The Revenge of Card Shop Life Episode #16 = Lets talk about Money and the Card Store

[@Flankmecaptain]

Rudy, These types of videos are the best. Card shop life is awesome, but hearing about long term financial stuff is great! I enjoy hearing about the entrepreneurial/ investor type stuff. I think it holds a lot of water in life outside of collectibles. More wolf of magic and card shop life please!

[@jimsherbahn102]

Rudy -- not gonna lie, these are some of my favorite videos that you do. The whole business side of the MTG/trading card world is fascinating and you've got an awesome background to talk about it. Plus you do a great job keeping the content accessible, even for people who might not have the same business/finance background as you do. Keep it up.

[@jorisvastre7994]

A good mix of both videos shows all the ins and outs of the card shop. Fanmail is a part of it, boxes / new product coming in is a part of it, discussing the current situation is a part of it, discussing the future is a part of it, showing the visitors is a part of it, and so on...... Just show it all please :)

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

Rudy, I like it, I love it... PLEASE more Card Shop Life! Great content man... and the card shop is looking cool. All of those pretty boxes..

[@radiantburrito]

I was gonna say if you fell back from the chair breaking you would have just edited it out, but then I remembered you're Rudy. You would have left it in and let the camera run as you stood up and got another chair to sit in.

[@renegadeazbassin374]

I enjoy the analytical discussions. It was a fresh breath back to your original data crunching RotCSL videos. While you may feel as if you backed in to this opportunity, when you have your ducks aligned well through hard work and preaching the truth, it doesn't matter at what angle you attack your dream. Excited to see what else comes through your journey Rudy!

[@shauncorner4839]

I love the style of Talking Shop that this video brings. It's what I started watching card shop life for

[@Traodea]

Rudy, I'd rather see more of this. It's unique and something that really sets you apart from some of the other channels. Finance, cardshop details, and unique transactions blow "schmuck opens booster box" out of the water.

[@SiriusLestrange]

Rudy's card store is like opening a restaurant, buying food wholesale, never opening it up, and hoarding the food for the apocalypse.

[@falconashek8913]

I enjoy watching the workings of a card shop life. Although I see no customers this video addressed that. I sleeve every card game and board game I have. I haven't gotten around to High Command card game as of yet. There is currently over six hundred cards in the game. Keep up the great work you do.

[@NicholasOrr]

Awesome vid, behind the scenes into real world operations is great. Thanks for sharing. Your ultimate plan/goal mega showroom/store sounds great too. Vids like this one are appreciated, hope you do more 😀

[@GatheringtheMagic1984]

January 1, 2021 Alpha Investments LLC opens its new 12,000 square foot building in downtown Jacksonville. Rudy waves to the crowd from the top of the ivory tower and announces to everyone that his IPO stock has just launched and he is in fact pantless. After many cheers from the crowd he showers them all with Garbage Fires and Storm Crows.

[@camj1758]

With 6 months to go, you're on the fucking money buddy!!

[@shiningrayquaza8095]

I’m here from the future of 2021, with 2020 being as shitty as it was we really could use this!

[@ricardoblikman2676]

@@shiningrayquaza8095 I am here from your future, the new generation is kinda to Busy with Critical Race theory and being transgender.

[@ACCFfan]

@@ricardoblikman2676 The fuck's wrong with being transgender???

[@LordEisenfaust]

this did not age well ;)

[@indydenys]

These videos are really cool its nice to be updated on the store I watch these whenever they come out. Id love to see some people in the store too and some interactions, small interviews maybe. But love what you do! Keep it up!

[@KingslayerGames]

Thanks for the vid Rudy! I'm planning on doing a response to this video to talk about my store and how we operate from a financial perspective. Best of luck! -Travis

[@Ronny_Cordova]

Once you are securely locked up in the back room Creepy Rudy's shirt comes off and the negotiating begins.

[@Pharon02]

We all know Rudy films at 7am, it allows him to film inside the store without needing to put any pants on.

