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Over the years I've commented on a variety of things over and over again. Right now, I think it's time to do so again. With the upcoming discussion of DC's new relaunch of 52 titles in September, I find myself looking once again at local comic shops. After all, DC's move is causing quite a ruckus, and as I have finally be able to go to a truly local comic shop for a few months now the impacts of business in the hobby of comic books is much more "in my face" than they have been in a while.
Last week one of the online retailers I regularly buy comic related items from mentioned that while they were going to be picking up all 52 of DC's new titles from an online comic shop rather than their local shop. This was quite astonishing to me as the online retailer I'm talking about regularly encourages people who happen to be on their Facebook feed to go out and support their local comic shops. The reason they were going online to get the first issues of the new 52 was sound though. They were going online because the online shop was offering a 50% off deal if a person signed up to buy all 52 first issues. There are actually a number of online retailers offering similar deals.
Anyway, I responded to their original post talking about the deal the were going with by mentioning that I was sticking with my local shop. I stated that they have only been open for a few months, and I'd sooner have my money going to them so that I would hopefully still have a local shop in the future. Plus, I'm only getting 21 of DC's new titles for sure. Still, this once again brought to the forefront my concern about local shops fading away. Actually, a few people mentioned that they were sticking with their local shops, and as usual the online retailer was very supportive of those who did so. The online retailer simply went with a good deal as it allowed them to purchase all 52 of the new titles. I think that it's a good idea to do something like that when your own business depends heavily on you being informed of the events and characters in comic books.
There were some other interesting comments though. One that stuck out to me was someone mentioning that if their local store wasn't willing to give them a similar deal then they didn't "deserve" his money. I'm sorry, but that's the mentality I really do fear from comic readers. The idea that we're are somehow entitled to more due to how much we spend, how long we've been reading, or due to our knowledge about comics. It's egotistical and it doesn't do anything for the hobby. If I get anything from a shop beyond the norm, I consider myself fortunate.
Not every store is large enough to give people who collect a large number of books a discount. Not every store can even give free bags and boards (thought from what I've seen most do, at least to those with pull files). Not every store has been around so long that they can figure out how to even make these things possible. The store I'm at now has been around about three months. Most weeks there I've been spending at least $50 a week due to the variety of "events" that are happening right now and what seems to be a larger than normal influx of collectables.
The store owners are very happy with me when it comes to what I spend. They're also happy with me as a customer in general. I can wax intellectual about comics, everyday events, business, etc. My life is not just "comics". Plus, I'm not a fickle reader. I have talked with them about how fickle comic readers are many times. The comment I mentioned earlier about the person acting as if they were entitled to special treatment is the kind of stuff I talk to them about. My goal with them is to be a good customer. I do my part to be a good customer. I even offer assistance with stuff and discuss ideas with them about the shop. Not MY ideas. I listen to theirs and tell them what I think.
After all this interaction and the money I spend, you know what I get? I get a free 'Previews' because I have a certain number of comics in my pull file (anyone who has that number gets the same deal) and free bags and boards (which are on all comics). And you know what? I'm fine with that. I expect no more. They are learning my taste and put aside things they know I didn't order, but might interest me. When there are multiple covers the one they pick for me is right 99% of the time. They are learning WHO I am as a customer. For me, that's the personal touch. THAT is the service I seek. If I have a choice between 10% off comics or having a personal touch, I'll take the personal touch. I'll go with the retailer that asks me before they leave for Comic-Con, "Hey Wally, do you want us to look for anything while we're down there?" I'll go with the shop that charges me full price on my comics, but when they get shorted on their Green Lantern Bearbrick order they make sure I'm offered one because I'm a Green Lantern collector.
I get the aspect of saving money. I've told my shop owners that while I'd love to order everything from them a five dollar difference on action figures is too much to rationalize when I know I want to buy a whole set and I can get them for that much less at a large retail store. They appreciate me being candid and see the sense in me making that decision. They work to be a good comic store, and I do my best to be a good customer. We both want to make sure we're being smart with our money, but we both must also make sure we're doing what we can to support each other. They want customers, I want a store. But I think it's fair to say they'd prefer quality customers, and I know I want a quality store.
DC's new 52 has really brought out something in people, and that is concern. The thing I hope they realize is that they aren't just concerned about things changing, they are also worried about quality. The new 52 may be scary for some folks (many have already run for the hills), but if its quality then there is a lot of potential for success. The same goes for stores and customers. They also have to adapt to the changes, but with each other and I would hope personal interaction makes those choices wiser. What do you look for in what you read? Quantity or quality? I'm guessing you'd look for the same as a retailer or customer. At least I hope you would. If who you buy your comics from doesn't know WHO you are, then I would be concerned about what they KNOW you are. That would be a source of money. If you find a deal too good to pass up, then go for it. Just don't expect it from those who can't offer it.
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