Rembert Parker of Reader Copies in Anderson, Indiana read Rick Newman's Talk Back (see "Rick Newman of Pet Shop Comics & Collectibles on Buckley Interview") commenting on the Dan Buckley interview and had this to say.

Rick Newman wrote about the misery of losing customers who can't afford comics anymore, but some customers have another option; this email arrived today:

"Unfortunately, money is tight and I'm cutting back on comics.  This trip in will probably be my last.  My wife saw an ad for subscriptions online through Marvel and DC and wants me to go that route due to the price being so much cheaper."

It's difficult for me to compete with Marvel and DC when they sell directly to my customers at "up to 52% off or "only" 30-35% off.  Maybe the publishers had to raise the cover prices so that they could still make money after discounting the prices for subscriptions.

Our store offers 20% off and free bags and boards on new comics, but apparently an online discount of 30-52% is better even after paying shipping, so we have another customer permanently gone.  Perhaps this is the customer's way of re-pricing comics back to less than $3, but it doesn't help our brick and mortar store at all.

One store in our area is now offering a 30% discount on new comics, but they won't hold any comics that aren't prepaid; we can clearly offer a 30-35% discount and start selling comics anonymously over the web as well to keep our customers and probably make more money, but somehow I don't think my heart would be in it the same way... I'd almost rather go work for the Rick Nelson Trucking Company.

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