New Irish online Boardgame store

Darximus

Since some time I am considering starting online store providing modern boardgames for all those gamers, who live far away from our scarce Friendly Local Game Shops, yet reluctant to order from abroad, due to high shipping costs.
I have in mind proper, hassle free website, where one can order game and have it delivered few days later by An Post or - in case of Dubliners - optional collecting it in the office.
What is your opinion? Is Irish gaming community big enough to make this project worthwile?
Will our gamers be interested in acquiring local, rather than stick to their european providers? I did a bit of research and I know that I will not be able to beat some mainland europe website to the price, yet can compensate it with lower delivery cost.
I will be interested to hear your yay or nay in that matter. Apologies for my english, feel free to correct my mistakes.

Paddy Samurai

Darximus wrote: »

Since some time I am considering starting online store providing modern boardgames for all those gamers, who live far away from our scarce Friendly Local Game Shops, yet reluctant to order from abroad, due to high shipping costs.
I have in mind proper, hassle free website, where one can order game and have it delivered few days later by An Post or - in case of Dubliners - optional collecting it in the office.
What is your opinion? Is Irish gaming community big enough to make this project worthwile?

Depending on the range of games and the price I would say yes.I find that the range available in dublin ,is pitiful compared to game shops in europe.
Although the biggest selling point would be your website itself.As you say a "hassle free website".Would you use paypal?.

Darximus

Yup, Paypal is a must. I do not fancy paying fees but there is no other way around.

If it goes to games range and prices-the idea is to start bringing wide spectrum of games-and I want to focus on board games and card games mainly-new and older stuff alike-and price them reasonable.
As I wrote before-I won't be abble to compete with most of mainland Europe stores in price range-but I will keep it as low as possible to make this offer atractive. Ultimately there is no point to have well supplied shop and no customers beacouse stock is overpriced.

Therefore plan is :
1. Introduce professional online store.
2. Keep prices at the same level as these in Irish FLGS-or lower if possible.

The main question remains - is Irish gaming community big enough to support this project and keep it going? How many people do you know who playing board games on regular basis? How many games a year you buying at the moment? Feel free to share your thoughts in the subject and write anything you recon might be informative or helpful.

ShooterSF

If a store can survive in Dublin City there is definitely a market. I'd love an easy to use website; Paypal is really a must, so is up to date stock information. Also an active facebook page where the community can get in touch and if possible ran by an enthusiastic gamer, nothing worse than a facebook page that acts like a corporate website.
Down the road you could look to organise events and tournaments for gamers and try and drive the community forward (and also have wares available on site for purchase)

I would say any game site needs to also incorporate the CCG side of things too as it's a constant money earner imo as I understand it (not into that side myself).

Maybe some incentive as well to get people to write reviews (a draw every so often?) or embed video reviews by Vasel or that long name guy that always escapes me!

Also look to the likes of Fastway couriers rather than An Post. They always seems cheaper for heavy goods.

Maddylicious

Hey Darximus. I think it's a great idea. The last couple of years me and my friends have started having board game nights and it's actually great Craic and a very cheap night in . We're always on the lookout for new games but A lot of the games we would like to buy aren't readily available in Ireland. Id think there's definitely a market for it but might be worthwhile to maybe stock something else too and not just depend on board games for your sales..

Paddy Samurai

Darximus wrote: »

The main question remains - is Irish gaming community big enough to support this project and keep it going? How many people do you know who playing board games on regular basis? .

Boardgaming is not as big as in other european countries.But personally I think it has huge potential.I have always thought RTE should do a boardgame review show like dicetower etc,As this would be cheap Tv ,but would also entertain and educate people on boardgaming.Maybe they could get celebs to play the games and then comment on them.

As for your website you could get a couple of SeXy ladies to do video reviews on boardgames.:D

Check out this canadian gameshop website ,where they do video reviews to help sell their games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVhnRRBqn2Q

Mr Bloat

I'd be very interested in this, a couple of friends and I recently got back into playing boardgames and we try to meet up once a week for gaming. Currently we're playing a lot of 7 Wonders but we alternate with different games too, like Dominion, Pandemic and the Gears of War boardgame. I'd also be interested in decent boardgames I could play with my kids, something better than the stuff you'd see in Smyths.

