This post has been edited due to the amazing responses and assistance I have received here... you guys are awesome! Cheers...
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Magic Shops and You
- Thread starter AshleyHall
- Start date
1. All shops need a secret sharing area where the demonstrator can take the customer aside and help them through a gimmick or effect.
2. Shops need to have a video screen connected to the internet that is ready to show the trailer of asked for effects. Demonstrators cannot do everything, they can't be wired up with Dresscode, The Gecko, The Raven, and the Self Tying shoelace ready to go at the customers demand. Having a screen readily available will help demonstrate the tough to demonstrate.
3. There should be a sticker, flyer or insert that explains the basics in magic exposure or piracy.
4. When a new best seller comes out a monthly jam session would be helpful. All that is required is a proof of purchase of what ever DVD, book or trick of the week.
5. There needs to be a backroom. Not necessarily literally but the demonstrators and salesmen need to understand the difference between an amateur method and an advanced method. Certain things should not be available to the casual hobbyist without an illustration of commitment.
2. Shops need to have a video screen connected to the internet that is ready to show the trailer of asked for effects. Demonstrators cannot do everything, they can't be wired up with Dresscode, The Gecko, The Raven, and the Self Tying shoelace ready to go at the customers demand. Having a screen readily available will help demonstrate the tough to demonstrate.
3. There should be a sticker, flyer or insert that explains the basics in magic exposure or piracy.
4. When a new best seller comes out a monthly jam session would be helpful. All that is required is a proof of purchase of what ever DVD, book or trick of the week.
5. There needs to be a backroom. Not necessarily literally but the demonstrators and salesmen need to understand the difference between an amateur method and an advanced method. Certain things should not be available to the casual hobbyist without an illustration of commitment.
The BEST thing that always happened at my brick and mortar shop that I would frequent is HONESTY from the magician behind the counter. He would always tell me, "Rick, this is something you'll like and definitely fits your style." He would then demo the effect for me and if was something of a major purchase like over $150.00 he would show me the gimmick and make sure I would be happy with it. I know that sounds horrible but it helped develop a trust between us.
If it was less than that price and I liked the demo I normally bought the item. Also, there was always a sign up that said, No Returns, Once the item is SOLD, The secret has been TOLD. That made it clear to everyone making purchases that you knew there were no returns.
His shop was also wired for Internet demos on a computer screen if I was interested in something that he couldn't or didn't know how to demo.
There was also a back room where there would be lectures and workshops held about once a month which were open for general public to come in and pay a door fee.
Magicians could just stand at the counter and session but there wasn't any table.
One thing I hate when I have visited certain magic shops or dealers at conventions is that they "high pressure" you like a car salesman and you feel uncomfortable telling them, "No, I don't want that item."
If it was less than that price and I liked the demo I normally bought the item. Also, there was always a sign up that said, No Returns, Once the item is SOLD, The secret has been TOLD. That made it clear to everyone making purchases that you knew there were no returns.
His shop was also wired for Internet demos on a computer screen if I was interested in something that he couldn't or didn't know how to demo.
There was also a back room where there would be lectures and workshops held about once a month which were open for general public to come in and pay a door fee.
Magicians could just stand at the counter and session but there wasn't any table.
One thing I hate when I have visited certain magic shops or dealers at conventions is that they "high pressure" you like a car salesman and you feel uncomfortable telling them, "No, I don't want that item."
i know exactly what you mean. you can always tell when someone genuinely wants to help you, and when they just want to make money.
I think people who run magic shops should some how team up with sites like Theory11, Ellusionist, and Penguin. Unfortunately, who knows how much longer shops will be around. It seems its all moving to PDF, Online, Instant downloads and DVDs...which can all obviously be purchased from online sites...
This is a forum for an online magic shop. At magic shops you can... eh... shop for magic.
Given the lack of content and the link in the signature, I'm thinking karlaa77 is just an advertising spam bot.