In three years, I am going to open a card shop.

[lordsepic]

Not sure why it is hard for people to realize... HE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBLE LOSS. One thing to do is make some small team bags or random bags for children 1 or 2 dollars each... gives you a chance to get rid of inventory you dont need and brings their checkbooks (fathers) in... do something exciting for all ages... the more gimics the better... pack wars, trade nights, that sort of thing. Enjoy it and good luck.

I think most people kind of laugh at this mentality.

It's easy to not worry about loss when a pipe dream is three years away from nowhere. It's a whole other story when loss is real and trust me...he'll worry plenty about almost certain loss. Of course not now, now is the exciting planning stage, AKA the "jaded and misinformed stage."

Show me a business that isn't worried about making money and I'll show you a "FOR LEASE" sign.

it is possible he has plenty of money and enjoys the hobby enough to spend money on something he wants... I know a guy in daytona that runs his shop at a loss for the kids... he has massive funds and doesnt care at all

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

it is possible he has plenty of money and enjoys the hobby enough to spend money on something he wants... I know a guy in daytona that runs his shop at a loss for the kids... he has massive funds and doesnt care at all

Of course, if that was the case, he wouldn't need 3 years to reach his dream.

To the OP, how old are you? And, do you have any background in starting or operating a business?

 

[J.O.]

auto'd memorabilia is always a plus

 

[promodeltodd]

I said that for 20 years.

One thing that is just as important as location is money. To be successful, you need a lot of cash to by current product. Unless you spend big bucks with the companies and distributors, you wil not have access to the hi end stuff for better rates, therefor cutting in to your profit margin. You may also need to break a lot of product too depending on your customers.

Good luck.

 

[muchuckwagon]

Not sure why it is hard for people to realize... HE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBLE LOSS. One thing to do is make some small team bags or random bags for children 1 or 2 dollars each... gives you a chance to get rid of inventory you dont need and brings their checkbooks (fathers) in... do something exciting for all ages... the more gimics the better... pack wars, trade nights, that sort of thing. Enjoy it and good luck.

You have said a lot of things that made me scratch my head since you first joined the BMB.....but this takes the cake. The OP is not going to open a shop to throw good money after bad.....seriously don't insult my intelligence.

 

[All The Hype]

I am very serious about this, and once again, it's not about the money.

200lb, I happen to not be an idiot. Just wanted to clarify for you.

Obviously I have some time to figure out the details, but there will be something else that goes along with the cards (i.e., it won't be exclusively a card shop). I feel that the card part will be the 'fun ' part, but I will make sure that whatever the other part is, it will create enough revenue to make the business as a whole profitable. I have a couple of other ideas that I still need to look into to decide which would be the best fit.

 

[muchuckwagon]

I have been thinking about a petting zoo by day.....adult entertainment establishment by night. Hum.

 

[All The Hype]

I have been thinking about a petting zoo by day.....adult entertainment establishment by night. Hum.

I honestly don't care if you think I'm serious or not, but I asked for legitimate suggestions, not for people to come into this thread and insult me.

 

[hofmichael]

I have been thinking about a petting zoo by day.....adult entertainment establishment by night. Hum.

Welcome to the donkey show.

 

[notjomommasclint]

I have been thinking about a petting zoo by day.....adult entertainment establishment by night. Hum.

remember its all about location... location... location...

 

[i43770]

Not sure why it is hard for people to realize... HE IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBLE LOSS. One thing to do is make some small team bags or random bags for children 1 or 2 dollars each... gives you a chance to get rid of inventory you dont need and brings their checkbooks (fathers) in... do something exciting for all ages... the more gimics the better... pack wars, trade nights, that sort of thing. Enjoy it and good luck.

Thanks, I remember they had 50 cent grab bags that I always used to buy when I was a little kid. Every now and then you'd pull a nice base card of someone good in those bags which was always exciting. At the younger ages, it was more about quantity then it was quality, so I think that's another good idea. Trade night is a good idea too.

What one of the shops I used to go to gave out packs of Looney Tunes Pog packs to kids that came in. He picked up a case 16 or 32 boxes for 150-200. So each pack didn't cost him much and it keeps kids entertained while the parent does his shopping.

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

I am very serious about this, and once again, it's not about the money.

200lb, I happen to not be an idiot. Just wanted to clarify for you.

Obviously I have some time to figure out the details, but there will be something else that goes along with the cards (i.e., it won't be exclusively a card shop). I feel that the card part will be the 'fun ' part, but I will make sure that whatever the other part is, it will create enough revenue to make the business as a whole profitable. I have a couple of other ideas that I still need to look into to decide which would be the best fit.

I never suggested, nor asked if you were an idiot.

What I did ask was how old are you and whether or not you had any background in starting or operating a business.

