I Took the Risk of Starting MY OWN Warhammer Store

Рет қаралды 163,621

Күн бұрын

I Took the Risk of Starting MY OWN Warhammer Store. I'll talk you through my experience with opening a Friendly local gaming store, and seeing if it really is living "The Dream". 2 years ago, I started my own business.. now we stock Warhammer 40k, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, D&D, Vallejo, Citadel and more! Do I regret this decision and has it always been easy? Stay tuned!
OUR STORE (EU based) - www.broadswordwargaming.com
PATREON - / broadswordwargaming
CIARA'S TWITCH - / ciara_elvenblood
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Do you enjoy the content? If so, do check out the links below. Your support is greatly appreciated and means a lot. 😀
PATREON - Access to Discord and Patreon only videos
/ broadswordwargaming
MY STORE - Miniatures, Scenics and CCG's (EU)
www.broadswordwargaming.com
ELEMENT GAMES - Everything hobby (UK)
elementgames.co.uk/?d=10421
Amazon shop - All your essentials
www.amazon.com/shop/broadswor...
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#Broadswordwargaming #Broadsword #flgs

Пікірлер: 515

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

Is there anything else you would like to know about opening your own hobby shop, ask away? Also, if you want to help support our family run business, check out www.broadswordwargaming.com :) THANKS! :)

@hawkshot867 Жыл бұрын

Just remember to disconnect and take a break every once in awhile - it's your career and your business, but make sure you have time for yourself and your family as well. Self employed, corporate, whatever - you make time for the things you make time for.

@rexross1461 Жыл бұрын

I would love to know how you find suppliers, stock etc

@zaynevanday142 Жыл бұрын

Sounds like it would help to win lotto first 😂

@zaynevanday142 Жыл бұрын

To be honest I didn’t even know about your shop until this video and went and had a wee look and it’s Awesomeness ! Are you able to ship to Australia 🇦🇺 ?

@hellcat64 Жыл бұрын

i too have had the joy of running a game store

@vagabondprime1691 Жыл бұрын

A friend of mine opened his own game shop 10 years ago. He's had good years, he's had bad years, but the last three years have been amazing because his community finally found him, and it's been amazing. I'm hoping the same for you! Congratulations!

@Arrowhead80 Жыл бұрын

I opened my own shop exactly like yours back in 2009 when I was 29. I managed to keep it for 10 years and closed in 2019, so I understand very well the struggles, the joy and all the feelings you expressed in this video. Those years were the best of my life, I saw children growing up and becoming young adults. I gave all I could to the small community where I live, and people still recognizes me and remember the good days they spent in my shop. Unfortunately I couldn't survive all the expenses and taxes that we have here in Italy so my dream ended. When I think of my time working in my beautiful shop I still shred a tear, I did that just today while trying to arrange all the stocks of products I still have in my house..and then it happened to see this video in my youtube home. So guys enjoy every day of your ride while it lasts, because I really felt happy to go to work every day and it's something I never experienced before and after that. Hopefully in your case it will be for many years until you will retire :) Good luck from Italy

@ChibsterofNurgy Жыл бұрын

"Have you ever dreamed of opening up your own hobby shop?" No After watching the video: FUCK NO. This is the kind of stress that would kill me. You both have more strength than me

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

Haha. That bit is the BRUTAL truth about opening a hobby shop.

@ChibsterofNurgy Жыл бұрын

@@BroadswordWargaming I wish you both and every other LGS owner the very best.

@cherdidi88 Жыл бұрын

I'll forever be grateful you took that risk and fostered such a great local store and hobby peeps. Thanks to you and Ciara l've found a community here, which made a new town feel like home.❤ I also really appreciate that you came into this video with true authenticity in your thoughts and feelings, I'm sure that resonates with so many.

@Huungri Жыл бұрын

These kinds of comments are genuinely what makes it all worth it ❤

@joltuk Жыл бұрын

Great video! Even though I'm not local I'm always grateful to the people out there who put their time and effort into running the stores that make our hobby great!

