Opening a comic shop business

[Goblin_Lord]

Hi,
I plan on opening a comic shop business within the next year. I am 25 yrs old, and have been reading comics since I was 6. My dream has always been to own my own comic shop. I already have a few ideas, some more would be appreciated, but what I really need is any information anyone has on running a comic shop, such as:

How much does it cost to start?
Is it profitable?
How do you order your books, posters, action figures, ect.?
Should I include gaming in the shop, or keep it strictly comic-related?
How is the market?

Any other useful information will be very helpful. I'm only 25, and have no idea where to even start. But, I have $6000 saved up so far. I plan on starting a kiosk business in a nearby mall selling who-knows-what so maybe that can bring in the money I need to start the comic business. I also have a great location in mind, and there isn't a comic shop within a 100 mile radius, and my location is actually a fairly large city, and is growing tremendously, so I feel I need to take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks!

[twilight]

You might want to contact fellow member Slively.

She runs an internet comic shop called livewireworld (http://www.livewireworld.com/) so I guess she can clue you in to some of the details.

[Brandon Hanvey]

How much does it cost to start?
You'll need at least 6 months starting capital if you are starting from a totaly new store. That includes money for buying books, rent for your store, operating cost. What those costs are depends on the area you are in and the amount of stock you want to provide.

Is it profitable?
Making money off comics is hard. Your profits are going to be slight if any since the market for comics is not the best and the profits on new books are a set price. But if you have a loyal cliente and market your store correctly, you can turn a profit.


How do you order your books, posters, action figures, ect.?
You have to set up an account with Diamond Distributors. They handle most of the orders for comics and related products in the US.

Should I include gaming in the shop, or keep it strictly comic-related?
You should include what you think will make your business profitable.

How is the market?
The market for comics is the not the best. If you do not have a good business plan and idea about what you are doing, you would be best to save your money and use it else where

This is a business and not just fun and games. $6000 is a good start, but that will not last long when operating costs pile up. My best advice would be to talk to actual store owners and not just comics store owners on how to run a business. You might also want to talk to a business advisor on how to just set-up and run your busniess.

[Michael P]

Imagine yourself setting fire to $30,000. If this image does not reduce you to gibbering and tears, you have the intestinal fortitude to open your own comics store.

[DennyK]

If you're seriously planning on opening a store within a year, you should already know the answers to your questions.

[Prelude]

Any other useful information will be very helpful. I'm only 25, and have no idea where to even start. But, I have $6000 saved up so far. I plan on starting a kiosk business in a nearby mall selling who-knows-what so maybe that can bring in the money I need to start the comic business. I also have a great location in mind, and there isn't a comic shop within a 100 mile radius, and my location is actually a fairly large city, and is growing tremendously, so I feel I need to take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks!I know it's cliche, but "Don't get high off you're own supply." You sound like an avid fan, at least in reading comics. Just be sure you separate good business practice and your love for the medium enough so both aspects prosper.

In all honesty, it sounds like you don't have enough capital and basic answers. You have a lot more research to submerge yourself in. Network with and ask very specific questions to folks who are already in the game or who were in the game. You don't always have to ask directly with your intentions tatooed on your words. You can beat around the bush and just ask questions as a curious collector.

I hope you create and nurture an empire. One day, I'll come calling for a discount since I responded to your post. :)

[JTLauder]

Here's an online financial calculator to help you work out the costs:

How much do I need to start my business? (http://partners.financenter.com/choosetosave/calculate/us-eng/business01.fcs)

I know people who've opened up a restaurant and they said it took over a year of fairly decent business before they were able to break even from the upstart costs.

[Donald M.]

Hi,
I plan on opening a comic shop business within the next year. I am 25 yrs old, and have been reading comics since I was 6. My dream has always been to own my own comic shop. I already have a few ideas, some more would be appreciated, but what I really need is any information anyone has on running a comic shop, such as:

How much does it cost to start?
Is it profitable?
How do you order your books, posters, action figures, ect.?
Should I include gaming in the shop, or keep it strictly comic-related?
How is the market?

Any other useful information will be very helpful. I'm only 25, and have no idea where to even start. But, I have $6000 saved up so far. I plan on starting a kiosk business in a nearby mall selling who-knows-what so maybe that can bring in the money I need to start the comic business. I also have a great location in mind, and there isn't a comic shop within a 100 mile radius, and my location is actually a fairly large city, and is growing tremendously, so I feel I need to take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks!

Honestly? If the opening of your store is a year/less than a year away by your reckoning and you're still asking these kinds of basic questions and what's more, apparently don't even know specifically where to ask them, then I don't like your chances.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but the comics market is struggling right now and stores have been closing left and right for years. Even if you go in with a solid business plan, success is far from guaranteed in the current market.

