Purchasing a Videogame store: What would make you want to come to my place?

Although I'm sure it is not a common practice in most stores, don't wrap used games in shrinkwrap. I'm not talking about wrapping old games and selling them as new, but don't package them as a matter of convenience. I went to a local used game store in order to support them with my purchases and all the used games they sold were shrinkwrapped and had plastic hangers attached to them so they could be displayed on cheap wallhooks instead of actual shelves. The result was that I had to blindly purchase a used PS2 game without being able to check if there was a manual or other such things. I purchased the game, the shrinkwrap was removed by the cashier to place the disc in, and I found out later there was water damage to the manual. Stay away from that foolish and money-wasting practice.

On a less ranting suggestion, find some ways to inject more of the gaming culture into the atmosphere. It's not all about cardboard cutouts and advertisements. I suggest looking into the people at OverClocked ReMix to see if you could pipe in some of the Video Game music arrangements they have.
 
Hope things work out for you OP. Keep your prices competitive and let the customer know that your prices are the same if not lower than the ebstops and other big store chains.

Reading all these posts have got me thinking that my town could use a place like this. Possibly a game store/arcade. Here in town there really is no arcade. There are a couple casinos in town that have a "game room" With maybe a pinball machine and a few old arcade machines. And the only place to purchase games is a wal-mart. My only concern would be having a large enough market to sell to.

Anywho good luck OP.
 
Don't know exactly where, I live in New Castle but everything is so close to there so it really depends on the location and cost. I like some of the newer plazas because they seem more welcoming. They are opening plazas all over the place now and it really depends on the traffic coming around there. With a new place there is little traffic and potential to build it. I honestly think I would have better trade in prices on the average. If someone comes to our store I can always call up and see what their price is and beat it by a buck.

Yeah, I went over the music stuff. I would prob get an ipod and just pump it through the store. Having a playlist or random music. Also having non gaming music to mix it up. I want to really create a new culture and expectation for video game retail. Thats a real difference rather than the same old crap thing that most gamers have come to deal with.
 
[quote name='bingbangboom']Don't know exactly where, I live in New Castle but everything is so close to there so it really depends on the location and cost. I like some of the newer plazas because they seem more welcoming. They are opening plazas all over the place now and it really depends on the traffic coming around there. With a new place there is little traffic and potential to build it. I honestly think I would have better trade in prices on the average. If someone comes to our store I can always call up and see what their price is and beat it by a buck.

Yeah, I went over the music stuff. I would prob get an ipod and just pump it through the store. Having a playlist or random music. Also having non gaming music to mix it up. I want to really create a new culture and expectation for video game retail. Thats a real difference rather than the same old crap thing that most gamers have come to deal with.[/quote]

IS it me, or is your sig really big and contain a naked lady?
 
Couple other things I have thought up, just sorta brainstorming...

- Possibly have a wireless connection so people can use it for their PSP, DS and laptops. Might be a good way to get those dreaded Friends Codes, especially for kids. Maybe even have a smaller tournament or get together. Pokemon free for all.

- Girl's Night: Another promotion where we try attract female gamers and their friends. Not so much a tournament but can do that too. Allow girl gamers to try out new games without their brother or boyfriend looking over them. Especially with games on the Wii or DS that tend to bring in alot of casual gamers. But still have your Halo 2 and even underated games featuring girls like Beyond Good & Evil.

- Party and events: renting out the room for birthday parties for kids and stuff. Only problem is when? Do I close my doors and push away other customers becuase it is Timmy's 10th birthday?
 
Here is a quote from a store owner in Cali that was featured in an internet article for Videobusiness.com, a trade magazine.

"Andrew Wang left his real estate business to open a Play N Trade franchise in Buena Park, Calif., last December. Close to Cypress College, the location has not wanted for customer traffic and drew more than 100 people for an in-store tournament three weeks after opening.

Today, Wang says his traffic continues to grow, with his regular customers buying three to four games per week. Software accounts for around 70% of his sales, and Wang says he sells more used games than new. Unlike GameStop, which will drop $5 off the MSRP of a used but recently released title, Wang will sell the same used game for $10 less than the original MSRP."

So that gives you a good idea of how you will be getting used games for a cheaper price. $10 off the MSRP vs. $5 is quite a chunk that adds up.
 
[quote name='bingbangboom']Today, Wang says his traffic continues to grow, with his regular customers buying three to four games per week. Software accounts for around 70% of his sales, and Wang says he sells more used games than new. Unlike GameStop, which will drop $5 off the MSRP of a used but recently released title, Wang will sell the same used game for $10 less than the original MSRP."

So that gives you a good idea of how you will be getting used games for a cheaper price. $10 off the MSRP vs. $5 is quite a chunk that adds up.[/quote]
That's basically what I suggeted except Wang is giving bigger discounts.

Your best bet with import games would be DS titles, especially since they're region free. A game like Jump Ultimate Stars would definite move units since the language doesn't in the way of enjoying the game. It shouldn't be your main source of revenue, but it will help to be known as the store that has games that others don't.

Dive headfirst into pushing the Wii, because that is going to your hottest seller in terms of hardware, and 360 games, which will be your best sellers in terms of software. The Playstation 3 isn't moving much of either so that's your niche genre until the price drop. Transfomers is going to move a bunch of units (unless the game completely and utterly sucks) and odds are that it will be the Cars of this year. They will also be stopping in for Harry Potter and Ratatouille. Yeah they're licenses, but they're going to move gangbusters in your store if you can get people in there.

At the end of the day, as long as you offer better prices than anyone else and have a good location, you're going to do all right.
 
About the staffing: I could care less if they're girls or guys. There are two eb's next to me. One employs a fair number of girls the other is all guys and quite frankly I prefer the all guy one because they're friendly, they know me by name, and they know my shopping habits. They make recommendations based on what I'm buying and what I've bought before. Sometimes I'll walk in and find that they've held something for me thinking I might be interested in it. There's also the case of being too familiar. In Best Buy I watched one of the employee talk this woman's ear off about his days of playing games in the N64 and the magazines he's read, etc. She just wanted to know if she should buy a gba or ds for her kid.
 
