Owning A Game Store

[JoeK]

Damn you 213 with your commercial realities and sensible advice. I want a shop for cool and interesting gamers, don't bother us with this profit nonsense.

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Well, my grand scheme would be to have the equivalent of an Internet cafe. You obviously charge people to use the services you provide, plus sausage rolls. You also have set up an online store where people could safely, easily order what they want. You have in the physical store a certain amount of the newer, top titles for easy sales, but then the rest of the time people can safely order, with free delivery directly to them. Returns can be done smoothly and efficiently in-store. You have demo units around the place with just that - demos of games (no full versions).

It could be a relatively funky, pleasant environment to be in, and more to the point you could well cater for a varied type of customer.

Hell, evenings can be used as big old gaming sessions or there about.

Wi-fi enabled? Oh yes.

[Klatrymadon]

Any game shop ran by me would be a massive flop, because the shelves would be filled with stuff like Sparkster and Contra III.

[Jim Miles]

Then maybe have some tourements -- like Street Fighter III or 8-player Bomberman

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YES!

[Jack]

ps. http://www.actsofgord.com

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I reckon about four of those "events" actually happened.

[Matt]

I dont think id do anything differentlly, Gamestation is perfect for me, allthough twod be cool if they stocked, like, everything game related, like game posters, gaming books, soundtracks and those funny plug and play tv game things

[Cyhwuhx]

.::: Different? Well maybe just copy these guys:

Play-corner with couch to sample stuff, people behind the counter who play and are enthusiastic about games themselves (very important bit that), rental service and enough second hand, new and quirky stuff.

I have yet to find a store better than that.

[rev-happy performance]

.::: Different? Well maybe just copy these guys:

Play-corner with couch to sample stuff, people behind the counter who play and are enthusiastic about games themselves (very important bit that), rental service and enough second hand, new and quirky stuff.

I have yet to find a store better than that.

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WTF, they even get girls in there?

http://www.videogames.nl/phpBB2/viewtopic....er=asc&start=90

[Liquid Myth]

1991. Hey shop owning is fun but 2k tax blls and only 500 quid in cash as you've tied up a load of readies in hardware and games that may or may not show up on launch day isn't..

a "cool" shop would be great but people wouldn't spend money there, they SAY they would but they won't.

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I understand you're approaching it from the reality, and it's helpful, but this is really nothing more than a brainstorm/"would like to see/have" type thing, as opposed to the grim life of being cheaper without a physical store type thing.

[Spunky Monkey]

rental service

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Think thats one the best ideas. For example, people use game as a rental service basically, which annoys customers who get a game all scratched. Where else can you rent games? Blockbuster maybe, but you gotta be a member and near to one etc, so why not rent your games out from the shop, and if someone wants to buy it they get the rental back or something?

[Cyhwuhx]

Think thats one the best ideas. For example, people use game as a rental service basically, which annoys customers who get a game all scratched. Where else can you rent games? Blockbuster maybe, but you gotta be a member and near to one etc, so why not rent your games out from the shop, and if someone wants to buy it they get the rental back or something?

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.::: The best bit about it that they have access to most titles as well and not a small selection (which is a bit of a problem in the Netherlands with rentals for me). For instance, they might not have had ICO for sale for some time, but they did still have a rental copy, so at least you can play it.

(Of course this'll change come February 15 but still you get the idea.)

[Mr Spew]

http://www.videogames.nl/phpBB2/viewtopic....er=asc&start=90

To post that link again...

Oh my fucking god. That is the store I want. EXACTLY. That system of filing pre-owned games is great. The cabinets? Great. The big TV with Frequency? Great. Pop n Music?! Awesome!

I'll get on responding to other posts, I just need to bask in how fucking awesome that shop is.

[Transient Curse]

Think thats one the best ideas. For example, people use game as a rental service basically, which annoys customers who get a game all scratched. Where else can you rent games? Blockbuster maybe, but you gotta be a member and near to one etc, so why not rent your games out from the shop, and if someone wants to buy it they get the rental back or something?

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You'd have to be a member and near the shop though.

[masterhand]

Scratched rental discs:

Before you rent out a games place one of the plasctic film disc protectors on the disc. They cost a few pence and can be replaced if they are damaged cheaper than getting a new disc.

Renting discs:

They will get stolen and lost, the empty cases get stolen too.

Rental isn't the easy way to make money.

[JPickford (retired mod)]

I'd serve beer and make it over 18's only. Have loads of tables and chairs where people can sit and chat. Probably some low music (nothing too intrusive). I'd have a few screens around. They might come in handy for major sports events.