You're young, so my suggestion would be that insted of planning to open a store in a year, make it within the next five years. It doesn't really have to take that long, but you should definately take your time doing the necessary research, finding the right people to ask the right questions and making workable plans before jumping into any kind of serious commitment.

[BoosterBronze]

It was once told to me that there is an easy way to make a small fortune in the comic store business.

Start with a large fortune.

[NormanB]

Given the rampant piracy plaguing the industry, I wouldn't ever consider such a venture.

Comics are such a niche market to begin with, and the core audience is so firmly entrenched in the digital revolution (ie illegally downloaded comics), starting a new store seems like financial suicide.

I'm not trying to crush your dreams. If you feel strongly about it, go for it!

But I can count on 2 fingers the number of successful comic book stores within 100 miles of my house. And by successful, I mean still around, the owners are making a living, but barely.

I can recount several hands worth of failed ventures.

And that's about 20 years worth of counting.

[mattbib]

Don't do it.

[riotgear]

Given the rampant piracy plaguing the industry, I wouldn't ever consider such a venture.


That's cute that you think that it's piracy that's plaguing the industry. It's more infighting, unprofessionalism, and repeating the same mistakes that drove several companies into bankruptcy in the first place that seem to be plaguing the industry.

Good luck, Gobby. I hope the store works out for you.

[ghostrider666]

If you're seriously planning on opening a store within a year, you should already know the answers to your questions.

I gotta say I agree with Dennis. No offence, but youre going to be in WAY over your head. If you want to give it a go, try out with a stand in a flea market(or whatever like it you have in your area) doing it on weekends & sep up at shows. I assume you have merch to sell at this point. Your collection is where most people start.

[NormanB]

That's cute that you think that it's piracy that's plaguing the industry. It's more infighting, unprofessionalism, and repeating the same mistakes that drove several companies into bankruptcy in the first place that seem to be plaguing the industry.

Oh absolutely! I wouldn't argue that for a second.

But I believe that has less of an impact on the LCS owner than illegal online comics does.

Kind of a global problem vs. a local one, I suppose.

[metr0man]

I've often thought about how I would run a comic shop if I owned one. Here are some conclusions I had come to. This is just me so feel free to ignore it!!!:

-DC and Marvel will be your highest sellers so make sure they're on opposite ends of the store, or at least away from each. Set it up so if someone is looking at Marvel, and then decides to go look at DC, they have to sort of "pass" or "go through" some featured indie stuff, better chance at impulse buys (if Marvel/DC are in one spot, these people will just go to that one spot and ignore everything else)

-Stuff that's geared towards kids should be placed lower on shelfs, closer to their eye level. This is, for instance, what grocery stores do with "kiddie" cereals, so they'll see it and bug their parents to buy it.

-Make sure there's lots of natural light, instead of filling up every window space with posters. There probably wont be a big space, but try to space it out if ya can. A lot of people feel "comfortable" in a Borders or whatever, because of the atmosphere. Feel safe. Confident in the quality.

-Don't be afraid of manga, its got a huge fanbase. Give it a section even if its small. Actually there's a larger suggestion here... just cuz you hate something, don't ignore it in inventory! If it has an audience, get that into there.

-Be tactful of the "adult" content. I'm not saying make it a kiddie store, but at least have the more explicit stuff, in a section or somewhat covered, or whatnot. Guys and girls should be able to come in with their kids without feeling really uncomfortable.

This is all just my personal stuff. I've never owned a comic shop nor will I ever. Perhaps I know nothing and jack squat about business. this is just how i'd do it!

-I would make little placecards (simple things you can do in Microsoft Word) for featured titles, just a few sentances, about the title, kind of a small sales pitch. For instance, Spider-Girl - "May 'Mayday' Parker is the daughter of the retired original Spider-Man. Battling baddies, juggling crushes with high school boys, and dealing with an overprotective father, this critically acclaimed series is the perfect title for a 14 year old girl. Take a look at the digest sized books to start at the beginning, or jump into the mythlogy with issue #xxx" or something like that, I know I know that copy I wrote kind of sucks, obviously one would point more thought into it. The point is, they see something, and instead of being hit with the "inaccessabile" feeling, there's a few sentances easy to read right there telling them if they're interested.

