Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask for 3DS is $58.90 for a limited time at Skill Point Games.
I'm Adrian, and I own the store, so feel free to ask any questions.
EDIT: For OzBargain readers, I added a free shipping coupon! Use SBQEYT9K at checkout. (Only applies to regular shipping)
Hmm?
59 $ seems expensive for a game online, $59 seems like something i can get just by walking into jb on release day. Just saying…
http://www.ozgameshop.com/3ds-games/professor-layton-and-the…
quick ozgameshop search = 48 pre order aswell…
OzGameShop's games are imported. While this doesn't matter 90% of the time (especially for 3DS/DS titles) we only stock Australian-specific games, and this is why the cost is a little more expensive. (Being totally honest with you, the cost price is ~$55. We're only making about $4 on a copy).
The pros of dealing with an Aussie company selling Aussie goods are the support, return/exchange times in case an item is defective and the speed of delivery.
We're a brand new videogame store in Sydney (opened last week) and we're very happy to hear any thoughts or suggestions on how we can improve our business.
how about the advantage over JB Hifi? (other than the 10 cents)
Well, other than pick-up option from our office in the St. George region of Sydney and the option of free delivery with the coupon I provided for OzBargain readers, you'd also get speedy delivery (for release date if ordered soon, maybe even before - it depends on when we get our stock and AusPost) and if you ever have a problem you'd get reliable service from people who know games and what they're all about (as I mentioned in another post I've been in the industry for 5+ years as a journalist).
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what else you're after, but do let me know and I'd be happy to work with you. :)
Hi Adrian,
Where did you get the name of your store from?
Pretty simple to be honest, I did a domain search of a few names, and took whatever sounded cool and was available! :P
-A
The deal is alright, but seriously… $58 for a game that consists of a few great cutscenes,some logic puzzles that I can play online for free, and some nicely drawn backgrounds?
They wonder why the handheld console market is starting to die…
As a videogame journalist by trade, I can't help on wanting to comment on this. :P
That said, a big issue here is the cost prices to retailers on videogames in Aus. Nintendo are amongst the worst when it comes to it. (Example: Super Smash Bros. Brawl still costs store ~$78 if buying from the top Aussie gaming distributor).
I like to be super transparent about what we sell. This game costs us $55, and we're only making about $4 on a sale staying competitive. As we're a new, small business, you can imagine how hard it is. That's why we're 100% committed to service, release-date delivery and lower-than-RRP prices. It's the only thing that'll keep us going and bring repeat business. (Hopefully! I guess we'll find out soon!)
Videogame journalist by trade? Now I have certain things I would like to speak to you about. :) I would love to PM you to discuss but it seems like I cant start a conversation with you.
All fixed up, I had to turn "receive conversations" on. :) Feel free to hit me up!
Yeah, don't get me wrong, I am not having a go at you or your prices, it's more the industry and it's attitude towards Australia.
I'd be really interested to know why you are determined to go with Aussie stock instead of going down the grey import path?
Oh no I totally agree with you regarding Australian pricing in general.
There are many reasons for why we choose to go with Aussie stock. Here are just a few:
1) Imported stock is a lot more tricky to deal with if something goes wrong. While it's rare, a game can be DOA, or have issues. Returning products to the supplier in another country costs a fair bit and then sorting out exchanges, etc. can be even more tricky.
2) The cost of shipping stock to Australia to then resell is quite expensive.
3) A lot of people I've spoken to like having a plain, Aussie copy of their game and don't really like to import if they can avoid it.
4) Supporting Aussie business through keeping the money in Australia.
There are a few other issues with it, but that's our situation with imported games at the moment.
If it's something our customers want then we'll definitely look into it but at this early stage of the business it's just not feasible.
Well, Ill keep you in mind whenever something I am looking at is released.
One request though, please dont go down the dungeon crawl path of "instore price of $50, or special online price of $42 with $8 postage!"
Haha, no, we don't believe in that practice. All games are $2 (unless they're bulky or come with a controller, etc.) standard postage and heavier items (kits, consoles, etc.) are calculated from AusPost.
If we ever over-calculate when we don't have a weight/size to work with, we'll refund that difference when it's been delivered.
They wonder why the handheld console market is starting to die…
Haha, this couldn't be further from the truth.
It is looking grim for the handhelds!
Except that the 3DS is the fastest selling video game console in Australian history.
$59 at any JB store with $0.99 shipping if you need it.
I understand your comments about Australian wholesalers and the benefits of a local retailer.
Given your location though I'd prefer a retailer like JB who have many stores in many locations and a very clear returns policy - as well as a price matching policy.
Nevertheless good luck with your new business.
I understand, thanks so much for your response and comments! :)
(We often hand out free shipping coupons via our social media outlets, too!)
Free shipping coupon added for Ozbargain readers! :)
Nice work!
Thanks! :)
Even though I have no real interest in the deal myself gave this a + just because of Adrian's awesome customer service and complete transparency when dealing with everyone on this thread.
Much appreciated! Thanks for the kind words. :)
This so called "deal" should be removed. This is just retail price everywhere
Thank you skill point games, so the christmas shopping has begun..
We're really ramping it up for Chrissy!
We're sold out, guys. That was crazy! Thanks so much for everyone's business, and do check us out for some great deals on other titles ad consoles. :D
LEVEL UP!