Open a used games and console shop
Open a small local shop that buys trade-ins and sells pre-owned games, consoles and accessories.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small storefront where customers browse, test and buy used games and consoles, and trade in their own for cash or store credit. Many also add repairs, retro stock or a play area.
Your first three steps
- Scout small retail spaces near schools, colleges or busy shopping areas and compare rents
- Draft a trade-in price list and a simple testing process, and line up your first stock from bulk lots, local sellers and wholesalers
- Register your business with your state, apply for the local business license and sales tax permit, and get general liability insurance
Who pays
Local gamers, families, students and collectors, plus people selling off old collections.
How it makes money
Sales of used games and hardware at a markup over trade-in prices, plus accessories, small repairs and some new items.
Skills that help
- Pricing used games and consoles
- Customer service
- Basic console testing and cleaning
- Managing stock and cash
Watch out for
- Check your city or county for secondhand dealer or pawn-style rules, which may require ID records or a holding period for bought items
- Sales tax registration with your state, and a business license from your city or county
- General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Stolen goods risk when buying trade-ins, check ID and keep records
- Lease terms and rent are a major fixed cost, and demand can swing with new console releases
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: used games and console shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a used games and console shop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, lease and how much stock you buy. Lease terms and rent are a major fixed cost, so check them carefully before you commit.
How much can a used game shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock and trade-in volume. Demand can swing with new console releases, and rent and other running costs come out of that revenue.
What rules should I check before opening a used games shop?
Check your city or county for secondhand dealer or pawn-style rules, which may require ID records or a holding period for bought items. Also check state sales tax registration, a city or county business license, and insurance, including workers' compensation once you hire.
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