It would be a simple matter for WotC to ship "gift card" style inserts, one for each book that it ships to hobby stores, and then to require the hobby stores to activate the insert codes at the point of purchase when a customer wants to purchase a digital copy too. These technological capabilities are perhaps about 20 years old.
It would be a simple matter for WotC to ship "gift card" style inserts, one for each book that it ships to hobby stores, and then to require the hobby stores to activate the insert codes at the point of purchase when a customer wants to purchase a digital copy too. These technological capabilities are perhaps about 20 years old.
First off, that simple matter would require work on the part of the stores for nothing in return. Not a lot of work, granted, but why would I, as a store owner, pay my employee for even 5 seconds of effort so that the customer can then go buy something from a different company. But even if they can get over that hump. Well, folks on these forums have gone round and round about bundling over the past few years. (Its important to note that no one from WotC has weighed in, its just players arguing amongst ourselves.) A lot of it was before they bought Dndbeyond, and it was two different companies. Now that isn't a valid reason any longer. But in the end, WotC has made no indication that they're going to do it. They seem to be trying to work out order fulfillment so you can buy a bundle from them, but it doesn't look like they're trying to cut stores in on the action.
If you feel strongly about it, though, I'd suggest reaching out to someone in the company, because folks with decision-making power don't seem to go combing through the threads here.
It would be a simple matter for WotC to ship "gift card" style inserts, one for each book that it ships to hobby stores, and then to require the hobby stores to activate the insert codes at the point of purchase when a customer wants to purchase a digital copy too. These technological capabilities are perhaps about 20 years old.
The production cost would be massively higher, since a uniquely numbered "gift card" would have to be added to each individual book before wrapping.
@Farling : This is not so. The gift card would not need to be included in the book, and could be shipped separately. The "gift card" would be activated at the till in the same way that separate gift cards are activated for Fortnite, or whatever. In this case, however, the hobby store would not be permitted to sell the gift card without also selling the associated book at the same time. Production costs would not be massively higher. Unless, that's what you want...
@Farling : This is not so. The gift card would not need to be included in the book, and could be shipped separately. The "gift card" would be activated at the till in the same way that separate gift cards are activated for Fortnite, or whatever. In this case, however, the hobby store would not be permitted to sell the gift card without also selling the associated book at the same time. Production costs would not be massively higher. Unless, that's what you want...
You’re arguing with the wrong person. Maybe they could do it, and maybe not, but either way, Farling doesn’t make decisions for WotC.
@Farling : This is not so. The gift card would not need to be included in the book, and could be shipped separately. The "gift card" would be activated at the till in the same way that separate gift cards are activated for Fortnite, or whatever. In this case, however, the hobby store would not be permitted to sell the gift card without also selling the associated book at the same time. Production costs would not be massively higher. Unless, that's what you want...
Just because you think something is simple does not mean it is. Somebody has to pay for that convenience, and not every business is willing to set up the infrastructure and absorb the maintanence cost.
As far as I can tell, Wizards also is not ready to handle selling to customers directly at scale yet, so they still need and rely on physical distributors for now. One way to keep relations up is to offer your physical distributors certain products that only they can sell.
You’re arguing with the wrong person. Maybe they could do it, and maybe not, but either way, Farling doesn’t make decisions for WotC.
1.) It was not intended as any argument. 2.) Farling characterized (and, imo, mischaracterized) the costs as "massively" higher. 3.) Farling also seemed to misunderstand how it might actually be done -- i.e., as if it needed to involve shrink-wrapped books, which it most certainly need not. 4.) My reply to Farling was intended, respectfully, to clarify things and help chart a solution with a "can-do" attitude.
Just because you think something is simple does not mean it is. Somebody has to pay for that convenience, and not every business is willing to set up the infrastructure and absorb the maintanence cost.
As far as I can tell, Wizards also is not ready to handle selling to customers directly at scale yet, so they still need and rely on physical distributors for now. One way to keep relations up is to offer your physical distributors certain products that only they can sell.
Actually, it *is* quite simple, but it's a relative thing. (I mean, we're not landing a person on the moon over here.) So, let's not engage in any undue contrariness. I'll readily admit that some people -- e.g., you and WotC -- might see it as hard.
And, yes, of course, there will be additional costs... Ultimately, however, it will likely prove a losing strategy that won't be acceptable to anyone (not to WotC, not to physical distributors, and not to end consumers) to sell, distribute, or buy premium / collector's edition style Alt covers that offer substandard consumer experiences.
