Play N Trade Video Game Franchise

[Craigs]

I've also been looking to opening a playntrade store, and have been researching if there are any profitable PnT owners out there.

Most recently I've learned that the San Jose, Douglas County (Colorado), and Grand Rapids (Michigan) are for sale by the owners.

Does anyone know of any successful, profitable Playntrades.

I would love to get into the video game industry because i am a gamer, but if the numbers don't make sense (margins are not great), I don't want to invest all my energy into it.

[FuwaFuwaUsagi]

Can anyone explain to me what the USP of these franchises are?   What value does the franchiser bring?  Additionally, it is apparent you will also need to type very slowly to aide my comprehension because clearly I do not get it.

FuwaFuwaUsagi

[michael webster]

Fuwa;

The unique selling proposition is that the posters like to play these games: they mistakenly think that it would be a good business for them to sell these games under license.

[sandsbz]

In a concept like this, I see no reason to jump on the franchise band wagon if this is something you really want to do as your life's work.  IMO, this is a concept that with a good identifiable name could be done on your own.  Also, if you add repair service and good customer service, you've got a jump ahead of the franchises which offer no repair and the customer service generally stinks.  Now, whether you can pull a profit is the big question franchise or not.

[jj42]

As a franchisee, myself (different category, though), and a video game player, I’m not so sure I’d take the risk on Play n Trade.  Once Play n Trade entered my area, the competitive response from the 2 neighboring Game Stop stores was huge (constantly circulating very deep discounts all around the store and touting how Play n Trade’s selection is so much less).  As a gaming consumer, I’ve loved Game Stop’s response because the offers are far better than Play n Trade’s.  With my franchisee hat on, if when my store opened that critical first year I had to take such deep margin hits by matching the offers or face such aggressive competition from Game Stop, I couldn’t have withstood the cash crunch.  But again as a relatively frequent gamer, I hope Play n Trade can hang on so Game Stop won’t stop the deep offers.

Hey:

Good choice. These are the same theives that were selling the Yakey Yak Wireless Cell phone store opportunity. Almost all of those stores nationwide are closed. They fail to follow the federal, state laws on registering their opportunity legally. I should know, I am one they stole from....Run like hell....

[jj42]

I am considering opening up a few Play N Trade Video game franchises in the US and Canada does anybody have any exprience with this franchsie? 

Sorry to be a buzz kill but if I were considering buying a Play N Trade franchise I'd want to know the whole picture.  The stores keep closing -- the one in Blaine, MN just closed in September and there are other posts about the several other closings.  It appears this thing's a bit of a Ponzi Scheme to sell franchises but they don't make money.  Here are more closings:

http://franchisepundit.com/index.php/2007/03/01/gaming-franchise/

John:

Run like hell. These guys are thieves!!! They are the Yakety Yak Wireless franchise people. That whole concept crumbled. They just don't play by the rules. They just take your money. Believe me, I know, I am one of those 200 Yakety Yak stores that closed!

"Man, I don’t know — I’ve (had) also been considering taking the Play N Trade route but in my research I keep reading about stores closing. Dallas, Las Vegas, Farmington, North Carolina, 3 in Colorado Springs — out of only 60 or so stores open?"

[jj42]

I am considering opening up a few Play N Trade Video game franchises in the US and Canada does anybody have any exprience with this franchsie? 

Matt,

Check out the blog, there is a post on the Play N Trade franchise and there are comments.
http://franchisepundit.com/index.php/2007/03/01/gaming-franchise/

Don't do it! These guys are thieves! You hit the nail on the head. They were the Yakety Yak Wireless franchise people. Dave Timlin is a LIAR!

[entreprenur11]

I have heard horror stories from many existing franchise owners which says it all for me.

[JennCav]

I just happened to stumble upon this board, and have to thank you for the inside scoop on the Play & Trade Franchise. Saves a lot of wasted time and money for me. I too was looking to open a GameStop in my area, and I saw on their website that they were only corporate owned, but if they do franchise - that would be a great opportunity. As I am not able to get to big gamer conventions or anything, any information posted would be greatly appreciated.
~Jennifer

[Aldog]

There are over 125 Play N Trades open now. (60 locations not accurate)

[ADNYC]

Does any one know any of the Area Developers for PlayNTrade and whether they are happy with their investment and with management?

[michael webster]

Go to the caleasi site and get the ufoc for the area developers and contact them.  Their addresses will be listed in the ufoc.

[whyme!]

Well People, Let me enlighten you! I know first hand that Play N Trade are crooks! Keith J. Is probably the biggest! these people along with the people they deal with rip franchisees off everychance they get! I have knowledge to shut them down they will never sign another person!

[bubbleboy]

I actually participate  in one of there web seminar about 2 weeks ago. When I raise the question about any of their stores have ever closed doors, they reply really quick and said yes only one in Georgia. I come to find out it was a lot more then just one.

This pretty much turn proves to me there dishonesty.

[picorian]

whyme! please sure the knowledge you have so we all know.