[Venoman]

great ideas metr0man...

id look at existing comic book stores and see why they are so successfull... makle a business plan...

the alternative is to tap into the new online craze.... sell your stuff on the net! Im considering it myself... you can never really fail... youll always end up selling your stock eventually... you dont have to pay rent.... your customers are the world. You can sell a dollar worth comic for $2-3

[DrewTheXenocide]

-I would make little placecards (simple things you can do in Microsoft Word) for featured titles, just a few sentances, about the title, kind of a small sales pitch. For instance, Spider-Girl - "May 'Mayday' Parker is the daughter of the retired original Spider-Man. Battling baddies, juggling crushes with high school boys, and dealing with an overprotective father, this critically acclaimed series is the perfect title for a 14 year old girl. Take a look at the digest sized books to start at the beginning, or jump into the mythlogy with issue #xxx" or something like that, I know I know that copy I wrote kind of sucks, obviously one would point more thought into it. The point is, they see something, and instead of being hit with the "inaccessabile" feeling, there's a few sentances easy to read right there telling them if they're interested.

Cosmic Comics, a place in Manhattan, does something like this, but it's usually on the funnier side. They poke jokes at the charachters, writers, artists and even sometimes their own staff. (there's also another thing about their staff that i'm sure is also another big selling point. vink, vink.)

If you're anywhere near a school, then you should deffinitely give gaming a serious thoughts, as kids stupidly blow tons of their's or their parent's money on little pieces of cardboard. I being one of them.

[Kid Omega]

Spend a good amount of time in retail.

Know your market.

Learn from other shops' mistakes and successes.

Know your product.

Crunch your numbers.

Have a business model, and make sure it works for your market.

Read the above sentence one billion times.

This is a brave new world for kick-ass comic shops, and a scary apocolypse for crappy ones.

Do the leg-work. Know your market!

-a

[Weetomuncher]

It would maybe be a better idea to start a shop which handles only old, second hand comics.

That way you could take what stock you liked, not have to take large weekly orders and you'd probably have a larger catchment area as many store seem to carry only new books or just a smattering of second hand titles.

You'd tend to get more in the way of hardcore comic fans but not much in the way of newbies. The hardcore fans are the guys who tend to spend the most though.

In Glasgow, Scotland there are three comic stores in the city centre.

Forbidden Planet is a large store which sells a huge selection of comics, TPBs, action figures, books, cards, DVDs and memorabilia. It doesn't carry old or second hand books. It is also part of the biggest chain of comic/sci-fi stores in Europe. It is located on a key shopping street (Buchanan Street)near Scotland's biggest indoor shopping centre. Forbidden Planet goes from stready to very busy depending on the day and week but it does very good business overall.

A1 Comics is a fairly big independent store which carries new comics, figures, TPBs like Forbidden Planet but on a smaller scale. They carry a reasonable selection of second hand back issues. The store is located near Argyle Street in the city centre but is going away from the main shopping area. It is not nearly as busy as Forbidden Planet but seems to get along OK.

There is a third comic store called Collectables which carries only second hand titles. It does a fair trade but carries no new stock. It is only about two or three doors from A1.

[Generic Eric]

If your going to open a comic shop you should do so as a businessman first and comics fan second.

[cccmarkgreene]

Im a totally different person, but i also was thinking of opening a comic store, but I also wanted to sell software and regular books as well,I could have enough money to have a bunch of flat screen monitors that could have cool movies,comics,computer applications and games on. I think my biggest worries are theft from employees as well as kids and am I diversifying too much.Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!

[da noble savage]

Man I love all the ideas. Also the guy that suggested the internet store I was thinking the same thing. But I was also thinking of maybe makeing it a membership thing where you pay x amount of dollars each month and get x amount of books. What I got to figure out duh is how much that average comic reader spends a month and see if I can give them the same amount of books they usually buy but at a cheaper price. I figure if I can do that the site can catch on like wild fire. Anyway what do you guys think.

[Iangould]

Oh absolutely! I wouldn't argue that for a second.

But I believe that has less of an impact on the LCS owner than illegal online comics does.

Kind of a global problem vs. a local one, I suppose.

Ummm, speaking as a comic shop owner I can honestly say that comics downloading has rarely if ever been a problem and that sales are higher than any time in the twelve years we've been open.

[Iangould]

It would maybe be a better idea to start a shop which handles only old, second hand comics.

Except at the top of the market, eBay has caused the back issue business to implode.

[sschroeder]

-DC and Marvel will be your highest sellers so make sure they're on opposite ends of the store, or at least away from each. Set it up so if someone is looking at Marvel, and then decides to go look at DC, they have to sort of "pass" or "go through" some featured indie stuff, better chance at impulse buys (if Marvel/DC are in one spot, these people will just go to that one spot and ignore everything else)

Why not just make it easier on everyone and put the comics in alphabetical order regardless of publisher.

[ExoKnight]

Finding a lot of quality information on opening a comic shop can be rather hard to come by these days. There are a few great site especially Brian Hibbs column, but I've been seriously thinking about opening a comic shop in the Hudson County area of New Jersey.

