My business boils down to a long string of relationships. To be successful at what I do, relationships are essential. Inbound associations with vendors, suppliers and representatives are just as important as community building, employee interactions and customer service. Building strong ties on all fronts gives me flexibility, knowledge, the ability to be competent and someone my customers can count on for "the juice" of gaming goodies.
If I haven't made it abundantly clear by now, good relationships work two ways. There's give and take on both ends of the equation. When it's a customer; I give them knowledge, wisdom, advice and a good amount of welcoming; and they in turn give me curiosity, interest, acceptance and participation (as an example).
Sometimes I get more than that from a customer- it's not uncommon for a regular to teach me a game, tell me about a new release, or otherwise pass information to me. I think that's a cool thing, because that means I can pass it on to other customers in turn. It's a two way street, and it works because it's mutual.
I expect that same kind of mutual consideration from the manufacturers and companies I do business with. It makes financial and business sense (to me) to treat the people that showcase your product, educate your customers, demonstrate your systems and otherwise get your merchandise into gamers' hands with respect and SOME kind of mutual dignity.
This expectation might be something close to insane or unrealistic; and if that's the case, I am sure you will let me know. However, I can't fathom a world where it's a smart business move to shit on the people that sell your product in retail outlets. I don't agree with or understand any scenario where treating the missionaries of your game worse than your customers (hell, worse than dirt) makes any kind of sense at all.
But it's happening.
The first time it happened, I was more than annoyed. I was honestly angry at the company in question, but I did my best not to discuss it too publicly. I felt an obligation as a purveyor of this company's products not to tarnish their image, and to promote their product so their items would sell. At that point in time, it helped that the company was launching a new product. The product itself was great, and in many ways, really good for a large group of customers. It made being excited about and for the company a little easier. I ate some crow and was quiet, because it does my customers NO good to hear bad things about the company producing the new doodad they have in their hands, and ultimately, I was making money and building relationships at the same time.
But it's happening again.
This time, I'm not staying quiet. I'm breaking out the big guns and telling you about the way a certain company is treating its retail partners. That is to say: like fucking crap.
I'm sure you have all heard that there is an official release date for Warhammer 40,000 6th edition. Some of you might even be excited, looking forward to reading all the rules and checking out what the changes will do to your armies. Quite a few of you have blogged about the announced date and are discussing whether the "new AP" you've heard about will enhance or destroy your favorite plastic dudesmen.
Me, I'm pissed off.
My monthly sales depend on miniatures. At one point in time, GW products made up 40% of my sales. I need the grimdark on the shelf in order to pay rent. It's just the way it is. I work hard to promote (outright pimp, in many cases) the 40K universe and the awesome models that GW puts out. I am giving GW more than profits, I'm giving them branding and awareness. That kind of marketing isn't anything a company can buy; and in many ways I think that marketing has lead to GW's prominence in the hobby world.
All of that to tell you: I found out about 6th edition's official date from Lantz and Paul . We didn't get any notice at all from GW. We heard about a major investment (both in time and money) not from the company we are supposed to have a relationship with; but from guys who are at least friends, if not customers.
This isn't the first time GW has pulled a stunt like this. Games Workshop has continuously shown me that they don't value me, or consider me a partner in any way. In the past six months, I've gotten better treatment from any number of avenues; and it really makes me mad. The "mushroom" treatment isn't just something that the dudes in Nottingham do to you, the customer- they do it to retailers, too.
You're a peach, GW....
In telling you this information, perhaps I am revealing details that are private and should be kept that way. Maybe I am pointing out my own weaknesses and showing you how bad I am at relationship building. Or maybe I am just fed up with companies that hand me a line of bull and expect me not only to buy it, but sell it to you, my valued customer, too. Regardless of the scenario, I'm telling you. I don't see any benefit to keeping up appearances to those that read this; most of you know I try to be honest and realistic as much as possible.
I just can't be excited about this latest turn of events. I can't be knowledgeable, wise, or the "expert" when I know less than my customers. I can't be thrilled to promote a product about which I know virtually nothing; considering how many rumors have been circled and/or squashed. I can't offer any insight or information; because I don't have any. This is not a relationship, it's a stranglehold. It's not mutual; and I sure as hell don't like it.
Coming soon: "Breakups".
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