I am a dollar shopper. If I go in a store, I’m going to buy $100 but it’s all going to be in dollar or 50 Cent bin Books. This is because I used to see Books in the 90s but I couldn’t afford to buy them and now they’re all in the dollar bins and it’s fun to pick them up.
So am I. While to do buy other things, I love going through the 50 cent bins because there are so many gems that are often go ignored because they aren't the "Big Names". That and it help the store to get rid of any overstocks.
I think you’re missing a lot of types. My favorite and most important is, the quiet, shut up and take my money semi-whale. This guy just shows up out of the blue, grabs stuff, spends about 200-500 and leaves.
I turned 60 yesterday and I’ve never bought a comic book I didn’t want to read and have never bought a comic because of any future value or collectibility.
#6 the ghost Comes in and digs for an hour through the 1$ boxes. Comes in 2 times and you never see him again. He realizes that you dont have any odd ball or indie comics. Thats me
Another type is the guy who doesn’t really buy weekly comics and rarely appears in a book comic store but when he does it’s because he’s in the neighborhood at some restaurant with his wife, and he asks the shop owner if there are any new Alan Moore titles and hey btw, what has Moore been up to the last few years?? This guy is trying to show that he’s a sophisticated comic reader because he’s asking about Moore.
Lol, this is hilarious, cuz “that guy” shows up everywhere. Especially at the metal shops. Dad type walks in and asks what Megadeth has been up to lately.
Loved the video!💕 Just started my comic book collection and found Toon Haven. They offer a huge variety of digital comics for every genre, and lifetime updates too!😍
@@comicdog5097 Sadly, I'm still around the 50 mark. But I do tend to grab 2-3 copies of 1st issues and keys. For example, this week I grabbed 2As of Ultimate Universe #1, 3 FOC copies, and 1 each of the other variants.
Hmm….so I’m the guy that’s been collecting comics since the 70’s that has no interest in new books only back issues. I’m not gonna have a pull list of any kind. I get super excited when you just bought a collection of dusty long boxes and they’re sitting there waiting for me to go through them like Xmas morning. I’m the Bronze Age nerd
I worked at a shop for 12 years and one of the common customer types was called “the squatter”. That was a customer that always had a bunch of books in their pull box and when they came in they would only pick up 2 or 3 of them. “I’ll just take these for now”. Most if not all shops have implemented policies that have eliminated these types of customers. The funny thing about those customers is whenever one of our good customers wanted a book we would look in the squatter’s bin to see if he had it and eventually the squatter would come in, and that was always one of the books that he came to pick up. “Where’s the new issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, it’s on my pull list?!” They tended to be irascible customers.
Great video! I've probably been all of these throughout the course of my collecting life. I know I used to frustrate the Hell out of my old (now closed) LCS being #2 in particular. Nowadays, I guess I'm a casual? My local shops don't really cater to my collecting or social needs anymore, which is fine. I only really get excited to visit comic shops when I'm out of town now, as I really enjoy seeing how different people approach running theirs.
Not sure what mine would be. Always digging but looking for issues to finish runs. Also only in once a month because the closest shop is 50 miles away and not getting much for new titles every month.
I'm "The Collecting Curmudgeon!"! I scoff in your general direction against super heroes but my collection contains about 60% of older superhero titles! I might subscribe to 2 or 3 books but pick them up every 2 or 3 months for a satisfying reading experience! Depending on the budget, I might include a back issue, random supplies or a TRPBK! We rarely watch television but we might collect movies or shows on DVD!
I think you missed the type that only buy one vintage title. I buy only volume 1 Batman. So I’m that guy and will travel every comic shop in hopes to complete my run.
What about the online shopper, that's me. I preorder online, because it's way more convenient, but then I show up every other week and buy 1 or 2 books at the LCS that I want to check out, but didn't preorder. I also buy the random stickers or Pop.
I'm a digger but not a flipper. I loved comics as a kid but didn't regularly buy. Then in 04/05, I got back into comics and started buying a lot of current stuff. I fell off again in 2010 as I was beginning my career and had to focus on other things. When I go to shops now, Im diggin through to find issues from not only familiar runs but also to taste test other things I had missed out on at the time, like recently I got a lot of the solo adventures Hawkeye and Hawkman's 80s run. So, sometimes we dig because we just want to find new stories to read :)
I'm with you, man. I order books in advance & wait until I get a couple of omni's/trades before collecting 2/3 months later. Nothing currently from the big 2 interest me
Deal/digger here, basically I’ve been to every local shop in my area and have been known for a while since I used to work for one of the old shops in my area which is no longer around. I’m always just buying for my PC and I always spend big to get a big deal, so maybe that makes me a small whale of sorts. Idk, you tell me lol 😂
In my shop in the 90s, i used to get people who would see a new comic and ask, "How many copies of this should I buy?" My standard answer was, "How many copies do you plan to read?" I wasn't interested in catering to the speculators. I was more interested in making them readers. My staff was trained in engaging the new customers, asking what they enjoy in music, shows, movies, etc., and trying to suggest a title we thought would interest them. I had to fire the guy who just sat behind the counter and only spoke to customers when they brought a purchase to the counter. Engaging the regular customers, too, asking how they liked the new series they just tried, or if there was any title they weren't enjoying as much as they used to, was a good way to tailor orders to shifts in the market.
