Opening a video game store is part retail, part buying business. Your margin comes as much from what you buy from customers as from what you sell to them. This checklist walks through the decisions that matter most before opening day.
Decide what kind of store you are
Retro-focused stores live on trade-ins, condition grading, and collector pricing. Modern stores sell more new releases and accessories. Many stores do both, and add trading cards, Funko Pops, or repairs. Pick a focus so your inventory, layout, and marketing all point the same way.
Plan your starting inventory
Buy collections, lots, and storage finds before you open
Stock the consoles your customers will ask for first
Add accessories and supplies, which sell steadily and carry good margins
Keep cash on hand for trade-ins from day one — they’re your best source of stock
Set your pricing and trade rules
Decide how you’ll price the shelf and what percentage of market value you’ll offer for trades, in cash and in store credit. Write it down before your first customer walks in, so every offer is consistent.
Handle the paperwork
Register the business, get your sales tax permit, and check whether your city or state requires a secondhand dealer license or ID records for buying used goods. Rules vary by location, so confirm them locally.
Choose a POS built for buying, not just selling
A general retail POS can ring up a sale, but most can’t handle trade-ins, condition-based pricing, or a game catalog. Look for trade-in workflows, live market pricing, store credit, and a catalog you can search instead of building listings by hand.
Set up before opening day
Load your catalog and price your starting inventory
Add staff with the right permission levels
Turn on rewards so early customers start earning
Connect your online store if you sell online
Run a test sale and a test trade end to end
