Do you love trading cards? Do you want to start a business in the industry but don't know where to start? If this sounds like you, then keep reading! Surprisingly, starting a trading card store is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, with the right planning and execution, your store could be up and running in no time.
This blog post will give you the tools and information that it takes to create your own successful trading card store. You'll learn about what type of inventory is needed, how much starting capital is required, and more!
Inventory
David Giglio, the owner of CaliCards, notes that one of the first steps is understanding what type of inventory is needed. Most stores carry sports cards, but there's also a growing demand for other types of cards. For example, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh are extremely popular right now. It's important to carry a variety of products and not just focus on one sport or type of card.
In addition to a physical inventory, you'll need some room in your store or online shop if you're selling digital points (for the most current prices) that can be used towards buying more cards. You should also make sure that you carry the cards, packs, and other accessories relevant to your community.
It's important to have a good inventory of popular trading card games (TCG), but don't focus on what sells today. It's better to stock up on products from previous years because they'll likely be in demand again when new editions come out.
If there's a particular card you want to purchase, ask your supplier if they can get it for you as well. You'll need to do research on the best suppliers in order to find one that will supply everything you're looking for at a competitive price so be sure not to skip this step!
Location
Finding the perfect location can be tricky, especially for those who don't know what the best spots are to open a store. You'll have to consider the costs associated with renting and maintaining your location, as well as whether or not it's in an area that will drive enough traffic to make your business thrive.
Capital and Labor
You'll likely need to have at least $30,000 available for starting your store. It's best to get a small loan or business line of credit from the bank before buying too much inventory so you can test out what sells and what doesn't. You'll also need employees to help run the store, so be prepared to pay at least minimum wage.
Advertising and Promotion
In order for your trading card store to be successful, you'll need to promote it in a variety of ways. One option is to print out flyers and post them in local businesses or schools. You can also set up a website and social media pages to drive traffic there. Be sure to offer discounts or freebies on occasion to keep people coming back!
Trading card stores operate primarily with cash-based transactions so make sure that you take this into account when budgeting for your store.
Starting a trading card store can be an extremely profitable business venture if done correctly. By following the tips in this blog post, you'll be on your way to opening your very own store in no time!