I will get a few things from my local store as stock allows, but armada hasn't caught on in a huge way here yet, so anything I want or can't get after my initial purchase is from Amazon. Generally similar prices to miniature market, plus free 2-day shipping, so the price evens out.

It's definitely your money, so you should do with it what you want, but I'm surprised at the amount of people here that dont buy from stores or FLGS.

Personally I go out of my way to support the smaller store in the my area. There are a few larger game stores in my area that I dont buy from because they honestly dont need the help (that or their management leaves a lot to be desired). In any case, I've been preordering from my store for the last few months, so far I'm up to 3 ISD's and 3 MC80's. Now I just need to figure out how many Shrimps, and Raiders I want to spend money on.

All the times I've gone to buy online, the totals after shipping have ended up being almost the same as if I had bought from my FLGS. With maybe a difference of a dollar or two. Enough that its not worth the wait, unless I SIMPLY cant get a product from my store for whatever reason. In my personal opinion, if you can buy from the local Game Store, then you should. Most of them need your Money more then some online retailer.

In any-case though, that's just my opinion.

I'm excited!

Many local store owners are willing to cut regular customers a break on pricing, too. Usually you just have to ask. Online stores seve a purpose for those who have no FLGS or very limited funds. I always try to point people to the gaming store online sites when possible instead of the bigger box style, but that is just me.

I have a guy that drives a van, he lives by the river and sides as a motivational speaker.

It's definitely your money, so you should do with it what you want, but I'm surprised at the amount of people here that dont buy from stores or FLGS.

Personally I go out of my way to support the smaller store in the my area. There are a few larger game stores in my area that I dont buy from because they honestly dont need the help (that or their management leaves a lot to be desired). In any case, I've been preordering from my store for the last few months, so far I'm up to 3 ISD's and 3 MC80's. Now I just need to figure out how many Shrimps, and Raiders I want to spend money on.

All the times I've gone to buy online, the totals after shipping have ended up being almost the same as if I had bought from my FLGS. With maybe a difference of a dollar or two. Enough that its not worth the wait, unless I SIMPLY cant get a product from my store for whatever reason. In my personal opinion, if you can buy from the local Game Store, then you should. Most of them need your Money more then some online retailer.

In any-case though, that's just my opinion.

I'm excited!

most places are free shipping after $99. On top of that most stuff is 30% off online, add in sales tax and that is an almost 40% price difference. I wish I could support my LGS but almost 40% is just not an option that is another mc80. While I agree the LGS needs my money more than an online store I need it more than both of them.

If you don't buy from your LGS don't expect the LGS to support you playing there. It is a simple relationship

I want a store to play at and to hold events therefore I buy product from the store.

National distributor were I worked (and buy all my gaming stuff) for a couple of years in the past. And have a nice fat discount while doing so...

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

What if you buy other games at the store, are you beholden to them for all your gaming?

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

What if you buy other games at the store, are you beholden to them for all your gaming?

Yes, where possible.

It's definitely your money, so you should do with it what you want, but I'm surprised at the amount of people here that dont buy from stores or FLGS.

Personally I go out of my way to support the smaller store in the my area. There are a few larger game stores in my area that I dont buy from because they honestly dont need the help (that or their management leaves a lot to be desired). In any case, I've been preordering from my store for the last few months, so far I'm up to 3 ISD's and 3 MC80's. Now I just need to figure out how many Shrimps, and Raiders I want to spend money on.

All the times I've gone to buy online, the totals after shipping have ended up being almost the same as if I had bought from my FLGS. With maybe a difference of a dollar or two. Enough that its not worth the wait, unless I SIMPLY cant get a product from my store for whatever reason. In my personal opinion, if you can buy from the local Game Store, then you should. Most of them need your Money more then some online retailer.

In any-case though, that's just my opinion.

I'm excited!

most places are free shipping after $99. On top of that most stuff is 30% off online, add in sales tax and that is an almost 40% price difference. I wish I could support my LGS but almost 40% is just not an option that is another mc80. While I agree the LGS needs my money more than an online store I need it more than both of them.