I just opened a museum- “ The Comic book and Superhero Museum” in NW Arkansas and have definitely had all five in. I myself am a let’s make a deal guy because I spend like a whale and want good deals.
Good video! I guess I'm kind of casual, I have a small pull list (mainly to get the back issue discount) and go in once a month or so. But my LCS has a great silver and bronze selection plus awesome $5&$10 boxes, so when I go in I drop $100-$200 on that stuff. The owner keeps it stocked for me, lol.
A digger is the closest, but a variant of that... More like a Roller, yes it involves paper of the comic book type :)... If I get Rolling on a series or a sub storyline, I have to finish... normally there's not an omnibus for it... so, multiple digging locations is necessary.
I would have thought that the "Long Term Browser" would make the list. You know, the person who pages thru the book (essentially reading it) but never buys anything. I guess I've been away for a long time, do all the shops bag their comics? Signed - Once a year shopper who doesn't understand the X-Men anymore
I guess I would be considered a casual. I only have 2-3 books at any given time on my pull list. With rare exceptions like Batman 89, most all I ever get are indie titles. Occasionally, will I pick up something new if the story seems interesting. Definitely NOT a cover collector. What verdict would you give me?
As a "let's make a deal guy" I just don't want to pay for overpriced comics. Of course, every shop is different, but there's a lot of that still going on especially when you take into account for the grade. I think anyone who went through the comic book crash of the 90's keeps this in mind.
I am a regular that only collects a few series and the shops puts them in my pull box but while I'm in the shop I also look around and other random things.
Well, I'm a customer who goes into the shop every week. I tend to buy my top 3 characters I enjoy, new and back issue books. I don't worry about all the variants. I get the A cover, and if I really like a variant, it's possible I will grab it as well. I'm very predictable, and I always look through the back issues and grab a few.
A snipers guide to haggling: 1. Don't haggle every time you buy something. 2. Don't haggle anything under $60 3. $60-$100 haggle based on condition and your knowledge of the comic or run in question. Expect $5-15 if that's not good enough don't ask. 4. $100-$300 now it's getting tricky this is where margins can be getting thinner for shop owners. $20 is a win here but timing on a book that's sitting can drive that up. 5. Don't haggle on hot books, just setting your self up for disappointment. 6. Cash is king 7. If you are at show fuck'em haggle the shit out of everyone.
@@DumDumDugan1911honestly ive never tried to negotiate but ive always wanted to, everytime i get to the counter im just too excited on what i bought that i forget 💀
I stopped buying new comics in 2018 when Batman wedding did not happen. Petty, yes, but it was a good dropping off point. I was a pilot whale (smaller) but consistent. I probably spend just as much now, but now I am filling holes in my collection so in most cases I am spending less for more comics.
The type who's always hanging out there but never buys anything exists in game stores too , especially with Magic and Warhammer. Same could be said for all of these archetypes tbh
I’m 2, 3, & 4? I go every 2 weeks w/ my kids, got my pics saved in my phone, & find any Magik related covers, all variants. My eyes went 👀, thinking you were talking about me 😂. Making sure no creases visible & etc. I just don’t understand the 1 of 25 thingy. They put out 25 comics on shelf and 1 is the variant?
I used to be a whale at my local LCS. I was in the shop every Wednesday for my pull list, dropping on average $200 a week. I would check the previews months in advance. I stopped doing that when I realized I couldn’t read all those books and accumulated long boxes of unread books that were rapidly losing any value. I finally came to my senses and now am the guy who orders a handful of books online each week and have them shipped to me once a month.
Can I be an unpredictable whale digger? When I was able to go to the LCS, I was coming in once a week, but I was getting what I wanted for books. I would be consistent with my choices until I didn’t like the story, Art, writing etc. then I would drop the book. I would also pick up books that caught my eye to see if it was worth putting further effort into reading that book. When given a choice of cover, I pick the one I like. I also will dig through back issues looking to fill gaps in my stories. Before I moved 1300 miles away, the store I visited for nearly 35 years had random 15 book boxes. I would pick one of these up occasionally to see what is the stories. One such box had a book that was relatively new, within the previous two years, that I did not pick up the first time. The story was amazing and led me to be the digger for all other parts of the story. I guess my reason to visit a store is to find more of the story I want to reader. I am the collector, not a flipper.
Guess I never saw myself as a whale I always buy 30 or more a week at times variants and preorder my books 3 months ahead I thought I was just a normal collector
I'm a digger. I'm "lets make a deal" at cons and shows, in the store, not so much, unless it's clearly overpriced and been sitting for awhile. Once it's been in the store over 60 days it is definitely much easier to get a discount.
The let's-make-a-deal guy might be the guy who's been to many shops that are ridiculously over priced--quite common where I'm from. In other words, a guy who has a sense of FMV.
i use to be whale but i only stopo in once or twice month takes more gas go to store then buying i buy books online now most of books store is sold out of i have buy onoline , what do you label whale shopper but have to buy sold out issues online where shopper goes to store oince or twice month store is almost mile away?
I’m a mix of the whale and digger. I always hit those $1 bins and back issue bins first, and get my digging done so I can fill some runs. Then I snatch up the books I preordered on my pull list. Currently I have 7 titles on my pull list. 6 are limited series and 1 is on-going.
