weekly store update 230105

Weekly Store Update: 8 January

We're humming along nicely so far in 2023. 2022 is in the rear view, and in this week's newsletter we compare it to 2021 to see how we're doing. The numbers look good! We also have some new art to show off and our first ever FLASH SALE! Hey, we can learn new things too 😀 Why not click in to see what's going on?

INTRO

Welcome to our weekly newsletter! For our new readers I'm Eric, and Wendy and I run Stone Valley Games. This newsletter is our way to share both local and world-wide gaming news of interest that popped up last week. It also provides our subscribers, both local and remote, some information on the going's on around here so everyone feels like part of the action. At the bottom of this newsletter we show you the restocks, new items, and preorders added to the store last week. It's not too difficult to navigate, so let's get to it!

SVG BUSINESS SNAPSHOT

We're just finishing cleanup on our 2022 bookkeeping. The initial hot wash looks good! Of course, everything still needs to cycle through the entire tax process...so we'll report on how it's all going whenever we get those numbers. 

We did not incorporate a lot of changes from '21 to '22, focusing on streamlining our operations. That's our same methodology going into '23. Hey, if something works don't break it! Tweak it...now, that's completely different 😉 Bottom line though, we remain 'us' going forward. 

Below you will see several metrics we use from year to year. The percentage next to each number is the increase (or decrease - though we didn't have a decrease this time around) from 2021 to 2022. 

Stone Valley Games 2022 Highlights

We enjoy seeing all the of the increases across the board! We put a lot into this business, and seeing positive results is affirmation that things are working!

We also list the top items by category and the top six items by sales. We're always fascinated by how close this list matches the various Games of the Year lists out there. Sometimes very close...sometimes quite different. Any of your favorites make our list?

TCGPLAYER ROOKIE...OF THE YEAR?

Okay, we don't do this very often, but we're asking for some help. After selling on Deckbox for over 5 years (where we're currently the top US seller) we're looking for a change. I understand it's a very small crew manning the Deckbox site, but with all of the significant changes in MTG over the last 18 months they just aren't able to keep up. Additionally, parts of their webstore that we need to run our business just aren't working. Even worse, there has been no response from them after months of asking for help. So, I needed to find a different sales channel to actually be able to sell cards. After several weeks of research, we decided to start selling on TCGPlayer. 

Let's just say starting over...sucks. In order to get to the same level of functionality we have on Deckbox we need to be a Level 4 seller on TCGPlayer. We will get there...but at this pace it's going to take an incredibly long time.

So, if you or someone you know is in the market for MTG singles, we would appreciate it if you would check out our store on TCGPlayer. (click that link to be whisked right there). This will be good for buyers too. You see, in order to move up the ranks more quickly we are selling singles at rock bottom prices, so this will be beneficial to all parties! Now, we can only sell a small number of cards until we move up a few tiers, so if there's something you'd like us to add to TCGPlayer just drop us a line!

It's true that TCGPlayer is more expensive to sell on, but with all the increased functionality and ability to run cleaner local sales with an overall better sales channel it seems well worth it. At least that's what I'm thinking right now. In any case, with your help maybe we can get to Level 4 quickly enough to not have to drag this transition on for too long.

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Here's the final line art version of our latest entry for the Stone Valley Pangea. It just needs to be colored, and after that we'll show you the finished product. These art pieces continue to enhance our website, social media outlets, and more!

We have been continuing the story of our Stone Valley Pangea throughout the months, it's our own fantasy setting where peoples have lived in distinctly different regions for thousands of years. Over time they have changed considerably from when they first appeared on the planet. Continually at war over the Obelisk, we've been introducing characters from each region. This time we're in the heavily forested region sandwiched between the Swamp and Water regions.

svg jungle 230106

We do have fun with this, and the Stone Valley Pangea will eventually become a complete roleplaying setting, but at this pace that will take some time. Even so, we're enjoying the ride!

FLASH SALE!!!

I mentioned in last week's newsletter that we would start implementing more sales and other fun events in 2023. Why not start...right now?! First up is the solo adventure and puzzle game Relics of Rajavihara, fresh off their recent successful Kickstarter. Even though designed as a solo game, many couples and partners like tackling this in teams as the puzzles become more difficult later in the game. 

relics of rajavihara

This isn't just the base game either; we've bundled in the Montalo's Revenge expansion as well! This duo is normally $74.99, but during our Flash Sale that runs until January 10th, we're taking $40.00 off the top - so the bundle will be yours for $34.99!

It's super easy too! All you have to do is put the Relics of Rajavihara (Bundle) in your cart and the discount is automatically applied. How cool is that?! This automatic coupon is set for one copy per customer and remember it will automatically revert back to regular prices on 10 January.

I'm also going to try something new with this flash sale and not advertise it anywhere else. That way this sale will be for our subscribers and readers. I figured we'd start this New Year off with a bang, and I think this will do it!

THE WRAP UP

Okay, enough news for this week! Below are the Restocks, New Items, and Preorders added to the shop last week. You can click on the item to learn more, and many of the products have review and gameplay videos so you can see the game in action. If you're visiting our page and you'd like to keep up with our giveaways, sales, new products, and articles like this one just create an account here. Once created you will be subscribed to our newsletter and become enrolled in our loyalty system, instantly earning 50 Stones that you can use on your very first order. A Stone? One Stone is equivalent to One Cent. That doesn't sound like much, but you earn 2 Stones for every dollar spent and 5 for each product review, so though it may seem small, those savings add up fast! Redeem your Stones upon checkout, and they can save you up to 10% off your cart total. Loyalty Matters! 

New Items

Restocks

Preorders