[quote name='dcfox']About the staffing: I could care less if they're girls or guys. There are two eb's next to me. One employs a fair number of girls the other is all guys and quite frankly I prefer the all guy one because they're friendly, they know me by name, and they know my shopping habits. They make recommendations based on what I'm buying and what I've bought before. Sometimes I'll walk in and find that they've held something for me thinking I might be interested in it. There's also the case of being too familiar. In Best Buy I watched one of the employee talk this woman's ear off about his days of playing games in the N64 and the magazines he's read, etc. She just wanted to know if she should buy a gba or ds for her kid.[/QUOTE]
There is a newer GS out on the highway I visited once and only once. I walk in and there's a female worker there. First thing she says is "I'm a girl and I play video games" yeah...I told her "great" and left.
 
[quote name='The Crotch']
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[/QUOTE]


LOL funny shit.

The whole girl gamer thing, its a plus and negative for girls. It is a good thing that the industry is spreading but thats also a chip to show how many girls don't that a "girl gamer" becomes a rare breed and because of that people should cherish her and the idea.
 
[quote name='bingbangboom']
- Possibly have a wireless connection so people can use it for their PSP, DS and laptops. Might be a good way to get those dreaded Friends Codes, especially for kids. Maybe even have a smaller tournament or get together. Pokemon free for all.
[/QUOTE]

On that note, don't forget to set up a DS download station. I know I've gone to a store a few times just to visit the download station, so it helps to draw customers.
 
[quote name='Wet Ninja']On that note, don't forget to set up a DS download station. I know I've gone to a store a few times just to visit the download station, so it helps to draw customers.[/QUOTE]

I would love to do that but I think that is supplied through Nintendo. It is something set up by their reps and such so I would have to get it through them. They might have an exclusive agreement with Gamestop also or have to sign some sort of large contract. Nice thing though, if you wanna try a game you can. Simple as that. So forget downloading, why not try the full game to see if you like it?
 
b) Carry used strategy guides - I'm not sure how many times people
wanted a strategy guide for a used game that was purchased because
they got stuck, and we had to tell them to check out gamefaqs.

This is a pretty good idea. Buy guides for $2-3 each then sell them for $5-7. You can add onto this by getting penny guides.

[quote name='bingbangboom']I would love to do that but I think that is supplied through Nintendo. It is something set up by their reps and such so I would have to get it through them. They might have an exclusive agreement with Gamestop also or have to sign some sort of large contract. Nice thing though, if you wanna try a game you can. Simple as that. So forget downloading, why not try the full game to see if you like it?[/QUOTE]

Simple, the DS download stations are available if you look around, I found one at a local store for $10.
 
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, since this thread already contains a lot of good advice, let me add a bit more:

-On in-store tournaments, try and see if you can hold them after store hours (if closing time is earlier than 9:00 for whatever reason) or find an off-shopping time. The Game Exchange here used to have a Tekken 4 machine leased to them for tournaments and would hold them every Thursday after the store closed at 7:00. Given that the store had similar layout to yours, and had to accomodate 20+ people (of which only a small number could actually be around the machine at one time) doing them after close worked out better than trying to cram everyone in with customers AND forcing employees to split time between the tourney and helping customers.

If your hours don't jive with this kind of thing, just try and find a time that isn't too busy and allocate a part of the store that's as far away from merchandise as possible, so that if someone's looking for a game they don't have to squeeze through a bunch of people that aren't paying attention to them to go get it.

Also,

[quote name='"Roufuss"'] BTW, CAG is a prime example that people prefer prices >>> customer service.

EB / GS, especially Circuit City, has horrible customer service yet people go back again and again for the deals.

I guarantee everyone on this site (well, besides me) who has ever said how much EB / GS suck and they hate the store will go back next week for the buy 2 get 1 free on used games. People are very weak willed when it comes to saving money.[/quote]
I'm also an exception. I won't shop at GS/EB or CC because they've treated me badly one too many times. You've done a lot of research on your prices, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but since you asked for data, please take it as you will: Do not forget the basics of good customer service.

-Make sure your employees have good phone skills. If I'm calling about the Wii, you may have heard the same call a hundred times, but guess what? It's still the first time I'M calling. And if I happen to be one of the unfortunate people still looking (thankfully I'm not) then I'm just as sick of the whole thing as you are. Remember that.

-If I'm in a store, I don't instantly want to be asked if I need help finding anything. If someone's been there awhile and seems to need help, ask; otherwise, they'll ask you. "Can I help you find anything?" is a yes/no question to which the answer is usually no, and it makes people feel like they can't get acquainted with the store because they're being expected to find what they need and get out. GS/EB makes people feel this way. Best Buy makes people feel this way. Don't make people feel this way. You don't have to make every customer feel like they're family and can stay there all day, but don't make people feel like they're no more than the contents of their wallet. If I wanted to feel that way, I'd do all my shopping at Wal-Mart.

Finally, good luck. Gaming stores are a potentially lucrative venture, but there is a lot of stiff competition. Thankfully, Gamestop seems to have become somewhat like Sony in the PR department; they're still a lumbering giant in the industry, but they're making a lot of stupid moves. Don't sell used games as new, and don't show the endings to games in your stores, and you'll be just fine.
 
[quote name='Pi573']At the risk of sounding like a broken record, since this thread already contains a lot of good advice, let me add a bit more:

-On in-store tournaments, try and see if you can hold them after store hours (if closing time is earlier than 9:00 for whatever reason) or find an off-shopping time. The Game Exchange here used to have a Tekken 4 machine leased to them for tournaments and would hold them every Thursday after the store closed at 7:00. Given that the store had similar layout to yours, and had to accomodate 20+ people (of which only a small number could actually be around the machine at one time) doing them after close worked out better than trying to cram everyone in with customers AND forcing employees to split time between the tourney and helping customers.

If your hours don't jive with this kind of thing, just try and find a time that isn't too busy and allocate a part of the store that's as far away from merchandise as possible, so that if someone's looking for a game they don't have to squeeze through a bunch of people that aren't paying attention to them to go get it.

Also,


I'm also an exception. I won't shop at GS/EB or CC because they've treated me badly one too many times. You've done a lot of research on your prices, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but since you asked for data, please take it as you will: Do not forget the basics of good customer service.