I've been heavily collecting over the past few years. My initial start up is this

1. I have 170 Hardcover Tpbs
2. I have 1050 softcover tpbs.
3. I have 15 long boxes of comics. Many of them full runs.
4. I have a about 100 plus toys sealed in box.
5. My starting capital is 12,000
6. As the business starts I would be the only employee working there for quite sometime. I currently run an electronic retail store. I've been in retail for 10 years.

I want to do the traditional comic shop plus ebay business on the side to add some additional income and keep cash flow going. I really want to open a comic shop, but man I'm scared to take the plunge since everyone is so negative about the business. As I look at a business model I need to break about 8k to 10k a month on volume to get things going. That would help afford rent, utilities, insurance, inventory ordering, etc.

Some opinion would be nice.

[Slappy san]

If I had money to burn I'd open a shop specializing in tpbs, hcs and used paperbacks. Believe it or not Detroit has not had a comic shop since the one I worked in closed......in 99!

[Tadhg]

If I had money to burn I'd open a shop specializing in tpbs, hcs and used paperbacks. Believe it or not Detroit has not had a comic shop since the one I worked in closed......in 99!

You're only talking City proper, yes? There's still quite a few in the suburbs that aren't too far from Downtown.

[TCJohnson]

How is your credit?

I had a friend look into a comic book store. He found that Diamond would not deal with him unless he had almost perfect credit.

[Slappy san]

You're only talking City proper, yes? There's still quite a few in the suburbs that aren't too far from Downtown.

When I "say" Detroit...I mean just that. I've had many a rant revolving around that.

It's really sad that a city this size has no shop. There is $ to be made if the right person takes advantage.

[stealthwise]

Don't let these guys get you down. What you need to realize is that comics alone aren't enough to run a business a lot of times. You need to diversify.

Can you get your hands on some jacks, or maybe even POGS?

[Ryan K]

I have 170 Hardcover Tpbs

Somehow, I doubt you have any hardcover tpb's.
Yes, I'm an asshole.

[LewMoxinsghost]

-Make sure there's lots of natural light, instead of filling up every window space with posters. There probably wont be a big space, but try to space it out if ya can. A lot of people feel "comfortable" in a Borders or whatever, because of the atmosphere. Feel safe. Confident in the quality.
.

Maybe it is just me, but some of the most comfortable comics shops I've ever been in had that "parent's basement" vibe, or the feeling I was looking at someone's personal collections. At least if you are going to stock back issues, it should be very closed in and dark. For the new stuff you could have nice lights.
But generally, I think natural light should be reserved for when you are too low on cash to buy real beer. :eek:


I apologize for that last sentence.

[suttercain]

Hi,
I plan on opening a comic shop business within the next year. I am 25 yrs old, and have been reading comics since I was 6. My dream has always been to own my own comic shop. I already have a few ideas, some more would be appreciated, but what I really need is any information anyone has on running a comic shop, such as:

How much does it cost to start?
Is it profitable?
How do you order your books, posters, action figures, ect.?
Should I include gaming in the shop, or keep it strictly comic-related?
How is the market?

Any other useful information will be very helpful. I'm only 25, and have no idea where to even start. But, I have $6000 saved up so far. I plan on starting a kiosk business in a nearby mall selling who-knows-what so maybe that can bring in the money I need to start the comic business. I also have a great location in mind, and there isn't a comic shop within a 100 mile radius, and my location is actually a fairly large city, and is growing tremendously, so I feel I need to take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks!

Very recently I looked into this exact same thing. Realizing a retail shop would be out of my grasps I looked into an online store (since I am a web devloper I could save on hiring someone).

Sadly even those figures didn't add up to any real profit. You have online retail stores like tfaw.com and others that have an 11 year head start.

The volume it would take to see any real profit (I needed to get the books at least 50% off from diamond which requires more spending, more inventory, more depreciation). I ran it buy a CPA who specializes in small business and he figured I would need 3200 sales in one year, at and average of $18.00 per sale just to make $200 profit. This was do to the competitive discount I wanted to offer, the shipping, the loan, the meeting of the Diamond minimum, packaging materials, storage space, UPS address box, and more.

Here is one of the figure we came up with...

2 First Year
3 50% Diamond Annual Est., P/L Statement Assumes
4 3,200 orders at $18.75
5 Earnings $12.50 wholesale cost
6 Sales $60,000.00
7 Cost of Goods Sold $40,000.00
8 Inventory $5,000.00
9 Gross Revenue $15,000.00
10
11 First Year Cost
12 Licensing, PO Box
13
14
15 Operating Costs
16 Shipping $ (64.00)
17 Packaging $3,168.00
18 Licensing $113.15
19 PO Box $133.00
20 Computer & Web Support $1,644
21 Payment Processing $2,700
22 Advertising $3,600
23 Total Operating $ 11,294.15
24
25 Accts. Payable (Loan) $3,396.84
26
27 Earnings before taxes $309.01
28
29 Taxes $47.28
30
31 Earnings after taxes $261.73

[thebhamgunslinger]

But generally, I think natural light should be reserved for when you are too low on cash to buy real beer.

that is hilarious and true.

