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OP, as someone who also got into the hobby at a young age, I feel your pain. Being taken seriously by adults when you're being mature is pretty hard, but doable! You just have to keep a stiff upper lip and always take the high road. Eventually, the older gamers/staff members will realize you're not just some snot nosed brat that has no validity as a hobbyist.

Strayan wrote:
No, I've been reading the whole time..
If you read them all you would realise this isn't my first post on this thread...
I've been pretty clear on my stances,
Meanwhile you've literally called us ass holes for having the nerve to see both sides of this..
You sir are a troll.. And not a nice person in general.

Wow really?? I literally called you an ass hole?? Where?? Quote me the post cause I would love to see it. While you are at it quote what I said about there may be more the this. I just take the stance the store worker was in the wrong. So by doing that I guess there is more then one of us here calling everyone ass holes??

No sir I think you are the troll. But I am glad I could brighten your day.

it's kinda funny...my friend was at the games workshop store in halifax nova scotia in the last couple weeks (I just seen him today after a chunk of time) and he was telling me how he was being harassed by a worker there to buy something....so I'm starting to figure that's how games workshop people are suppose to act....like used car sales men

about the whole child thing....if the people know you are there usually spending money and you just want to browse or do something related to the hobby they should just piss off....I say the op should go back there at night with a huge rock and smash the place! lol probably not a good idea...rage against the machine man!

An I see my error, I mistook you for epicwalrus, since you replied to the post directed at him..
I would apologise alas,
You've made a post designed to negate my character and take gross assumptions of my views..
Then proceeded to enjoy my displeasure at that.. I believe society has only JUST developed a five letter word that fits that discription nicely..
So previous statement in leu of apology stands

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:

Apparently, he wasn't in the buying mood then and he was loitering. Both of my FLGSs have had issues with loiterers. When I go to them to play, I purchase something. Game stores are not lounges, libraries, or daycare centers; they are businesses. And if it was within the clerk's rights to ask him to leave, he had that option.

If you can't hang around in gamestores then why even bother buying from them and just buy everything online. It'll probably be cheaper.
Also, being obligated to buy something EVERYTIME you go down is ridiculous. I go down to play warmachine 3x a week usually. I'm not buying something every single time.

Sining, I would totally agree with you in an FLGS setting, but they are clubs with the staff and customer knowledge to support gaming..
GW have been downsized (staff and space) to an absurd level, with typically one or two tables... Whilst its regrettable, they just aren't equipped to be a gaming club anymore..


Automatically Appended Next Post:
TBH, I can't help but feel sorry for Gw retail staff.. They are the biggest losers out of the new GW policies.

Strayan wrote:
An I see my error, I mistook you for epicwalrus, since you replied to the post directed at him..
I would apologise alas,
You've made a post designed to negate my character and take gross assumptions of my views..
Then proceeded to enjoy my displeasure at that.. I believe society has only JUST developed a five letter word that fits that discription nicely..
So previous statement in leu of apology stands

One tip you might want to consider. If you are replying to someone then you may want to quote what you are replying to. That they there can be no mistake about who you are talking to.
Again I would love you to quote me on how I negated your character. If you are referring to the troll comment...... well all I can say is if you want to throw mud......

I only enjoy displeasing people that I feel they deserve it. I would love displeasing the store worker that i personally feel mishandled how this young person was treated.

So take it as you will. If I did truly hurt your feelings well I am sorry. Not that you would believe such statement but oh well such is life.

Alex,

On another note, please do not do anything illegal in retaliation. I hope those that have stressed such views only mean it in a joking way.

Strayan wrote:
Sining, I would totally agree with you in an FLGS setting, but they are clubs with the staff and customer knowledge to support gaming..
GW have been downsized (staff and space) to an absurd level, with typically one or two tables... Whilst its regrettable, they just aren't equipped to be a gaming club anymore..


