The Process of Publishing: How to Sell a Board Game
Recently, board games have been becoming more and more popular. Because of the variety of genres available, they are loved by a large number of people. In a board game, two or more players interact with each other and follow a certain set of rules. Also, board games that require both planning and strategy are what stimulate players the most. In today's saturated market board games still remain one of the most favored forms of entertainment.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Selling
One of the best pieces of advice given in a board game design class is to build a game idea around a real-life action or activity. So, if you design your board game around real-world ideas it will give you a higher chance of success. A good board game always divides players into different teams, to compete against each other. You should also include supporting items such as dice, cards, and chess pieces to make the game more thrilling.
Careful Pricing Strategies
Board game pricing may fluctuate based on customer demand and market trends. Once a board game has been created, it is critical to ensure that the asking price is reasonable. If your product's cost is in accordance with its quality, you will have a higher chance of earning more sales.
Board Game Packaging
To maintain your board games in the best condition possible, use unique board game boxes. If your board game has a quality appearance and printed elements, it will stand out more. The packaging of your items creates a significant first impression. With bespoke packaging, you may have your own personal brand, pictures, and color scheme.
Test Your Game
Before selling your game, show it to friends and family to see what kind of reaction you receive. Early reviews will give you the confidence you need to start selling board games. You may give yourself more time to make the necessary modifications and adjustments if you create early prototypes.
Earning the Board Game Money
Making money through board games depends on the kind of product you sell. If you sell a vintage board game, you will get more money compared to selling something new. If you do decide to sell a used board game, make sure that it is in great condition. Suppose the board game you are trying to sell is your own original work, then you can try your luck on Amazon's board game sale. With that being said, let's look at how to get your product to board game distributors as well as how to sell it online.
Sell your idea to producers
If you are confident in your board game idea, then finding producers to make that game will be easy for you. By connecting with experienced producers, you will have a great advantage in making your idea a reality. You can use social media to connect with producers and present them with your vision. If you can make the producers take a chance on your idea, then it will only be a matter of time before your board game is complete. Once your board games get into the hands of distributors, they will sell them by sending copies to retailers and wholesalers.
Create a Kickstarter to get things started
If you lack sufficient funding, you can also get money by creating a Kickstarter. Kickstarter is perfect since it will give you the option to present your idea to the world and show what your strength is. Once you have enough finances, you can take direct sales into your own hands. You can find partnerships with other companies to sell the board game for you. If people believe in you enough to give you the money you need, It is evident that the partnership company will believe in you as well.
Sell on an e-commerce website
Amazon and eBay are perfect for selling your board game online. Toys and board games are big business on Amazon and eBay. As long as you follow Amazon's guidelines, you can sell both new and used board games. If you're already doing retail sales, then you will know that through Amazon you won't have to worry about customer complaints. Just like the salesperson in a retail store, Amazon will be able to handle customer queries.
Create your own website
If you don't want to sell on an e-commerce store, then it is a perfect opportunity to create your own website. Through your website, you can share information about the game and give regular updates on its development. So by the time you start selling, you will have enough internet traffic to make a hefty profit. You can use WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace to save yourself from the complexities of web development. Having your own website to sell wholesale bulk board games will make things easier for you.
Go to a local game store
Going to your local gaming store is ideal because your target audience will be readily available. Connecting with your local community will cut down on shipping costs. For expensive board games, free shipping is a must to entice the customer. You can even ask the game store to stock your copies and split the profits with them. A local game store doesn't just mean you have to go to a physical store. You may also sell your products on websites like BoardGameCo, Noble Knight Games, and Geek Market.
Conclusion
If you want to design your own board game, you must be willing to take some risks. There is a slim chance that you may fail as a merchant or that your game will receive negative feedback. However, this does not mean you should give up on your aspirations. Many board games have been developed by enthusiastic individuals who turned their hobby into a business. Good luck with your business endeavors, and keep the above suggestions in mind.
