How to Secure a Distributor for Your New TCG Community Store
Embarking on the journey of opening a new trading card game (TCG) store is both exciting and challenging. My business partner and I have been actively engaged in vending at events and card shows, starting with our personal collections. Over time, we have expanded our inventory through strategic purchases and trades. As we prepare to open our physical location, our primary hurdle is securing a reliable distributor.
Our business already holds the necessary licenses and permits, yet we have encountered a common industry challenge: many distributors currently prioritize new accounts for established brick-and-mortar (B&M) stores, and they often require photographic proof of such a setup. This leaves us contemplating a temporary solution—renting an affordable space for a few months solely to meet distributor requirements until we can establish a long-term location.
This approach, although potentially costly due to limited small-space sales opportunities, seems to be our most plausible option. We are concerned that selling singles and hosting game nights in a temporary space will not generate substantial revenue. However, it’s a step we might have to take.
We are reaching out to the community for advice or alternative solutions we might not have considered. Insight from those who have navigated similar challenges would be invaluable as we continue on our path toward launching our store successfully. Your suggestions and expertise would be greatly appreciated!