I have received several questions on how to start a comic book store. I’m not a big fan of comics except for X-Men but I understand that comics afficionados are passionate about their comics and can be one of the most loyal customers you can have.

I found a great resource on how to start your own comic bookstore, including where to get distribution agreements to be able to sell DC, Marvel and other comic titles. This site also discusses the discounts you can get from the dealers based on your volume, and other very helpful information.

http://www.newsarama.com/pages/Tilting/Tiltingv2_7.htm

One of the places where you can purchase your inventory is Diamond Comics Distributor http://retailer.diamondcomics.com/newaccts/customer.htm

For a retail store, you will also need to consider the following:

• choosing the best location that you can afford
• getting all the licenses and permits to operate a store (from retail license to fire safety to zoning)
• buying insurance to protect your business from fire, theft, and other unexpected circumstances
• choosing the name of your store and your logo

Some websites that may help you:

Grand Comics Database http://www.comics.org/
The Comics Journal http://www.tcj.com/
Comic Art Magazine http://www.comicartmagazine.com/
Comic Shop News http://www.csnsider.com/

To give you ideas on how to operate a bookstore and a hobby store, here are some books you may want to read on operating a retail store:

• So You Want To Own The Store : Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown, Thomas Tilling
• Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business (Start & Run a) by Jim Dion
• Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
• Retail Success! by George Whalin
• Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
• 1001 Ideas to Create Retail Excitement, Revised Edition (2003) by Edgar A. Falk

You may also want to check if there’s a trade association for comic book sellers in your area. Here is an example :
Minnesota Comic Book Association http://www.mncba.com/