Setting Up a Video Games Website

[lolman22221]

I'm looking at setting up a website to sell video games. I've got the supplier sorted and I know how I want to do it. But I just wanted to know what sort of legal hurdles there are on this sort of thing. Do I need to acquire some sort of license, also I want to start off by advertising in the local paper so is there anything else I need before I do that.
Thanks

 

[angelinalove]

I think you need a seo help to promote your website. I can promote your website if you are interested than pm me.

 

[Jeremy08]

checkout businesslink

they could help you on every aspect and best of all? all free

 

[SocialMediaUncovered]

Theres lots of things you should be looking at - and luckily with e-commerce sites, theres a lot of ways to start marketing your business for free.

As this is in process, it's never too early to start, and if you have a site name, you can start doing some pre-launch marketing and promotions via blogs/forums and social networks - also using sites like reddit and digg you can create a bit of buzz about your service or usp and hopefully get people excitied. Make the most of the time you have, and if you plan to start selling before christmas - as much work as possible now, will help much much more than local newspaper advertising.

In my experience, e-commerce sites perform better with online rather than offline advertising - but this depends on the message. If it's an INCREDIBLE special offer - like "All games free today!" then it does'nt matter where the ad is placed, you're going to get activity - but the pre-launch work I was talking about before, is like the ground work you are putting in for getting your important first (and repeat) customers.

Your efforts can bring great rewards, and all it costs is your time. Read up on some blogs, and seo practices, join gaming forums/social networks - then start writing about your fantastic new venture!

All the best - I hope it is successful for you!

 

[fisicx]

I think you need a seo help to promote your website. I can promote your website if you are interested than pm me.

A pretty pointless post - did you even read the OPs question.

Have you identified a supplier? They will normally dictate the conditions of sale. But how are yopu hoping to compete with the likes of Game, Play or Amazon - it's a pretty tough market so you are going to need a quite spectacular USP.

 

[matt.chatterley]

Totally seconded.

I can't imagine any legal hurdles, unless your supplier specifically dictates that you cannot resell/resell online - however, you will need something truly unique if you want to get any business in the realm of video games!

 

[ThePrintBarn]

What a great post @ Jason, nice!

I second the notion on gaming, I had a colleague who tried setting up a dvd/game rental/retail type venture, but with players such as play.com, blockbuster and many others already in the field you'll have to bring something very unique to the table, which I have no doubt you will, good luck with the new business

 

[SocialMediaUncovered]

What a great post @ Jason, nice!

Thanks!

I've also noticed in HMV they have started selling second hand games, this market place has been taken by a few online try'ers and retail stores like Game. But in my experience, and through people i've spoken to Game kinda likes to take peoples money for trade in's! and not give much back. Hence the promotions that are on posters outside game saying THIS GAME ONLY £9.99 (*when you trade in 6 games) and not just any games!

Bit of a con really - I was in HMV today, and saw Far Cry 2 on ps3 new for £27.99 and second hand for £26.99!

Having a GOOD service and a payment system through paypal or something could be a great alternative for buying and selling second hand games - at a FAIR price, being independent and not too greedy could make a great alternative to the retail outlets soaking up all the second hand (or used) market place.

I'd be interested to see what % of profits (and general figures in total) are coming from Game's trade in policy. Obviously, like I said theres a few other people out there - but this is the only way you can get a healthy markup - although it will need a lot of management (titles, pricing etc, as this will change almost daily).

It is a competitive market, and this is....Just a thought....

 

[3trades]

I somewhat agree and disagree with what has already been said.

although the market place is very competitive in this arena, it is so in every other market too.

there is not much uniqueness amongst the big players and as you are essentially a trading company, and if you know much about trading and video games, you will know that everything revolves around price, supply and service/reputation.

you dont necessarily need to be the cheapest, as once the cheap supply has been absorded, the consumer will move on to the next best price.

once your reputation/service has been spent, the consumer will move onto the next best place.

once you have established yourself as the most competitive market maker for a particular title, your supply will run out, but your activity should increase.

this is retail, as long as your service/reputation is top notch and your pricing is very competitive, you should do well.

you dont need a USP, I mean there is a very limited amount of uniqueness to be had for a video games company. the consumer just wants top service and the cheapest price.

good luck.