I also know of a couple of other groups in the Cork area that regularly play board or card games, so I'm sure you could generate a bit of interest, especially if you travel to the various different gaming cons that take place around the country. I'd agree with ShooterSF too, you'll have to have CCGs. Stocking CCGs would be a form of advertising in itself, I would imagine, as they are so popular.

Darximus

Paddy Samurai, ShooterSF, Maddylicious, Mr Bloat thank you for your opinions. Thats exactly what need - suggestions and tips. Will be back later on to write some more. In the meantime-keep it coming. The more I know about your preferences and expectations - the easier will it be to get my head around and do that properly. Gratitude for your input

Darximus

Back to the topic then.

Starting with Paypal - a necessary evil. They fees are outrageous and I'd rather avoid it, signing up instead with, lets say Sage Pay - much more toned and ecommerce friendly provider. Im affraid though that customers are so used to Paypal nowadays, that they won't go into any trasaction without it. The backdraft is that for every item sold thrue Paypal for lets say 45€ i need to pay nearly 2€ in fees. Multiply it by 100 games a month and its rises to 200€ !!! Same level sales with Sage Pay costs only 40€ and its equally safe. So which one to choose? I could go with both of course, and most likely I will, but that will force me to incorporate at least some portion of this fees into stock price pushing it up

Facebook and Twitter communities are must. I was thinking also about website for Irish Gamers - something in lines of BGG, but not sure if there is a point if we have Face and Twitt readily at hand, and everyone is checking BGG anyway. Would you sign up to local game dedicated webpage? Or do you think Ireland does not need that kind of extravaganza?

CCG & LCG - as ShooterSF called them - constant money earners. Its all about money ultimatelly and without it I won't be able to keep the shop running. As it happend Card Games are not my cup of tea and I have only vague idea in that topic, but if that will help to pay the bills - I will bring it onboard. So CCG and LCG players - im listening to your suggestions. What do you play and what would you buy?

ShooterSF - big thanks for Fastaway tip. Did check them and they are better choice indeed for what I'm planning.

might be worthwhile to maybe stock something else too and not just depend on board games for your sales.

So what's on your mind Maddylicious? I'm open to all suggestions.

As for your website you could get a couple of SeXy ladies to do video reviews on boardgames.

Bring them on Paddy Samurai, I know from experience that nothing sells it better than couple of good looking ladies

I'd also be interested in decent boardgames I could play with my kids, something better than the stuff you'd see in Smyths.

Same here Mr Bloat. My boy is one year old but I already bought "Hey thats my fish" and such, to have it at hand whenever his ready



So thats it for now. I encourage everyone to write comments, thoughts and anything you recon could help the cause. Let me know what do you think.
Thanks

Paddy Samurai

Bring them on Paddy Samurai, I know from experience that nothing sells it better than couple of good looking ladies



So thats it for now. I encourage everyone to write comments, thoughts and anything you recon could help the cause. Let me know what do you think.
Thanks

What that video is,is a hook and that is what you need.Something that is unique to your website,something that will help sell games,and draw people to your website.That link I showed you is a hook.As well as advertising the game ,it shows new players how to play the game,and will help sell the game.
I have always wanted to play/buy that game,but because of the other boardgamers I play with, I would find it hard to convince them.That video would help me sell it to to them and in turn would encourage me to buy the game.If you can draw new & interested parties to your website ,it will help sell more games.
Even gameslore do something similar.I bought a few games from them,and every month the owner sends a newsletter talking about the games he played,what he thought of them,and the new games in stock along with special offers,damaged games etc.
Whatever you decide to do,best of luck.

Darximus

What that video is,is a hook and that is what you need.Something that is unique to your website,something that will help sell games,and draw people to your website.That link I showed you is a hook.As well as advertising the game ,it shows new players how to play the game,and will help sell the game.
I have always wanted to play/buy that game,but because of the other boardgamers I play with, I would find it hard to convince them.That video would help me sell it to to them and in turn would encourage me to buy the game.If you can draw new & interested parties to your website ,it will help sell more games.

