Eight Countries and Counting…

I just updated the list of places in the real world where you can pick-up a copy of RELUCTANT SADIST. Somehow I have managed to get my comix into cool stores in eight countries! (Czechia, Finland, France, Greece, Latvia, Spain, UK and, of course, the USA)

So how did I do that? Persistence, research and being prepared. First, I research where I’m traveling for comic book shops or other places (record shops, art centers, etc.) that might have indie comix. Note; many mainstream comic book shops have no interest in stocking small press, indie, DIY comix and zines. They are going more for the FUNKO POP/MANGA/MARVEL/DC crowd, so no need to waste their time or yours trying to convince them to take some copies.

Sometimes I don’t research ahead of time or I randomly discover a distro opportunity and that is why I always travel with 3-5 copies of RS #8 and #9. The comix are in protective sleeves and carried in a portfolio, so they are clean and fresh as a shop won’t want dog-eared or soiled pubs.
I also carry some WEAVERWERX stickers and postcards to give away to the shop or random interested folks.

When I first enter the shop, I don’t march straight to the counter and inquire if they would be interested in taking some of my comix. No, I “case the joint” as they say, basically browse their stock and see if they even carry any comix like mine. If they do, then I do some shopping, picking up some new pubs.

I also carefully watch how the shop clerks interact with the customers as very occasionally I have encountered some shockingly rude comic shop owners/workers, but this is the rare exception. I do not care to give business to mean, rude folks. If the shop is busy, I make sure that I don’t interfere with the sales flow and wait for a pause in the action before I show my comix and ask if they would be interested in stocking it. The vast majority of times, I get a positive reaction and the establishment will take 1-5 copies. Terms vary from shop to shop, but most stores will offer three options. First is a wholesale option where they outright buy copies at a discount on the cover price, generally 25%-75% to the shop and pay cash on the spot or via electronic means (Paypal, Venmo, etc) The second option is consignment where you leave copies and only receive any money if/when the comix sale. This is usually a better deal for the artist fee-wise, but this is more uncertain and a bigger hassle unless the store is near where you live. The third option is trade credit, which is a good choice unless you are trying to recover your printing expenses. Most of the time I am taking wholesale or trade credit as they are the easiest and more direct options. I do make exceptions if consignment is the only option as it is with Quimby’s.

What is your method of approaching stores to stock your comix? Where are some places to check-out that are small press/indie comix friendly?

If you ever see RS comix in the wild, send me a photo and let me know where you saw it.

Until next time, keep smiling and shining your light and I’ll do the same!

OK HW