nickdemeato

1 hour ago, slym2none said:

Where the HELL did anyone ever say that?

Curious, do you have first-hand knowledge of what kids do at all? The ones I see are playing video games, or picking up sticks outside, or picking their nose. I am around a few children and I don't ever see them looking at eBay for comic prices, ever, but I am not around every child so I can't say for sure.

Can you?



-slym

On 3/3/2020 at 12:00 AM, BL4Z3 said:

On 3/2/2020 at 11:35 PM, nickdemeato said:

Children have parents and or guardians who can act on their behalf. So the contract would be between the parent and the buyer. Im a little in disbelief I had to write that. Is it really so far beyond your imagination that this could be happening? Im not talking about a large % im not even saying its a lot. For you to dismiss it like its just not possible. Did you really never sell something when where youger to buy something else? I think I even said before that the parents would sell it on ebay. 

I said the above. Someone called that entire quote the dumbest thing they have seen. I am trying to find out what was the dumb part. I asked that question to see if thats why it was called dumb. If thats what they thought was dumb.

I have 1st hand knowledge of what the kids that I know do. 2 out of about 10 read comics. 13 and 11 year old boy. Single mother, pretty poor. Usually just stuff that I throw their way but they have started to buy their own within the last 6 months with some money they make tidying gardens and the like. I think twice they asked me to put some drek on ebay. I just kept it a week then gave them £20. It was just some stuff I gave to them in the 1st place and now Ive bought it twice and overpaid the 2nd. Nearly all the rest of the kids are under 6.

My point. No one knows what all the kids are doing. But somehow some people here are certain that this is not happening anywhere. Impossible.

None of the 10 children I know play Ice Hockey. I would never say no kids play ice hockey. Yet some people think because they know 5 kids who dont do this, that no ones doing it.

You know some kids bring crisps and choc into school to sell to their class mates? Not too big a leap to think someone might figure out they could do that with comics.

1 hour ago, Hollywood1892 said:

there is alot of division in the collecting community and perception of things contribute to it

This is usually the case in most hobbys IMO. Some people think only their way of doing things is the correct way. A hobby that spans the world, millions reading different things, buying for different reasons but some always feel their way is the only way. Nothing else could be true.

On 3/4/2020 at 3:15 PM, siro123 said:

Yes comic stores can sell digital on there websites and make 33% of the digital sale for the store. 

Any comic store with a website can do this and have this as a backup option if they so choose but most dont.

This I did not know. Maybe scared to even start directing people to buy digital. They may never come back.

On 3/3/2020 at 6:26 PM, slym2none said:

I have worked in retail, many shops, over many years. Some of them have been comic shops. There is a difference.



-slym

What would be the thing that happens only in the comic shop that wouldnt happen in another retail store or how does it differ? Obviously DnD and Magic and stuff like that maybe? The only thing Ive noticed different about comic shops is the mass of people chatting around the till to the owner for hours on end 

On 3/3/2020 at 1:31 PM, 1Cool said:

Is it just me or did books selling out and becoming $20 books overnight part of the reason you started collecting comics way back when?  I loved reading (and rereading) the books and loved to complete sets but part of the thrill was knowing my books could jump in value.  The search for that sold out issue of Green Arrow Long Bow Hunter was what really got the collecting juice going. The argument that readers should get first shot at books is kind of moot since any reader of comics can preorder books and have them waiting for them to read.  Readers of comics do not see the headlines of a hot new book and run out to the shops and buy a copy to read.  They want the complete set and they would have bought issues 1 - 3 via preorder.

Can readers hear about a hot book they skipped over and want to pick up a copy to see what the hype is about - sure.  A ton of readers are collectors so I'm sure they are pissed they can't get the books they want but that has been the market forever since Independent Black and White books sold out in minutes way back in the 80s.  Is anyone actually reading these recent hot Batman books - are they good?

I just liked the story. I was told regular by the shop owner not to expect any to go up in price. It is good now to be able to make some money from a hobby, to see something go on ebay that you have and dont care about. Get it sold and get something you do are about.

