It is a stressful time to be a Local Game Store...

Sorry for the poor quality and audio. Needed to vent. Decided to take a break from the grind and start recording.
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[@Wabajck]

They announced the releases for the next about 2 years at GenCon and its just insane. New product every month. Somethings going to break

[@Loki-]

Yeah I'm going to buy a bunch of wilds bc I love that theme, but all the other things seem like a "product I don't want to engage with."

[@EugeneKurlikin]

You have really good camera presence man. Maximize that. Idk why this video was recommended but It was very informative. I feel for you. As a business owner, i can relate. I’m in logistics, it’s a similar nightmare right now. Stay strong mate. Sub earned.

[@tallyslapper9946]

im a business owner as well, stay strong lads. i had 6 years of making 60k profit a year before things really started popping off for me.

[@buckboobick9542]

I'm glad this popped up on my algorithm. I'm a huge fan of these real card shop life vids and this kind of content is extremely fascinating to me. Sorry for the tough times. Subbed!

[@sbentsen2714]

Same here 👍🏼

[@kartgal]

Do you have a pathway to exit all together? You just seem like you don’t like it anymore. Which is totally fine and normal. I think you need to start fresh on a new life project

[@modjotrekker5502]

Thanks for the reality. Respect to you. Understand your pain. Used to own/run a local store for 11 years before selling it. Hang in there. Good Luck to you

[@bdc3141]

I just came from Rudy's latest video. Your account corroborates what he's been saying. Hasbro is single-handedly rewiring stores to dump everything as fast as they can and not restock or keep any of it. The risk of prices falling below distributor is so unbelievably high and the cards within each product are so devalued. Holding onto product feels like suicide

[@bazzam429]

Lol same, algorithm is wild

[@bdc3141]

@@NRGY Alpha Investments

[@mr.nakamura9088]

Part of the reason the older boxes haven't appreciated like they did in the past is the asset stripping known as Secret Lair and all Masters (full reprint) sets printed twice a year. Sitting on boxes was a legitimate speculation strategy until annual reprint sets became the WOTC tin standard. Current interest rates mean one has to clear a hurdle rate of 15% apy in order to make a profit on anything; this is putting downward pressure on discretionary income across the board.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Yeah, it is a train wreck of everything going wrong - simultaneous deflation of value and inflation of cost... not to even mention the reprint and release hell we are in. They need to end Secret Lairs and the List cards and respect the role the secondary market plays. Wizards can't have their cake and eat it too.

[@rosskred1160]

I like the videos. I know your viewership is down but there are people who love watching. I like the down to earth real videos. Been following rogue deck builder since about 2015. It's been a while. I remember those cool stuff Inc days. Keep it up.

[@GoneRogueGames]

You have been with me forever! Thanks for sticking around.

[@mattstrott753]

I always watch until the end and I'm here until you hang it up. Try to go easy on yourself. Not only is trying to survive as a game store a grind but KZbin is a grind. From the outside looking in, it seems like a bigger grind than ever. Tap into your inner Rogue! I think you'll need that part of you more than ever. I'm routing for you guys.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Cheers, thanks for the kind words. I just need to put on the big boy pants again. Love seeing your comments and name show up on my feed.

[@D0012D13]

Good ol sunk cost fallacy. Don't want to lose 5$ selling that box so I will store it for 2 years, have it lose an additional 5$ in value all while inflation goes crazy.

[@CorruptedSol]

My local game store has this as well.

[@peteeldredge1158]

Have watched your videos in the past and wondered why I wasn’t seeing more from you - definitely want to see more - hopefully things turnaround for you soon

[@Sinistra359]

Dont wanna be thay guy, but just wanted to point out that the audio for headphone users is off.

[@heckss]

left ear right>?

[@Sinistra359]

@heckss right ear for me lol

[@CanoeBoi]

I just learned this can be turned on😅😂

[@GoneRogueGames]

My apologies - just decided to hit record on my cellphone. Planning on getting a better vlog setup in the future.

[@Sinistra359]

@@GoneRogueGames it's all good man!