@Master_of_Antares Жыл бұрын

Well said!

@Dasike Жыл бұрын

I work in another irish hobby retail store and have done for 12 years and you've hit everything exactly how it really is on the head. It can be incredibly frustrating on the bad days and absolutely fulfilling on the best. I wish you both nothing but good luck and good times.

@Nusphigore Жыл бұрын

I have my own hobby shop and I agree wholehartedly with this. It has a lot of lows but also really nice highs. It takes time, a huge amount of patience and stress management. Things you wouldn't normally associate with a hobby store, but that's life

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

Right!? I mean, it's not great that we get so stressed out at times, but it's nice to hear we aren't alone! Keep it up and keep at it. Always around for a chat.

@Nusphigore Жыл бұрын

@@BroadswordWargaming of course, when ever you want mate :)

@chrisx5127 Жыл бұрын

@@BroadswordWargaming It's great that you are passionate about wargaming. FLGS owners need to be passionate about this hobby. I just wish I knew about FLGS before buying 40K at GW. I hate GW pushy salesman! Best of luck to your business!

@littlejimmy5020 Жыл бұрын

Some might say you took a bigger risk letting Ciara have the stockroom key 🤣

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

haha, that is a financial concern.. MY PAINT!

@Hokum_Paints Жыл бұрын

@@BroadswordWargaming What happened to our stock of Agrax Earth shade... Ciara!

@pinggwen Жыл бұрын

I visited your shop in 2020 when browsing around the city when I saw your sign I decided to go in as I had been looking at minis for a while I picked up my first mini and now I enjoy this hobby so much I wish you all the best in your business ❤Love from Dublin

@mcswainy Жыл бұрын

As a father of two young children in my late 30s, this resonates. Put me in an emergency, I can be cool as cucumber, make me talk bout how I feel trying to support my family and I'm a mess. You're a hero. Be kind to yourself. I wish you all the luck!

@stevexboxfriends7562 Жыл бұрын

Good luck to you. Anyone who takes a risk and helps keep the high street thriving deserves all the credit in the world.

@Hokum_Paints Жыл бұрын

Honestly, great video. Making a hobby a job can cut both ways and I think you see that in this video. It can be great, as the saying goes, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Except the times the Work spoils what you enjoy doing... Wishing you Ciara all the best with the shop!

@TheMiniJunkie Жыл бұрын

This is just fantastic content. Very raw, very real, and fascinating to hear your story and how it has gone for you with the business and everything else. Thank you for sharing this. If anything it left me wanting to hear more!

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm glad you found it interesting! I tried to be as honest as I could, and if I'm being more honest.. got a tad emotional around take 20. Ha. I hope everything is alright your end, I remember binging all of your warcry painting video a few years ago! 😀

@TheMiniJunkie Жыл бұрын

@@BroadswordWargaming the emotional part is the best part imo. It's very authentic. Yeah I'm doing ok, kinda fell out of KZfaq when I couldn't seem to grow the way other channels did :D

@dudeoftherock1183 Жыл бұрын

Got to visit in October last year, wonderful little shop and Ciara and Oliver were super nice!

@BroadswordWargaming Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! 😊

@tasidar3 Жыл бұрын

My parents had a Hobby store for about 10 years and it did very well, mostly do to magic the gathering and them having game nights. They had Warhammer miniatures for a bit but they never sold so they ended up sending them all back. It's a small town so that was likely why they didn't sell. They ended up selling the store so they could move to Quebec since we have family there. I still live in the small town and the store is still open and doing well. Best of luck to you guys, I am sure it will go well.

