How I built the inventory to start my retro game store

[@SonofAGunFrom410]

I've been following you since like 2009. It's been great watching you grow.

[@L1Games]

Thanks man! Viewers like you are the reason I keep going!!

[@retroguerrilla4687]

I watched this video shortly before I opened my store...now iv been in business for 1 whole year! And I have a desire to kind of hurry up!! And get a second location I feel like if I don't than someone will beat me to the punch...I too am inside an indoor swap meet 6 days a week...iv been thinking of taking money out to start the location and rewatching this video just helped reconfirm that I need to do it the right way and not go In debt! I'm only 1 year in so hopefully by next year I'll be ready...great video really helps keep me in check

[@famicommike9014]

I can relate to your channel and journey of your store! I used to work for Gamestop from 2007 to 2015 and I've watched your channel over the years to keep my gamer fuel going and I have a deeper appreciation for gaming and collecting now! I can't wait to come by your store one day!

[@L1Games]

thanks man!

[@Hollowboxcollectibles]

Loved your story of your journey

[@stevemiller.]

Where are you located? And do you ship to people out of state?

[@kizunagames]

Man I just love seeing your store in these videos. I live pretty far down south but I always say if we're every driving through your area, we're stopping by L1 Games lol.

[@L1Games]

Well, I certainly appreciate the support and your viewership! Folks like you give me the drive to keep creating content! :)

[@ezerandombanter]

It really does makes sense since most flea markets are only open on the weekends in Ohio where you can work for your full-time job in the week, Plus a lot of people that sale video games in flea markets don't know what they are selling most of the time. I had to tell a lady that she had some MegaMan Advanced Blue Pet Personal Terminals. She was like selling it for a dollar each cause she didn't what it was or if its a collector's item. I've been in several situations like this with comic books, and toys at flea markets. It's actually a great way to get an expanded inventory for yourselves without relying on a middleman or buying it from somewhere else.

[@L1Games]

Yeah, it really worked out for me. I actually enjoyed my time at the flea market. Sometimes I miss it!

[@ezerandombanter]

@@L1Games Plus its a great learning experience for beginners. A lot of people expect they will make a stable income during the first year when they rent a space on their own. It's all about location, location, location, as well as learning the trade with your neighbors at flea markets. You really lucked out by taking this method. I love small businesses, and always hate when they fail to make their dreams come true by staying in business.

[@awitcheskid]

You feeling okay Muzz? You look exhausted. I'm one of the people who asked this question, thanks for making the more in depth video.

[@ChescoYT]

Great story man! TY for sharing your exp.

[@VGMProf]

Thank you for this great video! Inspires the of us who want to do this!

[@L1Games]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@njboy7]

Aside from trade ins.. how do most small retro video game owners source their inventory primarily? Garage sales thrifting Facebook marketplace.. any others?

[@GamesfromtheGrave]

Thanks. I needed to see this right now.

[@L1Games]

I'm glad I could make the right content for you at the right time!

[@superzombiefan89]

I live in Cincinnati, so it wouldn't take me long to come check out the store. which mall is it again?

[@L1Games]

The Mall at Tuttle crossing. Just outside of Columbus in Dublin. Thanks for your interest!!

[@connor2094]

Hi, im thinking of starting my own retro store in Denmark, and buy things on sale around me. But im afraid i wont get anything sold, and how to make people know they cant negotiate the price, and to garanti the product they buy? It is used console and games, i always wonder what the rules are

[@Videogamelover58]

Awesome video man :D

[@L1Games]

thanks man! I appreciate your support!

[@faheeta5036]

That's exactly how I got started in 2005.

[@trekzilladmc]

At what point did you change the name from Haven Gaming to Level 1 Games? How did you come up with the new name?

[@L1Games]

oooh, that's a good question...I think it deserves a video. I've had 3 names and am considering a 4th! this could be an interesting topic.

[@countD8852]

I'm gonna make a trip to your store sooner or later man so maybe don't close up shop TOO soon!

[@L1Games]

LOL! depends on how burnt out I get!

[@CDages]

This was a very informative and interesting topic to do. Perhaps moreso for someone such as myself that's been following you on here for what seems like over a decade now. If I may, I'd like to ask you... do you believe it can be lucrative (or even possible) in today's gaming and retail climate to open brick n' mortar video game store, much in the same manner as you once did to start your retail business? I appreciate the reply.

[@L1Games]

Thats a good question. I may just do a video on that very soon!

[@CDages]

@@L1Games It certainly would be an interesting follow-up to this topic. I mean, it's quite commendable with how you went about starting your business with minimal to no debt in mind. So I wonder if such a plan would fly in today's climate, especially with regards to building stock from scratch (so to speak) what with how aggressive the retro gaming market has gotten to, compared to 10 years ago. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@Video-Games-Are-Fun]

it is MUCH easier to go into business of ANY kind today thanks to the internet. FREE advertising on social media. you can sell on ebay to a worldwide audience instead of locally. you don't pay rent! stock the inventory in your home. this includes services, from taskrabbit to independent on the craigslist services section. i can go on. it was tougher in the 90s and 2000s. yes i know this has increased online competition BUT getting a "start" is easier. i am not talking about major success. you have to start somewhere.

[@grilledcheeseandjelly6650]

This is crazy cuz I wanted to message you to pick you brain on this topic. I have a couple more questions if your free to chat.

[@L1Games]

I'll tell ya what, ask your questions here and maybe they'll make good future video content (and I'll give you a shout if I use them!) :)

[@grilledcheeseandjelly6650]

I have so many, but here goes nothing. What led you to decide I’m doing with my full time job and am ready to start my own business? What made you decide on a video game store? Have digital games or emulators impacted your business? How do you make sure that your trade payout is better than GameStop. How do you make sure that your prices are competitive compared to amazon and GameStop? I’m interested in opening my own collectibles store (located in NY) just a bit hesitant on doing so considering I have my son and financial obligations to his mom that have me hesitant. Also I know a few years back you said there was a project you wanted to work on (had been a away from YT for a while? Was it the nerd KO stuff?