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Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

The guilt tripping that goes on about "supporting your local store" is kinda silly. I don't have any fething local stores. Why the hell shouldn't I seek out the best price available to me?

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in us
Stormblade



SpaceCoast

I actually start with the same basic concept as the OP but end up in a very different place.

Yes, stores have to earn my business but since I move around every couple of years due to work, a new community I can integrate into is worth much more than what I can save online. I recently moved after having to take a year off gaming altogether because I was largely in a wasteland when it came to a store with a good community and trust me that sucked. So currently I drive an extra 15 minutes past a store with a rewards program to go a different store because on the weekend (when I can game) I'm far more likely to get a pickup game in at my new hangout and I usually buy something gaming related while I'm there. While I agree with HBMC that "supporting your local store is kinda silly", I do think "supporting the store where you play" is part of a social compact.
   
Made in us
Decrepit Dakkanaut






New Orleans, LA

 McNinja wrote:

kronk wrote:
 McNinja wrote:
So, it recently came to my attention that the site Dicebucket has been taken down. This happened Sept. 2013, so I'm a bit late, but an article about it on Apocalypse40k brought up some interesting viewpoints. Namely, that supporting your FLGS should be your number one goal. And I think that's fething dumb.

Why? Because we, as customers, do not owe any store anything.


What % of your games do you play at your FLGS, and what % of your games take place at home, a club, or some other destination.
Usually my home, but again my schedule as of late has prevented my from doing anything other than texting friends and scheduling a game late at night. The last four games I played were all after 10pm.



If you never play at the store, then you don't HAVE to buy from them. Carry on, young man.

I've met some pretty cool gamers at my local FLGS since I've moved to Northern IL, so I buy from them so that I can meet more people there. Self interest and all that jazz.

DA:70S+G+M+B++I++Pw40k08+D++A++/fWD-R+T(M)DM+
 
   
Made in us
Sslimey Sslyth




 H.B.M.C. wrote:
The guilt tripping that goes on about "supporting your local store" is kinda silly. I don't have any fething local stores. Why the hell shouldn't I seek out the best price available to me?


If you don't game at a FLGS, then obviously you have no reason to spend money at one.

The only issue is that class of gamer who purchases everything online and then takes all that material to a gaming store to use their tables and their terrain and the community that they have built up to find opponents.

Gaming stores don't have gaming tables and playing space as some sort of public service.

I read a lot of the posts, and several people are claiming that if a person is buying online instead of at the store, it's because of some sort of failure by the store.

I'm curious. What, exactly, could the store do to get a person who chooses to buy online for the discounts to instead buy at the store? Keep in mind, the store cannot offer those same discounts because of the overhead involved with having a physical store presence as well as providing materials like gaming tables, terrain, staffing, etc.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/01/05 19:14:46


 
   
Made in au
[MOD]
Making Stuff






Under the couch

Saldiven wrote:
I'm curious. What, exactly, could the store do to get a person who chooses to buy online for the discounts to instead buy at the store? Keep in mind, the store cannot offer those same discounts because of the overhead involved with having a physical store presence as well as providing materials like gaming tables, terrain, staffing, etc.

If the store is unable to match online prices, then they need to encourage people to spend money in the store some other way. Loyalty programs, painting/modeling comps requiring a purchase, tournaments or campaigns, snacks and drinks...

Ultimately, it's up to the store whether or not they have an issue with people using their tables without buying from the store. If they have a problem with it, they can either encourage those people to spend money one way or another, or they can just stop those people from using their tables. Yes, that might get complaints... but if someone who doesn't spend any money in your store storms out and never returns because you want to charge them to use your tables, that's not really a massive loss...

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/01/05 20:03:28


 
   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

These are not issues that are unique to hobby/wargaming stores, they are issues that face nearly every physical store on the planet these days.

Insaniak's response is the correct one though, the way to fight back is through added value, whether that be providing an environment to game in, expert advice, large range, loyalty points, whatever.

But a retailer has to accept that while many consumers will be happy to enter an implied quid pro quo arrangement for non-cost services they may provide, an element of the public at large are quite happy to take advantage of anything they see as offered "for free" with little remorse or conscience.