On 3/3/2020 at 4:14 AM, Lazyboy said:

On 3/2/2020 at 11:35 PM, nickdemeato said:

While some potential is better than no potential all you have at that moment either way is one comic sale. Nothing more. If someone is reaching you cash for something your selling take it. You have no way of knowing. So take things in your own hands and manage your stock for the benefit of your regulars. Complaining about speccers helps no one.

Why do you never acknowledge the fact that if a comic is as hot as the one(s) in question that it's a seller's market? There's no reason for a store to sell a hot new book to somebody that they know is ultimately hurting them for their own benefit. Smart stores consider more than just short-term gain.

If the comic isn't new or hot, that's a different story, but in that case they aren't getting any money from those who expect to go shopping and find a $20 bill on the shelf marked at $5.

I didnt feel the need to. It is a sellers market. I didnt think that was in the discussion. The person who has the thing everyone wants is in control.

I agree, the comic shop should do what is best for them.

On 2/29/2020 at 3:05 PM, nickdemeato said:

If your worried about meeting your regulars demands dont you just hold some back then tell those who are still looking that some may drop out of pull boxes and they should call in a week (or whatever date you decide to put them back out).

Thats from my 1st post on this. I agree with you. The comic shop should do what is best for their long term. Ive said that from the start. I have no problem with that. Im saying this guys ranting and swearing in a bleeding cool article when all he has to do is manage his stock for the benefit of his customers.

On 3/3/2020 at 4:14 AM, Lazyboy said:

If the comic isn't new or hot, that's a different story, but in that case they aren't getting any money from those who expect to go shopping and find a $20 bill on the shelf marked at $5.

I mean if they do have a $20 on sale for $5 then they make the $5. Which is what they wanted for the $20, otherwise they would have asked more?

I think we basically agree, Its on the shop to make sure they get what they need and its run for long term success. I just dont think its good to put everything on general sale then blame flippers when the shop sells them what they ask and they have nothing left for regular readers. They need to take action to prevent that, as hoping that flippers care more about your other customers is not likely to happen.

On 3/3/2020 at 12:00 AM, BL4Z3 said:

On 3/2/2020 at 11:35 PM, nickdemeato said:

Children have parents and or guardians who can act on their behalf. So the contract would be between the parent and the buyer. Im a little in disbelief I had to write that. Is it really so far beyond your imagination that this could be happening? Im not talking about a large % im not even saying its a lot. For you to dismiss it like its just not possible. Did you really never sell something when where youger to buy something else? I think I even said before that the parents would sell it on ebay. 

Now THIS has to be sarcasm. If it's not, it's one of the dumbest comic posts I've ever read 

Can somebody fill me in on this? Whats so dumb? The idea there are children buying comics? That they would be smart enough to see a thing one place at a much cheaper price than it sells for somewhere else, then take advantage? That they get help from their parents?

Or that I spelled younger wrong?

19 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

You did. Children are not capable of flipping comics, because they are children, and aren't allowed to sell.

20 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

Yeah, children cannot legally enter into contracts, so I'm not sure why you think the kid who reads Spiderman is going to flip a copy of Hell Arisen #3 to fund his future purchases.

Children have parents and or guardians who can act on their behalf. So the contract would be between the parent and the buyer. Im a little in disbelief I had to write that. Is it really so far beyond your imagination that this could be happening? Im not talking about a large % im not even saying its a lot. For you to dismiss it like its just not possible. Did you really never sell something when where youger to buy something else? I think I even said before that the parents would sell it on ebay. 

26 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

And that's why you don't understand why retailers have a problem with people buying who have no intention...and history has borne this out...of becoming regular customers.

I understand that they want to get the repeat business. So do all business.

26 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

Sure they can. Why? Because that someone will not be around next month to put money in their till. And, the reader who missed out on that copy gives up.

So, instead of having two sales of two issues, you have a single sale of a single issue. Yay for shortsightedness.

Wash, rinse, repeat, and there goes an entire industry.

Well of course they can, they can even do sweary articles about it telling people not to come to the store. Is it a good idea tho.

While some potential is better than no potential all you have at that moment either way is one comic sale. Nothing more. If someone is reaching you cash for something your selling take it. You have no way of knowing. So take things in your own hands and manage your stock for the benefit of your regulars. Complaining about speccers helps no one.

