Battleground Games Forum
Miniature Games => Warmachine / Hordes => Topic started by: Chase on May 30, 2012, 11:30:09 PM
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It has been brought to my attention that a few of the regulars are disappointed in the WM/H stock at both the Abington and Plainville locations.
This is due to a combination of the following things, as well as others:
1) The unreliable availability of items, especially new or newer, through the distribution channels that we use (the two largest in the country).
2) The sales trends / interest levels over the winter and spring + lack of apparent interest at PAX.
3) The displacement of core players to other systems.
Battleground has always tried to represent WM/H. We have never made an attempt to stock the entire line. Our stock levels have adjusted with interest, popularity, influx of new players, and event interest + attendance. When it comes to our regulars we have always gone with the, "request it and we'll do our best to get it here ASAP" method vs. the "try to keep multiples of everything good on the shelf" method.
If players would like specific models PLEASE let ME know about it.
Further, if the more experienced players / members of the community notice that our stock on certain, critical models is non-existent or below where they know it should be, please bring it to our attention.
We have zero interest in disappointing any of our players. Our stock simply reflects trends that may or may not be apparent. (Ex. last summer WM/H had a bit of an explosion, so both locations increased their stock to support that, this spring we saw the opposite and adjusted to support that.) If the Colossals breath life back into the WM/H community, our stock will likely reflect that.
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*cough* minuteman light warjack for cygnar *cough*
Only complaint I have Chase, is the lack of the new releases. I understand the problem well enough and am willing to wait but it is a bit annoying.
The minuteman was almost a comical representation of the problem. Sean's league helped, well with me and I even noticed some new people coming around.
I'm just not quite sure what we are going to do with the 6 magnus warcasters on the wall. ;)
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I think we should try to get some regular WM/H events going again. I know I missed some last ones (but that is because you always schedule them when I am away for something else chase!).
I prefer events in plainville, but I would go to abington for a tournament (I was moving the weekend of the last one).
As for leagues, I would really only be able to do plainville.
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What he said ^
I honestly don't mind the supply issue, i have found that if i order something through you guys I get it pretty promptly. But i do think that a good way to get some interest going would be to have another event. Even with the small battle box tournament, a bunch of non regulars showed up who said they lived close and would like more events. I think another steam roller or a league of some kind would be a great way to raise the interest levels. Just my two cents
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The reality of gamers is that they're impulsive. If they're in the store and go 'I want a unit of Stormblades' and it's there, they're gonna get it. That impulse leaves almost as soon as thry leave the store. They might goget it online, but they will likely not buy it or want to wait. That's a core unit that every store should have in stock.
There are core things that should be in stock. If a new player is gonna start Cygnar (for example), they'll probably want gun mages, stormblades w/UA and Ol Rowdy.
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Sounds like new players need to get in to magnus
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The reality of gamers is that they're impulsive. If they're in the store and go 'I want a unit of Stormblades' and it's there, they're gonna get it.
As someone who has been thinking/trying to get into the game this is exactly what I have been trying to do for a while. I tend to shop at battle grounds using the "Shiny Penny Method" where I see something that catches my eye. Either a unit I was told was good for one of the WM/H forces I'm trying to build, or I think of an idea for that model that is just way beyond my skill level, but looks really cool in my imagination.
So in closing please order some core/useful units for Warmachine.
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Yeah, one particular thing i noticed, no winter guard infantry, or steel head infantry. Both of those are tremendously popular. +1 for core units
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If regulars would like specific models, please ask whoever is at the desk to make sure it gets ordered.
Having multiples of old, dead models is a result of Dave Goss syndrome (where people order stuff and never buy it), shifting product between the stores, ordering mistakes, distributor mistakes, product mistakes, and number changes.
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Having multiples of old, dead models is a result of Dave Goss syndrome (where people order stuff and never buy it
Lol! ;D
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So Chase, there is the thread about Colossals and the new book...
Just saying, I know that will continue the spark of interest and those models should be stocked as well.
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So Chase, there is the thread about Colossals and the new book...
Just saying, I know that will continue the spark of interest and those models should be stocked as well.
They should be stocked, but I don't know how well. Since the rules for Colossals came out in the newest NQ I don't know how many copies of the book it would be necessary to get. Plus I don't know how many $125-135 models people plan on getting. For everyone like me who will eventually own several between all my factions, there's probably like five or so casual gamers who will take a pass on them. New releases spark interest in the game, but I don't know if you ought to go crazy ordering tons of new stuff.
A lot of it is cyclical and its easy to see it from all sides. As a customer you want options whenever you walk into a store. As a store owner you can't always have everything available, and sometimes you adjust to interest. But then again stock can affect interest so it can be a tough call when it comes time to place orders.
