John Miller of Lost Realms Comics and Games in Pompano Beach, Florida noticed low pricing for Absolute Sandman Vol. 2 available online and wonders why anyone would come into a comic book store:

 

I went on Amazon.com today and browsed some upcoming releases and came across Absolute Sandamn Vol. 2 HC for pre-sale.  The price was listed as:

The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 2 (Hardcover)

by Neil Gaiman (Author), Dave McKean (Designer)

List Price: $99.00 

Price: $62.37 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details 

You Save: $36.63 (37%) 

 

Why would anyone come in a comic book store with online prices like this?  The cost from Diamond on this book is $54.45 (the discount to retailers is only 45% off from DC), now to compete we would only make eight bucks and change as profit.  The best part is Diamond is sold out so even if I want to increase orders or reorder more, I can't!  I'm sure Amazon has plenty to go around, and the real kicker... FREE SHIPPING.

 

The Internet has killed my statue and mini bust sales, RPG's are down as well for me.  Many times I hear a parent tell their kid 'lets go home and see how much it's online for'... great.  

 

And eBay--the best and worst thing to happen to our stores.  Why do all the eBay sellers cut each others throats to undercut everyone?  We determine the price.  Why do we insist on selling things at such a low profit margin virtually making them valueless?

 

I use to enjoy ordering out of Previews every month.  Now I spend most of my time when I'm ordering trying to figure out what won't sell because of the Mart stores and the Internet.

 

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.