The 6 Secrets to Buy Magic Tricks Without Regret

It’s so easy to buy magic tricks these days. The best magic shops have a huge range, fast delivery and an easy order process. Does this actually cause a problem for magicians?

It’s very easy to be caught up in the excitement of a brand new magic trick, the awesome trailer and the possibility that; finally, this could just be the missing magic trick you have been hoping to find. The result: An impulse purchase that might not have been the best investment of your hard earned magic budget.

Here are 6 steps you can take that will slow the decision process down, and make sure the next magic trick you order is a winner:

1) Take some time to decide if you really believe that the magic trick is right for you. It’s very easy to be seduced by the reactions you see in the video trailer as the creator of the trick performs it. The packaging can look so appealing, and the props are just crying out to be yours. Don’t choose a new trick based on its packaging, and another magicians audience reactions.. Seriously consider if it’s going to be right for YOU, and will fit your style and if YOUR audience will be entertained by your performance of it.

2) Do you really need to be taught how to do it? Can you work out your own version? Take time to think about the premise of the magic trick. If you really put your mind to it, could you invent your own version, with your own method that would create the same or better ‘effect’ for your spectators? Just because, a  magician is selling their version of a magic trick, doesn’t make it the BEST version. For example: If a clever device promises to allow you to tell how much pocket change, a spectator has in their pocket, could YOU invent your own method to do this that works well for you? If you can’t, and you really want to be able to perform this trick, buying another persons method is good value.

3) Don’t be seduced by price. A deal is great, but in magic, just like in all aspects of life, you pretty much get what you pay for. There are great deals and promotions out there to be had, but generally, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Cheap versions of props tend to be cheap for very good reasons. As you move down the price scale, quality can suffer.

4) Don’t be afraid to ask for a close look. This is harder online as you can’t handle the props. Choose a magic dealer with a good returns policy. For example, Magicshop.co.uk offer a 365 day return policy on magic props, so you can take your time to inspect and assess them.

When visiting a magic shop in person, endure that you ask the shop assistant to let you examine and handle the props. Unless there is a very good reason not to let you, a reputable magic shop should let you check out the workmanship of the props before you purchase them.

5) Telephone the magic shop and ask the dealer lots of questions about the magic trick. No matter how simply the question, the shop will respect you for taking care over the magic you order. Build a relationship with the magic shop, as they should give you their honest and professional opinion on a tricks quality. Their goal is to support you in developing and growing as a magician if a dealer doesn’t seem to  have that intention, consider shopping elsewhere.

6) Get more information than just the advert will tell you. Ask the magic shop about the magic tricks performing conditions, its angles, its reset time, and as many other questions you need answered.

Most magic shops use stock product descriptions, written by the manufacturer. The shops don’t have the man power to  rewrite each description and expand on it. A Good magic shop will be happy to give you much more information if you ask them.

If you follow these 6 steps, when buying magic tricks, you should find that you will spend far less money on magic you will never use or find useful. You will move your buying process from a habitual urge, to a conscious, educated and considered decision.

Did we miss out an important tip? let us know in the comments section at the bottom of this page

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