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I'm opening up a brick and mortar this year and want some advice!!
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Started by Genesis Comics,

725 posts in this topic

Genesis Comics

Genesis Comics

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The death of many comic stores came from leaching kids who came to game but did not spend cash. Powerhouse Comics in Levittown / Hicksville comes to mind. It pushed comic customers out and that was that.

 

 

I was one of those kids :sorry:

Learned to play Magic there...I did spend cash...there...bought a Beta Lotus, Legends packs, and probably about a case or more worth of revisedI, also bought and played Spellfire and Illuminati...lol...loved Jeff and Serge...great guys...there was a 3rd guy involved I think, but never met him...heard there was difference of opinions that caused the closings but I was young then....moved over to Comic Book Depot for my MTG needs after that...

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Genesis Comics

Genesis Comics

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I did not finding your question challenging at all, absolutely no worries at all (thumbs u

 

I hope you have all kinds of success no matter which way you go about it!

 

Thanks, just didn't want you to think I was coming across that way and was ungrateful for your feedback (thumbs u

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Drewsky

Drewsky

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Posted (edited)

Things I like to see at shops:

 

A superhero pinball or arcade- I own a pinball and maintenance can be costly.

Life size Superhero- they are out there and make a shop special.

Pull list/orders for moderns. I pull 13 books a month. It keeps me coming back,

Rent out a few display cases to bring in more unique items to the shop.

Sell records- this is hot and brings people in to my local shop.

Have Mtg gaming ready to rock!

Attract a variety of costumers, not just comic people. Get pokemon to appear in your store to bring in the go people.

25 cent bins

Sidewalk art contests

Local artists/ drink and draw

Free Comic book day events

If you have any pro artists, get them in on a monthly basis.

Sell snacks

Good looking clerk is a plus

fabreeze air fresheners to counter the body odor

Free appraisal day...

Star wars- toys,etc all over the place.

Podcast- book reviews

 

 

 

 

Edited by Drewsky
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ft88

ft88

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Why not focus on the gaming but have the comics as a side aspect. Develop a business plan that attracts gamers so they somehow pay money. Either through snacks and drink or time played or supplies, something / anything so you basically break even.

 

Then you have your wall books of $10 to $500 books to show you are a comic guy. Have maybe 10-40 long boxes of old stuff only GA/SA/CA and a smattering of quality 1990s on up. Then Man Cave it up so it's wicked sweet with what you like. Posters, art, statues, 1970s toys - you name it.

 

The point of the comics is to sell and make a little there but really your goal is to acquire walk in collections. Buy those at 30-50% on the dollar (as in what will sell easily not full retail)

 

So you don't have to deal in new inventory and the Diamond hassle. You hang out with comic folks but that will mostly be slow. And the Gamers keep the place relatively lively.

If you buy a couple $5000 collections a year and hit on one really good one, then you can make the $25,000 or more a year. The gamers and back stock pay for the bills.

 

You still need to sell online. Part of your comments worry me (if I were playing shark tank) in that you don't want to box and ship. ??????? That's called work. Every avenue must be utilized or the odds of failure increase. You don't need to sell online 40 hours a week but at least 10. And maybe more in a slow month to make ends meet. It simply has to be done IMO. Also it is a good way to clear stale inventory.

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Junkdrawer

Junkdrawer

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Make your shop into a giant man cave with lots of unique items.
I dont know why more people dont do this. I'm going on 6 years this May. Avoid new comics is my advice as well.

 

I was advised via PM to contact you about your business model...can you give me an idea of what you've done to be successful?

