Chance to be a record store manager

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Fongolio
Fongolio Posts: 3,516
edited August 2014 in The Clubhouse
Some of you may remember a few years back I changed careers from flooring installer to Armored Car Guard. I've been working in that industry for 3 years and although it pays the bills it's not a great job.

A friend of mine in town who owns a used vinyl and vintage gear and guitar shop had a deal to sell the shop. My friend has a second shop about 300 miles from the one near me. He was going to move there and had already sold his house and moved almost all his belongings when the deal for the sale of this shop fell through at the last minute.

He has asked me if I'd consider managing the shop for him and he'd be an absent owner. I'd make less money initially but he'd allow me to set up a bench in the record store and do minor electronics repair as a side business (which I already do) to make up the difference in pay.

This is my dream job. I already own a ton of gear and about 3000 records. Music is my passion and I can't think of a job where I might be happier. I already hang out there a lot and know most of the regular customers by name. Lastly there is a chance if I could put the funds together of out right buying the store.

Am I crazy not to take this?
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  • Sea
    Sea Posts: 317
    edited July 2014
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    Follow your dream especially if you can make close to the same by doing the repair work.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,100
    edited July 2014
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    Any time you can find a way to be your own boss it is a blessing IMHO.... If it can pay your bills and let you save something for later, go for it.
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    edited July 2014
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    I have also thought something similar would be an awesome job.

    Here are my thoughts, which may not mean ****, but you asked... :)

    1. Store manager. If you can swing it financially, seems like it would be a nice gig.

    2. Store owner. If the vintage gear and guitars can keep the shop afloat, maybe not a bad option, but in all reality, I think in the next 5 years the vinyl surge we have going now will fade away and you may find it tough to pay the bills if you are relying mostly on vinyl sales.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,043
    edited July 2014
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    Not sure that turning a hobby into a profession is a good idea -- it wouldn't be for me, but perhaps for you, it will be!
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited July 2014
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    Any way you can get a glimpse of financial performance? Record stores are a dying breed, so I'd hate to leave my current job only to end up somewhere that's going downhill fast and may be closing in the next couple of years.

    If it feels "safe" after seeing those #'s, why not? You only get one go at life after all. Might as well be doing what you love, if it will pay the bills.
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited July 2014
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    Don't let your dreams get mixed up with your job. You have to really look at that proposition from every angle. You're looking at a job in a very niche market, in a store, which the owner doesn't seem to want to, so he may sell it down the road. Then you have to find additional business by fixing equipment to make up the difference. Doing repairs as a hobby is one thing, doing it as a job carries more responsibilities including extra insurance, etc. Don't mean to **** on your dream, but it sounds like a risky business.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,043
    edited July 2014
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    ... ask the folks who were makin' cupcakes a little while ago, when that fad was cresting.

    http://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace/marketplace-tuesday-july-8-2014
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  • helipilotdoug
    helipilotdoug Posts: 1,229
    edited July 2014
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    I'm one of those who believes if you are able to do something that makes you happy, and can still support your family, then go for it. You have an opportunity to build your own business as a tech as well, plus enjoy your vinyl hobby. Just make sure you don't eat up all the profits buying every LP you see that you like :D Experience with managing the store will also give you a lot of insight into that ownership possibility.
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,860
    edited July 2014
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    It really depends on the type of person you are........personally I've found that doing what you love for a living is much like moving to your favorite vacation spot to live. It takes the luster off from both, turning the special into normal, causing you to eventually seek new places and things to enjoy.

    But that's just me......
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  • pumpkinman
    pumpkinman Posts: 9,520
    edited July 2014
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    Dennis Gardner wrote: »
    It really depends on the type of person you are........personally I've found that doing what you love for a living is much like moving to your favorite vacation spot to live. It takes the luster off from both, turning the special into normal, causing you to eventually seek new places and things to enjoy.

    But that's just me......

    The guy who owns Double Decker Records "my favorite hang out" told me when the day is done he doesn't want see another LP.
    I said you must have one hell of a collection, he replied there's not one record in his home and has no desire to have any.

    I don't see how I could feel this way. I agree with the OP this is a dream job.
    But until you try it how will you know if it makes you happy or miserable.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,906
    edited July 2014
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    Dennis Gardner wrote: »
    It really depends on the type of person you are........personally I've found that doing what you love for a living is much like moving to your favorite vacation spot to live. It takes the luster off from both, turning the special into normal, causing you to eventually seek new places and things to enjoy.