It might be better for everyone's bottom line if WotC and its physical distributors (including hobby stores) got with the program sooner rather than later. In fact, many hobby stores may already be redeeming "gift cards" at their cash registers...
I wouldn't look for things to change anytime soon, it appears the vtt and support for that is front and center, and will likely be until well after launch. All eggs seem to be in that basket for now.
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Has Wizards sorted out how it will ship digital codes with the Alt cover edition of its new book yet for this time around? (Too soon?)
As far as I can tell, alt covers are exclusive to physical stores.
If you want to purchase the physical-digital bundle, those are exclusively from Wizards' online store, and the online store does not offer alt covers.
Check Licenses and Resync Entitlements: < https://www.dndbeyond.com/account/marketplace >
Running the Game by Matt Colville; Introduction: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8 >
D&D with High School Students by Bill Allen; Season 1 Episode 1: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52NJTUDokyk&t >
It would be a simple matter for WotC to ship "gift card" style inserts, one for each book that it ships to hobby stores, and then to require the hobby stores to activate the insert codes at the point of purchase when a customer wants to purchase a digital copy too. These technological capabilities are perhaps about 20 years old.
First off, that simple matter would require work on the part of the stores for nothing in return. Not a lot of work, granted, but why would I, as a store owner, pay my employee for even 5 seconds of effort so that the customer can then go buy something from a different company. But even if they can get over that hump. Well, folks on these forums have gone round and round about bundling over the past few years. (Its important to note that no one from WotC has weighed in, its just players arguing amongst ourselves.) A lot of it was before they bought Dndbeyond, and it was two different companies. Now that isn't a valid reason any longer. But in the end, WotC has made no indication that they're going to do it. They seem to be trying to work out order fulfillment so you can buy a bundle from them, but it doesn't look like they're trying to cut stores in on the action.
If you feel strongly about it, though, I'd suggest reaching out to someone in the company, because folks with decision-making power don't seem to go combing through the threads here.
The production cost would be massively higher, since a uniquely numbered "gift card" would have to be added to each individual book before wrapping.
@ aeFact Is it possible, yes will it happen, no. Many threads on this not much horse left to beat.
@Farling : This is not so. The gift card would not need to be included in the book, and could be shipped separately. The "gift card" would be activated at the till in the same way that separate gift cards are activated for Fortnite, or whatever. In this case, however, the hobby store would not be permitted to sell the gift card without also selling the associated book at the same time. Production costs would not be massively higher. Unless, that's what you want...
You’re arguing with the wrong person. Maybe they could do it, and maybe not, but either way, Farling doesn’t make decisions for WotC.
Just because you think something is simple does not mean it is. Somebody has to pay for that convenience, and not every business is willing to set up the infrastructure and absorb the maintanence cost.
As far as I can tell, Wizards also is not ready to handle selling to customers directly at scale yet, so they still need and rely on physical distributors for now. One way to keep relations up is to offer your physical distributors certain products that only they can sell.
Check Licenses and Resync Entitlements: < https://www.dndbeyond.com/account/marketplace >
Running the Game by Matt Colville; Introduction: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8 >
D&D with High School Students by Bill Allen; Season 1 Episode 1: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52NJTUDokyk&t >
1.) It was not intended as any argument.
2.) Farling characterized (and, imo, mischaracterized) the costs as "massively" higher.
3.) Farling also seemed to misunderstand how it might actually be done -- i.e., as if it needed to involve shrink-wrapped books, which it most certainly need not.
4.) My reply to Farling was intended, respectfully, to clarify things and help chart a solution with a "can-do" attitude.
Actually, it *is* quite simple, but it's a relative thing. (I mean, we're not landing a person on the moon over here.) So, let's not engage in any undue contrariness. I'll readily admit that some people -- e.g., you and WotC -- might see it as hard.
And, yes, of course, there will be additional costs... Ultimately, however, it will likely prove a losing strategy that won't be acceptable to anyone (not to WotC, not to physical distributors, and not to end consumers) to sell, distribute, or buy premium / collector's edition style Alt covers that offer substandard consumer experiences.
It might be better for everyone's bottom line if WotC and its physical distributors (including hobby stores) got with the program sooner rather than later. In fact, many hobby stores may already be redeeming "gift cards" at their cash registers...
Peace
From the replies so far, it seems, the correct answers to my original quesitons may perhaps be as follows:
"No, not yet. (Yes, too soon.)"
Respectfully,
aeFact
I wouldn't look for things to change anytime soon, it appears the vtt and support for that is front and center, and will likely be until well after launch. All eggs seem to be in that basket for now.