Subject: Re: WOTC and Price Guides Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 15:03:37 GMT From: Brian Bailey Newsgroups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.misc In article <19981019203941.26566.00002071@ng88.aol.com>, gamecards1@aol.com (Gamecards1) wrote: >Looking at my new issue of The Duelist, I (as a retailer) was quite surprised >to see that Wizards of The Coast plans to publish a "price guide" in their next >issue of The Duelist...as someone who has a lot of experience in the Trading >Card Industry, I was shocked to see a manufacturer (let alone one like WoTC) >cross that so-called "line" seperating a manufacturer from a retailer... > >I would love to have a public discussion on this matter between other >wholesalers, retailers, and consumers... > >Richard > Well, I wasn't really surprised when WotC decided to do this. Even though they always claimed that they had no interest in the secondary market, it was probably too great a temptation for them. After all, WotC is compromised of normal people who are seeking to make a living like you and me. However, I feel that by printing price lists, they WILL affect the secondary market. For example, say that there are 2 stores in your town selling singles. If the Duelist prints Stroke of Genius at $12 and Scrye at $15, and each store follows one or the other, the store that follows the Duelist will receive the business. And vice versa, where applicable. I guess that it's no different than when companies print on their product a suggested retail price, and the store that sells it can choose what price. However, it just seems that it has the potential to spearate retailers and consumers, because of price differentials. Keep in mind, I'm not talking about loyal customers, but the occasional buyer who can't understand why the store's prices are different than his "official" price guide from WotC. Anyway, to sum up: I don't like it. We got by fine for 3+ years without a WotC price list, and I don't think we need it now. Mishra Always remember: Insanity is a question of when, not if