[OT] Internet Stores no longer able to sell Games Workshop Products

[Krug]

http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=8069&mode=thread&order=0

Man this is absolutely stupid. I wonder if that includes Ebay too.

 

[Krug]

More verification:
http://pub20.bravenet.com/forum/fetch.php?id=10245471&usernum=1656310429

 

[haiiro]

That doesn't sound like a smart move -- but then again, this is the same company that releases a game, then a series of sourcebooks for the game, then right after the last sourcebook comes out...releases a new edition of the game and starts the process over again.

 

[Jarval]

Taken from the post by Neal Catapano
This decision also seems to be entirely without legal precedent, and has far reaching implications FOR EVERY BUSINESS SELLING EVERY PRODUCT ON THE NET. Can a company shut down a legitimate mode of commerce in the United States? This decision is far bigger than the Wargaming Hobby, it has serious ramifications.

I think this guy has a good point. Is there any legal way for GW to stop people from selling on-line? Isn't that just the same as stopping them from selling from a brick-and-mortar building?

 

[Krug]

Well if you're on the list of the stores that sell their stuff, they'd probably stop shipping product to you.

 

[Cedric]

For the past few years I've refused to purchase Games Workshop items...and this "policy" of mine will continue indefinitely until I personally feel that they support the industry rather then attack it.

Cedric

 

[chatdemon]

That doesn't sound like a smart move -- but then again, this is the same company that releases a game, then a series of sourcebooks for the game, then right after the last sourcebook comes out...releases a new edition of the game and starts the process over again.

Wait, are we talking about GW or WotC here?


Seriously though, this sounds like a bad move on their part, but I'm curious to hear their official statements on the reasoning behind it. They do have a huge piece of the market for the miniatures and wargaming industries though, and very loyal fans, so as long as this isn't a precursor to massive markups pricewise, I don't see it really hurting the hobby that much. Sadly, the effect on resellers who have made a business out of selling GW products will probably be devastating.

 

[Angcuru]

Customers usually don't react well to Power Word: Monopoly.

They will have to deal with the consequences.

 

[Drawmack]

As the maker of the product and the owner of the IP I'm pretty sure that GM can ''refuse service'' to whomever it chooses too.

I don't feel this is a good idea for multiple reasons:
1) I never purchase from the companies store I always go third party because in my experience the service is better.

2) Can you say TSR. What happened when they went on a rampage across the internet?

3) As was already stated Power Word: Monopoly is a bad spell to cast.

4) Ummm, shouldn't a producer want to sel their product in all possible markets?

 

[mac1504]

GW ethics

Well, I know that in the miniature game industry there is not a lot of love between brick and mortar stores and online retailers. Brick and mortar stores often feel that online retailers are driving them out of business with their low overhead, which helps to reduce the prices online retailers can offer.

Of course, I don't really think GW's tactic is to begin fully supporting brick and mortar stores only.