the pro's know!

For My Birthday, we have a guest writer for Jen's Blog! Here's Steve: 

What is a magic shop? Generally speaking, a magic shop is where you buy magic supplies. In that sense we are a magic shop, but we aren't your typical "magic shop." 

We pride ourselves on offering high-quality, handcrafted magic supplies rather than mass-produced items. We focus on providing premium, custom-made tools designed for professional magicians. It is a huge benefit that I spent 30 years of my life as an entertainer, professional magician, and demo man in magic shops. I know what problems exist out there. I know cheap magic. I know luxury magic.

​Unlike regular magic suppliers, we do not wholesale or carry bulk-produced products. Instead, we specialize in small-batch, hand-made magic items that cater to discerning magicians seeking one-of-a-kind items. I determine what those items will be based on what I'm interested in challenging myself to do at the moment. On occasion I make something that is simply a labor of love. I make nothing on it financially but it makes me happy to provide it. Sometimes, certain items are popular enough, I will keep on making them like a living breathing Steve Myers production machine, which is not healthy for someone like me. I don't care for mass production. This is partially why we have been shrinking our line to offer only the top sellers. I cannot keep up with 60+ items in the line, offer custom work, and continue my efforts to broaden my skills and artistic needs by developing new or fun (to me) things. There is a blurry line between my hobbies and my work, and Jen tries her best to keep me straight! 

Often we're asked, "If I buy two of these, can you give me a deal?" and "Is this the best price you can do?" It can be frustrating since I'm not trying to sells things that I've purchased in bulk from China for pennies on the dollar. Everything we carry is handmade, one at a time. If we make one cigar, or we make ten cigars, they all take the same amount of time, energy, and money to produce by us. I think our prices are very reasonable for hand-made goods. Jen has done plenty of comp work to determine the price points, and I'm comfortable with what we are asking for everything in the SMM line. I have a handwritten receipt for a John Rogers handcrafted super droopy cigarette that cost $36 shipped, from 20 years ago! That was John's cost. That was what he needed to get paid for his time, money, and expertise. And you know what? I never questioned it. I wanted it, and when I could afford it, I paid for it. Of course I would have been happier to pay $12, but it was ART. Where else would I get a John Rogers Super Droopy? 

I wish more magicians could understand how much effort is made by two people who are just trying to bring something to the magic table that we think will benefit magicians greatly. The pro's know. For that, I am appreciative.

Jen has told me of many messages and well wishes for my upcoming carpal tunnel procedure. Surgery is Thursday! Planning to get right back to it in no time! 

-Steve