You can minimize costs by opening a kiosk as opposed to a retail storefront, but you will still need to raise enough startup capital to cover your lease, inventory and salary for the first six months. I will not go into debt to fund this little venture. If you want to put your comic into comic book stores, youll need diamond distribution. City of vicksburg starting ancomic book storecost of. An comic book store business using a fictitious business name in warren county i.
Im not a big fan of comics except for xmen but i understand that comics afficionados are passionate about their comics and can be one of the most loyal customers you can have. Nov 24, 2019 for many book lovers, opening a bookstore seems to be a dream job. Comics and comic books have existed in various forms since the early part of the 20th century. I already have a retail account with diamond and have all my ducks in a row. Jul 12, 2006 i have received several questions on how to start a comic book store. Opening your own comic book storefront would require a significant. Blanch is partnered with tiny titans and she opens new stores. For one, im 14, and ive been writing out ideas for comic books for about three years or so. A must read for anyone starting out with their own small business. Its incredibly easy to get into the business, but once youre in, youre stuck. General steps to starting an online book seller business even if you have very little money, you can gather enough books to fill an estore and start an online business for less than a few hundred dollars including the inventory. David clarke, cofounder of off shoot comics, is among those. I talked to louis leterrier director of the new hulk movie on facebook who liked my idea and told me a company to pitch it to, but they said they werent accepting ideas at the.
General steps to starting an online book seller business. Dec 20, 2016 thats just what mike marts did, leaving behind comic book titles like dcs batman and marvels the xmen to become editorinchief of aftershock comics. What do you need to start a successful comic book company. There are already a lot of entertainment options out there, and a lot of it is either affordable or free. Owner of blastoff comics jud meyers explains not only why comic book stores fail, but any small business for that matter.
Jun 24, 2016 owner of blastoff comics jud meyers explains not only why comic book stores fail, but any small business for that matter. The 8step guide to creating and publishing your own comic. Want to turn your comic book idea into a milliondollar business. Sign up at our business center to access useful tools for your business. It was very easy to follow along with and written in a. I learned so many things that i hadnt even thought of. The entrepreneur who wants to start a comic book business must decide whether to enter the publishing or retail side of the industry. To my way of thinking, having a passion for comics and graphic art is essential to running a good comics shop, but if that is your primary motivation, that could easily spell. Being an avid comic book collector for some people can begin to take on new life in the world of business if the person has a hunger for entrepreneurship. Founded in 2007 by david steinberger, john roberts and peter jaffe after winning a business plan competition at new york university, comixology sells digital comic books as. While some collectors go on to be involved in trading comic books as a hobby or parttime income, others choose to become more involved in the world of comics by opening a business selling. As a storyteller, your best tool is a notebook whether it be.
More comic book stores are closing as a result of the pandemic shutdown across the world. How to start a coming book company independent comic book company black comic company and dependent black comic books black comics artist. Apr 30, 2018 it depends upon where you are located. In fact, ive seen a large number of comics stores fail because the owners were so wrapped up in their love of comics, that they forgot that they were running a business.
Dont think you can jump right into the world of retail sales without a solid business plan. Startup want to turn your comic book idea into a milliondollar business. Tales from the database mile high comics, chuck rozanski. Of course, as with any business, the realities of opening a bookstore are a lot more complicated than the dream of. I have a huge business plan for this year revolving around my. Jul 22, 2015 blanch has been in business for a couple of years, having bought out an owner when they had decided to sell their comic book store. We outline the key considerations youll need to keep in mind when making this purchase and provide some popular options. For a comic book store, however, you need capital as well as passion for the medium. The 8step guide to creating and publishing your own comic book.