Opening my store wasn't as a much a dream as it was an opportunity. Sure I thought about having a store in years gone by, but I, just by chance had this happen to me. I being a single dad now and at the time of my opening of my store, was not in the best of situations. I didnt have thousands in the bank either nor a massive amount of inventory. I had visions, dreams and goals, but there was also reality that had to be dealt with first and foremost. There was a tiny little antique shop in my town I used to pop in every now and then when I was still ebayin' and setting up at flea markets. I often told the owner that if she ever decided to get out off the business, that I would like a heads up so I could rent the shop. So one day I drove by and instantly noticed the for rent sign in the window. I was glad she was moving out and upset I wasnt made aware of it sooner (my opportunity) So I called the land lord and was told that it had just been rented :cry: and to leave my number for future ref. I drove buy weeks later and saw new junk in the window and a large sheet blocking visibility into the shop. It was never open. I called the land lord a few times and it was suspected that the new tennent was actually living in the space (no shower..ewe), but that was what was suspected. There was 2 spaces, the antique shop $325/mo and a back room storage $200/mo. The current tennent made the landlord open a wall between the two spaces and combined them as one space. $525 he was paying and it was approx 6 months when I got a call from the landlord asking me if I was still interested and to meet him at the shop. (opportunity knocks again).

I meet him on May15th almost 6 years ago and he is explaining the rent of both places now and the opened wall and I am getting bummed out. He sees that and there are two other women waiting to see the place currently out front. I'm crushed and just then he says, I just cant be bothered to put up the wall again and I simply can not rent you the store for $325 like the you expected, but I will give you both spaces for $350 no utilities. Let me know cause I got those 2 ladies to speak with next. I'LL TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. He gave me the key and I handed him $350. No contract, no receipt, just an address to send the money. It was mine right there.

 

The meter was running and I was currently doing what I was doing to make my way in life and that was the race horse business (hence my avatar) I was at it over 10 solid years and was drible and drabling as I said with ebay and setting up at flea markets etc. I had moved what I had into my new shop that I wanted to sell, fixtures, display cases, shelves etc. I was only able to be at the shop just 2 days per week. I had no choice, I needed to make money. Over the first few years, I experimented with my days and hours and added more days and selected days off to get out to buy at auctions and estate sales. Three years ago I went 7 days per week 12-6 Mon-Sat and 12-3 Sundays. These days its like Shadroch said, Its my mancave and I'm just hanging out there. Diversity has been another factor in addition to being there everyday (yes and low rent, FYI my rent has risen $25 each yr and its currently $475 plus utilities). A variety of avenues my business stretches from LP records, comic books, vintage toys and games, coins, sports cards, magazines, nick nacks, advertising signs, and just about anything I decide I like and think I can sell for a profit. I simply enjoy it until it sells is usually the case. Ive got things that have been in the shop since day 1.

So my door is open each day and that is for selling and BUYING. (more opportunity) I have not had that old lady with a run of Action Comics in yet, but I have had some great interesting purchases come through my door. Keep in mind, I am a hustler and go getter and I was hitting 5-20 and often more estate sales (monthly) in addition to two flea markets each week and ebayin' away. I was flippin big books on line as well. I have had many scores, home runs, and banner record breaking days, but even still I have many under $10 days. Because its my mancave hangout, I keep myself busy learning and moving items around. I have a natural knack for displaying my merchandise and some say its like a museum. Most people are taken back when they enter my shop and I great everyone and acknowledge everyone in the crowd while in my shop. I'm also blessed with the gift of gab. I just turned 50 this year so I have no shortage of stories and tales from my own childhood as many who come in are helpless to admit that they had this and that and that their mother threw out (fill in the blank). I dont have heavy foot traffic through my door, so I focus on the here and now whenever someone is in my shop. I'm entertaining them I feel at times. Dancing for dollars pretty much. I want them to simply spill what it is they like, enjoy, want, desire. I'm extracting info and use my knowlege of my inventory to show and suggest different items. Some days are better than others and just like Pawnstars says (and its so true) You just never know whats gonna walk through that door.