[@theyanger]

Liked this video a ton Rudy. I like both types of CSL videos you've done, the more frivolous 'here's the product I've gotten in' stuff, as well as the 'here's the meat and potatoes of running the place' ones.

[@jbutler2523]

Loved this side of Alpha Investments. You've got a good head on your shoulders Rudy. Best!

[@redlion145]

I must say, I was very interested to hear how a card shop that wasn't open every day fit into your business model. The collection buying aspect is something that I as a consumer never really considered a big revenue generator. I would enjoy a long series about the capital requirements, logistics and so on for your end game, never-been-done-before, high-end store custom build. It seems like a cool concept, and a way to differentiate your channel. Since you're more on the business side of MTG anyway, embrace it.

[@pumppaint]

I love hearing about the numbers! Thank you for talking about your store's situation and how it differs from most other game stores.

[@maxpheby7287]

Must be nice a feeling to have been successful enough to have your own personal magic shop to hang out in when the mood takes you.

[@warlord9759]

Not the typical business model for a retail store front, but it's working. Most people who go retail in the game trade fail, so glad you are doing well in year one. Keep us posted. I'm Rudy-ing for you!

[@RlyGoodGaming]

Love this style of content, Rudy... the numbers, logistics, and behind the scenes stuff, is what made me subscribe, back when you were eating cereal out of an Eldritch Moon box. I'm always interested in seeing product, and things like that - but the how, and the why of things, are what made this channel stand out to me. Also, I know you don't like to do a ton of editing, but if you had Sony Vegas, or some similar software, basic masks to blur out the faces of people that don't want to be filmed, are not all that difficult!

[@FatProfessorOak]

I love you, Rudy. Great insight. I definitely am considering other career choices since turning 30 this year. I want to do something I enjoy and be genuine and happy like you. I hope to meet you some day and firmly shake your Taco.

[@MTGOTradersInc]

Loved this video. The "nuts and bolts" videos are always way more interesting than the pack openings, ramblings, etc. Can't wait to see the 100k video! ;)

[@MTGUnpacked]

Good to see another card shop life video. I was curious if this location had opened yet, and this video answered that. Crazy intro!

[@stevenwalsh6179]

I mean, as someone who watches 90% (i.e. not all) of your videos, I knew exactly what your objective was for this location. Hell, you didn't even go into how you want your final custom location to have multiple units so that the rent from the other 2-3 slots pays for your overhead. But I know not everyone goes into the backlogs to see you say these things. I still watched the episode all the way through- it still was entertaining and worth the time to watch.

[@cassidybros2512]

Rudy! I literally started playing/buying magic again because of you! Love the channel. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to stoping in at your shop!

[@GamingBear_Q_E_D]

It would be interesting to see if/when that next stage happens. Loving where you've gone over the past couple of years ... Europe is weird, and working on my own situation here .. have not only a fantastic day .. keep rocking Rudy. :)

[@gamersiegeplays8803]

This is the type of video I was hoping to find on the channel. I tend to avoid any video with specific TCG titles besides magic in the heading, I know one comment isn't worth a lot of analytical data but I might as well offer what I can in the hopes other people feel the same and the channel can grow in the direction I desire most. (To be of tips and tricks and stories of owning a cardboard crack location) I'm jealous that places like Florida in the states have access to Rudy, and by imagination similar individuals and business models. As a Canadian I can barely convince a distributor to sell enough product to meet demand, always need more sealed product... always.

[@fyredust960]

Texas is almost the middle of the country Rudaaayyyy!!! You should totally open your world-class shop there! I'd even work at your store for just one floppy taco a DAY! You know it's a good deal ;) Either way this video was top notch bro - it brings me great joy to hear of your prosperous journey, O Creepy One! Welcome in, Much love, Dustin Floyd here

[@showland2727]

Rudy, this was a great video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@youtubasoarus]

Congrats on 93,000 subs! I fuckin' love this channel man. I don't even really collect Magic. But I love your enthusiasm. I've bought some cards, just can't seem to get into it. But I love watching people who are passionate about their thing. Keep makin' these awesome vids! :D

[@TheDjRaven175]

This was a better video for CSL. However, I feel that a more bare bones day to day view of what it takes to run the shop is what a good deal of us want to see. I am a teacher nearing the end of my career and I am exploring the option of moving into the card shop market. So I look to you as one facet of the venture.

