opening a game store

[pureevil]

I realy want to open a game store but i'm thinking this might just be a pipe dream.Does anyone here own a game store or have some good advice?

[Flake]

As a consumer, I'll say this:

-Keep it professional. Having screaming kids running around or shooting the shit with the clerks is really annoying to a paying customer. Remember that the average gamer is between 27-35 years old - don't cater to the kids.

-Carry retro stock. Unless you plan on opening a gamestop franchise, you'll need something to set you apart.

-Speaking of gamestop, don't be afraid to refer customers their way if you don't have what they are looking for. Every good independent game store I've been to cultivates a good relationship with their big name competition. The relationship is usually mutual.

*edit: Just noticed you're in England. Just substitute Game or whatever the big name video game outlet is for you guys. The rest of the advice stands.

[CRTGAMER]

Gamestop is everywhere, like Starbucks.
If not in your area, they eventually will be.
http://www.gamestop.ie/store_Stockport.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EB_Games#E ... top_Merger

It would be very hard to compete against Worldwide Gamestop, look what happened to Game Crazy. AsFlake points out something as in Retro games that Gamestop wouldn't carry. To supplement profits maybe offer a local RROD/YLOD repair service, really, there is a market for this.

This Independent store with two outlets has been around for a while. Maybe E-Mail these guys for advice, let them know you are not a competetor, starting up in an entirely different country.
http://www.lunavideogames.com/aboutlvg/AboutLVG.htm

[the7k]

This might help.
http://www.destructoid.com/retronomics- ... 5405.phtml

Do whatever you can to stand apart from GameStore, Play 'N Trade and whatever other competition you have.

[noiseredux]

also, don't be a d-bag to customers. There's a local place I go to, and some of the guys are cool and haggle and cut you deals on stuff. But others are just plain rude. I brought in a boxed (brand new) PS2/XBox/GC driving wheel with pedals and manual still included. I bring the box in to the counter and was like "I just wanted to see if you'd want this for a trade-in" and the guy just looked at the box without even thinking and laughed and said "nah... you didn't bring ANYTHING ELSE???" real cocky like. That's not cool.

[Devezu]

As a consumer, I'll say this:
-Keep it professional. Having screaming kids running around or shooting the shit with the clerks is really annoying to a paying customer. Remember that the average gamer is between 27-35 years old - don't cater to the kids.

Uh, no....

You'll die like that. Broader market = more money. Because starting a business takes lots of money and you don't even make a profit the first 2 years, you might want to ignore that line...

However, in due time, try to shift it over to a more mature one if you feel so inclined, but remember that you are cutting out extra revenue with doing so. 27-35? Really? Most gamers actually ARE MUCH younger - 10ish-25ish.

Edit: missed "keep it professional" DO THAT. Organization does lots of wonders...
Additionally, don't do anything shady - upselling and trickery with an unknowledgeable person is despicable. VG stuff really IS hard to understand? RGB? Component? HDMI? Blu-Ray? Need x-adaptor to work on this? It can't play PS2 games? Just try to chunk it down. Charts are handy when it comes to this...

[CRTGAMER]

Another thought, make web page for your store. If you don't mind shipping, bet that would be most of your sales as word gets out.

[shwisha]

-Carry retro stock. Unless you plan on opening a gamestop franchise, you'll need something to set you apart.

Good advice. I guess it's also a bias opinion since this is a retro gaming community but I am way more likely to visit a gaming store that has old stuff than one that just carries new titles.

Gamers are competitive so I think it's a smart idea when a store puts on gaming tournaments from time to time. This draws a crowed and could grow an online community around your store as you announce winners, competitions and free giveaways. Also gives a lot of gamers a reason to subscribe to your newsletter.

I hate when a company just emails me asking me to pre-order the latest game. If they send me cool info about sales, tournaments, I'm way more interested.

I guess the big thing is to find your niche. Since people can buy games all over, figure out ways to separate yourself.

Maybe have an arcade section at your store.

[enderfall]

Before you can fantasize about how great your store will be, you'll need a plan to raise cash. There are several ways to go about this, but I only recommend getting a small business loan (not sure what they would be called in UK, but nonetheless, you'll need to go to a bank). They'll probably ask for a business plan and look for references and other things you would typically find in any loan. Certainly helps if you have a business degree as you'll have more credibility.

While it may sound convenient, I don't EVER recommend getting money from friends and family. In the event it doesn't work out, it's especially hard to mend relationships with those people who heavily invested in your venture.

[Limewater]

I realy want to open a game store but i'm thinking this might just be a pipe dream.Does anyone here own a game store or have some good advice?

Don't call your store "pureevil", "pureevil's games emporium" or "pureevil video game dealership". No offense, but that doesn't encourage a lot of trust on the customer's end.