Maybe you have been thinking about it for a while. It usually goes like this.

“I’ve been playing Magic for a long time now. How cool would it be to open my own local gaming store (LGS)? I know how to trade, how hard can it be to sell?” 

First off, it is totally cool going into business for yourself. Second, Magic and gaming is a great industry to get into. Third, there is one more question you should consider deeply first. The first question you need to ask yourself is why?

Why do you want to own a Magic business? Are you sure that is the appropriate path for you? There are many ways to enjoy the game of Magic. The most important thing you can do before you take any further steps is figure out what your goals and motivations are. Even outside of a business, this is a good question to ask yourself as it will yield valuable answers about what makes you happy. If you like Magic because you enjoy crushing the dreams of new players, running a shop may not be the best choice for you. If the community is what excites you then you might be on the right track.

Going into business for yourself can be extremely rewarding but it is also one of the most challenging things you can do. Especially one that is tied into your passion. The one thing I will warn you about up front is that if you are starting a business, any business, for the sole reason of making money, you’re doing it wrong.

A Magic business can be profitable but if money is the focus, the business will suffer and will ultimately fail. Profit is important but shouldn’t be the top priority. If you answered the question why with answers like “to have the best Magic store around” or “because I love the Magic community and want to make it better” then a future in professional Magic sales may be right for you. If you begin with the right goals in mind you will be much more likely to succeed.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Taking care to make sure your customer is happy tends to translate into a profitable business. If you

can solve your customer’s problems they will gladly give you their money in return.

Assuming you’re still reading this you must be at least a little interested in the business side of Magic and hopefully for the right reasons. If that’s the case that’s fantastic! Magic: the Gathering has a wonderful community that is thriving and generating success for thousands of businesses around the world. Magic and games in general are a great industry to get into and doing something you are passionate about is the most fulfilling thing you can do.

At the start of this post I asked a question about why you want to start a business. I hope that if you were on the fence or were just daydreaming about the possibility I have helped you decide what path is right for you. I hope you are now excited and committed to owning your own business. The Magic community can always use more dedicated and enthusiastic people running things. If you want to learn more before diving into the Magic business world I will be writing more about the process of starting your own retail store right here. If there are any specific questions you have, please ask them in the comments or send me an email and I will give you the best information I can provide.

I’m on a mission to make Magic a better game and to help businesses improve their communities and their bottom lines. Join me in the conversation and we can improve the LGS’s and by doing so, take Magic to the next level. Until next time.

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Thomas Traplin
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