[Global Honored]

Very recently I looked into this exact same thing. Realizing a retail shop would be out of my grasps I looked into an online store (since I am a web devloper I could save on hiring someone).

Sadly even those figures didn't add up to any real profit. You have online retail stores like tfaw.com and others that have an 11 year head start.

The volume it would take to see any real profit (I needed to get the books at least 50% off from diamond which requires more spending, more inventory, more depreciation). I ran it buy a CPA who specializes in small business and he figured I would need 3200 sales in one year, at and average of $18.00 per sale just to make $200 profit. This was do to the competitive discount I wanted to offer, the shipping, the loan, the meeting of the Diamond minimum, packaging materials, storage space, UPS address box, and more.

Here is one of the figure we came up with...

2 First Year
3 50% Diamond Annual Est., P/L Statement Assumes
4 3,200 orders at $18.75
5 Earnings $12.50 wholesale cost
6 Sales $60,000.00
7 Cost of Goods Sold $40,000.00
8 Inventory $5,000.00
9 Gross Revenue $15,000.00
10
11 First Year Cost
12 Licensing, PO Box
13
14
15 Operating Costs
16 Shipping $ (64.00)
17 Packaging $3,168.00
18 Licensing $113.15
19 PO Box $133.00
20 Computer & Web Support $1,644
21 Payment Processing $2,700
22 Advertising $3,600
23 Total Operating $ 11,294.15
24
25 Accts. Payable (Loan) $3,396.84
26
27 Earnings before taxes $309.01
28
29 Taxes $47.28
30
31 Earnings after taxes $261.73

Cha Ching!!! You can totally use that to go out and buy a nice Bowen statue!!!

[jagruger]

I'm in taking over Collector's paradise in Gadsden. This is what I can tell you. the previous owner was having trouble because of simple things like Rent. He only sold comic books... and he was ultimately losing money.

I own a building, so I won't be paying rent when I move the store. It's also two doors down from where the store is now.

I'm expanding into Role playing games because I know a bunch of gamers in Gadsden. I'm even planning to devote the back room of my building as a place where they can come and play, so I'll be selling snacks and drinks as well.:wink:

And i'm also putting in some Manga. I agree that we American comic dealers shouldn't be afraid to get into it.

I'm also putting in a Used bookstore, featuring mostly sci-fi, Horror, fantasy and dark fantasy stuff.

I'm still nervous as hell!!!

[Ronald Bryan]

Black Lantern thread!

And to jagruger, good luck. Hope you survive the experience.

[Slugger]

I'm in taking over Collector's paradise in Gadsden. This is what I can tell you. the previous owner was having trouble because of simple things like Rent. He only sold comic books... and he was ultimately losing money.

I own a building, so I won't be paying rent when I move the store. It's also two doors down from where the store is now.

I'm expanding into Role playing games because I know a bunch of gamers in Gadsden. I'm even planning to devote the back room of my building as a place where they can come and play, so I'll be selling snacks and drinks as well.:wink:

And i'm also putting in some Manga. I agree that we American comic dealers shouldn't be afraid to get into it.

I'm also putting in a Used bookstore, featuring mostly sci-fi, Horror, fantasy and dark fantasy stuff.

I'm still nervous as hell!!!


Are you an archaeologist?

[Paradox]

Ronald Bryan has found a nerve:

Black Lantern thread!

...

Oh please do not let this phrase catch on.

[Ronald Bryan]

...

Oh please do not let this phrase catch on.
Actually, I planned on a different ressurection theme for every thread brought back from the dead.

[Paradox]

This is acceptable. Or as my brother would say whenever I'd say I had to go to the bathroom..."Permission granted." :wink:

Black Lanterns...**shudders**

[Damiean Dark]

You should definately have a small seperate gaming area with playable displays. area i love to go to those fast dying out comics stores with small retro/modern gaming areas its a perfect place to create a small social atmosphere where the like minded can shoot the breeze buy a couple of comics and/or games and then have a one on one battle on street fighter third strike or some other game:biggrin:.

Much better then the efficient yet coldness of the big chain stores such as forbidden planet imo.

[Matt]

...

Oh please do not let this phrase catch on.

"Paradox of Earth ... RISE!"

"Yeah ... you're going to have to pass me those blue pills over there for that..."


