The Real cost to open up a Trading Card Store (LGS)

If you guys want me to go over anything else please comment bellow and i will try my best to make this a weekly video.
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[@snowghosttcg]

This gave me a whole new respect for card shop owners, did not know it was this tough to sustain a card shop hope your card store continue to go well ⛄️

[@Jtpokeymon]

Yeah it's bad lol you gotta make 7000 dollars a month just to break even and that 7k has too be profit not total sells

[@niccowley13]

@@Jtpokeymon That's not how "profit" or "break even" works. You'd need 7k REVENUE to break even and anything after that would be profit, is what you mean to say. That would account for expenses related to the store and restocking inventory as required.

[@JPLGFun]

@@niccowley13 what about the cost to make 7k revenue..? you need to add that up too not just revenue. unless you cost is 0, Then you will need to factor those in. you are in the negatives every month with just "7k revenue to break even".

[@kalebstuart3083]

As someone who's really interested in opening up a card shop, this information is really, REALLY useful. Thank you a lot.

[@themediamarauder1582]

I had a cardshop from 1990-2010... I got burnt out and cards started going way down hill around that time. Luckily there is another boom so it can be done again. I am starting to sell cards again.

[@joseborrero2402]

@themediamaraudwr how is the sales going ?

[@themediamarauder1582]

They seemed to be stronger a few months ago. I have been selling a good amount of Pokémon though.

[@mccluremike7]

Ya all the 90 babies are 30+yrs old now lol were baaaacckkkk 😅

[@robertromero8094]

Thats so funny. Its true af ​@@mccluremike7

[@tazmenroach5516]

This is actually really interesting. Would love to hear more about the specifics of how the whole process works. How do you get the distributors to start sending you cards? How cheap are you able to get them and what kind of profit can you expect on regular everyday packs and boxes? Also, I assume you need a license for all of this, is it just a generic business license or is there a specific license needed for TCG? Would love to hear more about this in future videos if possible.

[@rng-gamez]

Sure I’ll make a video about what you can expect if you start this business.

[@TheMrsherlock00]

@@rng-gamez did you ever make this video?

[@oscarsilva4529]

@@TheMrsherlock00 You have to talk to a distributor and he will pretty much tell you what you need. He will ask you for basic information and a resale certificate. Remember that every state has its own local laws governing your requirements to run a business.

[@jamesnguyen7069]

when the distro says "show me the money"

[@thismyname4682]

I have been waiting for a video like this for a long time, any LGS I have gone to the owners are always for themselves and very unhelpful to anyone wanting to open a shop. I have only ever gotten bad looks from questions that you have answered here. Thank you for explaining the numbers you have no idea how much you have helped me.

[@rng-gamez]

Anytime if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask

[@Caasi29]

I really appreciated this video man. Very real, very informative. I live in a town with a need for pokemon, all the big box stores are empty as soon as they restock. I've been thinking of starting a brick and mortar store (small scale) but after seeing this I am thinking of starting from home first selling locally and online. I have about 35k in funds that I have been setting aside for a business venture. Slowly I would like to work my way up to a physical store.

[@Ohhigabe]

My brother and I are starting a card shop/collectibles shop, our land lord is super cool, unfortunately not a super big space. It is a brand new space which is cool so it’s all remodeled. It’s a 12x14 space, all bills paid for $550 while it isn’t big, we’re going for a minimalistic approach for now. It’s in a super small town, but we’ve been using our local market days to make majority of our money since December and have generated enough capital to move into the small space. It is a part time gig for sure but the rent is low and we’re the only people here doing it, since January people have been insanely interested in it. Especially since it’s an hours drive to the closest card shop or mall even so we’re lucky in the aspect but this is great information, thanks!

