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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Raven Crowking" data-source="post: 5607826" data-attributes="member: 18280">Put out a free in-house newsletter, even if only one page long, that contains reviews of products, info on upcoming events (both in store and of interest to gamers), and occasional gaming information.  Solicit publishers for preview info that the store can include.  Give the newsletter away with every purchase......or, as desired, to help generate customer loyalty. Post a copy of the newsletter for in-store reading.....preferably near a Gamer's Seeking Games Board (which should allow free posting).  Feel free to charge for game tables, but make those charges come with "Store Money" (i.e., like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Tire_money" target="_blank">Canadian Tire money - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a>) that is redeemable for stuff purchased in the store.  Charge by space, btw, not by number of gamers.  Effectively, those who purchase in the store are not charged; those who do not purchase, are.Instead of deep discounts, the store can offer "Store Money" with every purchase, as a flat % of purchase.  Again, see the link above.Purchase sales space at conventions.  If you have an esoteric stock, this is the place you can sell it.  But, be careful about which conventions you select.  They should be ones you know have a high turnout by table price....ones you yourself have gone to and made purchases at.  Make sure to bring flyers with discount coupons for in-store purchases.  Get your convention customers to be your real-life customers!Be handicapped-accessible, even if it isn't mandate by law in your area.Sell snacks.  Get your own fridge to sell Coke & Pepsi products.  Do not accept the Coke or Pepsi fridge deal; it seems like a good idea on the surface, but it's a trap.  Meanwhile, you can go to Costco (or similar), get soft drinks and snacks at a fair price, and then mark-up according to market value.  Even people who don't have the $ to buy the latest boxed set may buy some Doritos while playing.Never say bad things about any customer, to anyone.  Ever.  They will find out, and your other customers will wonder what you say about them when they're not around.Get other local businesses to cross-promote.  For example, get coupons from the local pizza joint if folks order pizza to eat in your play area.  And then, get a % of pizza sales from that pizza joint.  Likewise, when that next big movie is coming out, get the theatre to hand out coupons with their tickets.  Offer to supply some draw prizes in return....or go down there on opening night and run the draw yourself.Be a good neighbour.  When you are participating in an event, try to get other local businesses in on it.  Don't just have game stuff for Free Role-Playing Game Day -- have a coupon from your local ice cream vendor, a flyer from that same pizza place, and a draw ticket for door prizes you need to be in the store to win.  Try to get customers to think of your neighbourhood as a cool place to be; it will mean they spend more time in your area, and, if you send them customers, other local businesses are likely to do the same for you.Treat people fairly....but don't be afraid to ban people from the store.Watch out for shoplifters.  Spend some time learning about their tricks.  Place your cash register near the door, and make sure you have good line-of-sight throughout the store (you may need mirrors).  Keep inventory.  Check inventory against sales.  If some particular thing keeps going missing, consider moving it....and pay a lot more attention to that spot!Shrink-wrap most products; leaving a single browse copy, if appropriate.Always think about why someone should visit your store on a given week, and always try to have a reason.  Good luck!RCFG</blockquote>

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