Board Game Barrister — Local services in Greenfield

Pros: The store has a great selection of games and the staff are generally knowledgeable about those games.

Cons: The staff lack common sense for handling customer issues (or they lack the tools). They almost seem indifferent to problems they cause for the customer. Given the prices of the games at this store, I would expect any customer-facing interaction to be positive.

Issue: Pretty much every time I walk into this store I buy one to two new games and look for a used game I might like. Until my last visit I didn't have an issue with any of the purchased used games. This time, however, after inventory was taken I discovered over half of the game pieces were missing. The condition slip said all pieces were accounted for (this was obviously a lie). This was really inconvenient for me because I needed to drive 20 minutes to get to this store in order to return the game within the 3-day return period. Upon returning it the staff didn't seem to care and just said "the VIP members self evaluate the condition of the used games they sell". What kind of BS is that? You shrink wrap this game, include a condition report, and slap a barcode on it, yet you don't actually confirm the condition? Furthermore, you don't warn your customers that you have no quality control for these used games? Do yourself and your customers a favor and tell them to inventory used games before they leave your store. Also, don't include the BS condition report.

Edit: Upon reply from the owner, it is clear he doesn't understand how to deal with customer concerns. You want me to try other shops to get the experience I expect? No problem, I'm an Amazon prime member. They're cheaper than you, they deliver for free, and have never downplayed legitimate concerns of mine.

*Review revised...

Board Game Barrister is sort of three stores in one. The first area is the board games. There are more than 200 titles (more at Christmas time) and most are ‘hobby games’. Though they do not carry every edition of a game, they usually carry several versions of the latest games. For example, along with classic Risk, there are copies of Risk Star Wars, Dr. Who Risk, Game of Thrones Risk and the Marvel Cinematic edition of Risk. The same holds for the Eurogames. It is one of the most complete ‘board and mortar’ game stores I have ever been in and the staff is knowledgeable and will offer suggestions (or provide a personal review - these are gamers, not clerks. If a game is not ‘in stock’ they will order it at no additional charge. In addition to board games, he carries a variety of CCGs. (I don’t know if he buys collectable cards as I do not play CCGs.) There is an MVP card that talleys purchases and provides discounts at various levels.

The second section of the store is the gaming area. There are several tables available for play and they maintain an extensive library of games for public use. Often there are gaming tournaments (usually Magic) but there are no restrictions on the use of the gaming tables or library. You can arrange tables for specific dates or to meet weekly or just show up.

The last area of the store covers puzzles. These tend to be unusual and top quality (thicker cut pieces, etc.) Definitely not the puzzles you find at Target or Walmart. There is a fairly large selection.

Parking is convenient and it IS...

I've been to a number of games store both here in Milwaukee and in the Chicagoland area. Boardgame Barrister has a great selection and knowledgeable staff. I'm usually the sort that comes in for a particular reason and then likes to wander around the store looking at other games at the same time. The staff are always courteous and ask if I need any assistance. The store is well organized and well stocked, the staff are excellent.

There's a large play area with events, I haven't been able to go to one just yet but they seem well attended when I've stopped in. I have been meaning to go to one of their mini painting classes but timing hasn't worked out. I do wish they'd have a slightly bigger miniatures display, most are on a turn table so it can take some time to find what you'd like. That's a generally minor issue.

Lastly, with any brick and mortar game store it will cost a little more for the same games than you'd find online (a certain river themed shopping site comes to mind). I'm fine with that because you're paying to support your hobby and a local business. Additionally, you're helping to foster a place where people can game together and learn about...