-Make sure your employees have good phone skills. If I'm calling about the Wii, you may have heard the same call a hundred times, but guess what? It's still the first time I'M calling. And if I happen to be one of the unfortunate people still looking (thankfully I'm not) then I'm just as sick of the whole thing as you are. Remember that.

-If I'm in a store, I don't instantly want to be asked if I need help finding anything. If someone's been there awhile and seems to need help, ask; otherwise, they'll ask you. "Can I help you find anything?" is a yes/no question to which the answer is usually no, and it makes people feel like they can't get acquainted with the store because they're being expected to find what they need and get out. GS/EB makes people feel this way. Best Buy makes people feel this way. Don't make people feel this way. You don't have to make every customer feel like they're family and can stay there all day, but don't make people feel like they're no more than the contents of their wallet. If I wanted to feel that way, I'd do all my shopping at Wal-Mart.

Finally, good luck. Gaming stores are a potentially lucrative venture, but there is a lot of stiff competition. Thankfully, Gamestop seems to have become somewhat like Sony in the PR department; they're still a lumbering giant in the industry, but they're making a lot of stupid moves. Don't sell used games as new, and don't show the endings to games in your stores, and you'll be just fine.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for your comments.

- I am sure they will have guidelines and times when it is better to run a tournament. Possibly Sundays sound great either before or after the store closes.

- Customer service on the phone is to help the customer, not to sell them an item especially if it is not even out yet.

- I disagree on the asking a customer if they need any help. First, it lets the customer know your there and sometimes they do need help with something. They may think its a stupid question or an idea might pop into their head. Another reason is it is a good LP tatic against shoplifting. Again, it lets them know that you know their presence in the building. What is more fustrating then being helped to much is not being helped at all.
 
[quote name='Kuros']b) Carry used strategy guides - I'm not sure how many times people
wanted a strategy guide for a used game that was purchased because
they got stuck, and we had to tell them to check out gamefaqs.

This is a pretty good idea. Buy guides for $2-3 each then sell them for $5-7. You can add onto this by getting penny guides.



Simple, the DS download stations are available if you look around, I found one at a local store for $10.[/QUOTE]

What does it look like? I am pretty sure these are supplied by Nintendo. They update the software for the DS Download stations.
 
I liked when Gamestop used to sell used strategy guides for $3 each. In fact, I got my Oddworld Xbox guide there for only 50 cents. Unfortunately, guides might not be the best way to go. You might start getting piled up with them and they also take up a lot of room in the store (not to meantion stacks of used guides aren't exactly classy looking). Of course, selling penny guides wouldent be a bad idea.
 
[quote name='Rozz']I liked when Gamestop used to sell used strategy guides for $3 each. In fact, I got my Oddworld Xbox guide there for only 50 cents. Unfortunately, guides might not be the best way to go. You might start getting piled up with them and they also take up a lot of room in the store (not to meantion stacks of used guides aren't exactly classy looking). Of course, selling penny guides wouldent be a bad idea.[/QUOTE]

When those guides go to a penny, they are supposed to be shipped back to the vendor for credit for upcoming shipments. So it is up to the store to collect those items before that happens. That is typically why you might see an old guide in a bookstore and not a videogame store.
 
Couple of responses and a few additional ideas:

-First off, as far as customer service, I agree that you aren't there to sell anything. I used the Wii as an example because it's been in high demand and low supply for a long time, which means (unless it lets up by the time you open for business) you and your employees are going to be deluged with queries about whether you have any in stock, and if you don't, when you might get them. It's sort of the nightmare example. but it inspired a lot of bad service, like employees snapping at people for asking or employees getting lazy and saying "This is X, where we don't have any Wiis and won't for a long time, how can I help you? Neither of those help the customer much.

-I agree that you should communicate with customers, especially as part of building rapport and as a loss prevention tactic as well. I just don't think that question should be overused, as it seems to be one a lot of people are uncomfortable with and will probably clam up and answer "no" or "just browsing" or some such. Be innovative and find different ways to get to the heart of what the people need.

Finally, I was thinking more about tournaments I've played in and it gave me ideas. Blockbuster held what they called their World Video Game Championship series two years, in the summers of 1994 and 1995, and it was split into SNES and Genesis divisions with different games in each. For each game, you had a limited amount of time to get as high a score as possible (whether by scoring points in NBA Jam, beating people up in Clay Fighter or TMNT Tournament Fighters, getting the best time in Virtua Racing, or just overall score in games like Sonic 3) The part I think would work out for you is that the tournament itself ran for 2-3 weeks, with each week representing a different game, and players scheduled times they could come in, have an employee time them and record the score, and then turn it in. Maintain a leaderboard in-store, and whoever's on top at the end wins. I think Blockbuster awarded prizes to the top ten one year, and the top winner the second (I placed 5th in my store in SNES the first year and got a cap and watch; placed 3rd the next year and got nothing =P)

If you did something like this, you'd have the flexibility to use a lot of older games (basically, anything that keeps score somehow, or if it's a racing game, use some kind of algorithm to convert time into score-it might also be fun to use a classic game compilation, like one of the Namco Museum collections, and if you have extra copies give discounts to the competitors so they can get a copy and practice) as well as getting people in the store more than just one time and also keeping traffic flow down since the competitors are spread out.
 
The store I currently work at now, I have had customers complain and think we are profiling because we make sure that if you see a customer, to provide customer service. It is something we do to make sure they get the entire staff availble to them because it is fusterating to them if someone is 2 feet away working on something and not paying attention to the customer. I do understand sometimes people do like to browse and a simple "im just browsing" is fine. Problem is that that is the standard. Walk into any store and it will be hard to find a single person willing to help you without tracking a person down. They will walk right past you without a "hello". I was at EB Games and Gamestop this week, just checking in. Not a single person greeted me. They really expect you to know what you want, take it to the register so they can ask if we would like a pre-order.

The only times you really see any associate not behind the counter is when they are putting new shelving up or going on break. If they are a glorified cashier, then tell me that.

