Shopping Local: The Benefits to Buying Your Gaming Goods in Person
The Internet has changed how we work, play and shop. For gamers, the Internet brings numerous advantages when it comes to getting books, dice, minis and maps for our games. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to go down to your local game store to pick up what you need. “Buying Local” has advantages that ordering the new “Ultimate Oozes” book off Amazon could never have.
The first advantage of buying local is getting a chance to look at what you’re buying before your buy it. Most stores I’ve been to are happy to let you flip through a book quick if you ask. Some stores may have store copies of books to let you look at if it’s a popular game. Getting a chance to look through a book can save you money and prevent disagreements at the table because of the contents.
A related benefit of going to a store in person is getting live feedback. While every game found online has plenty of reviews, you can often get more detailed information speaking to someone who runs a game store. Part of their job is to keep you coming back. If they sell you a game you don’t like, then you’re less likely to come back. I’ve found this to be particularly true with board games. With so many different styles, even popular board games aren’t for everyone. Having live feedback is can be a definite benefit.
One thing that shopping online cannot provide is the shared social experience of being in the same space. Even if you’re not actively participating in a game, I’ve wasted countless hours just engaged in the idle chitchat and discussions that happen when nerds gather. Be it debating game systems, swapping stories, or just talking about life, game stores provide a good environment to get and socialize. While forums and Facebook can function in the same way, I’ve found many fast friends at my local FLGS.
For those who run tabletop RPGs, the most important aspect of supporting your local FLGS has to be recruitment. While a number of Facebook groups and web pages are dedicated to helping players and GMs meet, I’ve found that the best way to recruit is meeting people in person. The staff may know if any regulars are looking to join a group. Organized play events can be recruiting grounds for home games. Some stores even provide play space for home groups.
While shopping online has its advantages, it seems counterproductive to abandon support for stores when the games we play typically require face-to-face contact. What good is buying a game online if it’s hard to find players? Support your friendly local game store is a good way to build the community, meet new people and have fun playing games.
Plus, who’d want to buy dice online? That takes all the fun out of it.
zeonsghost
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