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2013/01/27 16:46:26
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
I have written my business plan and have a goal to open a brick and morter store in five years. I intend to focus on the social aspect of gaming. So lots of table space to play, an in house coffee and snacks counter. As well as a clean and knowledgeable and friendly enviroment. I will have to do Card games meaning magic etc. but want to create a vibrant community. Games workshop etc will be carried. That being said I am looking for what would make you feel comfortable, distance you would travel for quality time gaming and what would make you spend money. Without revenues a store cant survive. any and all feedback is welcome.
2013/01/27 17:20:17
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
What I would like to see is some sort of gaming table reservation (but not restrict the amount of reservations regards how popular some time may be) system where you don't need to sign in yet another service.
Basically a timetable which allows you to pick a time when you are interested in a game and then some other person may also add their interest if they want to play.
Reason why I I'd like to see this happen would be because if you have set "gaming" days not all people are able to show up and in the end people create their own circles where they just game at irregular hours.
Timetable would be more flexible, players don't need to make new friends and allows store managers to focuse on selling stuff (having a store full of gamers makes it really hard to find people who actually want to buy something).
Every time I hear "in my opinion" or "just my opinion" makes me want to strangle a puppy. People use their opinions as a shield that other poeple can't critisize and that is bs.
If you can't defend or won't defend your opinion then that "opinion" is bs. Stop trying to tip-toe and defend what you believe in.
2013/01/27 17:55:02
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Bar with at least three beers on tap, strippers, poles.
At least 60% of the line up of the game systems you sell preferably more towards 80%. House rules for hygiene and positive player interaction. Painting supplies from more than one range and a helpful but not pushy staff.
Also beer and strippers.
Avatar 720 wrote: You see, to Auston, everyone is a Death Star; there's only one way you can take it and that's through a small gap at the back.
Powder Burns wrote:what they need to make is a fullsize leatherman, like 14" long folded, with a bone saw, notches for bowstring, signaling flare, electrical hand crank generator, bolt cutters..
2013/01/27 18:11:57
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
I'll echo what a lot of other people have said here, and that's make non-regulars and new players feel welcome. Gaming stores have a bad tendency to feel like insular clubs that make newcomers feel unwelcome.
2013/01/27 18:52:25
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
rubiksnoob wrote: I'll echo what a lot of other people have said here, and that's make non-regulars and new players feel welcome. Gaming stores have a bad tendency to feel like insular clubs that make newcomers feel unwelcome.
I'd agree. It is never nice to go into a store and feel like you have just stepped into a morlock cave; It really helps if your store has large windows for plenty of natural light. You can have as many or as few other extras as you want, but this is the main, core thing. Even just saying hello to people as they come in can make them feel better; of my two local model shops one has its blinds drawn 24/7 and big metal bars over the door and windows and generally makes me think it is some kind of black market organ stealing centre. Despite going past it twice a day to and from work I have never been in there.
My other local store has big windows letting light inside. The first time I went in there, there were a few patrons and a couple of workers (I guess they were workers anyway - they had no uniform or anything so I knew who they were) - they didn't say a word to me and completely ignored me even when I was making faces over some of the products they stocked trying to find what I was looking for. I ended up just leaving with nothing. I actually went in there again yesterday as I wanted some matt varnish - the guy behind the counter was the only person in there and I said hi and what I was looking for and he got up, showed me the products he carried and some alternatives and was very pleasant and helpful (although he didn't say anything when I first walked into the store)... in fact he was fine until someone else came into the store, presumably a regular, at which point he stopped talking to me and pretty much ignored me even though I was holding product and started talking to the other guy.
Compare this with my local GW where the sales guys say hi when you come in, usually talk to you about what you are up to etc and then either help you out if you want something, or leave you to it if you are just there to kill time (as I usually am when I go in there - wives and their shopping!). I've had a few reasonably pleasant conversations with the staff in there when we have talked about things like terrain, painting, etc...
juraigamer wrote: Have a weekly scheduled for what games are normally on what days.
