How much do FLGS owners make?

I'm curious.... In this economy of downsizing, and offshoring attempts at removing my cushy programming job, I've toyed with the idea of opening an FLGS. I'm sure it would mean twice as much work, and probably half as much money. But I'm just curious what an FLGS owner makes in a year? Anyone have any idea?

This was one of my plan Bs in case I got laid off in my "lay-off" rich environment. There is a market near here in a college town that currently has no FLGS, so the opportunity certainly seems to be there.

[hysterical laughter]

Paychecks vary widely, not least because a fair number of game stores are spare-time hobby businesses. Among the people trying to make a living, I've heard salaries ranging from "I'm still putting money into the business and I hope it turns around soon" to a very few people in the low to mid 30s. I haven't heard any figure above $35K a year, but there's some people I don't know the salaries of who could be making more. Most of the people I've talked to make considerably less than $20K per year.

As for me, there have been years I've qualified for food stamps. We're doing better than that this year, but on an hour for hour basis I could make more money flipping burgers at McDonalds. Some of this is due to my significant limitations as a businessman, but the simple fact is that you're trying to sell obscure products to small audiences, and making big bucks tends to be a bit difficult.

I don't recommend this profession to anybody who doesn't have a burning desire to sell games (or in my case, books and games). If you've got the skills to do it right, then you can make twice as much money with half the effort in almost any other retail management job. If you've got the capital to open a store, you can use that capital to make more money doing almost anything else.

It'll be interesting to see what the other replies to this are...

Interesting. Thing is, I'm just not sure what other kind of small business I'd even consider opening. Thanks for the info, though! I'll stick to my day job for now.

Wise decision.

Make?!

How much do FLGS owners make?

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No No, its 'How much do FLGS owners lose?'

Watch out for thieves! While it is now called rogue IN game, the thief is a common attendee of the FLGS, often BEHIND the counter.

The most successful FLGS I know of around here isn't just a game store. It's also the area's best sci-fi and fantasy bookstore. If you're having problems selling obscure things to a small market, it might help to sell less obsucre things to a braoder market.

spacecrime.com said:

[hysterical laughter]

Paychecks vary widely, not least because a fair number of game stores are spare-time hobby businesses. Among the people trying to make a living, I've heard salaries ranging from "I'm still putting money into the business and I hope it turns around soon" to a very few people in the low to mid 30s. I haven't heard any figure above $35K a year, but there's some people I don't know the salaries of who could be making more. Most of the people I've talked to make considerably less than $20K per year.

As for me, there have been years I've qualified for food stamps. We're doing better than that this year, but on an hour for hour basis I could make more money flipping burgers at McDonalds. Some of this is due to my significant limitations as a businessman, but the simple fact is that you're trying to sell obscure products to small audiences, and making big bucks tends to be a bit difficult.

I don't recommend this profession to anybody who doesn't have a burning desire to sell games (or in my case, books and games). If you've got the skills to do it right, then you can make twice as much money with half the effort in almost any other retail management job. If you've got the capital to open a store, you can use that capital to make more money doing almost anything else.

It'll be interesting to see what the other replies to this are...

Click to expand...

Well, let me be the first to say that you do a great job!! (You hosted some Living Greyhawk slot 0's last year for us...)

AND I'll be down in Northampton for a wedding in a few weeks to spend some money at your excellent establishment!

-Rugger
"I SpendUncontrollably!

How much do FLGS owners make?

I asked that question to the co-owner of my FLGS, Mad Hatter's.

He said he makes barely enough to survive, but he gets a lot of personal benefits. He's his own boss and he's doing a job he loves.

Cheers!

Spacecrime > Have you thought about action figures? These items seem to help keep the local FLGS afloat. (I presume u sell Mage Knight/MtG cards and stuff as well)

My local guys (co-owners) make very little off of rpgs. They make much more off jigsaw puzzles, Host-a-Mysteries, Clue, Monopoly, etc.

OTOH, neither of them makes a phenomenal amount, probably in the $30K range, and with rather limited bennies.

Not the most profitable line of business, but it keeps them busy and off the streets