How to Open an Anime Store
Full Answer
Generally speaking, you can (and probably should) have a small set of comparably inexpensive "in stock" items like keychains, small trading figures, stickers, etc. - but to keep costs low, your online shop should mainly sell stuff via pre-orders. Meaning you would not simply buy a ton of anime stuff and try to sell it.
You can gain online clients by giving offline clients your business card when you attend anime conventions. Once someone has bought from you, be sure that you obtain their e-mail address and try to update them of new products that you receive once per month either by e-mail or regular mail. Continue your marketing efforts.
However, it is still possible to become an anime distributor with enough diligence, persistence, and the appropriate industry contacts. Even without industry contacts, it may still be possible to become an anime distributor but it will certainly be more challenging. Be in the know.
J-List is a company that sells anime and Japanese pop culture -related items, though the products on J-List's site are for customers who are 18 and above. JBOX, though, is safe. J-List is also an American company, so it avoids some of the pitfalls that Martin mentions.
Your business plan outlines how you’ll build, promote and finance your store and products. It will help you define how you’ll earn money from your store and pay your monthly expenses.
You need to pick a location for your anime store. Of course, this applies if you’re planning to start a brick and mortar store. Strip centers and malls where your target consumers gather could be a good location. You can also rent a space in an established business that serves your target audience.
Contact the business regulations and licensing department of your state and ask them about what you have to do to become a legal business owner. Most states require store owners to register the store name and get a basic business license and resale/sales tax permit.
Marketing your business is very important. Choose online classifieds and newspapers that your target customers read. You can also buy a weekly advertisement for your store. Join events, conferences and local conventions about anime or anime-related stuff. This will help you learn new marketing techniques and network with other anime store owners.
Starting a Toy Store Toys are kids' favorite, they will never stop buying even if they have enough at home. This article explains the basic elements needed to start your own toy store.
Did you know that the anime streaming service Crunchyroll has over 4 million subscribers on their platform? If you love anime yourself, odds are you’re also one of the 4 million subscribers using Crunchyroll on a regular basis.
If you’re looking to open an anime store, odds are you know that you can’t sell products without having the licenses to do so.
Anime conventions go on regularly throughout the country. In order to become a full-time distributor, you will need to attend every convention possible. You almost always are required to travel to these conventions. Most distributors travel at least once per month.
Marketing online and offline is very important for anime distributors because it takes both to create a successful business venture. Using social media such as Twitter and Facebook ,distributors can post updated information about products that they are carrying in their online shops.
It's very important to know what is going on at all times because the anime industry tends to fluctuate its trends quite frequently.
For example, in 2008 the anime called "Naruto" was heavily popular, but in 2009 "Death Note" took its place as one of the most popular anime of the year. Staying current will help you know what products you can purchase that are guaranteed to sell. Use available start-up capital.
Anime products include figurines, manga, anime DVDs and other various products that relate to anime and come from Japan. Becoming an anime distributor in the United States is a difficult task. There is a very small niche market in the U.S. for anime when compared with other countries.
Bob Koonce, Owner of Anime Fix. Writer Bio. Gonnette Almurey is a professional freelance writer with a heavy background in fiction writing. Her expertise in non-fiction topics include finance and freelance advice. She has been a professional writer since 2004.
In today's market most distributors sell products online and offline. Using a website with a shopping cart feature, distributors can sell items online that can be shipped all over the world. You can gain online clients by giving offline clients your business card when you attend anime conventions.