This is a complaint thread because I've become a disgruntled customer. This pertains to my Pathfinder Card Game orders for Skull and Shackles (obviously). I have a regular gaming group that has been meeting once or twice a month to play the Pathfinder Card Game. We had a blast with Rise of the Runelords. We were really looking forward to Skull and Shackles, but last month the order didn't ship in time for our meeting, despite emails telling me I should expect the shipment in early August. August 22nd rolled around and there was no shipment, so my group instead decided to try out DnD Hoard of the Dragon Queen (which was readily available at our local bookstore).
I have since left the country for a three week vacation, and just returned two days ago. As expected, my Skull and Shackles base set was waiting for me, which was really exciting because my gaming group is meeting up again this weekend. However, now it appears the Character Add-on Deck isn't present, and has only now been shipped (meaning I should get it by Halloween, I guess, given your history). My group has five players. I'm sure we can work something out with our Rise of the Runelords base set to enable us to play without difficulty, but the point is, we shouldn't have to do that.
Looking at it from a logical standpoint:
I'm a Pathfinder Card Game Subscriber. Why?
Because I want the card game shipped to my door, I like the promotionals, and it saves me the hassle of running to one of several local gaming stores here in Northwest Arkansas.
However...
I paid, even with the promotional discount, $4 more for shipping than if I had just picked it up at my gaming store. I had to watch other people play the card game and then listen to them talk about it at our local "game days" hosted by one of the retailers while I sat and twiddled my thumbs waiting for my late shipment. It aggravates me that all the local retailers had it on the shelf for a week before I left the country and my shipment still hadn't arrived. I consider subscriptions similar to pre-ordering, and your subscribers should get their orders filled before ALL OTHERS. Why is this not the policy?
It's understandable, actually, that you were backed up and couldn't get the shipment out in August on time. At least to some small degree. It didn't seem to stop you from getting shipments to the stores, but I don't know how your warehouses and shipping process works, so there is probably an explanation beyond retailers take priority over subscribers or something.
I don't mind not getting the promotional cards on time. They're a bonus. I can work them in when they get here.
But the Character Add-on Deck? Is there an explanation for that? Did you just not have enough? You should know exactly how many subscribers you have, how is it you couldn't get that to us on time? Why do I have to sit and wait yet another month to play? How do I convince my gaming group to stay with Skull and Shackles instead of moving fully to DnD Next since now we'll be two sessions into it, especially since they were expecting to pay in mid-August and our start time has been pushed back to mid-to-late October?
Why am I subscribing still when I can get things quicker and cheaper, and support my local gaming stores, if I don't subscribe? Especially since, in the way of apology, you offer... NOTHING? No larger discount on late shipments? No additional copies of free promo cards? Nothing?
I'm sorry for the rant. I'm a big fan of Paizo, and have been a staunch supporter of your company in the past. Paizo and I have had a long, successful relationship, going way back to the early days of your company when I was a subscriber to Dungeon Magazine. The only time I've been disappointed with you revolves around this subscription nonsense. Please help me find a restored faith in your company.
Hi martryn,
I'm sorry you're feeling disgruntled about things. We actually had some manufacturing issues with the Character Add-On Decks, which is why they were delayed. You should have gotten an email explaining what was going to happen with your particular order (3222873) on August 27th.
Vic Wertz, our Chief Technical Officer posted a lengthy explanation of what happen with the Character Add-On Decks here.
Additionally, we will actually be sending out some extra free promo cards. More information about that can be found here.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know.
Thanks!
Sharaya
Sharaya,
Thank you so much for your reply. I did indeed find the email. It was unread amidst several work emails. This resolves the issue fully. Sorry for my rudeness, I just don't like letting my gaming group down.