WHFB and willing to demo games to new players, we suckered in a LOT of new customers and sales.

I've found that most stores that don't have to answer to corporate management will give you 10% for almost any reason. A happy customer is a repeat customer, and loosing 10% on this sale to get the next one is a good trade.

ebay

eBay and my FLGS.

 Ironklawmadgutsmek wrote:
SOMEWHERE ELSE

And without breaking any rules of dakkadakka, that's all I can say.

This is very common in Australia now for GW products. GW brought it on themselves with ridiculous regional pricing.

I buy all off my GW product from one of two FLGS, because we don't support our local stores, there will be no local stores to support.

SJ

I've bought all my Orks (INcluding my codex) from Ebay. Haven't been ripped off yet.

 dementedwombat wrote:
Hi, I just went looking around just about every hobby store in town, and they all seem to be lacking supply on GW stuff. Is there a website that I can buy them from? I know I can grab them from the official site, but I think I remember reading that they might potentially be less expensive by other means.

One of the 2 FLGS within a 10 minute drive for me, or GW direct, or Front Line Gaming, or The WarStore. In that order.

eBay. without it I would not be able to play like I do. i buy some of my big ticket items from the flgs but it is over an hour away and the only one in the province that has GW stuff.

Ebay mainly can get brand new stuff for 30-40% off if you search around. Specialist stuff like upgrade kits, I get from GW direct.

(I am in the US) Ebay, occasionally GW direct (only for rare paint colors and/or a prerelease limited ed stuff, like Psychic Power cards), but mostly my current local game store. I've never lived in a town that has a GW store. My favorite stores are:

Universe Games - Minneapolis, MN
Borderlands Games - Salem, OR

Gotta rock the local stores, because for me they're the best place to meet players and play games. Many will give discounts for volume purchases, too.

Bartertown, ebay, craigslist and if those don't pan out for what im lookin for, Miniature Market.

I love GWs minis but their prices are ridonkulous so I avoid giving them money if at all possible.

Games Workshop, E-bay and Forgeworld (although that's really saying GW twice). Once in a wile a couple of local FLGS, although neither is very local to me. When I do get out to their areas I always try to stop by and buy something.

SoloFalco wrote:Try asking your FLGS first. Not every hobby store carries gaming stuff. Reserve online stores as a last option. They don't contribute to your community nor do they give you a deal because they like you.

This. Plus, if you don't support the places where you play, eventually you won't have anywhere to play. Gaming stores serve a variety of very useful functions. It's not worth it to save a few bucks here and there if you contribute to the collapse of the gaming hub.

The only time I've ever bought a kit from my FLGS was when I needed something NOW, and it was going to take them weeks to get a new one from GW. That and, of course, I buy my bitz online, but that's because FLGSs couldn't possibly be bothered with that kind of a thing to offer it as a service.

First and foremost: a FLGS. They offer you a good place to play and "hide" from the real world even if it's just for a few moments each day / week. And it's no lie that you'll get a discount if the owner likes you AND you support the store. At least mine does.

My local store will order anything I want and gives all customers a 20% off for buying from them.

 Ailaros wrote:

SoloFalco wrote:Try asking your FLGS first. Not every hobby store carries gaming stuff. Reserve online stores as a last option. They don't contribute to your community nor do they give you a deal because they like you.

This. Plus, if you don't support the places where you play, eventually you won't have anywhere to play. Gaming stores serve a variety of very useful functions. It's not worth it to save a few bucks here and there if you contribute to the collapse of the gaming hub.

The only time I've ever bought a kit from my FLGS was when I needed something NOW, and it was going to take them weeks to get a new one from GW. That and, of course, I buy my bitz online, but that's because FLGSs couldn't possibly be bothered with that kind of a thing to offer it as a service.

I'm jealous of you guys in the states, there are few independent FLGS in the UK that have plenty of tables to play a variety of systems. It is mostly through clubs or friends that I find games are organised. GW is pretty dire, normally only having 1 or 2 tables. The nearest Independent FLGS to me is a 40 minute drive and for me that is a lot of fuel. I'd love to have a nearby store to me that i could go in and play games.

I get mine second hand from mates or from independent sites,any money off is a good thing nowadays.

I play my games at the local GW so I buy 90% of my stuff from GW. I believe in pay where you play. If I find another place to play I may do a bit more shopping online.

Really? I have scored deals and discounts at a couple of local businesses I frequent because I have done a lot of business with them and they like me coming to spend money. Website owners don't care who spends money with them.

Exactly. Me too. I have two independent FLGS near me and they both throw me extra discounts and such from time to time because I spend enough money with them and because they know I'm a staunch believer in the "Pay where you play" maxim. One of the two occasionally even lets me snag stuff from their bitz box for free. I once got a fully assembled drop pod AND a fully assembled and well painted painted Eldar Avatar from the bitz box for free. That only happens if the store owner knows you are one of his better customers.

I will also occasionally order from The Warstore. There have been a few times in my adult life where work has taken me to places with no LGS and Neil was always great to work with during those times. Because of that, I like to occasionally throw some money his way as well.

 hotsauceman1 wrote:

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Try asking your FLGS first. Not every hobby store carries gaming stuff. Reserve online stores as a last option. They don't contribute to your community nor do they give you a deal because they like you.

I always find that statement hilarious. No store owner is going to give you a discount because he likes you.

False.
10% discount if it's not on the shelf, and deals can be worked out if it's second hand stuff. I'd 100% support my local shop before anywhere else.

 hotsauceman1 wrote:

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Try asking your FLGS first. Not every hobby store carries gaming stuff. Reserve online stores as a last option. They don't contribute to your community nor do they give you a deal because they like you.

I always find that statement hilarious. No store owner is going to give you a discount because he likes you.

I find your statement equally hilarious. I've worked in retail for years and run a music store for ages. I can tell you, without a doubt, people that I "like" get better deals than people I don't like, or people that I don't know. It's always that way, and always will be. If you don't think that's the case, you're just not realizing it.

I ordered in the models I wanted through my local store. Apparently they charge exact GW prices (I asked if they sold for GW price or some kind of discount). Darn shame. I do want to keep the money in my local community, but they sure aren't providing much of an incentive.

I did pick up an assembled but unpainted devilfish for $20 while I was there though. That was nice. They even magnetized the gun drones flight stands.