Not wanting to sound like yet another naysayer but I think you've probably badly underestimated the tie eand cost involved in setting up a business (and yes I saw your statement in one of the other threads that you've now set up your store.)

My opening date is on 6-7-04. I am waiting a week before having my official grand opening, so that I can have a few actual operating days to work out the kinks, like the damn cash register and store layout. This will also allow me more time to purchase some more inventory. I will be having a ribbon cutting on 6-11-04, which will give me some free publicity.

I totally agree that I underestimated the cost. Luckily, I still have enough to make a decent run at it. I have been corresponding with James Sime, the owner of Isotope and he has given me some excellent advice, such as the beg and borrow business principle. Basically do whatever it takes to succeed.

I still have not heard from Diamond. Somehow I am not suprised. In fact everythin else is in place except for this. I initially contacted them about a month ago. I still think that they need to change their new account policy.

As for where I am opening, my plan was to open in Stillwater, but we found it more economically feasible to start in Chandler. While Chandler is a much smaller town, I have a monopoly on books, games, comics, and related merchandise. Chandler is also the hub of the county and is growing by leaps and bounds.

Does anyone know why every time I register a different name the confirmation e-mail never gets sent? I did this twice now and never got my password, but I did see the new name under the welcome new user.

Until next time the store is alive and well. I will be posting some photos of my store as soon as I have my grand opening celebration and also check out James Sime, owner of Isotope, also known as the Comic Pimp on comicbookresources.com. My store may be featured there. James will be doing column on the next generation of store owners and I have been invited to participate.

Hey smack, I just found the pics of my store when I first set it up...wannasee?

Hey jack post em up!

6-4-04

I spent about 12 hours in the store today. Oh the horror. While the work was tedious, it is much more rewarding than working for the man. I don't think I have ever smiled while I worked at any of my other jobs. Yes, it is still new to me and I am sure that is part of the allure, but damnit it will always be a good thing to be the top man and to have nobody to answer to.

The few hours I spent outside of the shop were spent preparing the ad for the paper and picking up supplies, fliers, and food.

Over the weekend I will be passing out 500 fliers and just bugging people in general. I am not really sure about the law on placing fliers on windshields, so hopefully I don't get a fine or anything.

I have already had to take down a poster from my front window. Apparently, I can't display anything with the word sex in it. Although at the same time the movie stores have all kinds of graphic violence and near nudity in their windows. Whats the number for the CBLDF? (hehe)

Well, back to work.

Good luck!!!

Consider carefully whether you want to have posters in your window, and if so, what they are. Posters block the view of your store interiors, which can be quite enticing. Most posters designed for comic shops are designed for interior viewing from a few feet away -- folks walking down the sidewalk are apt not to notice it, while the poster will be too busy or subtle to catch the folks driving by in cars.

I noticed you're not in the CSLS yet. If you're not setup with that yet, do it ASAP. It's essential.

Also, if you haven't yet, I'd join the CBIA. It's a wealth of resources you can't afford to miss out on. And feel free to call me if you need any help with anything.

Jerry Wall - Owner
Atomic Comics
Oklahoma City, Ok 73139
405-632-2848

A few things not even spoken to in this thread:

First, look at your posting name. Aside from being disgustingly misogynistic, it also speaks volumes about your personality. So, firstly, I would say, you might want to put on a more mature and more professional face.

Second, I noticed some misuse of common words and phrases in your initial and subsequent posts (e.g., "jump through loops," your use of "there" instead of "their," the misspelling of "receipts," et. al.). I am NOT picking on you when I say that it is VERY possible that due to this, assuming you are e-mailing or otherwise writing to people there, that folks at Diamond may not think you are serious. If you are talking to them on the phone, do you have a professional phone demeanor?

Heck, they may think you're a fan just trying to get some info about upcoming comics or something. They may simply not trust you.

All in all, I recommend making for yourself a WRITTEN business plan. If you need a consultant for this, maybe go to an accountant who deals with commercial clients -- he/she might be able to point you in a direction for some good advice.

I also recommend making certain you are BUTTONED UP. By that I mean you should be acting like a professional retailer. You should know your biz, know what you need, know what you want, and the only thing you should be asking diamond is, "What's my first step with you?" Diamond probably even offers some kind of marketing or press materials to people such as yourself who are just starting out (shame on them if they don't).

I wish you great luck with the store.

Again, it all boils down to PROVING YOU HAVE A STOREFRONT. It's easy to prove, if you REALLY HAVE ONE.

If you do, you are in, and will have new titles in a week.

If you don't you'll have to jump through "they're" "loops".

LOL

Hello, Smackmorebitches Comics, can I help you?

HELLO??? HELLO??