-Report card program that if you make A's and B's you get a free Pokemon/magic single up to $3.00 or pack. If you didn't make A's/B's you bring in your last report card and if you improved you get the same prize/gift.
This right here is what it is all about. If my LCS did this when I was a kid in the 80s, I would have had my mom stop at the shop on the way home from school the day I got my report card!
This is awesome news and very happy for you. I hope that it is successful! What am I saying, it already is!
Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. CPAMike you can get a discount if you can keep the books straight for me. That will be tough for me.
Was able to get the business license, applications to Leaf, Southern Hobby and the Panini and UD that you provide Southern Hobby. Was able to pick up two showcases (4ft and a 6ft) for $150 total. My wife is going to meet with the sign company tomorrow and see what we are looking at for signage. The $ goes fast so we are trying to make wise choices.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
The walls are done and the showcases were placed today.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
Wow, great ideas. I would say to be sensitive to your neighbor, the comic store. If they are pushing the comic cards and gaming sets with a game night, I would not want to be in contention with them. The last thing you need is them bad mouthing you and you down playing their product/pricing. I love the idea of sponsoring a team, you can even purchase a billboard that usually sits on the outfield wall for a couple of hundred bucks. I sure hope you get a web site. I always support they individual guy, the little guy, even if I pay a few bucks more. I wish you could have a CU special each month, but I think we all know that is frowned upon. Best of luck, with a population of 2M in the San Antonio area, we only have two shops and 5 Comic/gaming venues.
CURRENT PROJECTS IN WORK: To be honest, no direction, but... 1966-69 Topps EX+ 1975 minis NrMt Kelloggs PSA 9 All Topps Heritage-Master Sets
Nathan ... you must be PSYCHED for tomorrow! Pics, pics and more pics please. GOOD LUCK!
STAY HEALTHY!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Thanks for the support. Well, here are a few about 24 hours before our opening. I will get some better ones today of the interior and customers. These will be in the original post. We have nine showcases but I took a few of the PSA/1980's because ever since I was a little fella I wanted to have a showcase with Griffey, Canseco, Sandberg, Frank, Mattingly etc.
Some may be curious how I feel because a lot of us hope to own a shop one day. Well, I am nervous. I had a pretty easy thing going on. However, since I was a little kid I wanted to do this and if you are ever going to do it now is the time in my opinion. I have such a new found respect for small business hours.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
I guess we as a board need to dig up some Canseco, Griffey, and Sandberg cards and send them to you to help the dream. Was just thinking of an idea you could possibly do with the store.
To help drive traffic you could have a "pull of the week" where people who open product they got from you could showcase items they pulled from packs in your store. Have a section of a case front and center with the top card pulled for that week with the card value and name of the person who pulled it - each Friday it starts over with a new card/person who pulled it. The winner each week gets a $5-10 store credit or free pack. You could even have a Wall of Fame with photos of key or valuable cards pulled from packs.
The key thing is whatever you do try to make it where people WANT to come by your shop several times a week to check inventory or new items. Best of luck to you and you have to be part excited/part nervous at the same time.
Wow, we are actually doing a wall of fame. How crazy is that? Keep the ideas coming.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Nathan, Congratulations on your store and fulfilling a dream. It take a lot of courage to do what you are doing. Have fun at the Grand Opening tomorrow. I have a customer in Murfreesboro and will certainly stop by and say hello the next time I am in the area visiting them.
Matt I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball
Congratulations on the pending opening. Going back some time to my days in the hobby shop world, I recall supplies being nice profit center (storage boxes, sheets, binders, card savers, ball cubes, etc.).
No pics as I had to leave sooner than I wanted today. Only stayed about 5 minutes.
I believe Nathan said he will post additional pictures of the grand opening soon.
There were several people in the store when I was there. Looks like it was a successful opening.
Yes, I have some pictures I will post in a few minutes. Just want to thank you for coming in, it got hectic at one point with 12-15 customers in the store at one time. Hope to get to talk more next time.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
First purchase of the day- Hank Aaron Supreme auto /18 and Dansby Swanson BC RC Auto
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
Kevin hit a Susan S. Ginter autograph and a SSP Dinosaur card out of Goodwin.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
We sold a couple of BBCE authenticated was boxes today. We would love to become an authorized retailer of BBCE wax boxes.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
This customer had a wide range and I just found it interesting so I grabbed a picture.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
Great stuff, thanks for posting the pics, Nathan! Like those Morgan dollars!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
My only real Advice on running a shop would be to make a big effort to get some regulars and kinda over cater to them. I don't mean give them stuff but I can say that as a collector I'm very loyal to dealers and shops that are fair and I think love the hobby. I really believe that shines through in the way a dealer or owner talks to to and deals with customers. I think most die hard collectors in your area are probably just like I would be if a great new shop popped up near me. There just arnt many great shops anymore to go to and talk about the hobby face to face I find myself having to go to shows for that now.
Last one tonight. We had 54 customers today and six to eight were young kids that surprised me. Each of them were given multiples from the .50 for free. We are learning quickly that Peyton Manning and Marcus Mariota autographs/jersey/patch cards sell quick. The Tennessee Vol stuff sells great too.
** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
Nathan ... glad to hear that the store was well received. Best of luck to Diana and you!
STAY HEALTHY!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
As a guy who grew up in small businesses since age five, I love, love, love this thread. Congrats on getting the store up and running.
May I make a small suggestion? I know it's a new shop, but I'd make it a priority to fill those walls with product. The last thing you want is for people to look in the windows and see all that empty space. The damage can be irreversible.