I think a kind of sign up sheet where you can just put your name down for a certain game and system might work better. I know that just having a fixed night for certain systems can be a pain for people who can't make that particular night
juraigamer wrote: Have a weekly scheduled for what games are normally on what days.
I think a kind of sign up sheet where you can just put your name down for a certain game and system might work better. I know that just having a fixed night for certain systems can be a pain for people who can't make that particular night
that sounds like a hassle and might eventually lead to conflict. Just go for certain nights.
5000pts 6000pts 3000pts
2013/01/27 19:58:52
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Jokes aside echoing what everyone's said here, plenty of table space and in store events and tournaments. Maybe write up your own store wide campaigns for various systems? Nothing like being on a team with clear competition to get people moving and motivated.
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
While I could go on and on about the gaming stuff that would be great for your community, that stuff is only so much window dressing.
What I want, first and foremost, is a good, professional -business-.
You are not making a club here. If you want to survive, you're going to need to actually have a very well-run and effective business going on. It is not going to be all campaigns, tournaments and community building. Here's some things that should be first and foremost:
Staff - They need to be trained and actually good salespeople. I don't mean they are hard-selling everything, but they need to be professionals. Uniforms, training and ability to handle customers are paramount. Nothing kills my interest or desire to do business more than inattentive employees, or people who are too wrapped up in a game of their own to tend to my business. Do not hire your gaming friends. Hire people who can handle the job. They also need to be, gasp, people-focused. They are your front line and if they were chosen based on game knowledge and not ability to handle customers, you're going to lose customers.
Stock - You are competing with very effective online sources of models and games. You either are going to need a lot of stock, or a very good ordering and supply system in place. When I know the alternatives available to me, you're going to need to make sure that if I order or buy from you, that I know thatI can get what I want, when I want or at least in a reasonable time. The instant you start slacking off in this regard, you're going to bleed customers.
Building - People have mentioned this, but this needs to be well-lit, well-ventilated and well-organized. Take care of the place too, don't let it fall into disrepair. And, for the love of all that is good, KEEP IT CLEAN.
Keep the feedback coming I really like all the suggestions strippers might be dificult though :} Well lit clean well ventilated makes total sense. Also yes I plan on carrying 80 percent of the Games workshop line as well as other systems. The idea for set nights will happen but also there will be open gaming sign ups. A customer reward program is in my business plan. My store is a way off and a lot can change in five years. But I am taking notes on the feedback. I am an expierienced gamer and making everyone feel welcome without over baering is important.
2013/01/27 20:22:44
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
rubiksnoob wrote: I'll echo what a lot of other people have said here, and that's make non-regulars and new players feel welcome. Gaming stores have a bad tendency to feel like insular clubs that make newcomers feel unwelcome.
This x 10,000,000.
When I walk in to a store and the same 5 people are always there, and those same 5 people just stand in a clique off to a side and stare at the new meat, its bad enough. The worse thing, though, is when the store employee is one of that clique. When the only sense I get on entry is that I'm interrupting, I'll leave.
Employees need to reach out and make every single person who walks in the door feel welcome.
Regulars need to be kept under control so they don't drive invaders out of what they feel is their own private club house. They can be a fantastic resource but they can also destroy you.
You need to lay down some rules of behavior. Keep it brief and simple, but enforce it. Things like hygiene, cleaning up after yourself, and treating the space and each other with respect. Don't be afraid to remind people that you need to make money to stay open, and that everything they do to help you helps ensure you stay open. Don't take it for granted that people just know this.
In particular, when someone new walks in, regulars need to let the employee do their job. Do not interrupt. Do not yell stupid in jokes across the store. Tone it down and act like your mother, or grandmother, just walked in. Be respectful and polite, friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. Sure, tell poop jokes when its only regulars in the store, but its best behavior when a new person walks in.
Have events. Tournaments. The best things are campaigns... make it so people will play one game a week in store. But again, keep an eye on it. Make sure it is fun for everyone. One person can destroy every single event you try to run, if you let them. You can get one or more of the more mature and stable regulars to help run events, but make sure the organizer gets it- that events are intended to help bring people into the store and ultimately lead to sales.
