Why I don't support my LGS

[IanB]

For those of you stating that gamers don't need the FLGS - while that may be true of RPGs, it most certainly isn't true of other games. The LGS is necessary participant in the casual play and tournament environment for many other games, like your CCGs, CMGs, etc.

Without local game stores, for example, DDM would be dead in the water.

 

[hong]

You guys need to get unique avatars.

Tell me about it.

 

[Michael Silverbane]

Well, as they say - vote with your wallet.

You can vote with your wallet... That's true. But if noone bothers to tell the store owners/operators what they are doing wrong, there's no way for them to know that they need to change their behavior. Complaining about things can get changes made where repressing your feelings might not. Make sure that you complain about stuff (but in a constructive manner) that you want to see changed.

Later
silver

 

[Michael Silverbane]

Anytime I read people wanting others to support their game stores, it reminds me of the sad mooks gaming there. If you dont have anywhere else to play, thats not my problem. I dont *want* to game there, or with random spazzes, so its a little silly to expect me to support your habit. Kind of like insisting that you dont drink in your home, but rather go to someone's favorite bar for every beer. Oh, you dont like smoke, or loud crowds? Too bad! I need a place to drink, and you're a selfish jerk if you dont subsidize my hangout! I wonder how many of them have Netflix accounts, or buy DVD's or music from Bestbuy or Amazon.

I don't game at my FLGS, either, but I still buy my products from there, because other people might want (or need) to game there, and it'd be a shame if the place had to close down because I couldn't be bothered to spend an extra few dollars for my hobby.

Later
silver

 

[Lalato]

Would you really want gaming stores to hire people good at retail but doesn't know anything about gaming?

Actually... emphatically... YES! I would want stores that hire people that are good at retail and know nothing about gaming. Why? You can learn about gaming... Some people can't "grok" retail for whatever reason. It sounds like the person minding the store in the OPs story is one of those people.

He might be a great guy to game with... but he's horrible at retail. The Original Poster might have spent twice as much as he did if he wasn't rushed. Someone that is good at retail understands that.

--sam

 

[Seeten]

I have worked in customer service for the last 6 years, and I am appalled at the level of service I get almost everywhere I go.

What this means, of course, is that I have taken more and more of my business online. If a store cant service me professionally, and politely, I am more than happy to service myself, since I know I can do the job properly. Further, Amazon gives me great deals, which my "F" LGS does not.

At a certain point, people need to stop feeling entitled to my business, and EARN it, through good customer service, or selection, or BOTH. It is not my responsibility to keep poor stores in business, its my responsibility to have fun playing what is, in fact my hobby.

So, in short, this is a capitalist society. That means you need to provide value add in order to make me want to prop up your business. Being rude to me and closing the door in my face doesnt cut it.

 

[bodhi]

I had one, but people thought that it was a pig with lasers shooting out of its nose or a dog having sex with a pig.

Wow, I want to see that!

Err, the avatar pic, that is. Not canine-porcine relations. Although a pig with (frickin') lasers shooting out of its nose could be kinda cool, too.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Customer service is important, no doubt. My point is that customer service isn't about giving the customer everything that they demand without regard for the store's needs. Most consumers (including those posting on this thread) seem to be either unaware of this or choose to ignore it.

It's really very simple. The store needs me more than I need it. If the store can't or won't give me what I want, I'll go to another store that can and will. And there will be one, even if I have to find it online.

A business that places customer service and satisfaction as its highest priorities will get my repeat business every time. I've even gone back to eat at restaurants I didn't particularly enjoy the first time because the service was exceptionally good. That's how important customer service is to me.

I'm 100% on the OP's side. That's one game store that would never see my wallet again. If you think that's unfair of me, tough. When I'm ready to hand out money, don't act like you're doing me a favor by taking it.

 

[CanadienneBacon]

I agree that it would be conceived as sexist but most other stores do this sort of thing. However, some male gamers (not all, and when I say some I mean a small amount) seem to be so socially awkward that when a female gamer enters a store that may be attractive in someway, react oddly. As if they don't know what to do with themselves. I have actually witnessed it. It's pretty amusing to watch. So having females working at a LGS for that purpose would have some interesting results.

If I'm a clerk at a store making low-to-mediocre pay working a register and being ogled by a bunch of chaps who don't regularly bath, I'm apt to quit.

Just sayin'.

 

[jdrakeh]

Wow, I want to see that!

Err, the avatar pic, that is. Not canine-porcine relations. Although a pig with (frickin') lasers shooting out of its nose could be kinda cool, too.

It was Skull from PvP in his Heckboy costume (my IRC name was "heckboy" for years before the strip came out).