| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Staghead
37 Posts |
 Posted - 08/11/2008 : 20:19:43
|
| I've been out of comics for a few years. I have started to pick up some titles again. Well, then some has turned into more and now a lot. I see there are several subscription services online. I was wondering if anyone on here uses any of those or if you pretty much stick to the local shops? Or subscriptions directly from Marvel/DC? My biggest drive in going this direction would be saving some $$$. Thank you. |
|
|
Stealth_DBA
USA
2351 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2008 : 20:52:16
|
Staghead, I am not going to recommend any particular option but I will make a few observations since you indicate that saving money is a big part of your decision.
I think you will find that on-line services give a discount on orders which is usually 10% but could be larger if you order more per month.
However, most local comic shops (LCS) also offer a discount if you have a pull-list (subscription) with them. I would guess this is similar to on-line services at 10% but check with the one(s) in your area.
Then there is 'getting the comics' cost.
For on-line services this is the shipping and handling cost. It will depend on how much you order, what you order (hardback books are heavy) and the shipping method but at a guesstimate it couldl be around 5-10 dollars per month (slightly more if you opt for a bi-weekly shipment).
For LCS, this would include the cost of transportation to/from the shop (and your time too). This depends on your method of transportation and distance to the shop.
With just these factors in place, the LCS will probably be a little cheaper (unless it is a significant distance from you). But whether you do business with them or not depends on the type of business they run. If it is a small dark messy place you may not want to shop there. If it is an organized, clean friendly environment, then you might.
|
CB Archive Edition V16 Windows 7 64 bit |
 |
|
|
comiccorey
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 06:06:27
|
| I read a lot of comic books in a month and usually spend about 200 dollars or more. But with the price of gas I can't afford to drive the 40 mile to my local comic book shop and the 40 miles home. I did find a comic book shop online called mailordercomics.com that gives big discounts and you pre-order 3 months in advance. I have cut my cost on comic books in half. I have been using them for the past 16 months. Haven't had a problem yet. |
http://www.atomicavenue.com/atomic/SellerIssues.aspx?XT=0&S=comiccorey |
|
|
|
mmlenz
35 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 09:43:17
|
| I researched this heavily and g-mart.com is hands down the best when it comes to the actual site interface and preview information. AFAIK 35% off for pre-orders is also the best discount rate out there as well. They are based out of Chicago and since its centrallyish located in the US most stuff arrives pretty quickly. I'm in St. Louis and I get my comics a day after they ship. Free shipping @ $85 worth of orders as well. Since I'm usually just over $100/month I get a shipment every month. If you decide to ship more often their shipping rates are very good as well. |
|
|
|
jkolker
USA
278 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 11:38:37
|
| I live about 45 miles from the nearest shop, but the guy there has my pull list so I go a couple of times a month to pick up my books. My trips are usually combined with a business or family purpose, since driving that far just for the comics is a bit much. I have considered an online source, but I enjoy the discussions and interactions at my LCS. Thats one thing you can't get when you buy online. |
Jeff
Vista Business SP2, CB 15.0.1 Archive Edition |
|
|
|
comicsatemybrain
787 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 13:07:05
|
| When calculating whether you are saving more money by ordering online vs. at the LCS, keep in mind that if you purchase your comics at a brick & mortar location, you are probably paying sales tax (depends on the state, of course). If you are ordering comics online from out of state, you are probably not paying state sales tax. |
|
|
|
Bobb
USA
1067 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 13:15:42
|
One other thing you might look for is reviews of the mail-order services. When I worked a comic shop sometimes we would get folks who used mail order services where they did not get an issue they ordered.
When they contacted the service about the missing issue(s) they were given credit if they could not get the book they missed back in stock.
Similar to the way Mile High has done when dealing with back issue orders for years.
Bobb |
ComicBase Archive Blu-Ray Edition 16, Windows 7/64 Professional
Bobb’s Books is now open.
Comic Books, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery Novels,
Statues, Action Figures, and More!
bobb@bobbsbooks.com
http://www.bobbsbooks.com
|
|
|
|
jkolker
USA
278 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2008 : 13:21:53
|
In Oklahoma, comics are labeled as periodicals, and periodicals are not taxed, according to the Oklahoma Supreme Court (I think that's where it went). Taxing periodicals would be akin to taxing our right to free speech. Back issues are taxable, new ones not. Since this was a "1st Amendment issue" I would think this could be applied in other states.