48 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

You tell 'em. Those dummies want to read the story in the format they like can go jump off a cliff. You'll read it in digital or not at all!!

You need to decide how much they want to read it. Is it really important to them and they need to read it. Well its there, if you want to read it, all you have to do is read it. How important is the story? If its not that important you couldnt stand reading it digital then wait for a reprint. These can not be controversial opinions.

54 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

but this is the comic book industry delays in getting what you want should be expected at this point.

56 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

Wha....?

Oh sometimes comic books get delayed. They are supposed to come out one month but it doesnt come out until the next month. You know, not getting it when you thought you where. Cause it was delayed. It happens. People should be used to not getting things the month they expect. Like waiting for a reprint. A little joke. No I guess was the problem.

54 minutes ago, BL4Z3 said:

Now you're moving the goalposts. You were talking about first prints that the LCS didn't have enough of in the first place.

Moving the goalposts again. What does this have to do with people who don't order from Previews in the first place?

But to answer, let me review the past 25 years...

Nope.

I have intentionally not ordered a comic because I didn't want to commit/stick my LCS with extra copies, and then purchased that  one off the rack. If they sold out of a book like that, guess whose fault that is: mine. Too bad so sad for me, suck it up buttercup.

No, I say he can only deal with what he has in the shop. That deals with your point about pulling them from his butt. You see he cant do that, he doesnt have any in his butt, he only has the ones delivered to his shop. So he has to make sure he keeps those for his regular, loyal customers and not sell them to some rando hes never seen before. Then I start a new sentence, on a new topic, to offer the information that all is not lost for the shop keep as he can still take orders for later printings. Making him money.

Moving the goalposts again. What does this have to do with people who don't order from Previews in the first place?

Twice no. You ask why dont people open a pull list in advance, why not order from previews. I offered my answer in the form of a question. Tricky I know. The idea, you see, is to get you to consider the idea, if only for a fleeting moment. That if you could forget something, then you could consider that not everyone knows every single comic which is getting released every month. That someone, even one with the coveted pull list, would be so remiss and utter the words "ah, what? I didnt know that was out this month." Shocking I know but this tale has root in fact. Fact I tell you. Basically Im saying, with all the stuff released, even if they did advance order they could have missed it. Forgot about it.

I have intentionally not ordered a comic because I didn't want to commit/stick my LCS with extra copies, and then purchased that  one off the rack. If they sold out of a book like that, guess whose fault that is: mine. Too bad so sad for me, suck it up buttercup.

Is this real or is this sarcasm, Im not sure I can tell anymore. So you wanted a book couldnt get it and you think thats fine. You know, if thats not sarcasm, that you agree with me. That if something goes on sale and you miss it thats too bad. Please dont be sarcasm.

18 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

If you're going to move the goalposts, how can anyone be expected to answer?

So those children are going to buy a copy of Hell Arisen #3, flip it on eBay, so they can afford to buy another comic...? So the person reading for fun is going to do the same? 

You're constructing straw men and knocking them down. That's not how it works.

And you're fine with denying someone who actually DOES want to read Hell Arisen #3, so someone else can make money off of it...? 

Sure, which is why you don't understand the special rigors that comics retailers go to just to stay afloat. There's a whole separate discussion about whether they should, but that's for another thread. You should go to a Diamond Retailer Summit...it's pretty eye opening.

So that poor reader is denied access to the book, just so someone else can profit...? And if they don't want to read digital, because they prefer holding a copy in their hands...? Too bad, so sad.

I'm labeling this ahead of time, so there's no misunderstanding: this is a paraphrase "too bad, reader, you have to wait for a reprint, cuz there's CASH to be made, sucka!!"

And you don't understand how and why that frustrates readers and drives them away...?

I should not have had to...on the day of release!...try to scramble to get a copy of Walking Dead #193 because Robert Kirkman wanted to play games, and be told "it's selling for $30 online!" as if I cared. I will NEVER buy another Kirkman book new because of it. I supported him by buying my copy, month in and month out, for several years. And because speculeeches just HAD to make that extra $20, I couldn't buy a SINGLE COPY. On the DAY OF RELEASE. ANYWHERE.

Wash, rinse, repeat, over and over and over, and you destroy an entire industry.