I'd probably not bother selling games though.

[Sabreman]

I'd serve beer and make it over 18's only.  Have loads of tables and chairs where people can sit and chat.  Probably some low music (nothing too intrusive).    I'd have a few screens around.  They might come in handy for major sports events.

I'd probably not bother selling games though.

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I think you're onto something there. All you'd need is a catchy name for such an establishment.

[Dork Knight]

I'd have laminated copies of the game covers (they're all DVD-ish sized now, innit?) on the shelves. takes up less room.

BUT... fiddlier to handle, you know, pick up, browse through...

Oh, and a decent amount of money to fund the enterprise too... I wouldn't want the bank(s) breathing down my neck the whole time.

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Theres a record shop in Cardiff, tiny place, which has been there for over 100 years.

Laminated black & white copies with a piece of cardboard - Its a tiny shop, cuts down on all the costs (space, displays and whatnot) - Great little place.

[Dork Knight]

.::: Different? Well maybe just copy these guys:

Play-corner with couch to sample stuff, people behind the counter who play and are enthusiastic about games themselves (very important bit that), rental service and enough second hand, new and quirky stuff.

I have yet to find a store better than that.

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Jesus, look at all that wasted space.

Not using the space = get smaller shop, which should = less costs.

[Cyhwuhx]

Jesus, look at all that wasted space.

Not using the space = get smaller shop, which should = less costs.

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.::: Yes, because heaven forbid people could actually walk somewhere.

[JPickford (retired mod)]

Jesus, look at all that wasted space.

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It's not wasted if it's full of eager customers.

[Mr Spew]

Napole0n:

The main 'problem' is that you can't compete on price with big chains like Game, so you have to take things in a different directions to get your crowd in.

In Holland there should be more room for specialised gameshops, as the huge majority of games over here are sold by music- and toystores against RRP prices. There are only a few dedicated gameshops, which are either spinoffs from the music/toychains or small indies which also sell at RRP.

A good store with a good atmosphere, a healthy amount of titles and 10-15% discount on RRP might just do the trick.

It's mandatory to have the money earners like FIFA, GTA, NFS (not least because they're not bad games at all) etc, simply because they earn a fair bit for the store. But sourcing them - it could be more profitable buying them in bulk from the local Tesco and selling for £32/£34.99.

Asura:

Hmmm, a lot of ideas Spew, but having worked in a games shop, some of them are a bit flawed. For example, your "no-one shops before 9" idea is flat-out wrong, and to me shows a lack of market research on your part. Given, business in gaming shops is naturally busier after 12, but people do buy things before that - and not just on release days either. People come in waiting for the bus etc, and do occasionally buy things.

Your arcade machines will bring in money, but also bring in 12yo chav kids, and they will put off the rest of your customers. Thing is though, the chav kids outnumber the potential gamers that you could cater to.

You seem to want to make a shop purely for gamers - thats noble - but in the end ill-concieved, because at the end of the day there aren't that many of us. The reason why all the major retailers make such a big deal about stuff like NFS:U2 and shelve stuff like Rez is because thats what the market wants.

When I worked for Gamestation, I did some research into this matter, pending the staff at our branch leaving together and opening our own business, and after a bit of digging, we were staggered at how little profit shops like that actually make.

Anyway, my point is that all the ideas you should work to should be based off research - you should go into this with a blank slate and open mind, and build the shop around that. If you don't, then you'll find research to fit a pre-determined conclusion, and ultimately you'll fail.

Yeah, my ideas are flawed by my want of a perfect shop (which will never happen simply because making money comes foremost), but the market research thing is a tad out - from working in retail for around 5 years now, I've found most people don't come shopping until 10am minimum, maybe 10am on weekdays, then 9am on Fri/Sat, 11am on Sundays?

I see what you mean about the chavtacular draw-in of the arcade machines, but they'd be pay-to-play, so if they're paying, they're more than welcome to play. Otherwise they can stop greasing up my machines.

Not at all towards the gamers thing, my vision isn't as clouded as you might think - I know what sells and what needs to be done to break into profit (no new console sales, getting in cheap games and selling pre-owned stock at decent prices, having the popular games as well as a very good back catalogue etc).

I agree with most of that, but it wouldn't just be games. There's a market in trading card games, but I have no knowledge of them. Manga in cabinets (beneath the till?) just to fill out the store can be popular with regular customers, especially if you have a better selection than the local comic store (getting in just a select 5 - 10 series' and having complete ones always in stock helps, rather than just the odd 19 of Lone Wolf if you get my drift). As well as plushes, and Japanesey stuff (hello big Mario plushes!).