I certainly consider this douchebaggery, I've spent too long behind the counter and dealt with it too much to have any degree of sympathy for anyone who does this, BUT the onus is still on the retailer to protect themselves from this behaviour. Retail is a service industry, at least it is when done right, and you can't simply throw freeloaders out (and believe me, after over a decade, I know in 30 seconds, even without interacting with you, whether you've got a serious interest in making a purchase or not) as much as you'd like to.

As I've said, there are no absolutes, and managing this sort of behaviour varies almost on a customer by (non) customer basis.

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 ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

I would love to now the average age of these people posting here, because they do not live in the real world.


A store, on average, has to make about $30k a month to break even. Take away slightly more than half of that for stock costs, the rest is monthly bills that are not making you direct profit (taxes, wages, rent etc)

If you think a store can live only on the incidentals you are purchasing, paint pots and snack for eg, your store is either going to go away, or drop the majority of gaming space for mtg.
If you play in a store, you buy there, if you don't play there, buy wherever you please, but don't moan when you can't find a game outside your group of 4 friends because there is nowhere to go play.

   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

While largely agree with the spirit of your post Sgt Horse, I'm intrigued as to how you think a store needs to turn over $360 000 a year to break even?

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 ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

Because I own a store, and know the costs. Bear in mind, that's also giving a wage to the owner enough to live on, ie running it as a business and not a side hobby

Rent
Wages
Tax (sales and payroll)
Power
Phone
Internet
Website
Advertising
Cost of goods
Licenses
Trash

Of the top of my head, that's some of the monthly costs

My store also has added food costs as we run a cafe as well inside

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/01/06 03:15:09


   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

Well, perhaps in your specific case, but you're advocating a little on the high side for the UK.

Averaging $800 a day turnover would be something that few stores would be likely to achieve outside of one or two notable retailers with substantial online footprints.

EDIT
Ok, I was getting a little snarled up with conversion rates, yes, I guess £500 a day isn't beyond the pail, but in my experience of spending time in a few typical UK FLGS (and running my own store, albeit not hobby related) down the years, averaging that would still be tough here in the UK. Factor in that the UK scene is mainly one man bands, so while saving wages it also increases the time the store is closed, and I think you'd be surprised with how little a lot of these guys are managing on.

I could certainly find you some (admittedly small) retail units in my area which would probably cost around $25k a year to rent and operate with utilities, certainly I had one myself for a bit, but I suspect we have different ideas of the shape of the businesses at this point.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/01/06 03:26:07


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 ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

Well, it may be the difference bet weeny the us and the uk, but the point still stands. It costs a lot to run a business.

I don't know the min wage in the uk, but here it is 7.50 or so. So if I have an employee run a campaign for 3 hours a night, once a week, for say, a month, that comes to just about $100 in wages and then add FICA match. If every person pays in $5 for that campaign, I'd need 20 people just to cover his wages, before factoring in any other cost. Now let's assume that those people each spend another $5, since someone said the average should be $10 per person. I have used a lot of re sources to make $100 and still have to pay my bills.

It is on a store to build a community for sure, and to get people in, but people need to recognise this and support what's going on with more than a paint pot, or else it's going away.
I had a day today with 60+ Wargamers in my store. I had a great day as we have an amazing community here in Atlanta, it's taken 6 years to build on this as a gaming store, and not just a card store with some small amount of minis, and a large part goes to having a group of people that understand that paying a little more for models, gets them a whole lot more when it comes to their hobby experience


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh I can imagine, i did it myself for a few years


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Admittedly, my experience is different to a lot, I have a larger store, in a better part of of own, so costs can be higher, but I factor that in in that I am getting people more likely to be able to afford our hobby. You could prob knock $5-7k off and run a smaller bus, but then it's still a large order as you do not have as much stock. Of that $30k I quoted, at least $17-18 is towards restocking


Automatically Appended Next Post:
A couple of cases of magic alone will get you near $1k

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2014/01/06 03:30:42


   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

I sold cellphones, one iphone, even at wholesale, would be approaching $700!

The beauty was (if I got it right) is my terms from the supplier were the same as my terms with the payment of subsidies from the networks for the connections I did, so I often didn't technically pay for the handset until I'd earned the income from it, coupled with a next day delivery, no minimum order facility and I was able to run quite lean on the high end stuff. The only stock I had to hold in store in any quantity was accessories, which were very cheap, and a few, key, popular models of phone.

