"Companies on the Forums" Topic

Are you more likely to buy from a company, if someone from that company is active on the TMP forums?

* yes, adds to my comfort level
* no, makes no difference to me
* other
* I don't use the forums myself

Yes, if they come across as a nice person that contributes in a positive manner to the community. I'm not as impressed if their sole presence is to push their product, but even that I can respect if done tastefully. Now, if they come across as a real jerk, as has been seen recently with some companies, then I would not order unless they had something I could get no where else and it was outstanding.

Most things I need and want can be supplied by the nice pushers here on TMP, so life is good.

Jeff

It depends. Along with general attitude, if they act like they're on a street corner wearing a big hat, they aren't going to get a cent from me.

Allen

It depends entirely on how the present themselves. As recent experience shows, a bad presentation can be a real turn off. Given any reasonably civil behavior, I'm generally inclined to do business with someone I know, even if remotely. I've also discovered a couple of products based on postings by company personnel.

In other words: Pretty much the same level of influence as how I'm treated when I walk into a shop.

- Bob

I don't use the forums myself

Then how do you see the poll?
Most of the stuff I have gotten from FLGS, I have seen here first.

Yes, if I see that they contribute to the site in a positive manner, and handle any customer service issues that get posted here in a mature and business like fashion.

I'm feeling a bit more lenient than others towards advertisers, since this is the place to buy a banner ad and push new products. So if the vendor can discuss the merits of his new product and handle questions like a business person that might sell me despite the lack of a track record with other customers.

no, makes no difference to me

Makes no real difference to me, other than if they act rudely or are indifferent to problems with shipping and products.

I like having them on the forums but they must be able to defend themselves when attacked. I've heard that often their posts are cut if they defend themselves. Either everyone can talk or no one, in regards to vendors.

But in short, I find them a great resource.

It's fine by me – but if they over do it then it's off putting.

We all over do some things – but if you're trying to sell something the hard sell is a real turn-off.

I'll support members of the TMP community, but I have little time for companies that just (ab)use this space as way to shill their goods. That's what beig an advertiser and submitting press releases/announcements to the news section is for.

I look to TMP members to add to my comfort level in some purchases.

Not so much being "active" on TMP – but, it is definitely a good thing when they answer questions specific to their product. Any vendor/company who is reponsive to their customers (or potential customers) gets my attention. Although, in the end it is the actual product which will get my business, or not. Dean

It's nice when a company can answer questions about their products or services here.

Mike "Bunkermeister" Creek
bunkermeister.blogspot.com

Not TMP in particular, no. Always nice to see them have some sort of active online presence, though.

Yes.

If i see a company taking part in TMP in a sensible manner.
Even more likely if i see them answering queries or handling problems.
Also seeing tmpers recommend companies they have dealt with can affect who i might buy from.
Of course they still need to sell something i want but they'll definately be businesses i look at first.

Conversely….

If they act rudely or come across badly then i am much less likely to buy from them.

So, for me at least, a companies reputation on TMP counts for quite a bit in wether they get my money or not.

I like the ones that try and defend themselves from silly Internet attacks by using silly Internet attacks.

It tells me who I should not do business with. It also reminds me of those T-shirts "I'm with stupid"

Yes.

Ofcourse, half if not all the the shops I use I found though this forum.
If they don't use the forum I'm always more carefull

For sure – I tend to give more of my money to the nice guys anyways.

Yes, TMP is the main way I find out about products I'm interested in.

Companies that can discuss their products and field questions in a reasonable manner are an asset.

I am put off by people who post things like "Company X sucks! Buy Company Y instead" everytime Company X, or even a subject that Company X makes figures for, is mentioned. But those tend to come equally from overzealous rabid fan-boys.

As above; depends.
-Kle.

Yes, as above. Folks with whom I've discussed things, or who have commented politely on some of my postings get to feel like at least acquaintances, if not actually friends. I'm much more likely to purchase from an acquaintance.

All other things being equal, I will deal with someone active here. But how often are other things equal?

I am pleased to see that the folks I do order from most often at the moment are here.

*Other

There are companies on the Forum?

Yes, if only because the existence of their company is more likely to register by participating than just banner ads or even other people talking about it. Like I had heard a dozen people mention Red Box Games without realizing it was a different game company from Red Box Hack (a Basic D&D clone), and it wasn't until Tre responded to something I said that I realized his company existed. And now I've bought stuff from him. So there you go.

I don't really care if owners are jerks or strongly opinionated or really nice, as long as they deal with business stuff professionally, I'm not going to hold it against them. I mean, buying a game or miniature from someone is pretty impersonal, it doesn't mean you like them as a person.

I mean heck, I used to get into screaming matches with Gary Gygax on his mailing list, and thought he was king of the grognard fatbeards, but it never once stopped me from loving and buying D&D stuff.

Actually, I'm less likely. The more time they spend shooting their internet mouths off, the less time they spend shipping orders, producing models, etc.