I posted a similar thread over at BoardGameGeek.com regarding the Wave 2 release of Imperial Assault. I ultimately didn't buy locally because of the HUGE discrepancy in price. I live in a large city and have several FLGS's within 30 minutes, but none of them have prices that compare. Now I may inherently biased since I don't play tournaments (anymore. I used to, but with 2 rugrats in the house I don't have the time), but even if I did use a local store for that, I would feel ripped off since the price difference (when I was pricing IA Wave 2) was 30%.

However, I don't think there is a wrong answer here. On the one hand, if you buy from an FLGS, you support them and FFG. If you buy online at a reduced price, then you have more money to presumably spend on more games. This allows you support the games industry more, even if you doesn't support your FLGS.

However all of this wouldn't be a point of contention if my FLGS could offer competitive pricing. If they could cost within 10% of what I could get online, I would buy FLGS every time.

I buy where I play unless I just can't due to them being unable to get what I want. Then I go online. That's why I hate when big box or online stores get all the supply. I think it's unfair to the guys providing the value that makes buy this sort of game. If I only played with the friends I already know, then online will do. In that case, we would likely choose less mainstream games because we appreciate more complex systems.

It's definitely your money, so you should do with it what you want, but I'm surprised at the amount of people here that dont buy from stores or FLGS.

Personally I go out of my way to support the smaller store in the my area. There are a few larger game stores in my area that I dont buy from because they honestly dont need the help (that or their management leaves a lot to be desired). In any case, I've been preordering from my store for the last few months, so far I'm up to 3 ISD's and 3 MC80's. Now I just need to figure out how many Shrimps, and Raiders I want to spend money on.

All the times I've gone to buy online, the totals after shipping have ended up being almost the same as if I had bought from my FLGS. With maybe a difference of a dollar or two. Enough that its not worth the wait, unless I SIMPLY cant get a product from my store for whatever reason. In my personal opinion, if you can buy from the local Game Store, then you should. Most of them need your Money more then some online retailer.

In any-case though, that's just my opinion.

I'm excited!

most places are free shipping after $99. On top of that most stuff is 30% off online, add in sales tax and that is an almost 40% price difference. I wish I could support my LGS but almost 40% is just not an option that is another mc80. While I agree the LGS needs my money more than an online store I need it more than both of them.

I posted a similar thread over at BoardGameGeek.com regarding the Wave 2 release of Imperial Assault. I ultimately didn't buy locally because of the HUGE discrepancy in price. I live in a large city and have several FLGS's within 30 minutes, but none of them have prices that compare. Now I may inherently biased since I don't play tournaments (anymore. I used to, but with 2 rugrats in the house I don't have the time), but even if I did use a local store for that, I would feel ripped off since the price difference (when I was pricing IA Wave 2) was 30%.

However, I don't think there is a wrong answer here. On the one hand, if you buy from an FLGS, you support them and FFG. If you buy online at a reduced price, then you have more money to presumably spend on more games. This allows you support the games industry more, even if you doesn't support your FLGS.

However all of this wouldn't be a point of contention if my FLGS could offer competitive pricing. If they could cost within 10% of what I could get online, I would buy FLGS every time.

Your LGS would go out of business at 25% off. At 20% off the owner would likely not pay himself anything. At 15% off, any bad event threatens the business. If everyone is getting much more than 10 off from an LGS you are soon going to be looking for a new LGS. They need higher margins or really huge volume which is really hard to get even with lower prices.

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

What if you buy other games at the store, are you beholden to them for all your gaming?

Yes, where possible.

You're kidding right?

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

What if you buy other games at the store, are you beholden to them for all your gaming?

Yes, where possible.

You're kidding right?

I'm in no way going to get into a spitting match over an opinion, as it is my opinion. Though I agree with Chuckle and others who have posted here about this.

If you have a local game store that you, then I personally believe in buying almost exclusively form that store. Why I do this is because I believe in that store, and want do what I can to keep the owner in business. I own a family business, and talk often to my Gamestores owner (as its basically a one man show, he cant afford employees). At least in the States, laws, taxes, and distributors are not kind to small business owners. The prices you see come from your Local store isn't just because the owner is trying to swindle you out of your money (I've been shown the distributor prices, most the time its not much less then what they sell in store), its because they need to set that price there or else they risk losing money, even going out of business.

