"Artemis Black, are they a major distributor in the UK?" Topic

I was only asking because I see on their website they appear to have minis that no other dealer seems to have. However, at Salute they had a very small stand, with very little activity going on.

Rather confusing, can anyone 'throw a light'?

Artemis Black is a legend in my house in England even though he hails from Wales, I think. His classical name matches his classical nature, a true grass roots gamer who opened a shop in his home town, runs a club, trying to make an honest living, lovely bloke just as "Mrs Artemus" is a lovely lady. He is not, as such, a major distributor but he is an absolute gent and as such I'd trust him on his word.
cheers,

According to his website the 'shop' is a Market Stall. I looked up the complex the market is in, and it's only open 2 days a week. I wasn't doubting his credibility, I was just trying to establish if he is a major distributor.

So come on people, is Artemis Black the right person to talk to for distribution or not?

I suppose it would depend on who your alternatives are. I can tell you that Artemis has been pretty good about getting press releases to TMP about new products available in the UK.

That doesn't really answer the question. I really do need to know if he is a distributor or not, so was posting on here to welcome independent advice.

From my observations, at Salute he looked a very small outfit. This of course may not be a true reflection on his business.

Another question:-

Was that a gaming group in front of him, or was it meant to be a proper demostration?

He distributes our DragonRune Miniatures line. I've never had any problems with them.

Actually AB Games is the distributor and Artemis Blacks is the retailer.

Bob

He's a frequent contributor on the froth forums at www.frothersunite.com. Why not log on there and ask him yourself?

And distribution in this modern day and age does not necessitate a BIG outfit. Lon at Brigade is an exemplary North American distributor for several mini lines, and he runs a "very small outfit."

And is also, like "Artemis Black" a consummate gentleman.

I think he's only a small outlet. But he has obviously seen a gap in the market. He carries a number or ranges that I think were unavailable in the UK until he took them up.

More power to his elbow, I say.

The trouble with the UK is that there are very few shops for anyone to distribute to.

All my dealings with the gent (ordering figures from him) have been absolutely top notch. If and when Home Grown Miniatures gets off the ground I'd certainly hope he would carry the line. Thats a year off at least though, bloody day job, why do I do it? Oh yes they pay me.

I'm seriously thinking of opening up as a distributor of gaming products and scale models etc - I'd appreciate any advice - or would I be best looking to do retail? At the moment it's the ideas stage, but my job is on the line and I'm not sure if I want to keep it anymore anyway - until thats decided I'd be doing things on more of a part time basis. I guess it's not a good idea really but sometimes you have to take a gamble.

Crikey, a thread about me :)

You could always e-mail me and ask these questions you know? Our stand at Salute was a fairly regular stand, 12ft wide 6ft deep etc? Although, unless you turned up at 10 to 5 I doubt you managed to see us at a time when there was 'very little activity':) We were run off our feet all day.

Our store is in an indoor market complex but the complex isn't open 2 days a week so you can't have researched very much, 'we' are open 2 days a week. Since I broke a disc in my spine I concentrate on the online part as it'seasier for me to run.

I wouldn't class us as a 'major' distributor (In fact I'm not sure there are any major distributors in the UK) but we do distribute a few lines. We also use various other distributors, who we'd be happy to pass on to you. You can e-mail me at artemis@artemisblacks.co.uk

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Kwailung -

Thanks for the praise!

A small clarification...

While I may be a "small" outfit when compared to GW or say Alliance Games Distributors, I doubt I am the very small outfit you think I am or once was 3 years ago. No one is privy to the volumes generated by any of the private historical manufacturers or retailers so comparision is difficult at best. However that said, my annual sales exceed many retail games stores and I would suspect most historical vendors except for the larger and more established manufacturers and retailers.

Historical distribution is very difficult at best due to the dearth of stores willing to carry products that may not turnover as fast as a GW or other fantasy product.

Distribution is a matter of trust and honesty between both parties involved in the contract. Business ethics seems to be one of the things that rears its head in this business time and again. Maybe it is just so visible because we are a such a small community. Pick who you deal by doing some checking on background, financial stability and business ethics. Does the distributor actually know the market into which they are selling? Are prices set to encourage sales and build volume?

Both must support each other otherwise the product will not be as well received by gamers.

If being a "very small outfit" is being a one man band, then yes that description is correct. (Although many know I have the able assistance from my older son and daughter).

However, distribution also requires a large amount of cash for inventory of stock and also the associated expenses (taxes, shipping, import duties, clearance fees, etc.) as well as the business experience to make a product succeed.

Artemis Black -

I don't know Artemis Black personally, but what I know of him, he does have a good reputation. Seek out comments from other vendors who deal with their products now. That is one of the best sources of information.

Lon Weiss

Brigade Games

www.brigadegames.com

[the complex isn't open 2 days a week so you can't have researched very much, 'we' are open 2 days a week.]

I did a quick check for that market on google, and the information you find *is* confusing. For instance, a Wales travel site lists it as:

"Open air and indoor market, Wednesday and Saturday. Town Centre. Indoor market on Friday"

Which sounds like 3 days a week - but I suppose that the market stalls can be open when the market isn't?