Why are comics shops closing as superheroes make a mint. Whether you are interested in publishing comics, opening a retail shop or trying your hand at creating a series of your own, there are a few basic guidelines that can help a comics business. You might be surprised but probably arent if you are a collector that most companies that print small runs of books for indy comic publishers are horrible at. Apr 01, 2020 more comic book stores are closing as a result of the pandemic shutdown across the world. It needs to be about people first, everything else is secondary. Turning a hobby into a profitable business may be easier than you think. Apr 26, 2019 like other retailers on the high street, comic shops must factor in rents, business rates, staff wages, insurance but the profit margins on comics are so narrow as to make this a very delicate. Jul 20, 20 as comic con international in san diego draws a record crowd of more than 125,000 and superhero movies continue cleaning up at the box office, comic book franchises are stronger than ever in. I have received several questions on how to start a comic book store. Jun 14, 2018 how to start a coming book company independent comic book company black comic company and dependent black comic books black comics artist. Want to turn your comic book idea into a milliondollar. When i lived in nevada a number of small stores opened and closed around the city where i grew up. Our guide on starting a comic book store covers all the essential information to help you decide if this business is a good match for you.
Picking the right comic books to stock up is arguably the most important buying decision youll make when starting a comic book store. There are endless amounts of comics, ranging from genre to genre and where to start can be quite overwhelming. Sell comic books online start an online comic store. Starting a successful online comic book business forces of geek. The comic book store is a business that specializes in the retailing of comic books including new comic books, used comic books, and extremely rate comic books. Even if you have very little money, you can gather enough books to fill an estore and start an online business for less than a few hundred dollars including the inventory. If youre building a comic distribution company then thats entirely different and what the industry really ne. For the past 6 months my wife and i have been drawing a business plan for a local comic and novelty store and have a meeting with a business advisorconsultant tomorrow and meet with a building manager about renting an office space downtown. While some collectors go on to be involved in trading comic books as a hobby or parttime income, others choose to become more involved in the world of comics by opening a business selling comic books. On the companys first anniversary of publishing, howstuffworks spoke to marts about starting a new media business in todays competitive market. How to start a used book store online the balance small.
I found a great resource on how to start your own comic bookstore, including where to get distribution agreements to be able to sell dc, marvel and. If the fantastic four and other titles still give you the same kind of goose bumps you had as a kid, a comic book retail startup may be a great way to earn a living as a small business owner. Comic books and illustrated novels have reached a wide audience, and many enthusiasts have taken the heroic leap into the retailing side. With a comic book store, you can turn your dream of showcasing and selling new and vintage comic books into a reality while exposing new customers to the comic book genre, provide collectors with an assortment of characters, and older customers with memories of their. Im assuming that youre referring to comics as entertainment. How to start a comic book store starting your own llc is easy. Whether you are interested in publishing comics, opening a retail shop or trying your hand at creating a series of your own, there are a few basic guidelines that can help a comics business stay afloat. Opening a comic books shop start a comic books trading.
Comic book owners explain how to start a comics retail store. As a new store you can not just open and expect the people to find you. We learn what typically happens within the first 6. For years, the independent bricksandmortar bookselling business has been under pressure from chain retailers as well as. After the business begins its operations, the company will launch an online ordering platform to generate sales on a nationwide basis. So as i begin to build my comic book empire, i decided to give myself strict rules and guidelines to follow in order to be successful. How to start a comic book store starting your own llc is. All the time thats left over can be allocated to starting my online comic book store. I am inspired to do this instructable for two reasons. On the companys first anniversary of publishing, howstuffworks spoke to marts about starting a new media business. Blanch has been in business for a couple of years, having bought out an owner when they had decided to sell their comic book store.
Nov 28, 2008 for one, im 14, and ive been writing out ideas for comic books for about three years or so. Starting a comic books business business ideas resources. May 09, 2020 the most dangerous mistake you can make as a startup comic book retailer is to launch your business without sufficient startup capital. Starting a comic book collection concept comic vine. The purchasing guide for starting a comic book store. Over the years, the genre has developed to include a variety of subgenres and content creators like stan lee, jack kirby and others who pioneered the superheroes at the heart of comic book publishings golden age today, the comic book and graphic novel industry. With a passion for comics, some cash and sweat equity, you can start a comic book business. Starting a successful online comic book business forces.
Like any wellportrayed hero, your main character should be better, stronger at the. As a fan of comic books with mature subject matter, sophisticated plots, and creative storylines, i enjoy reading. Find out more about what goes into starting and running a comic book store. Other comic book publishing companies are becoming more and more popular for readers that do not want to read about iron man every week, or captain america. Get all the tips, tools, and support you need to start, run, and grow your comic book business.