[@rng-gamez]

Your going to out grow that space immediately, but if you want to get your feet wet could be a good opportunity. You won’t be able to be a WPN store but I’m sure with such low overhead that shouldn’t be an issue

[@Ohhigabe]

@@rng-gamez definitely something to gauge interest in our area, it’s been pretty bright so far, we plan to sit out our lease and move on to the next location if necessary next year! Overall we’re excited to potentially out grow the space, that little milestone is gonna mean a lot 😂

[@CardstockKeep]

Currently in the navy, just signed up for 4 years of shore duty. I'm hoping in these 4 years I can work up enough capital to get a retail space or warehouse and continue this journey once i get out! Just picked up 2 distributors but selling sealed products on TCG seems to not be profitable hoping if I had a small retail space that it will help with that due to being able to ask a little bit of a higher price. also just got on TCG direct and that has been great! I put my reenlistment bonus to a card sorter and hoping by the end of the year get my hands on better one especially the new order amounts I'm receiving from TCG Direct! I will be following you; videos are great and have very good insight!

[@rgran4]

very insightful, love the detail on what you explain. I , myself, thinking of opening a hobby store.. this kind of stuff i didn't know about..

[@ItsRaditzOfficial]

Retail can be very tough, I started my business at a horrible time back in 2021 especially being located in Canada rent is through the roof People don't quite understand the retail business, especially for small local stores, the amount of stress comes with owning a business. and if you have one bad day in sales, it can literally change everything. Unfortunately my 2021 location I had to close couple weeks ago I am looking to reopen but I need to recoup some capital, it's very easy for a business owner to take a bad turn and that's what I did. and that's the exact reason why I had to close my doors after 3 years being open. Owning a business if you do it correctly it's very possible, I've learned from my mistakes and that's why I'm reopening next year. but opening a business the amount of capital you need is unreal, repairs, fixturing, stock, back stock, advertisement, employees security deposits, insurance, monthly rent, electricity, internet, business licensing and more... Here in Canada, it will cost you an arm and a leg.

[@barracudaharpoon]

Subbed because of this video. Transparent explanation of the business! Seemingly unbiased too! Thank you

[@rng-gamez]

No thank you!

[@jnycards5478]

I really appreciate you sharing all of this. Keep pushing forward. I know you can do it!

[@WillbWriting]

Big props on the full time grind! I also have taken on the 9-5 and night time card grind. Thank you brother for the inspiration. I have been watching everyday while I’m at work. Keep on keeping on! 🤘🏼

[@islandtime5736]

I'm even more pumped and motivated now to open shop. Thanks for the tips

[@outclassed_and_angry276]

Drove past a perfect lease location and got my brain really working on cards store. Thank you for talking me out of it.

[@jacobcornell4682]

Thank you for this. I know the video is about 2 years old at this point, but its a big eye opener. Can you go into more detail about how you generate rapport with distributors?

[@cardboardorigins]

Respect for anyone who works hard

[@rng-gamez]

Thank you!! I always do my best.

[@kinglxi]

This just came up on my recommended but I love the transparency. Not many people like to talk about things like this and it was super interesting to watch. You definitely earned a sub out of me! I hope to see you start uploading regularly :) You have a really nice card shop too!

[@rng-gamez]

Thank you so much I do my best and will try and be as transparent as possible.

[@NJ_TCG_Show]

$50,000 sheeeeeeeeessshhh!! I’m so proud of you Mr. Rob!! ❤️

[@GKkittle]

Great video & great info. It’s awesome that you shared all the risk & sweat equity on top of actual costs. Videos like this have waaaay more value than a bunch of “hits”

[@rng-gamez]

Thanks!! I just wish this type of videos would get out there more because that are very important to see.

[@twomoledmiddlefinger353]

whoah a business owner telling the price outright instead of baiting people :0 thanks for the vid, wish you the best on your journey C:

[@romangamesss]

Great video a lot information that I didn't even think about hopefully in the future I will be opening my own shop

[@billysikes1374]

I'm glad I found this video, My dream was always to have a card shop, after watching your video, I now know that it will remain a dream, I told my friend that it would cost way too much to just open, Thank you so much, And good luck, Hope like hell it works out for you

[@jessepolowin2339]

Great insights. Sounds like a serious uphill battle. Keep up your hard work and good luck my friend.