No - not as a rule - Markets have set daysd and to use a stall you need to pay for it and be licensed etc etc - so I doubt it can operate if there is no market. However, some indoor markets have little 'lock up' shop style things so that may be open.

OK, let's be clear about the above. Artemis Black is a nice guy and respected trader. He also has a very nice Mrs Artemis.

However, it is crystal clear that he is a Market Trader masquerading as a distributor... subject closed.

"However, it is crystal clear that he is a Market Trader masquerading as a distributor... subject closed."

*laugh* well that pretty much answers my concerns over whether this was a sockpuppet of a competitor or not :) The BTD thing is apparently catching.

We don't 'masquerade' as anything? We do exactly what we say on the tin. Our B&M store is in an indoor market complex, which is open 6 days a week. The 'outdoor' part of the market is open 2 days a week (The Friday part is well out of date now, I'll be happy to give someone the e-mail of the owner or manager). Also anyone is welcome to visit and let everyone know (and buy something from me while you're there?). We have some very nice stalls there including a particularly good cake stall? Can't tempt anyone?

We don't even open for the 3 days that the outdoor market is open for at the moment thanks to my injury. Although that has no relevance to this thread :)

I'm not particularly clear what you wish to know 'Duranite'? If you have a specifiic concern rather than vague and incorrect assumptions I'll be happy to answer them? I also notice we haven't received an e-mail from you?

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Duranite.
What? You can't have a market stall AND be a distributer?

I agree with Gloria. Wht is your problem with market stall holders? Minimal overhead and high customer flow. Sounds like a sound business proposition to me! Just the kind of inovative thinking one should look for in a business associate, no?

(I just noticed I hadn't said thank you to the varying non-Duranite contributors to the thread - Thanks:))

We actually moved 'from' a normal B&M store to the Indoor market for just those reasons. Although we are pretty much too big for the indoor market now so are looking to move back out. Preferably somewhere with a cellar or upstairs. The guy next dor to us will be pleased as he's wanted to knock through the wall into our unit for quite a while now (He sells equestrian items in case anyone is so inclined)

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Duranite, please asks clearly what is your concern but avoid doing aggresive assumptions. It's not good for anyone to spread rumors (false or right).

One wonders whose hand controls Duranites sock.

Oh, look, Duranite's first visit here was on "27 April 2004". He's posted 4 messages. (one can find this out by clicking on his name)

What a total load of crap. What is wrong with people? I think our Illustrious Editor should take a look at the logs and see where this lout comes from.

I'll drop Duranite an email and see what's up. It's interesting that his first post at TMP was to ask what a sock puppet was. :-)

Thanks Bill.

Can you also ask him where he's seen that I have tried to pass myself off as a 'major distributor'?

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Lon: I certainly didn't mean to imply you were doing small-volume business in my earlier post. I meant more along the lines of what you said later, being a "one-man band" working with the assistance of family members. Sorry if any offense was given. No, you are the first source I turn to for my historical and VSF mini needs.

I don't know Artemis Black personally. But, I've seen a LOT of praise for his services.

I've dealt directly with Lon at Brigade Games and have heard from others who do as well. He's a good guy. And, he's definitely _not_ small-time.

Email received from Editor:

You recently posted at the TMP Message Boards:

"However, it is crystal clear that he is a Market Trader masquerading as a distributor… subject closed."

This "attack" on Artemis Black's seems unwarranted – whether he is a distributor ( which he probably is ) has no connection to if or whether he operates a retail establishment.

- Bill Armintrout, editor
The Miniatures Page
theminiaturespage.com

---

I am not attacking Artemis Black in any way. I was just trying to find out if he is a distributor or not such as the likes of Hobbygames, Esdevium etc

I think the question is clearly answered above. Therefore I will not comment further on the subject. Thank you guys for all your help in this matter. Much appreciated.

I would construe the use of "masquerading" as an "attack".

I still don't understand why you didn't ask 'me'? You've clearly been to our website and there are multiple e-mail addresses that will get through to me there?

I also would like to know where I've been 'masquerading' as a major distributor?

We're a retailer who distribute a few lines. We're certainly not the size of Hobbygames or Esdevium (although they are not primarily wargames distributors and we don't distribute RPG material at all). I don't recall ever claiming otherwise and I don't think there's anything on our website that says anything to that effect.

That said I agree with you, the matter has been clearly resolved. We are a distributor. We're not a major distributor nor have ever claimed to be.

Now I assume there was a reason for all this? Would you like terms for any of our lines or would you like to be put in touch with our distributors for any of the other lines we carry? Like I said before, feel free to e-mail us.

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

In my opinion you are clearly NOT capable of distributing leaflets... it is just my opinion guys:)

If you would like to disprove this, then please name your stockists. All distributors have lists of stockists available for the public to see.

I rest my case... opps, I commented again. Sorry people.

The fact that you are making comments isn't the problem. Blanket statements that are untrue is.

As far as resting your case goes, I think Artemis had already rested it.

Duranite, you trouble me. You've been at TMP for two days. Your only apparent interest is in stirring up trouble. Your favorite topics are BTD and Artemis Black's.