As far as the Wii is concerned, that is something all stores face. I used to work at Toys R Us and they got over 130 Wiis on Sunday and sold out of them all. And still had customers complaining to them about the fact. Best way is to apologize about the situation, recommend them come in on Sundays when they have a large ad. Explain to them that it is a manufacturing issue and out of the store's control.

Once they have that information, they might have a better understanding. I would recommend them rather look to the larger stores then my store for hardware. Main reason is that you loose money on hardware. Second is that they would get more in stock. Again, TRU got over 130 for a Sunday and Gamestop might get 10 a month. There is a major difference. The fact is just that Gamestop does not want to sell you hardware. That is typically why you see so many trade in deals for hardware, because they can generate some money from the traded in merch.
 
Just a little update, I have talked to a number of store owners about how their stores are running and it is very positive. Many if not all the store owners mark their NEW games at a discount. This means a new game like say God of War II would be marked at $48 instead of $50.

This also means used games are cheaper and thus they tend to sell quickly. Some stores are moving into the PC games market too and do ok with them. It is more to satisfy a customer need. Some do buy used games but I wonder because of security keys and such, can you still really sell used software?
 
[quote name='bingbangboom']
This also means used games are cheaper and thus they tend to sell quickly. Some stores are moving into the PC games market too and do ok with them. It is more to satisfy a customer need. Some do buy used games but I wonder because of security keys and such, can you still really sell used software?[/QUOTE]

I sell used computer games all the time on Ebay... you just need to make sure you have the CD Key that came with the game.

The only things that CAN'T be sold used are either MMORPG's, or games that are directly integrated into Steam (anything made by Valve).

Everything else is fair game. I think EA might some some kind of protection on it's Battlefield games but I'm not sure about that.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']I sell used computer games all the time on Ebay... you just need to make sure you have the CD Key that came with the game.

The only things that CAN'T be sold used are either MMORPG's, or games that are directly integrated into Steam (anything made by Valve).

Everything else is fair game. I think EA might some some kind of protection on it's Battlefield games but I'm not sure about that.[/QUOTE]


Yeah, I am still suprised that PC software hasn't dove head first in plastic cases like console software. Thats why those boxes get so beat up. I know certain games do, but I would have thought it would be a standard. I guess pricing is an issue. I wonder if I sold used PC games in a DVD case if it would matter much?
 
I was looking at some possiblities to enhance the experience and one idea I did have was installing a projection display for tournament play. Was possibly thinking about a 90" screen that can be lowered for tournaments. Depending on what the game is, typically to play the "final" round. I don't really know too much about the lighting of the store and how that would work. Good thing is I talked to a manager of a store that has a spot next to him that is empty. That we could do a cross promotion and get a lower cost unit.

I am wondering how that would effect you as gamers at least for a tournament. That or possibly renting out the space for events and parties. What are your thoughts?
 
I would come to your store over EBgamestop for a couple reasons:

1. Staff. Staff. Staff. Helpful staff. Staff that aren't jerkoffs and assholes. Staff is all important. The #1 reason I avoid EBgamestop is because of the jerkoff staff I ALWAYS run into.

2. Retro gaming. If you stocked used Saturn, Dreamcast, (S)NES, Genesis, Turbografx, 3DO, Atari, Jaguar, ANYTHING. If you stock classic games I will go there first.

3. Promotions and tournaments. Making the store an environment gamers LIKE to be would be a HUGE step in getting regular, loyal customers who shop at your store first.

[quote name='bingbangboom']Yeah, I am still suprised that PC software hasn't dove head first in plastic cases like console software.[/QUOTE]
That's part of the Games for Windows initiative.
 
[quote name='PyroGamer']I would come to your store over EBgamestop for a couple reasons:

1. Staff. Staff. Staff. Helpful staff. Staff that aren't jerkoffs and assholes. Staff is all important. The #1 reason I avoid EBgamestop is because of the jerkoff staff I ALWAYS run into.

2. Retro gaming. If you stocked used Saturn, Dreamcast, (S)NES, Genesis, Turbografx, 3DO, Atari, Jaguar, ANYTHING. If you stock classic games I will go there first.

3. Promotions and tournaments. Making the store an environment gamers LIKE to be would be a HUGE step in getting regular, loyal customers who shop at your store first.


That's part of the Games for Windows initiative.[/QUOTE]


Yeah, as a gamer I have a clear idea of the kind of store I would love to shop at. And as a manager, I have an idea of the store that can be run successfully by focusing on customer service. We would stock classic games and such, don't know which ones exactly especially some of the rarities like 3DO.

Other than pricing, I feel the best way to compete against all the other stores is customer service. The customers' experience comes first. Best way, especially for a new store, to get business is word of mouth. People unsatisfied with the service they get EVERYWHERE else will come to our store. From the gamer just out of highschool to the family looking to purchase their first console. Gamers are expanding in different markets which does include retired and baby boomers. Not to mention female gamers market is getting better.
 
Retro gaming is a big plus for me. Just don't charge too much for it. I've been in used game stores that sell retro games and they think they have gold just cause it's old or something. However staff isn't much of a issue for me since I always know what I'm looking for when I go into a store. I just ignore them anyways.
 
Sell used games based on condition and case/instructions.
Rent to own is a great idea, I always thought if Gamefly opened up a physical store it would do great.
Also, make sure the stickers are easily removable and nondamaging.
Have a store discount card or frequent buyer deal.
if you are nearby a high scool or college, try to employ a local (and honest) student. It will drive business your way. Also, if there is a nearby college, take out ads in the school paper, it will be much cheaper and reach a target audience- both for used games and tourneys.

Also, if you ever go so far as to order your own bags, don't brand them with the store name as eb, best buy or cc does. I always felt those bags look poor and carry a negative image. I think the bag should reflect an simple but eclectic image that invites curiosity and uniqueness rather than screaming where the shopper just was.
 