[@pastimegamin]

I don’t own a store but I do feel your pain. When you hold product for 3-5 years it’s very difficult to let go even during boom markets. When the market is up I sell off a small percentage to reap some rewards but now that the market has tanked it really makes you regret not selling it all haha. Dominaria booster boxes were heading close to $300 a box and now it’s what? $125? Maybe $130 minus taxes and online fees your netting $110? It’s a real tough thing to witness especially if you need to liquidate. What’s going to be even more painful is when the product eventually triples or more in value haha. I have to say tho, it’s really tough to get behind Magic over the last couple years. Between draft, set, collectors, speciality sets etc. it’s just too much product for me to keep up.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Yeah, I almost feel bamboozled. For 25 years, magic rewarded those who waited and played the long game - whether it be sealed or singles it was easy to move and had great returns. Unfortunately it seems they cooked the chicken that laid golden eggs - tough times ahead.

[@digitalbauble]

I also own a few modern boxes. And my dreams of selling it for higher are all *poof* gone.

[@bedwablackburn]

Start to end. Was great for a commute listen. Also a great reminder that sometimes you've got to grind at things, no matter if we think we're past that point.

[@FredrickDouglass69]

I quit MTG a couple years ago. I have no idea how anyone can play paper magic beyond kitchen table magic.

[@anthonyrasmussen1916]

Keep up the videos! Get the momentum rolling, and you'll be surprised where it takes you

[@2rare2die26]

So, weird question: but the "One Piece trading card game" is starting to take off - you very rarely find any packs stocked in Walmart, or target - have you thought about trying that? Whether you just sell locally, or branch off and sell online - I HIGHLY recommend diversifying your stock with some OPTCG (if your distributor carries it). I started an online card retailer a year ago when the OPTCG came out, and in the last calendar year I made $7,500 in profit. Which isn't much. But I started with $1,500 total.

[@scruffylookngaming]

It’s crazy, I used to subscribe to your patreon and never missed a video then I gave up MTG for several years so it all fell by the wayside. Today I randomly thought “I miss seeing his videos” and what pops up on my algorithm? None other than this video! I’ve always appreciated your insight and transparency. Hope you’re doing well man!

[@bradleycox8835]

Omg 😳 it's been forever for me. I hope your doing ok and can get through this rough patch. Keep it up 💪

[@shelteredshaman5992]

Kevin, I've been listening to your streams since 2017 and you are the most down to earth MTG content creator out there.....appreciate you always keeping it real.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Cheers, thank you so much for the kind words.

[@patrickbateman69420]

Oof, another MTG-based LGS circling the drain 😬 Hope talking about it and sharing it with people has helped you come to terms with the inevitably failing business. Get out now at a small loss, or make a bigger loss further down the road when you could've been changing tack into something better - your choice.

[@PrintHammer]

Legend mate trying to transition my channel into a local shop but building up sales on Etsy and Patrons first so I don't have to lean on the shop so much. Main goal would be to use the shop as a hub for shipping and a beautiful spot for videos. I subbed and will draw inspiration from you!

[@8thPlaceDave]

I enjoy the daily life videos like this that you make

[@hypter8425]

From what I can see, you have a lot of amazing stuff there, and it is really attractive to people who are tired of the current rush of Mtg. The issue is that most people are so caught up in going after the latest sets that they won't have any money left to pick up the old good stuff, because of that rush. And I think WotC have shot themselves in the foot there, because they're flinging products so fast now, that no lgs can sell through what they've ordered, with the exception for those rare hypes like LotR. And it also has to do with the current power creep situation, every new set has some new game breaking card which renders many of the previously released set useless to pick up for players. Even the sets that have come out in the beginning of this year are getting dated, and those from last year I wouldn't expect any players to even look at. But it's also not sustainable, and if WotC keeps it up, I doubt Mtg will be around for its 40th anniversary. At least as we know it now. There's too many other similar card games, with better quality and where the fanbase is treated better, and not squeezed for each penny, and where the lgs isn't squeezed for each penny, that it would be easy for playergroups to pick up something new. Grand Archive, Sorcery, Flesh and Blood, Lorcana, Weizz/Schwarz, Metazoo, etc. The list is long, and it most likely won't grow shorter. And although most of the inventory, is pretty much guaranteed to go up in value, considdering the market for tcg's and just the state of finances in general, it might take another 5-10 years before the old boxes swing up again, unless a miracle happens. Now, Pokémon is for sure the more stable one, compared to Mtg, so you've made a good call to pick up a lot of that. But if you need to sell within the next few years, I don't think you can expect getting what you want for it. You might be able to double it, but the likelyhood of sets reaching any soaring heights is not likely, due to the financial market. The economy has crashed and it'll take time for it to get to a point where people feel safe to speculate with their money, as you said yourself, just putting food on the table is more of a focus, as it should be. But sure, down the road those old sets will be a goldmine, however it will take time. I think that the tcg channel (despite its unusual choice of name for a tcg channel) Alpha Investments, are making some good points which are worth checking out, if ya haven't already. But no one can predict the future, and everything is speculation.