It really does depend on the area though, in Northampton, yeah, you get a shedload of the skank variety, a surprising amount, back home at GS, we didn't get nearly as much. There are people with money, people who need things to spend their monthly wages on (and they will) - it proves location is key to attracting the right (and as many) people.

Spunky Monkey:

If you are going to offer game prices less than GAME then make sure you get customers buying from you. I noticed in GAME that a lot of people go to the cheaper stores, note down the price, go to GAME and use their reward card and price match.

What you want to do is effectivly stop people price matching, some kind of voucher/card should do the trick, but you have to do it in such a way as that GAME cant price match you but you dont get customers going 'forms...i cant be bothered id rather pay more money'

Your store does sound like a nice idea, but i doubt it'll be profitable and as fun as you think it'll be. Take the Big Gamestation in Brum, thats similar to what you want to achieve, but i reckon most the people in there dont buy, they just play on the pods.

In my experience over the past month or two, I've NEVER had anybody price-match from another store. It depends how far apart stores are I guess (it's a walk, but not far between GAME and Gamestation here, maybe too far to be arsed with, but there are many parents that go to Toys R Us and end up going back there for their PS2 deals with 5 bad games). But yeah, never price-matched.

There is a hook that the store would need, maybe having products that other stores don't have would be that hook - so they can't be arsed to go to GAME. Setting up in a two GAME town is pointless, even more so if there's an indie or two.

I don't think it'll be that fun, and heck, the Gamestation in Birmingham (the big one) isn't even close to profit, the rent on that place is £30k a month, they're only just breaking that apparently ().

Sabreman:

I'd stock a broad range of good quality retro titles across computers and consoles, import stuff as well. I would only stock stuff in excellent condition - no cart only or stuff without instructions. As for discs, I wouldn't touch anything that was scratched. I wouldn't bother selling hardware at all as it's far too much trouble. I'd only have display cases for all the current items, and all retro would be in display cabinets

The shop would be airy and bright, and there would be videogame music playing all day. I wouldn't buy things over the counter for cash apart from very choice items, and I'd only trade for the kind of things mentioned above. I reserve the right to tell anyone that brings me a filthy old pile of PS2 games to sling their hook.

I'd also stock soundtracks and art books, and things like plushes and good quality figures.

Basically it'd be like one of those out-of-the-way specialist boutiques that knows it's specific customer base.

A retro section would be there - but only in the sense of NES/SNES and that kind of era systems with loads of boxed/cart only games side-on behind a cabinet (I quite like cart only games).

Nothing scratched, I agree - waste of time. Nothing without manuals either.

Cash would be given on stuff we reckon we could get cheap I guess - as that'd be the easiest way to get in pre-owned to get profit in. Filthy games can go away, I've had enough of them really.

Soundtracks I've never been fond of, or art books (to be fair though, I've not seen many of them), but definitely plushes, never been keen on figures unless they're big ones, not small plastic ones in blister packs, general gaming merchandise that you can't get from anywhere near here, and import handhelds and the like at affordable prices.

Nah, it couldn't be out of the way, it needs to be up front, it needs to be known, it needs regulars that are happy to come into the store - looks inviting, always have something they want to buy no matter what (for all price ranges, see: Gashapon!).

moosegrinder:

Sportswear and baseball caps would be banned. Anyone smelling of piss and sweat would be banned. Anyone walking in with foodstuffs from Greggs would be kicked out immediately, then banned. Anyone who phones up and doesn't say hello before starting a question would be hung up on. No Pods playable, only rolling demos. Apart from that buy at a fair (low) price, sell at a fair price, get staff that know what they're doing, air fresheners, decent range of music at a decent level of volume (should be background noise, not defening wankery), dummy boxes a go-go, cash only on producing DNA samples with corresponding paperwork, fingerprint records and a drivers licence, and NO 10 day exchange or refund. You bought it, fucking play it. You don't know if you'll like it, don't fucking buy it.

Food can piss off as far as I'm concerned, stinks the place out and there's no need. Staff room would be upstairs so the smell doesn't eminate and seep onto the shop floor.

Rolling demos, nah. We'd have something like Eyetoys set up so there's no arsing around with sticky controllers and the like. And simple games already set-up on TVs, such as music games, some multiplayer on the 360 and HDTV perhaps (think like the Hollandish store with the big TV). Yes, get things in cheap, sell at fair prices, agree with the music as it's pointless having stupidly loud music you can't think over, no chance to dummy boxes - they're the devil's work.

