Archive for the ‘Toys and Games’ Category

Selling Yo-yos

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Selling Yo-yos

Yes! People do buy these and even collect them. It is a market that is small, but these people can’t find them in regular stores, so they will already be searching for a store online that sells yo-yos. Why not open a Yo-yo store site that offers all kinds of Yo-yos you can find to sell? Not to mention, instructions on how to use them for those that are not familiar with them as toys.

Let’s face it all of these types of toys do come back into fashion again from generation-to-generation. Prepare for the next boon with Yo-yos. Kids love playing with Yo-yos once they have been shown what to do with them and obtain some new skills with them. There are so many different tricks that they can learn and you should offer all of these different skills on your web site as a motivation to master the Yo-yo. You can also offer to sell DVD’s that show how to use them.

Once one or two kids come to school or the park with a Yo-yo and show it off, other kids will be begging their parents for their own Yo-yo. Of course, they will want a little nicer one than the one they first saw, owned by a friend. You have a great market potential.

Strangely enough, it is hard to find Yo-yos in stores, so offering them on a web site is a great idea. Offering a large variety to choose from will work for you too. If some Yo-yos can be found in stores, there is usually very few to choose from. Your only overhead will be the maintaining of a website, so you should be able to offer them at a good price. The shipping price should not be very high either, because they are so small.

Learning how to make your own Yo-yos could be quite profitable for you too. Make your own and sell the directions on how to make them also. In addition, remember to carry the extras too that regular Yo-yo users will want to order from you, especially different quality strings for their Yo-yos.

Your first investments will be in shipping supplies and Yo-yos. At first, if you can manage to find a distributor willing to drop-ship the Yo-yos, it will be the best for you. This way you will not need to buy Yo-yos first and keep them in stock. Usually if you can buy in a large quantity, you will be able to make more money on your sales though, so if you have the money and the space for them this is your best bet when starting your business.

Don’t forget that Adults may remember how much they enjoyed Yo-yos when they were younger and want to invest in an expensive special Yo-yo now that they can. Be sure to offer them some special high-end designer Yo-yos. This will make you a popular site with them right away.

This is another fantastically fun business idea for the type of person that would enjoy trying something new. Are you the person that can make this a successful business idea?

Resources:

http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com

http://www.yoyoplay.com/

Novelty Playing Cards

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Novelty Playing Cards

Nearly everyone loves playing cards. Create your own playing cards for custom markets, such as fishing, shopping, golfing, etc. Your market must be large enough to allow you to sell many decks of cards and have repeat customers. You can set up a website that sells many different types of playing cards. Try selling playing cards for sports lovers, pet owners, married couples, singles, holidays, kids, and more. These cards can also help people find a great gift for that person who has everything.

With the technology that we have access to these days, this could be a fun choice for a ‘business idea’. Just about every home has at least one deck of playing cards usually more. Many people don’t believe in playing poker, or cards, for money; but just about everyone loves playing Solitaire, War, or Slap Jack with their kids. These are just a few innocent enough games and most families have different card games that they have passed down from generation to generation. Nearly everyone loves playing cards. For those that love to gamble seriously or just have a fun game with friends and family, what a fun idea; to use a new designed card or their own custom-made playing cards.

You can set up a website that sells many different types of playing cards. This will expose you to the largest customer market you can achieve. Just advertise your company as much as you can, pick a fun, distinct, easy to remember name; this will help customers remember you. Try to get as many people as possible to visit your site and take a look at all of the fun and different options that you have to offer. One way to do this might be something as simple (though time consuming) as writing articles about each and every different card game that is known to man if you can, then add that they can order unique cards to play these games from your site, leave the site address for them to visit.

Your market must be large enough to allow you to sell many decks of cards and have repeat customers. Try selling playing cards for sports lovers, pet owners, married couples, singles, holidays, kids, art lovers, and more. There are just so many different ideas to choose from in designing these cards. The more variety you are able to offer, the more the chance of continuous sales. Design these different playing cards for people that love to have their own unique playing cards. You can create a great variety of playing cards for custom markets, such as fishing, shopping, pets, etc.

Don’t forget to market these decks of cards as a great gift idea for those people that are hard to buy for, these cards can be a great gift for that person who has everything, as long as you know what their interests are, or just use their personal picture. How could they not like that?

If you are able to offer such a thing, try to give your customers the opportunity to design their own cards. This may help your company to stand out among many; if you can offer to let them visit you on-line and design and order cards designed by them. Make sure that you will be able to make it easy for them to download a picture, or many, on your site. The easier you make it for them to order items the better your sales will be. Can you put their faces on the face cards; make them queens, kings, jacks, or even jokers? This could be a great sales option and maybe popular.

