Why I refuse to support my FLGS

[fredramsey]

Also, could you tone down the bile a few notches please?

He was responding to this:

This is so much bull that I have no idea where to shovel it. People who own busines rarely own the space that they use. They pay rent, just like everyone else.

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Attackers usually get it back in spades. Hard to resist, really.

 

[kigmatzomat]

Addendum: if you note, all the stores have something other than RPG/CCG to fall back on and it's usually a synergy. RPG folks are readers so we tend to pick up fiction and reference books constantly so the used book stores get double damage. Comics and CCG/RPGs are also pretty closely related, as are video games.

Good business sense says that if your market isn't big enough to support you through good and bad times, expand your focus. These stores are all FLGS but they each serve different market segments both in products and location. I figure the CBW is the one at the greatest risk b/c of it's focus but they have a bit more bulk-buying power than the others that makes up for it.

Anyone looking at opening an FLGS should consider contacting the one in the next town over and forming a buying co-op to reduce the rates for everyone without fragmenting the markets.

 

[fredramsey]

My FLGS is packed every weekend with Magic players and Pokemon. I'm certain that helps things out a lot.

As does the high price of GW stuff.

Addendum: if you note, all the stores have something other than RPG/CCG to fall back on and it's usually a synergy. RPG folks are readers so we tend to pick up fiction and reference books constantly so the used book stores get double damage. Comics and CCG/RPGs are also pretty closely related, as are video games.

 

[Gomez]

That was bragging?

Quasqueton

I sure thought he was.

 

[Gomez]

If all FLGS went out of business I think that the role-playing gaming hobby would take a serious hit and most likely have serious repercussions to the well being of gaming companies.

 

[Kanegrundar]

My FLGS is packed every weekend with Magic players and Pokemon. I'm certain that helps things out a lot.

As does the high price of GW stuff.

I know my FLGS is full of CCG game players. (Hurry up start of school!!!) That really helps keep the business going. I don't know that GW has much impact on my main FLGS, the minis games are dominated by D&D minis right now. At the other FNSLGS I go to upon occasion, they used to make a lot selling GW, but GW changed their distribution practices, so they don't carry much at all nowadays.

Kane

 

[Some guy from Ohio]

So what is being said here? We should keep the small “mom and pop” store in business, be it a gaming store, book store, coffee shop, retail store, whatever? Is this just out of spite towards the huge chain store that everybody hates, but everyone still frequents? If there is a cheaper priced book at some giant store than give me the cheap book. If you own a business, then you should know the business rules and that is how it works. Business is not about counting on sympathy from your customer.

 

[fredramsey]

I don't know that GW has much impact on my main FLGS, the minis games are dominated by D&D minis right now.

Ok, it was a not-so-subtle dig on GW.

But, it is BIG at my FLGS, and we have a master painter that displays his stuff in a glass case that is at eye level when you come in the front door. I'm sure that has helped.

I choose to shop there, but I'll be the first to admit I spend (and have it to spend) much more than a lot of people, especially those significantly younger than me.

And while the carpet could stand to be replaced, and some of the customers are a bit stereotypical, it does put the "F" in FLGS. And as many reviews I read on the 'net, it is still more satisfying to leaf physically through the book. And that will go away. No sales, no store.

Just like no job - no buying goods and services.

 

[fredramsey]

Have at it. No one is telling you what to do.

I just don't think Wal-Mart is going to carry Burning Wheel, or CoC, for that matter.

So what is being said here? We should keep the small “mom and pop” store in business, be it a gaming store, book store, coffee shop, retail store, whatever? Is this just out of spite towards the huge chain store that everybody hates, but everyone still frequents? If there is a cheaper priced book at some giant store than give me the cheap book. If you own a business, then you should know the business rules and that is how it works. Business is not about counting on sympathy from your customer.

 

[jgbrowning]

I've put a poll up on the Game Industry Network. There are over 100 store owners there and I'll see if any of them own the building their store is in.

joe b.