game shop habits, a few q\'s

[doktorziplok]

hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?

q6) how old are you?

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?

q8) anyth other comments?

 

[Dragonsreach]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?? Do you really expect me to answer that when my wife reads these forums..


q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store? I\'ve driven 160 miles to get to a game show. and 115 to go to GamesWorkshop HQ in Nottingham but that doesn\'t really count.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best? Depends on what Figure /Paint or bright new shiney toy I\'m after.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors. See answer to Q1.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere? Depends if they use air freshener or not. But from past experience, very few do.

q6) how old are you? 48 years 364 days, or 49 tomorrow.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most? The need to feed the addiction

q8) anyth other comments? Is there a price for filling in this questonnaire and will it be pewter??

 

[Ritual]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?

I don\'t know what a \'brick and mortar\' shop is, but if you mean an ordinary gaming store I would say about $50 or 40 euros.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?

Don\'t have a car.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?

I\'ve only got one to chose from, except GW and I\'m certainly not loyal to them...

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?

Varies between nothing an about $30 or 25 euros.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?

No.

q6) how old are you?

29.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?

Rackham minis and Vallejo paints.

q8) anyth other comments?

What\'s the purpose of this research?

 

[Drake Farstrider]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop? $10-$20 depending on what I need.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store? Well that depends again on what I need, my local game store pretty much has everything I need and they are only about a mile away.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best? I am loyal to the couple of game stores that I frequent. But I am not above looking for a good deal.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors? $0

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere? no as I do not have the time to hang out there.

q6) how old are you? almost 30

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most? Selection

q8) anyth other comments?nope

 

[Lurch]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
I spend around 50 US dollars a month in my local shop
q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
Around 50 miles
q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
Loaded question. I try to stay with my local store for my purchases due to the fact I do not want them to go under. However, if my local store does not have what I am after and there is anohter store or online shop that has an item that my store does not usually stock, and I can get it faster than my local store can order it. I will go there. Likewise, if another store has a huge discount on an item, I will at least go check it out.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
I have no \"monthly\" amount as I very rarley buy online. I have in the past purchased items however. Last year I would say that I spent around 60 US dollars total, spread out over 12 months, and probably half that on one order.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
Yes. My local gaming store has many Demon winners that can be found in the game section on a weekly basis. Their input is a way for me to grow as an artist. Likewise, I can usually pick up a game or two while I am there. In stores where there is no painting or games going on, I tend to spend less time in the store. ( which would probably be a good thing considering the more time I spend in the store, the more I spend).

q6) how old are you?
39

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
Another loaded question.
interest, cost, friends, games, and atmosphere all play off each other to make my time spent in the store more enjoyable.

q8) anyth other comments?
nope

 

[airhead]

Originally posted by doktorziplokq1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
About $20 to $30 per week (don\'t do the math, I don\'t want to know) but part of that is comics.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
about 15 miles to my favorite store, about 20 to the \"has everything\" but I try to avoid them - bad employee attitude.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
If I need it now, I\'ll go across town. If I get a great deal, I\'ll buy it on ebay. I also get a lot of stuff straight from the factory that I demo for.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
My wife sees that - very little

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
Yes, I do demos for a factory team. It is very hard to do demos when there are no game tables.

q6) how old are you?
Too. A year younger than Mike

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
Stuff. If the shelves are empty, I won\'t bother. Counter help makes a big difference too. If you don\'t want me there, I\'ll leave.

q8) any other comments?

 

[Brother Tom]

Is it just me or is that yellow writing really hard to read.

 

[Joshua]

Originally posted by doktorziplok

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?

i have no idea what a b & m shop is supposed to be

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?

since there\'s the web, not very far considering that i down own a car myself

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?

the only hobby store i am or was a reguar customer is my local gw store but i guess i would stick to \"my\" store

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?

i started odering gaming stuff recently because i wanted to buy something else than gw junk. it was about 60 or 70 £ this month

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?

yes i do, half of the hobby (if not much more) is chitchat and having a good time

q6) how old are you?

19 years and 3 month

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?

buying stuff, looking at stuff and talk to friends you met there

q8) anyth other comments?

what is this survey for?

