Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.
Rocket your D&D 5E and Level Up: Advanced 5E games into space! Alpha Star Magazine Is Launching... Right Now!

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kae'Yoss" data-source="post: 3395693" data-attributes="member: 4134">I can't advise you on whether it is a good idea (Brick & Mortar stores seem to be dying out), or give you financial advice or all that.I just can tell you what I like and don't like in a gaming store (Several things you will have already heard, but they bear repeating):I like stores that are airy and well-lit. If I need to bring my spelunking kit, I might as well order on-line. I should be able to get past another customer without any squeezing involved, I should be able to see the merchandise, and I should be able to breathe.I second the soda & snacks part. Don't charge an arm and a leg for the stuff (or people won't buy it), but don't try to undersell the regional Supermall. Keep the stuff cool, and make sure you don't sell ancient snacks you have to hit with a stick so they won't run away. Remember the to keep the air clean (if people think they ran into a wall when they enter the store, something's wrong). Also tell the customers that they should take care (and that if they damage goods with spilled drinks and greasy fingers, they'll have to buy it. In fact, you might want to keep away from greasy snacks so people won't damage too much stuff).I guess a bathroom (including a sink where you can wash) will be handy.Action! Have tourneys and game nights. Apply for all the swag you can get for that sort of thing (Like Wizards' Retailer Kits) and don't be shy with the swag. If I had a shop here with access to promo material, I might shop there instead of online.Be willing to offer discounts. Someone will buy 4 books? Give him some % off. It might not happen with books too often, but offering a decent discount for bulk orders is important for all collectible games (Magic, D&D minis). Many stores have frequent buyer cards and stuff like that.Be approachable. If someone wants something you don't have in stock, order it for him (maybe with some sort of down payment unless he's a regular), even if you won't make too much profit off that product. He'll come again and buy something else. If people have questions and/or requests, answer them without much delay - if they need info, dig it up and get back to them quickly. Reply to emails fast. I personally hate it if I have to chase down answers from local shops.You (that includes whoever you employ as store clerks) should be friendly and know about the stuff you're selling. That includes not only release dates, but what the games are about. Have demo games, and try to be able to answer general questions about each game. Find out what the most popular stuff is around and learn more about those games.</blockquote>

Verification