Why are my FLGS completely ignorant?

[Psionicist]

So, Mystery Man. I understand you work in the IT department of a community college. Can you tell me the release date of Cocoon 2.2? You do know what Cocoon is, right?

 

[Tharian]

Mayhem Comics of Ames and Mayhem Comics of Des Moines.

Wow. Mayhem opened a store in Des Moines? I'm glad to hear they are still around. Of course, it doesn't help that I haven't lived in that area for well over a decade now.

In this area, I have to say that I'm finding fantastic alternatives to what I had was about the only gaming store in the area. One focuses more on comics but is more than willing to order something if they don't already have it in stock. I haven't had a chance to visit another one close to me (I just moved here a month ago), but my GF says the place seemed pretty good and wants to take me there.

 

[IronWolf]

While no one person can know everything there is about all of the gaming publishers out there (well, Crothian doesn't count... ) I would think most gaming stores could keep their staff up on what the major publishers are coming out with. It's not like WotC is some small d20 publisher. I can definitely see how this would be a frustrating experience.

 

[MrFilthyIke]

Same here, the game store owner is a moron. I asked about stuff and he said whats that and who publishes it, next words out his mouth "It is coming on the next delivery."

Which store in Tampa is that?

 

[Ranger REG]

While no one person can know everything there is about all of the gaming publishers out there (well, Crothian doesn't count... ) I would think most gaming stores could keep their staff up on what the major publishers are coming out with. It's not like WotC is some small d20 publisher. I can definitely see how this would be a frustrating experience.

So far, I have no problem with all of my FLGS. Even if they're not well-versed roleplayers (most of them young'un employees are TCG players ... blech!), they're smart enough to keep tab on products their store ordered from their distributors. Also, if they truly want you as their customers, most should go out of their way to order and reserve a copy for you, even contacting you when the product have arrived.

But while I have no problem with gaming stores, I do have problems with Tower Records & Video. They don't carry enough genre films and their staff are clueless of even mainstream ones.

 

[Dagger75]

Which store in Tampa is that?

Comic Club in Brandon.

 

[Ry]

So, Mystery Man. I understand you work in the IT department of a community college. Can you tell me the release date of Cocoon 2.2? You do know what Cocoon is, right?

Even in fun, IT departments are not retailers.

 

[Henry]

So, Mystery Man. I understand you work in the IT department of a community college. Can you tell me the release date of Cocoon 2.2? You do know what Cocoon is, right?

If I were an employee of a software retail store, I'd think it sloppy of myself if I didn't know the date of an upcoming Microsoft Office or Windows release. If I work in an IT department that doesn't do web development in any way, cocoon's kinda low on my list.

Stormwrack is a WotC release, and I'd expect a game store to at least know the industry leader's releases. If they didn't know when the latest Necromancer product shipped, I'd be mroe forgiving. But even many moons ago, when I worked in an Electronics Boutique, I knew the release of EVERY upcoming major console and PC game that month, because it was my job to know and tell people. The company even prepared a public book that gave all major release dates. A game store that doesn't focus on service is shooting themselves in the foot, because price is not their strong point.

 

[mac1504]

Not long ago I went in to my LGS and was inquiring into the release of the second edition Midnight. Now, I frequent the www.againstheshadow.org website quite frequently and had heard from Rob Vaughn himself that Midnight 2.0 would be shipping to game stores within the week (he even had a picture of himself posing with the hardcover on the front page of the website). Taking Mr. Vaughn at his word, I went in to my LGS and asked when they would be getting the book in.

Now, typically I've had pretty good experience with this shop (and they do have ties with a certain online pdf retailer we all know...) and with one employee in particular. So, it was this particular employee that I asked. He didn't know and admitted as much but said he would look into it. Not finding a date on the computer he turned to ask his manager who rather quickly explained to me very confidently that FFG would be releasing that at GenCon this year! I explained to him that I had read on FFG's own website that they should be shipping the books witin the week. The manager, seemingly ignoring my statement, went on to explain to me the rationale behind holding the release of Midnight 2.0 for four months. By the look in his eye I could tell he wasn't going to be convinced by anything that I said. I still frequent that store, I just avoid asking the employees any questions

 

[cnath.rm]

Where do you live at in Michigan?

I've had nothing but the best experiences with my stores in michigan. Pandominum, RIW and the Fotress in Lansing.

I've also had a lot of luck with 21st Century in East Lansing, MI. Not thrilled with the direction the new owner has taken it, but the employees and management are top notch.

-cnath.rm