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Thoughts on @Amazon and #DnD... I'm a former retailer. I owned a comic book store. It was tough - competition is good - but small 'mom and pop' comic book store-fronts in the early 90s really had it tough. What I know now, i would have done a lot of different things.
1 of x
1 of x
I lasted 4 years. 1991-1994. I understand the retail struggle - but as a consumer who, as everyone else, has to work for each hard-earned dollar, I want more 'bank for my buck'.
Amazon gives me that value.
Amazon gives me that value.
Example: $30 for a #DnD core book vs $50 at a FLGS it's hard to just throw $20 away to support a storefront. The struggle is real on both sides.
Think about it. The 3 core books for #DnD5e will cost $150 at a FLGS but $90 on Amazon.
Think about it. The 3 core books for #DnD5e will cost $150 at a FLGS but $90 on Amazon.
What can you do with that extra $60? A whole damn lot!
You can add 2 extra #DnD5e hardcovers to your list. Currently, Ebberon and Decent into Avernus are both $30 on Amazon.
That's 5 books on Amazon vs 3 books at a FLGS.
You can add 2 extra #DnD5e hardcovers to your list. Currently, Ebberon and Decent into Avernus are both $30 on Amazon.
That's 5 books on Amazon vs 3 books at a FLGS.
Support is one thing - but it's financially irresponsible to give money away and get absolutely nothing back.
I purchase most of my #DnD stuff on Amazon and the from vendors that offer some discount like 'tax included' or discount on multiple purchases at conventions.
I purchase most of my #DnD stuff on Amazon and the from vendors that offer some discount like 'tax included' or discount on multiple purchases at conventions.
I spend a ridiculous amount of money on this 'hobby' but I can get more for less.
My FLGS 'staff' isn't that "I'll bend over backward to make you happy" kinda staff. If they were, that would be the difference in my giving them money.
My FLGS 'staff' isn't that "I'll bend over backward to make you happy" kinda staff. If they were, that would be the difference in my giving them money.
There are companies I give money to simply because of their incredible customer service. On things I don't need - but want - and I choose THEM simply because of who they are.
Like dice: Similar dice on Amazon for $5, but an online dice company with great customer service: $12+Shipping.
Here's my point. If a FLGS went out of their way to make every single customer feel like a VIP - they'd generate more money lost to Amazon.
Here's my point. If a FLGS went out of their way to make every single customer feel like a VIP - they'd generate more money lost to Amazon.
In conclusion...
Amazon was the death to Book Retailers across the country.
There's a reason for it.
If a FLGS wants your or my money, the need to be a store-front that replicates an Amazon pricing model and create a 'loyalty program' to keep people like me coming back.
Amazon was the death to Book Retailers across the country.
There's a reason for it.
If a FLGS wants your or my money, the need to be a store-front that replicates an Amazon pricing model and create a 'loyalty program' to keep people like me coming back.
If my FLGS gave me Amazon pricing, I'd have the product immediately (no shipping time) and that alone will keep me coming back for more.
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