Don't be afraid to kick out someone who is not a benefit to the environment. Seriously. One bad regular can completely destroy the community. Its your store. You don't have to be fair. You have to protect your investment.
Others have mentioned it, but keep the place clean and well lit. If it looks like a dingy basement, that is how people will treat it. Every night, spend a good chunk of time to clean the store. Dust the shelves and displays regularly. Vacuum or sweep every night... seriously. Shampoo the carpets regularly. If you have a public bathroom, check it and clean it every couple of hours while open and detail clean nightly. It is a business, and should be immaculate.
A loyalty program would aid greatly with encouraging people to buy. Whatever way you do it, it doesn't have to be much. For example, you can set up a simple database that tracks customer purchases, and for every $100 spent, they get $10 credit, something like that. Its not much but it gives people a sense of appreciation.
I know it seems obvious when stated here, like this. But it is really, really easy to get overly comfortable, or overwhelmed.
Edit - I travel about 45 minutes to a good store, driving past 2 or more meh stores, but only on weekends. Also, I arrange my own games often of less popular systems, but I always, ALWAYS buy something. So I personally prefer open tables, with maybe "theme" days for the big systems. As for table time management, its going to depend on how much competition you have for your tables.
It might be cool to have a "looking for game" board, where people can list their name, system, army and point size game they're looking for. Not sure how that would work. It can be tough if all the same people are always only playing against each other and you're the odd one out... but that's where campaigns, etc, can help.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/01/27 20:37:22
"When your only tools are duct tape and a shovel, all of life's problems start to look the same!" - kronk
"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." - Darth Helmet
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2013/01/27 21:40:59
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
rubiksnoob wrote: I'll echo what a lot of other people have said here, and that's make non-regulars and new players feel welcome. Gaming stores have a bad tendency to feel like insular clubs that make newcomers feel unwelcome.
Spoiler:
This x 10,000,000.
When I walk in to a store and the same 5 people are always there, and those same 5 people just stand in a clique off to a side and stare at the new meat, its bad enough. The worse thing, though, is when the store employee is one of that clique. When the only sense I get on entry is that I'm interrupting, I'll leave.
Employees need to reach out and make every single person who walks in the door feel welcome.
Regulars need to be kept under control so they don't drive invaders out of what they feel is their own private club house. They can be a fantastic resource but they can also destroy you.
You need to lay down some rules of behavior. Keep it brief and simple, but enforce it. Things like hygiene, cleaning up after yourself, and treating the space and each other with respect. Don't be afraid to remind people that you need to make money to stay open, and that everything they do to help you helps ensure you stay open. Don't take it for granted that people just know this.
In particular, when someone new walks in, regulars need to let the employee do their job. Do not interrupt. Do not yell stupid in jokes across the store. Tone it down and act like your mother, or grandmother, just walked in. Be respectful and polite, friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. Sure, tell poop jokes when its only regulars in the store, but its best behavior when a new person walks in.
Have events. Tournaments. The best things are campaigns... make it so people will play one game a week in store. But again, keep an eye on it. Make sure it is fun for everyone. One person can destroy every single event you try to run, if you let them. You can get one or more of the more mature and stable regulars to help run events, but make sure the organizer gets it- that events are intended to help bring people into the store and ultimately lead to sales.
Don't be afraid to kick out someone who is not a benefit to the environment. Seriously. One bad regular can completely destroy the community. Its your store. You don't have to be fair. You have to protect your investment.
Others have mentioned it, but keep the place clean and well lit. If it looks like a dingy basement, that is how people will treat it. Every night, spend a good chunk of time to clean the store. Dust the shelves and displays regularly. Vacuum or sweep every night... seriously. Shampoo the carpets regularly. If you have a public bathroom, check it and clean it every couple of hours while open and detail clean nightly. It is a business, and should be immaculate.
