Neighbourhood video game shop

Local gamers, parents buying gifts, collectors of retro games and people trading in old games and consoles.

Margin on each sale. Used games and trade-ins usually earn more per item than new releases. Accessories, repairs and trading card or event nights add extra income.

• Knowledge of games and consoles
• Pricing used items fairly
• Customer service
• Basic stock and bookkeeping

• Check whether your municipality or province requires a second-hand dealer licence and records of who you buy from
• Buying stolen goods by accident is a risk, so ask for ID on trade-ins and keep records
• Check the rules and terms for new game stock, as distributor accounts may have minimum orders and thin margins
• Counterfeit or modified consoles and games should be avoided
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus a business licence for your premises
• Holiday season is the busiest time, so plan cash flow for quieter months

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000 CAD, depending on premises, fit-out and how much new and used stock you buy. Distributor accounts may have minimum orders and thin margins.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on location, stock and trade-in activity. The holiday season is the busiest time, so plan cash flow for quieter months.

Check whether your municipality or province requires a second-hand dealer licence and records of who you buy from. Ask for ID on trade-ins, avoid counterfeit or modified items, and check your business licence and insurance.