I guess I'm sort of like a non-speculator version of "the digger". I do not collect for resale. I collect silver and bronze. I know my local shops' back issues like the back of my hand. I buy to read and I avoid big keys until Ive otherwise completed a collection and I stay clear of anything slabbed. Prefer mid or even low grade. I may not purchase anything for weeks/months but when new back issues are stocked I behave like a super-whale. I'm not sure if Im a rare type. I know there are 2 other guys like me in my relatively small town.
lol. I am definitely a digger. I start with the $1 bins looking for key issues whether they are bronze age or modern. I normally don't pay cover price for modern keys unless it's a book I really want and know will run out before even hitting the $1 bins. I don't have loyalty to one particular store and will travel to different shops to see which ones have the best value. Some stores are really good at certain categories of value than the other so that's where I go. Sometimes I wonder if my habits are even profitable for the shops because whenever I ring up the register, the customer before me who are buying comic books and games spend close to $100 while on average I spend less than $20. One time I found a gambit toybiz action figure selling for $5 which normally retails towards $30 and also picked up some $1 bin comics, the clerk kind of made a remark and said "wow snagging up all the deals." lol. I don't know if I should be categorized as let's make a deal because I do look for deals but I never try to haggle or drop the price the store is asking for and pay whatever they price it knowing its a good deal for me.
I'm kind of a digger, but I collect for me. I go to my LCS and I'll look around for a few hours, knowing what I'm looking for or maybe just happen upon something I think's really cool (one time found the first and second appearances of B'wana Beast). I've been going to my shop for well over 10 years now, so he automatically gives me a 25% discount. I bought a Phantom Stranger #4 for $16 there and he's like "You always find the good stuff. You have really good taste."
I used to be an active comic book buyer, collector, and more like a speculator to be more accurate! Then I retired about 5 years ago, and I noticed a couple of changes that've occurred to my favorite titles ! One, they've changed characters and costumes so many times I can't tell who's who anymore ; two, the cover price escalated from $1.50 to some over $5.- each ! Living on a fixed budget now, I can't afford my favorite titles ; so I'd like to suggest another category to add to your list- " Extinct !" Was an avid fan ; but between prices rising ever faster, I quit buying! My speculation has yielded a nice profit, but I'm switching to coins and stamps ; it's easier to keep track of and lighter to transport !
Right now I’m trying to sale my 10 long boxes an four short boxes of comics … these days I’m more of a causal collector that knows what he wants . I’m into omnibus now to save on space I primarily got into comics for the love of them not as a investment.
I'm definitely the unpredictable regular. So much so that my comic shop guy gave me his personal cell number and told me to text him when I want something.
I fall in the, if i asked for it I'm going to buy it category. I guess a wale too. Lot of these owners are scared you're going to back out of the books you ordered but i earned my reputation with my lcs I also ask for variants because that is what i like
First I was an unpredictable regular (kid on a budget), then I was a comic shop owner, then I was a whale. Now, I'm an unpredictable irregular and subject to whim (whatever catches my eye when I wander into a shop).
My LCBS is trash so I’m definitely casual. I wander in sometimes out of boredom but usually only buy a few books. They are usually already out of anything fresh because they have zero idea what they are doing and will buy like 5 copies of the hottest book that week. No idea how they stay in business at all except it’s a chain.
I'm not sure that I fall under any of these categories. I guess I'm an anomaly? I like to go through back issue bins,... I may ask the owners opinion on books if I'm looking for something new to read,... I don't do a pull list, but I may get several books in a run that might interest me,... I do know something about comic books, but not near everything,... I love to read the books that I buy and if one goes up in value, cool, but can't say I'm a speculator. I love looking for older stuff I had when I was a kid but lost over time. I generally just enjoy comics.
im the guy who only buys online because I live in the middle of nowhere and my nearest comic shop is 110 miles from me. I never been inside a comic shop. hope one day I get to. been collecting since 2020. my first spec was Punchline and Strange Academy. not a bad spec for a new comer of the time rite..
I honestly will buy a copy to read and buy a copy or two if it’s an anticipated comic because it may rise in value. I’m a reader but I will sell an issue or two but I won’t buy 10 cover a’s of 1 issue to sell. As a comic fan, collector and I guess “flipper”, it can be a way to help afford other books. I also do purchase FCBD books from my LCBS and hand them out for free at Comic Cons when I exhibit. Also, comics is a VERY minuscule part of my business as I’m not a comic shop, just a collector.