[@killafrog124]

Loved the update videos, green scene, pant less rudy, greed monster, serra angel and more you bring ... keep it going, love ya. 😊

[@connerthecat4758]

I would enjoy playing magic while wearing a tie. I always wanted to have a nice store to go to and spend my time at (I would seriously just pay a monthly fee to use such a facility!). Sadly Florida is a ways from me, but I still may make a pilgrimage to see such a place! Loved this video Rudy, more like it. :)

[@chingg7639]

Behind the scenes as a card and collectables, shop owned is awesome, but at the same time,, seems like a Lot of hard work and it wouod take a really good head on someones shoulders to truly pull it off..""The business, not the head."" Haha But seriously, thanks Rudy for the info and the glimpse into a very responsible and very cool world.

[@triperiperanger7319]

Wow! 90k that's pretty damn cool Rudy! I've enjoyed almost all of your videos and also enjoyed watching your subs grow. That number is well earned, keep up the quality entertainment.

[@CommanderReplay]

Love to hear more of the financials as the card shop gets rolling. Definitely love all the financial content, as well as the wall street stuff as well.

[@ikhbjhbkm5]

My guess has always been that the conversation went something like, "Hey Rudy we (distributors) are getting nervous about bending the rules selling to you with the publicity the channel is starting to get. Before someone (Wotc) starts asking us (distributors) to justify selling to you, can you please open some sort of location?"

[@leojaxxon3405]

You probably dont care but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times you can stream pretty much all of the latest movies on instaflixxer. Been watching with my brother for the last days :)

[@irastefan7774]

@Leo Jaxxon Definitely, I've been using Instaflixxer for since november myself :D

[@samditto]

Wow when spambots evolve. Thanks for alerting me to something needing harrasing.

[@amdnable]

I'm happy about the return of real cardshoplife video. numbers, technical stuff etc

[@theonlyvanimal]

I haven't played MTG since the late 90s... IDK why but I still love this channel

[@tysoncrowe8870]

Rudy I just found your channel today and I cant stop watching the videos man! Keep up the great work!

[@Tim6871-i1x]

Hey Rudy. Love the channel and the card shop life videos. Question though... did you finish setting up the front room where the entrance is? Earlier videos you said you were putting glass cases and such in there but I don't think you have ever shown it completed in a video.

[@MrHabenero]

That idea for a high end hobby shop sounds amazing! When Rudy finally builds it, I want to see it! I'll be sure to wear my top hat and monocle.

[@nickjoeb]

I like the explanation of your end game plan. Very interesting. I'm sure most people would just strive to stay open and get the little money instead of attempting what you are though I'm sure most game shop owners aren't as versed in economics as you are.

[@TNCG]

So you want to build the night clubs of all magic card shops. I like your style Rudy!

[@Dalkeo]

Talk about force of will! :D The fancy card shop sounds really awesome. I hope you meet your goal!

[@danjos7190]

like the idea of the store you have in mind. cant wait to see this in couple of years

[@bryanfleming1774]

Looking forward to seeing what card shop life videos look like in 4 plus years.

[@KAM1138a]

These are really interesting videos. My interest in current MtG is minimal, but your discussions have broader appeal.

[@VargavinterSWE]

I can't wait to see if you hit your mark in 4 years. And if it gets delayed I hope when it do happen to see you making videos about bildning your dream business. Keep it up!