Sure who wouldnt want a comic books shop, but why limit myself to just that. Seriously, I want my customers to be all ages and both male and female. I want to sell something to anyone and everyone. I buy with an open mind thinking oh I can sell this for $xxx as long as I was getting a deal on it. I do strive for items in my store to be vintage(pre 1980) I want good condition, not broken or incomplete things. Its such a deal breaker to have something sold and oops. Its hard enough to sell perfect good condition things.

My secrets to success are common sense. Think like a customer. Little details are important. Being there when you say you are going to be there. Always have new merchandise. Listen to your customers wants and needs. I keep a rolodex file by item ie clocks, tonka trucks, fountain pens etc and next to it a phone number. When I get some I will call ya. Ive sold cars for over 6 years in my background so I know how to be romancing my customers list. You can never have what they want when they come in but I end up selling them something else. I just good at that. Being there 7 days means I dont miss many opportunities (sure I run late sometimes and close early at times, but never make a bad habit of it and I ALWAYS leave a sign up if I'm out for a few minutes or days.

Facebook, Yelp, etc. I'm not too motivated to drive customers to my store. I am LAZY. So my web page is blah and I never up date it. I s#ck and I know it. I do post things from time to time on my store's face book page, but I just dont want to be spammy, so my posts are from time to time. I joined a few face books groups and post dedicated items and have sold a few things, but again, I dont want to do do internet business. Its too much like ebay and dealing face to face is my thing.

So I'm diversified and dedicated, but I am also passionate about a lot of things. I am constantly learning and researching. All to often I sound so smart and professional because I am able to :blahblah: a few things about what ever it is I have in the shop no matter how cheap or expensive it may be. I'm excited about the most insignificant . I'm triggered by key words so it seems. Been a life long disability or ability depending on how you look at it.

And I did try new comics for about 3 years. I had 2 subscribers. Went to comiccon in Boston 2 years trying to spread the word :sorry: I tried and I guess if I was near a college or had a busy foot traffic location, it could have netted better results, but I chalked it up as a loss. More books were damaged my ordinary customers just grabbing books and yes kids and I tried a sign that got ignored. New comics are not for everyone and certainly not for me. I tried and failed, but I tried. This week I added new sports cards and 2017 Silver Eagles. I can try anything here and there. Because I'm so diverse it could work, if not successful, I'll nix it. The comic books I do sell are dollar books and my BIG books are $20 - 30 bucks at the shop. It certainly doesnt mean I cant wheel and deal in comic books, cause you can't stop me there. Just cause my store isnt a great outlet or I didnt focus and work as hard as I should have or could have, I'm getting my fix in other ways.

So when I hear people say DON'T do it (open a comic book shop) its likely because you are getting into a dedicated and unique business with online competition. I can agree for the most part. But I REGRET not opening my store many years ago. It just never occurred to me to do so. I'm 6 years this May 15th and each year has been just a step in the right direction. Sure I still pop a certain item on ebay that I know my customers wouldnt pay up for but I know ebayers would. Thats knowledge Ive gained through out the years and I do give it a chance in the shop first, but Ebay is vital to getting rolling and keeping it real when the shop just dont hit on all eight.

This is my longest post ever, sorry to scare some of you (all of you)

Chris

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Genesis Comics

Genesis Comics

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Things I like to see at shops:

 

A superhero pinball or arcade- I own a pinball and maintenance can be costly.

Life size Superhero- they are out there and make a shop special.

Pull list/orders for moderns. I pull 13 books a month. It keeps me coming back,

Rent out a few display cases to bring in more unique items to the shop.

Sell records- this is hot and brings people in to my local shop.

Have Mtg gaming ready to rock!

Attract a variety of costumers, not just comic people. Get pokemon to appear in your store to bring in the go people.

25 cent bins

Sidewalk art contests

Local artists/ drink and draw

Free Comic book day events

If you have any pro artists, get them in on a monthly basis.

Sell snacks

Good looking clerk is a plus

fabreeze air fresheners to counter the body odor

Free appraisal day...

Star wars- toys,etc all over the place.

