{"product_id":"retro-video-game-store-owner-makes","title":"How Much A Retro Video Game Store Owner Makes: $156K-$656K","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-section text-1_new_design\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"line_top\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’re estimating owner income from a retro video game store, not a guaranteed salary This page models \u003cstrong\u003epre-tax owner income\u003c\/strong\u003e using first-year revenue of \u003cstrong\u003e$223,200\u003c\/strong\u003e, gross margin, rent, payroll, trade-in costs, and cash kept for inventory It excludes personal tax advice, debt service unless added, and franchise-style salary promises\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-section image-1_new_design\" id=\"main_article_image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003csection class=\"fml-owner-metric-cards\" aria-label=\"Retro video game store owner income\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"metric-grid\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"metric-card is-green\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metric-icon-tip\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Month 1-12 estimate; assumes the owner replaces the $50,000 manager role, so take-home lands near $5,467.\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"metric-icon\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml-owner-income-kpi-owner-income.svg\" alt=\"Owner income icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwner income\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"metric-value\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Month 1-12 estimate; assumes the owner replaces the $50,000 manager role, so take-home lands near $5,467.\"\u003e$5,467\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"metric-card\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metric-icon-tip\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Year 1 estimate; uses $1,300 monthly operating profit before owner pay on $18,600 revenue, so margin is about 7%.\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"metric-icon\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml-owner-income-kpi-net-margin.svg\" alt=\"Net margin icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNet margin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"metric-value\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Year 1 estimate; uses $1,300 monthly operating profit before owner pay on $18,600 revenue, so margin is about 7%.\"\u003e7.0%\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"metric-card\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metric-icon-tip\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Month 1-12 planning level; $18,600 monthly revenue is the model base for the $5,467 owner-pay case.\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"metric-icon\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml-owner-income-kpi-revenue-target.svg\" alt=\"Revenue for target pay icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevenue for target pay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"metric-value\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Month 1-12 planning level; $18,600 monthly revenue is the model base for the $5,467 owner-pay case.\"\u003e$18.6k\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"metric-card\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metric-icon-tip\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Full-model view; Year 1-2 EBITDA losses, Month 26 breakeven, and 51-month payback make this a Hard plan.\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"metric-icon\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml-owner-income-kpi-business-difficulty.svg\" alt=\"Business difficulty icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBusiness difficulty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"metric-value\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tooltip=\"Full-model view; Year 1-2 EBITDA losses, Month 26 breakeven, and 51-month payback make this a Hard plan.\"\u003eHard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWant to test your own owner pay?\n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-owner-calculator\" aria-label=\"Retro Video Game Store Owner Income Calculator\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-currency=\"USD\" data-default-scenario=\"base\" data-export-filename=\"Retro Video Game Store Owner Income Calculator.xlsx\" data-source-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-source-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-page-title=\"Retro Video Game Store Owner Income Calculator\" data-note-title=\"Planning note:\" data-note-text=\"Research-based planning estimate only. It is not guaranteed salary, tax advice, or owner distribution advice.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-owner-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-owner-eyebrow\"\u003eOwner income calculator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-owner-intro\"\u003eEstimate owner take-home and the target-pay gap from monthly revenue, gross margin, payroll, overhead, marketing, reserves, and target pay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-scenarios\" aria-label=\"Income scenario presets\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-owner-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"low\"\u003eLow\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-owner-scenario is-active\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"base\"\u003eBase\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-owner-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"high\"\u003eHigh\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-layout\"\u003e\n\u003cform class=\"fml-owner-inputs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonthly revenue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly sales before expenses. Use a normal operating month, not a launch spike.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly sales before expenses. Use a normal operating month, not a launch spike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"monthlyRevenue\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Monthly revenue\" data-owner-note=\"Monthly sales before expenses. Use a normal operating month, not a launch spike.\" data-low=\"12000\" data-base=\"18600\" data-high=\"25000\" name=\"monthlyRevenue\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"18,600\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGross margin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Percent of revenue left after inventory and refurbishment costs.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003ePercent of revenue left after inventory and refurbishment costs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-percent\"\u003e\n\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"grossMargin\" data-owner-kind=\"percent\" data-owner-label=\"Gross margin\" data-owner-note=\"Percent of revenue left after inventory and refurbishment costs.