[@bahamut416]

If someone were to present a collection to you for purchasing, how would you like them to sort/organize the collection? I thought about parting with my collections of cards before and one of the things they said is they'd take it unorganized, but charge me a percent for basically organizing it after the fact later. That I could make more by giving it to them organized with a printed out list and all that jazz. Is that standard fare? Or what other things might go into such a process, I'm curious. I'm asking this more as a conceptual thing at this point, given I don't think I can drive to Florida to sell, I'm just curious how you generally like people to offer collections.

[@wowtimeup]

I hope we see this high end display of your collection in a building resembling the biggest taco in the world, and every graded card held in a hard taco shell. Cheers Rudy, hope your plans work out!

[@Cosper79]

Revenge of Card Shop Life is life! My fave series on the channel. We need more of it. Also be nice if you indexed all the videos on your channel. RoCSL, box opening etc.

[@guilhermesalome]

Rudy we need more videos about real life finance, like the 'credit card game'. Great content as always!

[@OnAnotherLeve1]

That’s an awesome end game goal you have in mind, to create the ultimate high end gaming store. I can already foresee it

[@jennifer9084]

Loved this video. Loved the style of the video. Also the intro was cool. 😀

[@screwthenet]

Rudy I can just see you making a high end, low light, jewelry, high end antique type, clasy card shop. IF I could work there, I would move across the country to help you run your security and just be in that environment. SOunds awesome. See you in 4 years ( minus a time machine of course :P).

[@luismiguelmartin2652]

Hey Mr Floppy Taco got a question, about The TCG you work with, What do you think about Cardfight Vanguard? Do you have a plan like invest or selling The product at least? Greetings from The bigger tacos house. México of course

[@Scaran1982]

Hi Rudy, could you go over what you think are acceptable costs on booster boxes such as for Pokemon, Yugioh, FoW, etc. Being here in Vancouver, BC and the availability of certain products and if available is quite costly.

[@tungildrachnarn6518]

Personally I like the card shop series very much, and like to watch it more, I don't really fathom you opening stuff, so rather more card shops and investment videos than opening for me :)

[@graysonsoldahl3620]

You totally need themed rooms! That would be a dream! The five colors, connected by artifacts.

[@iDATUS]

Finally someone is thinking of opening a cool place. Rudy keep up the videos they are so cool and fun.

[@PatrickLThomas]

These videos are awesome and great for a game of shots... Take a shot everytime Rudy says "So" :) *hic Love your work Rudy!

[@Janopooh]

I love this guy, I think it's the greatest channel on youtube, teach us economics Alpha!!

[@BeautifulMadeline]

I find it neat, :-) it would be nice if you gave a current state of the games that you are experiencing in relation to what you are selling/buying. Is mtg healthy? Is pokemon gone backwards since those reprints? :-) thanks

[@ThoseBackPages]

sorry to hear of your store closing

[@ThoseBackPages]

i did! Glad it's not closing

[@elijahmthompson2313]

FAKE FLOPPY NEWS

[@Pkuall4life]

where is this shop located? Been trying to come to this place for a while, but can't find it. That is unless you're aren't open for business yet.

[@MrJCruz79]

I love the card shop life. Its why I subscribed.

[@StonedMonkeyProductions]

I like these style video's. Its like being there sitting by rudy just shooting the shit

[@rohanlomas4323]

bring on more card shop life and details about your future plans!

[@Miztickow]

I'll watch basically any video you make except box openings, Rudy.

[@bockchow]

Like the video more, I don't care about the fan mail or even really the specific product. I really just like the day to day of a card shop and maybe some numbers.

[@dmac13abc]

My floppy taco thanks you for your service Rudy.

[@Yeshua996]

its nice after quitting magic to have a magic based channel i can still watch. no offense to the other guys but meh idc about set spoilers or top tens. its cool to take a peek behind the curtain especially with this series about the cost and tactics in selling trading cards. Pretty freakin neato stuff

[@jkw3010]

You say it's never been done, so your plan must be light years beyond CardKingdom in Seattle/Bellevue (Mox Boarding House)? -- they have a massive setup with a stellar cafe selling craft beers and food where you can buy or borrow games, plus tons of gaming space. I guess you're thinking more like an exclusive secret club where you have to crack open and burn a graded power-9 card in front of Rudy to get your membership approved -- then it's all champagne and tacos in the gentlemen's club that prefers tips in the form of dual lands. Am I guessing right?

