6 Ways to sell games

As a board game retailer, finding the most effective strategies to sell your games is crucial for success in the competitive market. In this post, we will explore different avenues for selling board games, evaluating the pros and cons of each approach. By understanding the unique benefits and challenges, you can make informed decisions and implement a winning sales strategy.

1: Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a popular crowdfunding platform that allows you to generate pre-orders and fund the production of your board game. By creating a compelling campaign, you can engage with potential customers, build a community, and gain exposure for your game.

Pros:

• Crowdfunding platform to generate pre-orders and fund production.
• Opportunity to build a community of backers and engage with potential customers.
• Access to a dedicated user base on Kickstarter.
• Potential for significant exposure and buzz around your game.

Cons:

• Requires thorough planning, effective marketing, and campaign management.
• Time-consuming process with intense competition.
• May need to offer various rewards and stretch goals.
• Responsibility for fulfillment and timely delivery of backer rewards.

2: Expos and Conventions

Participating in expos and conventions gives you direct access to a targeted audience of board game enthusiasts. These events provide opportunities for game demonstrations, face-to-face interactions, and networking with industry professionals.

Pros:

• Direct access to a targeted audience of board game enthusiasts.
• Opportunity for face-to-face interactions, game demonstrations, and networking.
• Exposure to industry professionals, potential partners, and media.
• Builds brand recognition and credibility within the gaming community.

Cons:

• Significant investment in participation fees, travel expenses, and booth setup.
• Competition from other exhibitors vying for attention.
• Limited timeframe to make an impression on attendees.
• Requires careful planning and coordination to stand out among competitors.

3: Tabling at Community Events

Tabling at local community events allows you to engage with potential customers within your area. These events are a cost-effective approach to building brand presence, collaborating with other local businesses, and gaining repeat customers.

Pros:

• Cost-effective approach to engage with local communities.
• Direct interaction with potential customers and building brand presence.
• Collaboration opportunities with other local businesses for cross-promotion.
• Potential for repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals within the community.

Cons:

• Limited audience reach and event popularity.
• May not attract a highly targeted audience of board game enthusiasts.
• Requires investment in event registration fees, promotional materials, and setup.
• Can be time-consuming to participate in multiple events.

4: Online Sales through Your Website

Description: Selling board games through your own website provides flexibility and control over your sales process. With an effective online store, you can reach a global audience and create a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Pros:

• Global reach and accessibility to a wide customer base.
• Complete control over the sales process, pricing, and customer data.
• Direct communication and personalized marketing to customers.
• Flexibility to offer promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals.

Cons:

• Requires investment in website development, maintenance, and security.
• Competing with other online retailers and marketplaces.
• Need to drive traffic to your website through effective marketing strategies.
• Responsibility for order fulfillment and customer support.

5: Selling through Retailers

Partnering with brick-and-mortar or online retailers allows you to leverage their existing customer base and distribution network. By establishing wholesale relationships, you can expand your reach and focus on game development.

Pros:

• Access to an established customer base and distribution network.
• Reduced responsibility for order fulfillment and customer support.
• Increased visibility and credibility through retailer partnerships.
• Focus on game development while retailers handle sales and marketing.

Cons:

• Need to negotiate favorable wholesale terms and pricing.
• Dependency on retailers' marketing efforts and inventory management.
• Limited control over pricing and promotions.
• May face competition from other games within the retailer's inventory.

6: Distributors

Working with distributors can streamline the process of getting your games into the hands of retailers. Distributors act as intermediaries, handling the logistics of warehousing, shipping, and selling to retailers on your behalf.

Pros:

• Wide distribution network and access to retailers across regions.
• Reduced administrative burden and logistics management.
• Potential for increased sales volume through broader market reach.
• Ability to focus on game development while distributors handle sales.

Cons:

• Relinquishing control over pricing and inventory management.
• Need to establish favorable distribution agreements and terms.
• Dependency on distributors' marketing efforts and sales strategies.
• Lower profit margins due to distributor fees and commissions.

Choosing the right approach to sell board games is crucial for retailers. Each option offers unique advantages and challenges. Consider your target audience, resources, and long-term goals to identify the most optimal approach for your business. A combination of strategies may also be beneficial to maximize sales and brand exposure. Experimentation, adaptation, and staying informed about industry trends will help you thrive in the dynamic board game market.