Greetings all

Just wondering if anyone has any technical knowledge about FFG and ISBNs.

Wave 1 and 2 all have proper ISBNs which are listed in their appropriate product pages.

Wave 3-5 (including CC) all have ISBNs listed in their product pages that are clearly not actual ISBNs.

Anyone know what's going on? I've sent a message to FFG a few weeks ago but not had any reply yet.

The reason I'm interested is because when I messaged the Book Depository to ask when they planned to stock waves 3-5 they asked me for the ISBNs. I supplied the ones on the products pages but received a "need actual ISBNs" reply (they were much more polite than that). A few minutes of educating myself about ISBNs showed that they clearly were not actually ISBNs.

Any insight?

Unfortunately not - it was a question I asked back when Wave 3 was on Pre-Release and I did not get an answer between Then and Now.

What is an ISBN?

It stands for International Standard Book Number, but is actually used not only for books. Basically it allows to identify a publication, by edition.

Not sure what FFG or Asmodee policy is here, I never actually paid attention to the Armada numbers. How do they handle it with other product lines?

What's a book depository for? other than assassinations of course...

6 minutes ago, SkyCake said:

What's a book depository for? other than assassinations of course...

Occasionally?

$25 Imperial Star Destroyers.

It is possible that FFG used to sell to a retailer that absolutely required that all items have an ISBN and either that requirement has been relaxed, or FFG isn't doing business with a retailer that requires ISBN codes but is happy with a UPC.

It happened when FFG changed to Asamode. I have heard that it is because the new distribution network wants to prioritise retail stores (that promote tournaments and local play etc) over cut price bulk internet providers. Since Book Depository's system is set up that they can only process items with a ISBN number- the simple way to end that undercutting of local stores was to stop putting ISBN numbers on FFG products - as book depository would then not be able to stock them.

6 hours ago, MaverickNZ said:

It happened when FFG changed to Asamode. I have heard that it is because the new distribution network wants to prioritise retail stores (that promote tournaments and local play etc) over cut price bulk internet providers. Since Book Depository's system is set up that they can only process items with a ISBN number- the simple way to end that undercutting of local stores was to stop putting ISBN numbers on FFG products - as book depository would then not be able to stock them.

Thanks Maverick, that was helpful. I guess I'll stop hanging out for them to get stock in then

This might also explain a little bit of why Book Depository is constantly out of stock of almost everything Armada this year. FFG may be doing the whole GW thing of limiting how much a stockist is allowed to sell over the web.

17 hours ago, SkyCake said:

What's a book depository for? other than assassinations of course...

In Australia? Getting reasonably priced Armada stuff.

Price comparison of CR90

-Book Depository: $18-$20

-FLGS: $35

In general the FLGS charges 60%-75% more in Ausi dollars than what the FFG web site lists them for in US dollars, where as Books Depository charges a few dollars less (in Ausi) than what FFG charges in US. Basically a 60%-100% increase in cost from BD to FLGS. With no shipping costs for BD.

That was why I was waiting for waves 3-5 to hit BD.

On the plus side, I now have a legitimate reason to go and play Armada at my FLGS (something I'm not sure if anyone has actually done yet). Before, I just couldn't justify doing it to them as there was no money in it for them with BD undercutting them so thoroughly. Now, although prices are steep, I could do it and promote Armada through them to my hearts content

On ‎23‎/‎02‎/‎2017 at 6:47 PM, TallGiraffe said:

What is an ISBN?

Lets have some fun with this. What could ISBN stand for in the Star Wars universe?

I S B N

I'll go first.

Imperial Security Bureau Network (think Wulff might be involved here)

or

Imperial class Star Banana Nukes (though nukes are very un-star warsy)

Well, necroing this thread too.

I received this a month or two ago.