Two suggestions from that our local small gamestore does,

1. More trade in-value towards USED items, especially if buying older not as popular stuff, (example non-BC xbox, and other less than $20 titles)

2. When buying a USED title, the local office will allow a return of it within a set number of weeks, say you buy it for $25.00 basically for $3-$5 a week you can keep it and return it either for trade in value or amount left of your so you keep it for 3 weeks (15) take it back you get $10 back and it goes back, as long as its in good shape and he can sell it again for 25 but you get at least $10 in trade towards more USED
 
I skipped a couple pages, but throw in a Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 arcade machine ;O

I dunno how popular fighting games are there, but I do know everywhere I go here in Cali, there's always a crowd at em' around it

Judging from your pics though, I doubt you'd have room for it :/
 
- Can't do rent to own. Again it is a business and I would loose too much money on that method. Sorry, can't do it. Especially the fact that some games only last a few weeks.

- Pricing will be better than Gamestop but don't expect to buy a brand new game that normally cost $60 to be $40.

- No arcade cabinets right now. Maybe down the road for an old school look. Just it takes too much merchandise space and with no profit. Most those games like Marvel vs. Capcom are on various consoles so I can always throw it on there.

- Trade in value will be based on condition of product. That includes quality of disc and contents.

- One possiblity of getting some older games are yard sales and flea markets. Ebay lots might be a good idea too. I don't have a great idea how retro games get ordered yet. I think they have a set amount and it is up to customers to trade in their old items.

- One idea I did have was a personal shopper. Basically for parents, they can submit a list of games they want and we can set it aside and charge them for it. There would be a percentage fee for this service. Good way to secure your christmas list for your kids especially if you can't go out and shop.
 
A small thing, but get a gumball machine. Those things make profit like no other. While it is a small profit if you have one for a few years in your store it will net you thousands. Basically buy the machine and fill it with gumballs, by the time you sold all the gumballs at a quarter a piece you will have made your money back for buying the machine. The rest will be profit.
 
[quote name='bingbangboom']- Trade in value will be based on condition of product. That includes quality of disc and contents.[/QUOTE]
That's kind of good and bad at the same time. While I would go to your place to find a deal on a game with no manual, if the price wasn't rock-bottom I'd just go to the EBgamestop where I know I can find a nice box and manual (they keep the cases up on the shelves, so if one box doesn't have a manual you can snatch one from elsewhere).

[quote name='vherub']Also, make sure the stickers are easily removable and nondamaging.[/quote]Oh God yes. This is important to me. As long as you have the pricing info in the computers you won't have to worry about sticker switching.
Have a store discount card or frequent buyer deal.
Click to expand...
EDGE card style. I've always thought if the Edge card offered special promotions like "free stylus with purchase of Phoenix Wright for EDGE card members" it would hook me more.
[quote name='bingbangboom']- Can't do rent to own. Again it is a business and I would loose too much money on that method. Sorry, can't do it. Especially the fact that some games only last a few weeks.[/QUOTE]
Not even with used games??? I'm thinking if a customer is buying a used game you can give him the option to rent the title for like $5 for a week, see how he likes it. If he decides to keep it he pays the remaining balance, otherwise he returns it and you've netted $5 pure profit.

The key is to just make the rent-to-buy program exclusive and universal across all used games.

I'll say right now such a program would definitely differentiate a new company like you. I think it's an absolutely terrific idea as long as you restrain it to used games. Make it clear to customers that ALL used games can be rented-to-buy for ~$5 a week. Alot of people do videogame rentals, pulling in that crowd to your store, getting them in there with all the merchandise, and putting a product in their hand is an absolutely brilliant idea.

God, I don't even want to recommend this, it sounds so good I feel like opening up my own store!



Also a long time ago back in the good old days my Funcoland printed a list of the latest prices for used games. It was terrific, I'd just go there and pick up the ad whenever I was in the area, and then find the games I wanted at home and compare price drops. Though I suppose a good website might negate the value of this item, I still absolutely loved having the physical paper there with all the prices.

[quote name='mr ryles']A small thing, but get a gumball machine. Those things make profit like no other. While it is a small profit if you have one for a few years in your store it will net you thousands. Basically buy the machine and fill it with gumballs, by the time you sold all the gumballs at a quarter a piece you will have made your money back for buying the machine. The rest will be profit.[/QUOTE]
With special gumballs with free 1-week "rent to buy" rentals on them!

Seriously, every time I went to the video rental place as a kid I'd buy a gumball to see if I won a free rental! And I think I won once or twice, too! Definitely a fond memory.

[quote name='bingbangboom']- One idea I did have was a personal shopper. Basically for parents, they can submit a list of games they want and we can set it aside and charge them for it. There would be a percentage fee for this service. Good way to secure your christmas list for your kids especially if you can't go out and shop.[/QUOTE]I don't like the idea. I feel like part of customer service is being able to call up the store and ask them to hold a few games for you so you can swing by and pick them up all without looking around the store. If I was charged for that, which I consider a basic service, I'd be pretty perturbed.



Being a CAG, a big thing for me is special promotions. Always have some "Buy 2 Get 1" sale going on, or 20% off used, and I'll go to your store because of it. Keep it steady, mix it up regularly, and I'd be a regular customer.
 
- Again, sorry no renting games. I am in the selling games business vs. rentals. I know it can be rent to own but more than likely people will not own which means I will just an entire stock of used games that will just rotate around. In addition, I believe standard rental rates are higher than $5. Again, sorry but no rentals.

- I honestly don't know if games will have the actual games on the shelf. I don't really think so due to LP issues. It depends. You would know that a game has a manuel or not.

- The shopping list is not so much geared at gamers but more a service for families. Similar to a pre-order system but I think alot of families will be willing to pay a little extra instead of running around store to store. Also stores don't make any money off hardware and in somecases can loose money.

- Another idea that some stores do is corporate shopping events. Where you have a business come in and shop. Especially around the holidays, this draws in alot of customers and Toys R Us used to do this all the time on Sundays. It is a nice way to really teach parents about videogames that might be kinda scared.

Thanks for the suggestions and sorry for shooting some down. Just have to play devil's advocate on some of them. Some things I know I cannot do that woudl interfere with the brand name or just wouldn't be profitable. I know everyone wants the best for their buck, but hey I still gotta make some money otherwise we close up and its back to Gamestop for you.

I think everyone would agree that competition builds the industry, any industry. Gamestop has had little for the past 10 years considering that EB and Gamestop were pretty much the same exact way. But thanks for the comments, any other suggestions and ideas would be great.