 

I said

Yeah I get you, but you have assumed that all who speculate never read a comic. Have you really never talked to someone who was not well off and would flip to be able to keep reading? Is it really that bad that some poor kid sees a book in a shop he can flip and be able to afford his pull list the next month. 

you said

Yes. It is. As someone who has worked in and around the industry for 30+ years, what you're suggesting is pure fiction; it doesn't happen. If someone is "not well off", why are they wasting their money on comics in the first place...? That's nothing more than gambling.

I said

No one just reads comics? No children buy spiderman? In over 30 years youve never seen anyone reading for fun? Who only had a limited budget to work with treating it as a hobby. Not starving or living on the streets. Just working within a budget.

"Ah man I wanted to start reading that Superior spiderman trade but it will have to wait until next month, not if I sell that Hells Arisen #3 it wont"

Never?

Both times Im talking about someone who reads comics who may flip one for some extra comic cash. I dont believe I moved the goalposts. I think because I said speculate in the 1st sentence then start a 2nd where Im talking about the flip you thought that I was talking about some poor kid buying 50 copys of the new ASM#1. Which is why you say gambling. That is not what I am talking about. Like in the superior spiderman example. Sorry if its not clear.

I Am fine with someone missing out on wanting to get the comic and someone getting it who wants to rip it up into little bits then do a fun dance around it. You will never understand how little I could care about why people buy what they buy.

If the comic shop, web or brick, doesnt catch on and do what is best for their customers they cannot point the finger at someone who put money in their till.

For your personal WD193 issue problem I was right there with you. I couldnt get one either. So I waited.

So those children are going to buy a copy of Hell Arisen #3, flip it on eBay, so they can afford to buy another comic...? So the person reading for fun is going to do the same? 

I mean, in this case they might. Its a 4 part series. Not setting the world on fire. Read #4 and get the set listed. Maybe that would pay for another 4 part series next month. The price is going to drop off.

So that poor reader is denied access to the book, just so someone else can profit...?

Yeah, some people miss out. For whatever reason the other person bought the book. To donate to charity, cause they just liked the cover or because they wanted to sell it.

If people cant get the paper copy and want to read the story that bad they can use the digital. I understand the digital doesnt help the comic shop, but if the argument is people need to read the story, then they can. If its that doesnt help the comic shop your right. This is why the comic shop should do as Bookery said in their post.

I understand that people not getting what they want is a problem, but this is the comic book industry delays in getting what you want should be expected at this point.

3 hours ago, BL4Z3 said:

So eff those ruiners of the hobby.

Yes it is, because you don't seem to understand how ordering comics works.

I understand how it works.

3 hours ago, BL4Z3 said:

How does he do this, pull extra copies out if his butt?

No, he can only deal with the issues he has, in his shop. Fills his pull orders then does as Bookery says. Maybe he can order or take orders for later prints.

3 hours ago, BL4Z3 said:

Why can't they start a pull list and order copies in advance?

Youve really never missed something in previews that turned out to be something you might want to read?

3 hours ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

Yes. It is. As someone who has worked in and around the industry for 30+ years, what you're suggesting is pure fiction; it doesn't happen. If someone is "not well off", why are they wasting their money on comics in the first place...? That's nothing more than gambling.

No one just reads comics? No children buy spiderman? In over 30 years youve never seen anyone reading for fun? Who only had a limited budget to work with treating it as a hobby. Not starving or living on the streets. Just working within a budget.

"Ah man I wanted to start reading that Superior spiderman trade but it will have to wait until next month, not if I sell that Hells Arisen #3 it wont"

Never?

3 hours ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

You've never owned a comic book store, right...?

I recommend reading the excellent book "The Comic Book Wars" by Dan Raviv. It touches on a lot of why the comics market imploded in the 90s.

https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Wars-Marvels-Battle-Survival/dp/0785116060

Never ever. I have worked in retail for 20 years. I dont see why running a comic shop day to day would be any different. I understand about the advanced ordering I asked Diamond to send me information about opening an account. Then wised up super quick.