Online Prices are not generally a fair thing to ask form a Local Gamestore. Often Online is able to get away with those kinds of discounts either because of bulk buying, or simply wanting to move product to get it off the shelves. I'm sure there are many other reasons, that I cant really account for or understand.

However what I see happening more and more is people comparing and believing that your brick and mortar is over charging just because online has it for cheaper.

There are a lot of costs that go into owning a small business that go beyond just getting the product on the shelves. An honestly, its only honorable in my opinion, that if you use the space provided by your FLGS (even if its for free and with a smile from the owner) then you should at-least contribute back something to them for letting you use that space. After all, AC, and Electricity isn't just magically given just because they own the business.

Anyway that's my two coppers.

I agree with darkfortunex, even if 'beholden' may be a strong word.

Your community's situation may vary, but I see gaming stores as huge assets to communities. They help people make friends and good acquaintances, thus building social capital. I don't think of it as a form of charity, as I know many do, but as an investment in the place I play, but also the wider strength of the place I live.

Now, I'm not going to ostracize you for not buying from the FLGS, and neither would my FLGS owners, even if she and he would obviously prefer those who play to also buy. But if you can afford to pay FLGS prices and you don't, I will think you're a bit of a free-rider on the community gaming bus.

But, again, your situation and community may vary.

I agree with darkfortunex, even if 'beholden' may be a strong word.

Your community's situation may vary, but I see gaming stores as huge assets to communities. They help people make friends and good acquaintances, thus building social capital. I don't think of it as a form of charity, as I know many do, but as an investment in the place I play, but also the wider strength of the place I live.

Now, I'm not going to ostracize you for not buying from the FLGS, and neither would my FLGS owners, even if she and he would obviously prefer those who play to also buy. But if you can afford to pay FLGS prices and you don't, I will think you're a bit of a free-rider on the community gaming bus.

But, again, your situation and community may vary.

A brilliant summary.

I think if the local store offers a playing space that you utilise, then the gentlemanly thing to do is reciprocate by purchasing from them where possible. If your local store is simply a retailer and offers either no place to play, or only a token place to play, then there is no obligation to purchase from there.

What if you buy other games at the store, are you beholden to them for all your gaming?

Yes, where possible.

You're kidding right?

I'm in no way going to get into a spitting match over an opinion, as it is my opinion. Though I agree with Chuckle and others who have posted here about this.

If you have a local game store that you, then I personally believe in buying almost exclusively form that store. Why I do this is because I believe in that store, and want do what I can to keep the owner in business. I own a family business, and talk often to my Gamestores owner (as its basically a one man show, he cant afford employees). At least in the States, laws, taxes, and distributors are not kind to small business owners. The prices you see come from your Local store isn't just because the owner is trying to swindle you out of your money (I've been shown the distributor prices, most the time its not much less then what they sell in store), its because they need to set that price there or else they risk losing money, even going out of business.

Online Prices are not generally a fair thing to ask form a Local Gamestore. Often Online is able to get away with those kinds of discounts either because of bulk buying, or simply wanting to move product to get it off the shelves. I'm sure there are many other reasons, that I cant really account for or understand.

However what I see happening more and more is people comparing and believing that your brick and mortar is over charging just because online has it for cheaper.

There are a lot of costs that go into owning a small business that go beyond just getting the product on the shelves. An honestly, its only honorable in my opinion, that if you use the space provided by your FLGS (even if its for free and with a smile from the owner) then you should at-least contribute back something to them for letting you use that space. After all, AC, and Electricity isn't just magically given just because they own the business.

Anyway that's my two coppers.

In no way am i saying I expect those prices from a LGS, just that in the same vein that they must watch out for there margins so must I. if my options are to only buy an MC80 and an ISD or to be able to buy 1 of everything from wave two it is a simple question. I support this store in other ways. I do not feel obligated in any way to lose out on product for this game though. Also to state that you must only support one store seams odd to me, just my opinion. Simply stated with the option of 2 ships or 5 its an easy decision.