And for your edification: When I send you an email, that's a private communication. It would have been proper to reply to me in person, rather than to post my message publicly.

"In my opinion you are clearly NOT capable of distributing leaflets... it is just my opinion guys:)"

*grin* Good to see you aren't attacking us. Your sockpuppetry seems to be leaking through.

Click on our entry on TMP and you will find 3 lines. Those 3 lines are there because we are (or were in one case now) the only UK retailers. We're happy to distribute the other 2 to anyone who asks, are you asking?

"If you would like to disprove this, then please name your stockists. All distributors have lists of stockists available for the public to see."

Apart from being wrong i.e. most distributors don't list their clients for their competitors to contact, I don't see how this would help you? If you are interested in stocking anything we distribute then e-mail us for our terms? If you aren't then what 'do' you want?

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Ok, now it looks like we are all talking to ourselves :)

For the record, the deleted posts were just gratutious praise for my hair at Salute. It was godly that day.

Artemis

I think I've missed something because you're right, you're all talking to yourselves !!!

I assume, there was more posts in the initial topic ?!!!

Kwailung -
Honestly, no offense taken at all.

Just wanted to clear up the impression you may have given some.

And if your at Historicon or Fall In this year please say hello!

Artemis - keep your head up. This guy isn't worth wasting bytes on.

Lon -- I'm hoping to go to Fall In this year, but I'm changing jobs in a month or so and it will depend on my schedule/employer's largesse. But if I do, I certainly will stop by. Always an honor to meet a man of such excellent character.

"In my opinion you are clearly NOT capable of distributing leaflets"

Which is clearly unforgivable!!!!

LMAO

I was right about the market - wow! I'm never right ;-)

Well, I went past the Artemis Black stand at Salute and they seemed busy every time. I stopped off once to have a look at the Komodon figures, which weren't on show but the gent behind the stand (sorry, don't know you're name but I'm guessing Artemis :)) was happy to dig them out of the box and let me take a look. I'd have been happier if he'd let me buy them but hey-ho, I'll just have to wait until they come out.

'Duranite' I don't know. Malcolm Lane however is a name I remember from an old job. My mother always used to say, "if you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" so I'll leave it there :)

Dewbakuk, sorry about that. We were saving display space until all the painters turned up with their items. The Komodons were in the case for most of the day, you must have come beforehand :)

And yup, it was me :)

I too met good ol' Artemis - he gave me a massive discount (something like 15p!) - seriously it was a pleasure to chat to him, he let me have a nose at a few figures I wanted to see in the flesh - such as the ones in the cabinet, and was generally a nice bloke to talk to about gaming - and he didn't even mind me being English which is unusual for a Welshman ;-)

If you'd have been Welsh it would have been 16p.

Well, all Duranite has convinced me is not to patronise him again and to put some business Artemis' way.

Top notch sock puppetry.

How to stuff your own enterprise and generate a load of good publicity for the competition.

I really can't see why Duranite has done this.

LOL...I hope when I go into business for myself, a competitor attacks me in this way and gives me such good publicity. Artemis is clearly a stand-up fellow. WAIT! What if Chelgames was itself a sock puppet for Artemis! ;-)

Anyway, for an American, what is a "market stall" and why would that be bad?

Is a UK "market" similar to a U.S. "farmer's market" (fresh veggies), or more like a "flea market" (all kinds of second-hand goods)?

"Anyway, for an American, what is a "market stall" and why would that be bad?"

An indoor market would be a mini-mall I would guess. An indoor complex with lots of units which house small stores. In our case they all have 4 walls and a roof etc. Some indoor markets house some outdoor craft fair type (tent roof no walls etc.) stalls too, ours doesn't as there's also an outdoor market in the streets surrounding the complex.

As to what's wrong with it, I have no idea. Cheaper than a regular shop and we run the local gaming club so the lack of space isn't too much of an issue (although I'd kill for a cheap backstreet store with a cellar or 1st floor in the area). It also ensures that we are very close to all kinds of interesting other shops (and that I eat too many cakes)

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

"Is a UK "market" similar to a U.S. "farmer's market" (fresh veggies), or more like a "flea market" (all kinds of second-hand goods)?"

Bit of both. Pontypridd Indoor market has fresh fruit and veg stalls and butchers and fishmongers etc. (hence being open 6 days a week) It also houses a couple of units which sell 2nd hand furniture and appliances. It has me, and another unit which sells comics, toys and ccgs. Plus a random variety of other businesses (watches, a couple of florists, a hardware store, picture framing, cds & dvds and so on)

This thread has taken an odd turn :)

Artemis

www.artemisblacks.co.uk

Bill,

Flea markets don't just have sellers of secondhand stuff. There are lots of folks who sell new items as well.

Just to clarify. :)

I would like to complain about duranite.I tried to use it to destroy superman but found it woefully inadequate.In fact no super-beings were in anyway adversely effected by it.In future I will be sticking to the tried and trusted Kryptonite.If anyone knows of a MAJOR distributer in the UK for Kryptonite could they let me know.