QUOTE(retep @ Nov 6 2008, 11:10 AM)
Jesus christ, 85 bucks for sealed? For only 5 boosters? To be frank this a frigging blatant ripoff. If I were to buy the packs online it'll only cost RM9 each, which only amounts to 45 bucks for packs of 5, shipping excluded.
I know supporting local stores is critical to the local scene and the stores need to make some profit by marking up the price of the product etc. etc.
Screw this, I'm not going this weekend.
First off, some disclaimers.
I quit WoW TCG awhile back (although I sitll like to raid as game master, muahahaha. Playing overpowered cards and winning often is of course, fun), heavy Magic player. To be perfectly honest (although I'd probably be boo'ed hard by the people here), I don't care much about this game's survival. Also I don't own a business, I'm still a student at MMU, but I run both WoW and Magic tournaments and is the official TO for both games for my club which would explain why I'm more sympathetic towards Toybox in this case, and my insight over tournament events and prize payouts.
Point no 1 - it's hell way cheaper to buy online and ship over.Sure it is.
I'm assuming you're talking about buying from starcitygames. They sell DoW booster boxes at only 60USD for a box of 24. Which comes to 2.5 USD a pack, x 3.6 = RM9 a pack. You mention it doesn't include shipping - that's very convinient because cheapest shipping from starcitygames by the US Postal Service, is 31.5USD. That comes to 31.5x3.6 / 24 an additional RM4.7 a pack.
Which makes each booster cost RM13.7 - 70 cents more expensive than retail (If I remember correctly).
When you buy a booster from the shop, remember, they paid for the shipping, they paid the rent, electricity bills, water bills and all other expenses for a place you can play at, keeping it clean and comfortable for you at all times.
Also, don't forget when you buy product from your local store, you're showing UDE that there are people who play the game locally, and hence, more likely to receive more tournament support from UDE.
Unless of course you're not interested in having a nice comfy place to play at and don't care about tournament support from UDE.
In that case, enjoy paying your 70cents extra per pack.
Point no 2 - Toybox trying to rip us off!As far as I last remember, retail prices for boosters are RM13 each, which makes RM65 when x5. Take that cost out from the RM85 entry fee, you're paying RM20 for two EA cards and lots of chances to win boosters and other swag.
Let's take a 8 man tournament for example, which will typically call for 3 rounds of swiss. after 3 rounds, 1 player will have 3 wins, 3 with 2 wins, 3 with 1 win, 1 with 0 wins which means toybox will have to make a payout of 3+(2x3)+3 boosters = 12boosters.
12*13 = RM156, RM20 collected from each player x8 = RM160
Additional profit? RM4 - for a whole day of additional work.
*numbers of rounds are not mentioned, but by experience it will most probably be 4 at these sort of events, which is the norm for 9-16 players.
let's make a case for 16, which calls for at least 4 rounds in this case - most payout scenario, 1 x 4 wins, 4 x 3 wins, 6 x 2 wins, 4 x 1 wins, 1x 0 wins = payout = 4+12+12+4 = 32 packs x RM13 = RM416
money collected RM20 x 16 = RM320
additional profit = lost of RM96
But dude, you might say,
you're counting in a retail value of RM13, that includes the profit - the numbers and math are wrong!Well, what I'm trying to say is that they could have just sell their boosters as normal and not lose their usual profits without any extra effort. Alot of people will come and purchase DoW boosters from them I'm sure. Alot of people are excited about the new set and the new cards.
This way don't don't lose extra profit, less effort, obviously, this is the smarter thing to do. Right?
Well, no - both the retailers and players stand to lose.
Players lose the chance to get the special swag given out on the event, they lose the chance to get their hands on the EA promos, and they have less things to get excited about and one less avenue and event to gather and have fun at.
And lack of excitement and interest will eventually lead to the death of the game, which is bad for both retailer and player.
In summary, no I really doubt they're trying to make more profit or rip you off, retep.Besides, they're a business, making a profit and earning a living is something they have to do to survive and hopefully make enough to live comfortably just like any other job.
So go out there and buy a pack from your Friendly Neighbourhood Local Retail Store! Support your favourite game and your favourite hangout if you like them!
This post has been edited by qjwong: Nov 6 2008, 03:44 PM 
Feb 10 2008, 02:04 PM
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