Hairy Tarantula — Local services in Toronto

Prologue: I was looking through various Canadian stores to find some Alpha cards to finish off one of my Alpha 40 decks. I was excited to find that Hairy Tarantula had a large number of Alpha cards in stock. I requested a few photos of some higher end HP Alpha cards to see how they looked. Upon receipt of these photos they were indeed HP. The wear did not bother me, I just needed them to be sleeve playable, as DMG cards are the only ones not sleeve playable. I inquired about them as such. I was told "If theyre not sleeve playable, we grade them as damaged". My mistake here was not following up and getting confirmation that they laid flat as they conveniently left that out. I proceeded to order a fair number of lower tier HP cards after they generously agreed to take 5% off the cards worth less than 100 dollars, amounted to approximately 12 dollars.

The Pick Up: Picked up the order from my local post. Upon opening the package at home, I find my 300 CAD order within a hard plastic container. Should be fine in most circumstances with proper additional packaging. However, all but one of the cards were un-sleeved and it was clear the cards could easily slide into the walls of the container. I understand they are HP(really DMG, just didnt know it yet), but for a 300 dollar order, I would hope that additional care would be taken. Either sleeves or a packing peanut to prevent sliding would have been welcomed. These practices are standard with reputable businesses such as Card Kingdom.

Card Examination: It was clear as soon as I looked at the cards that they were DMG. so much so that they indeed did not lay flat. Not only out of sleeve, but in the sleeve as well. I promptly called and was redirected to send an email asking about next steps.

Their "Solution": They decided they would only be able to refund me 90% of my order. This did not sit well with me as they had said they were sleeve playable via FB messenger when they were indeed not sleeve playable. I sent multiple photos to show this including that of a comparably HP Alpha card that actually laid flat which I already owned. This was after my first example included a NM more recent card was refused as "The photos you sent of near mint new cards arent comparable". They also recommended that I repair the cards myself.....maybe something they should have considered prior?

My Solution: I stopped communicating with them after I called them out and they had a fit. Quite simply, I have a better chance to actually get my money back by selling them without deceiving the buyer myself over losing approximately 50-60 dollars since Im fairly certain they would not cover tracked shipping back to them. But still having to spend my time for someone else's error does not make sense.

Assumption: These were probably purchased from a customer at a fair price for DMG condition. Im guessing they were hoping to squeeze a few extra bucks out of them. Sadly, they got that money from me. The good news? They will not get any more of my money.

TLDR: If I could leave 0 stars I would. Do not recommend.

Epilogue: Earlier this year I purchased a Terror of the Peaks Spotlight Foil from someone without references. They mentioned HairyT as a potential middleman. Good lord am I happy HairyT did not package that...

Backstory: I bought a small card game but did not ask for a bag or receipt from a friendly gentleman handling cash. Stayed inside the store for about 2-3 hours playing Warhammer with friends. As I was leaving, I ended up wanting a bag so I asked a different clerk if I could buy one for the item (10 cents per bag). She gave me a look and asked if I had purchased the item, and I replied that I did and explained that the gentleman in the back sold it to me. She didn't believe that I bought an item without a bag or receipt as proof so she proceeded to shout across the store, "Hey, _ Did you sell this woman this item without a receipt or bag?" and he replied, "Yeah." After that, I gave her my 10 cents and my friends and I were on our way.

Deducted a star only because I feel like the situation could've been handled more appropriately and professionally instead of shouting across the room while people were setting up for a tournament. She was justified to assume I didn't buy the item; don't get me wrong. I understand store policies as I, too, used to work as a clerk but would've appreciated a better approach towards it or maybe not assuming I was outright stealing since I was physically there for 2-3 hours... idk it doesn't make sense for someone to walk to the front desk and ask to pay for a bag for something they didn't pay for. She could've easily said, "Hi, just let me quickly verify with _ that you purchased the item" or "Hi, I'm sorry but I wasn't the one who checked you out so let me check with _". Just anything but shouting across the store.. wasn't necessary. Didn't even apologize. Just a heads up for anyone buying an item to ALWAYS get the receipt to avoid this confusion. Lesson learned on my part.

Overall, a very nice place for people to come in and hang with friends. They provide refreshments ready to be purchased as well. Was surprised at the variety of games they have, too! Definitely on my list of cool places to visit in Toronto. Thank you for taking the time to...

In over 10 years of hobbying and competing in a variety of card and miniature games, I could never recommend this brand/store. I’ve visited this place through its years and various locations, playing at a variety of events.

The staff are not welcoming at all. This has been a consistent trend with them that they prove they cannot solve. You’ll be informed one day the store policies, come back another day ready to play and be informed that it was another way around. No apologies, no ownership, nothing. This is hot off just spending over $100 the day before.

Don’t get me started on how they treat people. We were playing a game on a table we rented for the night and witnessed an interaction where the staff member was berating someone for watching our game. Why? He asked for our permission and we were happy to let them watch.

Don’t get me started on how they treated the poor fellow who had agreed to play with them after the shift. It was borderline gaslighting and lecturing someone while playing the game. Don’t get it twisted, this is not a one off situation.

I really wish this place could’ve solved its people problem. I can’t see them being successful, especially in a playground full of competitors who are getting better yearly. You have 401 Games, Heroes World, heck hit up your board game cafes like Snakes and Lattes. It’s a totally different experience. You’re not encountered by the perpetually angry staff that seem to live off the pleasure of passive aggressive comments thrown your way.

Your money is better spent at a store that cares for your traffic, and most importantly, your social contract that is, the customer. It’s not about the customer being always right, it’s about making the customer feel welcomed and invited to come back. Hairy T, you made damn sure and clear, we’re not...