I’m a bit of a hybrid but depending on the store I can be the Let’s Make a Deal guy, and I feel like I need to defend us. I do think you left out some categories too… because I’m the avid collector guy who is the customer version of the old school comic shop. I like to talk comics. I like to exchange stories about the old days of collecting. I hope I’m not annoying like you said the Let’s Make a Deal guy is, but I can get a vibe. I’m enthusiastic about talking comics and I think some people love me for it but I know when the conversation isn’t wanted so I back off. In defense of the Let’s Make a Deal guy… wouldn’t you rather get an offer than sit on a book? Not everything flies off the shelf. If I see something goes for less on eBay, I’d rather give my money to a comic shop because I want them to stay in business but I can’t justify buying a back issue for $60 when I see it on eBay for $45. Incidentally I hate it when the store owners retort is, “yeah, but you’d have to pay shipping. You have to include that.” Yes, but you’re not shipping it to me, so why should I pay you shipping? Also when I do eBay I look at all the books, I try to buy as much as I can to maximize shipping. And also, just as a matter of good business, if you’re amiable to make a deal you might see me looking at your other books. If the price is fair and close to eBay I’ll probably just pay it. Maybe I’m annoying because you’re very busy, I get that. But a lot of places I think pad their prices in expectation of Let’s Make a Deal. In the world of conventions and flea markets haggling is almost always expected. Comic shops are often similar. Anyway, I buy regularly, but very little new though I do buy a few new books every week. No pull list except an occasional book I’ll ask for but the lack of a pull list is only so I can pick what covers I want. I’m like the speculator in some ways but I’m more of a collector because there are nonkey books I’ll buy because I love them, I collect them or they have sentimental value. In my heart I want everything but my budget disagrees. I search for comics regularly though like the speculators. I go to comic shops and comic conventions everywhere I find them as well as flea markets, garage sales… basically I shake every tree to see if a comic book will fall out. A store owner might see me as a casual if I’m not from the area, unless I stop for conversation. You can’t know unless I open my mouth that I probably went to two other stores and a few flea markets the same day.
I have elements of all of the types except the one who just hangs around, but I would classify myself as a completionist. Once I start buying a title, I need to have all of them. Or at least all of them that I can afford. It's unlikely that I will ever own all of ASM or Uncanny X-Men, but I'll do my best. The problem is that I took 29 years off from collecting and only started up again in April 2022. The last 2 years have been expensive. But I now have every issue of Uncanny X-Men after 103 plus later volumes; every issue of X-Men (90s) and later volumes; all of the first volumes of New Mutants, X-Factor, X-Force, Exiles, Ultimate X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, X-Treme X-Men, X-Men, 2099, X-Man, Generation X, ... you get the idea. I'm not super interested in keys, but the wall of my bedroom looks better than the walls of most comic shops in my area. I am not opposed to paying full price for a comic, but I won't turn down a sale. Last weekend I stopped by a shop I hadn't been to in a couple of months and found out it was the last day of their "all back issue bin items are $2" sale. That's when I did something unusual for me. In addition to hunting for issues that I needed to fill gaps, I went through every title I even had a mild interest in and I pulled any issues with a sticker price of $10 or more. I walked away with several issues of titles I don't collect, some as high as $25 on the sticker. I paid about $300 less than sticker price for the 70 issues I bought. And since I'm a completionist, I guess I now have to start collecting Captain America, Something Is Killing the Children, and Thor. lol
I am a dollar shopper. If I go in a store, I’m going to buy $100 but it’s all going to be in dollar or 50 Cent bin Books. This is because I used to see Books in the 90s but I couldn’t afford to buy them and now they’re all in the dollar bins and it’s fun to pick them up.
also known as the "always happy customer " we just cant go wrong
So am I. While to do buy other things, I love going through the 50 cent bins because there are so many gems that are often go ignored because they aren't the "Big Names". That and it help the store to get rid of any overstocks.
The Dollar Bin Bottom Feeder. I usually spend an hour in the shop and take home $5 worth of Dollar books.
Shit yeah. 😅
I think you’re missing a lot of types. My favorite and most important is, the quiet, shut up and take my money semi-whale. This guy just shows up out of the blue, grabs stuff, spends about 200-500 and leaves.
I turned 60 yesterday and I’ve never bought a comic book I didn’t want to read and have never bought a comic because of any future value or collectibility.
I salute you
Exactly I'm 66 myself still buy only books I what I to READ
I read all my comics! Love the experience. Like binging a good show. You should try it!
@@PawpawRic I am a silver age guy, and I have tried to buy some new books to "read". It has been mostly a waste of money and my time.
I have never bought a Comic for its value but I surely have bought before reading everything I own.😅
#6 the ghost
Comes in and digs for an hour through the 1$ boxes. Comes in 2 times and you never see him again. He realizes that you dont have any odd ball or indie comics. Thats me
Honorable mention: The grandma taking the 10 to 15 year old Timmy.
I was Timmy for a long time lol
What about Kimmy and Poindexter?
Another type is the guy who doesn’t really buy weekly comics and rarely appears in a book comic store but when he does it’s because he’s in the neighborhood at some restaurant with his wife, and he asks the shop owner if there are any new Alan Moore titles and hey btw, what has Moore been up to the last few years?? This guy is trying to show that he’s a sophisticated comic reader because he’s asking about Moore.
Lmao
Moore is less
Lol, this is hilarious, cuz “that guy” shows up everywhere. Especially at the metal shops. Dad type walks in and asks what Megadeth has been up to lately.
The honorable mention guy that just hangs out never buys anything and has troll-like features. I spit my teeth out 😂 on that one
Loved the video!💕 Just started my comic book collection and found Toon Haven. They offer a huge variety of digital comics for every genre, and lifetime updates too!😍
I'm the whale and need to cut back.
