Hi ,

I'm trying to put together a traveller's directory for Vintage Toy Shops across the world, while my focus is originally for Mego collectors, I want to expand that to include any vintage toy shop that might be of interest.

Here is the beginning of the directory there is a form there to submit shops that you know of, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Brian

What do you think it would cost to open up a store like those?

Peace,

Chip

Hard to say, I've been flirting with doing it for years now, I think the minimum investment would have to be 25K but it all depends. The project I had in mind was going to include ownership of the building.

Within the year I may have an opportunity to get investment money to open a shop, and I'm throwing around ideas. I was thinking $75k...

Peace,

Chip

I would think to make a really good impact, it would be a minimum of 50k so 75 is even better.

Great idea, Brian! I'll try to get some of the local and regional places I know posted this week. There are a couple of other places that I know of that aren't so much "vintage" shops, but comic shops carry Japanese import toys and/or gaming supplies in addition to Diamond, McFarlane and DCD stuff but may occassionally have an oddball vintage find, should I list those, too? There's also a flea market right off the interstate here that has (had?) a couple of great toy booths (one of them is also a seperate brick-n-morter), should that be listed?

Hi Jim, thanks for the response, I see no problem in listing things like new comic shops as long they are labeled as such. As for flea markets, yeah bring em on!

Depending on what type and quality of vintage product you want to carry, your initial investment will unfortunately be much higher, esp if you want to own the land or building. And if you want to be in a good location, too, that is gonna drive up your costs. With overhead, product, advertising, etc you could be looking at a upwards of 200K.

Not that I want to be that bubble-bursting-jerk on the message board. I still think it would be a great idea and if you really want it then go for it.

It can be done for less, I've had friends start from scratch and build a pretty impressive operation, it just takes a lot of patience and a heck of a lot of your time.

Just a bump to thank everyone for their great input, I've had to update at least two times a day since this got started and it's not stopping!

Well, we really should be thanking YOU. I can't think of another website that gives me such a wave of nostalgia each time I visit it.

It's great therapy!!!

Peace,

Chip

You're far too kind Chip, I really appreciate that.

I agree with Chip, we appreciate the work that has been done on that site. very, very cool!

You gents are far too kind, I really appreciate knowing that.

Just bumping this thread to let you guys know I updated this page today, adding close to 15 new entries, mostly in California. If you've submitted an entry I really appreciate it, if your local toy or comic haunt isn't on here please tell us about it!