The Buying Code: Where and How I Finance and Shop for My Tabletop Hobby in an Ethically Responsible Way

As a Mech Commander and hobbyist, I not only invest a tremendous amount of passion, time, and effort into my miniatures, but of course also the occasional hard-earned C-Bill. We’ve all been there: The next Force Pack for BattleTech Alpha Strike is tempting, or the new starter box for Halo: Flashpoint is practically begging to find its way onto my gaming table.

But have you ever wondered, while unpacking those plastic-sealed figures, what journey that box actually took before it ended up on your gaming table?

In the tabletop industry, the debate over fair working conditions, global supply chains, and wages is growing louder. As the sole author of this blog, I spend a lot of my time focusing on tactics on the battlefield—but today I’d like to turn my attention to a topic that takes place far from the dice cups: my consumer behavior and the question of where and with whom I spend my money.

The Manufacturing Dilemma: A Lack of Alternatives for Miniatures & Co.

If you take a look at how our favorite games are produced, you quickly run into limitations. When it comes to manufacturing (production) itself, I, as a consumer, generally have very few alternatives. Catalyst Game Labs has its plastic BattleTech miniatures manufactured in China, and Mantic Games uses similar global manufacturing networks for many of its skirmish systems.

If I want to play a very specific game system or use official miniatures, there’s really only one retailer or manufacturer that offers them. A “more ethical alternative” when it comes to production alone would simply mean not buying the game in the first place. That can certainly be a choice, but I usually don’t take it that far.

Even though issues like working conditions and pay at manufacturing facilities are often a proverbial black box, there is one specific area where I do have complete freedom of choice: distribution and the selection of my retailer.

My Shopping Code: A Matter of Priorities

So how do I personally handle this? I’ve developed a step-by-step system for myself to decide where my budget goes.

1. The Local Retailer

My first stop is always the local game store in my neighborhood. If the local retailer has the items in stock (or can order them for me with minimal hassle), I buy them there. The reason is simple: Local stores are the backbone of our hobby. They provide tables, organize game nights, bring the local community together, and ensure the survival of the scene.

2. Specialized Community Retailers & Buying Directly from the Manufacturer

If I can’t find the product I’m looking for locally, I turn to specialized online retailers in the community. These are stores run by true enthusiasts who understand the market inside and out and carry exactly the kinds of products I love.

For me, this is equivalent to buying directly from the manufacturer (such as through the official online store of Catalyst Game Labs or Mantic Games). When I order directly from the manufacturer, I cut out unnecessary middlemen, ensuring that the maximum profit goes to the creators who develop the game. For me, buying directly is therefore just as important as buying from a specialized community shop: I know exactly where my money is going and who benefits from it. However, shipping costs can sometimes be an issue.

3. Secondhand Purchases, 3D Printing, and Resellers

It doesn’t always have to be a brand-new, factory-sealed box straight off the assembly line! For me, the secondary market is a fantastic addition. Buying used miniature collections at flea markets or conventions, on forums or Discord servers, or from local resellers not only saves money but is also sustainable: plastic that’s already been produced gets a second life on the gaming table instead of gathering dust in a closet. And thanks to modern 3D printing for terrain or accessories, you can even completely avoid relying on long import routes in some cases.

4. General Online Retailers & Mail-Order Giants

Only when all other avenues have been exhausted do I consider general online platforms. When it comes to the real giants—think Amazon or Otto—I do pay a little attention to their reputation and try to weigh my options. That said, I’m under no illusions: In this segment, I’m a bit less strict with my criteria. For me, the focus here is simply on price and fast delivery, though I still tend to prefer domestic retailers.

The Cost of Morality & the Shipping Footprint

After all, money doesn’t grow on trees. But price isn’t everything to me.

Especially when it comes to local retailers and specialized community shops, I’m fully aware that I’m paying certain price markups, as long as they remain reasonable (up to about 10%, sometimes more or less depending on the product). I pay those few extra euros not only for the product itself, but as an investment in service, advice, and the continued existence of the community.

Practical Tip: Minimize Your Logistics Footprint

One thing that’s easy to overlook when shopping online is the actual shipping process. My choice of logistics provider is guided by my gut feeling—because, as we all know, working conditions in package delivery are tough. To reduce the “packaging & shipping footprint,” I organize group orders with my local playgroup whenever possible. This not only saves on shipping costs and helps the environment by reducing the number of individual packages, but it also brings the group even closer together.

Conclusion: Every C-Bill is a vote

I’m not going to change the global economy overnight, and I’m not going to let anyone take away the joy I get from my hobby. But my wallet is a powerful tool in my hands. By shopping primarily locally, from specialized partners, or on the secondhand market, I help ensure that the hobby thrives where it matters most: in my immediate surroundings and community.

Opinion:

Making a conscious purchase won’t save the world, but it keeps the local game store in business and supports specialty retailers. I’m happy to pay a euro or two more for good local infrastructure and service!

Retailer Recommendations: Where I Like to Shop for My C-Bills

Theory is one thing, but where do I actually shop? To put my shopping code into practice, I’d like to recommend two fantastic local stores in my area as well as an outstanding specialized community retailer:

• Würfelgarten (Schwäbisch Hall) – My go-to local spot: For me, the Würfelgarten in Schwäbisch Hall is the epitome of a local FLGS. It’s a true community store run with passion, where you not only get advice from peers but where the hobby is truly lived and breathed. When I need to restock on the fly or just want to browse, the Würfelgarten is my absolute first stop. Unfortunately, they don’t carry BattleTech, but they have plenty of other things. Here’s the interview with the owner of the Würfelgarten that appeared on this blog.
• Imp’s Shop (Ulm) – The local hangout for wargamers:
  Whenever I find myself in Ulm, there’s no way I can skip a stop at Imp’s Shop. The store offers a fantastic selection of products for a wide variety of tabletop games, an excellent range of paints and hobby supplies, and an extremely dedicated local community. It’s a model store for anyone who wants to experience the hobby firsthand right in their own town. I’ve also conducted an interview with him, which you can read here.
• Scifi-Trader Online Shop – The specialized community-based online retailer:
  If I can’t find what I’m looking for locally, I head online to Scifi-Trader. The shop is the perfect example of a specialized niche online retailer: run by hobbyists for hobbyists, with a deep understanding of sci-fi tabletop games, fair prices, and fast shipping. I’d much rather spend my money here than at nameless online giants. Link to Scifi-Trader.

Greetings Sören from Mechstrategen

Sören Spieckermann

Ich bin Sören Spieckermann, der Kopf hinter mechstrategen. Seit Jahren faszinieren mich taktische Tabletop-Schlachten und die strategische Tiefe von Mechs. Ob schnelle Gefechte in Halo: Flashpoint oder epische Schlachten bei BattleTech Alpha Strike – hier teile ich meine Erfahrungen und Taktiken mit dir. Mein Ziel? Sowohl Einsteigern den Start zu erleichtern als auch alten Hasen neue Impulse für das nächste Match zu geben.