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

im in the seattle area and posted some links to Mox too. those places are amazing!

[@foaloal]

"Why doesn't Rudy sells snacks and drinks at his card shop? A carp shop's got to sell snacks and drinks!" Seriously though, that just sounds like a more advanced version of selling doritos and monster energy drinks to min/max their profits. They've just gone with a craft beer cafe instead.

[@thatScotland]

Thinking about opening a store coming back to these near the end of 2021

[@russellanderson8844]

hey Rudy I'm looking to invest in solemnity I feel like it will see some rise how much would you charge to ship a few to Jackson TN my lgs is out and I don't really want to go to amazon

[@blaze556922]

Rudy's intros are getting like the Simpsons. Almost better than the episodes themselves!

[@thedevilsplayhouse]

Great video man! I love the card shop series. Keepin' it greedy, keepin' it floppy!

[@Ultimatelocke]

Rudy I wish I knew you back when I played YuGiOh. I spent like $1500 buying tins from my local gamestore for like 4 to 5 dollars under retail price.

[@HunterofJustice]

How do you feel about stores like MVP in PA (aka sports and more) on EBay ..who sells everything at wholesale prices?

[@MtendoTheSkunk]

This was a great video! One thing I would add is maybe some other content, touch on some fan mail or recent purchases. Not a lot. Just a little variety for everyone to enjoy. Try to keep the same length of video. 15-20 minutes is perfect. Just my thoughts. Keep up the great work Rudy!

[@danielarehart9325]

You should put a restaurant in your ultimate store. Rudyfina water with a Rudy burger and a floppy taco on the side.

[@Omega_thehusky]

man its been almost 4 years jesus do you still own this card shop did you or are you close to making your dream semi new to this channel going back through time gotta say these card shop videos have been so interesting

[@jordanm7713]

I'm not sure if this location is still open. I hope it is. I'd like to visit. i'm still searching the channel to see the outcome of this series.

[@megacorp7014]

Fantastic insight into Card shops (LGS) in USA. Its slightly different from Asia 1. opening hours are much longer in asia In indonesia for example - some players play overnight after work and then go back to work because of the traffic conditions. But mostly until 10pm for the other SE Asian markets. 2. rental - southeast asian rental is around 300-500 USD / mth for a low footfall area, 1000 USD+ for a high footfall area. Unless it is in singapore in which it might be ten times that amount. 3. Utilities - southeast asia utilies are low too, we have no seasons, only summer. Again, except Singapore because it has one of the highest electricity bills in the world

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Sorry that this is going to sound like an off the wall question, but do you have Arcades still in Singapore? If so what is their proximity to the card shops? Thank you!

[@megacorp7014]

its 12 noon here, and was about to step out for lunch when I saw this. Arcades as in video game centers? Those have mostly converted into LAN shops now where they play world of warcraft, League of legends, etc. There is one card shop that is INSIDE a LAN shop in Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. For the others, not so much.

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Thanks! I was just wondering if there had been any "dovetailing" of the two industries as that may be an opportune doorway for pro-card tourneys to segue to e.s.p.o.r.t.s. which, I believe, is where competitive gaming will explode for both industries. It's the same reason why I asked why there were so many Magic players at EVO. It turns out the FGC is about 40% Street Fighter, 40% Sm4sh, and 20% other, Street Fighter = Sm4sh = Pokémon = Magic. That great opportunity that you give to artists? Where they get 20% of their own work? Well, what if you did that for digital animators? Then you'd have an e.s.p.o.r.t. that was engaging to watch so it would generate the necessary hype *even though* it was all about a primarily intellectual exercise. So in other words? A competitive *first* unless you count Kasparov vs. Deep Blue which was a one off. Kind of like the original Magic tournaments showing up just as Beta cards are going 2 for 1 at local comic book and board game stores. Or the Battle Beyond the Bay, the continuing argument and conversation about fighting games that would propel the FGC into EVO and even lay the foundation *for* e.s.p.o.r.t.s. Thanks for the information, I'm just a marketing guy that loves to study the history of business and is fascinated by this stuff, especially the growing phenomenon of e.s.p.o.r.t.s. and seeing how much real money is getting behind it.