[@Vtrjfrost]

Standard died. No one cares about standard sets in terms of standard play. People found out singleton format is better and many others stick to modern or pauper for 1v1.

[@dmacara76]

Sorry to see the tight spot you're in. Have you looked into Flesh and Blood? Their business model is more focused on supporting stores and getting people in seats. It takes work to build a community but it's been working for my local store here in regional Aus.

[@MTGUnpacked]

Cool to see behind the scenes stuff things like this. I knew it was a tough market, but this was still really eye-opening. Definitely a huge change in the market since the boom of 2021!

[@michaelheppler991]

Hang in there - the Grind is real. Venting is good (All successful entrepreneurs Vent). Saying it out loud will clear your thoughts and the answer(s) will come through.

[@jacodraycon]

Y'all are the best people out there! Always persevering through these hard times! I remember back when I use to edit videos for you when you were starting to grow, and now I can't wait for Gone Rogue to sky-rocket! Keep up the good work!

[@GoneRogueGames]

Miss you buddy!

[@GreenfieldGreyskies]

That quick to bordem thing seems like it may also lend to the everything is a loss perspective. You've been feeding and housing yourself through your hobby that seems like a huge win in itself

[@crimsonrebirthbs]

Trumps economic boom vs. Bidens build back better

[@Anthony-oh4ee]

Too real

[@Teacherguy06]

Really good video. I just spent over $100 at my local game shop. Just talking to folks and not trying to turn a profit but opening packs at a table. Better times ahead for us all hopefully.

[@the_gengar_master]

Love your brutal honesty! Sounds like you just need to adapt to the current market to survive. Don't worry about what could be (unless a products super scarce) and just live in the now. That turnover is what will give you capital and keep blood flowing through your business. Brighter days will be ahead brother! Stay strong. Just subscribed btw.

[@westsidegary8230]

New subscriber- Question Would you be willing to sell the Celebrations Pokémon boxes by chance?

[@GoneRogueGames]

I mainly work with Patrons to avoid headaches and have all sales in one place - you can definitely email me [e-mail] if you are interested in something you see in the videos - you might want to see if patreon subscription is a good fit for you, typically I sell things below market price to patrons.

[@anegativeatheist-9327]

This is my first exposure to your content. I admire your openness in this video, but I do not think you are giving yourself enough credit. Reduce your holdings coming out of the “rat race.” Grind out what you can. Take some of it on the chin but work through it enough to still make a margin. Buy less and less rapidly. Hasbro is sinking WoTC. I suggest some 40k content. The analytics are pretty dope right now (even for negative content). Best of luck man. You are living many peoples dream and it is a hard life. You are dealing with companies that view you as a necessary burden. But gamers need you (FLGs) and will support you if you show them you need it. Diversifying is key and be sure to check for customer content creators as well. They might be willing to help support!

[@blackopsy9]

One thing I've seen people consistently get burned by is treating luxury/entertainment goods as a reliable store of value or in other words as an investment vehicle. The market for these things is too affected by outside factors like the economy, the state of the game, and the overall interest in the hobby at any given point in time. Any one of these things taking a downturn can wipe out your capital in the blink of an eye. Sorry to hear things haven't been going the best for you and I wish you the best moving forward. I'm sure things will work out in time.

[@AngelusNielson]

It's always a stressful time fo be a LGS. Source: I've known owners who have had shops since the 90s.

[@havenschade8174]

Its weird seeing videos of you and not in real life, i forgot you guys had a channel lol, i like the store

[@GeorgeZupster]

I am a retailer in EU and CCGs are toxic asset I make 90% of profits on boardgames I could care less about MTG, PKM or any other CCG so I just invest very small amounts, just to have it, as many ccg players also buy board games or the at least buy sleeves, cases, albums...

