Are you thinking about buying magic online through the internet? A young magician recently asked me after a show for some advice on purchasing a particular magic prop. His question prompted some thought and the following article that discusses purchasing magic online via the internet. I hope that you find this helpful.
Before you purchase anything, find out anything and everything that you can about the prop, trick or DVD. If you have friends who are into magic, ask for their advice. Some may even own the prop and allow you to check it out and handle it.
Read the latest reviews in magic magazines. Of course, there are up-to-date reviews here at magic.about.com.
A Working Effect
Find out whether an effect will work in the situations that you perform in. And make sure that you have the skill level to perform the effect. Another resource, you can post a question on a magic-related forum for advice. There, others can offer suggestions and share their experiences.
One more thing, I wouldn't purchase an instructional DVD without a strong recommendation from another magician or a positive review. The descriptions in the catalogs tell you next to nothing.
The Magic Store
If you're lucky enough to have a real magic store in your area, please do everything that you can to support it. A magic store offers advantages: 1) it can offer good advice on a prop--how to use it and whether it’s right for your situations and skill level; 2) you can often hold and handle a prop and select the one that feels best for you and 3) a physical store offers something of a gathering place for magicians in your area to meet others with similar interests.
There are downsides: 1) a magic store has a limited selection-there's no way that a store can carry everything that's available on the internet; 2) commissioned salesmen may try to sell you something that's not right for you and 3) the magic store will probably charge higher prices than those from an internet store.
Convenience and Advice
When you purchase from a magic store, you're generally paying more for the convenience and advice. The magic store owner has lots of overhead expenses that he has to pass on to customers.
Whatever you do, please don't go to a magic dealer to obtain advice and then order the prop on the internet to save some bucks. If you don’t support your magic dealer, a dying breed, he won’t be around long and you'll lose a valuable magic resource in your area.
The Internet Vendors
I've generally had good experiences when I've purchased magic through the internet. While I'm not outright recommending the following vendors, I'm simply passing on my experiences. If you have an experience, positive or negative, I welcome you to post it in this thread on our magic forum.
I’ve found that Stevens Magic Emporium often has items that other vendors don't carry. I'm particularly impressed with Stevens because I once considered purchasing a pricey item and asked a question that was answered in a straight, honest way. Because I received an honest answer, I decided not to purchase the prop because I couldn't use it, and, of course, I saved money.
Everything that I've ordered through Stevens has been promptly shipped. If you're looking for a deal, check out the company's clearancearea for close-outs on limited items.
Another vendor that I've been impressed with is Denny Magic. Like Stevens, I feel that I can always ask Denny questions and receive straight answers. I've always received prompt service and delivery.