@GarethMurphy40k Жыл бұрын

Geat video, really interesting. I'm in Dublin, with presumably the biggest concentration of wargamers in Ireland, and I think it's extra impressive that you made a go of it in Mayo where the population density probably isnt in your favour. And your 2021 40k ITC event was by far the best 40k event I've ever been to! 👌🏻

@RaggiDrex 2 күн бұрын

I love the shaking table in the part of Demo games :D

@Huungri Жыл бұрын

I've got neck ache from nodding along to this. You've managed to convey the experience incredibly well, much love from a fellow hobby shop owner ❤

@thebaldorc Жыл бұрын

I can totally relate. A few years ago I looked into opening my own gaming store but after running the figures I couldn't afford it, so instead I looked into ecommerce and started a little eBay store. In two years it's grown and grown, I'm fast approaching the VAT threshold and that's great but it is all consuming. I have a two year old daughter and life is basically work, eat, looking after my daughter, stressing a little bit about money and work. But being self employed gives me the freedom to spend hours with my daughter every single day, so much more than if I worked a normal 9 to 5. But there's not enough hours in the day, not by a mile. It's so frustrating because I can clearly see the more time I invest in my business the more I get out of it, but there are only so many waking hours in a day. But it will get better. Good luck to you!

@ancientgraybear Жыл бұрын

Love the shop tour. Fair play to you both for sticking with the shop through a pandemic!! I hope you keep building and growing to the stage where you both get to enjoy working in the store more.

@ModellingforAdvantage Жыл бұрын

Great to see things moving forward, wishing you guys every success.

@slackeratlarge575 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the behind the curtain look 👍

@nicholasdunlop649 Жыл бұрын

An amazing video! If I'd lived near by I'd be supporting you both all the way for sure. Your openness and honesty is so welcoming in this day and age, young new hobbyists are lucky to have you!

@aelian7287 Жыл бұрын

I would love to do this in the future but I really appreciate the look into this and also getting to see such a wonderful store and awesome people from overseas!

@jaredmolberg7125 Жыл бұрын

This was such a great video to watch. I genuinely appreciate how honest you were, I’m excited to see how your business, your channel, and your life progresses. Please keep posting, and best of luck!

@chucktelschow Жыл бұрын

Excellent video as always. Ciara is so funny, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speed paint evaluation videos are my favorite. Keep up the great work you two!

@curtismatcham3307 Жыл бұрын

I wish you luck on your path. Thank you for sharing in an honest and real way.

@justinkotrba2197 Жыл бұрын

Totally appreciate you sharing what its like to own a hobby store and the struggles of your day to day. I feel your pain with always feeling like you have to keep on top of the store or the channel and not having enough time for yourself. Just know We do appreciate the work you put into these videos and they are excellent so thank you.

@thehonestaspy102 11 ай бұрын

I'm really happy for you both and wish you all the best, you have an excellent channel and it's really nice to see a couple that shares each others passion for the hobby 😊

@stevensweat2978 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your transparent way of communicating about this. Thank you!

@joem1944 Жыл бұрын

love the honesty present here, appreciate it and best of luck, youve already had a positive infulunce on my hobby from afar so im glad to hear that youve found a place and a platform to deliver that to many more

@JewelKnightJess Жыл бұрын

You and Ciara are absolute gems! I hope I can visit the store someday. Thanks for the peek behind the scenes! ❤️

@dupeesfashionconsultant4204 Жыл бұрын

That was a very brave video to make. I can only imagine having all of those stressors in such a rapid fire tidal wave. I definitely respect you both even more for it...and just know that your channel has made a huge impact on my introduction and enjoyment of the hobby. So I know its tough but just know all your hard work is absolutely paying dividends even if you aren't always able to witness it

@GrayPrimer Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, Ollie and Ciara, and thanks for being so candid and honest. ❤ I’m happy to support in any way that I can to promote the store.

@vilhelm999 Жыл бұрын

Powerful video that I honestly wasn’t expecting to be. Stay awesome and best of luck in everything you do fella.

@Spartan117C24 Жыл бұрын

Truly a great thing to have a shop like yours in Mayo. A very endearing video showing a glimpse behind the curtain. I hope plenty of people continue to support you!

@thesanguine Жыл бұрын

Loving the honesty! Good luck the pair of you!!!

