Business question about vintage baseball cards

[Mdmtx]

Hello all,

I meant to post this in the main cards forum, but I failed!! Anyway, please give me your input, it will be greatly appreciated.

I didn't see a forum that was more appropriate, but please move if this is not the right place.

I am considering opening a baseball card store that would have a heavy emphasis on vintage cards. I had a store back in the mid 80's and had mixed success.

My question is this: A store obviously can't compete with online sites for selection or price. Would YOU be willing to pay a 10-20% premium for the things you seek to buy local?

I guess this is a similar conversation as the Japanese autos or Walmart or any business that is not local. If the masses are unwilling to support a local business, it is doomed before it begins.

I am getting tired in my career and am looking for a direction to steer my life. This store would not be to get rich, but rather a place to spend enjoyable time.However, every business must turn a profit or have a generous benefactor to keep the doors open.

Please elaborate with your thoughts.

Mark

[jcmtiger]

I would say that it would be tough to make a living with just a store. You would have to add an ebay store to make it. When I started collecting in the 70's and 80's I knew several store owners and they were not getting rich. The way you made money in those days was searching private collections, flea markets and antique stores. Those days are over, so buying collections or whatever are not a deal now. If you keep up with the hobby, you will see many new auction sites starting. That is the new way to make a living in this hobby. .

Anyway, Good Luck if you try.

Joe

[Mdmtx]

Joe,

I appreciate the feedback. I am hopeful that the collectors of today would be happy to have to have a store in their neighborhood with an owner would spend his hours being the lackey of the customers i.e.searching the online ads, craigslist, flea markets etc... for additions to their collection(s). All the while this person would understand that he or she could purchase cheaper, but would take their time. Time is the only thing in the world you can not replace and I am still unsure if this service of saving time to folks really has a value of any significance. I truly appreciate any and all feedback.

Mark

[drcy]

I think people would be willing to pay a reasonable percentage more when they buy it in person, as it is something they get to inspect in person. It's always chance on what you'll get in the mail when you order online.

[Mdmtx]

Thanks for the feedback DRCY. I agree with you, that is why I see value in this proposition. I just wonder if we are the minority....

Mark

[Deertick]

Mark,
As you already have experience with this you already know that your venture would be entirely dependent on your overhead. IF you were able to obtain a reasonable lease, and IF your cost of customer acquisition is low, and IF you are able to acquire inventory with a high margin, THEN you may have a shot at a decent job. None of the IF's are particularly easy.
You won't get rich, but you may be happier. As the market and technology have changed drastically in the past few decades, a strong and effective online presence would be mandatory regardless.

I too am looking for options (not a card store). I wish the best of luck to both of us!

[Mdmtx]

Deertick,
I too am the son of a sailor and love your signature. Thanks for the feedback!!!

Mark

[barrysloate]

It's going to be hard to keep adding fresh inventory of vintage baseball cards on a regular basis. And if you pay top dollar for them at auction and then mark them up 20%, you might have trouble selling them. A store sounds like a great idea but it will be a challenge to make it succeed. Wish you luck if you go through with it.

[4815162342]

http://youtu.be/xlA9bNk3b5Q

[Mdmtx]

Daryl,

Very funny!! But next time don't beat around the bush. Let me know how you really feel!!!

Mark