Alchemist's Refuge — Local services in Symmes Township

First time being back in awhile due to work and wasn't very impressed with the local Pokemon scene after attending an event recently. It was supposed to be a chill night with friends until I was matched against someone and their friend who were being completely rude and disrespectful to me during the game.

The opponent became openly disrespectful towards me shortly after starting while his friend was third partying/helping him through the match all while digging through my belongings on the table without permission. I had to ask him to stop touching my items and inform him he needed permission to touch other people's belongings.

After winning the match, the opponent proceeded to go into the hallway and start being highly rude and disrespectful towards me while I was within earshot with their friends. Saying disrespectful/nonsportsmen like comments to me then moved on to making fun of me personally. I understand being competitive to a point but it's a casual weekday tournament to hangout and have a good time. Not be insulted and disrespected over a casual match.

After the tournament, when I was waiting with other players the individual came in, pushed past me while stepping on my foot. Didn't apologize and walked off. Other players who had played that night saw this, which led to them informing me that the individual had also been making rude/disrespectful comments towards other players throughout the night and other nights as well in the past. Additionally, I had been informed by other players over the course of that night that he was previously banned but I can not confirm the valitaty of this claim.

We spoke to the staff after everyone had left and brought up our concerns after the way we were treated by the individual. They informed me that they would have a talking with him and attempt to mitigate his toxic and childish behavior then told me how it has not been the first time he's been reported for behavior like this.

It's a game at the end of the day. Yes, you can win and also lose as well. But to be acting disrespectful is sad. If you attend any pokemon events at this location, please beware of this behavior can be amongst the crowd. I hope the store owner can stop this behavior before it leads to more people not wanting to return. I won't be returning after tonight for awhile in hopes it better...

I called ahead to ask about prices on cards and sealed product and was told they don’t give that info over the phone, which is already inconvenient. Still, I made the time to drive about 30 minutes to check them out in person. When I got there, the employee told me that for just 30 cards I’d have to write down all my information and leave the cards so they could “price them later” and contact me another time. That’s the only shop I’ve seen with a process like that for such a small number of cards. It felt like a complete waste of time.

To make matters worse, when I asked how they determine their buy prices, the answer was that they use some “algorithm” based on TCGplayer low and other vague factors, then take a percentage off that. So basically, they offer based on the lowest possible sales and unexplained data, and still reduce it further. Doesn’t inspire much confidence.

With so many other card shops in the area (probably 20+ within driving distance), I won’t be going back. Lost my business.

Response to owner- I appreciate the reply but my issue was not that my timeline was too tight. The issue is that every other shop in the area is able to look at a small trade in on the spot while yours requires people to leave their cards and come back another time. For just 30 cards that process is unreasonable and unnecessary especially when there are 20 plus competing card shops nearby that do not make customers go through that.

When I asked how you determine offers I was told it is based on an algorithm that factors in TCG low and other vague data and then you take a percent off of that. That does not inspire confidence as a seller because it feels like you are starting from the lowest possible number and reducing it further. Even in your response here you do not state any actual percentage or rate you just say good rates and cash or store credit. That is exactly the lack of transparency I was pointing out.

The combination of being told you cannot give basic information over the phone then having to leave my cards behind just for a quote and then hearing that the offer system is based on unexplained formulas is what lost my business. This was not about being in a hurry it was about poor customer service and policies that do not make sense when customers have so many...

Last week, I swung by Alchemist's Refuge for the first time. I'm new to Magic the Gathering. I was looking for a few specific cards to upgrade my new Commander deck, and they were the only local place that had them all. The store is located on the second floor inside the strip mall amongst some office spaces. The storefront itself is modest. It's just a counter and a few displays. Individual cards are hand-picked by employees, but you can go online and look up their inventory, place an order, and then swing by to pick it up. And, their inventory is the best that I've found in the area so far by a mile. The employee working the counter was super nice and helpful. The owner poked his head out to check in, was also super nice, and he's the person who went and pulled my cards. The prices were very reasonable, comparable to anything you might find online. While I was waiting for my cards, the employee working the front counter asked what formats I played. I told her I was just getting started on Arena, but building a Commander deck to try to find a game where a beginner would be welcome. She told me about Taco Tuesdays, one of the store's weekly events where several tables are playing Commander and there's a group order of (delicious) tacos from a nearby restaurant. I decided to show up yesterday and I couldn't have felt more welcomed. The table I was playing with (Matt, Alex, and Nick) were experienced players who were helpful and accommodating, and I had a great time playing my first games of Commander with them. I tried getting into Magic in the past a few times, but sitting at a table with competitive players can be intimidating and even pointless if they're just wiping you out in four turns. That wasn't the case at Alchemist's Refuge. They gave me pointers and didn't get remotely annoyed when I screwed something up or needed help. It was just... fun. As it should be. I learned more in two hours than in weeks of playing Arena. The owner is deeply invested in Magic himself, seems like a font of knowledge, and is creating a space where new and experienced players are appreciated, and where the game is respected. It's more than just a place to buy cards. It's an awesome, little hideaway with a treasure trove of MTG inventory and a gamer's vibe. I'm looking forward...