We need an update on Bits Sellers

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**Aerethan**

So GW went and screwed with retailers again by trying to stop bits selling. As such, we saw certain services like BattleWagon Bits shut down.

Currently Hoard O Bits seems to be the best option, but the item's they show as Out of Stock have been so for weeks now.

Bitzbarn has just about nothing. They don't list every piece in every kit I've looked at, and the ones they do list are 9/10 times zero in stock.

Spikeybits seems to not sell bits anymore, despite it being in their name(if they do they hide it damn well on their site)

Bitzbox.co.uk seems to be out of stock of an easy 90% of items listed(which is a shame because afaik they are the only site that lists every part individually).

So do any bits services actually want sales anymore? Because most of them now seem to be actively ignoring their inventories. One would think sites like HoB would have a counter for how many items in a single box get hits for "email me when in stock", as I've done that one a few sets where my sales alone would cover the cost of the box.

I'm trying to spend money here, and these 4 sites seem to be doing everything in their power to not take it from me.

**daedalus**

The biggest problem I've always thought to exist in a 3rd party bitz business appears to be related to the fact that there are generally only a couple sought after bitz in a box set. This leads to such scenarios where in order to be able to cope with the fact that no one wants anything other than the IG meltagun and plasmaguns bitz, for example, you have to try to sell each one for 10-15 USD, which no one will buy because you can get ALL the bitz for about 30, so you then lower your prices to a "modest" $8, which means that they get sold, but remain unstocked, because you never recouped the full cost of the initial kit.

**Aerethan**

daedalus wrote:
The biggest problem I've always thought to exist in a 3rd party bitz business appears to be related to the fact that there are generally only a couple sought after bitz in a box set. This leads to such scenarios where in order to be able to cope with the fact that no one wants anything other than the IG meltagun and plasmaguns bitz, for example, you have to try to sell each one for 10-15 USD, which no one will buy because you can get ALL the bitz for about 30, so you then lower your prices to a "modest" $8, which means that they get sold, but remain unstocked, because you never recouped the full cost of the initial kit.

The other side to that coin is then allowing customers to do custom orders that at least cover cost + X of a kit.

I requested a custom order from HoB that would have covered the 3 boxes I wanted plus some overage and was told flat out that they don't do any special orders, even those where all the items requested are from the same box. And HoB already bundles their items to best recoup the costs based on part popularity and forcing players to buy Y along with X at a slightly higher cost than just buying X elsewhere.

There are very few HoB bundles that I feel are not worth the $$ they ask, many of those items are in stock as well. But when I can't get the body for a conversion then I have no reason to buy the arms from that other kit I need as well.

**insaniak**

That's the trick, yeah. That's why eBay used to be good for this... I just let the market work out how much it wanted to pay for everything, and just stocked the kits that actually made a profit. That stopped being as effective when eBay started getting a little saturated with bits sellers. And then, of course, when the Oz dollar went up, my overseas market went down...

Working out the correct balance to sell everything through and keep the costs covered if you're going to price everything manually is an arcane art, and it's really, really hard to do. That's why so many bits sites come and go... People come along thinking that it's an easy way to make some cash, and it's a bit of a shock when they discover how much work is involved, and how hard it is to make it pay off.

I still some a small range of bits, but these days it's basically just as a way of clearing out my leftovers, so stuff doesn't get restocked very often.

**Dmyze**

Black Dagger games on Ebay seems to still have a decent supply of bits - I just placed a large order with them.

It seems the only place I can find bits now is Ebay.

We could always create a list like the one for 3rd party conversion parts in P&M?

**Breotan**

Best place for bits is still going to be eBay. HoB and others sell there. Just stay away from "buy it now" items because they're usually above market rates.

**Rotgut**

Dmyze wrote:
Black Dagger games on Ebay seems to still have a decent supply of bits - I just placed a large order with them.

It seems the only place I can find bits now is Ebay.

We could always create a list like the one for 3rd party conversion parts in P&M?

Blackdagger games is who I was going to mention also, they are the only people I buy bits from. Good prices, and super quick shipping.

**Aerethan**

Rotgut wrote:
Dmyze wrote:
Black Dagger games on Ebay seems to still have a decent supply of bits - I just placed a large order with them.

It seems the only place I can find bits now is Ebay.

We could always create a list like the one for 3rd party conversion parts in P&M?

Blackdagger games is who I was going to mention also, they are the only people I buy bits from. Good prices, and super quick shipping.

