Second-Hand games shop

Local gamers, parents, students and collectors who want to trade in games and buy at lower prices than new.

Margin between trade-in price and resale price, plus accessories and sometimes new items. Online sales and small repairs can add to takings.

• Valuing games and consoles quickly
• Customer service and building regulars
• Stock control and testing items
• Basic retail and bookkeeping

• Check whether your state or territory requires a second-hand dealer licence, and what ID and record-keeping rules apply to buying from the public
• Lease terms: read them closely and get advice before signing
• Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Check council rules on signage and shop fit-out
• Prices of used games change quickly, so overpaying on trade-ins can eat margins
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the lease, fit-out, opening stock and insurance. Get advice before signing a lease, as rent is a major fixed cost.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, trade-in volume, pricing and stock. Used game prices change quickly, so overpaying on trade-ins can eat into margins. These are estimates only.

Check whether your state or territory requires a second-hand dealer licence and what ID and record-keeping rules apply to buying from the public, lease terms, council rules on signage and fit-out, insurance including workers compensation, and GST registration.