Thats a good point Paddy Samurai. I realize that I will need fresh and proactive approach to make my offer interesting. And not only appeal to already existing gamers but also attract new people to our great hobby of boardgaming. This two gaming girls are great example of how it should be done and I absolutelly dig it. I will think about this kind of Instructing/advertizing channel to help create good publicity. Thanks for your tip

geeky

One area you may face competition in would be Gamer's World in Dublin - they do quite a range of obscure board games even though models would be their core business. I'm not sure if they still do it, but they had a scheme where a customer could 'rent' a game for about a fiver a go. Again, I don't know how it performed, but I'd imagine that the 'try before you buy' factor was pretty useful for driving sales.

As you don't seem to be considering a physical store, I reckon youtube review videos are a must, particularly for board games that Irish people don't usually encounter. Brief explanation of what you have to do, comparison with other games, the age/expertise level you'd peg it at and what's in the box. Maybe show a turn or two in action - if you did multiple vids, you could string them together in a blog format.

I'd also encourage user reviews, both positive and negative, so people actually see them as having a bit of credibility (like Amazon). A bit of work on the social media front, and you could try to build up the 'community' around your store.

geeky

OH! Just had a thought - you could run special nights where people actually get a chance to try out games in a friendly atmosphere. I know the IGA (more models focused, but still relevant) have run for free out of a pub for quite a while.

Free/nominal admission, some work on FB and twitter, and you've got something that you could get bunches of people at who'll either visit your site or even buy on the spot (sales promotions at the events could drive this.).

geeky

Last post I promise: you could offer discounts/rentals to groups and gaming clubs. As many of the participants in these will play themselves at home, it can be an avenue to multiple sales.

Paddy Samurai

geeky wrote: »

Last post I promise: you could offer discounts/rentals to groups and gaming clubs. As many of the participants in these will play themselves at home, it can be an avenue to multiple sales.

If it was my business ,I would go with a loyalty points programme rather than a discount myself. Gamers world have such a scheme,and it does encourage people to return and buy games at the same shopping point.

Darximus

Geeky and Paddy Samurai - Thanks a million for yet another usefull tips. Will have to reward you and other people active in this thread with some free loyalty points now, just to keep you going


Jokes aside - I appreciate your comments and ideas and while I'm still on the fence about taking a plunge and move ahead with that project - I will sure remember about your contribution when the time comes.


Another thing. There is a range of language independent games like Carcassone, Stone Age, Jaipur, Power Grid - to name just a few - which apart from manual cotains no text at all. Manuals are available online and free to download, so I was wondering - would gamers be interested in buying foreign version of such games if that would mean lower price. For instance you could buy in my store "Power grid" for 36€ - but right next to it you would see exactly the same game printed in german - "Funkenschlag" for 28€ - and information: "Game is language independent. Contains no english manual. Manual can be downloaded at -....."-and here goes link.

Of course it won't be possible with all titles but could apply to some as a cheaper alternative.

What do you think about that?

Paddy Samurai

Darximus wrote: »

Geeky and Paddy Samurai - Thanks a million for yet another usefull tips. Will have to reward you and other people active in this thread with some free loyalty points now, just to keep you going


Jokes aside - I appreciate your comments and ideas and while I'm still on the fence about taking a plunge and move ahead with that project - I will sure remember about your contribution when the time comes.


Another thing. There is a range of language independent games like Carcassone, Stone Age, Jaipur, Power Grid - to name just a few - which apart from manual cotains no text at all. Manuals are available online and free to download, so I was wondering - would gamers be interested in buying foreign version of such games if that would mean lower price. For instance you could buy in my store "Power grid" for 36€ - but right next to it you would see exactly the same game printed in german - "Funkenschlag" for 28€ - and information: "Game is language independent. Contains no english manual. Manual can be downloaded at -....."-and here goes link.

Of course it won't be possible with all titles but could apply to some as a cheaper alternative.

What do you think about that?

Sounds interesting.For standard games ,if there is no text and it was a game I was interested in,I would say yes. In the past I have downloaded spare rulebooks to give to friends before playing a new game.



I use this website for game sheets,although not the full rulebook,its great for game summaries /reference sheets.


http://www.headlesshollow.com/freebies_games.html#sev

Lockky

Darximus wrote: »

Another thing. There is a range of language independent games like Carcassone, Stone Age, Jaipur, Power Grid - to name just a few - which apart from manual cotains no text at all. Manuals are available online and free to download, so I was wondering - would gamers be interested in buying foreign version of such games if that would mean lower price. For instance you could buy in my store "Power grid" for 36€ - but right next to it you would see exactly the same game printed in german - "Funkenschlag" for 28€ - and information: "Game is language independent. Contains no english manual. Manual can be downloaded at -....."-and here goes link.

