Black Swamp Games — Local services in Bowling Green

Came here twice, won't give it a third time.

Getting back into the Pokémon card collecting hobby again so I wanted to see what they had.

First time I went with a small group (5 people) and took a look around.

I asked the guy (who I am assuming is also the owner) if they had any Japanese in stock.

"Sorry we only carry English" would've been a very polite and professional way to tell me no.

Instead I was met with "Nooooo, that's not tournament legal, why would I carry that?" As if I was stupid for asking a question

I asked him the price on an English booster box (because they don't have prices on them) and again, was treated like I'm stupid for asking

"I sell at market price, those are $200"

Well I had found them online for $170-$180 so I decided to just buy 2 packs.

Went back roughly a week later and it was the same man with a woman this time

Woman was very nice and friendly, tried to help us but I guess only one register was working so we waited.

Got up and again, no prices so asked if the booster box was still $200

Man (again, I assume the owner) said $225 (I understand prices in this hobby change weekly, not upset at the price increase)

I asked if he was willing to let them go for $200 (I was planning on buying 3-4 depending if I could get a little discount)

"I get them out the door just fine at $225" Again, rude

"I'm sorry I'm firm at $225" is a much more polite and respectful way to say no, but I didn't get that

I didn't even want to get anything, but for some reason I decided to buy a box and 2 packs

And wouldn't you know it

The booster box was $200

So does the owner now know prices? Was the owner trying to make an extra $25 a box off me? I can get past that, honestly. I understand the small business grind and needing to make money

But I'd rather order online, or even drive 20 minutes to another card shop

I won't ever come back here because of the disrespect and rudeness from that one individual...

Went for the first time today. Youngest and I just recently started playing a tcg and went due to hearing about free cards being available, and finding out about an event happening. Having never done anything like that before, and exuding every bit of newbie, the owner was incredibly kind and friendly with explaining how everything worked and getting us signed up. The other players that we encountered were some of the nicest players your could expect to play against, and were patient and understanding, especially with my kid. A lot of game stores, especially one that is much closer than this, are not as welcoming to outsiders and are strong with the gatekeeper atmosphere from shop and players, but not once did I feel unwelcome, uncomfortable, or like I was being looked down on. After, the owner spent a lot of time talking to us about the game and other tcg that were on the counter. We drove an hour to go here and the trip was so worth it. I have other game stores closer to me - one 5 minutes and one 35 minutes away - and will gladly drive the hour to come here again over the other places. I read the recent reviews and, though I'm not saying they're wrong as I wasn't there and don't know the situations, I can say that I would recommend this store to anyone looking for a welcoming place, especially if you may be new to the game world and wanting to feel welcomed...

This place has been hit or miss with service. They have a good selection and all, and the owner is knowledgeable, but it’s like Jekyll and Hyde with service.

I went one time and had a great conversation with the owner. He helped me pick out a new game. I bought a $200 D&D style game with hella miniatures. I was excited to give them more business after that exchange. Felt nice giving a small business my money.

Then the next time I’m in, I wanted to look at the new MTG set and he acted like I was there to steal cards. Wouldn’t let me hold the box of packs so I could pick out my packs. Kept pulling the box away like I’m some toddler or something. And I wanted to read the flavor text on the specialty packs and he snatched it away from my hands and insisted on holding it up while I read the text. Like bruh, I’m an engineering professor in my 30’s, I don’t want or “need” to steal a $30 pack of cards from you. The whole exchange has pushed me into the “buy online from box stores” camp, which breaks my heart. But at least when I order from a box store, I won’t be treated like a thief for...