@vectorshaman338 Жыл бұрын

Thx for sharing your passion w/ us! Really appreciate it! Opening your own business anytime is a challenge, doing it 2 years ago during the pandemic was really trial by fire for anyone in retail. Best of luck w/ your shop, takes courage to try and chase your dreams!

@cinderheat Жыл бұрын

i really enjoyed this look behind the curtain, i hope it all gets a little easier and you have more of those good days than bad.

@maxschrbrpsi-pok Жыл бұрын

I hope everything goes well for you mate! Best of luck on this adventure!

@raptorcreate Жыл бұрын

love this video, certainly put me off starting a shop if you need a day job as well!

@battlekiwi Жыл бұрын

Great vid, totally in the same boat so this hits home! Keep being awesome you guys 💪😄🤙

@johnfoster7496 Жыл бұрын

Great video, really authentic and genuine and that shines through. Wishing the Broadsword team all the best for the future.

@user-ko3tv7jl2r Жыл бұрын

You both deserve the best, hope it all works out well. Shop looks lovely.

@TheSomberSailor Жыл бұрын

Whole hearted video, best of luck my friend. Subscribed

@shawnoleary6031 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. You provided a lot of insight on the struggles of running a business. Your hard work is appreciated.

@wesleymatthews390 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a candid video sharing a major part of your life! Wishing you all the best in developing the business and loving the videos. "Broadsword Forever" =D. Love from Melbourne Australia

@RisingApe Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, it’s easy to see all the good bits but you miss all the hard work behind the scenes. Congratulations and best of luck for the future

@jmac8955 Жыл бұрын

As someone who is trying to setup a side hustle in order to eventually leave my current employment situation this was an inspiring video I have stumbled upon. Thanks for sharing your story and insights.

@eli1525 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video - Godspeed and Good luck you brave souls! Hoping everything will work out for you and your family

@jmc7034 Жыл бұрын

Great vid. Hope everything goes from strength to strength and gives you both lots of pleasure

@MrTorbern75 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input! I appreciate what you do

@jasonhall5900 Жыл бұрын

Great video = appreciate the honesty of what a shop looks like and how it affects the family and honestly health. Being in Canada is tough to shop with you but love both your content ❤

@SeanHoltzman Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this vid! It's always great seeing honest opinions on financial and career decisions. You both are awesome and it's been super cool seeing your growth!

@Hughlez Жыл бұрын

Dude you got this! You are a cool dude and your passion for the hobby is truly awesome! Keep on keeping on man it'll all work out!

@thesleepylion399 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the content. Grass is always greener but ultimately it comes down to putting the time in and finding what you're passionate about

@lengedaryevan3606 Жыл бұрын

Keep up the hard work!!! Everything looks great. You two rock!!!!

@bengamingames5002 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your journey, I needed that. We started our own game store 6 months ago, and everything you said struck home. I love your KZfaq channel, I imagine people love being at your store even more!

@flashash2800 Жыл бұрын

I feel you, I took my passion/hobby of beekeeping and made it into a business. Awesome highs and painful lows at times, appreciate your open eloquent honesty 👍🏻

@jnew9036 Жыл бұрын

I can tell how passionate you are about your hobby and business... sending you prayers and positive vibes from across the pond!!

@ADTRPG Жыл бұрын

I've looked into opening a store, very seriously, no less than 5 times. I have come to one conclusion each time. You need to be independently wealthy, or live in the store and eat Ramen, to survive. Even leaving my job to become a full time commission painter was a HUGE leap for me and you're right, it's rough some days/weeks.

@KevinMossman Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video. What an honest and insightful approach.

@smoss9813 9 ай бұрын

All the work you two are putting in now will pay off. And you have each others backs. Well done guys. You're both brave and inspirational. Keep up the good work!!

@vectorwho5283 Жыл бұрын

This is the first time I see one of your videos, and wow! I appreciate that speech of honesty. So interesting. As a longtime freelancer and also a hobbyist, I can only say I feel you. Subscribed! Support your local stores guys!! ❤ Cheers from Barcelona.