Automatically Appended Next Post:
TBH, I can't help but feel sorry for Gw retail staff.. They are the biggest losers out of the new GW policies.

In this case the gW has 2 demo tables and at least 2 gaming tables, it isn't a 1 man (australian style) shoebox store.

I just got to the end of that. Pretty epic, now I'm sad.
Alex, I'd give you some advice but you don't seem to need it. I'll just tell you what people have been telling adolescents for years, "it gets better," which it doesn't. '

Also, in reference to the old 'unattended minors' debate: anyone who is not a minor or does not have children should not talk about it, because no one actually cares what you think. I wanna hear from parents first, children second and you last (and in the case of some posters, not at all).

The story seems a little one sided the things like "I was a little agitated" could either mean you said nothing or you were a mouthy little brat, or anywhere in between, remember their store their rules, if you feel like it really was a big deal just talk to the manager about it, and talking about abduction seemed a little strong, you got the bus by yourself and are 14 and the store is not a daycare and you are not their responsibility either.

This has been an interesting read.

@Alex
Since this is your local store that you would like to continue patronizing, retaliation is not really an option worth pursuing. Be polite, act mature and bring your rule book next time. If the staff member is legitimately a jerk again, then involve your parents.

If you have to escalate things, have one of your parents write a letter to the manager or the corporate office. In my personal experience, a well written letter expressing your disappointment with service but desire to remain a customer will elicit some response.

Best of luck.

 Leith wrote:
I just got to the end of that. Pretty epic, now I'm sad.
Alex, I'd give you some advice but you don't seem to need it. I'll just tell you what people have been telling adolescents for years, "it gets better," which it doesn't. '

Also, in reference to the old 'unattended minors' debate: anyone who is not a minor or does not have children should not talk about it, because no one actually cares what you think. I wanna hear from parents first, children second and you last (and in the case of some posters, not at all).

Because apparently you have to be a minor or a child to have worked in retail and had to be informed about liability.

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:

Apparently, he wasn't in the buying mood then and he was loitering. Both of my FLGSs have had issues with loiterers. When I go to them to play, I purchase something. Game stores are not lounges, libraries, or daycare centers; they are businesses. And if it was within the clerk's rights to ask him to leave, he had that option.

In fact he was very much so in the mood, that is the reason he went there, to buy another transport case, it just so happens the store did not have one available. A some what more "alert" salesman would have talked him into ordering it and picking it up later instead of antagonizing a potential customer with cash to burn.

 Leith wrote:
I just got to the end of that. Pretty epic, now I'm sad.
Alex, I'd give you some advice but you don't seem to need it. I'll just tell you what people have been telling adolescents for years, "it gets better," which it doesn't. '

Also, in reference to the old 'unattended minors' debate: anyone who is not a minor or does not have children should not talk about it, because no one actually cares what you think. I wanna hear from parents first, children second and you last (and in the case of some posters, not at all).

Since you do not live in a reality that automatically enforces the will of who you think is relevant on the rest, i dont think this is the right attitude. It does not matter if the red shirt had kids or not(same goes for the rest of the people posting here), he was the store employee and was following store policy. The problem is that he was an ass about it. He could have politely explained the store policy and given the situation make a one time exception. Those of us who actually have jobs, specially those that deal with customers, know that he was not going to get fired over this. But he choose to be a jerk, instead of being polite and possibly talking the OP into ordering the case and picking it up next week or something, thus getting the required sale.

In fact, when i worked as a Customer Representative for GM, saying "that is not my problem pal" would have most likely gotten me fired. That does not mean customers get what ever they want either. Being polite is actually free for everybody.

The store has open gaming, the employee was the one who prevented him from gaming, creating the situation to begin with. feth him, I hope your mom tears him a new one and he gets gak canned.

Open gaming doesn't mean open house. There's rules (albeit odd ones) to be followed.