Limited selection for what I'm looking for sadly. I do like their single model bundles though, as it's a good deal if you only need a few out of a box.

**Rotgut**

Aerethan wrote:
Rotgut wrote:
Dmyze wrote:
Black Dagger games on Ebay seems to still have a decent supply of bits - I just placed a large order with them.

It seems the only place I can find bits now is Ebay.

We could always create a list like the one for 3rd party conversion parts in P&M?

Blackdagger games is who I was going to mention also, they are the only people I buy bits from. Good prices, and super quick shipping.

Limited selection for what I'm looking for sadly. I do like their single model bundles though, as it's a good deal if you only need a few out of a box.

I usually get single figures so I like them, but they do restock things alot, Ive sent them emails about certain restocks and they restocked them the next day.

**timd**

Aerethan wrote:
So GW went and screwed with retailers again by trying to stop bits selling. As such, we saw certain services like BattleWagon Bits shut down.

It may well be that quite a few of the other bitz sellers have been affected by the new policy, especially if they are retail stores. Other bitz sellers may be re-evaluating their businesses in light of probably having to pay retail (instead of wholesale) prices for their stock.

T

**Aerethan**

timd wrote:
Aerethan wrote:
So GW went and screwed with retailers again by trying to stop bits selling. As such, we saw certain services like BattleWagon Bits shut down.

It may well be that quite a few of the other bitz sellers have been affected by the new policy, especially if they are retail stores. Other bitz sellers may be re-evaluating their businesses in light of probably having to pay retail (instead of wholesale) prices for their stock.

T

If it comes down to retail, those stores should give me a ring. I have my connection who does 30% off that I'm sure wouldn't mind doing bulk sales or large orders.

There are still plenty of places to buy for below retail. But even 30% off is too high when all I need is 1 guy from a $50 box.

**Howard A Treesong**

GW logic seems to be that if you want just a little bit in a £50 box then you would buy that box if it were not for bits sellers supplying parts individually. GW couldn't be bothered to maintain their bits service, they alter sales terms to prevent bits sellers breaking up their kits and they attack third party bits sellers.

It seems very toys-out-the-pram. They don't wish to cater to the bits market but neither should anyone else because a the sale of a third party shoulder pad would costing them sales on whole box sets. I think they over value their product. If people can't buy individual bits they don't make any purchase at all. Furthermore some bits that offer interesting conversion possibilities actually encourage sales where there wouldn't have been interest, the Space Marine flyer extension pieces from Chapterhouse come to mind.

I think it's all about control. GW don't mind cutting off their nose to spite their face, it's about total control if their product whether withing reasonable legal limits or not. The amount they over reached in the CHS case shows how far they'll go.

**Hivefleet Oblivion**

While I disagree with much of the pro-CHS sentiment - it's a company's prerogative to protect their IP, and in doing so practically every litigant will demand more than they get - I think the notion to stamp out bits sellers is indicative of a deeper malaise.

We picked up an old copy of WHite Dwartf, Number 351, and the environment at that time is much richer and more stimulating, because it shows one-off painting, and interesting customisation ideas, rather than just painting up the new product.

Customising, and acquiring odd bits, is an intrinsic part of "the hobby". Killing it off will kill off a certain part of the creativity that underlies it, and the little bit of the brand will die along with it.

We got a huge order from Hoard O Bits around 5 weeks ago; since then, I've noticed the Ork War Boss has been out of stock, now for four weeks. I'm glad we bought three of 'em.

**troa**

Firstly, try ebay. It's your friend.

Secondly:

Aerethan wrote:

So do any bits services actually want sales anymore? Because most of them now seem to be actively ignoring their inventories. One would think sites like HoB would have a counter for how many items in a single box get hits for "email me when in stock", as I've done that one a few sets where my sales alone would cover the cost of the box.

I'm trying to spend money here, and these 4 sites seem to be doing everything in their power to not take it from me.

Really? This is your "logic" flow? Your logic flow is that when GW tells stores they cannot sell bits separately unless they want to be in violation of the trade agreement, thus losing access to GW warehouses, that somehow the stores that FOLLOW that agreement, so that they can still obtain and sell GW kits, do not want your money? Please, do tell me how this makes ANY sense.

**Rorschach9**

Aerethan wrote:
Spikeybits seems to not sell bits anymore, despite it being in their name(if they do they hide it damn well on their site)

I have no clue on the other sites listed but Spikeybits was pretty open from the time GW came down with their new business plan to the time it took effect (2 weeks ago give or take) that they would be out of the bits business the day the new rules came into effect, as they dealt directly with GW for their parts.