[@ShamanNoodles]

i adore your idea of a high end card shop

[@Jacobey22]

These are my favorite types of videos. More please!

[@mmlgamer]

Rudy, have you considered doing game nights for non-sanctioned formats like Commander? The store I go to has a weekly $5 three pod event on Mondays that gives a pack for entering and a pack for winning a pod.

[@danielgaumond8561]

I like the frank discussion type videos, and would love to see some of the collection buying videos you mentioned.

[@GuyIncognito14]

I loved the video Rusy. I'm curious as to why you'd let your 5 year plan out so early? Wouldn't you be worried someone else would try it. I'm sure they would fail because I don't think many people have you TCG / General gaming knowledge as well as the economic background along with your financial planning expertise. Especially when it pertains to MTG If Someone stole your idea and tried it, of course they'd fail but they might leave a stink on that kind of card store for a while as consumer confidence increases. Although, Rudy isn't Me.Floppy Taco for nothing! I bet there was misinformation or import info left out. Bravo Ruday. Great video I'd love for you to do more like this and the old days where you'd Yell at us about it being all about the Fetch or how people can properly address envelopes . Also, I think a racing strip would be a nice touch!

[@nox5555]

hey rudy, ruuuudy, do you sell normal boardgames?if not, is there to much competition from the interwebs? or is there just no market for it? or just to long sitting on a shelf and additionel value for you because the normal board game market and tcgs dont overlap enough? and what about d&d/pathfinder/what ever supplys? or tabletop(warhammer sounds like a pain in the ass with the company regulations)

[@devinanni8117]

nox5555 literally a $50 msrp will be $30 or so on amazon. which is just above cost. not worth it.

[@Flickstro]

Lovin' the card shop life vids! Keep it goin'! On another note, as you've said on multiple occasions, make sure you've got everything else going before you invest. Having a high end space like the one you're discussing would scare the daylights out of me, so don't take any undue risk if you can avoid it (both financially and in terms of stock on hand.) I know you know what you're doing, but what can I say? I'm a worry wort.

[@roberthammond3177]

What is "Kaladesh Inventions 10/1/2018"? Is that when the card values will start to go up?

[@TaylorCrosbyofficial]

That opening gave me a heart attack. Those poor lands! I hope they were counterfeit!

[@kimjangkristiansen5412]

Hi Rudy i have a question: Here in Denmark alle the hobby/mtg stores have a lot of larp equipment, weapons(latex/foam) and armor and such things, i visited San Fransisco a few years back and to my suprise non of the stores had any LARP equipment. Is there not a market in the US for foam swords? do your children not like to fight each other with foam swords in the backyard? and i ask this because i know that its selling good here in Denmark.

[@MossyRiverRock]

I just came back from Gencon, the biggest tabletop convention in the US/North America. There were tons of LARP equipment, costume, clothing, gear booths selling all manner of crazy stuff. It's definitely a big thing, just maybe not at every store level like board games/CCGs.

[@russellanderson8844]

we generally get foam swards for stuff like that at Walmart or toys r us its just easier because we get so much there that one or two more items in our cart won't hurt but going all the way to our lgs might mine luckily is next door to Walmart bit that not every where

[@KasperCarti]

American kids only like Apple products lol

[@JM-gw9bp]

HARDWOOD FLOORS! We've made it to fancy Rudy!

[@Junglewarfare]

I live with my mom and haven't left the house or seen sunlight for 20 years. Rudy I need your advice to open a floppy taco store from my home. Is there a way to do so?