Also, a lot of states have a Use Tax, which basically requires the buyer of goods from out of state pay a tax to "use" the item in their state if no sales tax was paid on the item (there are exemptions of course). Most individuals ignore this, but technically its in the rules.
Sometimes it sucks knowing all the rules...... ;) |
Jeff
Vista Business SP2, CB 15.0.1 Archive Edition |
|
|
|
Moosenlawyer
USA
129 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2008 : 06:08:50
|
I currently do mail ordering with Mail Order Comics out of Omaha Nebraska. (http://www.mailordercomics.com/index.asp). I've been with them for about 2 1/2 years with no complaints.
I have a friend that uses Discount Comic Book Service (http://www.dcbservice.com) and he likes the service.
There are both pretty similar. |
Jason Borlinghaus (Arlington, VA)
Comicbase Archive Edition v. 14.0.2
Windows Vista |
|
|
|
Staghead
37 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2008 : 08:11:57
|
Thanks for all the information! Exactly the type of discussion I was hoping for. There are two LCS fairly close to me/my work so distance is not an issue. They both offer a 'save my comic' service. One does not have any kind of discount (comics are not main business) and the other has a punch card discount ($10 off after $150 in purchases). Again thier main focus is not comics, however.
I'm not too concerned with a missing issue here or there given the 35-40% discounts offered. Shipping seems reasonable as I would do monthly shipments and the cost of it is more than offset by the savings.
The services mentioned I have researched (along with a few others) and the reviews are by and large positive. I'll probably just pick the interface I like best and go with it.
One other factor for me is that when I go to the LCS I don't always have the self control to stick with what I really want and things can get out of hand. Ordering online and a couple months in advance would really curb that habit. |
Edited by - Staghead on 08/13/2008 08:12:29 |
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2008 : 20:37:39
|
I love my LCS but he isn't big enough to offer discounts and my comicbook habit is so large I NEED the 40% off cover price I get from DCBS:
http://www.dcbservice.com
Very reliable and flat rate ($5.95) shipping.
|
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
|
|
|
Staghead
37 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 13:58:19
|
| Well I just placed my first order with DCBS. I'm very excited. Too bad I need to wait a couple of months. |
|
|
|
Bobb
USA
1067 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 14:09:11
|
I looked at the DCBS, and after a talk with my wife I am going to continue to get my weekly "Fix" of comics at my LCS. We are good friends, and I would hate to take all my business away from him in the economic times.
What we decided is if DCBS offers 40% off collections (Trade Paperback or Hardcover.) we will go the online route. Since I am on disAbility this will let me get those books I can't afford right now.
Well except for the Absolute Editions. Mike at my LCS lets me pay a few dollars each week to pay for those, something I doubt I will get that deal online.
Bobb |
ComicBase Archive Blu-Ray Edition 16, Windows 7/64 Professional
Bobb’s Books is now open.
Comic Books, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery Novels,
Statues, Action Figures, and More!
bobb@bobbsbooks.com
http://www.bobbsbooks.com
|
|
|
|
jhota
27 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 17:51:26
|
i'm also in the ~$200/month range and i get all my books at my local shop (about 45 miles round trip).
why? service.
i've been a regular customer for years (through multiple owners, even), which i'm sure makes a difference. but that said, the guys know me and my quirks. for example, if i happen to miss something in Previews, they'll often toss a copy in my box if they think i'd be interested.
there have been any number of times they've gone the extra mile, too. like getting stuff that was long sold out at Diamond, sometimes from another retail source, and selling it to me with my usual discount.
i do sometimes shop online, but not often.
i realize that not everyone has a great local shop. or a local shop at all. but you should check yours out, if it's there.
oh, and one more thing:
condition. if you're a condition fanatic, mail order may not be for you. i've sometimes had books come in a bit, well, strained. nothing i was personally bothered by (and never the fault of the vendor - always the carrier), but some folks i've known over the years would have gone ballistic. |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 15:29:03
|
Here's a few more things to think about when it comes to advance preordering of comics through mail order companies:
---Go with someone with an established reputation (Westfield Comics I believe still does this and has done so for around 25+ years). There are others who have been around quite a while.