In short I'd say that I get BG's overall position, but would suggest maybe having a few staple items on the wall. The thing with Warmachine and Hordes is that one or two models can totally change the dynamic of your list. I'd consider having one of each caster (save maybe the pricey ones like Terminus and Karchev) and the plastic jack/beast kits available.
When it comes to PP I think what you have to do is capitalize on the influx when it happens. PP tends to hit you with both barrels in the summertime, but then leave you hanging as the winter months set in. I won't get into it, but I think their production issues from a year or so ago hurt things. Waiting 18+ months for models to come out is both bullshit and an interest killer. I think it would be wise to mobilize for the summer months and take advantage of the excitement for the new releases. There's a good release event package available that would be fun. Maybe a bigger tournament (50-75) later in the summer once 2-3 Colossals are on the shelves?
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There's a good release event package available that would be fun. Maybe a bigger tournament (50-75) later in the summer once 2-3 Colossals are WoldWrath is on the shelves?
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So Chase, there is the thread about Colossals and the new book...
Just saying, I know that will continue the spark of interest and those models should be stocked as well.
Here's what will likely happen with the Colossals and new book:
We will order a bunch of copies of the new book and when each Colossal comes out we will order enough of that particular one to cover preorders + 1 or 2. After that, the particular Colossal will likely be out of stock for 2-3 months. That's how new shit from PP works, esp. cool new shit.
This gives us a couple choices... We can order more than normal and hope, or we can order the normal amount and potentially not have any in stock for a long, long time.
If players are sure they are going to pick one or more up, please let us know about it ahead of time. 135 dollar models are a very, very strange thing for the game store... Good thing they look totally badass.
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I will be sure to email, post here, post on facebook and smoke signal you then. ;)
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I promise, it's extremely frustrating to MAYBE get your preorders filled and then not be able to order a new model for months.
For instance... In theory a couple Minutemen are in Plainville as of 2:00pm today. First time since the model went on sale.
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I promise, it's extremely frustrating to MAYBE get your preorders filled and then not be able to order a new model for months.
For instance... In theory a couple Minutemen are in Plainville as of 2:00pm today. First time since the model went on sale.
:o
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2zyiq1v.jpg)
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I had ordered all of the available WM warcasters and a few other units for each faction.
Hopefully it ships.
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I know there are about 4-5 new people who just showed up, and are starting to get into the game, so this might be helpful.
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i better get the solo i want! ((shakes fist))
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Uh oh ed, im also looking for solos, what do you have your eye on?
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grey lords they are so much fun to paint and drawfs
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Ah, in that case, i don't think we will have a problem. you picking up rhul mercs?
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Is there a way for us to double check what the other store has? I don't want to use up a phone call like that and I've never been to the Plainville store before, but I try not to use up a trip if I can....
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i allready have dwarfs i'm missing thor searforge suck balls though i just use highborn
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If regulars would like specific models, please ask whoever is at the desk to make sure it gets ordered.
Having multiples of old, dead models is a result of Dave Goss syndrome (where people order stuff and never buy it), shifting product between the stores, ordering mistakes, distributor mistakes, product mistakes, and number changes.
I never wanted bad models in my life.
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I actually HELP your stock by ordering models that make people win, and then not buying them. Face it you're just jealous I'm better at ordering models than you :P
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I actually HELP your stock by ordering models that make people win, and then not buying them. Face it you're just jealous I'm better at ordering models than you :P
Yeah, it's really funny to joke about costing the store money. Another way to go would be to apologize to Derek/Chase for being such a tool.
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Hug it out.
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I actually HELP your stock by ordering models that make people win, and then not buying them. Face it you're just jealous I'm better at ordering models than you :P
Yeah, it's really funny to joke about costing the store money. Another way to go would be to apologize to Derek/Chase for being such a tool.
(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6206/kelsoburnp.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/kelsoburnp.jpg/)
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Yeah, it's really funny to joke about being keith. Another way to go would be to apologize to Derek/Chase for being such a tool.
Fixed it for you BRO
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Goss, i think i see a cave over there on the other side of the internet, run along home!
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I'll have you deported back to Canada
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better men than you have tried =P
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I actually HELP your stock by ordering models that make people win, and then not buying them. Face it you're just jealous I'm better at ordering models than you :P
No one needs / wants eGaspy and the Cryx Battle Engine.
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Yeah, it's really funny to joke about being keith. Another way to go would be to apologize to Derek/Chase for being such a tool.
Fixed it for you BRO
You are worthless.
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I don't like peanut butter. You jelly?
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You can't win, Kieth. If you strike him down, he shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine. :o
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That or he will continue to act like a man child. Honestly, if it bugs, you ignore him, everyone, and he will get bores.