Taking the moral high ground is irrelevant as proved by the fact that the kid won't go back until the manager is there who he hopes will take his side. He more likely will (and sell him a £60 case - KR btw are much better and only £30 ) but there is so much more to this than is being said.

 ALEXisAWESOME wrote:
I have no where else to buy from, taking my business elsewhere means I would have to quit the hobby altogether. That's why I can't let it come to that,

The Wargame store is out by Bebington, which is apparently only about an hour from GW Chester if you're using public transport (20 mins if your parents drove you).

It's got a whole gaming area and a discount on GW stuff. On bigger purchases you're probably cheaper getting a bus out with taxi for the last leg, than going to GW.

Of course, it all depends on where you came from, but it's certainly another option.

http://www.wargamestore.com/

Edit: Since I assumed you were talking about GW Chester, but I haven't found any confirmation of that yet. In any case, there will probably be someone on here who can recommend an alternative Brick & Mortar shop to whatever GW you're going to.

One sided original story is one sided. I'd like to hear the full thing before jumping up and denouncing GW staff and policies.

The kid could have been a total gobshite for all we know.

Sorry this thread seems to have brought so many misanthropists and tabloid-readers out of their cave, Alex.

I'm sure you'll be fine; remember, though, when you complain, you have to act like the adult, let the employee behave like a child. Tell them you'd like to continue purchasing from them, and playing in their store, you understand the pressures on them, and you'd like it explaining to the new employee that you're a regular customer. Don't try and make him choose between the new employee and you - because with the lack of corroboration, he'll go for the other guy.

Then, if they don't sort you out, there's always the rival store. My son's 12, hangs out both at GW and at Dark Sphere, the independent store - of which I, as a parent, heartily approve as there's 20 or 20 per cent discount - and they sell custom KR cases.

Good luck.

 Leith wrote:
Also, in reference to the old 'unattended minors' debate: anyone who is not a minor or does not have children should not talk about it, because no one actually cares what you think. I wanna hear from parents first, children second and you last (and in the case of some posters, not at all).

I'm not a child or a parent, but I work in a school so have a job that directly involves supervision of children. I also used to work in large toy store, which is a job that indirectly involves supervision of children. But I guess nobody cares what I think.

Fenrir Kitsune wrote:
One sided original story is one sided. I'd like to hear the full thing before jumping up and denouncing GW staff and policies.

The kid could have been a total gobshite for all we know.

Judging by the fact he posted here, in a VERY civil manor (especially for a youth) and described the situation in the manor he did, I would venture to guess that this was a case of "discrimination" by a cranky neckbeard.

Given that the situation is as described, while the employee may have done nothing illegal, certainly he didn't do what was in any party's interest but his own. Poor customer service (yes you are a customer even if you don't buy that day, ask any car dealership), poor attitude and abiding by stupid rules that nobody else will enforce just to feel like a tough guy. You don't have to purchase every time you go in to enjoy the benefits of being a customer. Department stores don't kick people out for trying on some clothes then not buying them. They won't refuse to spray perfume on someone unless they buy it. Car dealerships don't call the cops because you take a car on a test drive then say "No thanks." Calling this loitering is a stretch, especially if he was actively engaged in a game, personal rulebook or no (ridiculous policy I wouldn't enforce as an employee anyway).

Honestly I can't believe some of the responses that have been given. The original post was well written, civil and intended to ask an honest question and he gets responses like the first one? At least respond in kind and don't act like he stepped on your cat. What a poor representation of the community.

j.d.hart wrote:
. What a poor representation of the community.

A community known for its lack of social skills, bickering and general crappiness towards one another?

To use your examples; If you sat on the bonnet of the car after the test drive with the desire of staying there for the next 6 hours or curled up in the Department store's bed area for a 6 hour nap you would quickly find yourself being asked to leave.

The first response seemed pretty honest and forthright to me. It would seem the community you are looking for is a rather dull conformist one there to salve the hurt feelings where everyone is a special little flower.

 notprop wrote:
To use your examples; If you sat on the bonnet of the car after the test drive with the desire of staying there for the next 6 hours or curled up in the Department store's bed area for a 6 hour nap you would quickly find yourself being asked to leave.