Here's a couple things to watch out for:
1) A lot more often than you would expect, a large shipment may come up short an item or two. (Say you ordered 50 items, there's decent odds that you will wind up with 48 items from time to time.). Even reputible companies experience this on occasion. Some may even terminate your account if you complain of this too often. Some companies have very little problem with this, and some have big problems with this.
2) Find out how the company handles delayed release items. The longer you are with the company, the more accumulated delayed release items you will be backlogged on. Make sure that the company has a reliable invoiceing/inventory tool to track what you have ordered, what you have received, what is still pending (owed to you), and what credit/cash you are to receive. Audit it each time your order comes in.
3) Be careful of the financial situation of the company you are buying from. When you preorder books, you are forking over your money a few months in advance of receiving your product. The supplier constantly has that money 2-3 months in advance during your entire relationship. Over time, that number gets bigger and bigger if they owe you backlogged delayed release items. If the mail order company begins to have financial trouble, you can be the one left holding the bag. I'm not sure how common this is now days, but in the 90's, this happened quite a bit. A lot of decent sized subscription companies went under, and they still come and go. For example: I know for a fact that at least one of the subscription companies who went bankrupt in the mid 90's (and who left their customers holding the bag), have since returned under a different name (same owner) and are now one of the larger subscription companies - doing the same type of business they had done before their bancruptcy.
For the better part of 15 years, 99% of my new comics came through various subscription companies, subdistributors, or smaller distributors who also handled larger personal accounts. I was really satisfied with a few, not too satisfied with a few, and really screwed by a couple. Of the companies that still exist that I am familiar with, Westfield was the most consistant and still had a nice solid discount (not huge, but solid) at the time. I'm not sure about their discount level nowadays. They were also a decent place to get affordable (discounted) back issues which could be shipped with your monthly shipment to save on shipping costs.
|
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 16:07:04
|
| Come on jcomics! Name NAMES --which one from the 90's bankruptcy guys are a big seller now? |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
Edited by - WebHobbit on 08/15/2008 16:07:16 |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 17:13:34
|
quote:
Originally posted by WebHobbit
Come on jcomics! Name NAMES --which one from the 90's bankruptcy guys are a big seller now?
 LOL - Probably a good percentage of bankruptcy mail order guys from the 90's are still selling now in one form or another :)
I wasn't really trying to rip on the companies who went under in the 90's (how many stores did we lose during that time period? - like 3000?; how many distributors (basically all but one); how many subscription firms came and went? - lots) - that was the nature of the beast 10-15 years ago. I was just saying that was something to watch out for based on past experience - and be careful of putting your advance order money into someone else's pocket if you don't know what they're doing with it - because there is nothing to prevent it from happening again (especially at the high discount subdistributor/subscription advance order level). The difference between a store going under and a subscription firm going under is the fact that one has your money, but you don't have the product yet (and don't expect to get it for 2-3 months). In one case (on a personal account) I lost around $2500ish due to the subdistributor going bankrupt in Arizona. That company had problems keeping accurate records, and sometimes shorted packages. They did offer big discounts though. I've had a handful fall out from under me in that way over the years on a smaller scale.
I won't list specific names (but you can feel relieved that the one I'm thinking of hasn't been mentioned in this forum yet). But, like I eluded to at the top - its a small pond that we're all swimming around in - so do you're homework before choosing an advance order firm. The biggest percentage discount doesn't always yield the best deal over a period of time. I would generally advise going for a long time-established one that offers a mid-level or lower discount - especially a diversified company that has stores, etc. to help them remain profitable. (Often - not always - the higher discount ones have to do more volume, with higher employee costs, etc. and run on a tighter profit margin, often yielding worse results in accuracy/customer service, and sometimes financial stability).
Someone had mentioned getting credit instead of cash refunds. The accuracy of invoices/recordkeeping, and the companies policies on refunds for late shipping items can help the buyer to keep more of their money safely in their pockets instead of being tied up into the subscription firms backorder log.
|
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 18:18:15
|
Well I checked out DCBS by asking around various forums. They have a solid rep. I dunno how long they been in BIZ and they do NOT have a brick & mortar store anywhere. But I been with them a little over a year now and I have only had a missing book twice in that time. (so 2 out of 13 shipments) Both times they promptly sent the books on my very next shipment when I notified them via email. They apologized and were nice about the whole thing.
And honestly it didn't really bother me much as I am always behind in my reading anyway. Also there were two other times where I got books that had mismatched pages....even though this was clearly a printer error they sent me new replacement copies for free.