And yes, no exchanges. We don't have to - when you buy something, I don't want people to think like they don't really own it. If you do feel like you do, you'll enjoy it more from experience (from buying games that I knew I couldn't return, being more certain about my decision I guess).

Pockets:

I think there's something to be said for a specialist type of retailer. Some of the more aloof attitudes above would actually help I think. A bit of a snobby elitist air of not even trying to compete with larger retailers might appeal to some people. Think of the record shop in High Fidelity, that kinda thing. A place where people wouldn't mind paying a bit more to be able to say that they're a regular there. Like a Harrods of the videogame world. If you could get it right, I think it would be possible to pitch to the richer gamers who can afford to pay a little more if they get to feel like they're recieving a rare and priviliged service. It's hard to explain, but if you could get it right I think there is a market for high class retailership in the games industry, it's just finding a place where enough of the people that might be interested would live.

I partially agree - people want to feel like they're splashing out and feel rich (about themselves), but finding that area to set up shop in is very hard. Shrewsbury is around that range, has a good local value to it (many people living locally with money), isn't full of scallywags (but obviously has them), and has a good crowd of customers that come in every week.

thebigboss:

My missus' bro made most of his money by selling bottles of coke/fanta etc and having a machine that removes scratches from discs

Then getting one of the scratch-removing machines/gadgets is a good idea. People go to Woolies/Superdrug if they want drinks.

qazimod:

Instead of organising by genre or platform, I'd organise by demographic. "More money than sense?" would have a load of crappy EA games and film licenses, "Kids" would have stuff like Tony Hawk's, 50 Cent: Bulletproof and Crazy Frog Racer, "Other" would have all the shit that I probably wouldn't be able to criticise in the store, but it's lack of a category would evidence it's worth. "Experienced" would contain stuff that frightens off your mum, like Ikaruga, SF Anniversary Collection, Panzer Dragoon Orta - stuff that isn't so "pick-up-and-play", because that stuff would be in the "Getting Started" section...which would probably be chock-full of DS, Revolution, Eyetoy stuff. And bemani. Lots of bemani.

Partially agree - sections would work well. Alphabetised ones even! Going down > Top, popular, good games > Medium, the regulars, games that have been out for a while but are still bought > Bottom, kids, games that parents will go out and buy for their kids (mainly thinking about DS for this part).

Rowan Morrison:

I'd imagine the desecration of these two ideals alone will generate enough misery to break your heart after the first month of business.

We've got a part-time cleaner position available if you're interested?

213:

1991. Hey shop owning is fun but 2k tax blls and only 500 quid in cash as you've tied up a load of readies in hardware and games that may or may not show up on launch day isn't..

a "cool" shop would be great but people wouldn't spend money there, they SAY they would but they won't.

Spew:

Fundamentally you are going into business and all the usual rules apply here, good business is good business, you do your home work, find a location, decide what part of the market to concentrate on and go for it.

I seriously would not allow myself to be distracted by people suggesting cool things to do as they aren't paying for it and they aren't looking and trying to make it pay. A console, chairs and Hi def tv - thats what? £1200 quid, plus floor space. I'd be expecting a 25% return on that money within a month if I put it into stock but you've spent £1200 and it's dead money. You'd be better off keeping that £1200 quid and buying a load of cheap games from sales, clearouts overstocks etc and trying to rent them or turn them round on ebay.

Take game for instance - what wrong with it?

Well the staff are keen but not majorly knowledgeable at times so keep the keeness, the ability to sell and just improve the knowledge. And the stocks good but the used prices are a bit high at times so be more aware of whats happening out there.

But consider, both game and gamestation are in the shit right now so if they can't make it work..............

Yeah, I've been looking at locations for years - nothing major has popped up and gone HELLO! to me.

I agree about the cool things, but the console, couch and HDTV - they'd be personally-owned (and insured and all that) if I was to ever put them in there, simply because there's no real profit to see of them - maybe just have one to the side of the till as in that Dutch store. Just an idea, obviously nowt is set in any kind of stone.

GAME and Gamestation are unorganised - trying to sort it out personally inside the store is difficult, and it's lots of little tidy-ups which soon turn to shit that annoy me.

And being knowledgeable is a must - no one knows about the 360 aside from me where I work, it's frustrating because I don't work there that much so many people are going to be left clueless and won't bother, yet with a little product knowledge they could sell Xbox Live, loads of Marketplace Points and games no problems if they knew how good it all is and what comes with it.