[@notoriouslycody]

Nice share behind the realities of running a card shop. If we expect businesses like this to keep on providing a service to the community, then buying from trusted places that you play at is what it takes. I buy things online like the next person, but being a patron of LGSs I also buy from my local shop/shops I choose to support.

[@hyrumpereira539]

Location, location, location. Varies from city to city and state to state. Here in Vegas, oh you'll pay out the you know what. Nothing is cheap here. But that is so awesome that brick and mortar shops are here. Buy from them, support your local card shops/small business owners cause they are the reason why the hobby is so fun. TCG or Sports Cards don't matter support them. Congrats and good luck to RNG-Gamez!!!

[@ryansteckstor6236]

Very good advice most people that I see on youtube are always showing the positives and how much they make but never tell you the bad times and the hard work involved.

[@TeraNazantia]

Really enjoyed this video. Subbed and looking forward to watching more

[@nobleginger2535]

Thank you for the information, I am wanting to open up a hobby shop for cards and games and this gives me a idea of what to expect.

[@dougsimms1374]

Great video! One thing I would recommend, spend $5,000-$10,000 on supplies. You’ll be amazed how many deck sleeves and boxes you can sell and they have a better markup than the cards themselves.

[@TheCollectiveTCG]

Thank you so much for the information and realistic breakdown! I’m currently you from 4 years ago lol I’m working FT and want to start doing this operating out of my garage for a while before thinking about getting a store

[@_xWinter]

Man I've been looking and looking for a video like this before I started this journey. I'm doing a soft opening this Friday. my deposit and rent are ridiculously cheap but what ate me alive was the fees to get power and all the utility type stuff in my name. im $22k deep right now and will be about $30k deep once the rest of my inventory is ordered. Distibution centers are heck to get in with now too so I had to do my first order from another LGS an hour away. it would be cool if you did more in depth videos or vlogs for sure.

[@rng-gamez]

Good luck on the opening today if you need any guidance I would be glad to try and get you pointed in the right direction.

[@RockerfellerRothchild1776]

My start up for my club? 1k Clubs are fast replacing LGS. I charge for the tables to play Sell snacks We buy product as a collective...so we get wholesale prices.... The profits leave LGS owners astounded yet...won't make the move.

[@RockerfellerRothchild1776]

My advice ...become a club .

[@joecooper8527]

​@@RockerfellerRothchild1776 How ?

[@ProdotypeGaming]

This video was very good and im glad I watched it thanks for the video and keep it up.

[@AllLifeBeginsAndEndsWithNu]

Nice video. Good luck with your store

[@memenazi7078]

13:00 great advice, most card shops NEED so many plugs for cheap cards. I notice u have mostly pokemon and that shit is hard to get by itself! The new boxes get scalped to oblivion, idk if u card shops even get deals or any affiliation with the pokemon company. So let’s say ur lucky enough to get stock, it’s probably never enough… u gotta use ur private time on the market looking for sales!

[@workaccount6214]

This is a video I didn’t know I needed. Thank You

[@rng-gamez]

Anytime! 😀

[@emmettcarlsson2739]

Does the landlord allow you to hang up art/pictures on the walls? I think that can give your store a lift. It also looks like you could squeeze in more pruducts. They are going to release pokémon squishmallows, have you considered selling plushies :) ? Great store tho and I wish you all the very best. Kindest Regards from Sweden

[@rng-gamez]

The store has changed since this video. Plushies are good I might look into that soon

[@laguirre944]

Gret vid! Do you maybe have a vid how to get distributors? Bc you mentioned in your video that this part is really hard, well , I want to hear how did you do it? I've been selling through tcgplayer for almost 2 years and my sales have increased, but I would like to start selling sealed product

[@boonfuiyap9993]

Appreciate your sharing! KZbin algorithm bring me here like your spirit!

