I wanted to discuss something else about the comics collecting industry and retail practices - something most consumers do not know and retailers would rather you didn't:
If an issue is still current - meaning it is supposed to still be on the newsstands as the latest issue - a retailer technically should not increase its price. Only after the newest issue has hit stands can the older one undergo a price increase.
Of course, this was an issue in the late-80s, early-90s and Direct Market Distribution basically eliminated it, but back then, newsstands ripped the covers from the unsold stock and returned them for credit toward their next order. The entire thing about Direct Market distribution was that it eliminated the return policy; if you bought Direct Market, you purchased every copy you ordered - if they were not sold, you were stuck with them.
Since the copies were now literally owned by the retailer, he is legally allowed to sell them for whatever price he deems suitable (ergo, whatever someone is willing to pay), but if your retailer is "believing the hype" on certain properties and announcements and jacking-up prices on them before they have technically become backstock (before the next issue has been released), then I would haggle with him. Especially if you are a good customer.
"Um, you know I always get my pull-box, I always buy at least 2-3 other 'impulse' items, and I often spend an hour or two here kibbitzing with you - as well as all the neighborhood D&D kids who buy (at most) a pack or two of Magic cards every few weeks, yet sit and game at the free tables daily - so... why don't you come-off that $12.00 and let me have Thor #11 at cover price, seeing as how the truck just left?"
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
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