The only luck I've ever had finding the bits I want at a realistic price is from EBay, and usually not from the big sellers.

**Aerethan**

troa wrote:Firstly, try ebay. It's your friend.

Secondly:

Aerethan wrote:

So do any bits services actually want sales anymore? Because most of them now seem to be actively ignoring their inventories. One would think sites like HoB would have a counter for how many items in a single box get hits for "email me when in stock", as I've done that one a few sets where my sales alone would cover the cost of the box.

I'm trying to spend money here, and these 4 sites seem to be doing everything in their power to not take it from me.

Really? This is your "logic" flow? Your logic flow is that when GW tells stores they cannot sell bits separately unless they want to be in violation of the trade agreement, thus losing access to GW warehouses, that somehow the stores that FOLLOW that agreement, so that they can still obtain and sell GW kits, do not want your money? Please, do tell me how this makes ANY sense.

Rorschach9 wrote:

First, not all bits services use GW as their distributor. So those stores could care less what GW says that it's retailers can do. As I already noted, there are plenty of places for bits sellers to buy in bulk and at a heavy enough discount to be profitable.

Secondly, I'm not complaining about the companies that closed. They did what they had to do, and that is fine. Those that decided to remain in business however should at least stock the product they intend to sell. Items being zero stock for weeks on end is lost sales, especially when it's damn near everything from a kit that is sold out. Logic dictates that if 90% of a kit sells, you buy another one to replace it, as the 10% of items that didn't sell don't destroy the profit.

The logic is sound.

Aerethan wrote:
Spikeybits seems to not sell bits anymore, despite it being in their name(if they do they hide it damn well on their site)

I have no clue on the other sites listed but Spikeybits was pretty open from the time GW came down with their new business plan to the time it took effect (2 weeks ago give or take) that they would be out of the bits business the day the new rules came into effect, as they dealt directly with GW for their parts.

The only luck I've ever had finding the bits I want at a realistic price is from EBay, and usually not from the big sellers.

I was unaware of this. Spikeybits doesn't mention it at all in their GW sections, and the site still has tabs for every army. One would think they'd have a blanket note about Bits. All they say is the same old "call us for 20% off" line, but that refers to full kits.

**Rorschach9**

Aerethan wrote:

Rorschach9 wrote:
I have no clue on the other sites listed but Spikeybits was pretty open from the time GW came down with their new business plan to the time it took effect (2 weeks ago give or take) that they would be out of the bits business the day the new rules came into effect, as they dealt directly with GW for their parts.

The only luck I've ever had finding the bits I want at a realistic price is from EBay, and usually not from the big sellers.

I was unaware of this. Spikeybits doesn't mention it at all in their GW sections, and the site still has tabs for every army. One would think they'd have a blanket note about Bits. All they say is the same old "call us for 20% off" line, but that refers to full kits.

It could just be because I follow their blog where they did several posts about it as well as following them on Facebook and receive email newsletters, where I know for sure they were doing weekly (if not more frequent) reminders and selling off large bags of bits ("Fat Sack o' Bits") to get rid of inventory before the hammer fell. I have not been to their site for several weeks to notice any changes (or lack thereof) though.

**troa**

Your logic was not sound initially. "They're doing their best to not take my money" sounds passive aggressive by attempting to sound disappointed, which only serves to be frustrating to those trying to provide customer service. You are also operating under the assumption that those 2nd hand sources haven't changed with the new trade agreements, and lower profit margins being inflicted on some items. Without a vendor to set us straight, there is no way to know the impact on the 2nd hand sources. Being frustrated that things are listed but not restocked is a valid frustration that has only one solution and one good way to get info from all of those stores. That is to call or email them all, and ask nicely, don't fluff it up with this "I'd love to give you my money but I can't because you won't let me" stuff.

And as I already said, eBay a bit, there are several eBay stores still open with bits.

**Aerethan**

troa wrote:
Your logic was not sound initially. "They're doing their best to not take my money" sounds passive aggressive by attempting to sound disappointed, which only serves to be frustrating to those trying to provide customer service. You are also operating under the assumption that those 2nd hand sources haven't changed with the new trade agreements, and lower profit margins being inflicted on some items. Without a vendor to set us straight, there is no way to know the impact on the 2nd hand sources. Being frustrated that things are listed but not restocked is a valid frustration that has only one solution and one good way to get info from all of those stores. That is to call or email them all, and ask nicely, don't fluff it up with this "I'd love to give you my money but I can't because you won't let me" stuff.