Even then, with a computer monitored inventory/restocking system, it was near impossible to get the balance right, so when your business relies on holding a ton more stock than I ever had to, you have my sympathies (especially around inventory time)

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 ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

Ah it's grand, I enjoy the ordering myself, and the only product range I stock enmasse is 40k, Warmachine and board games, the rest are core items and starters. We just have a lot of systems.

   
Made in us
Enigmatic Chaos Sorcerer




Tampa, FL

For me the only reason to NOT support the FLGS is that some online retailers offer a discount (you have to call now usually though). With GW prices crazy expensive anything to save money helps so if I have the option of paying full retail at my FLGS or getting 20% off by ordering from a place like The Warstore, then discount trumps everything unless it's an item I need immediately and can't wait to receive. That's called being budget conscious and in a game where the company price gouges mercilessly that's a valid concern for most purchases.

- Wayne
Formerly WayneTheGame 
   
Made in us
Heroic Senior Officer





Western Kentucky

I was going to type a long well written response but due to everyone else beating me to the punch and the fact that I don't think it would sway the OP anyways I'll just say this.

I buy things at my FLGS's because I use their tables and I want to keep being able to use their tables. I have no "guilt" in the matter, I just realize that if I don't buy anything from them, then I can't expect them to keep their tables around. That much extra space costs money, both in rent and in potential sales space. If everyone just hunts for the cheapest possible deal, they will lose the local store eventually. FLGS's can never get their prices as low as some online stores have and even if they did, their profit margin would be so low they'd be out of business in months.
Part of paying more at a FLGS (and usually, the price difference is fairly minor, at maybe 10-15% tops) is that they're providing a (hopefully) well maintained space to play, with snacks, tournaments, and a well established community. Considering that a good store usually isn't too much more than the average online retailer, you're paying a very small price to help ensure you have a place to play. To me that's worth it. I'll pay a dollar extra for a mini if it means I can keep using a space with 15 tables stocked with heaps of terrain, well lit and clean play area, cheap snacks, a friendly community, and a spot that's close to good restaurants and will let you eat while you play.

If you only play at home or a club or the LGS is really crappy or doesn't provide tables, then of course none of this applies to you. In that case go nuts, buy from whoever you want.

It just annoys the heck out of me when people buy online to save a few bucks exclusively, then wonder why the store they play at every week goes under. One order every few months isn't what causes this, and its never just one person at fault. What kills the store is when multiple people are all doing it, and think 10$ of paint and a soda makes up for the $500 they spent online. One of my FLGS's is dying this death right now, and the other one is feeling the effects, so this topic kind of hit a nerve, sorry.

Like I said earlier, if you don't play at the store but once in a blue moon or something, that doesn't bug me. What bugs me is the guy who shows up every week, buys a pot of paint, and thinks that's totally going to keep the lights on when he bought a $100 of models online, instead of a $110 in store. Then he gets pissy when the store's hours shorten, or lines stop being carried, or the store is moved to a smaller area. That store was providing a service, and if he can't be bothered to pay a small bit extra, he shouldn't be surprised when that service goes away. That 10% you saved over buying at the FLGS wasn't a straight up comparison, that extra 10% is what keeps the tables stocked with terrain, what helps that store keep getting prize support and volunteers to run tourneys, etc. Etc.

/ran

'I've played Guard for years, and the best piece of advice is to always utilize the Guard's best special rule: "we roll more dice than you" ' - stormleader

"Sector Imperialis: 25mm and 40mm Round Bases (40+20) 26€ (Including 32 skulls for basing) " GW design philosophy in a nutshell  
   
Made in us
Enigmatic Chaos Sorcerer




Tampa, FL

Most stores don't make revenue from GW products though, I thought. My FLGS just moved to a HUGE new store and I think the highest selling thing is Magic.

- Wayne
Formerly WayneTheGame 
   
Made in gb
Wrathful Warlord Titan Commander





Ramsden Heath, Essex

Don't be daft, its a poor store indeed that doesn't make profit from a line of product - if they didn't then why sell it? And certainly not where it's the biggest line in this little wargaming niche. Don't forget that most stores will be buying GW in at 45% off RRP.

Magic sells to a CCG crown and GW to a wargames crowd. The two are more than likely not the same peeps.