A few cases of junk wax can go a long way and make you look very well stocked. Even if you're only making a couple dollars off each box, just having the appearance of a well stocked store will bring people in the doors and keep them coming back. You can slowly switch out the junk wax with boxes or other items that have higher margins.
Nathan, please watch out for shoplifters. I'm serious. No matter where you're located, no matter who your customers are and no matter how you may trust them, there will be thefts. They are more likely to occur when you're manning the store alone and can't keep track of multiple visitors. I've known many card shop owners, and I've never known one NOT to be a victim of shoplifting on multiple occasions. There are "sleight of hand" artists that prey on having you remove items from glass display cases and then distracting you (perhaps with the help of an accomplice), and you've lost track of what they had you remove. These types work the conventions as well. You might consider enlisting the services of a trusted local kid (or better yet, a relative) to assist you. Just a word of caution from someone who has had many card shop owner friends experience losses.
The trusted local Kid is a great way to go. I was that kid for my local shop back when I was 14-16. I literally helped out and worked for cards. I loved it. Loved the atmosphere.
Comments
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
I think you should run a promotion where CPA's get a discount on April 15th.
I will second that!
www.questfortherookiecup.com
And if humanly possible, I would relish the opportunity to hold the G-VG Score FB cards you received last Christmas in the palm of my hand.
you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet
-Report card program that if you make A's and B's you get a free Pokemon/magic single up to $3.00 or pack. If you didn't make A's/B's you bring in your last report card and if you improved you get the same prize/gift.
This right here is what it is all about. If my LCS did this when I was a kid in the 80s, I would have had my mom stop at the shop on the way home from school the day I got my report card!
This is awesome news and very happy for you. I hope that it is successful! What am I saying, it already is!
Was able to get the business license, applications to Leaf, Southern Hobby and the Panini and UD that you provide Southern Hobby. Was able to pick up two showcases (4ft and a 6ft) for $150 total. My wife is going to meet with the sign company tomorrow and see what we are looking at for signage. The $ goes fast so we are trying to make wise choices.
To be honest, no direction, but...
1966-69 Topps EX+
1975 minis NrMt Kelloggs PSA 9
All Topps Heritage-Master Sets
KC
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
I'd want to have a Rachael the Rip Girl somewhere in my schedule?
Some may be curious how I feel because a lot of us hope to own a shop one day. Well, I am nervous. I had a pretty easy thing going on. However, since I was a little kid I wanted to do this and if you are ever going to do it now is the time in my opinion. I have such a new found respect for small business hours.
To help drive traffic you could have a "pull of the week" where people who open product they got from you could showcase items they pulled from packs in your store. Have a section of a case front and center with the top card pulled for that week with the card value and name of the person who pulled it - each Friday it starts over with a new card/person who pulled it. The winner each week gets a $5-10 store credit or free pack. You could even have a Wall of Fame with photos of key or valuable cards pulled from packs.
The key thing is whatever you do try to make it where people WANT to come by your shop several times a week to check inventory or new items. Best of luck to you and you have to be part excited/part nervous at the same time.
KC
Wow, we are actually doing a wall of fame. How crazy is that? Keep the ideas coming.
Free Johnny Bench PSA 9 rookies to all CU board members who live in KY?
Hopefully I can get down next month when I am visiting accounts in the area. Good luck today!
KC
pics look great I hope you do very well
all the best, great for the hobby
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball
I was able to stop in briefly today. Store is neat, clean and lots of great inventory.
Was also privileged to meet Nathan. Very nice guy as you would expect.
Well done, Nathan. Hope to have more time to talk in the future.
Thanx for sharing Robert. No pics?
Hi Mike!
No pics as I had to leave sooner than I wanted today. Only stayed about 5 minutes.
I believe Nathan said he will post additional pictures of the grand opening soon.
There were several people in the store when I was there. Looks like it was a successful opening.
Yes, I have some pictures I will post in a few minutes. Just want to thank you for coming in, it got hectic at one point with 12-15 customers in the store at one time. Hope to get to talk more next time.
First purchase of the day- Hank Aaron Supreme auto /18 and Dansby Swanson BC RC Auto
I enjoyed the scans buddy.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Advice on running a shop would be to make a big effort to get some regulars and kinda over cater to them. I don't mean give them stuff but I can say that as a collector I'm very loyal to dealers and shops that are fair and I think love the hobby. I really believe that shines through in the way a dealer or owner talks to to and deals with customers. I think most die hard collectors in your area are probably just like I would be if a great new shop popped up near me. There just arnt many great shops anymore to go to and talk about the hobby face to face I find myself having to go to shows for that now.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
I thought I saw Captain Sweat Pants in the room.
Wish you the best of luck.
Btw, I may be interested in any 86 and 87 fleer Michael Jordan cards you get.
Instagram: mattyc_collection
Next time I come to Nashville for White Castles, I can come for cards too.
Win Win!
Kingnascar's PSA Sets
Kingnascar's PSADNA Sets
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
May I make a small suggestion? I know it's a new shop, but I'd make it a priority to fill those walls with product. The last thing you want is for people to look in the windows and see all that empty space. The damage can be irreversible.
A few cases of junk wax can go a long way and make you look very well stocked. Even if you're only making a couple dollars off each box, just having the appearance of a well stocked store will bring people in the doors and keep them coming back. You can slowly switch out the junk wax with boxes or other items that have higher margins.
Best of luck and keep posting!
Kid is a great way to go. I was that kid for my local shop back when I was 14-16. I literally helped out and worked for cards. I loved it. Loved the atmosphere.