As for store suggestions ... I once went into a CBS which had a coffee table with a couple of couches around it. On the table was a copy of some new but underselling titles and customers were simply free to sit and read them - as opposed to what some stores do which is sell titles in sealed sleeves. It seemed to work well.

[PCPaperbacks]

I remember reading this from the dude that started Mile High COmics, Chuck Rozanski.

Here is the link: in 10 parts
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg45.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg46.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg47.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg48.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg49.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg50.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg51.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg52.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg53.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg54.html
http://www.milehighcomics.com/tales/cbg55.html
Hope this helps

[jagruger]

Thanks PCpaperbacks for those milehigh links. Although cynical in tone on the first three, I did find some helpful information.

1st-I'm glad I'm not in the business to be a millionaire.
2nd-I'm glad that I've bought the store and a new building for it outright(cost: $160,000. $135,000 was for the building; 25,000 was for the business and fixtures.)
I'm moving the store out of it's current spot because it costs $650.00 a month to rent, but there are holes in the carpet, the landlord won't get the heat fixed, and it smells like mildew because the back of the store floods when it rains.(luckily, there's nothing that could get damaged in the backroom!) Besides, I wanted to own the building itself. This will drive up your costs! But, since my wife and i bought a building, and Paid for it, we don't owe anything on it. The only problem with moving the business is that you want the customers to be able to find it. But we're moving two doors down, literally! so it won't be that hard.

3rd-I'm glad I'm adding RPG's! I can't move without bumping into a RPG player down here! They're biggest complaint is that no one in this area carries the stuff they need. they have to go to Birmingham or Huntsville.

But i'm still nervous as hell. I've got some good financial backing though, so I'll be okay!

[dupont2005]

Good luck! Sounds like you are on the right track.

[Donald M.]

I wonder whatever happened with Goblin Lord's plans to open a comic shop.

Maybe we talked him out of it.

Then again, maybe he's living in a dumpster now.

[Ari Gold]

I wonder whatever happened with Goblin Lord's plans to open a comic shop.

Maybe we talked him out of it.

Then again, maybe he's living in a dumpster now.

Or maybe his lone Mall-kiosk has sprouted into a franchise of comic book stores . . .

[deafhearingdudeinmd]

Has anyone actually tried using a local mall as a place to open a comic shop within the past 10 years?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Has anyone actually tried using a local mall as a place to open a comic shop within the past 10 years?

Well my old store I shopped at (Extremes) ran in the Tanglewood Mall quite a number of years. It was there from what someone told me since the mid 1990's...before it went outta business in 2009.

[parrish]

Well my old store I shopped at (Extremes) ran in the Tanglewood Mall quite a number of years. It was there from what someone told me since the mid 1990's...before it went outta business in 2009.

If you still shop in that area, B & D is a great comic store! I was never really that impressed with Extremes.

[atigerwanabee]

Hello! I too am thinking about opening a store soon. I've work for a comic store here in Southern Calif. I have been to lots of comics stores and they all look the same. Unorganized with very old fixtures. I have come up with my own plan that I've shown to folks and they really like it. First and formost, they get very good discounts on theri books. They get a 3 tiered price system. I'm not quite sure what it is.

Is it 30% 40% 50% I don't know. What I do know is people will buy more product if you discount books. Anyway I have a lot more to say but, I will say. Don't give up on your dreams.

[Iangould]

Is it 30% 40% 50% I don't know. What I do know is people will buy more product if you discount books. Anyway I have a lot more to say but, I will say. Don't give up on your dreams.

Yes but if you make less money per book will they buy enough addityional books for you to make profit?

On many books you'll be lucky to get 40% of 50% discount from Diamond.

Let's say you decide to discount books 20%. On a Boom! or Dynamite titel you'll be lucky to get 50% discount. (You might be able to get 55% discount on Marvel and DC but the math is easier on a 50% discount.)

Now assume you sell 10 copies of a $3.99 comics at full price. with a 50% discount you've made a gross profit of $2 per book or $20 in total.

At a 20% discount, you're selling comics at $3.20 and making $1.20 profit. You now need to sell 16 comics to make approximately the same profit. Will giving a 20% discount earn you enough extra buinenss to increase your sales by 60%? What happens when someone opens one street over offering a 25% discount?

[Vibranium]

good luck to you....you may also want to consider having an online component to your business...nothing huge but at least be willing to have some things available for online purchase

[atigerwanabee]

You have the keys to success don't let anyone say otherwise. I know you can do it. Comics are the Key! I will share this little information with you.

it is a long post but it help me to decide what I want to do.


I'm so excited about opening up my first comic store. I’ve had experience with working in one. The fun side of ordering books. Back then, you could go and pick up your books in southern calif. but, you can't do that anymore. Back then Comics was in!