How do you promote your Hobby? - Legoburner "I run some crappy wargaming website " 
   
Made in ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

WayneTheGame wrote:
Most stores don't make revenue from GW products though, I thought. My FLGS just moved to a HUGE new store and I think the highest selling thing is Magic.


Only a moron carries a line that doesn't make revenue.

   
Made in gb
Boom! Leman Russ Commander





UK

It wouldn't occur to me to use an FLGS' facilities if I wasn't some form of cash over the counter customer of theirs. Whether that is due to an over-developed personal sense of "fair" or me being daft, who knows?

On the other hand it wouldn't bother me to game with GW products bought from an FLGS in a GW store. Simply put, its GW's product and they will have had some of my money from those purchases.

In Azreal13's earlier example, I wouldn't go to a random independent phone shop for free advice on problems with a product I'd bought elsewhere because I wouldn't view it as that shop's problem.

I consider myself lucky that, until now, I've never worked in retail. I think I'd have problems with the "The Customer is always right" mantra.

   
Made in se
Civil War Re-enactor





 Sergeant Horse wrote:
WayneTheGame wrote:
Most stores don't make revenue from GW products though, I thought. My FLGS just moved to a HUGE new store and I think the highest selling thing is Magic.


Only a moron carries a line that doesn't make revenue.

There are stores that carry GW direct only stuff and Forge World for no profit just to be good blokes. He might have gotten that mixed up.

Shotgun wrote:
I don't think I will ever understand the mentality of people that feel the need to record and post their butthurt on the interwebs.
 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




OP is so clueless, it pains me.

Business have "free" things, like Starbucks free wifi and tables, or an FLGS open tables, to entice you into the store. They're not "free" for you to use, you're only using them at the pleasure of the business. They can, by law in the US, ask you to leave if they wish. They can tell you that you cannot use them.

So to answer the question, why support FLGS? In many cases, its the only place with open tables for local people to play at. If no one supported the business, the business could not provide a space for people to play at, then those people would have nowhere to play. It's fine and dandy that YOU have a place to play that is not your FLGS, but in many places, that is not the case.

Hence why people support their local business.

I doubt this reasoning will penetrate your narcissism though.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/01/06 15:00:58


 
   
Made in us
Screaming Shining Spear





Central Pennsylvania

I'm of the idea that if I plan to go to a local gaming store and utilize the 'ability' to play there (service, marketing idea...who the feth cares what you want it to translate into) you are relying on that ability in some degree. Depending on how much you 'rely' on that to be there should effect how much you are willing to spend extra to support that 'ability'.

If you think it's a free item that doesn't value you to spend money to keep...then you shouldn't need to use it. And if you still use it and spend nothing, you're a d-bag...sorry...you just are.

The major difference in opinion here is entitlement versus earned reward. Some people think things should be handed to them and will take anything they can. Other have a sense of self-respect, respect for others, and honor....and don't act in such a way.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/01/06 15:05:49


Farseer Faenyin
7,100 pts Yme-Loc Eldar(Apoc Included) / 5,700 pts (Non-Apoc)
Record for 6th Edition- Eldar: 25-4-2
Record for 7th Edition -
Eldar: 0-0-0 (Yes, I feel it is that bad)

Battlefleet Gothic: 2,750 pts of Craftworld Eldar
X-wing(Focusing on Imperials): CR90, 6 TIE Fighters, 4 TIE Interceptors, TIE Bomber, TIE Advanced, 4 X-wings, 3 A-wings, 3 B-wings, Y-wing, Z-95
Battletech: Battlion and Command Lance of 3025 Mechs(painted as 21st Rim Worlds) 
   
Made in gb
Courageous Grand Master




-

MadmanMSU wrote:
OP is so clueless, it pains me.

Business have "free" things, like Starbucks free wifi and tables, or an FLGS open tables, to entice you into the store. They're not "free" for you to use, you're only using them at the pleasure of the business. They can, by law in the US, ask you to leave if they wish. They can tell you that you cannot use them.

So to answer the question, why support FLGS? In many cases, its the only place with open tables for local people to play at. If no one supported the business, the business could not provide a space for people to play at, then those people would have nowhere to play. It's fine and dandy that YOU have a place to play that is not your FLGS, but in many places, that is not the case.

