thinking about opening a video game store

Its an idea i've been having for a while now.  I just asked for more info from play n trade hopefully i'll be getting that soon.   While i'm waiting for that package does anyone else have any idea what kind of costs i'm looking at for running a store, and also any other info that might help me to decide how to start one up and operate one.   thanks guys

Comments

  • Are you opening up a Play N Trade franchise or just getting information from Play N Trade to open up your own store?
  • Do a search here (or pm Dan) as there have been a ton of really good and in-depth replies posted on this topic already... you just have to dig them up image
  • i was thinking a franchise, just because it might be easyer to start a store up that way plus you'll get a well known name on the sign that might bring in more people.
  • Well "3D Games" is a MUCH cheaper franchise to start than "Play N Trade".

    http://www.3dgamescorp.com/contactus.html
  • 3D games only operates in the USA.
  • if you're going for a brick and mortar store, you're gonna need shelves, at least 1 tv to test things on, a computer to check prices and a pile of merchandise larger than you could imagine
  • Play and trade franchises are pretty expensive to start up and they seem to be opening as many as they are closing. They have a training program in California that teaches you how to fix all the systems etc. The data package that they give you is way off as far as the prices to offer customers for trade. Hey I want to pay 25 cents for nes carts to but that is not a fair price to encourage business in your store.
  • so then is starting a store from scratch a better way to go?
  • i'm a total noob on this subject considering gamestores



    but from hi-fi stores i know joining a franchise is alot cheaper and less risky then starting your own store, you have a house-hold name, more buying power = cheaper items, trainings etc.

  • Originally posted by: Dr. Morbis

    Do a search here (or pm Dan) as there have been a ton of really good and in-depth replies posted on this topic already... you just have to dig them up image




    Here is one of the better reads.

    http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=10&threadid=1486&highlight_key=y

  • I'd thought about doing the same, but in reality, I'd rather just franchise out a Gamehaven store (maybe to Oak Ridge or Lenoir City, both need one). Course I'm too poor right now to start anything, much less take a chance on this economy.  Not trying to burst your bubble, but do take the Canadian economic state in mind before doing something like this. 
  • Originally posted by: flyingducky

    so then is starting a store from scratch a better way to go?


    not saying that either, but I would think long and hard about play and trade
  • if you opened a franchised store wouldnt you have to abide by the companies rules. a game stop would be cool but you couldnt take trade ins older than ps2
  • Originally posted by: wrldstrman

    if you opened a franchised store wouldnt you have to abide by the companies rules. a game stop would be cool but you couldnt take trade ins older than ps2


    Yes and whatever the rest of the agreement is. Also I am not exactly sure play-n-trade is a household name
  • Originally posted by: wrldstrman

    if you opened a franchised store wouldnt you have to abide by the companies rules. a game stop would be cool but you couldnt take trade ins older than ps2



    yeah the only way you could truely have full control of a store is to start a non franchise store.  however i'm sure their are a few franchises that allow you to buy/sell whatever you want.
  • Play and trade will let you buy and sell whatever you want, but there system is whacked
  • I would want my own store that way you could sell what you wanted, take anything you wanted for trade, set your own hours, etc. and I pretty sure even after you buy a franchise you still have to pay royalities
  • does anyone know good companys to buy stock from? I know franchises have a bunch of companys they use that give them great deals on games. I guess thats one of the things that makes having a franchise an easy way to start.
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