So they seem pretty "safe" to me. |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 19:01:04
|
quote:
Originally posted by WebHobbit
Well I checked out DCBS by asking around various forums. They have a solid rep. I dunno how long they been in BIZ and they do NOT have a brick & mortar store anywhere. But I been with them a little over a year now and I have only had a missing book twice in that time. (so 2 out of 13 shipments) Both times they promptly sent the books on my very next shipment when I notified them via email. They apologized and were nice about the whole thing.
And honestly it didn't really bother me much as I am always behind in my reading anyway. Also there were two other times where I got books that had mismatched pages....even though this was clearly a printer error they sent me new replacement copies for free.
So they seem pretty "safe" to me.
There are definitely some solid companies out there that have done this sort of thing. DCBS sounds good according to user forums. If their discounts are in the 25-30% range, that seems safer than someone in the 40% range, unless they use tiers. The reason I say this, is imagine how small the profits are if they offer customers heavy discounts. Some of those types of subscription services help balance things out with back-issue sales. (User forums are a lot easier way to figure that kind of thing out nowadays vs. preweb days). If you know the owner's name(s) you can also mention that and I can let you know if I know anything to look for.
Westfield is one of a few I was really satisfied with - almost no mistakes and great customer service in a 4 year span. They also bought out a competitor's accounts from whom I was transferred with I believe. M&M was also very solid, but would occasionally make small mistakes, but thought they didn't and customer serviced it that way (that was years ago when they were newer so I can't speak for them now). |
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2008 : 19:13:33
|
I dunno if this is the owner but much of the email I get from them is from Cameron Merkler. That's also the name the domain is registered to as admin contact on a WHOIS search.
Their discounts on Marvel/DC/Image/Darkhorse is 35-40%. They have specials each month that go even deeper -50%/75% for a lot of #1's and special event deals. |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
Edited by - WebHobbit on 08/15/2008 19:16:28 |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 17:05:04
|
quote:
Originally posted by WebHobbit
I dunno if this is the owner but much of the email I get from them is from Cameron Merkler. That's also the name the domain is registered to as admin contact on a WHOIS search.
Their discounts on Marvel/DC/Image/Darkhorse is 35-40%. They have specials each month that go even deeper -50%/75% for a lot of #1's and special event deals.
That name doesn't raise any red flags in my personal experience off the top of my head. As with most of the subscription house type companies, I'm sure the company/owners intentions are honorable 99% of the time.
I googled his name just to see if any bells rang, and on a side note, I found your posts on talk Newsrama about a discussion you had about the company a couple months into your experience with them in mid 2006 time-frame.
With that particular company, I would mostly just keep an eye out during softer industry times, or if speculation gets (more) rampant again, or if they start expanding too fast. (Some of the subscription houses that failed in the 90's used the extra cash flow generated by advance orders to borrow money and speculate/invest in new comics themselves. A lot more of them simply grew too fast to handle the volume/logistics, which actually made them unable to make a profit. That has nothing directly to do with DCBS, but if comics sales slip industry wide, the amount of wiggle room a subscription company (with deep discounts) has gets very tight. They usually have to do a lot of volume to keep afloat if the discounts are heavy.
The one piece of advice for that particular company is in regards to how they handle the out of stocks/delayed release items. This is the place where a lot of the ones that have financial problems tend to burn you, and often get into their own trouble. There should be some sort of procedures in place to allow the end customer's backlog of unshipped items to keep from growing too large.
Please don't think I'm a grumpy puss about that kind of company. I've saved many thousands of dollars (even after the bankruptcys, etc.) over the years ordering from that kind of setup. I also really like their business model (having customers cash-in-hand before sending their orders - in some ways that is much more efficient than a typical comic store model if they sell primarily off the rack).
Of course, the kid/entrepreneur in me says support your LCS because that's good for the industry as a whole  |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 17:18:56
|
| One other thing... One of the things to watch for (as far as company stability/financial stability) is the company's quality control and how solid their customer service is. Allow for a reasonable response time (a lot of these companies are not large employee-wise). But if orders get progressively more inaccurate and/or the customer service takes longer and longer to respond to legitimate order issues, I would consider at least researching an alternative backup plan as those can be signs of a weakening subscription service. It doesn't mean they'll fail, but it often means they are beginning to struggle handling the logistics which can sometimes lead to failure. (Sometimes this means orders are too small, so they can't afford enough staff.... or orders are increasing too fast and they are having trouble adjusting to the new volume ---- of course, it could just be the flu going around.) |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 17:26:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by WebHobbit
I dunno if this is the owner but much of the email I get from them is from Cameron Merkler. That's also the name the domain is registered to as admin contact on a WHOIS search.
