talkmagic.co.uk

Apologies if this seems like another routine "Whats the best shop" query, but that's kinda what it is.

Although with a few particulars which I think would justify it.


Im not a fan of having too many different accounts with different companies all over the place. Im also a bit shy of shopping online with small/unknown companies (no offence to anyone, I know it makes little difference). I prefer to use the same few online stores for my various bits, and not straying too far. Although i dont mind if other companies accept paypal payments...

So basically, im not looking for any gimmicks or anything flashy. I want to set up with a store that has a large selection and decent prices, so i wont have to stray too far. For the time being it'll be simple things like cards, sponge balls and basic starter bits. Might be nice if they sell books but thats not necessarily required cause i can get those elsewhere.

I know I could have a look but there seems to be so many, I was hoping you guys could point me in the direction of a few, especially since you may have a better idea of what i might require in the near future, than I might.


Also, are Bicycle Seconds okay?

Thanks.

There is a thread a bit further down praising different online shops. I like magic box, although it doesn't have as big a range as some.

Review of bicycle seconds here.

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic25283.php

From the packs I've had they've usually been alright. The current pack I'm using the royals have been misprinted slightly. The yellow doesn't quite lineup with the rest of the design. However that aside they handle fine and have in no way hindered any tricks.

I have been using Alakazam regulaly for the past 5 years great service, great products and the staff are all genuinly nice people IMHO, sometimes Ialso stray to magicbox again great service and quick delivery especially seeing as magicbox are the other side of the country from me.

Lots of info here...

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic24709.php

I find most of the UK dealers to offer great service and dispatch times, with some offering wider ranges than others; however, prices can vary so do shop around.

I recommend Mike Danata at http://www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk

Mike deals in supplies especially for magicians rather than practical jokes etc. and if he doesn't have it in stock then he can get it pretty quickly.

Fantastic service!

I'll second what Lindz said - Alakazam are definatley one of the best. Huge selection, but they sometimes price their items about £1 or £2 higher than other stores (it doesn't happen that often, but if your buying multiple items....it can pay to shop around as you'll save money on the overall purchases). Other than rare occurances such as that - they can't be faulted, and Peter Nardi is a sound geezer who'll offer help and advice with any query you have. I've only ever had 1 bad experience with delivery time, but that was attributed to a fault with their systems as Peter explained to me. He was very apologetic and considerate towards the delay, and in the end, he re-dispathed my order, and threw in a free gift with it as a way of saying sorry. Top bloke.

Im also guilty of straying towards Magicbox as well sometimes. Very reasonable prices. They do a good selection of effects, and the delivery speed is by far the best I've ever encountered. Recently I ordered a PK ring. It arrived the next day, but didn't fit me that well. I was told on day 1 to send it back so they could swap it. By day 2 thay had received it, and by day 3 a much more snug fitting PK ring was on my door mat first thing in the morning - absolutley first rate customer service.

Prices do vary widely, and a supplier who's cheapest on one thing might not be on others, so do shop around every time.

From my own experience I can recommend:

Magicbox http://www.magicbox.uk.com/
Very good prices (often cheapest on most things), speedy delivery, wide selection. Excellent personal service on the occasion something went wrong. Well-designed website, easy to search or browse. Usually my first port of call when shopping around.

Top Secret Magic http://www.topsecretmagic.co.uk/main.html
Good prices, speedy delivery, wide selection. Website design a letdown, not wonderful to browse, almost impossible to search, but does have big detailed pictures and plenty of description. Join their e-mail list for notification of sales and new items, if you can resist the resulting CUPS.

The Card Collection (Cards 4 Magic) http://www.cards4magic.co.uk/
Excellent prices, lightning-fast delivery. Specialise in cards and dice, but sell considerably more than just these. Have or can get just about any cards currently in production. Website basic but fine to browse and search; not everything is illustrated.

Mike Danata's Magic Studio (as mentioned above) has excellent stuff at good prices, and a wide selection, but the website itself is dreadful. Difficult to browse, and makes my head hurt to look at it.

Thanks guys. Some good info there.

Discount magic and magicbox were nice. Nice to look at and navigate and good stuff too.

I liked Cards 4 Magic too. Good range of cards!

I found alakazam difficult to navigate and find stuff. Seemed a little pricier too, as you mentioned.


Only magicbox seem to have the seconds.

Alakazam are actually cheaper for some products, or so I find. Obviously, their own products are usually more competitively priced, but a lot of their books and DVDs are slightly less expensive. You really should shop around; you can't assume any one place will always be cheaper.

Also, don't forget to factor in postage charges. Some places will give you free delivery on surprisingly small orders, while others might charge more, the more you buy.

Another thing I take into account is whether there is someone I can speak to if I have a question or a problem. For me, an online contact form that may, or may not, lead to someone, somewhere, getting a message, which they will answer if they can be bothered, doesn't fill me with confidence. I can't say I have never bought from places without ready phone contact (I have, and successfully), but I like the option of getting in touch easily.

Ill have to say ve used magicbox for about 3 years or so and every single time they have been absolutely top notch..

Very cheap, helpful and fast delivery. I had one small problem with them which did annoy me, but a short phone call left me very happy with the way they treat their customers.

First class shop!!

I had the bad luck to have problems with two completely different orders (in different years) from Magicbox. Not their fault, just sheer bad luck. Both times they were wonderful on the phone and sorted everything out immediately. Fantastic customer service.

The first time was a packet card trick that was supposed to come with a particular standard type of gimmicked deck, and arrived with a different type. They not only sent the right deck, but let me keep the other. (Thanks!)

The second time was a Sankey Assassin Pouch, which was faultily made so that the carabiner loop actually unravelled as soon as I tried it. They exchanged this for a new one without any quibble.

Also, are Bicycle Seconds okay?

Thats all I use, I dont do much with cards so why pay for a £5.00 pack when I can be a cheapo skint boy and get lots more for that price, seconds alll the way.....................

Magic-box - ten years buying from (maybe 5 problems in 10 years not bad at all, all been rectafied) 8/10
Magicshop- under two years buying from (no problems) 9/10
World Magic Shop- under a year buying from (no problems) 8/10
Alakazam - about a year ( one or two items on the website not instock no other issues though..Plus pete makes a great cuppa at th shop) 10/10

Davenports - Ten years VISITING (er no comment)
International Magic - Ten years buying from (no problems) 7/10

Would just like to mention, i've made orders at both magicbox and discountmagic a couple of hours ago.

I was impressed that discountmagic have sent it already! On a bank holiday evening.

Although i was a little less impressed to learn that they add VAT to the price at the end of the transaction process...

But i know now and the mega-quick dispatch will have me back in the future for sure.
- The only other time ive been this impressed with service was when amazon responded to my email in 10 mins!

Thanks for the advice guys. I hope these two will keep me happy for the time being, at least until i start looking for some real specifics.