[@GoneRogueGames]

I carry a lot of board games here, we even have a board game group that has been meeting religiously for years now. Unfortunately for my area there is just no feasible way I could sell enough board games to make a dent. Plus they take up a lot of retail space comparative to how much money they bring in. Lastly, board games are also starting to be blown out on Amazon and Ebay to where their margins are often not worth carrying. Funny enough, a lot of them are the WotC lines. I can often buy WotC games on Amazon for cheaper than I can get them from distributors.

[@koyoyoyo1170]

I've been in the pokemon scene for damn near a decade now and there's 2 key advice ill give. 1. Pokemon sets go in cycles. Itll release, do decently then in 6 months~1 year you'll know for sure what sets will sell in the future. Set prices will eventually go down. Thats when its time to buy because after 1 or 2(more often) generations, the price will start to peak again because that's when the new players will have money(in college or working) and be nostalgic for the generation they grew up with. 2. Sets will sell based on the popularity of a certain pokemon. Charizar, Eevee, Iconic Legendaries. 3. (not advice because it will take a lot of capital and time that just isn't worth it) Retro Pokemon will continually hold and increase in value WOTC and ex-era(gen 3) are the gold mine of pokemon collecting.

[@od6421]

WOTC/Hasbro is not fostering an environment that makes owning an LGS worth it. It shouldn't be easy, but it shouldn't be this difficult and stressful

[@Doctor_Rockso]

You played a speculation game and were happy when it paid off. This is the other side of that coin. I want to see LGS' do well and pop off and earn appropriate money for your effort. But you need to understand what you're getting involved in. When you speculate on product, it's no different from investing. It's a market. You can't just expect the spec to win. It's a gamble and a risk. This is the otherside of that, you're just used to winning.

[@itsacris2444]

Card Shops should adjust to the “casino aspect” of LIVE openings for “rip&ship”. Its like being at the blackjack table trying to get a “hit” at an online casino. Get a hit you like, beat the house. Bust on a pack, the house wins. I’m actually ok with rip and ship only because it replaces two vices and works towards one vice. Try doing it on your titktok. Yeah videogames do casino vibes with loot boxes and prey on customers that way… might as well adjust.

[@BlakeBickerstaff]

Thanks for sharing, it's very appreciated. I understand the rat race sentiment, I think a lot of us are feeling that now more than at any time in recent history. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings as it's a tough world out there. I pray/send good vibes that you figure out your next moves soon and it reinvigorates you! I do believe that as painful as things are sometimes everything does happen for a reason and it will eventually all make sense ❤

[@ronsilva7394]

I owned 3 retain stores for 15 years . The best advice that I can give you is get yourself a Roth IRA and rent to own your own property . I paid off in those 15 years the real estate of 3 different landlords. If I Had worked to own those properties instead of renting I would have ended up being a land owner with a maxed out ROTH IRA for my future retirement. Good luck

[@fire_breathing_hamster]

I feel your pain. This video perfectly sums up why I walked away from mtg and the card hobby as a whole. I’m so sorry, with that said I do see it rebounding in the future if you have the means to hang in there.

[@friedspacecowboy8760]

I’ve given up on the collectability of the game.

[@QuarterbackTCG]

I agree with the reinvesting and keeping stock. The anchor to not lose your way or get swept up in the changing tides is to have a rule like staying above debt/ positive cash flow. Setting limits on what you basically will be a CD/ retirement fund.

[@AidyJames]

My local game store closed today. For the past few weeks, they had no stock at all. I tried to buy whatever I could afford to support them, but they truly had nothing. There weren't even any singles that were worth buying. The shelves were totally empty and I was wondering how they were going to stay afloat, especially in Zone 2 London. I'm disabled, so having a game store literally just down the road was huge for me. It's often been the difference between playing and not playing, as Spelltable is very inconsistent with the quality of players. I'm absolutely gutted. My playgroup and I are going to try to keep playing together wherever and whenever we can, but it's never going to be the same.

[@nickh7777]

Look into your local library...here in the states you can schedule a day and time, set up and play at least once a month. I don't even think they charge.

