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Warning about the comic book shop on Elm Street in Springfield

I visited the big comic shop on Elm Street last Saturday and noticed about half the back issues were priced way above market value. The owner told me he raised prices on everything after he saw some eBay flips go for double. Has anyone else seen pricing like this at their local shops?
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3 Comments
patricia_green21
The store on Elm Street has been around for over 20 years so I can see why the owner would price stuff based on what he sees online. I mean if someone is willing to pay $50 for a flip then why wouldn't he ask for more at his own shop? He's running a business not a charity (though I know that sounds harsh). His rent and overhead are probably way higher than what an eBay seller deals with so he needs to make a profit somehow. I actually thought his prices were fair for a brick and mortar place honestly.
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olivia_bailey
Dude same thing happened at my shop last month. Total ripoff.
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christopher_sullivan
That thing about "if someone is willing to pay $50 for a flip then why wouldn't he ask for more" really hits home for me. @olivia_bailey I saw you mentioned getting ripped off too, and I hate that this is becoming a pattern. In my experience, when shops start chasing eBay prices for back issues, they usually lose the regulars who keep the lights on month after month. The thing is, online flips are one-off sales to strangers, not repeat customers who come in every week. Your mileage may vary, but I've seen a few shops around here try this and then end up with a lot of unsold stock gathering dust.
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