@multiple_oranges Жыл бұрын

as someone who also took their hobby and made it into my full time job, I completely relate to this. Very high highs but there can be really low lows as well. It's all part and parcel together! Great video and thanks for being vulnerable with us! ❤

@Cyber.Dude. Жыл бұрын

This is fantastic insight to not only what’s it’s like to have a gaming store, but what it’s like to have one’s own business. Good vid!

@Patchimus Жыл бұрын

This was great to watch. A small shop space went up for let in my neighbourhood and I've been fantasizing about having my own wee art/hobby shop because there isn't anything like that here unless you travel into town. Fantastic to get a perspective from someone who has taken the leap!

@mindflayer Жыл бұрын

In a world dominated by online hobby stores and big box stores that don't really carry what gamers need, the local brick and mortar hobby shop is so important. It takes guts to enter the market (or grave stupidity!) and I applaud you for taking the risk to feed the community. I sincerely wish you the best of luck and success. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GAMING SHOP!

@neojaw2192 Жыл бұрын

What a step... it takes a special kind of person and lots of courage! Congrats and keep up the good work!

@moschops2002 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the name check. So glad you're having a great time with your hobby store. Best of luck for the future.

@thelog7161 Жыл бұрын

Fairly new to the channel but just wanna say I have really been enjoying the videos and this one in particular - love the honesty and the reality you've brought here with your perspective - and its something that is touching close to me atm since I'm in the process of losing my job and considering what roads I wanna explore. Anyways, love this channel, and I'm rooting for you, and Ciara!

@GringoDingo Жыл бұрын

Definitely will make this a stop and shop when I visit your city. Gotta support those who chase the dreams we all think about it. The best things to pursue are always a labor of love. Thanks for your honesty and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.

@martymilligan9153 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I didnt realise you had a store too, I'm quite new to the channel. You are about 3.5 hours south west of me, one day i'll have to take a drive down to visit and pick some hobby stuff up no doubts!

@AoSCoach Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the open and honest insight into starting your own Warhammer store. Congratulations for taking the leap

@Happy-br1oj Жыл бұрын

A very interesting video, thanks! I can definitely understand where you're coming from with your supply chain problems. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to that!

@ArtCoreMinis Жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed this video guys. This was brutally honest, emotional and must have been quite something to record. As artists, we could relate to a lot of the hardships… beside that we met each other and lived in Ireland for a few 🍀 years. It might be hard at times now but with that passion, you two are bound to succeed. Love from Paris

@lillosob1253 Жыл бұрын

Hope everything goes great with your shop and your work! YOu look like a passionate man,, I loved the video and the main objectives of your project, so good luck from Spain mate!!

@noirceuillesombre3472 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Hope fortunes improve for you. Really enjoyed those batreps you produced in the barn. 😁

@denisdaly5200 Жыл бұрын

A great video to see what it takes to run the shop. I always enjoy ordering off Broadsword, great service. Especially now since Other Realms here in Cork closed recently. These shops are great centers for people, and promote the hobby in its various forms. Hope it keeps going well and grows.

@nickodonnell3072 Жыл бұрын

This is an interesting insight into what it takes to run a store. I live in Kilkenny but I intend to make a pilgrimage to your shop this summer. I’m jealous of Mayo for having the 2 of you set up there!

@green_manc Жыл бұрын

I did the same and set up monstrous light games during the lockdown, weve been in ashton for 2 years now and this video touched me so hard cos im in your exact situation and i feel you so much. Thank you for this video. I love this and i appreciate you so much for this. I needed it right now.

@nigelpearson9890 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic to see such honesty. As someone who suffers with mental health do to a rare liver disease stopping me from getting out, it's nice to hear someone saying to look after your head space. Keep up the great content.