I know the feeling🤣
Just curious, how many books are on your pull... I'm finally under 35 after YEARS of closer to 50
@@comicdog5097 Sadly, I'm still around the 50 mark. But I do tend to grab 2-3 copies of 1st issues and keys. For example, this week I grabbed 2As of Ultimate Universe #1, 3 FOC copies, and 1 each of the other variants.
I'm like combo man I have all these powers 😂
I would fall into the digger category except I read what I buy and don’t sell that often
Im kind of a digger but also go a few times a month for specific books.
Hmm….so I’m the guy that’s been collecting comics since the 70’s that has no interest in new books only back issues. I’m not gonna have a pull list of any kind. I get super excited when you just bought a collection of dusty long boxes and they’re sitting there waiting for me to go through them like Xmas morning. I’m the Bronze Age nerd
I am the guy who is a run filler of silver and bronze age books of certain series.
Me too
I worked at a shop for 12 years and one of the common customer types was called “the squatter”. That was a customer that always had a bunch of books in their pull box and when they came in they would only pick up 2 or 3 of them. “I’ll just take these for now”. Most if not all shops have implemented policies that have eliminated these types of customers. The funny thing about those customers is whenever one of our good customers wanted a book we would look in the squatter’s bin to see if he had it and eventually the squatter would come in, and that was always one of the books that he came to pick up. “Where’s the new issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, it’s on my pull list?!” They tended to be irascible customers.
"dirty flipper"- LOL
Great video! I've probably been all of these throughout the course of my collecting life. I know I used to frustrate the Hell out of my old (now closed) LCS being #2 in particular.
Nowadays, I guess I'm a casual? My local shops don't really cater to my collecting or social needs anymore, which is fine. I only really get excited to visit comic shops when I'm out of town now, as I really enjoy seeing how different people approach running theirs.
I'm type 6. The habitually late to the party or not tuned in guy. Comics are my biggest hobby but I never know a book is hot until it's sold out.
Not sure what mine would be. Always digging but looking for issues to finish runs. Also only in once a month because the closest shop is 50 miles away and not getting much for new titles every month.
Thanks a ton, this was super helpful!
I’m a digger but I’m a reader not a flipper and my LCS is very nice and always happy to haggle he just wants to make sales and move books
yes its so fun to just see what little treasures you can find
I'm "The Collecting Curmudgeon!"! I scoff in your general direction against super heroes but my collection contains about 60% of older superhero titles! I might subscribe to 2 or 3 books but pick them up every 2 or 3 months for a satisfying reading experience! Depending on the budget, I might include a back issue, random supplies or a TRPBK! We rarely watch television but we might collect movies or shows on DVD!
I think you missed the type that only buy one vintage title. I buy only volume 1 Batman. So I’m that guy and will travel every comic shop in hopes to complete my run.
This. Or the type that buys books from one theme. For instance, some people only collect Spider-Man or Spider-Man related books.
Whats ur favorite g1 toy?
Definitely me. I collected Warren Edition Vampirella, that's it. Finally completed the full run a couple of years back.
What about the online shopper, that's me. I preorder online, because it's way more convenient, but then I show up every other week and buy 1 or 2 books at the LCS that I want to check out, but didn't preorder. I also buy the random stickers or Pop.
I'm a digger but not a flipper. I loved comics as a kid but didn't regularly buy. Then in 04/05, I got back into comics and started buying a lot of current stuff. I fell off again in 2010 as I was beginning my career and had to focus on other things. When I go to shops now, Im diggin through to find issues from not only familiar runs but also to taste test other things I had missed out on at the time, like recently I got a lot of the solo adventures Hawkeye and Hawkman's 80s run. So, sometimes we dig because we just want to find new stories to read :)
you are spot on with these customers...
I’m none of these. I mostly shop online. Go in shops like once every 3 months to see if there’s anything that catches my eye
"The Opportunist" ?
I'm with you, man. I order books in advance & wait until I get a couple of omni's/trades before collecting 2/3 months later. Nothing currently from the big 2 interest me
@@lotsalubei would love to reccomend the current marvels runs , they are actually really good. besides amazing spidey and ultimate xmen
@@lotsalube same. I’m 95% out on superhero books. There are just soo many good indie titles
The new wall display looks awesome!
Deal/digger here, basically I’ve been to every local shop in my area and have been known for a while since I used to work for one of the old shops in my area which is no longer around. I’m always just buying for my PC and I always spend big to get a big deal, so maybe that makes me a small whale of sorts. Idk, you tell me lol 😂
In my shop in the 90s, i used to get people who would see a new comic and ask, "How many copies of this should I buy?"
My standard answer was, "How many copies do you plan to read?" I wasn't interested in catering to the speculators. I was more interested in making them readers.
My staff was trained in engaging the new customers, asking what they enjoy in music, shows, movies, etc., and trying to suggest a title we thought would interest them. I had to fire the guy who just sat behind the counter and only spoke to customers when they brought a purchase to the counter.
Engaging the regular customers, too, asking how they liked the new series they just tried, or if there was any title they weren't enjoying as much as they used to, was a good way to tailor orders to shifts in the market.
I just opened a museum- “ The Comic book and Superhero Museum” in NW Arkansas and have definitely had all five in. I myself am a let’s make a deal guy because I spend like a whale and want good deals.