[@friedspacecowboy8760]

Man describes how market he gambled on did not pan out.

[@andrewadams530]

Good luck brother. I'm rooting for you

[@mcintma2]

You seem like a really nice guy and I wish you the very best. Thanks for sharing your story ... business ownership is NOT easy, x10 for a gaming store. The future is un-knowable and Magic values fluctuate somewhat like the stock market. It seems like the $2 million One Ring card was peak Magic hype for this cycle. Anyway, you win by loving what you do, if that's the camera then go for it!

[@TheRushmoreShow]

New subscriber. Great video

[@legisnuntius]

A common problem is maximizing the use of space. Martial arts studios have the same issue, busy times in the evenings and weekends and empty during the day. To maximize value, these types of businesses need to share the space with others or find another use for slower times. Game stores that do online orders and packing shipments during the day have done the best. If you have modular furniture that you can break down and move, you can transform the space from offices in the morning day and gaming tables in the night. You can also outsource logistics and shipping, becoming a distribution center for other companies. Game makers may grow outside of their own basements and look for outsourcing some of that. You can undercut the bigger guys for those looking to double the size of a small operation. When you find that big payoff, you can unload product that is an unrealized loss. You have more revenue coming in, but your profit can be offset by the unrealized loss for tax purposes. This is the same concept for stock losses. Sell at a loss to offset capital gains elsewhere. When you take advantage of these tax strategies, you can pay yourself 25-30% back on those losses, which is significant.

[@DragonmasterSK]

To be honest I think it has to do with Commander being pushed as hard as it has. Before it was a complementary format. For many people it has become Magic as a whole, because of the amount of other TCG they could play and not have access to Commander. If you think about it, it's what's mostly driving the scene. Modern is constantly shifting with new product. So instead of being eternal formats going forward, they have become a "Keep upgrading your deck" I mean, it's the natural course but I truly believe that's why this has happened

[@digitalbauble]

You are right, commander. Also there is a push for newer players to have access to cheap cards.

[@closetmtg8029]

Hey Kevin, I was/am a fan of your rogue deck builder channel! I hear ya man, it’s rough watching what WOTC/hasbro is doing. Sucks seeing a lot of your collection and sealed product drop man. I’m literally here listening to your video opening a box of modern horizons 2 just to sell the singles to card kingdom and recoup some value since I know everything will be reprinted into oblivion… I don’t know what to tell you man, but I’m for holding on to a majority of the sealed cases and boxes in my closet, hopefully we one day return to the days where this stuff actually appreciated. Cheers and be well man, I’ll for sure be back to listen. - CMTG

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

If something is going to be sold at a loss, do not sell it. You are not in the business of exchanging your profit for liquidity. Find alternative ways to get liquiidity. There are 4 things that can hurt your business: * Lack of business contacts * Lack of customers * Lack of suppliers/resources needed to produce/sell/deliver * Lack of money If the products you sell are good, sooner or later they will sell, if properly communicated to customers. What can change is the cycle time between buying the product and selling. Program your finances for long cycle time.

[@whodatdog4]

Issue is similar or same with sports cards, too much production, and too high prices. I know as a consumer, ive hit my limits, im not doing it anymore. Id love to buy more from my LCS, but it just isnt gonna happen.

[@happycamper1111]

Products in general will fluctuate highly in value especially during uncertain economic times....BUT long term is your hope. Two to three years is even considered fast for forty to fifty percent returns. That product will most likely do that in 5 to 7. That is my take. Buy the cheaper priced products, average cost down, and be patient. Do it slowly though. I know it can be extremely frustrating when everything you've worked for is on the line. Most up us are in that position. The only way out sometimes is in. In for a penny in for a pound.

[@Sondan1988]

I am laughing a bit because everything you are talking about is no different then buying cars, stocks, MTG cards, art, etc. The bottom line is you got complacent and now you got a rude awakening that markets move up and down. LOL

[@benjaminkaye5119]

Dang , I would love to pick up some of those kids. Maybe a mystery bundle of prerelease kits and magic related items, 🤔

[@GoneRogueGames]

always available!

[@MrShawn-vy4nv]

Discovered your channel a few days ago, and I've never played Magic. I use to collect Pokemon however Lorcana has gotten me back in the hobby. Since entering the market, I've been curious on the business model of game stores. So keep the day-to-day business videos, and I'd love to see you cover Lorcana inventory that you receive tomorrow.