Resources:

http://www.yourplayingcards.com/

http://www.customizedplayingcards.com/

http://www.myplayingcards.com/

http://www.plaincards.com/

Important Considerations regarding Jumping Castle Rentals

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Insurance

One of the first things you should find out from a prospective rental company is whether or not they are insured. Jumping Castle rental insurance covers liability in case of an accident where the jumping castle company is at fault. It does not normally cover injuries or minor accidents taking place while the jumping castle is under your supervision. So why should you care?

A company that has gone through the process of getting insurance has made a commitment to a safe operation. It shows longevity (fly-by-night companies don’t bother with the expense of insurance) and a concern both for your safety and the long-term success of their own company.

Delivery

Does your prospective rental company offer delivery? Is there any extra charge?

Jumping Castles are heavy, bulky, and awkward to move and setup. They require proper securing, either with stakes or sandbags and there may be state-regulated minimum requirements on the size of the stakes or the weight of the sandbags. If you are collecting the jumping castle yourself, ensure the operator reviews safety and setup instructions with you to be certain that you have a safe and fun experience with your jumping castle.

In most areas, you can find companies with delivery included or for a small additional charge. It’s not just about the money or convenience, but the safety of your children and their guests. Consider having a professional set up your inflatable jumping castle for your own peace of mind.

Cleanliness

Bounce houses get really dirty - they are outside in all types of weather! You will typically find do-it-yourself places or inexpensive operators don’t take the time to properly clean and sanitize the bouncer, although some do. Ask about their cleaning policies.

Companies that properly clean and sanitize their inflatable jumping castles ensure that germs don’t spread from one party to the next, not to mention the fact that your party-goers won’t go home with black socks!

Setting up a Web Business that Can Make You Rich

Friday, August 7th, 2009

There are literally thousands of web business ideas that can help you earn money within a few days or weeks. Ghost writing, data encoding, selling your old stuff, and even creating a web site are just some of the business ideas that are now helping countless people make their ends meet. Nevertheless, even if these ideas can help you earn money, they cannot help you become rich online. So, if you really want to earn money to buy a new car or pay off your student loans, you have to focus on great web-based moneymaking plans, such as the ones featured in OnlineGameWealth.com. How to Start your Own Internet Business

Today, online games are some of the most rewarding web business ideas. 33 million Web users play online games and your chance of earning big money can be just around the corner. So, what do you need to do to earn good money by playing online? One is by participating in online games that pay big bucks each time you win. By joining web-based games that offer big prizes and making such games a big part of your business, you will become a more serious gamer who spends wisely on games and is willing to use earnings in other online ventures. Liar’s Poker, which can be found at My Game Business, is one of the hottest games that you can participate in. This game can give you a chance to win a lot of money, while making sure you get good entertainment.

Well, online games are not for everyone, if you can’t play online games, you can always market other people’s online business and earn commissions. Affiliate marketing involves promoting the products of your partner company, which entitles you to commission for every successful sale of products and services. But make it a point to join affiliate marketing that involves online gaming that is if you want to earn bigger commissions. One web site that can help you find a commission-based business in the online gaming industry is OnlineGameWealth.com.

Lastly, you can also check out network marketing as one of the most viable web business ideas that can help you earn a lot of money online. Always try to make the right choice since there are countless network marketing organizations online. However, it is worth noting that online game providers also have network marketing business models to help aspiring online entrepreneurs. Joining a networking group in the online gaming industry may be the easy path to wealth since millions of people are hooked on playing different kinds of web-based games. According to an article found in OnlineGameWealth.com, one of the most attractive networking business schemes in the online gaming world can be found in My Game Business.Start Online Business

Inflatable Products A Surging Industry In These Trying Times

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

The struggling U.S. economy has resulted in large scale job losses across the continent, and both young and veteran workers find themselves without work, with future employment prospects looking bleak.

At the moment unemployed workers with entrepreneurial flair and spirit, starting up a small business might be a smart alternative. One of the most successful industries in this murky economic climate is the inflatable product business, which features inflatable products for children and adults.

There are several reasons why starting up an jumping castles for sale product business might be an attractive option, but let’s explore a couple of the major ones. First, there continues to be an extremely sizeable market across the U.S.A. for inflatable products. For parents, renting inflatable products is a relatively cost-effective way of enhancing children’s birthday parties, graduation parties and other events. A reliable company which ensures prompt delivery of these products to the event in question, as well as guarantees safe and durable goods, can grow rapidly through positive word of mouth. Parents have the option, of course, of either purchasing or renting these products, and the rental business would be a pretty reliable income source.