Rowan Morrison:

That sounds exactly like our CEX, but there are always plenty of people queuing up (and not merely because the staff are arsing around). I can't imagine cleaning up the place and getting the staff in line would really have a huge impact on profits. Actually, keeping the place clean would be a logistical nightmare, and the staff are most likely surly or disinterested because they're faced with a constant stream of ghastly customers - the same ghastly customers who keep the place packed (and dirty). So I can't imagine they have much hope.

Indeed, it's the same at CEX, but people come back (including myself, but mainly for the nice cash prices, not to buy anything bar blank discs) - but CEX fall down because of the clientel, it's all buying and selling (a lot) of cheap shite. Crap DVDs, stupid 360 prices which make people laugh (yet many buy) and very strange tactics.

JoeK:

Hell, evenings can be used as big old gaming sessions or there about.

Wi-fi enabled? Oh yes.

If they were friends, yes. But otherwise, where's the money? People would get too comfortable and just not feel like they had to spend money anymore, and would expect discount on stock. Perhaps.

Band Brothers? Lunar? Pink DSes?

Cheers!

[Mr Spew]

Okay, what the bollocks is up with my quotes?

[Dork Knight]

.::: Yes, because heaven forbid people could actually walk somewhere.

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It's not wasted if it's full of eager customers.

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Christ, you could fit another rack or whatnot down the middle of the store.

If I was five people deep trying to reach a rack, then that shop can kiss my arse.

[Mr Spew]

Or a till.

[JoeK]

If they were friends, yes.  But otherwise, where's the money?  People would get too comfortable and just not feel like they had to spend money anymore, and would expect discount on stock.  Perhaps.

(referring to the game evenings).

I'm going off on my internet cafe tangent when I mentioned this. The people in the store/cafe (whatever the hell I've created here...!) would be paying customers - they'd be paying to use the machines, or if they're just into link up their DSs or something, then they'd be buying food/drink or sommat like that.

[Dork Knight]

Or a till.

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Yes, but theres no way (if I owned a store) that I would place the till there.

Perhaps this is why I don't own a store.

Counter against back wall, more stock or whatnot up front IMO.

[Mr Spew]

(referring to the game evenings).

I'm going off on my internet cafe tangent when I mentioned this. The people in the store/cafe (whatever the hell I've created here...!) would be paying customers - they'd be paying to use the machines, or if they're just into link up their DSs or something, then they'd be buying food/drink or sommat like that.

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If I was to open a shop, I don't want food coming in, and there's no way I'm selling it inside the store unless it's laminate flooring and just sweets from Japan or something.

Yes, but theres no way (if I owned a store) that I would place the till there.

Perhaps this is why I don't own a store.

Counter against back wall, more stock or whatnot up front IMO.

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If you have a till at the back of the store, people look at stuff, go WTF! then walk out.

If it's at the front and people are at the back, they'll look, maybe ask someone or someone will ask them (not that anyone bar me seems to ever do this) and they HAVE to go by the till to leave.

If it's in the centre, you're always near the till no matter what, people can ask for help no problems, people from the till can walk straight to people to ask, and err, yeah, I'd like to see a store that's done it sucessfully to judge properly.

[Spunky Monkey]

In my experience over the past month or two, I've NEVER had anybody price-match from another store. It depends how far apart stores are I guess (it's a walk, but not far between GAME and Gamestation here, maybe too far to be arsed with, but there are many parents that go to Toys R Us and end up going back there for their PS2 deals with 5 bad games). But yeah, never price-matched.

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I'm basing what i said from when i worked in game. I worked within a large shopping center, and within this shopping center apart from a number of other gaming stores, EB, @jakarta, dixons, woolworths, there was an indie called Thatz Entertainment, still there actually, who were always a fiver cheaper than game.

Everyone would price match them, i really felt sorry for them as they are a really nice little indie store that stocks imports, plushes and other japanese gear, and it was always people with a reward card who would price match or too lazy to go back to the store. So i guess it really does depend on what stores are near by.

[johnj]

.

[JoeK]

If I was to open a shop, I don't want food coming in, and there's no way I'm selling it inside the store unless it's laminate flooring and just sweets from Japan or something.

You got to think outside the box though. Well, alternatives to a standard shop at least. I seriously don't believe that a sole-trader can make a decent living out of this area at the moment. The reality is (as someone up above mentioned) - if the big boys are struggling, then that's surely going to filter down unless you do something relatively novel and original with the whole concept.

Obviously, that in itself is a risk - certainly not something I'd choose to do alone. Which is why more and more people set up shop on-line I suppose.

[Dork Knight]

I'll still go by my previous post about the shop in Cardiff, great layout - Been there for over 100 years