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I was approached by the comic shop that I frequent about two weeks ago and asked if I would paint some house terrain. Long story short, they are trying to get into the 40K/Fantasy after not carrying either line for a number of years. Although I have absolutely no problem in helping (who doesn't love getting compensated for doing things they enjoy), I have no idea how the compensation piece would work. We've talked roughly about potentially getting products slid my way or getting better discounts, but what is the ettiquette behind this (if there even is any)? I'm going in after work to speak with one of the owners and was wondering if anyone had any advice on the subject. Sorry for the short notice.

Boss Goretoof wrote:I was approached by the comic shop that I frequent about two weeks ago and asked if I would paint some house terrain. Long story short, they are trying to get into the 40K/Fantasy after not carrying either line for a number of years. Although I have absolutely no problem in helping (who doesn't love getting compensated for doing things they enjoy), I have no idea how the compensation piece would work. We've talked roughly about potentially getting products slid my way or getting better discounts, but what is the ettiquette behind this (if there even is any)? I'm going in after work to speak with one of the owners and was wondering if anyone had any advice on the subject. Sorry for the short notice.

The ettiquette is "get whatever you think you can get out of them for the service and feel comfortable asking for". But make sure you get it in writing.

Are you footing the bill for the building materials of the terrain or is the comic shop?

I would say think of whatever it is "worth" to you and ask them for this in stuff from the store. This is better than asking for money because you still get what you think your time / work is worth and it also has the benefit of costing the shop less because they are giving you things they bought at wholesale prices.

I know at my FLGS the terrain was provided by the store, but was painted by several regulars and they were given discounts or free entrance into tourneys.

I'm painting a few pieces of terrian for my store he's going to hook me up with some bonus discounts.

I assume your the local terrain guy - meaning you already have a full kit of paint, tools and small consumables that you can use without really costing yourself much of anything.

Game store terrain takes a beating - be sure to build out of durable materials like MDF or PVC piping. Get the FLGS to foot the bill for these sorts of items. A trip to Home Depot should set you up with materials for $30-$40.

Thanks for the input, everyone. To clear up a few points:
1. The FLGS is footing the bill for all of the terrain. They basically have a quarterly allowance from GW for terrain and have a mix of several different things.
2. I won't be doing any original or conversion work, nor or they asking me for anything (yet).
3. At the end of day, they're just looking to get started as of now. So it'll be mainly hills, forests, fence lines, etc. being painted.

I like the idea of getting discounts or "free" product, and have been leaning more towards that route since the beginning. I have no inclination to get cash. To me, it's just too messy in general. Besides, anything I would receive would go right back to the store for product anyway. These are all good points and I'll probably end asking for the value of pieces in compensation (good plan?). As I get more into things (building the relationship, doing conversion work, etc.) things could be modified I suppose. If anyone has any other input, feel free to chime in. Thanks again to everyone.

A good philosophy to have is what you've outlined. Stay away from cash, some product here or there / minor discount is a nice thank you from a FLGS. Ultimately you are also enhancing your future gaming experience if you game there. Its also good to get in the habit of giving back to you FLGS. Often then foot the bill fo events, tournaments, and sometimes to step up prize support. Few gamers offer a handshake or a thank you, more should get in the habit of that. Completing some work on scenary, is a nice thankyou.

I think a fair exchange would be to ask for the cost of the product in store credit. For example, GW woods is $25. If you get $25 in store credit and it only costs the store 13 or 14 bucks for the cost for the product.

Just my 2 drachmas worth.

same thought.

DON'T try to be a turkey and ask for something excessive, there. All you are doing is a little favor here, not really breaking the bank.

Just get a box or a blister of something, and ask if it's cool. THAT will engraciate you to doing further work in the future, and even possibly step up to you doing the scenery making thing on an extended basis then just the once.