Related to this point is that this sizeable and strong market is continual; there are always going to be birthday parties and other special occasions and events for children, so you can ensure that business is ongoing. Word of mouth referral business can be particularly strong among parents, who often talk amongst themselves about various products, programs and services they are providing for their children.

The strong market for jumping castles hire is also reflected in the fact that there is a lot of purchasing power in this particular demographic, of parents between the ages of 25 and 40. In spite of the economy, there are still lots of middle class and upper middle class parents who spend a lot of money on their children, especially when it comes to planning special occasions such as birthdays and graduations.

Jumping Castle Business - Advice on Making It a Success

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Dealing with enquiries: be ready to give potential clients your pricing information, the precise dimensions in height, depth and width (feet and meters) of the jumping castle, what age groups can use it, and how many at one time. Tell the customer that there is a jumping castle rain-cover included in the price. Make sure you take details concerning the date of the party, the venue, and the age groups of the people using the castle. Then you can suggest a size to fit the requirements. Remember that most of the time you’ll be suggesting a 12ft x 12ft jumping castle.

Record keeping: since you are running a business, you’ll need to keep a record of all your jumping castle income receipts and payment. All expenses which are incurred in connection with the business (advertising, printing, fuel, telephone calls, etc) are deductible for tax purposes, and you’ll only pay tax on the money you make after deduction of your expenses. When your jumping castle business is small you may be able to do your own tax return, but once you expand you may decide that you require the services of an accountant. You can get one to do your tax return for a small sum. It’s a simple process for accountants; just make sure that you give them details of all your receipts and expenses for your tax year.

Expanding your jumping castles hire business: if all goes to plan, within a short time span you will be turning away business since you won’t have enough castles for clients! At this point you will need to decide whether you wish to expand. Of course you don’t have to expand, but if you wish to then think about going for variety: different types, shapes, colours of jumping castle and inflatables, and don’t forget accessories, like slides for castles. As soon as you have a slide, make sure you offer this to enquirers as a popular extra that children just love!’ Bouncy ballponds are another popular extra; these are enclosed small jumping castles where you put roughly 1000 multi-coloured balls and are ideal for young kids.

Play Games and Make Money as a Beta Tester

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Play Games and Make Money as a Beta Tester

Yes, you can actually make money to play games, and you can do it from home! Beta Testers play games to report any bugs they find and sometimes-minor features they would like to see in the final version.

You find many games on the internet to play with; but have you ever realized how much effort is involved in making a game a reality? Each game created requires the help of many people, those who create the game, and those who test out the game at different stages of production. The four stages of development of a game is divided into, the pre-alpha, alpha, beta and stable stage. The person testing the beta stage of a game is a beta tester. Moreover, testing out a game is a job you can expect to pay you.

The beta stage is the debugging stage. Here the game may be useful for internal demonstrations and previews for some customers, but not ready for release. When the game is in the second to last stage of development, it is released to a group of beta testers who test the game. It is up to them to report any bugs found in the game and perhaps any minor features or changes they would like to see to the final version of the game. Once the beta tester considers the game complete, and no changes needed, the game is ready to for release to the market.

To become a beta tester, you have to send applications to gaming companies giving calls for beta testers. It is always better and easier to get a job as a beta tester through a beta tester working in the company you intend to join. However, if you do not know any one, you just have to send a letter to a contact person in the company. You will have to add information about yourself; like your full name, company, address, city, country, phone and fax numbers, email address, desired product as a beta tester and the hardware configuration of the computer you are using. Note: There is no reason to lie about the credentials of the computer you are using; these companies usually hire people using all types of systems!

When working as a beta tester, you have to give your honest and true opinion of the game you are testing. When employed as a beta tester for a company, you will have to undergo some training. They will provided you with an education on topics like advanced bug hunting techniques, buffer management, bandwidth math, and many more topics. The higher skilled you are, the better the prospect of your being hired as a beta tester.

Sometimes, besides offering a salary for beta testing, the company may offer discounts on the software of the company and unlimited and free downloads of the product beta tested, for a certain period. However, as a beta tester it is important that you promise that you keep all information connected with the game you are testing in strict confidence. Breach of this strict confidence leads to the dismissal of your job as a beta tester. You are also not expected to have any discussions about the software of the game with anyone but your seniors and people of your company!

Some resources are:

http://www.gamespp.com/betatestinggames/

http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?query=beta+testing+for+microsoft+games&catalog=LCID%3D1033&spid=&mode=r&lsc=0

Make Money Playing Online Games

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Make Money Playing Online Games

You can make money playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG). Some of these games are Everquest, World of Warcraft, Star Wars, Galaxies, and more. You can buy and sell items, characters, and even your account on eBay. Search for any one of these titles on eBay and you will find hundreds of people selling these virtual things.