Hence why people support their local business.

I doubt this reasoning will penetrate your narcissism though.


Yeah, but Starbucks are a mega corp who can afford loss leaders such as free Wi-Fi to get people in the door.

personally, I think the day of the FLGS will soon be over. I like FLGS, and whenever I've been in one, I've always bunged the owner a couple of quid if I've played on the tables (even if I hadn't bought anything)

But cheap online deals, the me me me attitude amongst some gamers, which is depressingly becoming more and more common these days, will be the nails in the FLGS coffin.

"Our crops will wither, our children will die piteous
deaths and the sun will be swept from the sky. But is it true?" - Tom Kirby, CEO, Games Workshop Ltd 
   
Made in ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

 fishy bob wrote:
 Sergeant Horse wrote:
WayneTheGame wrote:
Most stores don't make revenue from GW products though, I thought. My FLGS just moved to a HUGE new store and I think the highest selling thing is Magic.


Only a moron carries a line that doesn't make revenue.

There are stores that carry GW direct only stuff and Forge World for no profit just to be good blokes. He might have gotten that mixed up.


Direct gives you a discount, just not as much as normal.

   
Made in gb
Courageous Grand Master




-

 insaniak wrote:
Saldiven wrote:
I'm curious. What, exactly, could the store do to get a person who chooses to buy online for the discounts to instead buy at the store? Keep in mind, the store cannot offer those same discounts because of the overhead involved with having a physical store presence as well as providing materials like gaming tables, terrain, staffing, etc.

If the store is unable to match online prices, then they need to encourage people to spend money in the store some other way. Loyalty programs, painting/modeling comps requiring a purchase, tournaments or campaigns, snacks and drinks...

Ultimately, it's up to the store whether or not they have an issue with people using their tables without buying from the store. If they have a problem with it, they can either encourage those people to spend money one way or another, or they can just stop those people from using their tables. Yes, that might get complaints... but if someone who doesn't spend any money in your store storms out and never returns because you want to charge them to use your tables, that's not really a massive loss...


I don't think loyalty programmes cut the mustard these days as nobody is that loyal. It takes ages to build up a decent discount, but most people would argue that you could buy cheaper online. As for snacks and drinks, it's hard to compete with supermarkets.

I agree with the gist of your post that creative solutions are needed, but like I said, the day of the FLGS is heading the way of the Titanic.

"Our crops will wither, our children will die piteous
deaths and the sun will be swept from the sky. But is it true?" - Tom Kirby, CEO, Games Workshop Ltd 
   
Made in ie
Excited Doom Diver





Wexford, Ireland / Marietta, Georgia

 Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
MadmanMSU wrote:
OP is so clueless, it pains me.

Business have "free" things, like Starbucks free wifi and tables, or an FLGS open tables, to entice you into the store. They're not "free" for you to use, you're only using them at the pleasure of the business. They can, by law in the US, ask you to leave if they wish. They can tell you that you cannot use them.

So to answer the question, why support FLGS? In many cases, its the only place with open tables for local people to play at. If no one supported the business, the business could not provide a space for people to play at, then those people would have nowhere to play. It's fine and dandy that YOU have a place to play that is not your FLGS, but in many places, that is not the case.

Hence why people support their local business.

I doubt this reasoning will penetrate your narcissism though.


Yeah, but Starbucks are a mega corp who can afford loss leaders such as free Wi-Fi to get people in the door.

personally, I think the day of the FLGS will soon be over. I like FLGS, and whenever I've been in one, I've always bunged the owner a couple of quid if I've played on the tables (even if I hadn't bought anything)

But cheap online deals, the me me me attitude amongst some gamers, which is depressingly becoming more and more common these days, will be the nails in the FLGS coffin.


I don't think that. I think there will always be a place for good stores to thrive. People need a place to go and meet other gamers, I for one am not somebody who is going to answer your post on craigslist to go game at your house I do though, think that a lot of stores will close, since it requires a lot more work (comparative to other small business) for less reward, and alot of people don't get that

   
Made in gb
Courageous Grand Master




-

 Sergeant Horse wrote:
 Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
MadmanMSU wrote:
OP is so clueless, it pains me.