A loyalty program would aid greatly with encouraging people to buy. Whatever way you do it, it doesn't have to be much. For example, you can set up a simple database that tracks customer purchases, and for every $100 spent, they get $10 credit, something like that. Its not much but it gives people a sense of appreciation.
I know it seems obvious when stated here, like this. But it is really, really easy to get overly comfortable, or overwhelmed.
Edit - I travel about 45 minutes to a good store, driving past 2 or more meh stores, but only on weekends. Also, I arrange my own games often of less popular systems, but I always, ALWAYS buy something. So I personally prefer open tables, with maybe "theme" days for the big systems. As for table time management, its going to depend on how much competition you have for your tables.
It might be cool to have a "looking for game" board, where people can list their name, system, army and point size game they're looking for. Not sure how that would work. It can be tough if all the same people are always only playing against each other and you're the odd one out... but that's where campaigns, etc, can help.
this.... also i see ur in northern california.... shame but where are you thinking of setting up shop... i might just drive up there and check you out.... theres not many stores like urs down here... that i know of
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/01/27 22:44:36
Kilkrazy wrote: We moderators often make unwise decisions on Friday afternoons.
kestril wrote: Page 1: New guard topic
Page 2: FW debate
Page 3: Ailaros and Peregrine fight. TO THE DEATH
I swear I think those two have a hate-crush on each other sometimes.
2013/01/28 00:11:57
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Gymnogyps wrote: Things like hygiene, cleaning up after yourself, and treating the space and each other with respect. Don't be afraid to remind people that you need to make money to stay open, and that everything they do to help you helps ensure you stay open. Don't take it for granted that people just know this.
This this this this
I'll admit, one time I went to a warhammer tourny, and I forgot to put deoderant on. I kept a stick in my car, but it melted and it was a mess. I was pretty ashamed of myself that day, but it's like the only time I've ever had that happen. I think people who stink but don't care need to be evicted. I've been to stores that smelled like their guests, and that's bad.
Also, I think music really helps the atmosphere. I've gone to stores with no music, and people weren't talking too much. The only thing you heard was the owners trying to sell stuff to you. It was...awkward. Like an oppressive library.
“Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer
2013/01/28 00:19:55
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Also, I think music really helps the atmosphere. I've gone to stores with no music, and people weren't talking too much. The only thing you heard was the owners trying to sell stuff to you. It was...awkward. Like an oppressive library.
I agree with having music, but don't put on your own personal favorite tunes, or those of the regulars. Put on the radio. You just want something generic and unoffensive playing in the background, not your favorite jam playlist. I'm not saying you should have a continuous loop of Taylor Swift's greatest hits, but make sure it isn't something that will put off the casual, first-time customer.
2013/01/28 00:35:32
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
We've got it here in the form of a store in Orem called Dragon's Keep. Lots of gaming space, a good selection of games and t-shirts, killer tunes playing for background along with the fact that they've partnered with one of the best pizza joints in town to share a store.
Played there for the first time last Friday and had a great experience.
I hadn't had a chance to have any games the past couple months, but plan to free up some time based from this experience.
2013/01/28 00:38:59
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Short of that, a game store of people that have actually seen a naked chick, so that my girlfriend doesn't feel like meat on display when she joins me at the FLGS.
DA:70S+G+M+B++I++Pw40k08+D++A++/fWD-R+T(M)DM+
2013/01/28 00:42:44
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
Yeah, the music is one of the things that annoys me the most about gaming stores. It usually sucks, especially in GW shops. It's always cheesy rock/metal. Boo!
I would also like STRICTLY enforced bodily hygiene rules. I distinctly remember a GW staffer blatantly spraying patrons with air-freshener one time. When it gets THAT bad, steps need to be taken. Whenever I venture out gaming (which is rare these days, admittedly), I treat it as if I was going out to a bar - I dress well and wear nice cologne. It's the least I can do if I'm going to be in close proximity to other people for a significant period of time.
Albatross wrote: Yeah, the music is one of the things that annoys me the most about gaming stores. It usually sucks, especially in GW shops. It's always cheesy rock/metal. Boo!