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Chase,
I know that the store in Wareham goes through 5 different distributors. I am not sure which ones. And even he sometimes has problems getting certain things. It's PP's lack of keeping up with their own line. Nothing you can do but try to maybe get the models through somewhere else. Have a back up distributor(s).
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It's PP's lack of keeping up with their own line
I don't even really "play" warmachine and I notice this. I was on thier website looking for things like the WM 2 person starter box and the Khador paint set and I could not find them, wierd.
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Plainville should have a decent restock in terms of Warmachine today. Lots of warcasters, a few important boxes for each faction, and the Stormwall.
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i got what i wanted! smiley face (for the bitches)
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No more storm wall =P
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They put up all the Bits for individual Sale on the website Except for the ones I am Looking for. The main thing keeping me from trying to heavily get into Warmachine is the lack of forgiveness the game has. You have a bad list your going to get schooled. Then the good stuff you need to play the game is always Out of Stock cause they can't keep up with the demand but they are willing to pump out new crap for people to buy such as Colossals and new Casters which will be out of Stock for months and when it finally can be stocked they will put some new crap you can't get a hold of for months. Privateer Press needs to get in gear imho with getting their stock to a achievable level so people can buy it.
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No more storm wall =P
Come to Abington, I got my 2 and there should be a couple more.
EDIT:
There was at least 1-2 when I left today.
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Me!? Stormwall!? The very idea! If i had the money, the Galleon would be the only colossal for me.
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Come to Abington, I got my 2
2!! Wow, I know your list when they do 30 point tournys (depending on how much each thing costs): 2 stormwalls and a caster ::)
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Based on what I've heard, read, and seen personally, if you got a Stormwall and the box contents were complete and correct you should consider yourself lucky.
It's a damn shame that 4 of the 5 Stormwalls I've seen opened have had large problems. Two of them were missing the friggin torso!!! How does that happen?!
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huh, willem's was fine, he was pumped about how good the model is, guess he is the lucky one, but when he opened it, the torso was under the plastic piece in the actual cardboard box, i would check there.
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I can promise you that the torso was missing in 2 of the 5 I've seen opened.
Willem opened the only one that was perfect.
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That really sucks lets hope PP is good about getting replacement parts, but even if they do, it still really blows.
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Nick's was fine as well. I'll check mine later. Trying to finish those Precusor Knights you ordered for me a year ago, Chase. ;)
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I am impressed at the self restraint you showed, if i got something that cool, i would have opened it with a minute of purchase. Good luck!
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Mispacks and miscasts seem pretty rampant with the Stormwall. I'd advise anyone who got one to inspect the molding on the legs. Especially if you got the single-piece legs as the problems with them can range beyond what can be handled with an Xacto (i.e. the acceptable amount of flash on a $135 model).
Apparently the 'newer' ones contain two-part legs (metal lower leg, resin upper leg) so if you're requesting parts you may want to inquire about that.
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The redesigned leg is much better from what I've seen.
As for the missing torso, I've heard of that a lot and can see it happening easily because of the board that separates it from the rest of the kit. It's easy to not see the torso if you are just dropping bits on top of the board while the box is on a conveyor belt. The packers can't see or feel that it's missing because they haven't picked up the box.
If the torso is the last thing they put in the box, however, WTF.
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Our distributors have told us that Privateer Press would like to handle all issues concerning the Stormwall.
Which sort of sucks. :(
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Our distributors have told us that Privateer Press would like to handle all issues concerning the Stormwall.
Which sort of sucks. :(
I like it how the company is "owning up" to it's mistakes. But it does suck because it will probley take a little longer for extra bitz/ new models
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Seriously they do take forever. I've been asking for a Kommander Strakhov at the Abington store for months, and NOW they get like 5!
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One thing I got to say about GW they have great customer service. I had a small problem with a pretty expensive model (around $45) and when I asked a thing of simple green stuff they then sent me a brand new model nothing and all within 3 days. I don't know how good PP is but if thier as good as GW in this area everyone should get new stormwalls in no time!
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a other week got all the models i wanted
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So is everyone past the colossals will ruin the game phase? Because it's time to bitch about how terrible rhinos are now.
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So is everyone past the colossals will ruin the game phase? Because it's time to bitch about how terrible rhinos are now.
I was never in the 'Colossals will ruin the game phase'. I like when stuff progresses and I think it'll be new and fun. I can't wait to scrap my first one. :)
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I was on the fence about Battle Engines when they were announced, but was ultimately won over. I think that prepared me for Colossals. I was maybe a little uncertain, but I never thought they'd break the game or anything.
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I admit that i was concerned for a while, but now it seems like it has more or less balanced out. How ever, i can still see some combos that just seem broken, like Darius, arlan, 2x stormwalls. But privateer press has done a good job so far, im sure this will be just like the battle engines.