Of course it won't be possible with all titles but could apply to some as a cheaper alternative.

What do you think about that?

I think its a great idea what you're trying and best of luck with it! I'd personally have no issue with having to download a manual but what you could think about is making the manuals yourself or just printing them off and putting it with the game. Small gestures like that I always find to be quite endearing.

Also I would have to agree with Paddy: a loyalty points system would encourage people to come back rather than just go through a group to get things cheaper and as this would be a fairly niche market (as you have pointed out) I'd say that would be of more benefit to you in the long run.

john47

Great idea, keep up the good work and let us know what's happening.

I'm sure you have already thought of it but dont forget to feed into the already existing gaming community from your local warhammer group, bridge, poker, chess, CCG & scrabble. Most gamers will try something else...

There is an Irish created "shopping cart" app on facebook now, that I think is stll free so you might be able to avoid paypal but I'm not sure. I rememeber speaking to someone at the wexworlds scifi/fantasy festival in Wexford last year who was launching one but i cant rememebr the name of it...maybe someone else can think of it.

You could do worse of course than launch your company at wexworlds this year and there is a new gaming interest - http://www.wexworlds.net/news/story/gaming-inclusion-in-2012-wexworlds-festival/

Anyway, best of luck

John Ryan

Mickalus

Would love to see an Irish online store for boardgames. Cheaper quicker delivery from an Irish store would be great.
+ 1 to language independent games for a slightly cheaper price and the Loyalty points idea.

Good luck, hope you go through with it and it goes well!

Darximus

Thanks a million folks for all tips and comments. I am happy to see that people are actualy interested in the topic. Over 1000 views means there is a chance that this webstore might survive. I am doing some research and trying to get all prep work done. I still need some information and clarification of few things before I make my mind. I will keep you up to date. In the meantime if you think of anything that might help, feel free to share it. Thank you very much.

sharingan

You might want to consider some compatible business models.

Board Gaming is quite alive in Galway:
https://www.facebook.com/BoardGamesGalway - meets up regularly in the Galway Hacker Space

and a new cafe opened up specifically as a place to play board games:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dungeons-and-Donuts-Galway/200414633365785

Seems to be doing quite well.

Finding people to play with and places to play seems to be much more difficult than actually buying board games. Amazon is littered with them ...

Darximus

That's interesting point Sharingan. I wasnt considering brick and mortar store/club/cafe just yet but what you wrote is true - getting a game is les problematic that getting people together to play it. I have tones of games myself and not many opportunities for them to hit the table due to lack of time/place/certain numbers of players combination. I was more keen to focus on "getting a game" part - and creating gaming community as a follow up - but your observation got me thinking. That Galway place looks sweet. I will keep an eye on it and try to visit next time im in the area. Thanks a million for your post and keep the hobby alive down in Galway

sharingan

Well I am not in Galway anymore, but I knew the board gaming club for a while.

It would be interesting to see how Dungeons & Donuts makes its money. The cafe is probably the part of the business that is most profitable, as opposed to selling gaming products.

It always seemed to me, that getting enough people together, in a good location, was the scarce thing in board gaming. Providing the play area and making money off the consumables (coffee, refreshments and snacks) as well as game sales makes good business sense.

Restarted my game collection over here (london) with a starter box of carcassonne. Girlfriend is way better at it than me.

sandin

If you need info on suppliers feel free to send me a PM - I used to be in this business

On the payments - stick with Paypal til you see traction.

With sage, the €40 is in addition to the 1.5% - 2% you will need to pay a merchant service provider.

Some suppliers will allow you buy less than a box quantity and there are alos suppliers in USA for things such as USA monopoly (vegas, new york etc etc)

On deliveries, haggle with services. If you can drop them to your local depot, its can save €1. Target max €5 per delivery anywher in Ireland.

Darximus

Thanks a million Sandin. PM send.

Paddy Samurai

I know its an on-line store your thinking about,but there is an article here about opening a game store.You might get some ideas.