@violetmontgomery5627 Жыл бұрын

How on earth did I miss ye had a kid, gosh what a journey starting your store I can't imagine the stress and the triumph you must go through

@francismahon2 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Oli, you have created a wonderful community in your area whilst also creating the landmark Irish 40k event of the year that we all love to travel to. Hope we get to roll dice together again asap.

@sadminotaur7635 Жыл бұрын

Just to add to this that I've had several friendships and even a new job come out of connections made at this store! You guys are making a real difference in the community by giving us somewhere to enjoy the hobby.

@WiganPaddy Жыл бұрын

I wish you all the success with your store - this is something i have been considering myself or something to this nature something hobby related, but honestly it terrifies me maybe something to put on a wish list moving forwards

@Antonio-qg3il Жыл бұрын

I have the biggest of respects for you as a business man, youtuber and hobbiest. I hope you are able to manage the stress and continue to grow the store. I hope the business takes off increadibly well and you get compensated in the way that you and your family deserve. Keep it up man

@TheHobbyCorner Жыл бұрын

Great video. You guys are doing an amazing job balancing parenthood, business, content creation. My wife had a business from home just before the lockdowns and throughout and it was sometimes rewarding but so much stress. Been through all those frustrations you mentioned albeit on a smaller scale. We still sell stuff but it's a much reduced operation now and the biggest stress is not cutting ourselves short on packaging lol anyways big loves and appreciate you both! 🤘😎🔥

@AlbarionRed007 Жыл бұрын

Just finding this channel. What a great, articulate explanation of the friction between passion and obligation. Sub'd.

@silverman785 Жыл бұрын

I will do my best to support you and buy from you. All the best and thank you for what you do

@hedu5017 Жыл бұрын

thankyou for sharing Ollie and Ciara, really appreciate your honesty about the experience! I'm in England but hoping to visit your place in Ireland someday

@manleycreative7115 Жыл бұрын

I hear your pain. I have been unemployed for a while due to social anxiety and other issues. I realized that if not for family circumstances as a safety net, I would be a homeless bum. Even the bad days you speak of sound like heaven, comparatively. I still want to open my own hobby store. I remember the hobby store in my hometown back in 1986 (yes, a full year before WH40K was even a thing). The guy who ran it had to shut down after four years. He probably felt horrible and sour about the endeavor due to limited clientele (in a major college town!) but if I ever see him again I want him to know how much he changed my life. I would have never known about miniatures or Games Workshop at all if not for that store having been there just as I went into high school and needed a coping solution for my life. I don't know what else I could have done during those years but be depressed and bored. That store was a Godsend. That and a new store in my hometown (and their stated message of being a haven for kids with bad home lives) has made me realize it's about changing people's lives.

@Skaatje Жыл бұрын

06:09 This is the bit that got me! 😁 Thanks for showing us around. I hope you succeed guys, you deserve it with all that hard work!

@thornback82 11 ай бұрын

First video I have seen of yours. I found it to be insightful. I hope it all works out for you.

@cathaldus765 Жыл бұрын

Really interesting vid, Hope I can make my way over to you guys in the future. Castlebar is about 3 hours from me on a good day so id have to make a day outta it but Id love to support you guys.

@barrysanderson6100 Жыл бұрын

Oliver and Ciara, you guys are great, well done on what you are doing and juggling being fantastic parents and inspiring the next gamers and hobbyists out there. Keep doing what you are doing and be kind to yourselves, always here if you need support

@EdisonTheFox Жыл бұрын

I heard mention of Peterborough's GW... That's my local! This is a really cool and interesting insight on running a hobby shop and something that I do plan on one day doing. I admire you honesty in the last part in particular!

@ReeceDefeats Жыл бұрын

It's so refreshing to have such an honest take on this, thank you so much. I had the pleasure of visiting your store last week while I was on holiday and was blown away by how nice it was and how well stocked it was. Whenever i come back from a holiday I always think 'ah i'd love to live there but where would I play 40k?' ... time to put the house up for sale 😆. You guys are awesome and your community is so lucky to have you.