 

[dauber22]

Originally posted by doktorziplok

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
Between 0 and $80 a month, probably averaging around $30 USD

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
Currently only have to drive a few miles, but have driven as much as 40 or so in the past.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
Try to be, but as has been said already, I\'m not above investigating other sources

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
About the same as the answer to #1

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
I suppose, but no strong preference


q6) how old are you?
Older than Dragonsreach so VERY old

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
One thing? Selection I guess.

q8) any other comments?
Not that you want to hear

 

[Drake Farstrider]

Originally posted by Brother Tom
Is it just me or is that yellow writing really hard to read.

It is very hard to read. I only read one line of the yellow then stopped.

 

[wiccanpony]

1......nothing, most brick and mortar gaming shops are not friendly to we wheelchair users.

2.......why drive, when I can get everything online.

3.......can’t answer this one

4.......I’m trying to cut back, until the holiday bills get paid. But I usually drop $40 a month...curse you CMON Shop!!

5.......I’d like one that was more female friendly, my sister goes to a local one to pick up a few things and she gets hit on, like crazy, and most are 15 years younger then her.

6........56....want to make something of it

7........helpful, “go that extra mile” staff

8........what’s for lunch?:duh:

 

[dauber22]

Originally posted by Brother Tom
Is it just me or is that yellow writing really hard to read.

Depends on what color scheme you use. On white, I imagine it\'s tough. I use the black color scheme though and the blue writing is almost impossible to read. I usually end up highlighting it to be able to read it. The plus is, those rules that appear at the top of the main page??? They appear as white on white in the black layout. In other words, blank!!! SO I just figure they don\'t apply to me.

 

[sniffles]

Aiya, Lurch!! That yellow hurts my eyes!!!
(PS, I think you spelled your motto wrong )

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
About $40


q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
After spending $40 a month on minis, I\'m not willing to spend too much on extra gas to drive more than a couple of miles.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
Mostly I\'m loyal to the store where the employees know me. They\'ll even call me to tell me when new shipments arrive.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
None.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
Yes

q6) how old are you?
44

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
A friendly atmosphere. They could have the best stock in the world, but if they\'re rude I won\'t go there.

q8) anyth other comments?

So where\'s my complimentary mini?

 

[Calavera]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.


q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?

I don\'t go on a monthly basis, and the amount i spend varies alot but maybe, 15-20 pounds british

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?

There\'s only one gaming shop in Iceland, only carries GW

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?

I suppose I am loyal, these guys are very good at their business, no hassle !

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?

Nothing, I have no credit card and have never ordered, but I plan too.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?

Yeah, I like gaming stores with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff and gamers

q6) how old are you?

I\'ll be 15 in march

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?

The products, but I regularly stop by in mine just to check it out when I\'m near, fun to look.

q8) anyth other comments?

Nope

 

[doktorziplok]

thanks fo far everyone! although i do suppose i owe you an explaination for the line of questioning. i was recently presented with the offer of every gamer\'s dream: opening up a game shop. i decided it would be a worthwile option to post a few questions online to help make my decision.

for those of you confused by the \"brick and mortar\" store expression, it simply refers to an actual storefront (a real building made of brick and mortar) rather than an online retailer.

i\'m really looking forward to reading more responses, so again thanks!

 

[Mosch]

Here\'s my contribution to your decision

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
Varies. I am currently trying to finally paint all my models (yeah, right, I\'ll definitely succeed), but about 20€ for most hobby related stuff per month.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
As I have stores in abundance here (I count 5 \"miniature related\" ones that are, well rather close), I really have a big selection, but ot be honest I usually end up in Weltentor which is closest. If I can\'t get it there, I hop on the bus and ride it for 20 minutes to the next one.... let\'s say.... man, this is hard. About 20 to 30 kilometers I think, but then that store better be good

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
There is one shop I like the most (luckily it is also very close ) and I usually try to shop there. However, if there is a larger sum to be saved, I of course will go for the cheaper option. That being said, my favourite shop also sells for some Cent more, but the difference is too low to make a difference (yes, I too think that sentence is strange).

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
Ordered Online three times, spent about 80€, don\'t really do it if I don\'t have to.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
I prefer, you know, fellow gaming nuts around me. So that would be a yes. Though the prejudices are unfortunately true all too often and I sometimes leave with the feeling that I have to take several showers.

q6) how old are you?
20, if I remember correctly.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
That\'s a tough one. Friendly atmosphere primarily I suppose, selection and actually having order (though you may not see it if oyu enter my room, I hate it if things are not in order) coming in as a second thing.

q8) anyth other comments?
Sell premixed NMM-paint in your shop to be and you will be king of the smellies.

