I'm new to X wing but have been a TT gamer for years. Whenever I find a game that I like and my local stores carry/promote, I primarily purchase from them. With X wing I think that I will purchase the large ships I want online and use the money saved there to buy more small ships from the LGS and snacks/drinks. I never wander into a LGS without buying something, whether it is the newest, biggest model or simply a drink and some paint. Supporting the local stores that give everyone a place to play is always worthwhile.

If I go to an LFGS event, I always try and buy something.

If I go to an LFGS event, I always try and buy something.

This is what I do, even if it just ends up being a snack or drink. I'm using up floor space that they're paying for, after all, it would feel wrong to not give something back.

I have bought some stuff online, but bought most of my stuff from my FLGS.

I have also played at other stores from time to time and bought some stuff there as well.

Most seem to agree that you should support your local store, but that doesn't mean you have to make ALL your purchases there.

My rule of thumb is always spend at least $5 if you got to an event, entry fee or no. Typically I go to game stores that offer snacks and drinks for sale so buying a few refreshments during an event is easy and convenient for me as well. I used to buy a ton of Magic cards through on LGS but it got to the point they were preselling out the first few hours of the 200+ boxes they get for expansions so I gave up and went to online stores. If they had better loyalty rewards they would have a ton more business from me. Now I just get about 1/3 of my Netrunner packs from them so I can have a copy release day and not wait for shipping.

This is really a question of greed more than ettiquette.

The reality of the conflict is that there aren't many people who can afford to spend $10 on a hund of useless plastic that can't afford to spend $15. This is especially true in large purchases. A good deal is a good deal, but someone can spend the same amount and just receive less. While that might be contrary to our instincts as comsumers, it is important to remember that LGSs serve a critical function in the proliferation of miniature games - supporting them is really self-serving.

I understand we are all free to choose how and where we spend our money

I buy online and at my LGS, most stuff I bought online, but then again I spend most time playing either at my house or one of my friends house. We rarely play at the LGS.

While I agree on supporting it helps yourself, at the same time $100 for wave 4, vs $170... It's just too hard to pass up that kind of savings.

But back to your story... There's a pretty massive flaw in the line of thinking that person had. He seems to ignore the cost of shipping. I just looked at MiniMarket and for a Z-95 it's like $8 in shipping, so you actually are spending $18 for that same ship, and not getting it for a week, vs the $17 or so you'd pay for it right now, when you factor in taxes.

imho if u r making the odd purchase at your LGS thats going to help them out and show u r supporting them. by all means feel free to shop around. by hosting tournaments your LGS will benefit from new players getting into the game so its a win-win for them to host events. imo these events should have an entry fee but it shouldnt break the bank. we charge $5 per player at our latest instore event and the prizes were the Dagger Squadron alt art game night stuff