Local Games Shop with Trade-Ins and Play Nights

Hobby gamers, families buying gifts, collectors and local players who come for events and tournaments.

Profit on new and used stock sold, trade-ins resold at a margin, plus event entry fees, table time and snack or accessory sales.

• Knowing games and collectables
• Pricing used stock fairly
• Customer service and community building
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, ideally have a lawyer read the lease
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules, and GST/HST registration once past the small supplier threshold
• Used goods and trade-ins: check provincial rules on second-hand dealers, which may include record keeping or ID checks
• Winter quiet spells and slow-moving stock tying up cash
• Collectable and card stock values can drop, avoid overbuying

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease deposit, fit-out, and how much new and used stock you buy to open.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning rules, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold. Also check provincial rules on second-hand dealers, which may include record keeping or ID checks, and have a lawyer read your lease.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock, location and events. Expect about 40 hours a week or more, with quieter winter spells and slow-moving stock tying up cash.