\" name=\"grossMargin\" type=\"range\" min=\"0\" max=\"100\" step=\"0.1\" data-low=\"85\" data-base=\"88.5\" data-high=\"90\" value=\"88.5\"\u003e\u003coutput\u003e88.5%\u003c\/output\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLabor cost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly payroll and contractor spend before owner pay.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly payroll and contractor spend before owner pay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"laborCost\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Labor cost\" data-owner-note=\"Monthly payroll and contractor spend before owner pay.\" data-low=\"9000\" data-base=\"9792\" data-high=\"11000\" name=\"laborCost\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"9,792\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFixed overhead\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Rent, utilities, insurance, software, and other fixed costs.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eRent, utilities, insurance, software, and other fixed costs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"fixedOverhead\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Fixed overhead\" data-owner-note=\"Rent, utilities, insurance, software, and other fixed costs.\" data-low=\"3975\" data-base=\"3975\" data-high=\"3975\" name=\"fixedOverhead\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"3,975\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarketing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly ads, promotions, and local event spend.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly ads, promotions, and local event spend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"marketing\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Marketing\" data-owner-note=\"Monthly ads, promotions, and local event spend.\" data-low=\"600\" data-base=\"930\" data-high=\"1200\" name=\"marketing\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"930\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDebt service\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Loan payments or other recurring financing costs.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eLoan payments or other recurring financing costs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"debtService\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Debt service\" data-owner-note=\"Loan payments or other recurring financing costs.\" data-low=\"0\" data-base=\"0\" data-high=\"0\" name=\"debtService\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTax reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Percent of profit set aside for taxes.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003ePercent of profit set aside for taxes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-percent\"\u003e\n\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"taxReserve\" data-owner-kind=\"percent\" data-owner-label=\"Tax reserve\" data-owner-note=\"Percent of profit set aside for taxes.\" name=\"taxReserve\" type=\"range\" min=\"0\" max=\"45\" step=\"1\" data-low=\"10\" data-base=\"12\" data-high=\"15\" value=\"12\"\u003e\u003coutput\u003e12%\u003c\/output\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReinvestment reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Percent of profit kept for repairs, stock, and cash buffer.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003ePercent of profit kept for repairs, stock, and cash buffer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-percent\"\u003e\n\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"reinvestmentReserve\" data-owner-kind=\"percent\" data-owner-label=\"Reinvestment reserve\" data-owner-note=\"Percent of profit kept for repairs, stock, and cash buffer.\" name=\"reinvestmentReserve\" type=\"range\" min=\"0\" max=\"35\" step=\"1\" data-low=\"5\" data-base=\"8\" data-high=\"10\" value=\"8\"\u003e\u003coutput\u003e8%\u003c\/output\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-owner-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget owner pay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly owner pay goal used to size the target-pay gap.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly owner pay goal used to size the target-pay gap.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-owner-field=\"targetOwnerPay\" data-owner-kind=\"money\" data-owner-label=\"Target owner pay\" data-owner-note=\"Monthly owner pay goal used to size the target-pay gap.\" data-low=\"1000\" data-base=\"1500\" data-high=\"4000\" name=\"targetOwnerPay\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"1,500\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003caside class=\"fml-owner-results\" aria-live=\"polite\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tag\"\u003eOwner income output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-metrics\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-metric is-primary\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-metric-label\"\u003eOwner Income\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly take-home after tax and reinvestment reserves.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly take-home after tax and reinvestment reserves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-owner-output=\"monthlyOwnerIncome\"\u003e$1,411\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-metric\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-metric-label\"\u003eNet Margin\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Owner income divided by monthly revenue.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eOwner income divided by monthly revenue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-owner-output=\"netProfitMargin\"\u003e8%\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-metric\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-metric-label\"\u003eRevenue for Target Pay\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Monthly revenue needed to support the target owner pay.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eMonthly revenue needed to support the target owner pay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-owner-output=\"revenueNeeded\"\u003e$18,725\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-metric is-target-gap is-negative\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-metric-label\"\u003eTarget Pay Gap\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-tooltip\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Owner income minus target owner pay. Negative means the target pay is not covered.\"\u003ei\u003cspan role=\"tooltip\"\u003eOwner income minus target owner pay. Negative means the target pay is not covered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-owner-output=\"targetPayGap\"\u003e$-89\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"fml-owner-result-list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eAnnual owner income\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-owner-output=\"annualOwnerIncome\"\u003e$16,932\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eProfit before reserves\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-owner-output=\"profitBeforeReserves\"\u003e$1,764\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eTax + reinvestment reserve\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-owner-output=\"reserveAmount\"\u003e$353\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eTarget pay gap\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-owner-output=\"cashAfterTargetPay\"\u003e$-89\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bridge\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bar-row\" data-owner-bridge=\"revenue\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRevenue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci style=\"--fml-owner-share: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-owner-bridge-value\u003e$18,600\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bar-row\" data-owner-bridge=\"grossProfit\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eGross profit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci style=\"--fml-owner-share: 88%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-owner-bridge-value\u003e$16,461\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bar-row\" data-owner-bridge=\"operatingCosts\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOperating costs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci style=\"--fml-owner-share: 79%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-owner-bridge-value\u003e$14,697\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bar-row\" data-owner-bridge=\"reserveAmount\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eReserves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci style=\"--fml-owner-share: 2%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-owner-bridge-value\u003e$353\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-bar-row\" data-owner-bridge=\"ownerIncome\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOwner income\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci style=\"--fml-owner-share: 8%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-owner-bridge-value\u003e$1,411\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-owner-export\" type=\"button\" data-owner-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/aside\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-owner-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-owner-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Research-based planning estimate only. It is not guaranteed salary, tax advice, or owner distribution advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-section_blog text-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"line_top_blog\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWant to check owner income in the financial model?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis model shows revenue mix, trade-in margins, inventory buys, refurbishment costs, payroll, rent, expenses, scenarios, and owner take-home. Open the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/retro-video-game-store-financial-model\"\u003eRetro Video Game Store Financial Model Template\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eOwner-income model highlights\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$223.2k\u003c\/strong\u003e first-year revenue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$15.6k\u003c\/strong\u003e operating profit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$50k\u003c\/strong\u003e manager replacement logic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReserve-adjusted take-home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-section_blog image-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-card\" data-preview-src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/retro-video-game-store-financial-model-dashboard-financialmodelslab_b03a20a3-5997-4694-8880-bbce8946eda4.webp\"\u003e\n\u003cimg class=\"preview-img\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/retro-video-game-store-financial-model-dashboard-financialmodelslab_b03a20a3-5997-4694-8880-bbce8946eda4.webp?width=500\" alt=\"Retro Video Game Store Financial Model dashboard summarizing key KPIs, runway\/cash and performance with a dynamic dashboard, investor-ready charts to reveal cash-flow blind spots and trends.\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-overlay\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"preview-btn\" type=\"button\" style=\"align-items: center; vertical-align: middle; display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; gap: 6px; line-height: 1;\"\u003e\nPREVIEW \u003csvg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"presentation\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"14\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M416 176V86.63L246.6 256L416 425.4V336c0-8.844 7.156-16 16-16s16 7.156 16 16v128c0 8.844-7.156 16-16 16h-128c-8.844 0-16-7.156-16-16s7.156-16 16-16h89.38L224 278.6L54.63 448H144C152.8 448 160 455.2 160 464S152.8 480 144 480h-128C7.156 480 0 472.8 0 464v-128C0 327.2 7.156 320 16 320S32 327.2 32 336v89.38L201.4 256L32 86.63V176C32 184.8 24.84 192 16 192S0 184.8 0 176v-128C0 39.16 7.156 32 16 32h128C152.8 32 160 39.16 160 48S152.8 64 144 64H54.63L224 233.4L393.4 64H304C295.2 64 288 56.84 288 48S295.2 32 304 32h128C440.8 32 448 39.16 448 48v128C448 184.8 440.8 192 432 192S416 184.8 416 176z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat revenue is needed for a retro game store owner salary?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003eRetro Video Game Store\u003c\/strong\u003e, the owner salary target comes from working backward after \u003cstrong\u003eCOGS\u003c\/strong\u003e, payment fees, and marketing. If non-owner payroll plus fixed costs are about \u003cstrong\u003e$9,600\u003c\/strong\u003e a month, a \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e owner-pay target needs about \u003cstrong\u003e$17,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in monthly revenue before reserves when the owner replaces the manager. If the store keeps the manager and pays the owner too, that revenue need rises to about \u003cstrong\u003e$22,100\u003c\/strong\u003e per month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eOwner-pay math\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart with \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e owner pay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003eCOGS\u003c\/strong\u003e, fees, marketing first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-owner payroll and fixed costs: \u003cstrong\u003e$9,600\u003c\/strong\u003e\/month.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwner replaces manager: about \u003cstrong\u003e$17,000\u003c\/strong\u003e revenue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHigher-cost case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the manager and pay the owner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRevenue need rises to \u003cstrong\u003e$22,100\u003c\/strong\u003e\/month.