[@GoneRogueGames]

I will keep them coming, I am glad people enjoy this style. I love to talk and just be real with people about things.

[@bazzam429]

If wizards would stop printing products so fast the model of waiting on product would work, however wizards has promised investors an increase in profits and well at that point it's the LGS or Hasbro

[@Loreignss]

You should morph the patreon model into a RL model. Fee/month for local tcg boxes, or an event pass organize events with day tickets/members with product thats viable but not in heavy demand type of thing.

[@PapaLantern]

At 7:00 I had a vision of making a Robin Hood super villian group to jack magic cards and confronting the Pinkertons. Then I realised im watching a video of one of the innocent people that would be hurt by it.

[@alexanderzambrana5547]

Amazing video, very informative and very helpful. Though for some reason or another you cover the speaker during recording and your voice goes in and out regularly. Thought it would help. Thanks man

[@Max-nt5zs]

“You’re just mad that wizards is helping players by skipping the middle man with direct to consumer” ok sure, now where are you going to play magic at?

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

Prices go up and down. Buy cheap, sell expensive. If you cannot wait, change business model find a different source of revenue, but never sell cheap.

[@chrisfloto3599]

It truly is a shame. Hasbro has totally wrecked a whole ecosystem with a couple years of extreme greed. There is no way this won’t be very harmful to their own profits now and in the years to come. I believe if they would have taken the last 2 years of releases and spread it over 4-5 years most of these sets would have done great. No one seems to care about any of these sets. So I don’t see people really having a strong desire to go back and draft most of these. Well if they wouldn’t have released all these products they wouldn’t have had a couple good selling quarters. As a shareholder I’m disgusted with hasbro’s leadership.

[@GoneRogueGames]

they don't care, none of them will be there in four years as now they have padded their resumes to move on to the next better gig.

[@TwilightxKnight13]

The mono audio really messed with me. I thought my headphones stopped working.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Future videos are fixed, I apologize! I just shot this video on whim.

[@tomusannonymous]

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself, a lot of ppl are in the same boat because of economic conditions. Keep truckin until things turn around.

[@edwarddaignault5243]

Other than having passion for it, i dont know how anyone can do this for a living lol...too much stress.

[@journeyonepercent5273]

Better video than I thought

[@OcultaManu]

Stop up selling Lorcana and karma will stop reaming you

[@Runninpressure]

Hasbro has killed our game. I couldn't see myself playing even if the cards were free.

[@GWOTvetx4]

People have asked me how to you win at MTG. I tell them you dont win at MTG, in the end MTG beats you.

[@ricardoblikman2676]

I understand you, I do not want to insult you but the one characteristic wealthy people have is that they stay consistent and never feel complacent. once you go that path you will loose all your money either over time or a one time scam where you make a mistake and dont pay attention.

[@GoneRogueGames]

I hear you. This has been a huge wakeup call for me. I am not one to shy away from taking accountability. There is a lot of things I should have done differently / better.

[@donniem7979]

y'all got a website? friend of mine wants to jam out casual magic together and we need to snag some singles and random goodies

[@Laevateinn-]

WotC ruined magic, it's their fault people have lost interest and enjoyment for the game

[@cabellism]

I tried to watch the whole video, just the single channel audio out of the right ear drove me to quit it.

[@evgenyzhithere7956]

it is why resellers are good, stores get fast money and hype still going up around cards

[@goblin380]

Next video force the audio to mono, it is currently only in my left ear, and makes it hard to listen to

[@t-nice7414]

Aye story time. That's crazy amouts of depreciation.

[@ryanendersmith]

MTG costs so much time and money, I played standard hard for almost a decade and kept most of the cards and most of them have lost almost all of their value. At this stage in my life I have kids so making it to FNM is hard, so I only play MTG Arena. I watch your channel still though because I like you as a person and I find your thoughts on business, psychology, the game, wizards, etc so interesting. So yeah plus one vote for more focus on content.