Judging by the assumption that I was implying you were an idiot...I think I know that answers to those questions. Age...probably in the 17-21 range with no background in starting or operating a business...and that is perfectly fine.

There is nothing wrong with "dreaming" - virtually every successful entrepreneur is a dreamer but the key is how to become successful. And yes, I understand that every person has a different idea of what success is, I will say this...you put "not looking to make money" on a business plan and you'll get hammered far worse than you are here.

My suggestions?

- Don't make a claim that you are going to open a card shop in three years. Why? You'll realize very quickly the everything in your life can change in three years. Three years seems like an eternity at your age...it will seem like a baseball season to others.

- Don't say don't want to make money at it. Why? Because if you want to do charity work there are countless organizations that are looking for donated time and you'll have not a cent at risk.

- Do market research. Why? You'll realize very quickly that this industry is quickly leaving the brick and mortar arena for the web. You will also find that far more card shops have closed in the past three years than opened. Far more. You can also expect to see countless card shops close this year due to the economy.

- Do shows in the area and start a small online business to see if there is even enough local interest. Perhaps promote card/collectibles shows in your area to see if there is enough interest to generate revenue from hosting 4-6 shows a year. These things you can do right now with little to no capital investment, and little risk.

- Learn what it takes to run a business sooner rather than later. Create a mock-up business plan now to see if your "dream" is even possible or probable.

In closing, making at living with your hobby is a luxury that few can afford, but some do. Few. Very few.

 

[All The Hype]

I am very serious about this, and once again, it's not about the money.

200lb, I happen to not be an idiot. Just wanted to clarify for you.

Obviously I have some time to figure out the details, but there will be something else that goes along with the cards (i.e., it won't be exclusively a card shop). I feel that the card part will be the 'fun ' part, but I will make sure that whatever the other part is, it will create enough revenue to make the business as a whole profitable. I have a couple of other ideas that I still need to look into to decide which would be the best fit.

I never suggested, nor asked if you were an idiot.

What I did ask was how old are you and whether or not you had any background in starting or operating a business.

Judging by the assumption that I was implying you were an idiot...I think I know that answers to those questions. Age...probably in the 17-21 range with no background in starting or operating a business...and that is perfectly fine.

There is nothing wrong with "dreaming" - virtually every successful entrepreneur is a dreamer but the key is how to become successful. And yes, I understand that every person has a different idea of what success is, I will say this...you put "not looking to make money" on a business plan and you'll get hammered far worse than you are here.

My suggestions?

- Don't make a claim that you are going to open a card shop in three years. Why? You'll realize very quickly the everything in your life can change in three years. Three years seems like an eternity at your age...it will seem like a baseball season to others.

- Don't say don't want to make money at it. Why? Because if you want to do charity work there are countless organizations that are looking for donated time and you'll have not a cent at risk.

- Do market research. Why? You'll realize very quickly that this industry is quickly leaving the brick and mortar arena for the web. You will also find that far more card shops have closed in the past three years than opened. Far more. You can also expect to see countless card shops close this year due to the economy.

- Do shows in the area and start a small online business to see if there is even enough local interest. Perhaps promote card/collectibles shows in your area to see if there is enough interest to generate revenue from hosting 4-6 shows a year. These things you can do right now with little to no capital investment, and little risk.

- Learn what it takes to run a business sooner rather than later. Create a mock-up business plan now to see if your "dream" is even possible or probable.

In closing, making at living with your hobby is a luxury that few can afford, but some do. Few. Very few.

Just to clarify, I'm not saying I am happy and willing to throw money down the toilet, I just said I wasn't worried about making money with a card shop because I am planning on the other half of the business (whatever it ends up being) being the part that is realistically profitable.

I see that you are trying to be helpful and I appreciate the input.

 

[dadofandrew]

I wish you all the luck in starting your shop. I know one of the reasons I go to the local shop by me is I have made friends with the owner. He saves me cards he thinks I might be interested in and so forth. Another thing to look at doing is have local sports stars in for autograph signings. If you can get someone from one of the pro teams around you to show up for a few hours and sign auto's you can make a ton selling balls, bats, 8x10's, etc. There are quite a few older HOFer's that will come to your store for less than you expect.

Once again, good luck!

 

[All The Hype]

I wish you all the luck in starting your shop. I know one of the reasons I go to the local shop by me is I have made friends with the owner. He saves me cards he thinks I might be interested in and so forth. Another thing to look at doing is have local sports stars in for autograph signings. If you can get someone from one of the pro teams around you to show up for a few hours and sign auto's you can make a ton selling balls, bats, 8x10's, etc. There are quite a few older HOFer's that will come to your store for less than you expect.

Once again, good luck!

Thanks, that's another great idea that I'll add to my list. Seems like a great way to get people to the shop too.