I'll be buying mine online, for a discount over retail prices. I don't have a LGS that I know of, I only recently got into Armada so haven't found anywhere yet. If I knew of a LGS then I'd likely buy some of the smaller fighter/MC30/Raider packs there. So I need to get to looking for one. No idea how to find one though, I know there's an LGS that is very Warhammer heavy, though I've never been.

I'll buy in any gaming shop or venue that has them in stock and offer them at retail or favourable prices, but I never pre-order or buy them in some dark alley

I definitely buy food and beverage at the local stores when I'm there, even when I'm not buying ships. I know the margin on those is pretty positive for the store (abit not a big money maker).

And I'm a thirsty dude.

Beholden is a strong word, an not one I agree with in this topic of conversation. I simply wasn't going to address semantics. Using a word like 'beholden' draws the connotation of aggravation and attack. It's a loaded word that I simply didn't care to address because I felt like it meant to draw people into an argumentative debate. That is my impression however, an not one I intend to condone. If that's how it was meant I do not know, but that's how it felt to me.

I'm not 'beholden' to the particular game store I frequent. I simply choose to invest my money where I feel it will be the most used. However I see it as a sign of mutual respect between myself and the store owner, that I contribute my earned dollar there when I decide I want to spend money on frivolous things. I will admit to you I have a rabid loyalty like tendency, its not necessarily smart, and its not necessarily objective. I also dont draw that Loyalty arbitrarily. That store owner has gone out of the way in the past to help me, and is currently helping my through a particular situation right now (even if its only to keep my business). I wont necessarily say I'm the best buds with the owner, but I do believe we are friendly. I know hes out to make money so he can survive, and potentially profit. It doesn't bother me, because if I was in that situation I would do the same.

That being said, I help him, and he helps me. Its a cyclical relationship. That is why I give that store my business, over the other three stores in my area.

I'm not seeking to impose my own twisted form of morality on you, though, I suppose with any conversation we are trying to make the other see and understand our view point.

For me it comes down to where I feel using my money will have the most benefit. An when we are talking on a smaller scale like the FLGS I frequent, I feel my money is going is going into a better place then if I was to buy online, or buy from those other stores. Am I saying I'm right in my personal beliefs? I hope I am. However I cant say without a shadow of a doubt.

Ultimately it comes down to the fact, I'm doing whats right for me.

My FLGS has a large well lit and maintained gaming area, tables and terrain (for any miniature game you can imagine) are free for use anytime a table is open, and is added to by the store fairly frequently. They host tournaments and campaigns, many free of charge for entry, as well as entrance fee events constantly.

I do 90% or more of my gaming at this store, it's where I met and befriended my gaming group who drive or take the train into from 40-60 minutes away simply because it's a great store with a wonderful staff, as well as being the closest shop for them. If I'm going to be using their tables and terrain and electricity and hospitality for 90% of my gaming, I feel it is more than fair to give them my business on the games I'm going to be playing there in order to keep this place profitable and open.

This store replaced, by buying out, another LGS that also had a wonderful staff and gaming area, but eventually decided the profit margin didn't cut it. And it was a good thing, because all rumors I heard pointed to the shop closing before an offer came along, so either way, the old shop was closing, and I was about to be out of a game shop.

My position is fairly simple, if I want access to gaming space, I need to pay my fair share to keep it going, because I've seen firsthand that brick and mortar stores will go out of business and usually not be replaced if they can't afford to stay open. If you're not gaming at a LGS, buy your games however you want too. If you spend a percentage of your time gaming at your LGS, then you should seriously match that in your purchases, it's a fair policy even if your shop isn't holding tournaments or whatever.

My FLGS shoots us a discount when we buy in bulk or preorder.

Buying an X-Wing SA? Full price.

Buying 10 ships at once? Discount.

Preordering one ship? Small discount.

Preordering many ships? Significant discount.

As a small family run business owner in the UK I know the cost of each item that we buy them at and how much we sell it online or in store. Your he surprised we sell it less than retail mainly due to how much cheaper online big shops sell it and ebay. We do discount for large orders tho. Not easy out there