[@alvisjoubert9998]

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck and success 🙏🏼💪🏼

[@Starheroz_DBS]

This was very insightful. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@leonciodominguez17]

Love this video…I hope you make it brotha 🙏🏼

[@Sargent-breed]

We are looking to open a store thank god I spent $20,000 last year and $8000 this year on stocking up sealed and have an insane amount of vintage cards and singles

[@rng-gamez]

Yea it’s always good to start with inventory.

[@sirtrout278]

Great video and thank you for the honesty!

[@rng-gamez]

No problem!!

[@SPMask]

Thanks, this was very interesting and insightful!

[@Strider0167]

I remember starting my business. Buying and renting all cost so much that after three years I started seeing a profit. The business was running itself and was able to be kept without much work from my end but the start up was complete ass. I wish people knew why msrp prices are sometimes ridiculous when building a business.

[@karlkrump6634]

As some that has worked in this industry, just letting you all know...be careful if you are starting a store. Distributors do NOT have your best interest at heart. The prices on stuff jumps up high and then it is YOU that ends up paying the cost, as people will vote with their wallet while you are left hung out to dry with either not selling an item or being satisfied only making a couple bucks on an item. ESPECIALLY on card game stuff. I am glad my shop branched out of doing mostly cards, this particular sub-section of the industry has become a nightmare to deal with. The wholesale rate you get as a store is almost equal to what second hand people, big box stores, or Amazon is selling it for...namely in some situations they are barely making profit, but for them it is bulk.

[@aaronwilliams3219]

Thank you gor the video i learned a lot. I was wondering if you could make a video or just explain a little more on how you did wholesale through amazon to start out?

[@rng-gamez]

I did check out the video how I grew my game store with $2,500

[@honestabe90]

Good job I hope you have a good time at your shop

[@andrescalderon1122]

Thank you for the video! Def subbed! Where is your store located ?

[@rng-gamez]

I’m in NJ

[@AngeloGauthier]

Thank you for making this video!! 🎉

[@rex-freestylepackripps801]

Interesting..thanks for sharing..its alot to open a shop.. Gave you a sub

[@rng-gamez]

😀🙌🏼

[@fabledacademy]

Interesting talk, thank you for putting this out!

[@rng-gamez]

Anytime!

[@uberLWKY]

Nice store dude! Thanks for the inside info

[@rng-gamez]

Thanks!

[@sportyhits6275]

what if you start a small shop from your driveway out of a barn shed and your 15?

[@Jdjsksjdhdj]

i was thinking about opening a magic shop to give myself a way to get the cards i need to compete for money for free or hopefully a profit. idk lol.

[@matts8136]

Maybe I missed it, how much is rent? Commercial in my area are asking $6000 a month for their smallest units.

[@rng-gamez]

@@matts8136 where are you located? I’m sure you can find something cheaper

[@ChannelPro-Yt]

I'm able to get a small shop for cheap comes with furniture in place. Only thing I'm struggling with stock in wholesale prices? You don't need card readers lol cash only 😂

[@Powner187]

I'd like to have a LGS but not just for cards. Would this model work? Have a mobile phone gaming internet lounge, tcg gaming area, Cafe for parents to chill, and have tons of stock in the back with intent of online sales. Probably have a solid appetizer menu along with the cafe menu. The model would include 1 dollar an hour to be in the store.

[@MRkriegs]

Good luck my guy!

[@Jthomas7]

Ya I would love to know how you can start buying from distributors and the profit margins!

[@joegomes1821]

SAME

[@rng-gamez]

I made a new video recently you can check the card shop playlist.

