Online magic shop question

[Kamdarian]

Hey all,

I was just wondering if anyone had used online magic shops, i.e. magicfront.com or magicgeek.com, and if they were actually reputable. I found that some of the prices on these sites almost seem too good to be true...usually meaning that it really is too good to be true . Just don't want to spend a bunch of money trying to get a good base of gimmicks and get ripped off.

Thanks for the input,

Kam

[haroldross]

I have not ordered anything from Magicgeek but I have ordered from Magicfront. Magicfront has an ebay store and that would be the best way to order from them. Their prices are cheap and there is a reason for that. The majority of their products are cheap Chinese knock-offs. Sometimes you may hit on a winner but not all the time. The couple of effects I ordered from them were pirated copies. The DVDs were DVD-Rs with no labels and the DVD cases had inserts that were photocopied. The gimmicks were of poor quality.

If you are into making your own gimmicks, you may find this to be the place to find out how to make them. Remember that the magicians who designed these effects are not being compensated for their work. I would recommend buying your magic products from a reputable dealer that supports the art of magic.

[Kamdarian]

Thanks Harold,

Thats exactly what I was afraid of...looks like I'll stick to the shops here in town. And keep tinkering with the ideas in my head...hehe (sometimes can be more dangerous, but a lot more fun).

[Demonbrn]

I've ordered through Penguin Magic a couple times, they're not to bad. Shipping is a bit expensive. I've also went through E a number of times, though they are not a real "magic" shop. E seem to take their time shipping things out, where as Penguin was pretty prompt. E's quality and customer service is garbage I must say, last few decks and a card clip I got were complete wrecks. I got a black arcane deck that was miscut an entire 1/4 inch! And a black tiger deck that looked like it was left in the rain. I also purchased a card protector through them that could have cut your finger off, and it was a good thing that I used to be a metal worker and was able to correct the problem myself, because when I inquired their customer service about it, they said the decks would have to be returned to USPCC and that they would not exchange the card clip....

Appearntly Illusionist spelled with an E is a dirty word here, lol.

[haroldross]

I had a similar experience with a card clip. A little sandpaper fixed mind.

E****** were prompt at replacing a Master's Edition Deck that arrived warped. They rushed me a new deck out and didn't want the warped one returned. I have had good customer service from them. It sounds like the individual couldn't be bothered with filling out the paperwork. I'm sorry you didn't.

[Sam Hindrichs]

Originally Posted by Demonbrn

I've ordered through Penguin Magic a couple times, they're not to bad. Shipping is a bit expensive.

If you order through Penguin and the order is over $25 they give you free priority shipping and a delivery confirmation # to track the package along its journey. Every time I have ordered through Penguin it has never taken more than 2 days for my package to arrive. Ever since Exo's store has been under its redesign I have started ordering from Penguin and have loved it.

My second to last order through them (about 2 weeks ago) I ordered the World's Greatest Magic - Chop Cup DVD and something didn't go through right with Paypal, it was no fault of Penguin's. I emailed Penguin to ask why my package had not been shipped and they told me Paypal had messed up the order. They retook my order and sent it out same day. When the package arrived there was a pack of peanut M&M's in my box. One time I ordered Eric Mead's book "Tangled Web" through Penguin and it got to my house in 2 days and had a Juan Tamariz VHS along with it. I am actually expecting a package from them today (The Restaurant Act with R. Paul Wilson-DVD & Restaurant Worker's Handbook by Jim Pace & Jerry Macgregor).

Hope this helps.

[CutNstuf]

Here a a few that I have used with good results.
Elmwood
Hocus Pocus
Magic Warehouse
Denny's
Daytona

[Demonbrn]

I like when buisness give out freebies with orders. I use Mr. Martini to get gaffs made, and he always sends a little somthing extra, great guy too. Got my rising deck from him and some black tiger gaffs (The E BT gaff deck doesn't apeal to me at all, and especially not for $50).

[Kamdarian]

Wow, great info guys! Thank you all so much. This will definitely help because the shop here has a pretty good selection but they tend to be a little expensive (found their website...still haven't had a chance to check them in person).

[Eoin Lavery]

Well, since i live in ireland and there is really only one magic shop and it is a 6 hour drive from where i live, i order online. I use freepostmagic.co.uk or discountmagic.co.uk

Freepostmagic has great quality service, great products at affordable prices and for the UK free postage! It's a great online shop and free shipping is pretty quick.

Discountmagic has good quality products with a 99p magic section which has individual gimmicked cards in it which is quite useful. They also have pretty big discounts off the magic tricks and the postage is great. Good customer service too