Good video! I guess I'm kind of casual, I have a small pull list (mainly to get the back issue discount) and go in once a month or so. But my LCS has a great silver and bronze selection plus awesome $5&$10 boxes, so when I go in I drop $100-$200 on that stuff. The owner keeps it stocked for me, lol.
kind of a whale lol
@@charless.m yeah, a back issue whale, lol.
I think you missed the "Vintage Collector". I would fall under that category. I think you are otherwise spot on!
I really enjoyed the video keep them coming Im pretty much a character collector
A digger is the closest, but a variant of that... More like a Roller, yes it involves paper of the comic book type :)... If I get Rolling on a series or a sub storyline, I have to finish... normally there's not an omnibus for it... so, multiple digging locations is necessary.
I think you hit all the big dealer types here. Great stuff as always.
I would have thought that the "Long Term Browser" would make the list. You know, the person who pages thru the book (essentially reading it) but never buys anything. I guess I've been away for a long time, do all the shops bag their comics? Signed - Once a year shopper who doesn't understand the X-Men anymore
I guess I would be considered a casual. I only have 2-3 books at any given time on my pull list. With rare exceptions like Batman 89, most all I ever get are indie titles. Occasionally, will I pick up something new if the story seems interesting. Definitely NOT a cover collector. What verdict would you give me?
As a "let's make a deal guy" I just don't want to pay for overpriced comics. Of course, every shop is different, but there's a lot of that still going on especially when you take into account for the grade. I think anyone who went through the comic book crash of the 90's keeps this in mind.
Thats why I'm inclined to try and trade my doubles for an 'overpriced' book.
I am a regular that only collects a few series and the shops puts them in my pull box but while I'm in the shop I also look around and other random things.
Well, I'm a customer who goes into the shop every week. I tend to buy my top 3 characters I enjoy, new and back issue books. I don't worry about all the variants. I get the A cover, and if I really like a variant, it's possible I will grab it as well. I'm very predictable, and I always look through the back issues and grab a few.
A snipers guide to haggling:
1. Don't haggle every time you buy something.
2. Don't haggle anything under $60
3. $60-$100 haggle based on condition and your knowledge of the comic or run in question. Expect $5-15 if that's not good enough don't ask.
4. $100-$300 now it's getting tricky this is where margins can be getting thinner for shop owners. $20 is a win here but timing on a book that's sitting can drive that up.
5. Don't haggle on hot books, just setting your self up for disappointment.
6. Cash is king
7. If you are at show fuck'em haggle the shit out of everyone.
8. Haggling is more likely if you’re buying multiple books.
why did you seem to have fun with the last one with the lets make a deal guy. Made me laugh hard.
Thanks for sharing this, truly excellent content!
Ah shit! I’m the dirty digger/flipper/“let’s make a deal” guy 😂
Same here. One my favorite parts of collecting is getting that good deal.
@@DumDumDugan1911honestly ive never tried to negotiate but ive always wanted to, everytime i get to the counter im just too excited on what i bought that i forget 💀
I'd love to see 5 types of comic book employees. 😅😊
I stopped buying new comics in 2018 when Batman wedding did not happen. Petty, yes, but it was a good dropping off point. I was a pilot whale (smaller) but consistent. I probably spend just as much now, but now I am filling holes in my collection so in most cases I am spending less for more comics.
New to comics (1yr), really not certain what I am. I have ten books on my pull list, love compendiums and omnibus.🤷🏻♂️
The type who's always hanging out there but never buys anything exists in game stores too , especially with Magic and Warhammer. Same could be said for all of these archetypes tbh
I’m 2, 3, & 4? I go every 2 weeks w/ my kids, got my pics saved in my phone, & find any Magik related covers, all variants.
My eyes went 👀, thinking you were talking about me 😂. Making sure no creases visible & etc. I just don’t understand the 1 of 25 thingy. They put out 25 comics on shelf and 1 is the variant?
I used to be a whale at my local LCS. I was in the shop every Wednesday for my pull list, dropping on average $200 a week. I would check the previews months in advance. I stopped doing that when I realized I couldn’t read all those books and accumulated long boxes of unread books that were rapidly losing any value. I finally came to my senses and now am the guy who orders a handful of books online each week and have them shipped to me once a month.
Great video, appreciate you sharing it!
I always thought that was Alan Moore, the guy from comic book men
Great show guys, thank you
Can I be an unpredictable whale digger? When I was able to go to the LCS, I was coming in once a week, but I was getting what I wanted for books. I would be consistent with my choices until I didn’t like the story, Art, writing etc. then I would drop the book. I would also pick up books that caught my eye to see if it was worth putting further effort into reading that book. When given a choice of cover, I pick the one I like. I also will dig through back issues looking to fill gaps in my stories. Before I moved 1300 miles away, the store I visited for nearly 35 years had random 15 book boxes. I would pick one of these up occasionally to see what is the stories. One such box had a book that was relatively new, within the previous two years, that I did not pick up the first time. The story was amazing and led me to be the digger for all other parts of the story.
I guess my reason to visit a store is to find more of the story I want to reader. I am the collector, not a flipper.