Their discounts on Marvel/DC/Image/Darkhorse is 35-40%. They have specials each month that go even deeper -50%/75% for a lot of #1's and special event deals.
Dunno if this helps any, but here's a link to some statistical (# employees, annual sales estimate, etc.) info about the DCBS company. I have NO IDEA as to how accurate it is so take it with a grain of salt...
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_mx84w
|
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 17:44:51
|
Yeah that post you seen is probably where I was bitching about how long their email response time was. Early on (for me) they took several days to answer email. I am happy to report that it is now MUCH closer to the 24 hour mark that I feel ANY online biz should be able to hit.
Also, I think maybe they look on boards/Google for stuff like this as shortly after I ranted on Newsarama about them being slow to respond they actually CALLED me on the phone to deal with my issue. They were nice about it too and fixed my problem and all was well. |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
Edited by - WebHobbit on 08/16/2008 18:00:26 |
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 17:48:27
|
I forgot to mention that DCBS also owns INStockTrades:
http://www.instocktrades.com
---------
And here is a partial screen-shot of what the DCBS account info system looks like and gives you an idea of how they handle backordered/late items:
 |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
Edited by - WebHobbit on 08/16/2008 17:55:27 |
|
|
|
jcomics
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2008 : 18:22:52
|
quote:
Originally posted by WebHobbit
I forgot to mention that DCBS also owns INStockTrades:
http://www.instocktrades.com
---------
And here is a partial screen-shot of what the DCBS account info system looks like and gives you an idea of how they handle backordered/late items:
Sounds good. I think I read they've been around 9 or 10 years or so? which is also good. |
|
|
|
David Akers
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2008 : 17:45:51
|
@jcomics: The link you posted says that they started in 1999, so that would make it in the 9 year range.
I'm also a very happy user of DCBS. Yes, they don't answer their email immediately, but if they don't answer it quickly enough for you, a second email has always gotten a response. Sure, it's not ideal, but it's better than some with whom I've dealt.
I was a customer of Mile High's for the longest time, but after a couple of mistakes (where they wanted me to ship them back the incorrect books *at my expense*, which basically implies that they think I'm not telling them the truth), I decided to give DCBS a try. The discounts are better, and everyone I knew that used them loved them.
I've been with them since June 2005. I've only really had one problem: my Starfire bust had locks of hair broken off. They sent me a UPS or DHL mailing label to ship it back to them and they got me a replacement. Oh, there was one other problem where I ordered the Supergirl Archive from the back list and they never got it to me. So I cancelled it and ordered it from their sister company, InStockTrades.com. :)
And yes, Cameron Merckler is the owner. You can hear him on a couple different podcasts (ask if you are interested).
-David |
CB Archive Edition 14.0.2
Windows Vista Business
18,533 books and counting |
|
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2008 : 19:25:52
|
| Link to the Podcasts? |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
|
|
|
David Akers
USA
40 Posts |
|
|
WebHobbit
USA
777 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 04:02:43
|
| Thanks! |
Larry Robertson
ComicBase 16 (Build 49)
Archive Edition
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
http://lrpctechblog.com
|
|
|
|
Hawkboy
Canada
60 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 23:37:47
|
I'm a DCBS patron myself and the savings are HUGE! I was using Things from another World and spending around 110 bucks a month including shipping for 28 or so books. After some annoyances I decided to switch to DCBS and I jumped up to 42 books for a month and it cost 89 bucks and thats including shipping!
Discounts hover around 35-40%. Most new trades tend to be 50% off. It's a solid company and not a shady fly by night operation. Their website ranges from excellent to VERY clunky. It could be streamlined a bit as it's not the most intuitive experience ever, but it gets the job done.
If you can't get to a comic shop every week you can't go wrong with DCBS. Oh it may have been mentioned but shipping is a flat rate of $5.99 no matter what. From my research nobody comes close to these guys.
-Gregg |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Subscription Service?
