I think it's probably a lot more than most people would initially consider.
I doubt it. I mean, I know for me, you would get a lot more money out of me RE: Eldar if I could take FW stuff. Otherwise I am not doing the army. I haven't done a different one because I am not doing that either.
How many FW armies are exclusively made from FW models? Hardly any. Which means they have to buy regular GW stuff, or adding to an army that most people here would have bought here.
There are two situations, people who buy a splash model to supplement their force(IE most people), and people who are going to spend the money to make a mainly FW model army(Older gamer with enough money to do so). The first situation isn't a problem, shit, it might even sell more GW stuff for you because the local meta will change.
Why stop at Forgeworld chase? Why not ban the Sporepod that Bill or I bought for our Tyranid army since GW doesn't offer one. Make it so the only legal sporepod is based on a space marine drop pod so I could possibly buy it here. I use alternative models in my Fantasy armies(much easier to do than 40k), things that are not availible for sale at BG, should they be banned?
Seriously, the people who are going to buy/use FW are typically gamers who are heavily invested in the game. People who are heavily invested in the game, have a strong interest in BG doing well as it is the healthiest game store within like 3 hours, and constantly runs the best events.
Most of us already buy through you despite easy opportunity to buy them cheaper on the internet.
Shit, if it would help I would buy FW through you AND pay you shipping (even though larger orders are often shipped for free), so the store makes a little. Do you have to follow suggested retail for FW? I would gladly buy a FW item/book that is in the store and a 20$ "Soda" if that is what it takes.
Perhaps we should make this a separate discussion?