Idea - Ever wanted to own a bit of a gaming store?

[jgbrowning]

I've thought about it as well. I wouldn't do it without 50k. I'd rather have 100k. But given the dificulites many gaming stores are having right now, I wouldn't do it even if I had the money. It takes real ability to make a successful gaming store—and although I think it's something I could learn, it would be something I'd have to learn while spending a lot of money on foolish decisions that seemed not so foolish when they were made.

joe b.

 

[IamTheTest]

Id help out just to add to the gaming universe. I think that instead of a certificate maybe you could spray paint a d20 gold and write a note of thanks. Do you accept PayPal?

 

[adwyn]

Selling people a small portion of your business in the way you are describing is a de facto IPO (initial public offering) and the beginning of a corporation, something that is highly regulated in the US and Canada. Good idea with very bad consequences, legal, tax, and civil if implemented improperly.

And for the record I've seen the books on several game stores. An initial investment of $30,000 is rock bottom, try closer to $60 to $70,000.

And before offering memberships check with your state. Several states regulate such items.

 

[Umbran]

Good idea with very bad consequences, legal, tax, and civil if implemented improperly.

Quite true, however, let us put emphasis on the good aspects, because they may become handy.

Most startups fail. They run out of capital before they start turning enough profit to support themselves. If you aren't very careful with your bookkeeping, that may mean debts and bankruptcy. Proper incorporation can help protect your perosnal assets from the guys trying to collect debts, so that you don't lose your house at the same itme you lose your business. It might be worth looking into.

 

[greymist]

Jacco, your concept is intriguing. As many others have stated, however, you need to look at the legality of your plan. Issuing shares is very different from getting capital from partners, or from setting up a Preferred Customer plan.

Where will your store be located? I would be interested in visiting if you get it going.

 

[thalmin]

Games Plus was started on about $30K, but that was over 20 years ago. Minis were about $0.75 each, the PHB was $12. Board games were usually about $12-25. Retail. No health insurance. Yellow page adds about 1/4 the current rates. The owner had another job to pay his bills. The manager worked 7 days a week, 10 or more hours a day, for less than $10K a year.
We only made it after a new infusion of cash and new ownership!

 

[Angcuru]

Interesting, thalamin. Adjust for inflation and you'd have a good target number for today's market.

 

[thalmin]

The inventory required has changed quite a bit, as well. Back then, there weren't anywhere near as many companies, or games, to carry.
Let's see.
RPGs:

TSR
Chaosium
GDW
Flying Buffalo
Iron Crown
Judges Guild
Dragon Tree Press
Fantasy Games Unlimited
Hero
Fasa​

Boardgames:

Mayfair (also rpg)
SPI
Avalon Hill
Victory Games
Yaquinto
Nova
Columbia
Peoples Wargames​

Miniatures:

Minifigs
Ral Partha
Grenadier
Martian Metals
Asgaard
DragonTooth
Superior
GHQ
Citadel​

I'm sure there were more, but those were most of the major (and minor) companies.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

You left out West End Games, they were pretty big back in the day.

 

[thalmin]

I think they came a little later.
I did forget Gamers Guild. (rpg)
And Games Workshop (boardgames)