Starting a MTG store
Economics forum
Posted on Feb. 12, 2017, 3:59 a.m. by Memo617
Hey this is a forum I started to get info on how to start a mtg store, here are some quick questions I have. Feel free to answers and add questions!!
How to find a supplier?
Should I buy all from the same supplier?
How much does a case of 6 boxes cost from a supplier?
McSleuthburger says... #3
Rudy is a great start (my opinion)
1. Networking. Maybe you could ask local game stores where they get their stock of products from. Or maybe list of distributors?
2 Shop your options to see where they get the lowest price. Usually though the more you buy the cheaper you can get per unit. Keep in mind you probably are not going to get that cheapest price starting off. You have to build the relationship with the supplier. The more business you do the better deals you will get.
3. Depends on the set and how many units you buy
Also be prepared to the capital tied up for years in products. (If you are going to try and sit on sealed products) If your plan is to open a box and sell singles I wish you good luck. Take into account shipping, packaging, and other stuff depending on your game plan
February 12, 2017 9:12 a.m. Edited.
Epochalyptik says... #4
This thread was moved to a more appropriate forum (auto-generated comment)
February 12, 2017 11:40 a.m.
Also, keep in mind it can be very difficult to solely be an MTG store, it becomes a bit easier to be a hobby store catering to things like pokemon, warhammer, and other things (including random board game nights), you also need to account for the local competition. How do your competitors do in the market?How saturated is the market in your area? Is there enough interest that all of these stores can draw people in and all be successful. I know my LGS back home does a goyf modern tournament like once a month or so and that draws in a huge crowd, plus they have two locations in good suburban areas right off of main roads and located right by food establishments for those days that the tournaments go long. Hope this helps a bit :)
February 12, 2017 12:54 p.m.
jparker-sartori21 says... #6
Okay so this may not be very helpful but PLEASE do not be like my lgs. The prices are crazy high with packs at around $4.50 for Kaladesh.
February 12, 2017 1:04 p.m.
jparker-sartori21 says... #7
Also, where are you going to start your store?
February 12, 2017 1:04 p.m.
More random things to consider:
How many LGSs are there already? Can my town/city with its current gaming community reasonably support more?
What can I supplement my store's MTG focus with that will draw additional interest, that no other LGS is currently doing?
Do I have the necessary start up capital and community interest?
Do I have a business plan? Advertising, location, bookkeeping, promotional material, decoration ideas, supplier connections, etc.
Am I ready to devote all my time, energy, and ability for the next 5+ years to make this a success? What is my backup plan?
February 12, 2017 1:32 p.m.
Hey Epochalyptik still new to tappedout.com what is an auto-generated comment??
Thank you so much for everyone else's comment, does any know how much a distributor charge for a case??
Thank You So Much!!!
February 12, 2017 1:40 p.m.
McSleuthburger says... #10
since he moved this thread to a different part of the forums he has a automatic message appears to let people know that he moved it
price per case all depends on each distributor and how many you are buying (if you buy more you can get a better price). call the distributors to get prices?
February 12, 2017 2:34 p.m.
nastolnaya says... #11
To start a business in MTG as well as other TCGs and board games, there is some things to consider to make it a success;
- Use very effective marketing to direct more people to the store such as social media and YouTube as well as here
- Use advertising on internet sites as well as social media, it has become very effective since the days when social media emerged
- Start a YouTube channel discussing deck tech, spoilers, special offers, events et cetera
- Promote sanctioned events using posters as well as printed media in magazines that its target audience are players such as myself. There are magazines that talk solely on board games, there isn't too many but it can help.
- To get in touch with suppliers, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly such as Ultra Pro, Ultimate Guard et cetera
- Finally, depending on the scale of the business, use a computer system that tracks all the stock of the products and when the product is short, its best to keep a minimum limit so that once you order you will have still in stock. For example, if the minimum stock limit is 50 and you have 75 in stock, reorder some more of that product. Some good computer systems are Shireburn as well as other systems.
- When you cater the enviroment, think about making the store look nice and not too dark, its best to avoid dark colors when it comes to paint (my LGS is too dark in this case), the more nice the store is, the more people you attract.
I hope this has been of some help to you
My job involves a lot of marketing skills, if you need additional help, please don't hesitate to contact me on my profile
Good luck and Cheers
Nastolnaya
February 12, 2017 2:44 p.m.
jparker-sartori21 says... #12
I think that the first step if to figure out if it is even possible in your area. For instance in my area (Boston) Pandemonium Books and Games is super popular and I would assume that almost no one would even go to a new store even once.
February 12, 2017 2:58 p.m.
Does anyone think a mall you be a good idea for a game store???
And lets say I order regularly from a supplier and I want to order a set that still retails for about 100 per box like kaladesh, who much would a supplier charge for a whole case? Thank you I'm super new to this.
Thank You
February 12, 2017 5:31 p.m.
Almost feels like we're being trolled right now...no offense, but a couple people have said there are some factors involved.
Malls are rough, the cost to rent is astronomical and space is limited. You are also at the mercy of general mall hours, which would hurt you on a lot of release days. This is why a lot of smaller LGSs are in storefront a little less mainstream.
Doing some general, easy to do internet searches, a few years ago it seems the consensus quote for an LGS to buy a box is around $75-80. But seems there are a lot of additional factors however as others have mentioned already - who you buy from, sales volume of your store, event attendance, etc.
hailsagan says... #2
Go on YouTube and look up alpha investments. Rudy discusses how to start a store.
February 12, 2017 8 a.m.