![How to plan and track the budget of your board game store [template]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-budget-1_a2f6691e-3321-4dda-9daa-bbca2e1d8e95.png?v=1715856512&width=1100)
If you don’t plan and track your board game store budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for board game store owners, we saw a lot of store owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having substantial sales.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your board game store's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for board game stores
Most board game store owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for board game stores
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a board game store, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for retail space | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for lighting and displays | $400 | $4,800 |
| Water | Water usage | $100 | $1,200 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $150 | $1,800 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $100 | $1,200 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $300 | $3,600 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Store Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Sales Associates | 3 | $2,000 | $6,000 | $72,000 |
| Inventory Specialist | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $30,000 |
3. Inventory Costs
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Games | Stock of various board games | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Card Games | Stock of various card games | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Accessories | Dice, card sleeves, game mats, etc. | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Snacks & Beverages | Refreshments for customers | $500 | $6,000 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and game nights | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of store equipment | $200 | $2,400 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and name tags | $100 | $1,200 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses and permits | $100 | $1,200 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $300 | $3,600 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
Some board game stores make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best board game stores in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a board game store?
Watch out for these pitfalls. Here are five major costs every board game store owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Inventory CostsBoard games can be expensive, and keeping a diverse stock can quickly drain your budget. Prices can vary based on popularity, exclusivity, and supplier terms. To keep these costs in check, focus on stocking best-sellers, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and manage your inventory efficiently to avoid overstocking or understocking. It's easy to overspend by buying too many niche games that don’t sell well.
- Staffing Your StoreYour staff is crucial for providing excellent customer service and maintaining the store. However, wages, benefits, and training can be costly. Optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training employees, and monitoring productivity. Be cautious not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor customer service.
- Rent and Utilities of Your StorePrime retail locations come with high rent, but they can attract more foot traffic. Utilities like electricity, heating, and internet are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient lighting and heating. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too upscale for your needs.
- MarketingGetting the word out about your board game store is essential, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we recommend in our guide. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Store Fixtures and Maintenance CostsThis includes everything from shelving and display units to point-of-sale systems. These are expensive because quality fixtures and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, functional fixtures and maintaining them regularly to avoid costly repairs. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your board game store?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a board game store owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Inventory Costs | Partner with local game designers and publishers for exclusive deals and lower prices. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your board game store and collaborate with local influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular equipment checks and servicing. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Packaging | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging and offer discounts for customers bringing their own bags. |
| Display Fixtures | Purchase high-quality, durable display fixtures that can withstand frequent use. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and recycle excess materials. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional devices and utilize store management software for inventory and sales tracking. |
| Event Hosting | Partner with local game clubs and host events to increase foot traffic and sales. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan delivery routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital order systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce overstocking. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music and host local game nights during off-peak times. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
Copy the tactics of the best board game stores in the world!
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Expenses that are just useless for a board game store
Yes, some expenses for your board game store are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving customer experience.
| Board Game Store Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Store Decor | Overly lavish decorations don't necessarily attract more customers and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Game Editions | Unless you cater to a niche market, most customers are satisfied with standard editions. |
| Excessive Game Inventory | Stocking too many games increases inventory costs and leads to unsold stock. |
| High-End Display Units | Top-of-the-line display units are not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your board game store. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by customers. |
| Exclusive Game Titles | Stocking rare games can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by customers and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Bags | Personalized bags are a minor detail that most customers overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most customers are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Delivery Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Store Centerpieces | Elaborate centerpieces are often ignored by customers and add to the cost. |
| High-End Game Tables | Luxury game tables are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by customers. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Promotional Materials | Frequently redesigning promotional materials is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Items | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Event Equipment | Specialized event equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your board game store!
Managing a budget for a board game store when funds are tight can feel like a nightmare. It's like being trapped in a maze where any unexpected expense can throw you off course.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in new inventory or marketing efforts, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to invest in your store.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of board game stores just like yours. Get them now!
Make your board game store more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best board game stores in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
