General Forum

So I had today off and decided to head over to my local card shop. I walked in and found a nice turn out. Especially being a small town. Handful of younger guys were trading and playing Magic (I believe).

Myself and an older gentleman was flipping through the bargain boxes.

I was at the table for about an hour and there was a nice flow of customers coming and going.

I didn't get anything to write home about. But did find some nice additions to my Walter Payton and Elway collections. But it was nice to see the shop being busy, reminded me of the good ole days.

Anyone else still finding life at their local shop?

My local Card Shop is about an hour and 15 mins away and is very active. I started driving a truck for a Company over 2 years ago and my route takes me by there a couple of days a week and that is usually where I tak my lunch break. I have also discovered two other Card Shops on my Monday and Thursday routes which I stop in at. They seem to be active but not so much as my preferred. I live in TN and my preferred (the first mentioned is in Bristol, VA which borders Bristol, TN. The other two are in Spartanburg, SC and Forest City, NC. The job was just meant to be.

I'm looking forward to going to a new card shop that recently opened near me on Saturday.  I have been saving for a few weeks hoping to blow it on something really cool.  I'm without wife and kids for a few hours.  I hope to be plesantly surpised and hope to be a frequent buyer.

The one I go to, over an hour away, always has steady business when I stop in 3 or 4 times a year.  They do an online business too, so I see people come in to pick up and pay for a bag of cards they had pre-ordered.  But always a lot of people coming in and out, and spending money too.

Dude has his stuff inventoried on his computer, so if I want something new of Myles Turner or whoever, it doesn't take him long to find, since Pacers aren't generally in the display case.  (I drive the opposite way of Indiana to get there).  I got some cool stuff that was in boxes in the back just by asking.

My LCS is about 15 min away..  They offer game nights for those folks  and pack wars and  some other events for the sports people.  I've never been there for any of sports events, and just recently happened to stop during a game night and there were about 20 people playing.  Dont ask me what games because I don't have a clue, but it looked like they were having fun.   The owner is actually getting away from selling jerseys, hats and other apparel  and concentrating more on cards.  They also run an almost monthly card show.  I feel lucky to have them after hearing about long drives to a LCS or no shows to go to.

  There used to be 3 card shops within a reasonable distance from me. They are all gone. I just have good memories.

There used to be one 10 mins from me but not since 2000.

No LCS here, 2 and half hour dirive is the closest. I am working towards my dream though and hopefully by 50th I'll be opening one myself. Cross your fingers.

Really?  That's awesome, Darrell!!

I have my wife's blessing, need to look after my body and construction is taking its toll. And I have not been buying all this stuff for my hoarding habits!! LOL It is not a guarantee, nothing never is but if things keep going like it is workwise, I think I could make just as much selling cards, mem and the like as I am general contracting. I have been in contact with the small businness development service the government offers. They have the ability to lend 30,000 to 3 million at minimal/zero interest for people trying to open new business, covers any costs BUT inventory. I have been to the realator a few times, planning on meeting with a Business Plan Co-ordinator and slowly go from there. =)