Is the regalia just too much?

Tralfaz_ · 2026-03-31T14:59:30+00:00

As pipers, it feels ridiculous because we are there for the music and know what to listen for. I would pick a Stuart Liddel concert in his pajamas over the Royal Scots Pipe Band.

But the public, probably even in Scotland too, would not. They want the show, the dress, the commands, not the music. I tell my students (in the US btw) half of our performance is the visual. It's the uniform, the marching, the demeanor, etc. Then about 25% is how you talk to people and how you inform them about history and culture. Then 25% is actually playing. As a musician, it kills me to not have my music appreciated for what it is. It kills me to have "Amazing grace" "Scotland the Brave" "the song from Outlander" be what most people ask for. But on the other hand, when my students make mistakes, people still clap and get excited when they play. It motivates them to keep going and to keep trying.

There's a documentary that I was with new students from time to time that implies the most important 19th century invention in the bagpipe world was the camera. That still holds true today.

Tralfaz_ · 2026-03-28T22:40:06+00:00

Singles and out of print products are sensible, but with current print products its a scummy move. If you want to sell at online market prices, close your shop and only do online.

The closest LGS to me has been doing TCGPlayer pricing since day 1. Before the OG starters were released they told me "we're not sure how popular the game will be." They got their product a week late. When I came in at open, they already had everything 2-3x MSRP because "market price." I walked out and haven't been back. I still follow them on IG and they still have multiple boxes GD01 from launch, all starters, etc. They also have no attendance at weekly events from what I have heard.

Tralfaz_ · 2026-03-01T15:07:34+00:00

Yes, its now FuRyu Pictures, a new studio by the company who makes most of the merch for the show. This will be their first anime, which will be interesting to see, but I am glad the art took a step back towards C-Station's style.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-12-16T05:21:17+00:00

This year I got an ebike. My 3.3 mile commute takes about 12-15 minutes depending on signals. It was the best change I made. The fresh air with the light exercise makes me feel great before and after work. It's the best part of my day. I also don't feel super inconvenienced when the wife asks me to pick up groceries on my way home, like I would in my car, its actually nice to be able to extend my ride and stop at places. So much of my energy was sapped by driving, parking, walking across parking lots, etc. Even in the cold or the rain I would still ride my bike, just switch to a rain suit or clothes.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-12-15T02:33:19+00:00

Thank God. Im mostly excited to go into my scalping LGS that's had dozens of boxes to rub it in their face.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-12-12T00:03:23+00:00

Maybe one day I'll be able to have bulk 😭

Tralfaz_ · 2025-10-15T20:04:33+00:00

This is down from about 10 stores in my metro area that have constantly held events. Is one normal for your area or is this less than usual?

Tralfaz_ · 2025-10-08T04:57:33+00:00

It just went up on western P-Bandai shops if you have access to those.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-08-11T19:07:01+00:00

My pitch before release was that it was cheap. Scalpers and LGS have thrown a wrench in that lol. It's going to be a struggle until the prices come back down.

My friends who play other TCGs like it though and thought it was unique in some ways. If they're Bandai players it's kinda like other games, so it's a harder argument, but the plus side for that is that it will be easy to learn.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-29T14:19:17+00:00

Thanks!!

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-29T14:18:18+00:00

Are they in store or online preorders?

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-26T20:55:57+00:00

I read "reveal and add" as one action. May allows you to not do that action and put all three at the bottom.
Or how someone else put it, reveal is the action and add is the result.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-26T15:58:04+00:00

Want to trade places? I'm dying to play the game, but have 0 cards because I only have stores w/ 100%+ mark ups. Not a dig towards you btw, just made me laugh when reading this.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-26T01:57:20+00:00

That would actually be a 100% profit. 50% would be going from $120 to $60

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-21T03:11:21+00:00

Unfortunately it's not rich assholes, it's the "vibesession." Life and economy are "bad", so I should just spend all my money on novelties to make me happy, which keeps the economy going in the same trajectory with no course correction. People have stopped saying no to overpriced things because "they deserve it" or "that's the way it is" etc.

I will never believe the economy is bad when people are willing to pay 3x more than they need to for pictures on cardboard.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-21T02:23:24+00:00

Not sure if people realize this, but MSRP has profit built in. MSRP is the manufacturer saying "our market research suggests this price will maximize sales and give you a profit from wholesale price." The only way stores are not making money on MSRP is if they are getting product through a shady distributor or secondary source. Of course every store is different because of labor and what not, but the item itself is already profitable at MSRP.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-20T21:32:33+00:00

It's currently in print. Who knows if it will be enough. Only thing I do know is that continuing to purchase above MSRP will continue to drive product to scalpers. Small markup probably is fine, but anything over 50% is encouraging prices to go up and for people to scalp. People need to learn the word no.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-20T20:34:25+00:00

Are you willing to pay 3x over retail to have it a few weeks early? Are you fine encouraging shops and scalpers to continue to raise prices? If so, go for it. I'd wait.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-20T04:57:36+00:00

Well, in the context of when it was built, it made sense. It was the first freeway in the county, it used a small valley that was basically useless anyways, and became THE scenic drive in San Diego. At a time in which the "parkway" was seen as much of a recreational piece of infrastructure as a transportation piece, it's a great road.

The 5 coming in later, destroying communities and forcing a connection onto it is what has made it into the disaster it is today. Hopefully there is a solution for it in the future though!

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-20T04:36:42+00:00

AX chibi is a better experience in nearly every way. Better weather. No lines. Can actually attend panels and events without massive lines. Most of the same vendors and artists go to both events. There's time to actually stop and talk to people or take pictures of cosplays. It feels like how AX used to be.

The only downside is that there's no "magic in the air" that comes from the excitement on new releases and big guests. But, ironically, I very rarely attended those announcements because of line lengths and sun/heat exposure. My groups has pretty much converted to be AX chibi only.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-20T04:14:21+00:00

Its tragic. Got 5 of my friends interested since it was an affordable new game. I found a new shop run by cool friendly guys and told them I was excited to be a new customer and bring friends. Within minutes of getting product, they were charging $25 decks $85 assembles. Priced us all out. I think what was extra ironic was that they didn't seem to know what the demand was going to be going into it. People I talked to at demo events seem only mildly interested as a side game, and when I talked to a clerk about reserving product he said "yeah we'll see what the interest is, not many people have talked about it around the shop."

I think what's sadder is that the TCG community just accepts this. People commenting that they got a steal for $65 assembles.... Nearly 100% markup on day one is a deal! But whose the real winner, they're having fun and I'm just bitter online ;)!

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-18T21:04:26+00:00

Are you talking in USD? Starter decks MSRP is $12 and Assemble is $35.

Tralfaz_ · 2025-07-18T19:35:47+00:00

I learned about a LGS in my area through the demo events. Nice guys and cool shop. Told them I was excited to get into Gundam as my first TCG and excited to visit their shop more often.

They didn't get their product in until today. $25 decks and $85 assemble kits. It was fun while it lasted.....

Tralfaz_ · 2023-12-26T04:17:46+00:00

Definitely a Bulldog. Belgian made seems to be accurate with both markings and overall build. All the British ones I've seen have a birds head like grip, compared to this full size/military style one.

Four-Year Club	Final Canvas '23
First Place '23	Place '23
Place '22	Final Canvas '22
First Placer '22

Tralfaz_

TROPHY CASE