One focus is guerella marketing... basically going underground and get the word out there. What are some of your ideas? Nothing that defaces property or leaving flyers in other stores. Although it would be pretty funny to park a gar with Play N Trade logos on it right infront of Gamestop.
 
Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but i wasn't reading through 7 pages tonight.

If you can find someone reliable who can repair systems that can be a very lucrative business as well.

I know a local resale place around here where the owner says they make a ton just on repairing PS2/Xbox dvd lenses for people. Most systems just have dirty lenses that need cleaning, takes 20-30 min. Just make sure they know upfront that there are no guarantees about the results.

Charge $30-40 for the repair, and if the system is borked, offer them $20 off of the repair price if you can keep the system (and resell it on ebay as broken/get it repaired more professionaly and resold), those systems (especially PS2s) usually go for more than that.

Additionally, maintain a good relationship with competition, EVEN EB/GS stores. If you don't have a game, customers will really appreciate you being able call to ask if the GameStop down the road has it, and if they're charging more than you would. Additionally, most GS stores are so poorly run and disorganized that a customer going there after your store would likely want to return to your store because of the lower prices and better service.

Also, don't let rare/high priced stuff languish in your store.. if nobody's going to buy Barbie Horse Adventure or F1 2001 for xbox for $50 in store, put it on amazon, it'll be sold pretty quickly. No reason you can't combine your selling methods.

Most of all, be reasonble about pricing! A few dollars less can mean a lot more sales! I don't know how many local game/record stores I go into that have absurd pricing that I know I'd bite on for just a few dollars less, $10 for an old game, instead of $13.99, $22.99-24.99 for a used $30 retail game, instead of $27.99, etc. This makes such a difference in perception!
 
bingbangboom,



Your idea is awesome! I've been to about two independent game stores in my life just because none are around me. I'm sure you know the feeling since you live in the same state as me! I'd leave my horrible job right now and come work as a cashier/stocker/whatever you need at your store.


Seriously, I'd love to help out and work there if you need people, especially someone who loves video games ;). I don't need to be paid much at all really. Just working with what I love and under someone (you) who wants to acheive a goal to have great customer service and a great overall store sounds awesome. I go to UD so the exposure I can get for the store would be great. Game tournaments go on all the time in the dorms, games like Fight Night Round 3, Halo 2, Madden, and recently Guitar Hero II have been very popular here. If you set up those tournaments at your store, with food, drinks, and such, it would be insanely popular with UD kids. I wasn't here two years ago, but I heard they had a huge Halo tourny, somewhere in the 1,000 person range. The Xbox 360 is the main choice here, but the Wii gets some play time.

I'd really suggest getting a store around Newark, I don't know how much more expensive it would be than New Castle. I know I'm not an expert on this, and you've had people come in and help you, but something in Newark could bring in some great revenue with the college kids. To tell you the truth, I spent most of my childhood in New Castle, playing at the Little League field there and living there, but I don't visit up North that much anymore, so I don't know if anything has changed. You might've already thought about that though :)


I know exactly how and why people hate other game store policies and employees. I've read all seven pages of this thread and have some suggestions that I think would make you stand out.



You know the EBX in the Christiana Mall (near Auntie Anne's in the food court)? That place is packed in, you're literally elbow to elbow with other customers. I realize its supposedly setup to be a "support store" to the main EB Games farther down the mall, but the cramped in style really turns alot of people off. From what I've seen of your store layout pics (I've never been to a Play N Trade, as you know, there are none around here), you might not have this problem, but you can't really tell in the pictures.



About the professionalism comments I've read. I'm all for professionalism, but having a strict policy on what employees can look like or do might not be the best approach. I mean, a polo shirt and khaki pants is fine (or any other type of clothing policy), but I find it 10 times easier to talk to an employee who looks like your average joe than someone who just stands there like a robot like every other company's employees do, you know what I mean? I love going to Lids (the hat store) in the Christiana Mall just because the employees are wearing hats, for some reason it just makes it easier to talk to them for me. Even though they have the standard polo shirt and khaki's, the hat just makes it easier to talk about whatever hat they have for sale, sports, etc. I've made a few friends at Lids just because they felt like someone I could talk to rather than an employee at, say, Circuit City who looks like every other employee out there. Same with EB Games when Madden comes out, the employees wear football jerseys.


Just something like that goes a long way for someone like me, and I'm sure a lot of other people like me. Maybe do what Lids does and let the employees wear hats or a casual day or two? Or Let the employees wear khakis and a nametag so they can still be indentified as employees, but maybe let them wear their own top? Say, for example, an employee wears a Phillies shirt or hat, that could spark up a conversation between that employee and a customer at the store who also happens to be a phillies fan. That customer could take that experience and spread the word around. They could wear a gaming shirt or hat, or even music, and do the same thing, start up a good experience. Just a suggestion that I think would make your store stand out and give good customer-employee experience. Again, this goes back to Lids where I've had some good sports conversations with the employees because I can identify that they like a particular team by looking at their hat. I buy all of my hats from Lids now, and tell everyone I know to shop there if they are looking for a hat. I've probably referred about 15 (no lie) people there that might've otherwise bought it at Dick's or Modells.



Do you have a target date to open, or a particular Plaza you are looking at? If you don't want to post that here, you can always send me a PM, if you do have those details. If you need any help setting up the place (stocking it, advertising it), seriously, PM me and we can talk about that further.


There are plenty of cheap ways to get games, Farmer Market flea markets, yard sales, and even here at CAG.


Check out my post I made a few days before you made this thread, you might be a lifesaver to me ;)

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2837864&postcount=46



Sorry if this all sounds like a jumbled mess, I've been awake for a long time for class and work (I hate my job) and I cannot fall asleep.



Thanks for reading my suggestions/opinions, and good luck with the store!
 
[quote name='Flyersfan']bingbangboom,



Your idea is awesome! I've been to about two independent game stores in my life just because none are around me. I'm sure you know the feeling since you live in the same state as me! I'd leave my horrible job right now and come work as a cashier/stocker/whatever you need at your store.