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel shows \u003cstrong\u003e810%\u003c\/strong\u003e first-year contribution margin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReserve cash still matters before owner pay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat profit margins matter most in a retro game store?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003eRetro Video Game Store\u003c\/strong\u003e, the margins that matter most are \u003cstrong\u003eacquisition cost\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erefurbishing cost\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003esales mix\u003c\/strong\u003e; high sticker prices don’t help if testing, returns, or slow sell-through trap cash. For a quick cost view, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/startup-costs\/retro-video-game-store\"\u003eHow Much Does It Cost To Open, Start, Launch Your Retro Video Game Store?\u003c\/a\u003e. The model shows \u003cstrong\u003efirst-year COGS at 115%\u003c\/strong\u003e of sales, so profit only works if unit costs stay tight and inventory turns fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCore margin drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsed games:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50% of sales at $30\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRefurbished consoles:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25% at $150\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20% at $25\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvents:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5% of sales at $10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat hurts profit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTesting\u003c\/strong\u003e adds labor and time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturns\u003c\/strong\u003e cut realized margin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlow sell-through\u003c\/strong\u003e ties up cash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCash conversion\u003c\/strong\u003e beats sticker price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eHow much does a retro video game store owner make?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Retro Video Game Store owner makes about \u003cstrong\u003e$15,600 in first-year operating profit\u003c\/strong\u003e with a hired manager, or about \u003cstrong\u003e$65,600 pre-tax\u003c\/strong\u003e if the owner works that \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e manager role; \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/kpi-metrics\/retro-video-game-store\"\u003eWhat Is The Most Important Measure Of Success For Your Retro Video Game Store?\u003c\/a\u003e explains the KPI that keeps this from turning into paper profit. Revenue is \u003cstrong\u003e$223,200\/year\u003c\/strong\u003e, or about \u003cstrong\u003e$18,600\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e, but revenue is not owner pay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eQuick math\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$223,200\u003c\/strong\u003e first-year revenue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$18,600\u003c\/strong\u003e monthly revenue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e885%\u003c\/strong\u003e gross margin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$13,800\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e fixed costs plus payroll\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eOwner take-home risk\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e if owner manages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduce pay for inventory reserves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduce pay for debt payments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatch theft and slow-moving stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWant the six income drivers?\n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-main-income-drivers\" aria-label=\"Main income driver cards for a retro video game store.\"\u003e\u003carticle class=\"driver-option is-cards\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-grid\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card is-primary\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTraffic\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e370\/wk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eYear 1 traffic is 370 visitors a week, so more footfall is the cleanest way to add orders before the store scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTrade-in Cost\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10%\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 10% inventory acquisition cost keeps room for markup, but sloppy sourcing cuts gross profit fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eInventory Mix\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50% used\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsed games are 50% of the mix in Year 1, so shifting mix changes both average ticket and gross profit on each order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eOnline Conversion\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e8%\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt an 8% visitor-to-buyer rate, the online funnel has to convert well or the 2.5% payment fee and $50 hosting eat the margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFixed Overhead\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$3,975\/mo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonthly fixed expenses are $3,975, so overhead controls when the store finally turns a profit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"main-driver-card\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"main-driver-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"driver-rank\"\u003e6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCash Cycle\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e6 mo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 6-month repeat life helps stock move back to cash faster and lowers the reserve needed for slow months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eRetro Video Game Store Core Six Income Drivers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eTrade-In Acquisition Cost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"left-row1\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTrade-In Acquisition Cost\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrade-in acquisition cost is the cash you pay for used games, consoles, and accessories. It hits gross margin before rent and payroll matter. In the source assumptions, inventory acquisition cost is \u003cstrong\u003e100% of revenue\u003c\/strong\u003e in Year 1 and improves to \u003cstrong\u003e80%\u003c\/strong\u003e by Year 5, so gross margin rises from \u003cstrong\u003e0%\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003e20%\u003c\/strong\u003e before fixed costs. That swing is what creates owner pay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheap local collections can lift income, but only if the stock is real, complete, and working. Missing cables, damaged discs, bad condition, and hidden repair