Used games and console shop

Local gamers, parents buying for kids, collectors and people trading in old games for credit or cash.

You earn the gap between what you pay for trade-ins and what you sell for. Accessories, repairs and trade-in credit can add steady extra income.

• Strong gaming and console knowledge
• Fair pricing and negotiation on trade-ins
• Customer service and community building
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus theft cover for small high-value items
• Some provinces and municipalities have secondhand dealer rules, such as recording seller ID, so check with your municipality and provincial regulator
• Collect GST/HST or provincial sales tax correctly once registered
• Lease commitments and slow winter or post-holiday months can strain cash flow
• WCB/WSIB coverage may be needed once you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Estimates typically run around $15,000 to $60,000 to open, depending on premises, stock and fit-out. Lease commitments and insurance are also worth pricing before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock and trade-in volume. That is revenue, not profit, and slow winter or post-holiday months can strain cash flow.

Check secondhand dealer rules, such as recording seller ID, with your municipality and provincial regulator. Also check GST/HST or provincial sales tax collection, insurance including theft cover, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff.