Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KKsimons]

So I'm thinking of starting an online comic shop here in Korea. After looking into more and more I realized the biggest reason why there isn't anyone selling comics in Korea - unless you're selling more than about $1000 worth of comics per month, you're actually in the red and losing money on the venture.

$1000 is about 300 comics per month, give or take, so it isn't an insane amount or anything, but I'm really not quite sure how many people would be interested in an online comic shop to get their monthly singles. I would, of course, be able to order other things like trade paper backs and such, but there's a monthly minimum to order and then the base to remain profitable. This of course assumes the selling of the comics at their MSRP without any markups and I'd be able to meet at key locations to either hand deliver comics in Itaewon or Gangnam, or, of course, send them via post.

What do you people think? Would any of you use it? Would there be any interest in an online comic for all your comic book wants and needs?

[Juregen]

Why don't you try it with back orders?

[Captain Corea]

Honestly, I love comics, but I would not be all that interested in this. My collection is back in Canada. It'd be impossible to bring here.

For just reading comics, I stick to digital now - so much easier to manage.

[KKsimons]

I feel you on the digital comics thing. Thing is, wouldn't you be interested in spending exactly the same amount to get the physical thing that you spend on the digital version - since all top selling Marvel comics actually come with a free digital download coupon these days.

Back orders could be a thing - but in order to order from Diamond (the only comics distributor for Marvel, DC and others), you need to hit a monthly minimum. Plus shipping it all to Korea, I'd need to sell about $1000 worth of product at regular MSRP (about 3.99 or 2.99 per comic depending) in order for it to not cost any money and to actually become profitable.

There are some pretty large communities that have expressed interest here in Korea - fan communities of Koreans who dig it. The biggest hurdle for them seems to be knowing where to start and, of course, the whole only-in-English thing (though translated hardcover TPB collections are becoming more prominent in book stores)

[waynehead]

I read comics digitally, too, and aside from the occasional used TPB I rarely ever buy physical copies any more. Sorry d00d, I'd love it if there was a proper comic book shop here in Seoul, but you're trying to buck a pretty strong trend here (and in unfamiliar territory to boot). I'd go back to the drawing board if I were you.

[El Bandito]

[Captain Corea]

As far as I know, Marvel, DC, and Image all have apps for their comics. I've used them, but also use torrents.

[optik404]

I've never seen a Korean reading a western comic. They read a lot of those Asian style comics. Mangas?