Podcast- book reviews

 

 

 

 

Great suggestions, thank you...I have a buddy who has about 20 or so pins and builds and fixes them...I was thinking of having 1-3 in the shop depending on space...we'd split the $$ from game play...he would do the maintenance and I'd get 10% if he sold one...

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Genesis Comics

Genesis Comics

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Why not focus on the gaming but have the comics as a side aspect. Develop a business plan that attracts gamers so they somehow pay money. Either through snacks and drink or time played or supplies, something / anything so you basically break even.

 

Then you have your wall books of $10 to $500 books to show you are a comic guy. Have maybe 10-40 long boxes of old stuff only GA/SA/CA and a smattering of quality 1990s on up. Then Man Cave it up so it's wicked sweet with what you like. Posters, art, statues, 1970s toys - you name it.

 

The point of the comics is to sell and make a little there but really your goal is to acquire walk in collections. Buy those at 30-50% on the dollar (as in what will sell easily not full retail)

 

So you don't have to deal in new inventory and the Diamond hassle. You hang out with comic folks but that will mostly be slow. And the Gamers keep the place relatively lively.

If you buy a couple $5000 collections a year and hit on one really good one, then you can make the $25,000 or more a year. The gamers and back stock pay for the bills.

 

You still need to sell online. Part of your comments worry me (if I were playing shark tank) in that you don't want to box and ship. ??????? That's called work. Every avenue must be utilized or the odds of failure increase. You don't need to sell online 40 hours a week but at least 10. And maybe more in a slow month to make ends meet. It simply has to be done IMO. Also it is a good way to clear stale inventory.

 

I probably wasn't totally clear...I don't enjoy boxing and shipping...that's why I wouldn't want to do it full time...of course it's a necessary evil and something I would have to do, but I wouldn't want to do it full time...I'm not afraid of hard work...just wasn't totally clear...

I like your image of the store...It will be mostly MTG and gaming as I reflected in a later post...I've been building up some inventory the last few months and have some nice minor keys...nothing ultra high end, but hopefully I can build up to that...

 

Awesome feedback, thanks!

 

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Genesis Comics

Genesis Comics

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Make your shop into a giant man cave with lots of unique items.
I dont know why more people dont do this. I'm going on 6 years this May. Avoid new comics is my advice as well.

 

I was advised via PM to contact you about your business model...can you give me an idea of what you've done to be successful?

Opening my store wasn't as a much a dream as it was an opportunity. Sure I thought about having a store in years gone by, but I, just by chance had this happen to me. I being a single dad now and at the time of my opening of my store, was not in the best of situations. I didnt have thousands in the bank either nor a massive amount of inventory. I had visions, dreams and goals, but there was also reality that had to be dealt with first and foremost. There was a tiny little antique shop in my town I used to pop in every now and then when I was still ebayin' and setting up at flea markets. I often told the owner that if she ever decided to get out off the business, that I would like a heads up so I could rent the shop. So one day I drove by and instantly noticed the for rent sign in the window. I was glad she was moving out and upset I wasnt made aware of it sooner (my opportunity) So I called the land lord and was told that it had just been rented :cry: and to leave my number for future ref. I drove buy weeks later and saw new junk in the window and a large sheet blocking visibility into the shop. It was never open. I called the land lord a few times and it was suspected that the new tennent was actually living in the space (no shower..ewe), but that was what was suspected. There was 2 spaces, the antique shop $325/mo and a back room storage $200/mo. The current tennent made the landlord open a wall between the two spaces and combined them as one space. $525 he was paying and it was approx 6 months when I got a call from the landlord asking me if I was still interested and to meet him at the shop. (opportunity knocks again).

I meet him on May15th almost 6 years ago and he is explaining the rent of both places now and the opened wall and I am getting bummed out. He sees that and there are two other women waiting to see the place currently out front. I'm crushed and just then he says, I just cant be bothered to put up the wall again and I simply can not rent you the store for $325 like the you expected, but I will give you both spaces for $350 no utilities. Let me know cause I got those 2 ladies to speak with next. I'LL TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. He gave me the key and I handed him $350. No contract, no receipt, just an address to send the money. It was mine right there.

