New Shop ideas

--David (Indian Baseball Cards. And then some...) asked some questions about opening a new card shoppe. I thought I'd rework a comment I left several months ago on another blog. I thought it might be worthy of a blog entry.

1. Have reasonably priced cards. A few boxes of 10-cent and 25-cent cards. Little Timmy might like cards, but might not be able afford to buy the latest high priced pack for $5.

2. Have an area for younger collectors. They'll be the future of the hobby. Entice them now, keep them for life. Really, who cares if the 1990 Topps singles box gets dinged around while they paw through it?

3. Have a trading night every few weeks. A few tables where collectors/traders can come in and do actual trading. No money exchanges hands between the traders. Some oversight might be required so that new traders don't get taken by crafty, cunning types. Sure, in a trade, someone will get the "better" deal, but it is all perception. Be the referee/judge if asked. What you want to do is get the customer into your shop and keep them there.

4. Have a trading bulletin board so that collectors can see what others need. A physical cork board.

5. Sponsor "Bad Mustache Card" day. Customers need to bring in a card with a player's bad mustache in the photo for 5 % off all purchases. This can be expanded upon. "Bad Haircut Card" day. "Worst ERA" day. "Worst Batting Average" day. You get the idea.

6. Don't check the price guide on every card you sell. Especially singles from the mid eighties. And if you are going to use a price guide, then also pay very close attention to the condition of the card. Is it centered well? No? Then don't try to charge me a NMT-MT price.

7. Supplies. Have supplies.

8. Know what you're talking about. Or, if you don't, let me know that you don't have a clue about it. I'll respect you a lot more for that answer.

9. Have fun.