Your Magic Store

[magicwhiz]

Where do you guys buy your Magic Tricks from? And why do you buy it from that specific store?

Good Promotions?
Good Service?
Fast Shipping?

[Michael L.]

Usually from the US Toys Magic Shop in Kansas; they have an online arm but I prefer to drive the 4 hours. It is a big shop (stage inside) inside a big educationally bent toy store.  Phil has been in business for a million years and finds all kinds of great stuff in storage!

If I shop online then it is generally for e-products; it is an instant gratification thing!  I have shopped a few places but I have grown to appreciate Lybrary.com's selection.  I haven't ever had any problem with them, so their service has not ever been a factor, although I beleive you can mail them a check for a download, which seems a bit above and beyond!

[gaafman]

I try to buy it from the makers themselves. Otherwise go local. Or to penguin because they have good prices and don't have high international shipping charges and good service.

But you have your own shop right? Or are you advertising for someone elses shop?

[McAig]

In the UK from magicbox in Newcastle, the reasons being that they generally have very competitive prices and their communication is usually excellent (eg if they discover they won't be able to get something to you for a week or so, they phone or email quickly to give you the option of changing your order), and their delivery is very prompt. Other places are sometimes cheaper, but the service / delivery is not good, I don't use them again.

Also in the UK, 'magic books by post' website because they have a great selection of books you can't get elsewhere.

[FigaroTheParrot]

I generally try to buy from the creator if I can, even if the cost is a little higher (however, not if it is exorbitantly higher). If that fails, I'll usually just google search it and find the best combination of trustworthy retailer and good price. I'm willing to pay a few dollars more if it means I know I'll have fast shipping and excellent service behind it.

My favorite place though? Any of the magic shops in New York City, usually Fantasma magic on 34th (?) St. Great staff who really love their magic and have always been insanely honest with me. Tannen's used to be wonderful too, but the last time I was there it was in a state of disrepair. I've heard rumors they fixed it back up, and if so I'd be more than happy to visit...but in my experiences they have been sliding a slippery slope (accentuated by the fact that they now are in the same space that the famous Martinka's magic shop last occupied, before they went out of business! Eep!).

[magicwhiz]

Thank you to all those who replied. This information will help us out lots!