Cactus Game Design Message Boards

If you have plenty of starter decks here is what I do.  I use the decks to teach people how to play.  Once they learn and decide they want to play and would be willing to purchase something I sell them the I/J starter decks.  From there I introduce them to different playing styles and decks.  (I have the deck lists on the boards).  Once they beat a deck I reward them with a certain amount of cards (the excess ones you were talking about).  Then as they start collecting cards and building decks you know they are ready for the next step.  Start hosting locals, hopefully you can get 10 people so you only have to charge $2 per person and then they get the promos too.  If you get some really committed players, I then ran a fundraiser so that we could start playing sealed.  You can save on cost by letting your players use your starter decks (and giving them back) and them only purchasing the packs.  This allows them to add to their collection and get some better cards too.  The most important thing is patience!  I started my playgroup almost 5 years ago and none of the players I started with even still play.  But I have 10 players now and we have tournaments almost every month and due to the fundraisers it doesn't cost my kids anything (unless they want to purchase extra cards).  There will be other good suggestions too, but if you are good with a slower process this will be a good way for you to not lose any money!

Thank you for the advice! Where is the tournament info for hosting and scoring tournaments?

Hosting application:  http://cactusgamedesign.com/downloads/host_application_2015.pdf

Hosting guide w/ scoring explanations: http://cactusgamedesign.com/downloads/Redemption%202015%20Tournament%20Guide.pdf

I also have a spreadsheet that keeps the score for you.  I can email that to you and help explain how to use it if you would like it!