How To Break Up With Your Comic Shop
Sometimes it's for the best
If you’re a dedicated comic shop patron, you most likely have subscriptions (or a pull list or holds folder) with your favorite shop. At some point, that shop may no longer be a good fit for you. Maybe you’ve moved and there’s a more convenient store. Or maybe the vibes aren’t right for you. Any professional shop owner knows that this happens and will not take it personally. If you need a template on how to make the move with the least amount of damage, here’s a quick rundown of the 3 easy steps.
1. Tell Your Current Shop Plainly
You can do it in person or you can send an email, a DM to their social media, however you normally interact. A quick and simple statement can read “Thanks for being my go-to comic shop. However, I’ve decided to cancel my subscriptions.” There. You’ve ripped off the band-aid.
You don’t owe them a reason why! Some shops may ask, some may not. If they do ask, be honest - especially if there’s something the store can do to improve. “I’m moving to the east side and this location is no longer convenient.” That works. Or “I’ve had some interactions with staff that were difficult and I’d like to find a shop that better fits my habits as a reader.” Also good! You’re giving solid information to the store on why you’ve decided to make a change. They can use this information to make adjustments - or not! It’s literally not your problem any more. Just be professional and don’t get bogged down in minutiae.
2. Make Good On Your Promises and Pay For Your Preorders
Comic shops are built on trust. Shops order set quantities of items because subscribers have asked them to do it. Everything that comes into the store they pay for up front and almost always cannot return. Sometimes, stores have to make orders weeks or even months before the items arrive. Many shops have extremely tight margins and customer preorders are often for niche items that won’t be easily resold.
So, when you cancel your subscriptions, be sure to add “I’m happy to pay for any remaining items in my folder and anything that has passed Final Order Cutoff.” Final Order Cutoff (or FOC or Last Call) is the last chance a store has to change its orders. If you cancel after that, the shop is stuck with the inventory. Even if it’s only a few bucks, that adds up. Some shops may say “don’t worry about it.” That’s fine! Don’t press it. But, the fact that you offered means you understand the contract and how the business works. This is huge, especially if you decide to go back to that store in the future. Life is too short to burn bridges behind you.
3. Talk To Your New Shop
If moving your subscriptions to a new shop, tell them why you moved from the previous store. Also be sure to tell them that you paid up your existing preorders (or at least offered to do so). That starts you off on a good foot at the new store. They will respect that effort and extend some extra grace getting you settled. After all, you understand how this crazy business works.
While the shop you’re leaving should be understanding and accommodating, some stores, especially small ones, may take your actions personally. It’s unfortunate but understandable as they log long hours and work hard to make their shop special. But if that store is not right for you, that’s OK! Comics are supposed to be fun! If you’re not having fun, move on.
Have you had to break up with your comic shop? How did it go? Are there any tips I’ve missed? Leave a comment and let me know.