Business have "free" things, like Starbucks free wifi and tables, or an FLGS open tables, to entice you into the store. They're not "free" for you to use, you're only using them at the pleasure of the business. They can, by law in the US, ask you to leave if they wish. They can tell you that you cannot use them.

So to answer the question, why support FLGS? In many cases, its the only place with open tables for local people to play at. If no one supported the business, the business could not provide a space for people to play at, then those people would have nowhere to play. It's fine and dandy that YOU have a place to play that is not your FLGS, but in many places, that is not the case.

Hence why people support their local business.

I doubt this reasoning will penetrate your narcissism though.


Yeah, but Starbucks are a mega corp who can afford loss leaders such as free Wi-Fi to get people in the door.

personally, I think the day of the FLGS will soon be over. I like FLGS, and whenever I've been in one, I've always bunged the owner a couple of quid if I've played on the tables (even if I hadn't bought anything)

But cheap online deals, the me me me attitude amongst some gamers, which is depressingly becoming more and more common these days, will be the nails in the FLGS coffin.


I don't think that. I think there will always be a place for good stores to thrive. People need a place to go and meet other gamers, I for one am not somebody who is going to answer your post on craigslist to go game at your house I do though, think that a lot of stores will close, since it requires a lot more work (comparative to other small business) for less reward, and alot of people don't get that


In my area, gaming clubs seem to be more popular. It's far cheaper for everybody to pitch in 2-3 quid, once a week, and hire some community hall.

There are some good stores out there, but they seem to be rarer than hen's teeth these days.

My house is too small for wargaming so

"Our crops will wither, our children will die piteous
deaths and the sun will be swept from the sky. But is it true?" - Tom Kirby, CEO, Games Workshop Ltd 
   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka






Foamy is not pleased.





To the OP, I'm not really understanding the issue that you have. Are you mad about the coffee, or are you mad about your Local Game store?

The tables in a game store are for... gaming. Because, you know... they sell games, maybe you get someone walking in, seeing what everyones doing in there, and wants to try a few rounds, or try a new game or whatever.

Difference with a LGS and GW? Different games. You play in the store if your having a good time, I guess. It isn't always about the sale. Of course if you have a FLGS with a group of mutts, it doesn't take much to ruin a good thing.

In case you haven't been outside much, EVERYTHING with a price is increasing. It is well past the days when you could drop a five or ten and have a squad or two of metal figures and use the shops paints and have a good time just talking shop with the mates on a saturday afternoon.

That's the problem, though. Gaming is a social activity, irregardless of the ME,ME,ME ideas that someone has spouted off as the new normal.


It's not hard. You don't have to drink starschmucks to get the irony that your selling here.

( yeah, I was going to post it in its full glory.... But remembered the new and improved family TV environment you are trying to sell these days. )

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/01/06 16:08:29




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Made in us
Sslimey Sslyth




 Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
In my area, gaming clubs seem to be more popular. It's far cheaper for everybody to pitch in 2-3 quid, once a week, and hire some community hall.

There are some good stores out there, but they seem to be rarer than hen's teeth these days.

My house is too small for wargaming so


This is a big difference between the USA and the UK. FLGS (independent) are far more common here than in the UK, while in the UK, GW stores are far more common than an independent store.

The independent FLGS has been a part of gaming in the USA for longer than 40K has existed. They sprung forth from comic book, hobby, and baseball card stores back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. There's a pretty strong tradition of independent gaming stores here. There are more gaming clubs centered around a FLGS than there are independent groups that meet at someone's home or rent out a space somewhere. Heck, at Sgt. Horse's place, there are at least three different clubs that meet at his place on a regular (weekly or monthly) basis.
   
Made in us
Enigmatic Chaos Sorcerer




Tampa, FL

Well like I said I support my FLGS (when I've had one) with "impulse buys" but given the ever-increasing cost of GW products, the temptation of saving 20% via online deals is greater and greater because I can get more models with the money I save, or situations where for example I use Vallejo paints and the store only stocks Citadel; I certainly wouldn't pay more for inferior paints just to support the game store.

I'm all for supporting a local store, but this hobby continues to get more and more expensive, so if it boils down to spending $80 versus $64 for the same thing, when you add up a few of those discounts you end up being able to buy an additional thing.

- Wayne
Formerly WayneTheGame 
   
 
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