Gettin' "subs" from the local comic shop

[weasel-king]

Unbeknownst to me, there is a little comic shop about 2 miles from my house. Since I'm just getting back into the comic scene, I was wanting to set up a few subscriptions there.

How does this work? I assume it it pretty standard, as the (much further) shop I used to visit would ask "are you on the sub list for this?" if I would buy something new off the rack.

How much of a discount off the cover list is there? And what about variants? Can I specify those as well (this may differ from shop to shop)?

EDIT: I have no idea what "Getts" is... It's supposed to somehow read "Getting". Oops.

 

[DredJAw]

The "sub" at the local shop works as follows.

Give them a $20 deposit and the list of titles you want (can update at any time). Specify if you want the variants. They generally throw in 1-shots and mini-series in your sub of the same title (for instance, an "annual") but your not obliged to buy them. If you say no they simly restock them. You get 10% off everything in your sub (and if your a good customer, you generally get 10% off everything you buy anyways). You can let the sub fill up also as theres no real time frame to purchase them (I once waited 6 months and they called me). Whenever you cancel your subscription you get your $20 deposit back.

So essentially a "sub" ensures you get everything you want at 10% off.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

The shop that I get my titles from didn't charge me a set up or security price. The owner has my pull list plus I get a copy of the previews magazine anf thumb through it, it previews everything a few months in advance. What ever extra's I want they just order for me and when it arrives I pay.

I don't get a discount on the cover price of new issues, instead the store owner and myself have a deal where I get first shot at alot of variants and any back issues he purchases. My shop has been good to me, for example I received 3 copies of the #1 Ultimate spiderman white variant (at cover), the book was selling for $70+ at the time.

Best thing I can suggest is talk with the shop owner and tell him your intentions. See if you can work out a special rate, make sure to mention how much NON-sport cards that you purchase, that will help as it will be extra money for him.

 

[Ferrian1]

Everybody's going to be a little different, I know when I used to do it, there was no deposit and the discount was based on volume of titles held. I was getting 20% but I was also getting a lot of titles and all of the variants. I still paid a premium on the rarer variants, but it wasn't too bad, and the discount did carry over to other products in store. I'd also suggest you see about getting the previews, I know one store I used to go to would only provide them if you paid for them (they do have a tagged price), but as mentioned, most stores that see you buy in volume will happily let you go through a catalog that only serves to get you to buy more!

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

I get my previews for free, however I know alot of customers who buy it or thumb through the store copy.

 

[weasel-king]

Thanks for all the replies. I stopped by and talked to the owner (well, the owner's brother--they have three stores in the area) this afternoon after running some errands. The guy was really cool about answering all my dumb questions, and why shouldn't he, as I also spent about $85 in the store adding to my various collections!

I ended up getting 7 subscriptions, and it sounds pretty typical based on what you all have said. Discounts range from 5% to 25% depending on the number of titles; my meager seven put me in the 10% bracket. The same percentage applies at all three stores (probably typical), and even on TPBs and most hard covers. They will also set aside any variants.

They have a decent selection of mini-busts/statues/maquettes. Chances are they will recognize my face pretty soon, I hope.

And oddly enough, they will also be at AdventureCon next month in Knoxville, TN. My wife and son are going with me, so I'll get to meet up with the guys from Ultimate Comics, a store that is 2 miles from my house, at a comiccon that is 540 miles from home. Small world. And my 10% discount applies there, too.

 

[DredJAw]

Which titles are on your sub? I have:

- Amazing Spider-man
- Ultimate Spider-man
- X-Men (and I end up buying Uncanny X-Men often enough that I should just add it)
- Immortal Iron Fist
- Daredevil
- Punisher Max
- Astonishing X-Men
- All Star Superman
- Booster Gold
- Batman
- Detective Comics
- Action Comics

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Amazing Spider-man
Ultimate Spider-man
Daredevil
Punisher Max
Batman
Detective Comics
Jonah Hex
Conan
Usagi Yojimbo
Captain America
New Avengers
Walking dead
Locke and key
Sure I am missing another 1/2 dozen titles.