Image was it. Marvel and DC comics was a very distant. Dark Horse Comics were the In-Thing so was The Independent Comics which I only read now. Dark Horse is second followed by Valiant, Viz Comics, ICW. I don't read Marvel or DC except The Vertigo Tiltes. I just can't get into Marvel or DC Comics.

I need Books as well as TPB's to stimulate my mind. Now, don't get me wrong if someone came in and ask about a Marvels Title I do have to read all of them so I can honestly tell a customer about the book or if it is a good, great read. So yes I do read Marvels and DC just to keep abreast with what is happening in that Universe.

Fast forward and I've seen changes that I'm not to happy with. We won’ go into details but, I really see a slowdown but, that doesn't have to apply to me. I think in order to keep customers coming in, I think you should give the customer incentives to come and seek you out. I think having a Special Day for Kids is great. Free Comics to all kids! (they have to be Kid related comics)

Discounts are very important too. I really don't remember what kind of discounts we got in the books because I didn’t do that side of things. But I think we did have a 3 tiered System, meaning we there were 3 different discounts if you order so many books. I don't know what it amounted to. 40%-%-50%-60% OFF

Also, The Trade Paper Back Books are very popular. The Manga(Japanese) books will always be popular. Cards? hum..Well at least the Magic Cards are still Hot, So is the Topps- Upper Deck But, not as Hot as back then in the early 90's. Having Membership is the key I think and "Thinking Outside The Box" when it comes to Advertising is Truly Important.

When a Member Calls about his or her books, they will always be pulled and ready to go even if you ran out of that Issue. There's will always be there. Why? because they are Members. As the old saying goes..."Membership Does Have It's Privileges"

Customer Service is the "Key To Having Great Success. Giving Customers the ability to order their books in the Privacy Of Their Homes and either sending you their orders Via Fax or E-mails or Just coming in to say hello is Key. Raffles are one great way of Introducing Comics to New Fans too. Have some Great Prizes that they can really use.

Even if they don't Win a Prize they still" Win" give them a discount off anything in the store with their Raffle Ticket. They will feel as though they really did win, even if they didn't win one of the Items up for Raffles.

Have a "First Appearance Contest" If they guess right they get a 'FREE COMIC BOOK" Of their Choice" I could go on and on but the bottom line is this. "CUSTOMERS PAY OUR RENT, BUY OUR BOOKS, KEEP US IN BUSINESS. And we had better understand that and "GIVE BACK TO THE FOLKS THAT MAKE US SUCCESSFUL"

[SUPERECWFAN1]

You have the keys to success don't let anyone say otherwise. I know you can do it. Comics are the Key! I will share this little information with you.

it is a long post but it help me to decide what I want to do.


I'm so excited about opening up my first comic store. I’ve had experience with working in one. The fun side of ordering books. Back then, you could go and pick up your books in southern calif. but, you can't do that anymore. Back then Comics was in!

Image was it. Marvel and DC comics was a very distant. Dark Horse Comics were the In-Thing so was The Independent Comics which I only read now. Dark Horse is second followed by Valiant, Viz Comics, ICW. I don't read Marvel or DC except The Vertigo Tiltes. I just can't get into Marvel or DC Comics.

I need Books as well as TPB's to stimulate my mind. Now, don't get me wrong if someone came in and ask about a Marvels Title I do have to read all of them so I can honestly tell a customer about the book or if it is a good, great read. So yes I do read Marvels and DC just to keep abreast with what is happening in that Universe.

Fast forward and I've seen changes that I'm not to happy with. We won’ go into details but, I really see a slowdown but, that doesn't have to apply to me. I think in order to keep customers coming in, I think you should give the customer incentives to come and seek you out. I think having a Special Day for Kids is great. Free Comics to all kids! (they have to be Kid related comics)

Discounts are very important too. I really don't remember what kind of discounts we got in the books because I didn’t do that side of things. But I think we did have a 3 tiered System, meaning we there were 3 different discounts if you order so many books. I don't know what it amounted to. 40%-%-50%-60% OFF

Also, The Trade Paper Back Books are very popular. The Manga(Japanese) books will always be popular. Cards? hum..Well at least the Magic Cards are still Hot, So is the Topps- Upper Deck But, not as Hot as back then in the early 90's. Having Membership is the key I think and "Thinking Outside The Box" when it comes to Advertising is Truly Important.

When a Member Calls about his or her books, they will always be pulled and ready to go even if you ran out of that Issue. There's will always be there. Why? because they are Members. As the old saying goes..."Membership Does Have It's Privileges"

Customer Service is the "Key To Having Great Success. Giving Customers the ability to order their books in the Privacy Of Their Homes and either sending you their orders Via Fax or E-mails or Just coming in to say hello is Key. Raffles are one great way of Introducing Comics to New Fans too. Have some Great Prizes that they can really use.