    But that's just me......

    Well said....and so true. If you love what your doing for work, it never really becomes work.
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited July 2014
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    I say go for if..
    Not many people can say they are doing their Dream Job..I think.
    Is it a franchise if not, if he sells it later I'm sure he will offer it to you first and since it's not a franchise it will be much much cheaper to buy, or just change the name to your Dream Name, just don't name it Dirk Diggler..lol
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,530
    edited July 2014
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    It's not like your giving up some great career to take a shot at this, not banging on being an armored car guard but I feel like if it didn't work out you could just do that again. Go for it, maybe the side business will do more for you and the store than you think.




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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited July 2014
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    plus you can maybe hire P-man & Rednedtugent and put them to work, wait they would buy up all your records as fast as you got them. could you image P-man telling his wife he got a job there? LOL
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
    edited July 2014
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    The exposure to more repairs might make it worth while.

    Question: If things don't go as planned can you go back to your old job or an as-like job? If yes, why not give it a whirl.
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    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,059
    edited July 2014
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    "Make your vocation your vacation." Mark Twain
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited July 2014
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    we have a couple of new used record shops that showed up in town and it was not long before they were picked clean, Vinyl addicts buy (collect) but don't seem to trade in much.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited July 2014
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    Thanks to all for your thoughts. This is not an easy decision but yes, I can always go back to guarding. I think at times in life moments happen and opportunities come along that define us in a way. I always think of the Albert Brooks character in the movie "Defending Your Life" (Merrill Streep co-starred). He was defined by his fear of the unknown and his inability to "seize the moment". This is one of those moments. I may regret doing it, but I will for sure regret NOT doing it.

    Decision made. Wish me luck. Thanks.
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    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited July 2014
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    Good luck!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited July 2014
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    Fongolio wrote: »
    Thanks to all for your thoughts. This is not an easy decision but yes, I can always go back to guarding.

    Decision made. Wish me luck. Thanks.

    If you can always go back to guarding, and you're SURE on that! Then "maybe" it's OK to take a chance, otherwise, walk away, because I don't believe there is much of a future here. Follow your dreams sounds good, but this is America and there are literally millions upon millions living lives with shattered dreams, way MORE than the few who are held up as an example of those who pulled themselves up by their you know whats. lol

    Good luck to you either way!

    cnh
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
    edited July 2014
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    Good luck bro...

    Just remember a record store doesn't have to be a record store, so be creative i.e. apparel, or any other small items for profit.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited August 2014
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    Today is the 4th day at this new job and I'm loving it!! Better than I expected. I've never had days fly by so fast at work. Really really enjoying this job.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    edited August 2014
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    That's great to hear! Hope it stays that way.
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  • xjghost
    xjghost Posts: 1,083
    edited August 2014
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    Fongolio wrote: »
    Today is the 4th day at this new job and I'm loving it!! Better than I expected. I've never had days fly by so fast at work. Really really enjoying this job.

    That is great to hear. I hope it all works out for you.
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,860
    edited August 2014
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    Glad to see you liking it. Keep us updated on the ups and downs so we can live vicariously through you........
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  • xjghost
    xjghost Posts: 1,083
    edited August 2014
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    Dennis Gardner wrote: »
    Glad to see you liking it. Keep us updated on the ups and downs so we can live vicariously through you........

    No doubt! Do they partake in RSD? If so can you hook us up on the rare ones? ;)
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited August 2014
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    Nice!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,472
    edited August 2014
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    If you were closer id swing in :) glad your enjoying it & hope for the best
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Randy/Maine
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,043
    edited August 2014
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    Excellent! Have fun!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,100
    edited August 2014
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    Fongolio wrote: »
    Today is the 4th day at this new job and I'm loving it!! Better than I expected. I've never had days fly by so fast at work. Really really enjoying this job.

    "Fongo's Vinyl Emporium & Vintage Audio" has a nice ring to it.

    Congrats and enjoy... let us know when the Polkie Discount comes around.:lol:


    I just got promoted to Store Manager here at Paul's TV, but what a pain in the **** this place is.
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