Anybody want to know what it's like to run a card shop? I can finally give you a little insight.
1980scollector
Posts: 2,036 ✭✭✭
I think most of us at least think about owning our own shop one day. Of course, my experience is limited at this point.
So if you want to know the highs/lows/hassles/successes I wouldn't mind sharing.
** 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. **
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FIXED LINK: https://www.nashvillecardshop.com/
Nice looking store. It almost looks like the store I visit in Kennesaw, GA. I know they got more display showcases.
One thing you could add: Maybe some Apparel. Folks like to wear team jerseys to events. You got to show of that Rocky-Top Orange.
here are some inexpensive shirts if you dont have any
https://www.lids.com/search/tennessee/t-shirts?sort=price-low
Great topic.
Okay here's a question:
Do you mind the shop during all hours of operation? Or do you have a staff?
If you have a staff, how did you choose them?
By the way...loving the Erving RC you sold me a couple months ago!
Cheers,
Chris
Cool site!
As I have posted before, Nathan does it right. Great service and willing to give fair deals. That's why he will stay in business as long as he wants IMHO.
Since we have had the demand we open seven days a week now so not here all seven days. I normally work six. I have one young man who works about twenty hours a week. About half of that I am here during busy times to list or teach. We have cameras and he has been 100% honest to this point.
He came in as a customer and was always kind/courteous. He asked for a part time job three or four times so we gave him his opportunity. He is never late and quick to do any job we ask of him.
Erving rookie is a good one. That card will explode one day.
Appreciate the kind words. The reason, in my opinion, is customers like you who support us. No matter how hard I work/learn/evolve without the customers we aren't in business long.
In year three we plan to move to a location that would better serve apparel etc. We have nine showcases and limited space due to selecting a spot with two offices. My father is retiring and moving here so I had always promised we would work together. So he will do his motel management/property management in the spare office. The only twist is I will not be doing the real estate much. Cards or bust!
Thanks! Ok how about a couple more?
1) what is your customer demographic mix? Mostly male I presume but what about age ranges? Any families or father/son/etc?
2) where do you pick up most of your inventory? Estate sales? Other dealers? Any stories of interesting/lucky discoveries?
Thank you!
I would think the most difficult thing to do is get more inventory. How do you find time to do that?
Must be doing something right to give up the day job congrats.
I was lucky enough to be in town back in March and got to stop by the shop for a couple of hours. Really neat set up, clean location with a variety of items that appeal to pack rippers, set builders, people who like autos/jerseys... really like that he has the right atmosphere with sports on in the background on a large TV which gives the place a pseudo sports bar/card shop type of feel. Glad to see someone doing it with brick and mortar, and wish we had one in my area - all have closed down except one place. Keep up the good work Nathan!
KC
1) large portion is men. However, kids are really starting to come in too. We just ordered the tri-spinner things and advertising that. We have several father/sons who come and sit down and bust boxes. Our biggest seller is newer wax(2013-2017)
2) we pick most of it up from distributors, dealers, walk ins, setting up at shows,
As of yet nothing earth shattering yet. I did have a big autograph deal that came in and Reed got to see it. It was a really good deal but not amazing.
The toughest part is ordering wax and buying high end singles.
You have to search four or five different places to save just a few bucks here and there. The margins are just not even close to reasonable on 95% of products. The 5% you better order lots of the other to get allocated enough to make a real difference.
High end is tough right now due to all the repackaged buyers. They pay so strong it's tough to compete. We actually sell to several of them.
Folks like you will be the key. It won't be easy but for those who say it can't be done I disagree. Will I get rich? Probably not. Will I do what I love and make a decent living? Yes, I will.
Here's just an idea: if a customer plans to rip a box in store, have some craft brews or N/A beverages on hand. I always enjoy having a cold one while opening packs. Just throwing it out there.
Wes Spece told me all about it a few years ago
Nathan, I am gla your doing well. I really enjoy the rips you show on FB. This is a good thread, thanks for starting it.
I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball
Hiya Nathan
Glad to see you're doing OK buddy.
I think I remember sending you some giveaways? Hope the kids liked that kind of stuff.
You're in rarified air keeping a brick and mortar going and I'm wishing you the best.
Now that I'm totally retired? Life hasn't been easier or more fun!
Take care - if I ever pass your neck of the woods? We'll stop by.
I worked in a card shop for about 6 months as a teenager. The worst part of it was the people. It's seems to draw in the same crowd as Mos Eisley Space Port.
LOL
bobsbbcards SGC Registry Sets
At least Droids were not allowed in so you did not have to deal with them.
"We don't serve their kind!"
"No blasters!"