The Internet brings with it many online games where people just have to log in to play the games like Everquest, Star Wars, Galaxies, World of Warcraft, etc. In fact, so many people are so passionate about playing these massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) that they are more than eager to spend real money so that they can make their online experience a much better one. You can use their passion to your advantage. Sell and buy items, characters, and even your EBay account to them. Looking at eBay gives you an idea of the number of people selling such virtual things.

You will find many online games where a person who owns a tricked out castle makes the game even more interesting. Sometimes, you will need weeks and months of playing to reach and acquire such properties. However, once you acquire it, there are people out there who would prefer skipping these weeks and months of playing, and instead pay real money to get that nice castle! People looking for such properties are called ‘house hunters’ in eBay.

So, if this house hunter intends to buy some property it is necessary for someone to sell. This is where you can work as an ‘unreal estate broker’ and sell properties you have. You do not have to worry about the availability of such people, as there are millions of such gamers on the Internet around the world. If you want to get to know the amount of money people are willing to spend on these games, check out eBay. Some people are more than willing to spend money on these virtual properties, just as golfers spend on their equipment!

This is just a common means of making money playing online games. You can also hire your time ‘in-game’ to those who need some help in leveling their characters. Sometimes they need help in learning the more advanced techniques of the game and you can function as a personal trainer to them. Besides this, you can also offer your services as a hit man, or hit person, to charge people in attacking and destroying their in-game enemies.

Besides these, the other outlets you have in making money through online games are through the marketing part of things. Many people can produce loads of ‘unreal estate’ but do not have the capacity of finding customers. So, if you can handle eBay well, you can merge with these people and make great commissions. Last, but not least, if you are an expert in an area of a game, you can easily make money by publishing a guide on playing that part of the game. These are just various ideas of ways you can make money with MMORPG. What a vast open sea, where you have to grab at opportunities as they come!

Resources:

http://www.gamingpays.com/

http://wowvault.ign.com/

Pedaling Your Way to Profits

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Pedaling Your Way to Profits

Pedal cars look just like child size vehicles, only they have no engine; you have to pedal them like a tricycle or bike. Children love to play with these pretend cars, trucks, airplanes and more. Start your own business by selling these popular pedal cars. Get them straight from the manufacturer and you can make a good profit.

I have never met a child that wasn’t excited to play with these toy cars. What makes them so special is that they are sturdy like a bike and they are usually made of metal just like an adult size car. They also come in many forms such as; fire trucks, taxis, sports cars, airplanes, and many more designs. Most of the designs are similar to older model vehicles, but not always.

You might be saying to yourself, “Why would people spend the money on something like this, when battery operated cars cost just about the same amount of money?” This is a good question. Many baby boomers are reaching the age of Grandparents now and they have fond memories of these fun toys that were very popular in the 40s and 50s. Often times when they were young, they could only look at them admiringly from afar, because they were a bit more expensive than a simple bike then. If aware they even exist now, parents and grandparents would love to purchase them as gifts for their children and grandchildren.

The appeal of these pedal cars is that they look similar to adult size vehicles. Children love to pretend that they are driving cars, and these little cars have steering wheels and four tires and they are just so cute. Parents like the idea that they are very hard to tip over like a typical Bike or Trike and their children get healthy exercise, pedaling all over while enjoying them.

Wouldn’t this be an enjoyable niche marketing idea for you? Toys always sell very well and this is something that you don’t see a lot of in stores these days, especially well made pedal cars. Opening a well-stocked Web store would be a great way to sell them too. You can contact the wholesale makers and distributors, and most of them are happy to drop-ship the pedal cars to your customers. They are usually more than happy to offer good warranties on their cars too. These little cars are quite sturdy and made to last many years if well maintained. Make sure that you offer parts for them too, just like bikes they can have parts wear out on them too, after years of constant use. Some parents might even want to make their child’s pedal car unique by adding some special bells and whistles for them too!

If you decide to sell these online, make sure that you keep up with all of your sources on what is in stock and available on a regular basis. Provide clear large pictures for your customers and as much information about the cars and any guarantees that come with their purchases, also make your Web store easy to order through. It is a good idea also to provide an 800 number, just in case your customers want to call and ask questions or they may prefer to place orders this way, instead of on the Internet.

You will probably notice that some parts of the year you will have more sales than others have, just like for bikes. During the end-of-year Holidays and when the Spring season comes around expect to have a lot more business.

Resources:

http://www.pedalcar.com/

http://www.warehouse36.com/

http://www.american-retro.com/shop/

http://www.dextonkids.com/