I would also like STRICTLY enforced bodily hygiene rules. I distinctly remember a GW staffer blatantly spraying patrons with air-freshener one time. When it gets THAT bad, steps need to be taken. Whenever I venture out gaming (which is rare these days, admittedly), I treat it as if I was going out to a bar - I dress well and wear nice cologne. It's the least I can do if I'm going to be in close proximity to other people for a significant period of time.
Gaming stores. They're like bars with rock bottom standards and a bad enough guy/girl ratio to almost make it gay.
“Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer
2013/01/28 00:52:01
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
What others have said; Clean, well-lit, well-designed (in terms of layout), and well stocked (doesn't need to have everything ever, but obviously stuff like Magic, DnD, board and card games, miniatures, and a willingness to special order stuff within reason) with informed, friendly and professional staff. Again, they don't have to know everything about everything that is, was, and will be in the store, but they should be knowledgeable about gaming in general (while still being courteous and professional). Hygiene standards.... man, they really shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes they are.
Snacks are always a plus, but obviously, along with hygiene standards, there should be rules about cleaning up after yourself, and, in general, staff should make sure regulars (and staff. And newcomers, for that matter) are courteous at all times.
Much as I like metal, music should probably be limited to a normal radio station. Most mainstream rock stations are probably suitable.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/01/28 00:53:06
2013/01/28 01:00:18
Subject: I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
RatBot wrote: What others have said; Clean, well-lit, well-designed (in terms of layout), and well stocked (doesn't need to have everything ever, but obviously stuff like Magic, DnD, board and card games, miniatures, and a willingness to special order stuff within reason) with informed, friendly and professional staff. Again, they don't have to know everything about everything that is, was, and will be in the store, but they should be knowledgeable about gaming in general (while still being courteous and professional). Hygiene standards.... man, they really shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes they are.
Snacks are always a plus, but obviously, along with hygiene standards, there should be rules about cleaning up after yourself, and, in general, staff should make sure regulars (and staff. And newcomers, for that matter) are courteous at all times.
Much as I like metal, music should probably be limited to a normal radio station. Most mainstream rock stations are probably suitable.
Nothing draws me in like well priced drinks. If the store is making decent profit, they should totally invest a little bit of money in selling drinks at a good price. You might not make much profit individually, but really if I feel like I'm getting a good price You'll make your profit in volume for sure.
Also, as for music, the local GW does pirates of the caribbean and LOTR sound tracks. Works well enough. You could always just ask your customers what they think should be playing.
Mwaha, bribe a few people to say country. I can enjoy myself while my average tabletop opponent will squirm!
“Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer
2013/01/28 01:44:38
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
When I first walked into my comic store I felt every eye look at me (not sure if they'd ever seen a girl there but it felt hella awkward). I pretty much made myself part of the Comic store family because the owners there were so nice to me and made me feel quite welcome.
I cant stress good ventilation and rules on personal hygiene though!
I've walked up and down the aisles while a Magic tournament (for example) is going on and sprayed deo in the air...
Oh! And make sure the comics and miniatures boxes aren't completely dusty that you can't make out the contents ^_^
Bounce like your ass has the hiccups
2013/01/28 02:59:05
Subject: Re:I would like feedback on what your ideal Game store would be like
So yes I am in Northern California and right now the market is rather full of stores. But as stated I will not be opening for five years from now maybe less but that is the goal. I am preparing now well in advance and the feedback so far has been great.
Also I am a gamer but this is a business so all points are well taken. The staff will be me and my Family all knowledgable in one game system or another. Here are the repetive and true things needed so far.
Great Lighting
Well ventilated
Staff friendly and helpful
well stocked shelves
Great order system
Well planned events
Hygiene and conduct rules simple yes I like this one.
Clean the store yes Daily
Incentive program
Planned events
Even if you feel like you are beating a dead horse keep the ideas coming. If you dont mind and I know this can change could you share how often do you shop at your local store opposed to online discounters?