Are you looking to shop for your favorite geek items and apparel? Ready to take your fandom to the next level? If you're thinking about shopping at ThinkGeek, the best retailer of products that truly let you “Geek Out”, make sure you're ready and prepared to have the best shopping experience possible. 

To that end, here's everything to know before shopping at a ThinkGeek Store. For those shopping online, check out these ThinkGeek coupons.

Things to Know Before Shopping at ThinkGeek Stores

• Find a Store Near You: Although ThinkGeek allows a variety of ordering methods, including online or over the phone, sometimes you want or need that in person experience. If that's what your looking for, the first step is to find a store in your area. You can use ThinkGeek's Store Locations page to find the nearest shop to you. Texas and New York have the most store locations, but there are a plethora of others scattered across the US. The great locations currently open cover a lot of ground and should give you options, wherever you are.

• Consider Ship to Store: If you already know what you want, you can order online and, with participating ThinkGeek and GameSpot locations, you can use the Ship to Store service to have your order sent to the store near you. Orders ship in 1-2 business days, and with an account, you can check on the status of the order. Once it arrives, you have seven (7) days to pick it up from the store. If you have a tight schedule or want to ensure the product you'd like is available, this could be a great option to smooth over your store visit.

• Use a Gift Card: While you're at the store, you can purchase a physical gift card—only available from in person locations—which can be used either at another store or online. Similarly, if you already have a virtual gift card waiting, it can be used at ThinkGeek online, ThinkGeek physical stores, GameStop stores, or on gamestop.com. The flexibility and ease of gift card usage makes it both a great gift for others and a good way for you to shop yourself.

• Earn GeekPoints: Although they can currently only be redeemed online, your in store purchases can still earn you GeekPoints, the ThinkGeek rewards program, according to the same eligibility rules as any other purchase. You only have to forward the store receipt to ThinkGeek's customer service, a method the company is in the process of simplifying, and you'll be earning points off your visit too.

• Return Items: Currently, you cannot return online purchases at a store or store purchases online. However, returns are still possible, and as long as you have a Return Merchandise Authorization number and it is within 90 days of purchase, your return process should go smoothly. 

Now that you know what you can do, be sure to keep these tips and notes in mind when planning your visit to a ThinkGeek store. If you do, you should have a straightforward shopping experience with the ability to relax and enjoy your time there. Unleash your inner geek, and have fun shopping!