Guess I never saw myself as a whale I always buy 30 or more a week at times variants and preorder my books 3 months ahead I thought I was just a normal collector
Same 😂 I’m also in my LCS like twice a week
I usually get stuff like graphic novels but I also get stuff like the single books sometimes
Before watching video I'm guessing the customer who always asks for thd one comic the store doesn't have
I'm a digger. I'm "lets make a deal" at cons and shows, in the store, not so much, unless it's clearly overpriced and been sitting for awhile. Once it's been in the store over 60 days it is definitely much easier to get a discount.
The let's-make-a-deal guy might be the guy who's been to many shops that are ridiculously over priced--quite common where I'm from. In other words, a guy who has a sense of FMV.
i use to be whale but i only stopo in once or twice month takes more gas go to store then buying i buy books online now most of books store is sold out of i have buy onoline , what do you label whale shopper but have to buy sold out issues online where shopper goes to store oince or twice month store is almost mile away?
I’m a mix of the whale and digger. I always hit those $1 bins and back issue bins first, and get my digging done so I can fill some runs. Then I snatch up the books I preordered on my pull list. Currently I have 7 titles on my pull list. 6 are limited series and 1 is on-going.
I guess I'm sort of like a non-speculator version of "the digger". I do not collect for resale. I collect silver and bronze. I know my local shops' back issues like the back of my hand. I buy to read and I avoid big keys until Ive otherwise completed a collection and I stay clear of anything slabbed. Prefer mid or even low grade. I may not purchase anything for weeks/months but when new back issues are stocked I behave like a super-whale. I'm not sure if Im a rare type. I know there are 2 other guys like me in my relatively small town.
I’m a let’s make a deal guy but I don’t think you owe me something and I do know how a shop is run.
Im the whale 🐳 of comics, video games, movies & figurines but mostly of TMNT
ill definitely try that, thanks!
lol. I am definitely a digger. I start with the $1 bins looking for key issues whether they are bronze age or modern. I normally don't pay cover price for modern keys unless it's a book I really want and know will run out before even hitting the $1 bins. I don't have loyalty to one particular store and will travel to different shops to see which ones have the best value. Some stores are really good at certain categories of value than the other so that's where I go. Sometimes I wonder if my habits are even profitable for the shops because whenever I ring up the register, the customer before me who are buying comic books and games spend close to $100 while on average I spend less than $20. One time I found a gambit toybiz action figure selling for $5 which normally retails towards $30 and also picked up some $1 bin comics, the clerk kind of made a remark and said "wow snagging up all the deals." lol. I don't know if I should be categorized as let's make a deal because I do look for deals but I never try to haggle or drop the price the store is asking for and pay whatever they price it knowing its a good deal for me.
I think I am the "laid back personal grail hunter " customer
I'm kind of a digger, but I collect for me. I go to my LCS and I'll look around for a few hours, knowing what I'm looking for or maybe just happen upon something I think's really cool (one time found the first and second appearances of B'wana Beast). I've been going to my shop for well over 10 years now, so he automatically gives me a 25% discount. I bought a Phantom Stranger #4 for $16 there and he's like "You always find the good stuff. You have really good taste."
Fantastic vid!!! Thanks a lot!
I used to be an active comic book buyer, collector, and more like a speculator to be more accurate! Then I retired about 5 years ago, and I noticed a couple of changes that've occurred to my favorite titles ! One, they've changed characters and costumes so many times I can't tell who's who anymore ; two, the cover price escalated from $1.50 to some over $5.- each ! Living on a fixed budget now, I can't afford my favorite titles ; so I'd like to suggest another category to add to your list- " Extinct !" Was an avid fan ; but between prices rising ever faster, I quit buying! My speculation has yielded a nice profit, but I'm switching to coins and stamps ; it's easier to keep track of and lighter to transport !
Right now I’m trying to sale my 10 long boxes an four short boxes of comics … these days I’m more of a causal collector that knows what he wants . I’m into omnibus now to save on space I primarily got into comics for the love of them not as a investment.
I'm definitely the unpredictable regular. So much so that my comic shop guy gave me his personal cell number and told me to text him when I want something.
wow, great video. thanks so much
I fall in the, if i asked for it I'm going to buy it category. I guess a wale too. Lot of these owners are scared you're going to back out of the books you ordered but i earned my reputation with my lcs
I also ask for variants because that is what i like
You missed the collector someone who buys and holds onto things for the joy of it someone who is selective
I've been every type of customer you have listed over the last 20ish years of buying books
First I was an unpredictable regular (kid on a budget), then I was a comic shop owner, then I was a whale. Now, I'm an unpredictable irregular and subject to whim (whatever catches my eye when I wander into a shop).
My LCBS is trash so I’m definitely casual. I wander in sometimes out of boredom but usually only buy a few books. They are usually already out of anything fresh because they have zero idea what they are doing and will buy like 5 copies of the hottest book that week. No idea how they stay in business at all except it’s a chain.
I’m the casual 😂😂
Loll I’m the casual guy, ummm…”so wats good…” guy
Good job taking off all your slabs on your wall. To me Raws display better!!! You’re a great TH-camr!! One of my favorites!!!
I'm not sure that I fall under any of these categories. I guess I'm an anomaly? I like to go through back issue bins,... I may ask the owners opinion on books if I'm looking for something new to read,... I don't do a pull list, but I may get several books in a run that might interest me,... I do know something about comic books, but not near everything,... I love to read the books that I buy and if one goes up in value, cool, but can't say I'm a speculator. I love looking for older stuff I had when I was a kid but lost over time. I generally just enjoy comics.