time can turn a low buy price into a bad margin. If bulk buys tie up cash, the store can look busy and still leave the owner short on take-home profit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"right-row1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeasure the Buy Before You Pay\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack \u003cstrong\u003ecash paid\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eexpected resale value\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003etest and repair cost\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003edays to sell\u003c\/strong\u003e for each lot. Only buy inventory that clears a positive gross margin after cleaning, testing, and returns. One clean rule helps: complete, authentic, and fast-moving stock should get the best offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePay less\u003c\/strong\u003e for missing parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck\u003c\/strong\u003e discs, cables, and power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecord\u003c\/strong\u003e condition before buying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompare\u003c\/strong\u003e lot cost to resale price.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key benchmark is \u003cstrong\u003e80%\u003c\/strong\u003e acquisition cost by Year 5. If your buy price stays above that level, gross margin shrinks before rent and payroll, and owner draw gets squeezed even when sales volume looks fine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step1\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eInventory Mix And Pricing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"right-row2\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eInventory Mix And Pricing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe mix drives both revenue and cash. With \u003cstrong\u003e50%\u003c\/strong\u003e used games, \u003cstrong\u003e25%\u003c\/strong\u003e refurbished consoles, \u003cstrong\u003e20%\u003c\/strong\u003e accessories, and \u003cstrong\u003e5%\u003c\/strong\u003e event entry, the weighted first-year item price is \u003cstrong\u003e$58\u003c\/strong\u003e with one unit per order. That helps sales, but the owner only gets paid if the mix turns fast enough to cover testing, returns, and shelf space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eConsoles can lift ticket size to \u003cstrong\u003e$150\u003c\/strong\u003e, but they bring more test time and return risk. Accessories at \u003cstrong\u003e$25\u003c\/strong\u003e usually turn faster, so they can improve cash flow even when ticket size is smaller. Rare items may raise margin, but \u003cstrong\u003eslow sell-through\u003c\/strong\u003e and price swings can trap cash and delay owner draws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"left-row2\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eTrack mix by margin and days on hand\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eMeasure each category by \u003cstrong\u003egross margin\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003esell-through days\u003c\/strong\u003e, return rate, and testing labor. The key inputs are orders, unit price, inventory age, and cash tied in rare stock. One clean rule: if a higher-price item does not convert to cash faster, it can hurt owner income even when sales look strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor mix\u003c\/strong\u003e by category weekly\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice consoles\u003c\/strong\u003e for test and return cost\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePush accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e for faster cash turns\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLimit rare buys\u003c\/strong\u003e if stock sits\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eUse the mix to protect cash, not just chase ticket size. If accessories keep moving and consoles stall, the store may show revenue but still miss payroll or owner pay. The best pricing plan is the one that keeps margin solid and frees cash back into the register.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step2\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eSales Volume And Foot Traffic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"left-row3\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eSales Volume and Foot Traffic\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis driver is the flow of visitors and how many turn into paying customers. At \u003cstrong\u003e370 weekly visitors\u003c\/strong\u003e and an \u003cstrong\u003e8%\u003c\/strong\u003e conversion rate, the store gets about \u003cstrong\u003e30 buyers a week\u003c\/strong\u003e and roughly \u003cstrong\u003e$18,600 in monthly revenue\u003c\/strong\u003e. Repeat customers equal \u003cstrong\u003e25%\u003c\/strong\u003e of new customers over the last \u003cstrong\u003e6 months\u003c\/strong\u003e and buy \u003cstrong\u003eonce per month\u003c\/strong\u003e, so traffic only helps income when it becomes orders, not just browsing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"right-row3\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eTurn Visits Into Orders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eTrack visitor count, conversion rate, average transaction value, and repeat rate together. Here’s the quick math: if more traffic comes from collectors, gift buyers, and local events, more visits turn into profitable orders instead of idle foot traffic. Watch whether events lift both buyer count and basket size, because a busy store with weak ticket values can still miss cash for rent, payroll, and owner pay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step3\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eOnline Channel Economics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"right-row4\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOnline Sales Margin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnline sales can widen demand beyond local foot traffic, but the take-home result depends on \u003cstrong\u003enet margin per order\u003c\/strong\u003e, not gross sales. The base model already assumes \u003cstrong\u003e25% payment processing\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e$50 per month\u003c\/strong\u003e for hosting, so any online channel needs added costs for shipping, returns, listing labor, and price cuts before it counts as extra owner income.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s the quick math: a sale only helps if the order still covers fees, fulfillment, and labor after the card fee and website cost. One clean rule: \u003cstrong\u003emore online volume does not mean more profit\u003c\/strong\u003e unless per-order costs stay below the gross margin on each item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"left-row4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeasure Net Order Profit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack each online order with these inputs: \u003cstrong\u003eaverage order value\u003c\/strong\u003e, payment fee, shipping cost, return rate, listing time, and discounting from price competition. That lets you see whether ecommerce is adding cash or just adding work. If returns rise or items need long photo-and-listing time, owner pay drops fast even when sales look stronger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLog fee per order.