David,
Thanks for the clear explanation.
David Dunham wrote:
> Doug
>
>> For years I've heard that going through a FLGS was the better option.
>> The profit margin is higher for direct purchasing, but there are more
>> overall sales when a FLGS is involved. Is this no longer the case? I'd
>> prefer to order online, but I'm willing to go through the FLGS if that
>> helps out in the long run.
>
> NOT speaking for Moon Design here, but...
>
> Obviously Moon Design's margins are better for direct sales. (Good
> for Moon Design, and good for you if it helps Moon Design keep
> publishing more great products.)
>
> Obviously there's an advantage to you if you HAVE a FLGS to look at
> products, find other gamers, and make impulse purchases of dice. And
> you save on shipping.
>
> Less obvious is the value to Moon Design for a store purchase. If the
> store orders one copy just for you, it's bad for you (takes longer)
> and for Moon Design (lower margins). If the store orders enough
> copies that other people discover the game, it's good for you (larger
> player pool) and for Moon Design (greater revenue).
>
> I do have a FLGS, and have made purchases there of stocked items, but
> haven't had them order anything. I don't know for sure, but I imagine
> the likelihood of them ordering extra copies is not high -- there are
> just so many indie games out there.
>
> This is a bit of a chicken and egg thing (or maybe Alice's
> Restaurant). If you're the only one who orders through your FLGS,
> Moon Design doesn't benefit. If you're the first of several who order
> through the SAME FLGS, the store is going to see a trend and order
> extras.
>
> I think the calculations will vary depending on your local situation.
> If my local game store were especially friendly, I might be inclined
> to reward them by giving them my business. If a bunch of my gaming
> group were to be buying the game at the same time, I'd have them each
> order at the FLGS in order to kick-start sales. Failing that, I'd
> follow Moon Design's analysis and prefer direct orders.