 

[E-Arkham]

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
Highly varies, but a rough estimate of the median might be $40-$60 US, including supplies such as wooden bases, balsa wood, glue, replacement paints, brushes, etc that I would normally purchase at non-gaming stores such as Micheals, Hobby Lobby, etc.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
The \"local\" stores are thirty miles away, whereas the \"has everything\" ones are 90+.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
Best deals.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
Varies. Counting eBay, it has been as high as $300+ on occasion, but also can drop to absolutely nothing for several months. What is certain to be coincidence, those several months of no purchases often happen after a month of $300+

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
Yes and no -- depends on the clientele, really. There are some places with a great hang out area, but those hanging out are rude and obnoxious (I\'m told it\'s a different story once I leave ).

q6) how old are you?
Older than I appear.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
An excellent selection, hands down.

q8) anyth other comments?
What does \'anyth\' mean?

Kep

 

[Lurch]

Originally posted by sniffles
Aiya, Lurch!! That yellow hurts my eyes!!!
(PS, I think you spelled your motto wrong )

Is red better for you?

 

[No Such Agency]

Originally posted by doktorziplok
hey everyone, i\'m doing a bit of research and hope you can help me out here. if you have the time and can answer a few questions i would really appreciate it.

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?
On average, very little. Maybe $10 CDN/mo averaged over every year. I\'m a slow painter who doesn\'t game, so a few minis will do me for several months.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?
I don\'t drive but when I visit Toronto (1 hour bus ride) I try to go to a better store there if I have time. There\'s a store there which is my sole source for Reaper...

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?
There\'s only one here. I like them, but they\'re a mostly-GW store so \"bargains\" don\'t really appear very often. I shop elsewhere for selection, not price.

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?
Again, very little. Maybe $5/mo averaged.


q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?
I think it is neccessary for a \"proper\" gaming store, but I don\'t go to hang out. One shouldn\'t encourage a crowd that\'ll annoy or scare casual customers. A bunch of sweaty geeks playing Warhammer or even card games is expected (they\'re \"local colour\" and keep your staff company), but a bunch of sweaty creeps harassing the female clientele and loudly acting poorly-socialized will alienate all but the most hardcore gamers.

q6) how old are you?
Thirty.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?
Selection, selection, selection. Multiple figure manufacturers especially. But even a well-stocked GW store is pleasant.

q8) any other comments?
If you\'re thinking of starting a gaming store (or any other business of course), DO YOUR RESEARCH. Then carefully consider and plan it for quite a while. Many small businesses go under every year, taking their owners\' savings with them. Also, I can\'t reiterat enough how much \"casual\" customers need to be welcomed and cultivated. They may not come in very often, and may not drop $400 on a whole army, but they\'re still customers and if they like you they\'ll spread good word-of-mouth or maybe even get more people into the hobby, and your store.

 

[Galante]

Originally posted by doktorziplok

q1) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials in a brick and mortar shop?

Usually, 20 euros maximum.
I feel like I should be buying something to support the hobby, but I have enough minis and paint.

q2) how far are you willing to drive to a \"has everything\" gaming store?

I usually drive 30km to my favorite store.
Of course it helps if you\'re open on weekends (Saturday at least) because I\'m not going there after a long day at work.

q3) are you loyal to your gaming store or do you always go where the deals are the best?

I actually try to avoid buying things on-line, but their selection is really not something that gets me terrible excited.
GW and a little more GW. And mostly 40k (I\'m a fantasy kind of guy ).

q4) how much money do you spend monthly on gaming materials from online distributors?

It depends. Some months I have all my credit card bills paid and go crazy, but that\'s just because I can\'t get what I want from my store. If I could, believe me, I have no interest in paying shipping and taxes.

q5) do you prefer a gaming store that has a \"hang out here\" atmosphere?

Well, that\'s a tough one. I don\'t want to get into stereotypes, but from what I\'ve seen, not really.

q6) how old are you?

A month from turning 27.

q7) what is the one thing that draws you to a gaming store the most?

The selection, no doubt.

q8) anyth other comments?

Be friendly! I hate to get into a place where I pratically have to beg for some attention. A lot of people who work at these stores love the hobby, but couldn\'t save their lifes if it depended on looking into your eyes with a smile on their faces.

But don\'t be the opposite too, the vulture kind.

Good luck!