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrack shipping by package.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCount listing minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate returns from sales.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare online vs in-store margin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith only \u003cstrong\u003e$50 monthly hosting\u003c\/strong\u003e, fixed platform cost is small, but variable costs can still wipe out profit. The key test is simple: if the online channel does not beat the store’s in-person margin after all fees, it should not be treated as extra owner draw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step4\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eFixed Costs And Staffing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"left-row5\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eFixed Cost And Staffing Load\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis store starts with a hard monthly floor: \u003cstrong\u003e$3,975\u003c\/strong\u003e in fixed expenses, led by \u003cstrong\u003e$3,000 rent\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is \u003cstrong\u003e75.5%\u003c\/strong\u003e of fixed overhead. Payroll is another big drag at \u003cstrong\u003e$117,500 per year\u003c\/strong\u003e across a store manager, sales associate, half-time technician, and half-time part-time staff, so owner income only shows up after the shop clears both costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eHere’s the quick math: after this payroll, operating profit is about \u003cstrong\u003e$15,600\u003c\/strong\u003e. If the owner works the manager role, income capacity rises by \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, but that is paid labor, not passive profit. The key test is whether monthly sales can cover rent, payroll, and still leave enough cash for owner draw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"right-row5\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eTrack Staff Cost Before Owner Pay\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eTrack sales against the fixed-cost run rate every month: \u003cstrong\u003e$3,975\u003c\/strong\u003e fixed expenses plus \u003cstrong\u003e$117,500\u003c\/strong\u003e in annual payroll. Split labor by role so you can see whether the manager, sales associate, or technician hours are actually lifting traffic and conversion. If traffic is soft, staffing too early will cut owner income fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eModel the owner-as-manager case separately from profit. That extra \u003cstrong\u003e$50,000\u003c\/strong\u003e is income from work, not a free draw, so don’t count it twice. The clean forecast is: rent, payroll, then operating profit, then owner pay. If cash gets tight, trim hours before the fixed wage load eats the month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step5\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eInventory Turnover And Reserves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_timeline\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"right-row6\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInventory Turnover and Reserves\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInventory turnover\u003c\/strong\u003e is how fast games and consoles turn back into cash. In this store, owner pay rises when stock matches demand and repeat customers keep buying; repeat life is \u003cstrong\u003e6 months in Year 1\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e10 months by Year 5\u003c\/strong\u003e. But cash gets squeezed when shrinkage, testing supplies, repairs, refunds, and slow collectibles sit in inventory instead of in the till.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat this estimate hides is reserve pressure. With no set reserve rate, every reserve doll\nar comes straight out of owner take-home, so slow-moving stock and extra repairs can cut distributions fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"left-row6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tips-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTrack Cash Conversion and Reserve Dollars\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure units on hand, weekly sell-through, refund rate, shrinkage, and repair spend. Keep reserve dollars tied to specific risks: \u003cstrong\u003eshrinkage\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003etesting supplies\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erepairs\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eseasonal collection buys\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003erefunds\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eslow-moving collectibles\u003c\/strong\u003e. One clean rule: if cash is trapped on the shelf, it is not owner income.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview slow SKUs every week.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet reserve dollars before draws.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuy more of fast sellers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut dead stock fast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the repeat buyer window to guide buys. If the store’s customer life is still only \u003cstrong\u003e6 months\u003c\/strong\u003e, keep inventory tight; if it extends toward \u003cstrong\u003e10 months\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can carry more depth, but only where sell-through stays strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"timeline\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"step-circle step6\"\u003e6\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCompare lean, base, and strong owner-income scenarios\n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-scenario-table\" aria-label=\"Retro Video Game Store Owner Income Scenarios\" data-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-title=\"Retro Video Game Store Owner Income Scenarios\" data-note-label=\"Planning note\" data-note-text=\"Scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not guaranteed earnings, salary promises, tax advice, or distributions.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-scenario-table-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-eyebrow\"\u003eOwner income scenarios\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-description\"\u003eOwner income moves with traffic, conversion, and staffing. The low case keeps the store lean; the base case assumes steadier volume; the high case needs capacity checks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-actions\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-scenario-table-export\" type=\"button\" data-scenario-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-wrap\"\u003e\u003ctable class=\"fml-scenario-table-grid\"\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eOwner income by operating strength.