I think your missing the data guy that tries to say this should Be this price cause it reflects currents sales
Sticky Tool back with a great vid.
I’m a split between the digger and unpredictable regular.
Well I'll read anything, mostly interested in pulp noir, fantasy, detective, Sci-fi, but I have been reading the Savage Sword of Conan.
You forgout about the Strap On Guy.
Glenn and Corey deserve some royalties for the shot. Plus neither of them,
is indicative of one of your 5 types.
Glenn is the GOAT store owner !
Comic book palace is the best comic book TH-cam channel and it’s not even close
@@Stickygoose amen brother !!
very helpful, worth the watch
I am probably the guy the shops hate, but I am starting to be more consistent with the books I buy. Usually anything Indie Horror has my attention
im the guy who only buys online because I live in the middle of nowhere and my nearest comic shop is 110 miles from me. I never been inside a comic shop. hope one day I get to. been collecting since 2020. my first spec was Punchline and Strange Academy. not a bad spec for a new comer of the time rite..
Through my 30yrs of collecting, I've been all of these at different points of life, except the deal guy.
I honestly will buy a copy to read and buy a copy or two if it’s an anticipated comic because it may rise in value. I’m a reader but I will sell an issue or two but I won’t buy 10 cover a’s of 1 issue to sell. As a comic fan, collector and I guess “flipper”, it can be a way to help afford other books. I also do purchase FCBD books from my LCBS and hand them out for free at Comic Cons when I exhibit. Also, comics is a VERY minuscule part of my business as I’m not a comic shop, just a collector.
I should also mention, I’m a whale
I’m a bit of a hybrid but depending on the store I can be the Let’s Make a Deal guy, and I feel like I need to defend us. I do think you left out some categories too… because I’m the avid collector guy who is the customer version of the old school comic shop. I like to talk comics. I like to exchange stories about the old days of collecting. I hope I’m not annoying like you said the Let’s Make a Deal guy is, but I can get a vibe. I’m enthusiastic about talking comics and I think some people love me for it but I know when the conversation isn’t wanted so I back off. In defense of the Let’s Make a Deal guy… wouldn’t you rather get an offer than sit on a book? Not everything flies off the shelf. If I see something goes for less on eBay, I’d rather give my money to a comic shop because I want them to stay in business but I can’t justify buying a back issue for $60 when I see it on eBay for $45.
Incidentally I hate it when the store owners retort is, “yeah, but you’d have to pay shipping. You have to include that.” Yes, but you’re not shipping it to me, so why should I pay you shipping? Also when I do eBay I look at all the books, I try to buy as much as I can to maximize shipping. And also, just as a matter of good business, if you’re amiable to make a deal you might see me looking at your other books. If the price is fair and close to eBay I’ll probably just pay it. Maybe I’m annoying because you’re very busy, I get that. But a lot of places I think pad their prices in expectation of Let’s Make a Deal. In the world of conventions and flea markets haggling is almost always expected. Comic shops are often similar.
Anyway, I buy regularly, but very little new though I do buy a few new books every week. No pull list except an occasional book I’ll ask for but the lack of a pull list is only so I can pick what covers I want. I’m like the speculator in some ways but I’m more of a collector because there are nonkey books I’ll buy because I love them, I collect them or they have sentimental value. In my heart I want everything but my budget disagrees. I search for comics regularly though like the speculators. I go to comic shops and comic conventions everywhere I find them as well as flea markets, garage sales… basically I shake every tree to see if a comic book will fall out.
A store owner might see me as a casual if I’m not from the area, unless I stop for conversation. You can’t know unless I open my mouth that I probably went to two other stores and a few flea markets the same day.
What person wouldn't want to dig so as to build up their current collection or flip. How is it dirty?
Lmao gem mint call out
Can't wait to start my collection
I guess I blow water out of my head then….
I have elements of all of the types except the one who just hangs around, but I would classify myself as a completionist. Once I start buying a title, I need to have all of them. Or at least all of them that I can afford. It's unlikely that I will ever own all of ASM or Uncanny X-Men, but I'll do my best. The problem is that I took 29 years off from collecting and only started up again in April 2022. The last 2 years have been expensive. But I now have every issue of Uncanny X-Men after 103 plus later volumes; every issue of X-Men (90s) and later volumes; all of the first volumes of New Mutants, X-Factor, X-Force, Exiles, Ultimate X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, X-Treme X-Men, X-Men, 2099, X-Man, Generation X, ... you get the idea. I'm not super interested in keys, but the wall of my bedroom looks better than the walls of most comic shops in my area.
I am not opposed to paying full price for a comic, but I won't turn down a sale. Last weekend I stopped by a shop I hadn't been to in a couple of months and found out it was the last day of their "all back issue bin items are $2" sale. That's when I did something unusual for me. In addition to hunting for issues that I needed to fill gaps, I went through every title I even had a mild interest in and I pulled any issues with a sticker price of $10 or more. I walked away with several issues of titles I don't collect, some as high as $25 on the sticker. I paid about $300 less than sticker price for the 70 issues I bought. And since I'm a completionist, I guess I now have to start collecting Captain America, Something Is Killing the Children, and Thor. lol