Local game store wants to charge $10 to play there. Am I crazy for thinking that's too much?

I stopped by Game Haven in Denver last weekend. First time in a year. They put up a sign at the counter. $10 per person to use their tables for any board game night. Even if you buy stuff from them. The owner said it's because people camp out for hours and don't buy anything. I get that. But I dropped $40 on snacks and a new game last time I was there. Is this normal now or are they just pushing people away? Has anyone else seen stores do this?

2 comments

2 Comments

ray_sullivan3d ago

I mean I ran into this at a couple stores in Chicago a few years back. The $10 table fee thing usually comes with a store credit or drink token somewhere, did they mention that? I'd ask if that $10 gets you anything back, 'cause if it's just a straight fee with no offset that feels pretty steep. Maybe it's just me but most places I've seen doing this either waive it if you spend over like $15 or give you a punch card. Idk, I'd probably ask if they have a loyalty program or if the fee covers an event.

the_miles3d ago

Actually, I used to be on the other side of this. I always thought table fees were just a money grab and anyone charging them was being shady. But then I spent some time at a shop in Portland that had a $10 fee and I realized @ray_sullivan actually made a good point about the store credit thing. They gave me a $10 token toward anything in the store so I basically just paid for my own shopping in advance. It felt different because I was gonna buy something anyway. It's still annoying if you're just browsing but for anyone who actually picks up a pack or two, it works out. I'd probably ask the store directly if the fee comes with a credit or if it's just a straight charge because that changes everything.