Seriously, I'd love to help out and work there if you need people, especially someone who loves video games ;). I don't need to be paid much at all really. Just working with what I love and under someone (you) who wants to acheive a goal to have great customer service and a great overall store sounds awesome. I go to UD so the exposure I can get for the store would be great. Game tournaments go on all the time in the dorms, games like Fight Night Round 3, Halo 2, Madden, and recently Guitar Hero II have been very popular here. If you set up those tournaments at your store, with food, drinks, and such, it would be insanely popular with UD kids. I wasn't here two years ago, but I heard they had a huge Halo tourny, somewhere in the 1,000 person range. The Xbox 360 is the main choice here, but the Wii gets some play time.

I'd really suggest getting a store around Newark, I don't know how much more expensive it would be than New Castle. I know I'm not an expert on this, and you've had people come in and help you, but something in Newark could bring in some great revenue with the college kids. To tell you the truth, I spent most of my childhood in New Castle, playing at the Little League field there and living there, but I don't visit up North that much anymore, so I don't know if anything has changed. You might've already thought about that though :)


I know exactly how and why people hate other game store policies and employees. I've read all seven pages of this thread and have some suggestions that I think would make you stand out.



You know the EBX in the Christiana Mall (near Auntie Anne's in the food court)? That place is packed in, you're literally elbow to elbow with other customers. I realize its supposedly setup to be a "support store" to the main EB Games farther down the mall, but the cramped in style really turns alot of people off. From what I've seen of your store layout pics (I've never been to a Play N Trade, as you know, there are none around here), you might not have this problem, but you can't really tell in the pictures.



About the professionalism comments I've read. I'm all for professionalism, but having a strict policy on what employees can look like or do might not be the best approach. I mean, a polo shirt and khaki pants is fine (or any other type of clothing policy), but I find it 10 times easier to talk to an employee who looks like your average joe than someone who just stands there like a robot like every other company's employees do, you know what I mean? I love going to Lids (the hat store) in the Christiana Mall just because the employees are wearing hats, for some reason it just makes it easier to talk to them for me. Even though they have the standard polo shirt and khaki's, the hat just makes it easier to talk about whatever hat they have for sale, sports, etc. I've made a few friends at Lids just because they felt like someone I could talk to rather than an employee at, say, Circuit City who looks like every other employee out there. Same with EB Games when Madden comes out, the employees wear football jerseys.


Just something like that goes a long way for someone like me, and I'm sure a lot of other people like me. Maybe do what Lids does and let the employees wear hats or a casual day or two? Or Let the employees wear khakis and a nametag so they can still be indentified as employees, but maybe let them wear their own top? Say, for example, an employee wears a Phillies shirt or hat, that could spark up a conversation between that employee and a customer at the store who also happens to be a phillies fan. That customer could take that experience and spread the word around. They could wear a gaming shirt or hat, or even music, and do the same thing, start up a good experience. Just a suggestion that I think would make your store stand out and give good customer-employee experience. Again, this goes back to Lids where I've had some good sports conversations with the employees because I can identify that they like a particular team by looking at their hat. I buy all of my hats from Lids now, and tell everyone I know to shop there if they are looking for a hat. I've probably referred about 15 (no lie) people there that might've otherwise bought it at Dick's or Modells.



Do you have a target date to open, or a particular Plaza you are looking at? If you don't want to post that here, you can always send me a PM, if you do have those details. If you need any help setting up the place (stocking it, advertising it), seriously, PM me and we can talk about that further.


There are plenty of cheap ways to get games, Farmer Market flea markets, yard sales, and even here at CAG.


Check out my post I made a few days before you made this thread, you might be a lifesaver to me ;)

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2837864&postcount=46



Sorry if this all sounds like a jumbled mess, I've been awake for a long time for class and work (I hate my job) and I cannot fall asleep.



Thanks for reading my suggestions/opinions, and good luck with the store![/QUOTE]


No, great feedback. I will be sure to send out a notice when I am looking to hire. Right now I can't put a defined location for a number of reasons. One I need to go over real estate and stats on various locations. I would love New Castle just because it is close to me. But one spot in Concord Pike, near where I work, mainly because there is constant traffic all the time. There is a mall near by and alot of customers come from PA to save sales tax. Also there is apperently someone looking to open a store in the Newark area. Only real problem with depending on college kids is well, your depending on college kids. Some don't have money to really buy much, hence why they group around what they already have. Also during the summer it would be dead. I havn't really hung out in Newark during the summer but I am sure a ton of businesses suffer because of that. With videogames already being seasonal aka top games coming out during the holiday season, you wouldn't really want that.

I could do casual mondays because it always seems that people hate mondays. Main reason for the uniform is to bring a standard of excellence and professionalism vs. other places where it can vary. I know depending on your ranking at other stores can depend what you wear from a t-shirt to a tie. I had imagined it would work well with the color scheme as well.

The reason that stores like Lids have the employees wear hats is because it is what they sell. If you go to the Gap, they are wearing clothes by the Gap. They are walking hangers. With a videogame store, can't really superglue a game to your ass or privates. Also it really depends on vendors because if I could get videogame shirts cheap, I'd do a whole section for that. They are pretty strict on who I can get products from. So thats why I don't know if I can buy games off the street to sell.

It has to be an approved vendor which means they get a chunck of change from the vendor but also there is protection becuase they go through testing.

But yeah, I will give you a PM about a job when we are ready. Send me a private just incase this thread gets lost.
 
Hey everyone. Right now I am on the begining stages of a Business Plan which I have to submit to a bank to get a SBA Loan. Hoping to have it done by the end of next month. Hopefully before the end of may though because it can take a month to get approved. I have never done a business plan but my main problem is that if I cough up the 22k for the franchise, they give me a Business Plan... but I need the SBA Loan to get the franchise. So it is a weird circle. I am hoping I can do without them and get the loan.
 
Location = Delaware? You already have my business and you don't have to do anything ;)

I'm looking for an alternative to the million Gamestops in the area and your store will be just fine.

As far as suggestions, how about a grand opening with contests/giveaways, or regular contests/giveaways throughout the year? The contests can reward those skilled at certain games while the giveaways (i.e. drawings) can reward those less skilled who give you good business (soccer moms, etc.)
 