Even if they don't Win a Prize they still" Win" give them a discount off anything in the store with their Raffle Ticket. They will feel as though they really did win, even if they didn't win one of the Items up for Raffles.

Have a "First Appearance Contest" If they guess right they get a 'FREE COMIC BOOK" Of their Choice" I could go on and on but the bottom line is this. "CUSTOMERS PAY OUR RENT, BUY OUR BOOKS, KEEP US IN BUSINESS. And we had better understand that and "GIVE BACK TO THE FOLKS THAT MAKE US SUCCESSFUL"

Comics are no longer the key to stores here in WV. One owner has 3-4 comic shops through the state right now and he will tell you...if he sold just comics the business wouldn't be as big as it is for him. He runs a part game store (Warcraft , etc etc) and that keeps the profits going. Its a 50/50 deal as I was told.

[StoneGold]

Comics are no longer the key to stores here in WV. One owner has 3-4 comic shops through the state right now and he will tell you...if he sold just comics the business wouldn't be as big as it is for him. He runs a part game store (Warcraft , etc etc) and that keeps the profits going. Its a 50/50 deal as I was told.

You can get away with the comics approach in SoCal, although a lot of it is figuring out the market and how to properly work it. I know of one store in the hipsteriest part of LA, it's almost entirely trades, and they've been around for a while, because they can work the art angle with the hipsters. Really minimalist approach to the store. But that's not going to work everywhere, obviously.

[Batman9]

I'd be interested to see if anybody actually succeeds and gets on their feet... it looked like jagruger was on the right track, but there hasn't been a post for 2 years...

[DonC]

You have the keys to success don't let anyone say otherwise. I know you can do it. Comics are the Key! I will share this little information with you.

it is a long post but it help me to decide what I want to do.


I'm so excited about opening up my first comic store. I’ve had experience with working in one. The fun side of ordering books. Back then, you could go and pick up your books in southern calif. but, you can't do that anymore. Back then Comics was in!

Image was it. Marvel and DC comics was a very distant. Dark Horse Comics were the In-Thing so was The Independent Comics which I only read now. Dark Horse is second followed by Valiant, Viz Comics, ICW. I don't read Marvel or DC except The Vertigo Tiltes. I just can't get into Marvel or DC Comics.

I need Books as well as TPB's to stimulate my mind. Now, don't get me wrong if someone came in and ask about a Marvels Title I do have to read all of them so I can honestly tell a customer about the book or if it is a good, great read. So yes I do read Marvels and DC just to keep abreast with what is happening in that Universe.

Fast forward and I've seen changes that I'm not to happy with. We won’ go into details but, I really see a slowdown but, that doesn't have to apply to me. I think in order to keep customers coming in, I think you should give the customer incentives to come and seek you out. I think having a Special Day for Kids is great. Free Comics to all kids! (they have to be Kid related comics)

Discounts are very important too. I really don't remember what kind of discounts we got in the books because I didn’t do that side of things. But I think we did have a 3 tiered System, meaning we there were 3 different discounts if you order so many books. I don't know what it amounted to. 40%-%-50%-60% OFF

Also, The Trade Paper Back Books are very popular. The Manga(Japanese) books will always be popular. Cards? hum..Well at least the Magic Cards are still Hot, So is the Topps- Upper Deck But, not as Hot as back then in the early 90's. Having Membership is the key I think and "Thinking Outside The Box" when it comes to Advertising is Truly Important.

When a Member Calls about his or her books, they will always be pulled and ready to go even if you ran out of that Issue. There's will always be there. Why? because they are Members. As the old saying goes..."Membership Does Have It's Privileges"

Customer Service is the "Key To Having Great Success. Giving Customers the ability to order their books in the Privacy Of Their Homes and either sending you their orders Via Fax or E-mails or Just coming in to say hello is Key. Raffles are one great way of Introducing Comics to New Fans too. Have some Great Prizes that they can really use.

Even if they don't Win a Prize they still" Win" give them a discount off anything in the store with their Raffle Ticket. They will feel as though they really did win, even if they didn't win one of the Items up for Raffles.

Have a "First Appearance Contest" If they guess right they get a 'FREE COMIC BOOK" Of their Choice" I could go on and on but the bottom line is this. "CUSTOMERS PAY OUR RENT, BUY OUR BOOKS, KEEP US IN BUSINESS. And we had better understand that and "GIVE BACK TO THE FOLKS THAT MAKE US SUCCESSFUL"


Oh my god, Tony Robbins in going to open a comic store!