 

The meter was running and I was currently doing what I was doing to make my way in life and that was the race horse business (hence my avatar) I was at it over 10 solid years and was drible and drabling as I said with ebay and setting up at flea markets etc. I had moved what I had into my new shop that I wanted to sell, fixtures, display cases, shelves etc. I was only able to be at the shop just 2 days per week. I had no choice, I needed to make money. Over the first few years, I experimented with my days and hours and added more days and selected days off to get out to buy at auctions and estate sales. Three years ago I went 7 days per week 12-6 Mon-Sat and 12-3 Sundays. These days its like Shadroch said, Its my mancave and I'm just hanging out there. Diversity has been another factor in addition to being there everyday (yes and low rent, FYI my rent has risen $25 each yr and its currently $475 plus utilities). A variety of avenues my business stretches from LP records, comic books, vintage toys and games, coins, sports cards, magazines, nick nacks, advertising signs, and just about anything I decide I like and think I can sell for a profit. I simply enjoy it until it sells is usually the case. Ive got things that have been in the shop since day 1.

So my door is open each day and that is for selling and BUYING. (more opportunity) I have not had that old lady with a run of Action Comics in yet, but I have had some great interesting purchases come through my door. Keep in mind, I am a hustler and go getter and I was hitting 5-20 and often more estate sales (monthly) in addition to two flea markets each week and ebayin' away. I was flippin big books on line as well. I have had many scores, home runs, and banner record breaking days, but even still I have many under $10 days. Because its my mancave hangout, I keep myself busy learning and moving items around. I have a natural knack for displaying my merchandise and some say its like a museum. Most people are taken back when they enter my shop and I great everyone and acknowledge everyone in the crowd while in my shop. I'm also blessed with the gift of gab. I just turned 50 this year so I have no shortage of stories and tales from my own childhood as many who come in are helpless to admit that they had this and that and that their mother threw out (fill in the blank). I dont have heavy foot traffic through my door, so I focus on the here and now whenever someone is in my shop. I'm entertaining them I feel at times. Dancing for dollars pretty much. I want them to simply spill what it is they like, enjoy, want, desire. I'm extracting info and use my knowlege of my inventory to show and suggest different items. Some days are better than others and just like Pawnstars says (and its so true) You just never know whats gonna walk through that door.

Sure who wouldnt want a comic books shop, but why limit myself to just that. Seriously, I want my customers to be all ages and both male and female. I want to sell something to anyone and everyone. I buy with an open mind thinking oh I can sell this for $xxx as long as I was getting a deal on it. I do strive for items in my store to be vintage(pre 1980) I want good condition, not broken or incomplete things. Its such a deal breaker to have something sold and oops. Its hard enough to sell perfect good condition things.

My secrets to success are common sense. Think like a customer. Little details are important. Being there when you say you are going to be there. Always have new merchandise. Listen to your customers wants and needs. I keep a rolodex file by item ie clocks, tonka trucks, fountain pens etc and next to it a phone number. When I get some I will call ya. Ive sold cars for over 6 years in my background so I know how to be romancing my customers list. You can never have what they want when they come in but I end up selling them something else. I just good at that. Being there 7 days means I dont miss many opportunities (sure I run late sometimes and close early at times, but never make a bad habit of it and I ALWAYS leave a sign up if I'm out for a few minutes or days.

Facebook, Yelp, etc. I'm not too motivated to drive customers to my store. I am LAZY. So my web page is blah and I never up date it. I s#ck and I know it. I do post things from time to time on my store's face book page, but I just dont want to be spammy, so my posts are from time to time. I joined a few face books groups and post dedicated items and have sold a few things, but again, I dont want to do do internet business. Its too much like ebay and dealing face to face is my thing.