[@amandasmith1920]

I got scared when I heard the line. "I dont care if we make money I just want a place to play." you can play mtg on a picnic table. respectfully sir you are experiencing the cost of asset class concentration. going forward I hope you personally diversify into equities and real estate. I genuinely hope long term this works out for you.❤

[@amandasmith1920]

this reminds me of the old adage of not investing too much into the stock of your job. because if your income and assets go down at the same time you are in deep trouble.

[@pr1mu]

Hey did you reboot your channel? I swear I was subscribed...

[@ReedStiles]

Thank you for sharing! Fascinating business and stories but also brutally challenging to make profitable. Wishing you luck.

[@nikolastojanov8749]

Arena killed the old lgs model. Ofc, wotc reprinting everything and pushing too much product non stop is not making it easier, but evrything would be so much easier if people were buying both singles and packs and boxes for strandard decks

[@edwarddaignault5243]

I make a decent living, and the pricing on some of the products is still too much. And yeah the break neck pace the sets come out is insane lol.

[@jaygarcia6079]

People aren’t buying expensive boxes right now though so holding onto old boxes isn’t the smartest because people are broke and looking for retail especially if it’s a new set that scalpers are already selling on fb market place for triple the price. If I learned anything from working retail it’s all about maximizing units per sale not actual dollar sale value, sell more make more. Not hold more make more that only worked if you had inventory when covid hit and tcg blew up. Now the economy is shit and no one’s buying only KZbinrs who grade cards are buying old sets

[@jaygarcia6079]

Visiting shops and seeing new sets sell for more than retail when I can just order off troll and toad or any other third party website and get it way cheaper. Leaves a bad taste in customers mouths trust me, it’s a good way to lose customers. Just sell at retail. I think it’s scummy when card shops do that. Especially if you have the hook up and get it at wholesale

[@bigedfromny6037]

The reality is you were tricked into paying way more for the boxes (inventory) than they were worth. It reminds me of when a publicly traded company gives a bad sales estimate that ends up tanking the stock... it's grounds for lawsuit. If you LGS's contacted a lawyer, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a class action lawsuit, perhaps one in Canada and one in USA.

[@DaveHcontrarian]

any judge worth his salt would just utter "caveat empor" under their breadth and dismiss the case with prejudice . . .

[@bigedfromny6037]

@DaveHcontrarian if that's the case and there's no way the courts can help him then he was straight up scammed. He paid $300+ per box before release in bulk, and immediately after release, they were selling for $180 retail. Whoever sold it to him scammed him big time.

[@DaveHcontrarian]

@@bigedfromny6037 someone scammed me out of 20 dollars worth of weed once and i threatened them with a kniofe in front of tons of people at the mall

[@MrDjLonghair]

Thank you for your insights bud. You busy Thursdays?

[@GoneRogueGames]

Thursdays are one of our slowest days now, why do you ask?

[@MrDjLonghair]

@GoneRogueGames Love to have you join us on MTG Round Table starting @ 8pm Est / 5pm PST

[@toomuch4199]

As a whole Comic, Games, Card sales are down everything cars are dropping there is a massive recession looming and will most likely show itself in Jan. people used their savings and now credit to just survive.

[@blinkingred]

When is it not stress being a local game store? Its always been a challenging industry reliant on corporations that view you as an inconvenience. GL out there bro

[@Alex-dk4px]

What month did you create your patreon in 2018?

[@jessoftherocks]

Im telling you right now the economy is in the crash tank

[@hersheyofdoo]

Can i buy some lorcana off ya sheesh i need some boxes

[@bardofsnow]

Keep it up; your videos provide a lot of insight even if it's just a point and shoot video. And just as an "outsiders" analysis, I think your focus less on the rat race means that your store is focused more on providing a "service" in the form of a great place to game and good people to game with (and of course a good product selection). Those are always the best types of stores and I think your videos show that as well with the community you've built online.

[@GoneRogueGames]

Yes, this is what I want it to be... I don't want to be a soulless tcgplayer or ebay store, sounds miserable.

[@OcultaManu]

I don’t think it is stressful for all of them just do the right thing and most everyone else will too

[@MrWrestling2]

Sell now, it's only going to get worse.

[@epicjourney6341]

They have automatic card shorter that would keep you from doing it by hand.

[@Sea-Voyager]

Being a Card Store owner around 2000-2012 Was GODLIKE, Now with the Reprints and Hasbro Fuk it your better of working a JOB