Would it not be fair to say the publishers have learned from their mistakes? Theres more 2nd printings now, more 5th printings. It feels more like they are just filling demand. Orders for later print hits a certain order level no more copies. No massive overprints, although you could name a couple I dont know. Dont get me wrong the variants for #1s are getting a little out of hand and we are back at the card stock, foil cover stage which is a little worrying. With the mouse in the house at Marvel would it not take a massive event for something to go wrong there. Are DC backed/owned by WB or is that a colaberation?

Depending on how much you value Comichron numbers the market is growing. How much is spec or how much of the market is readers who really knows. Comichron also say digital sales grew from 25m in 2011 to 100m in 2014, dropped off to 90m then back up to 100m in 2018.

Ive found that book on the UK Amazon, I will give it a read, thanks.

2 hours ago, mec3437 said:

I get what you're going for, but if someone has to flip a comic to be able to afford their pull list then it might be time to step back and reevaluate their financial status.  

Cheers, but just because you work within a budget does not mean you are in danger of being evicted.

He walks into a store and he sees Hells Arisen #3 cover price. He knows he can sell it for $x. He does so and comes back next week and gets a trade or that titty statue he had his eye on. Has that been a bad thing or a good thing for the comic shop? I understand he may not spend it there at all but the idea that everyone who would do that is some mass drain sucking the very life out of the industry. That guys putting back in.

Also they may only be 9, trying to fund their hobby that their parents think is just dumb comics,so they are happy to get rid of them on ebay... No titty statue for them tho

I probably shouldnt have said for the pull list that gave the wrong idea. Supplement.. buy more comics? Some people just want to buy more comics. I hear they are very good.

1 hour ago, Logan510 said:

A lot of booths were selling homemade stuff using copyrighted characters, there was even at least one bootleg DVD booth and I know that's 100% illegal.

1 hour ago, Raze said:

Yeah I saw those. And was thinking the same thing. Reed Pop should put an end to that. 
 

I think both Reed Pop and the seller could get in big trouble. Does anyone how that works?

1 hour ago, Raze said:

@OtherEric thanks for the info. Istill want to know if Reed Pop can be sued though.

There was a small show here in st louis were someone wanted to sell bootleg dvds and the show said NO and they couldnt set up.

I suppose it comes down to if someone complains to the proper people. There are often stalls like this at car boot sales and they stay around because some people like getting cheap DVDs. Some people who visit tut but say nothing. Maybe a British thing. Reed Pop could claim ignorance depending what was on the application for the stall, but I would imagine they would get some sort of fine. I have no real knowledge to base any of this on

42 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

It's a paraphrase, not a quote. As has been explained already at some length in this thread, the comics industry is a shadow of what it used to be. That's because people...speculeeches...come in and scoop everything up so they can flip the book for profit. This denies the reader a chance to buy the book. Do you think the speculeeches will magically turn into readers...? They do not. You won't see them again until the next "hot book" comes to town.

Meanwhile, your readers get frustrated and stop buying altogether. And that's why the best selling books in the industry struggle to sell 100,000 copies in a nation (continent, really) of over 350,000,000 people.

Obviously, the goal is to sell everything, yes. But what you're not understanding is that if you drive away readers, your business will fail. The speculeeches do not care.

Cool cool. Should it be in quotation marks then? --------> Thats a genuine question I dont know the answer to.  Not trying to pick a fight

Yeah I get you, but you have assumed that all who speculate never read a comic. Have you really never talked to someone who was not well off and would flip to be able to keep reading? Is it really that bad that some poor kid sees a book in a shop he can flip and be able to afford his pull list the next month. (Also I am assuming you are using speculeeches to cover all who flip, not just those advanced ordering as that is not the issue here)

Is it really beyond a retailer to put some of a hot book aside, when they realise its hot, for their customers? For them to manage their shop how they need to?

If we split it into advanced order people and buy in the shop after release people. How does someone ordering in advance hurt the shop? They dont do they? (unless they dont pay, but you would take deposits for big advanced orders). The person buying in the shop can only buy what is available, on a shelf or a rack. They can only buy what they are able to. Manage your own shop.

It defo cant be good for business to be telling current and potential customers to F off though. Work with your staff on how to deal with it. Dont put a sweary article on bleeding cool.

(I dont know if you have a shop or not, assume I am always talking about a retailer not you you )

24 minutes ago, theCapraAegagrus said:

#ApostrophesTriggered

LOL I had to google to see what than means. Sorry Bruh.