So I'm diversified and dedicated, but I am also passionate about a lot of things. I am constantly learning and researching. All to often I sound so smart and professional because I am able to :blahblah: a few things about what ever it is I have in the shop no matter how cheap or expensive it may be. I'm excited about the most insignificant . I'm triggered by key words so it seems. Been a life long disability or ability depending on how you look at it.

And I did try new comics for about 3 years. I had 2 subscribers. Went to comiccon in Boston 2 years trying to spread the word :sorry: I tried and I guess if I was near a college or had a busy foot traffic location, it could have netted better results, but I chalked it up as a loss. More books were damaged my ordinary customers just grabbing books and yes kids and I tried a sign that got ignored. New comics are not for everyone and certainly not for me. I tried and failed, but I tried. This week I added new sports cards and 2017 Silver Eagles. I can try anything here and there. Because I'm so diverse it could work, if not successful, I'll nix it. The comic books I do sell are dollar books and my BIG books are $20 - 30 bucks at the shop. It certainly doesnt mean I cant wheel and deal in comic books, cause you can't stop me there. Just cause my store isnt a great outlet or I didnt focus and work as hard as I should have or could have, I'm getting my fix in other ways.

So when I hear people say DON'T do it (open a comic book shop) its likely because you are getting into a dedicated and unique business with online competition. I can agree for the most part. But I REGRET not opening my store many years ago. It just never occurred to me to do so. I'm 6 years this May 15th and each year has been just a step in the right direction. Sure I still pop a certain item on ebay that I know my customers wouldnt pay up for but I know ebayers would. Thats knowledge Ive gained through out the years and I do give it a chance in the shop first, but Ebay is vital to getting rolling and keeping it real when the shop just dont hit on all eight.

This is my longest post ever, sorry to scare some of you (all of you)

Chris

 

:applause:

 

Thank you...so happy to hear about your success... lot's of great information in there...if I could get 475 a month it would be a no-brainer...wish real estate on long island was cheaper :sorry:

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Mapleleafvann

Mapleleafvann

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Some of the common themes are to forgo the new comics and from what I've seen, I can agree with that for several reasons. Issues such as inventory costs, Diamond issues as well as "browsers" damaging the books. Rent is always an issue as are the other ancillary overhead costs.

 

Interestingly enough, I completely agree with the advice that you should buy collections and sell them...on-line, at shows etc etc. BUT.....you WANT to open a shop, so open one....but just correlate all of the advice on here first and re-read the general themes over and over.

 

I think the best advice you have received is for the "man-cave" approach. ....but what does that mean to you? It means something different to everybody here and THAT is the point. In other words, you need to find out how to make yourself (the business) different and a stand-out from other competitors. Just why would anyone walk into your store and not someone else's? If you are essentially selling the same thing, then what will set you apart from the pack?

 

Truly understand what you are offering, why and at what price. Experiment, try different things, but, as someone else said, be consistent.....in your own style, communication and business dealings.

 

Best of luck! Very smart of you to ask these questions as I can actually think of no better place with so many knowledgeable and generous gents and ladies willing to write posts simply to help you out. Lots of smart, experienced and accomplished folks on here.....

 

Kindest regards,

 

V.

 

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FineCollector

FineCollector

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Posted

Haven't heard anyone answer the gaming space question. Gamers are like rats... they'll squeeze into small spaces, they leave filth behind them (wrappers, chewing gum, paper torn to confetti just because they're bored), and they'll damage everything they touch, especially your chairs. Comfort shouldn't be a consideration, they won't appreciate it, and they won't care.

 

If you can't wall them in, define the gaming space with landmarks or a different floor covering (not carpet, unless you adore vacuuming). Don't let them spill out into your sell space, it's already scary enough for a casual buyer to walk into a hobby store without being greeted by a bunch of stinky teenagers who are screaming and swearing. Confine and isolate them if you can.

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