Hello, I spend lots of time on the forum perusing, but pretty much never post. Today, I post because The US is an innovative, creative country with a business model respected world-wide. I want to know if there are any successful strategies FLGS use up there to persuade players to purchase locally, and not use the internet. I know that many people use sites like Miniature Market, and in a country with a population (and therefore player community) as big as the states is, it isn't as destructive as it is down here. Some quick x-wing facts about Chile, FYI.

1. People collect the ships, or "navecitas" as we call them, but the player community nation-wide probably consists of less than 50 players.

2. Buying ships inside the country cost 75% more than in the states (and europeans/ canadians complain- HA1) in other words- a ship that cost 12 USD costs us 18 USD.

3. Due to a questionable decision regarding distribution within the country, only 1 company can order directly from FFG, and their releases typically arrive two months after normal release dates.

4. These factors have resulted in the black market running rampant. If people don't order internationally and pay the customs fees, they buy ships from people who sell them in little plastic baggies. IE people go to the states, open the ships there, come back with a briefcase full of ships, and sell them for more than they cost new in the US- which is still cheaper than they are new down here.

Okay, why is this a problem? Well, they Chileans don't get it. Most of them don't even start working their first job until they are in their 30s, so they fail to understand the idea of if you don't support the things you love, they disappear. X-wing down here is fragile. After playing two years with a group of literally 3 other regular pilots, it's finally starting to grow. Last week our FLGS had around 15 people playing.... Woo Hoo! The problem- nobody ever buys stuff from them. The new guys actually show up recommending to eachother that they buy ships online or on the blackmarket... while they are in the gameshop using up the space! The hospitality won't last (or the store won't) if people don't buy stuff. Nobody wants to chip in for the store tournament kit- because it admittingly isn't very desirable.

So my question is if any of you guys go to a store than offers intangible (or material) incentives to get players willing to fork over cash that could otherwise be spent on the internet. For example- In Tokyo, a friend of mine told me his game shop permits players to use the facilities for one hour- after they make a purchase. That sounds a little harsh to me. One shop here used 10% credit for every purchase, which meant that after you bought 10 ships you got 1 free. It wasn't effective. Anybody witnessed any other alternatives? Gracias!!!!

The best one I've seen is "to participate in the tournament you either pay an entry fee or spend that entry fee in store." Then u can offer a certain amount of store credit for 1st place - 3rd place. Mostly I think it needs to be a group decision. I think most people here make a choice to make a certain percentage of the purchases in store (at a higher price) because they want the store to succeed. Have u tried talking to the other players in ur area? Explain the pros and cons and work to cultivate a culture of supporting FLGS. Good luck and glad to hear this great game is growing down south!

Hmm. That sounds like a terrible problem.

My FLGS offers a discount on X-Wing preorders which tend to be similar to online prices.

Holding special events for new releases can work too. Everyone could pay a small fee to have either a tournament or just gaming get-together. Offering prizes can incentivize people to attend and pay to participate in these events.

My FLGS is holding a special tournament only for people who bought over $50 worth of Wave 7 products with the top prize being a Raider.

The fact that people don't understand that the FLGS they use so often needs their support is saddening.

Thanks for the responses. I am going to talk to one of the FLGS owners about implementing a combination of what both of you said (I am a player, not in it for the money). I have made my case to the other players in my area. They say they are all about supporting the locals, but at the end of the day they talk the talk but don't walk the walk... if you know what I mean. Understandably, the game is expensive down here. Most of them just are getting into the game, or have collected for awhile but are just now starting to really play. So I think they don't get that things will disappear. One of the really great things about The US is that I think we are extremely resolute in everything we do. We don't just wanna see things go OK, we wanna make things flourish. That doesn't happen everywhere. Be well!

Rewards programs are good. Spend x and get a 10% discount off your next purchase.

(1) Preorder discounts

(2) Customer loyalty rewards programs (get % discount after spending XX amount)

(3) Tournaments where entry fees are given out as store credit prizes.

It's the 21st century, use your social media tools! I live in Alaska, and not in Anchorage (the only city of any size in the state) and Facebook has been HUGE for coordinating events. It would also serve as a platform for you to continue to educate Chilenos about how they need to support the local businesses that in turn support the X-Wing community.

This past weekend we had a two-day tournament (Standard first day, Team Epic the second) that had an incredible turnout (by Alaska standards) largely because the TOs worked so hard to promote it on Facebook. Many of us bought ships at retail while at the event, or else bought them in-store just before or right after the tournament to support the shops because they contributed to such a cool tournament. It takes a lot of patience and hard work, but you can do it! Que la fuerza este con usted!!!

Also, encourage doing things that involve purchasing more ships -- for example, painting contests showing off alternate paint schemes.

The best one I've seen is "to participate in the tournament you either pay an entry fee or spend that entry fee in store." Then u can offer a certain amount of store credit for 1st place - 3rd place. Mostly I think it needs to be a group decision. I think most people here make a choice to make a certain percentage of the purchases in store (at a higher price) because they want the store to succeed. Have u tried talking to the other players in ur area? Explain the pros and cons and work to cultivate a culture of supporting FLGS. Good luck and glad to hear this great game is growing down south!

This is basically what I was going to suggest. The store should charge a fee to use the tables *unless* you buy from them. Obviously, it would be too much to ask someone to buy a ship *every* time they play, but perhaps they could set up a deal where buying one ship gets you a month of free play in the store, then charge $5 per day if you don't buy ships at the store.

Really, the best way for a store to convince players to buy from them rather than online is to offer things that can't be bought online. Having an open play area is a good start; doing special events and cool prizes can also help. The US doesn't have a "black market" problem like you do down in Chile, but I would imagine that a similar strategy would help.

Good luck!