|
|
Aurelius New user Oshawa, Ont. Canada 14 Posts |
For anyone entering a magic shop for the first time, the experience can be overwhelming...especially to a beginner.
How can he/she make the best use of this experience. ie. get a catalog in advance and create a list, have a budget, have a list of reviewed/best-of tricks/videos/books? What would you suggest? |
Loual4 Special user Montreal, Canada 670 Posts |
This may seem a little bit obvious to some, but to tell you the truth, you should get ready to simply talk to the people behind the counter! They ususally (based on my experience...) are very helpfull when it comes to helping you find what you need. Many thing are available in these shops, whether it is gimmicks, close-up magic, parlour, or even stage. My advice for you is to go in there thinking of what you would like to start with. Do you like cards, coins, would you like to do shows for children (school, birthday parties, etc...) If you know what you would like to try in general, the people at the shop will be able to steer you more precisely towards something which is adapted to your taste and skill level.
Hope this helps! Have a good day! |
dazelle New user 47 Posts |
Yes Loual4 has a good idea, about asking the person behind the counter, but everyone has their own opinions, if the person has ascess to internet, they could head on over to penguinmagic.com, there they have lots of magic demos to be able to see a trick before you buy it, this is what I usually do, if I see a trick on there I like, ill usually head on down to the shop to see if they carry it and there opinion or experience with it,
heh saves a lot of time rather than asking, Oooo what does this one do, lol
when i beat you at your own game, you'll have no place else to turn
|
Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
MOST magic shops usually have a nice and helpful attendant. But there are exceptions. I have been in shops where I have walked out because of terrible service.
But if you find a decent one...he will be honest and help you out.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
|
bananacube New user 10 Posts |
I must say I had a terrible experience the other day and wish I had read the advice on here. the main prob was I didn't know what I wanted and felt intimidated by the people behind the counter
Magic is as Magic does!
|
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
With the increased popularity of the internet, the magic industry has been completely transformed. Today, more than ever, we have instant access to information about almost any magical effect on the market. Video clips, consumer reviews, discussion forums, all help to educate the consumer before he buys.
In addition, we are no longer restricted to buying from our local magic shop. We have access to thousands, upon thousands of dealers throughout the world - and purchasing is just a click away. All of this gives the consumer a tremendous amount of power, AND THE DEALERS KNOW IT. They are now being forced to compete in a worldwide market with both virtual and real world stores. Since we can buy from anywhere, they are faced with increased pressure to provide the best selection, the best pricing, and the best service. NOW THEY HAVE TO EARN OUR BUSINESS. So, having said this, why should anyone feel intimidated when walking into a magic shop?
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
emeline Regular user 135 Posts |
In france, the most of the magic shops is located in paris ! of course it exists some shops in other towns but the most of the time the atmosphere is very strange ! it seems not very serious and especially very expensive ! so internet stays maybe the most interesting.
|
magiccarpet New user 59 Posts |
I think you should get a catalog first and read it to see what kind of magic you would like doing. You can then go to a shop and maybe talk to someone and you may have a better understanding of what they are showing you. If you do not like the person at the shop go to a different shop. You should have some idea of how much money you want to spend.
|
Sean Comer New user 48 Posts |
For some, going to a Magic Shop can be intimidating, especially if you are new to magic. For me, when I first went, I browsed a bit, then spoke with the person behind the counter and let them know my interests and the fact that I was a beginner. At that point, I had a pleasent experience becuase the 'sale' was focused on my skill level and interests. The demonstrator showed me some advanced magic, so that when I 'returned' as a loyal customer I had additional ideas, etc.
A budget is always a good idea. Have you ever shopped at the grocery store when you are hungry? I have, and always come home with impulse purchases. Same holds true for me in a Magic Shop. If I go in 'blind', well, I would wind up spending a lot. Good luck. |
DomKabala Inner circle I've grown old after diggin' holes for 2827 Posts |
Browse the internet and get an idea of what type of magic interests you. Close-up, parlor or stage, mentalism, etc. Establish your budget and stick to it. The average magic shop will stock the popular tricks but can special order any items. The really big shops will stock much more and this is where it can be hard to stick to a budget...it's sort of like being in a big candy store, too much to choose from. Also brick and mortar shops can be more expensive than the mailorder places but you'll get to see the merchandise before purchase and get expert advice and demonstrations. I myself will ask to see their books, videos/DVDs because I'm into close-up magic with cards and coins (mostly cards). When I was younger I was into stage/parlor (illusions) type magic and did magic with gaffs and gimmicks. Now I'm mostly into sleight of hand. I have found that thru the years, what you're into now, may not be what you're into later. Change is inevitable. Do your homework first (research) then develop. Good luck!
:bluebikes: <<<KRaZy4kardz>>>
We don't stop playing when we grow old...we grow old when we stop playing.
God is enough, let go, let God. Gal 2:20 "Anything of value is not easily attained and those things which are easily attained are not of lasting value." |
calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
Hm, I don´t see much difference to "normal" shops, so I would say that you just go there, have a look, and try to speak to the shop owner. Don´t expect more than in other "hobby stores", and enjoy your visit. And don´t buy everything they offer you!
Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » Magic shop(ping) (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |