As a retailer, I have noted some delays and spotty supply issues on Spartan Core Products in both Dystopian Wars and Firestorm Armada over the last 6-12 months (which seem to have gotten worse mroe recently)
- I have spoken to some other retailers, my distributors, and to customers who also frequent other retailers.... and it doesn't seem to be a localized phenomenon.
Halo seems readily and quickly available, but core starter fleets for Dystopian Wars and Firestorm Armada seems to see significant degrees of non-supply... I have some core DW Fleets that have been on back order through at least 2 or 3 restocks at the Wholesaler level....
.. The general impression I'm getting around the industry is that You guys (Spartan) are putting a considerable portion of your available resources into exciting new projects (which is understandable) but seem to be taking those resources from core parts of your income stream...
... There is a siginificant cost in customer uptake.... I have had customers sick of waiting who change their mind. Fortunately for me, they usually pick up another stocked line (Infinity being a popular one) - but some end up getting more computer games, or "go back to 40k"....
We have a local Vanguard working hard and doing a great job... his work should result in new sales and players for Spartan...
... I love Dystopian - the setting is great, the models are very pretty and the gaming system is solid (if a little on the fiddly side)... and many of my customers are even more enthusiastic ... and it really annoys me not to be able to help them.
Are other people observing similar issues? whether Distributors, retailers or players? Can Spartan advise if they are aware of the issue and if something is being done?
.... the DW/FS regulars, and their attendant n00bs are the bread and butter...