MTG Madness
Economics forum
Posted on Sept. 25, 2013, 4:54 a.m. by ShadowLand
Okay, so I was approached by MTG Madness to do a review of their site on my MTG Blog, so I am and here is my review so far.
I will be updating this when I get the cards, as I pre-ordered a few cards, but I wanted to make the info available to anyone who might have thought about using them. I am being brutally honest with my review and want to try and get any info out that I can that helps anyone else who plays.
SharuumNyan says... #3
Either I missed it, or you didn't mention how much shipping was. The bottom of the page says that this company is located in Cyprus! Even if their prices were cheaper than SCG, I know that shipping from SCG is going to be super cheap, and my cards will arrive in 2-3 days. I doubt a company in Cyprus can beat that.
I also,like to see an "information about this company" link, or an explanation of shipping prices before adding stuff to a cart. I didn't see any of that.
September 25, 2013 9:09 a.m.
ShadowLand says... #4
Good point SharuumNyan, I will definitely be sure to add that to my article when reviewing their site when the cards arrive.
Shipping was $3.50 to anywhere in the world. And that is going to be mentioned as well. That anywhere you can order cards from in the US is going to be $0.99-$2, which is why I am stuck on Coolstuffinc for most of my card needs.
September 25, 2013 5:06 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #5
Coolstuffinc has been known to have pricing inconsistencies.
I normally order random stuff through TCGplayer. Most of my EDH foils and special printings come from SCG because their stock is second to none.
A buddy of mine had a mischarge on an order from MTG Madness because the coupon code wasn't recognized properly. He had to have a back-and-forth with the business to sort it out, but he eventually got his cards and discount.
One of the problems with startup stores is stock. New stores just don't have the stock of established stores, and they also lack reputation. MTG Madness is trying to build both over time by offering discounts and incentives for ordering. The major problem I see is the combination of comparatively low stock, average or higher pricing, and shipping time/price. Individually, these factors are manageable, if unideal. Together, they become quite a challenge, especially for a new store.
September 27, 2013 4:36 a.m.
ShadowLand says... #6
I 100% agree Epochalyptik, I have noticed all of those points, and noted most if not all of those in my review of them. However, they are trying to do right by their customers, even though they are just starting out, and they will receive a low grade from me in my review for the shortcomings mentioned. I am, in the article, offering them suggestions to help better their site, so it doesn't seem incredibly negative and so they can see how people view their ordering experience.
I do most of my small ordering from my LGS, unless I find a way better deal and good shipping somewhere. And that's usually after having checked 5-6 places first to make sure I'm getting the best deal.
September 27, 2013 6:18 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #7
It should be mentioned that inventory issues will improve as the store grows; it's not wholly fair to mention low inventory without assessing it from that standpoint.
Also, be aware that your review will influence their sales. Be honest, but be fair. (Not that I expect you won't.)
September 27, 2013 10:12 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #8
It may also be worth checking whether there are other online retailers in their region. If not, that's a plus for them.
thataddkid says... #2
Honestly, no matter how good a site is, I will never find a better alternative to tcgplayer.com.
Star City and coolstuff sell at comfortable prices such as 0.25, 0.50, 1.49, 2.99, while tcgplayer's vendors sell in direct competition with each other and constantly try to take the spot of cheapest. With no direct competition on these other sites they are not really in threat of being undercut by someone else and losing business. Therefore their high prices are secure.
September 25, 2013 6:41 a.m.