\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-stub\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Scenario\"\u003eScenario\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Low Case\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eLow Case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eLean case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Base Case\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eBase Case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eBase case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"High Case\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eHigh Case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003eUpside case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Launch model\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-launch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-launch-model.svg\" alt=\"Launch model icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eLaunch model\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"This is the lower-earnings path from first-year traffic and a tight cost base.\"\u003eThis is the lower-earnings path from first-year traffic and a tight cost base.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"This is the modeled steady path from Year 2 traffic and stronger repeat buying.\"\u003eThis is the modeled steady path from Year 2 traffic and stronger repeat buying.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"This is the stronger-earnings path from Year 3 traffic, bigger baskets, and higher order density.\"\u003eThis is the stronger-earnings path from Year 3 traffic, bigger baskets, and higher order density.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Typical setup\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-setup\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-typical-setup.svg\" alt=\"Typical setup icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eTypical setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"About $18,600 in monthly revenue, 88.5% gross margin, $3,975 fixed costs, and $117,500 payroll keep profit thin but positive.\"\u003eAbout $18,600 in monthly revenue, 88.5% gross margin, $3,975 fixed costs, and $117,500 payroll keep profit thin but positive.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"About $42,900 in monthly revenue, 89.0% gross margin, and fuller staffing support about $244,200 in operating profit.\"\u003eAbout $42,900 in monthly revenue, 89.0% gross margin, and fuller staffing support about $244,200 in operating profit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"About $164,700 in monthly revenue, 89.5% gross margin, 1,472 monthly orders, and 2 units per order push volume high enough to stress stock and labor.\"\u003eAbout $164,700 in monthly revenue, 89.5% gross margin, 1,472 monthly orders, and 2 units per order push volume high enough to stress stock and labor.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Cost drivers\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-drivers\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-cost-drivers.svg\" alt=\"Cost drivers icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eCost drivers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Low traffic; 8% conversion; 1 unit per order; 50\/25\/20\/5 mix; lean payroll\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8% conversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 unit per order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50\/25\/20\/5 mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elean payroll\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Steady traffic; 10% conversion; 1 unit per order; 48\/24\/23\/5 mix; fuller staffing\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteady traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10% conversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 unit per order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e48\/24\/23\/5 mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efuller staffing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Peak traffic; 12% conversion; 2 units per order; 46\/22\/27\/5 mix; capacity checks\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeak traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12% conversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 units per order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e46\/22\/27\/5 mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ecapacity checks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Owner income range\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-range\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-planning-range.svg\" alt=\"Owner income range icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eOwner income range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-subtitle\"\u003eBefore owner reserves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"$65,600\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003e$65,600\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eIncome floor\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"$294,200\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003e$294,200\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eCore case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Capacity-limited upside\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eCapacity-limited upside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003eCheck capacity\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Best fit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-fit\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-best-fit.svg\" alt=\"Best fit icon\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eBest fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fits founders stress-testing a cautious opening year and thin margin.\"\u003eFits founders stress-testing a cautious opening year and thin margin.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fits owners planning around steady Year 2 traffic and a fuller staff.\"\u003eFits owners planning around steady Year 2 traffic and a fuller staff.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Use this to test upside only if stock, labor, and space can keep up.\"\u003eUse this to test upside only if stock, labor, and space can keep up.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-table-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not guaranteed earnings, salary promises, tax advice, or distributions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"FinancialModelsLab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49304422973683,"sku":"retro-video-game-store-owner-makes","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/6191\/2762\/files\/retro-video-game-store-owner-makes.webp?v=1782691137","url":"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\/products\/retro-video-game-store-owner-makes","provider":"Financial Models Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}