More stores opened in 2019 but more will close in 2020. Thats why a used comic books store can be a great business. Here is a summary of the most important things you need to know about starting and running a comic books business. Mar 12, 2019 startup want to turn your comic book idea into a milliondollar business. Thats just what mike marts did, leaving behind comic book titles like dcs batman and marvels the xmen to become editorinchief of aftershock comics. For years, the independent bricksandmortar bookselling business has been under pressure from. The comic book retail industry is an attractive venue for entrepreneurs who are passionate about the world of comics. Protect your personal assets from unexpected legal claims. Learn about the daytoday activities of a comic book store owner, the typical target market, growth potential, startup costs, legal considerations, and more. If so, starting any entertainmentbased business isnt very practical. I havent actually tried to tap into starting a business because ive been more concerned with coming up with good ideas. You cant just make a comic about a product or brand. For over a century, comic books have remained one of the most wellloved forms of reading entertainment. Mar 30, 2017 so as i begin to build my comic book empire, i decided to give myself strict rules and guidelines to follow in order to be successful.
Dec 30, 2014 jeff bock, senior box office analyst at exhibitor relations, an entertainment business research firm, told cnbc via email that hollywood is in love with comic book movies as superheroes are. There are several great ways to find used books, magazines, videos, and even video games for free, so you. Opening a comic books shop start a comic books trading business. It was very easy to follow along with and written in a simple and easy to read format. You dont have to be a superhero to open a successful comic book publishing business. Sell comic books online start an online comic store free. Heres the first step turning a hobby into a profitable business may be easier than you think. Rather than divulging yourself into a comic book universe or maybe many, focus on one character or a team xmen, jla only. With very few exceptions, most store owners quickly find themselves in some measure of debt, and the day comes when they realize that they cant get out. Although comic con and the business of pop culture is from a business publisher, salkowitz has written it for readers interested in comic culture generally as well as for business people.
Many comics creators, however, have successfully created a company to publish their own work, plus possibly work from a few other indie. Did you ever want to get into comics, but did not quite know how. Diamond rules the market, delivering for everyone from dc and marvel down to small indie presses. Nevertheless, starting a comic book store business is a great way of making money, especially if you have the passion for collecting these magazine type narratives. If you intend to secure a small business loan for it id advise against borrowing to publish comics. As comic con international in san diego draws a record crowd of more than 125,000 and superhero movies continue cleaning up at the box office, comic book franchises are. The owners werent very friendly or customer service oriented and all but two finally closed.
Bear in mind that opening a comics shop is very much a case of slapping the tar baby. We learn what typically happens within the first 6 months to 1 year of. Saga 2012 present 7 it is often to be considered as star wars meets game of thrones. Jeff bock, senior box office analyst at exhibitor relations, an entertainment business research firm, told cnbc via email that hollywood is in love with comic book. For many book lovers, opening a bookstore seems to be a dream job. Independent booksellers enjoy being part of a community, encouraging the pleasure of reading in adults, and helping to make lifelong readers out of children.
Starting a comic books business business ideas resources for. For the most part, starting a comic book store is relatively easy to do. For the unlearned in the ways of caped crusaders and masked villains, starting a comic book business may be a childish endeavor. A newish comic shop in my town ran commercials during the first half of the new seasons of arrow and the flash.
You dont have to be a superhero to open a successful comic book. Blastoff comics owner explains why most comic book stores. Like other retailers on the high street, comic shops must factor in rents, business rates, staff wages, insurance but the profit margins on comics are so narrow as to make this a very delicate. The concept of a comic book adaptation of a business title is. This is hardly a childish endeavor, and serious minded entrepreneurs that sell comic books can be rightfully compared to book.
How to start a comic book store takes research and a diverse inventory and knowledge about the history of the many comic book characters that have been created through the years. As the former kind of reader, i found this an interesting and readable book which although technical in places never descended into impenetrability or the. Especially, if you do not know much about them and do not have anyone that can teach you the dos and donts. Comic book owners explain how to start a comics retail. How to make the business plan for a comic book company quora.