Whittier ComicFest Interviews are Coming this Week!
Noel From PrimeTime Collectibles
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Noel. I come from the ether, an immortal being of awesome power! all shall despair! Jussttt kidddding. I'm a So-Cal native born from beautiful Nicaraguan parents and I run Prime Time Collectibles in the historic and eclectic Uptown Whittier. We try to promote a safe
place to be a dweeb. We are very small and are constantly serious... We Can’t Stop Talking About Cardboard Crack | Keeping up with The Nerds Issue #173 growing and changing. We have Pokemon, MTG, Yugioh, and are going into some Bandai TCG. Always looking for growth with
the community in mind.
How did you get started on your journey?
It was actually my brother-in-arms Jodie Alva (tattooist/ artist) who wrangled 4 of us (Erik, Gabby, Jodie, and myself) in combining our knowledge of the collectible dweeby space. With the help some friends and family, we were able to start selling out personal collection that then grew into growing out of a small 500 sqft former office-turned retail- into a larger location across from the parking structure on Comstock. We have tables and a beautiful, uplifting, inclusive, and positive community. We wouldn't exist if it wasn't for them. <3
What have been some of the obstacles you’ve encountered on your journey?
Allocation! Being a small store we don't get prioritized as much as the larger store. Sometimes we receive 20% or 0% percent of our pre-orders. Often receiving them in delays. We have to pre-
order 4-9 months in advance and we've learned to pivot and adapt. Sometimes releases aren't great, sometimes they're phenomenal and we don't really know until the week before. So we
don't stress it anymore, we just know it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work
What have been some of your most memorable moments of this journey, if any?
Making friends that I would have never met if it wasn't for the store. From Birthday parties,
movie nights.
Do you have any advice for people who want to maybe get into a business/hobby/career like yours?
The biggest advice I received was "If you want to make money, sell cellphone cases" it hurt but it's true. With LGS/Game Stores/ collectible stores., you have to be part of the community
and have a passion for all things dweeby. MSRP does not equal value. Pokemon will MSRP for
65 but the trending value is 40 which would already be considered high. Without the community
and love for the culture, it's very sink and swim. So support those who love what you love.
for the business peeps: think cost v. profit. Just love what you do, it gets easier that way
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @primetimecollects
Website: https://www.ptcollectiblez.com/
Without the community and love for the culture, it's very sink and swim. So support those who love what you love.
Noel