On 2/29/2020 at 5:07 PM, RockMyAmadeus said:

"You guys who read comics? Yeah, you'll have to do it digitally, or wait for the trade to come out. This book's for people to make money on, not read!"

I think you are quoting something I did not say.

For the retailer the book is for selling. He is refusing to do this as he doesnt like what some people do with it after. I think he should be able to do this, I do not think it is a good way to do business.

On 2/29/2020 at 5:33 PM, BL4Z3 said:

I can see you don't understand. Sorry.

That proves my point even more. If they don't read Bats or DC, why do they want to buy this book all of a sudden? One answer: greed.

If they didn't order it from Previews or put it on their Pull List in a timely manner, screw 'em.

I think I understand just fine. This is not something overly complicated.

I am saying that as a retailer who is in business to sell new comics to those who want them, he should sell comics to those who want them. I dont care that he doesnt like flippers. I dont care if he has Tony Tuesdays and wont sell to anyone not named Tony. Or he wont sell a statue to someone who he thinks doesnt like the character enough or insert any type of person and a reason not to sell them something. I dont think thats a good idea for a retailer. Can that really be a wild opinion to hold. Should the guy have the right to refuse service to whoever he wants. Yes. Is it going to be good for business. Not Likely.

You are correct that someone who wants to buy the copy that didnt buy the others is wanting to flip that for money. So what? Especially if the retailer isnt going to sell them for the extra. Is it that hard for the guy to go count the number of #1s and #2s he has sold and keep at least that many #3's aside to make sure those people (his customers) can continue the series? Hes already leveraging #3 to get people to buy up his stock of #1 + #2's and good for him.

Maybe your right, maybe I dont understand it. Maybe telling current customers and potential customers to F off is the way to do business. I just dont think so. Wild and crazy I know.

On 3/1/2020 at 4:45 AM, Raze said:

These were hilarious in my opinion. I know I seem to like some childish things but I thought they were funny sooooo i’m going to post them!

1 hour ago, BL4Z3 said:

If I change a word can you see the difference?

You can change it to anything you like it doesnt change that this shop has something to sell and is unhappy that someone is trying to buy it. Oh but its the wrong TYPE of person you say. Oh, but I dont care, say I.

1 hour ago, BL4Z3 said:

Regulars order their copies from Previews two months in advance.

I was meaning more regulars who come to the shop but dont always buy Bats or even DC but may want it.

31 minutes ago, AnkurJ said:

eBay payment page gave an option to pay over 24 months but with 12.99% APR. Only terms were for items $600 and over. This promotion has been offered many times before and I’ve used it before too. When the ad is clicked it takes you to eBay. All 5 of the eBay reps I spoke with said the offer wasn’t from eBay. Seems to be their SOP to play stupid for any promotions.

Yeah they do be like that. I guess you could ask ebay why they are emailing you someone elses offers? Can you expect them to send you other offers from other people that also wont work?

Rather than complaining have you tried saying that you have seen THEIR offer and want to confirm how it works. Do you enter a code at the end of purchase or is it something else. Your just playing dumb until they say our offer or ebays offer. Then you can try and use that to your advantage. Oh Ive done that but its not working can you process it at your end or can you cancel it off.

I wouldnt call them either. I always use the messenger. That way everything they say is there in black and white and you get a copy at the end. Also you can stay on all day long. "Oh no its fine im happy to wait as you look into this".

Are you on the hook for this or will the seller cancel it for you?

10 hours ago, Raze said:

Random things I liked.

$12 a box!! Thats just cause its at a con and they are limited edition? Right? You guys dont have to pay $12 for Coco Pops right?

What does the invoice say? Bought with paypal credit but with an APR?

Can you still view that add? When you click it does it take you to ebay or paypal?

Are there any T&Cs which are cut off in the pic youve posted?

Typical ebay and paypall, blame each other.

Nothing really you can do if someone keeps making offers. I too would try to remain polite, I dont see that as a problem. If they keep making the same offer just keep sending the same reply.

" Thank you for your offer but I will decline. I would however accept $--- for the listing."

Aww man that sucks. You wonder what goes through peoples heads.