And as I already said, eBay a bit, there are several eBay stores still open with bits.

None of whom have the bits I need. Those who do list the ones I need show them as out of stock.

**kronk**

What bits do you need?

What are you having problems finding?

**Aerethan**

kronk wrote:
What bits do you need?

What are you having problems finding?

I need the following:

http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer&cat3=-Warriors%20of%20Chaos&cat4=%3EChaos%20Manticore&page=&view=02072013-5-7
http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer&cat3=-Warriors%20of%20Chaos&cat4=%3EChaos%20Manticore&page=&view=02072013-5-5
http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer%2040k&cat3=-Chaos%20Daemons&cat4=%3EChaos%20Burning%20Chariot&page=&view=03172012-6-14

Those are all for project #1.

Then I need 3x each of these(totaling 30 soldiers)
http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer&cat3=-High%20Elves&cat4=%3EHE%20Phoenix%20Guard&page=&view=04252013-1-53
http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer&cat3=-High%20Elves&cat4=%3EHE%20Phoenix%20Guard&page=&view=04252013-1-52
http://hoardobits.com/cgi/hob/shop.pl?cat1=Bits&cat2=Warhammer&cat3=-High%20Elves&cat4=%3EHE%20Phoenix%20Guard&page=&view=04252013-1-50

The PG parts total saves me $15(or 17%)from having to buy entire boxes from my guy who gives 30% off, which I prefer since I won't be using the stock heads and I already have the command bits.

**nkelsch**

That is the problem, sometimes the bitz you want results in a bunch of bitz no one else wants so there is no business case for someone to 'let' you buy the parts you want to save 17% while they eat the rest.

Often I find myself browsing what bitz are available and figuring conversions off that opposed to the other way around. I really only find reliable bitz when a kit is first released and the marketplace is still measuring popularity and deciding if a kit will be a regular profitable bitz source or if people will let it run out of stock and not bother with it anymore.

**Empchild**

Battleroadhobbies.com is one of the cheapest and bigger bits sellers on the market plus they have 99% of their inventory in stock unlike others.

**RiTides**

I think you mean "we" not "they", Emp

**Aerethan**

Empchild wrote:
Battleroadhobbies.com is one of the cheapest and bigger bits sellers on the market plus they have 99% of their inventory in stock unlike others.

And sadly none of the items I need are on that site.

**Empchild**

RiTides wrote:
I think you mean "we" not "they", Emp

It's not just me it's a business that is an LLC so its its own entity. Either or statement stands true and no more phenoix sorry.

**Alfndrate**

Emp I gotta talk ya down on missiles

I had a few in my sights and didn't pull the trigger cause almost 9 bucks a launcher set is too rich for my blood

but I might be getting some space puppy pieces off you

**Empchild**

Alfndrate wrote:
Emp I gotta talk ya down on missiles I had a few in my sights and didn't pull the trigger cause almost 9 bucks a launcher set is too rich for my blood but I might be getting some space puppy pieces off you

Go sqd ones their only $3.5 I think. The problem is the ones your talking come 1 to a box and are more in demand thus the cost. A lot of my competetitors charged $13.50 each for them. Its still a heck of a lot cheaper then buying multiple boxes remember.if you really want them cheaper then I would recommend the membership as you can't beat that deal.

**insaniak**

Empchild wrote:

Go sqd ones their only $3.5 I think. The problem is the ones your talking come 1 to a box and are more in demand thus the cost. A lot of my competetitors charged $13.50 each for them.

For a while last edition, missile launchers were regularly going for $15 to $20 each. So yeah, under $10 seems pretty reasonable, given that they still rock in this edition.

**Empchild**

insaniak wrote:
Empchild wrote:

Go sqd ones their only $3.5 I think. The problem is the ones your talking come 1 to a box and are more in demand thus the cost. A lot of my competetitors charged $13.50 each for them.

For a while last edition, missile launchers were regularly going for $15 to $20 each. So yeah, under $10 seems pretty reasonable, given that they still rock in this edition.

It actually takes me several weeks to determine a price. I look at my competitors(easier now) see what they sell at then I monitor eBay and finally I base off of how many per box. It's a hell of a process but as it stands very few can come in cheaper then I do especially with shipping ( Iship world wide).