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Answerman - Why Do Companies Only Sell Some Shows Through Their Own Stores?

Sales for releases that are self-distributed nearly always dwarf that of similar shows released through normal retail channels.

Another aspect, licensors' own shops can't sell to customers from other regions, while retailers don't have that obstacle.

I have noticed that the Funimation Store's pricing typically tracks with Right Stuf, which I'm sure is no coincidence. Like Justin said, the few times where I've ordered directly, rather than through Right Stuf is when there is some sort of exclusive item, and even then, I might not do that if the price wasn't the same.

I basically settled in as a dedicated Right Stuf user years ago for all the reasons Justin mentioned at the end, plus they are located in my state, so buying from them has a certain "shop locally" feel to it.

I don't think this always backfires. Square Enix, for example, has a number of products only available from their store, including limited editions and merchandise. Same goes for NIS America – I think their limited editions are commonly only available in their own online shop.

Quote:

Sales for releases that are self-distributed nearly always dwarf that of similar shows released through normal retail channels.

I think you meant that the other way around?

Sales for releases that are self-distributed are nearly always dwarfed by that of similar shows released through normal retail channels.

Kimiko_0 wrote:

Another aspect, licensors' own shops can't sell to customers from other regions, while retailers don't have that obstacle.

Thats more an issue of a poorly setup shop than a real limitation of selling via a self-owned store.

Dear Anime Fan,

Due to the limitations of our license agreement with TOEI Animation, we can
only sell merchandise to people in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
South Africa (for SA customers, choose US Minor Island for the country), and
APO addresses.

Although I don't have any contact information for them, the AB Groupe
handles DBZ releases in Europe.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you for contacting us,

Customer Service
ZStore/The FUNimation Store

Same with Robert's Anime Corner Store. The latter hardly gets mentioned by people compared to Right Stuf. Which is sad cause they do a good job at RACS.

It's overdue that production committees set up a download site for each show.

Completely dispose of all middle-men.

This is the internet, FFS.

I don't think this always backfires. Square Enix, for example, has a number of products only available from their store, including limited editions and merchandise. Same goes for NIS America – I think their limited editions are commonly only available in their own online shop.