SteelDraco
First Post
I work at my FLGS, so that's where I get my stuff. It's lot harder not to buy something when you unpack it and get a 20% discount. New book smell makes me a little bit crazy.
where do you get your RPG books?
- Thread starter thol
- Start date
Cthulhu's Librarian
First Post
You definitly need a "Combination" or "Other" choice in the poll. I like to buy from my FLGS, when they have the books I want in stock. Special orders seem to be something of a joke there, as it is usually 2-3 weeks before orders are even placed, much less received. For the titles I want that are not in stock, I buy from a variety of places online including Amazon.com, frpgames.com, and a few others.
JoeBlank
Explorer
Without a combination/other choice, I had to go with the big online retailer, specifically Amazon.
The prices are good, the service is good, and the shipping is free. Between work and 3 boys age 5 and under, I barely have time to game every other weekend, much less hang out at my FLGS.
I have heard shipping horror stories, but have never had a problem myself. I ordered UA and Anubis Gates (for the EN World Book Club) last Sunday night, with free shipping. They were in my mailbox Thursday afternoon. That is probably the record for free shipping, but other times have been pretty fast too.
The prices are good, the service is good, and the shipping is free. Between work and 3 boys age 5 and under, I barely have time to game every other weekend, much less hang out at my FLGS.
I have heard shipping horror stories, but have never had a problem myself. I ordered UA and Anubis Gates (for the EN World Book Club) last Sunday night, with free shipping. They were in my mailbox Thursday afternoon. That is probably the record for free shipping, but other times have been pretty fast too.
I try to buy from a FLGS often. I like being able to go in and browse, so I want these guys to remain in business.
I buy a lot from second hand book stores. Good deals & great for finding out-of-print stuff.
I occasionally buy RPG books from a mainstream book/music/video store just because I'm already there and they have something I want. It's good to encourage them to keep RPG books on the shelf as well.
Books I get as gifts are usually bought online. When possible, I try to steer the givers to Warehouse 23 or the ENWorld shop, though.
Then there is the occasional out-of-print purchase through ebay or one of the OOP dealers online.
I buy a lot from second hand book stores. Good deals & great for finding out-of-print stuff.
I occasionally buy RPG books from a mainstream book/music/video store just because I'm already there and they have something I want. It's good to encourage them to keep RPG books on the shelf as well.
Books I get as gifts are usually bought online. When possible, I try to steer the givers to Warehouse 23 or the ENWorld shop, though.
Then there is the occasional out-of-print purchase through ebay or one of the OOP dealers online.
Davelozzi
Explorer
I voted local RPG shop, which is true about 95% of the time, but I occassionally buy from Borders and I ordered from Amazon once. But it's not just one local shop, there's several around here and I generally spread my businesss around. My favorites stores shift around over time based on selection, customer service (see below) and hours.
And while I'd like to be able to say 'these guys are great", it's not always the case. Sometimes the people at the store are cool but it's not uncommon for me to get annoying attitude. For example, a week or two I was picking up Unearthed Arcana and I asked the guy when he was expecting Green Ronin's Book of Fiends, and he said he wasn't sure because he didn't follow Green Ronin because he finds their products "univerally inferior". Now never minding the fact that GR has one of the best reputations in d20, even if he felt that way, why would you say it to your customer who just expressed interest their product? "Sorry, I'm not sure when that's coming in" would be just as helpful and not nearly as condescending.
And while I'd like to be able to say 'these guys are great", it's not always the case. Sometimes the people at the store are cool but it's not uncommon for me to get annoying attitude. For example, a week or two I was picking up Unearthed Arcana and I asked the guy when he was expecting Green Ronin's Book of Fiends, and he said he wasn't sure because he didn't follow Green Ronin because he finds their products "univerally inferior". Now never minding the fact that GR has one of the best reputations in d20, even if he felt that way, why would you say it to your customer who just expressed interest their product? "Sorry, I'm not sure when that's coming in" would be just as helpful and not nearly as condescending.
Wombat
First Post
I buy most of them from the FLGS, but also .pdf files quite regularly, especially for works that don't appear to be heading to print anytime (or at least anytime soon).
On the other hand, I will probably have to look for new venues, as my FLGS will probably become my FLS by the end of the year -- rpgs are not selling very well anymore.
On the other hand, I will probably have to look for new venues, as my FLGS will probably become my FLS by the end of the year -- rpgs are not selling very well anymore.
(Psi)SeveredHead
Adventurer
FLGS only. If I ever get a full-time job, I'll activate a credit card and buy some stuff online. I'm looking forward to buy the Externals.
Need a bit more granularity in the poll options ... 
I buy my books online, from typically 1 of 3 stores I am repeat customers for (the actual store is more driven by product availability than price - if its a book I'm after I'll happily pay an extra couple of pounds to get it a week earlier).
Its not laziness I just don't have a local games store 
I buy my books online, from typically 1 of 3 stores I am repeat customers for (the actual store is more driven by product availability than price - if its a book I'm after I'll happily pay an extra couple of pounds to get it a week earlier).
Its not laziness
I just don't have a local games store 
Treebore
First Post
I buy from the cheapest place possible, almost always on-line. If that causes the death of the industry, then so be it. I would rather have the death of the industry then the death of my checking account.
I also have the excues of 3 kids and other debts, but my bottom line is the preservation of my account balance. It is so much more important than the survival of a game.
I also have the excues of 3 kids and other debts, but my bottom line is the preservation of my account balance. It is so much more important than the survival of a game.