The first response seemed pretty honest and forthright to me. It would seem the community you are looking for is a rather dull conformist one there to salve the hurt feelings where everyone is a special little flower.

If it was a car dealership, yes, wanting to stay all day would be unreasonable. But if it was a Hobby Centre, advertised as a place for them hang out, then it wouldn't.

The only thing he did differently from the other 2 under 16's in playing was that he didn't have a rule book with him and only wanted to buy an item they didn't have in stock and didn't offer to order in. Buying something just to stay in would have left him unable to buy the case he wanted.

Maybe the customer was being unreasonable, but from what he's said it's the staffer who was unreasonable (and looking for an excuse to get customers out of his shop).

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Quit whining because you were asked not to loiter. Remember why any store exists: making money. It isn't a library or a lounge.

The kids 14, give him a break.

 CptJake wrote:

 Kilkrazy wrote:

 CptJake wrote:

The 'not my problem' comment actually seemed tame after your complaining about not having a place to go. What response to that could he have given that you would not have considered rude?

There are easy ways to express the same information in a polite, non-confrontational, customer-friendly manner.

Give me a beak. Kid being kicked out pulls the 'I can't go home' card. 'Get the feth out before I call the cops' would have been rude. 'Not my problem' is an entirely appropriate response at that point.

You will go far in a service industry career.

 aliusexalio wrote:

 SoloFalcon1138 wrote:
Quit whining because you were asked not to loiter. Remember why any store exists: making money. It isn't a library or a lounge.

The kids 14, give him a break.

Have you not read the thread? At 14 he should be toiling in the fields whilst the fiery ball is in the sky!

At least according to some...

Cliffy_3 wrote:
If you have to escalate things, have one of your parents write a letter to the manager or the corporate office. In my personal experience, a well written letter expressing your disappointment with service but desire to remain a customer will elicit some response.

^This.

Spent 4 years as store staff at GW UK stores and behaviour such as described would not have been acceptable. Those higher up the retail chain don't like to hear about this sort of thing so there's a good chance it will elicit a response.

At quite a few of the stores I've gamed in in the last 20+ years there has been a store rule that you must have;
1) A rule book,
2) A codex/Army Book.
3) A written, Legible Army list.

Without any one of these, you were asked to pack up.
Seems fair enough to me.

As far as I know in the UK child welfare is paramount above all other matters. Even if that's slightly mistaken, the OPs parents mentioning to the manager orif need be the corporate section, the child welfare act of 19XX will most surely get the OP some serious asskissery by the store/employee in question, in relation to him being kicked out with a"Not my problem." Because if I remember correctly anything that causes potential harm to a child (like the OP said he could've been abducted) is a serious matter. The company wouldn't want an official complaint or lawsuit,, or even the idea of one. The bad publicity would bring to light all their other unsavoury acts.

 Deadshot wrote:
As far as I know in the UK child welfare is paramount above all other matters. Even if that's slightly mistaken, the OPs parents mentioning to the manager orif need be the corporate section, the child welfare act of 19XX will most surely get the OP some serious asskissery by the store/employee in question, in relation to him being kicked out with a"Not my problem." Because if I remember correctly anything that causes potential harm to a child (like the OP said he could've been abducted) is a serious matter. The company wouldn't want an official complaint or lawsuit,, or even the idea of one. The bad publicity would bring to light all their other unsavoury acts.

This is however someone who made their own way to the shop and I assume intended to make their own way home, and was in possession of suitable funds for a taxi home. Surely if you are saying the shopkeeper is guilty of neglect then allowing a child out on their own in the first place is the same offense?

If OP wants to be treated like an adult as his post eloquency seems to suggest then this whole "I'm a child and you might break my rights" line of thought seems counter intuitive.