[@TachibanaTengoku]

Yeaaah...and a decent sized spot (your store size maybe a tad larger) is gonna cost me at least 5 if not 6k monthly.....I think I'm gonna have to save nearly 100k if not more lol

[@rng-gamez]

Yea depending on where you are located it could be more. I think 50k is a safe start if starting with inventory. 100k would be better for sure

[@jetto__421]

interesting, will look for more vids of your card sop stuff

[@ocix]

Did you ever make the amazon video? Id love to know more on that so I can have my wife operate a home business'

[@memenazi7078]

I think it’d be optimal to expand ur business if u quit ur job for full time, like the one here is a gaming lounge & seperate card store. I believe they split rent. Quite the investment but if you could somehow do both yourself that’d be beast. I personally wanna slowly build and stock PCs until I can open one up cuz our local gaming lounge got burned down. (Riots) The owner was an amazing guy and just got shit on for no reason, can’t afford to run it

[@xilencered7788]

I have two businesses in mexico, even there it was expensive. But at least by the first $10k in costs i had enough inventory to make up all the costs within a few months.

[@True_Ronin]

What’s the process to get set up with WOTC and other distributors for product?

[@rng-gamez]

There is a video walkthrough that is required they also require I actual sign fixed to the building. There is also a 5 separate phone interviews that you have to go through

[@rng-gamez]

As far as distributors you just apply with your business license and wait. It takes a very long time right now (up to a month)

[@retrocade2607]

ok so i love your videos and your adventure but there are a couple things you left out and this goes for everyone Ive watched opening a business. Its harder financially if your single. If you have a wife you have 2 incomes coming in. When your single you have to pay for 2 places, your house and the business. Also you forgot to tell people about taxes and rental insurance, another monthly expense. Anyway keep up the good work and hope the store is still open and doing well :)

[@matchuful]

hi there do you think it would be better to buy an already existing lgs business

[@gtgamestv]

Had a question on your brick and mortar location. Assuming you get a mix of repeat customers vs walk by traffic. Rough stick, how much in sales % would come from repeats, vs first time shoppers who just walk by and buy odds n ends?

[@rng-gamez]

I’m kinda in a bad spot for walk ins, kinda have to know I’m there. Hard to say.

[@gtgamestv]

@rng-gamez great ty for the feedback. Makes sense, also makes sense from alot of what I've heard from other stores. Helps us in deciding if we move locations or not.

[@2FastM3CS]

I enjoyed this video and you sound like a logical businessman, do you recommend doing this with a partner or by yourself? I will probably just do this by myself bcs im super interested in starting real estate is my main game but I’d love this for a side hustle

[@rng-gamez]

I do not recommend having any partners because it would take years for the business to be able to pay the both of you. I don’t think this can be done as a side hustle unless you don’t really care about the business. I but in 12-18 hours a day 6-7 days a week and there still is not enough time in the day.

[@sparkygaming2013]

Could you go through inventory. Selecting the right sets , tournaments and is it profitable to be an OTS.

[@rng-gamez]

Sure !!

[@troycranmore3100]

How were you able to find product and how did you find a price people were willing to pay in store vs paying for it cheaper online?

[@giaily7379]

Interesting content. What are the reasons that you want to open a physical store? The physical store has lots of overhead cost. Why not sell online like your other business, Amazon?

[@rng-gamez]

You cannot get the products without a commercial brick and mortar

[@forearmforeleg2647]

Hey man can you please talk about your Amazon home good business? And what it does. Thanks man

[@JosephSexton-uw5oj]

What is your best card you ever pulled

[@buddacards]

I’ve been thru my distributor for 7 years and I get allocated on some stuff

[@M.4.U.D.]

Would love to get to understand how you get all your inventory. And how that process works.

[@rng-gamez]

Basically don’t pay yourself for a few years and reinvest every single penny back into the business

[@ricardoblikman2676]

If you are not handy with your hands, like me, you will have to pay day wage for construction people and thats more expensive than the matterials

[@CardFellas]

Sounds like a good way to lose some money. Good look in your adventure!