 

[KLARNOLD]

New store name, "The Man Cave" complete with pool table, air hockey, pinball, dart board, bumper pool, X-Box 360, Playstation, HDTVs, and/or ping pong table. Have weekly tournaments for prizes. It could basically be a Sports Bar without the alcohol, unless you want to get a license for that too.

 

[Anthony K.]

[quote="ALL_THE_HYPE":1wfh9hno]I am very serious about this, and once again, it's not about the money.

200lb, I happen to not be an idiot. Just wanted to clarify for you.

Obviously I have some time to figure out the details, but there will be something else that goes along with the cards (i.e., it won't be exclusively a card shop). I feel that the card part will be the 'fun ' part, but I will make sure that whatever the other part is, it will create enough revenue to make the business as a whole profitable. I have a couple of other ideas that I still need to look into to decide which would be the best fit.

I never suggested, nor asked if you were an idiot.

What I did ask was how old are you and whether or not you had any background in starting or operating a business.

Judging by the assumption that I was implying you were an idiot...I think I know that answers to those questions. Age...probably in the 17-21 range with no background in starting or operating a business...and that is perfectly fine.

There is nothing wrong with "dreaming" - virtually every successful entrepreneur is a dreamer but the key is how to become successful. And yes, I understand that every person has a different idea of what success is, I will say this...you put "not looking to make money" on a business plan and you'll get hammered far worse than you are here.

My suggestions?

- Don't make a claim that you are going to open a card shop in three years. Why? You'll realize very quickly the everything in your life can change in three years. Three years seems like an eternity at your age...it will seem like a baseball season to others.

- Don't say don't want to make money at it. Why? Because if you want to do charity work there are countless organizations that are looking for donated time and you'll have not a cent at risk.

- Do market research. Why? You'll realize very quickly that this industry is quickly leaving the brick and mortar arena for the web. You will also find that far more card shops have closed in the past three years than opened. Far more. You can also expect to see countless card shops close this year due to the economy.

- Do shows in the area and start a small online business to see if there is even enough local interest. Perhaps promote card/collectibles shows in your area to see if there is enough interest to generate revenue from hosting 4-6 shows a year. These things you can do right now with little to no capital investment, and little risk.

- Learn what it takes to run a business sooner rather than later. Create a mock-up business plan now to see if your "dream" is even possible or probable.

In closing, making at living with your hobby is a luxury that few can afford, but some do. Few. Very few.

Just to clarify, I'm not saying I am happy and willing to throw money down the toilet, I just said I wasn't worried about making money with a card shop because I am planning on the other half of the business (whatever it ends up being) being the part that is realistically profitable.

I see that you are trying to be helpful and I appreciate the input.[/quote:1wfh9hno]

I'm still waiting for you to answer his questions about how old you are and the experience you have with opening/running a business.

And believe me, I am not one to judge.

I have tried a few things before (running a bi-monthly paintball tournament, with sponsors; opening an online store and just generally an online startup), and it is EXTREMELY tough (and usually the money part is what holds me back).

Please note, I am only 23 and have had some trouble with these things.

So, honestly, what experience do you have and how old are you? Some might take you a little more serious if you are willing to answer these questions.

 

[muchuckwagon]

I have been thinking about a petting zoo by day.....adult entertainment establishment by night. Hum.

remember its all about location... location... location...

And my old buddy Clint will most likely be my first customer! Good to see you around!

 

[rainmanesq]

Good luck. As others said, A LOT can change in 3 yrs. Ex., just under 5 yrs ago, I was working for a huge law firm, on the partnership track. Then bam, my mom got congestive heart failure + I had to quit my day job. Fortunately, I had online businesses (cards, videogames, electronics) + other business + investments ALREADY in place. Bam, a yr or so ago, my grandma fell + long story short, is now in a nursing home. Now a good chunk of my life is spent taking care of my mom and grandma- which, to some degree, has inhibited the pace of my businesses growing. Was ANY of that on my ‘life plan’/radar 5 yrs ago? No.

Now some tips-

SAVE like a **** NOW

Diversify

Set up @ shows NOW- see if you even LIKE it. So many people think shows are great + they are, but honestly, it can be freaking exhausting living out of your suitcase traveling the US setting up @ shows.

SAVE like a **** NOW

Have a backup plan

Diversify online/offline

Have AT LEAST 1 year of SAVINGS to live off of

Retain your passion- life is about more than $ + whether or not you make a profit, be sure you’re enjoying it.

Btw, most who say people can’t make a living @ cards haven’t tried it OR they tried it + failed, so keep that in mind + take it w/a grain of salt.

 

[Dpanthers14]

To be honest I think being a shop owner would be best when your retired. Becasue then you can still draw your retirement and don't have to worrie about providing for a family with the money.