Online Retailers

[Deviancy]

I couldn't find a sub forum that about comic book retailers.

It seems like there's a sub forum for everything but retailers.

Anywho..

I generally get my comic books online. THis isn't because CS's don't exist out here, it is because they won't carry specific titles. The reason they don't usually has to do with certain titles being late more often than they're not. The dude who started that thread on this forum, the one about late books. If he lived out here, he'd be able to start up a gang with all of the store owners out here who are sick of books being late, and who have stopped carrying specific books for being late. However, I didn't start this thread to discuss late books. What I'm looking for is a reputable online comic book retailer, one that allows customers to subscribe to titles like TFAW does.

I've tried TFAW, Scifigenre, and Heavy Ink, and all three did a bang up job when it comes to sending my books on time. However, more often than not, the comics are being delivered with dog ears, dents, dings, and what have you. So I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with an online retailer that packages the titles in a way that they always are delivered in near mint condition. And I am in no way bashing TFAW, Scifigenre, or Heavy Ink. In fact, I recommend all three to those who just casually read comics and don't give a rats ass about re-sell value.

I'm also slightly curious about one other thing. Has anyone noticed that the image titles they buy are at times bent up a lil on the shelves of CS's? THe reason I ask is because I do order titles from other pubs as well, and the ones from other pubs are often in near mint condition when they're delivered. The ones that are generally bent up a bit are the Image/Top Cow ones. For example, I subscribed to Tracker from Top Cow last year or the year before, each issue came to the house with bent corners, but the other titles that were in the package were always in better condition.

Coincidence? Most likely.. but I figured I'd ask anyways.

[Ballistic27]

Try DCBService.com. You have to pre-order your comics though but they do give you the option of having a pull list. On top of that their prices are really cheap and they really do a great job packaging their shipments. I've been using them for years and I've never had an issue.

[Deviancy]

I checked out DCB just now and they're not bad.

Shipping is a bit high but maybe because they use higher quality packaging?

Since it's a flat fee, I may use them if I find another 2 monthly titles to get into.

I may shoot TFAW an email. If they were to ship the comics bagged and boarded but cover to cover, the boards would take most of the abuse. But they instead usually ship the comics back cover to front cover, so one issue always is going to take more damage than the other.

[Rasputin9977]

I like BCBService.com too. Been using them since 2005 and am very happy with them. They have an average of 30-40% discount on their books (I think DC and Marvel are 40%) and sometimes they'll have specials for 75% off on 1st issues. I have seen a frew dents or creases but they are not common. The bags and boards are $0.12 each so I always buy them with my comics. They put several comics inside a large plastic poly bag and tape it up. Then they put a board (kind of like the boards from the 'boards and bags') on the bottom and start stacking the stuffed large poly bags. Then they put those styrofoam chips all over.

Give it a try and see how you'll like them.

[Kid Omega]

It has never occurred to me to give a shit about bent corners.

I fold my comics in twain to fit in back pocket anyway, I guess.

To each his own. I wish you well in your quest.

[Deviancy]

I used to be like that with my comics, I'd fold them.. roll them up and snort coke with em.. and use them for TP.

But then I realized, it's kind of hard to re-sell them for a profit after that.

But anywho that's two for DCB..

I was doing the math and although they do charge more for shipping than TFAW, the price is the same because of the discount that DCB applies to each issue.

Now I don't know where you two are located but how long does it usually take for DCB to get the comics from their place to your front door?

Howabout Midtown Comics? Anyone use them?

[imrandy85]

I've used DCBservice for about 6 months and I've been really happy with them. This month I got a free poster I didn't know about and for the past handful of months they throw in the marvel sneak peeks or saga books for free. They're located in Indiana, I'm in Iowa and typically get my books on Tuesday(I use the monthly option). You can also get the previews book each month for 1.25 which includes the marvel preview book for free. Here's a pro tip too, use the code CGS8(or CGS08?)(from the great podcast comic geek speak) and you get an extra 8% off of your first order.

Ive also used tfaw and midtown a handful of times each. Tfaw's nick and dent section is definitely something to check out. For midtown, get on their newsletter and you get a new codeword each week for their weekly sale. When I'm looking for anything online I generally check both sites and just figure out which one would be cheaper. Amazon is also great if you're looking for trades/GNs. There's also fearlessreadersonline, $1 on all their comics and $5 on all trades.

[Kid Omega]

But then I realized, it's kind of hard to re-sell them for a profit after that.

If there is anyone in this world re-selling new comics for a profit, I want to meet them. They can introduce me to their friends Bigfoot and the Leprechauns.

[Deviancy]

Why would you want to be introduced to Mo'Nique and Mark Wahlberg?(1)

But thanks to Ebay, it isn't hard to turn around almost anything and break even or make a slight profit. It all comes down to condition, how much you charage for shipping, and this or that.

I <3 Ebay...

And dude, maybe you have no idea how picky some buyers are. I sold some 30 Days of Night trades a few years back, they were in VG condition I'd say, maybe a ding or two. And I made sure to say in the description that they were originally from Barnes and Noble(2) and had a few dings. But when he got them, he had a fit. He got soo moody that he actually went as far as to make threats. I was like.. wow.. this guy really loves his comics.

As for DCB, I like what I'm hearing.


1. Mo'nique doesn't like shaving her legs.. and Wahlberg is a lil fella...
2. Every Barnes and Noble I've been to, the teens treat the graphic novel section like a library.. so often times the trades are kinda beat. Security really should rough those kids up..and send them to the actual library.

[Jeff Brady]

2. Every Barnes and Noble I've been to, the teens treat the graphic novel section like a library.. so often times the trades are kinda beat. Security really should rough those kids up..and send them to the actual library.

B&N encourages people to read books in the store, so no, security shouldn't and won't be roughing up anyone. B&N isn't selling collectibles to be slabbed. It is selling books meant to be read.

[Kid Omega]

Why would you want to be introduced to Mo'Nique and Mark Wahlberg?(1)

But thanks to Ebay, it isn't hard to turn around almost anything and break even or make a slight profit. It all comes down to condition, how much you charage for shipping, and this or that.

I <3 Ebay...

Fair enough. I see your point.

[Deviancy]

Do I even have to comment on how the roughing up bit was sarcasm? Most know that I'm a pacifist and think the cops should only sodomize those who break the law, not beat them... thats mean.

And the last I checked, humans can read books without tearing pages, getting their drinks on them, and eating off of them. It's just called being a lil careful. My old dog on the other hand, he wasn't able to read without tearing pages. But the funny thing is, he did less damage to books than some of these teens. Not that I'm surprised, the way some people behave these days makes me wonder if we should re-evaluate our place on the food chain.

[NCatron]

Guess no one else is going to plug MailOrderComics, so I guess I will. I order mine w/ bags & boards so they always arrive in mint condition. If you ordered w/o the bags & boards I can't vouch for how they package since I never tried it.

And yeah, I've been into comics for only ~ 2 years now and have yet to turn a profit on anything I've decided to sell. Usually take a loss. 'course I am generally selling the titles that turn out to suck so maybe that's why...

[dupont2005]

If there is anyone in this world re-selling new comics for a profit, I want to meet them. They can introduce me to their friends Bigfoot and the Leprechauns.

I occasionally sell a comic for more than I paid. I often decide to keep a comic even though I know it's become popular and fetching high prices on eBay. If I tried to do it as a living I would be in a bad place though.

[Jeff Brady]

Do I even have to comment on how the roughing up bit was sarcasm? Most know that I'm a pacifist and think the cops should only sodomize those who break the law, not beat them... thats mean.

No one here really knows you or your posting style well enough to determine your sarcasm.