This is one big way GW can help both hobbyists and stores alike get the product they need in these uncertain times…
Allocations are becoming the norm, as hobbyists scramble to get the models they need while stores struggle to stay afloat.
You know we are all about supporting local stores. This is just an idea that could help them make it through these hard times. Because even when hobbyists want 2-3 kits of product and you’re allocating out 5 total to stores, that’s a recipe for a huge feels bad. We’ve talked about the allocations many times, but this is more of a solution instead of just looking at the issue.
With all the logistical problems going on in the world, releases need more lead up due to impacted supply chains.
But we have an idea that is win-win-win for Games Workshop and can really show that they not only care about their partner stores but also about hobbyists that have to resort to scalpers to get the product they need as of late.
How MTO Could Help GW & Local Stores
MTO could help GW and local stores get more product, actually, help LGS make money on the game, and let people get more minis!
So, if GW allowed stores to MTO as much product as they wanted of new release and limited offerings that keep getting allocated week after week, it would really help everyone out
- Stores would get their money to help keep the lights on
- Hobbyists wouldn’t have to scramble and pay scalper prices
- GW would get their money regardless, and have the option to work the manufacturing into their current forecast in a predictable manner as time permits.
- prices would actually come down on the secondary market as there would be less of a demand, forcing scalpers carpetbag somewhere else.
The only downside (if you can really call it that) is that would be little to no more FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, which GW uses to sell their products upfront before they re-release them again later on in a slightly different format.
We’ve all struggled to get the new releases, so while this would make you wait a little longer, you’d be guaranteed to get it and your FLGS would make some money on it to help keep the lights on!
How would it work?
Well, instead of just saying to a store, hey you can you hold me two of these new boxes. Now you can just get however many you want via MTO order. Then, GW could fit all those orders into their production and shipping schedule. Sure, it could still be the normal 120 days or so to get the MTO orders. But when you consider they talk to the stores about a month in advance, it’s about 90 days extra. But when really cool and exclusive boxes come out, they would have them after they are all gone.
This means hobbyists could check your FLGS instead of having to resort to paying scalpers.
Forecasting wise, it seems logistically doable, especially if GW communicates with their partner stores early.
So, while it would just be ideal to have as much as you want upfront, let’s be real… that isn’t happening anytime soon. This could be an easy solution to help people get what they want and a way for stores to avoid severe allocation. On top of that, it would help GW push even more plastic into the world.
Keeping the Game at this Level
We think that Warhammer has grown beyond what GW can just support without local stores. The hobby has become so expansive that to keep this level of hobbying, local stores need to keep supporting it.
This is just one solution to help all parties involved, as these allocations really help no one but GW themselves. We think it’s time to go the extra mile and help out the hobbyists and games stores that helped Warhammer become what it is today.
Would you order all your new release products from your FLGS if you knew you would get them?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