Many stores never perform a proper retail buildout. Instead, the owner buys a few showcases, a dozen banquet tables, a hundred folding chairs, and a used refrigerator. This allows the LGS to open quickly and start bringing in cash, but in the form of a dumpy, pedestrian shop that looks more like a social club than a retail store. In time, hardcore gamers stick around and treat it like a social club, spending little on location and making their large purchases online, while mainstream casual customers who spend the most money, especially women, and most especially moms, never return. In short, the store fails to establish itself as a spending destination. The early cash flow sputters out.

http://www.gamehead.com/article/1880/5-mistakes-owners-make-when-opening-game-stores

fungun

I buy a few games every year - usually read a lot of reviews before buying on multiple sites and then price them on multiple sites from US/UK/world. So imo the key thing would be you need to be cheap. Id support an Irish business rather than an international one for a small difference.

I would certainly download instructions myself and buy a different language version to save a few quid, unless it really mattered in the game itself.

However the posts in the thread describe 2 very different business models, so your first thing is to decide which to go for - the 'local' place where you might have an actual shop, customer loyalty, games nights etc., where most of your business is local....or an internet-based business, where your customer base could be a lot wider but its harder to get your name out there and to be competitive.

tbh i cant see the internet-only idea being sustainable long term, as the big boys can always price you out.
One thing to note on the local idea is that rents are at a real low right now - id be tempted to start a small shop in dublin or close to, depending on rent, and see how it goes. Maybe near a science-based college to up your nerd quota

Paddy Samurai

Darximus wrote: »

I am doing some research and trying to get all prep work done. I still need some information and clarification of few things before I make my mind. I will keep you up to date.

Hi Darximus,
any updates on your online store?.How U getting on?.

chrisbee

Darximus wrote: »

Since some time I am considering starting online store providing modern boardgames for all those gamers, who live far away from our scarce Friendly Local Game Shops, yet reluctant to order from abroad, due to high shipping costs.
I have in mind proper, hassle free website, where one can order game and have it delivered few days later by An Post or - in case of Dubliners - optional collecting it in the office.
What is your opinion? Is Irish gaming community big enough to make this project worthwile?
Will our gamers be interested in acquiring local, rather than stick to their european providers? I did a bit of research and I know that I will not be able to beat some mainland europe website to the price, yet can compensate it with lower delivery cost.
I will be interested to hear your yay or nay in that matter. Apologies for my english, feel free to correct my mistakes.

Can't wait for your store to open...please let us know what the latest news is!

Also, have you considered renting out the games, similar to library book? That way you can increase your customer base at a lower price....I know the challenge might be retrieving missing pieces, but just a thought...

Kiwi_Ed

Hi Darximus,

Is your store boardgamer.ie?

If so, fair play to you for getting this done! We needed a proper online boardgame shop in this country.

Keep up the good work!

BoardGamer

Darximus didn't start boardgamer.ie, that would be me. I first came up with the idea in June 2012, and have been working on it since. I launched Board Gamer in January 2013.

Slowly getting word out about it.

Kiwi_Ed

Credit where credit is due: Well done, Boardgamer!

p.s. Can we expect any expansions to The Settlers of Catan?

BoardGamer

I have the 5 - 6 player expansion for The Settlers of Catan that I haven't listed yet, will do that this evening. I'll definitely put an order in on Monday for more of the Settlers expansions.

rzaba666

it is nice to have some more options to buy boardgames in Ireland, well done to you.....but some prices are very high i.e. Puerto Rico 41.99 + 5 for shipping, well...good luck

BoardGamer

Fair point. I reduced Puerto Rico to 39.99 . I should say that there is free shipping on orders over €100 and there is also the option of collection.

rzaba666 wrote: »

it is nice to have some more options to buy boardgames in Ireland, well done to you.....but some prices are very high i.e. Puerto Rico 41.99 + 5 for shipping, well...good luck

rzaba666

I usually shop around for games and my first option is to check amazon.co.uk, I would love to buy games here in Ireland but if I need to pay € 39.99 + 5 in your shop or £ 22.28 and free shipping (amazon) than this in a no-brainer for me. Of course this is your business and I will not tell you how to run it and I hope you will be successful. I was actually thinking on opening something like that but many people (gamers also) advised not to do it as there is no market for this in Ireland.

yankinlk

Best of luck. I don't disagree you need to keep prices competitive... but for some us lazy people... if I can order on Monday or Tuesday and ensure I have my game in my grubby hands for the weekly games night... i think a premium is worth it.