[@dustynb5563]

This comes from somone obv that doesint now how well the sports card industry has dominated over the past couple years lol ... there's DEFFINITLY money to be made

[@dantehensley6799]

Negative nancy over here lmfao. Sounds like someone had a failed card shop before. Card shops are definitely profitable but it all depends on your angle of entry. Your location, foot traffic, advertising, product availability etc. Will all determine how you do as a shop. If youre doing the bare minimum, obviously you will flop. And yeah the cost of entry vs risk is high but that comes with the business.

[@ObraskaiMusic]

Scared money don't make money

[@ninja_tony]

I’m not surprised you came on here and made a snarky, shitty comment and then refused to come back when you were called out on it.

[@blaze_zx10r]

Hey can you explain how you opened up a online store before getting your trading shop?

[@noahrivera3649]

I’d pitch around $15k to enjoy my dream for a year+

[@freethinker3161]

I really hope you don't stick with a POS system that charges you 2% on the sale just to use it. That's insane.

[@stevenloftin6009]

thats a lot of unused space that you are paying for. Id make that sorting area a DnD area or more space for playing. Put in more food and drink options also, and what I mean by unused as in not helping making money. The front and back are almost the same size so you are only getting half of the store that actually helps generate revenue.

[@rng-gamez]

This was filmed when I first opened I have expanded the store and have gotten warehouse space since this was filmed

[@stevenloftin6009]

@@rng-gamez thats awesome! good deal.

[@nicholew350]

What kind of flooring do you have?

[@yaddameangip9810]

Im following my Dreams taking notes from you and changing a-lot sacrifices must be made to do this work and save money so i can get my lcs

[@felipeloyola3474]

Man, being from outside the US and seeing mtg packs for 4 USD makes me so jealous, these are double the price in my local store 😢

[@jaydee6361]

This dude is at the EXTREME high end of everything

[@rng-gamez]

Not really it’s very reasonable and realistic

[@TheDeac412]

I think I might be able to do it. I have 79k in a brokerage account and I think I might just be able to get everything done for around 70 with some spare money left over.

[@rng-gamez]

Yes it could be done I started with a similar amount.

[@joecooper8527]

Noice.

[@anwargazali4370]

I'm thinking about getting into it

[@automachina]

This video was good.. $4500 to start.. with an empty building... that's very enlightening. so you basically need $15-$20K to be safe and secure to start.

[@rng-gamez]

I’d say that would get you going.

[@psychozen7169]

Why if your renting why renovate the bathroom unless it was horrid and not working.

[@rng-gamez]

Because I want me and my customers to have a nice bathroom.

[@Jdjsksjdhdj]

your seller fees can potentially be deducted on your taxes is this true lol.

[@rng-gamez]

Yes all fees are tax deductible

[@postgamecards3169]

Wait… there’s human beings that don’t like sorting cards…

[@throwback888]

Really liked the video, but it seems you paying a lot for space you don''t need.

[@rng-gamez]

This video is a few years old believe me I wish I went with a bigger space

[@andybrown2149]

How have things been going since this video?

[@rng-gamez]

Great we are currently expanding to our second warehouse

[@sidneymartell4372]

Good luck ur bless ed

[@rng-gamez]

Thank you!

[@FireMcgwire]

You got way more room then you need. You could lower that overhead no doubt.

[@rng-gamez]

Since this was filmed I actually ran out of room and had to rent warehouse space

[@FireMcgwire]

@@rng-gamez that’s because you have 4 giant tables taking up valuable real estate

[@FireMcgwire]

@@rng-gamez doubt those 4 tables being full is a normal thing let alone worth more to you then more display cabinets for product. All good though man you don’t have to take my advice, I have had my own shop in Illinois for 22 years though.

[@rng-gamez]

@@FireMcgwire I had to get 5 more tables

[@xilencered7788]

Those painters bent you over. Im glad I have family that are painters. That was too high

[@rng-gamez]

Standard price over here