Grand Opening wise I have a pretty good idea of what to do. I mean alot of advertising and building up hype. Figure that I can do that with people helping on Myspace.com and other sites. I would hire some people to make an appearance like "Spider-Man" or stuff like that. Possibly do a Wii giveaway door prize. Have some lame local radio station come down, as hacky as they are, they do bring people in.
 
I was thinking another thing you could do is allow employees to give trade in values over the phone. This is something EbStop does not do and if you do it for the customers they may be impressed and come to your store more likely than going to EbStop. If a customer calls with a trade-in value question at Ebstop they have to say " I am sorry but it's our policy to not give out trade in values over the phone, you will have to come into the store to check the value of your games". Frankly this is really tacky and is making it seem like they have something to hide, and with their ridiculously low trade in values they definitely have something to hide. Its also poor customer service, not helping a customer on the phone is not what customers these days want to hear.

With the price of gas nowadays I am not going to drive all the way to an Ebgames store just to "check" the value of my game, I would rather go on ebay and sell it there if thats the way they are gonna be about it, as I and anyone else with a computer can look up the ebay value of a game in a matter of seconds.. If you gave trade-in values over the phone this could help bring in potential first-time customers and keep those customers.

Also if you choose not to give trade in values over the phone and a person drove 20 miles to your store to "check" the value of a game and didn't like the value they were given for the game they would not be too happy then they would go and tell all their family and friends that store x is a ripoff and never to go there again. One negative customer can go a long ways nowadays with the internet and whatnot, if a store is a poor store with no customer service and outrageous prices the information about it will fly moreso than if it was a store with good customer service and good prices.

Obviously there would be exceptions, if someone called and rattled off a list of 50 games they wanted trade in values for over the phone that would be a little much and would be wasting the employee's time and they would be tied up for a while then its best to tell the customer to come into the store, but I don't see any reason why if someone calls asking what you will pay for a couple games that you can't give that information out over the phone.

Appearances are a good idea, I would tap into the pokemon crowd for this, as another poster said, pokemon games are gold (they print money LOL)! Get pikachu as a character and advertise he will be there and sales just might increase. Pikachu WILL draw a huge crowd, people love the little guy, young and old. If you don't mind having kids and all ages in your store for a day or 2 then you also might want to consider something like a pokemon play and trade day, with the amount of pokemon games out this would surely be successful, but be warned you will probably get a large crowd for this, so be prepared. Maybe you could hold it in the summer in the parking lot if possible depending on location so there is a larger area, again advertising would be very important for an event like this.
 
Well, you know the reason EB doesn't give prices over the phone is because they want you to come in. Also, it seems some do and some don't.
 
[quote name='suko_32']Well, you know the reason EB doesn't give prices over the phone is because they want you to come in. Also, it seems some do and some don't.[/QUOTE]

Policy was changed awhile ago that they HAVE to give values over the phone... I have gotten many trade-in values over the phone, months ago, from both EB + Gamestop.

Unless policy changed back, I was pretty sure they were required to give all trade-in prices over the phone, up to a reasonable amount (i.e two games are fine, but not 20).

And if any store had a Pikachu character in it, I would avoid it like the plague due to the hassle it would create in the store. Half the time I just want to get in, get my game, and get out without wasting a monumental amount of time. This is why I like Best Buy - I can get in and out of the store in under 5 minutes. Sure, I wouldn't mind a friendly employee or two, but when that employee has to talk my ear off while slowly ringing me up, that starts to aggravate me.

Most employees can tell when someone doesn't want to small talk, but the ones that don't are the *worst*.

Also, on busy days, stock more than one cashier... don't pull a Circuit City and create huge 10 minute lines, because you'll lose customers real fast.
 
give more trade in credit for your games. I promise people will come back to you when they want to trade in games. I work at a store that guarantees more trade in credit than gamestop, and still sells everything (including consoles) from atari 2600 to current. I've found from working there, more trade in credit and a wider selection of titles (old and new) keeps customers coming back.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']Policy was changed awhile ago that they HAVE to give values over the phone... I have gotten many trade-in values over the phone, months ago, from both EB + Gamestop.

Unless policy changed back, I was pretty sure they were required to give all trade-in prices over the phone, up to a reasonable amount (i.e two games are fine, but not 20).

And if any store had a Pikachu character in it, I would avoid it like the plague due to the hassle it would create in the store. Half the time I just want to get in, get my game, and get out without wasting a monumental amount of time. This is why I like Best Buy - I can get in and out of the store in under 5 minutes. Sure, I wouldn't mind a friendly employee or two, but when that employee has to talk my ear off while slowly ringing me up, that starts to aggravate me.

Most employees can tell when someone doesn't want to small talk, but the ones that don't are the *worst*.

Also, on busy days, stock more than one cashier... don't pull a Circuit City and create huge 10 minute lines, because you'll lose customers real fast.[/QUOTE]

Ah, I see. Well that's a policy I like.
 
Where in Delaware will you be located? I live in West Chester, PA, so DE isn't that far of a drive (depending where in DE).....
 
Right now I am looking at New Castle County, but one location I am eyeing is on Concord Pike, near Super G, CompUSA and Blockbuster so it wouldn't be that long of a drive for you. One area that we might not advertise in our business plan is pricing being cheap. Mainly because that is one area that compeitiors can take away from us. If we lower our price, they could do the same. They might not, but when you try to explain to a bank, people might not understand.

It is still very early on though, but the location is right next to a store called "theater Xtreme", which sells home entertainment rooms and supplies. They would LOVE me at that location, offered to give me a discount on a 92" screen for tournaments and even to host tournaments from time to time. Cross promotion would be great. Especially with the newer HighDef systems, gives them an opprotunity to sell customers some items. And trust me, if you saw that place you would LOVE it.
 
Also we are looking for a company name, not the name of the store, but the name for our company. We have had a couple ideas here and there... but here are a couple of things we want...

- Gaming related
- Can't be crude
- Bank would have to look at it

So, if you can shoot off some ideas that would be great. If we happen to use your idea and this store gets up and running, i'll send you a free game :D
 
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