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Retail Mentorship

Program Details

The GAMA Retail Division is proud to sponsor GAMA’s Mentorship Program for retailers in the hobby games industry. The program is modeled after a small business counseling program called SCORE provided by the SBA (Small Business Administration) in which experienced business people act as Mentors for those with less experience. Since SCORE has no members with experience in the hobby games industry, GAMA and the Retail Division board provide this service for our industry.

The Mentor Program started in Spring 2000 and has helped many new and younger stores in a wide variety of areas. For example, one mentor recently worked with a new retailer in California as he prepared to open his first store. They discussed leasing issues, product mix, insurance, employee training, discounting, and more. Just a few e-mail and phone conversations saved this new retailer significant time and money, and he is well on his way to a new successful business.

This program is also available to existing retailers who are looking for assistance in particular areas. Are you thinking of opening a second store? Having training or motivation issues with your staff? Thinking about purchasing a POS system but looking to talk to people with experience using it? These are just some of the many areas where speaking with another retailer with experience in that area can save you valuable time and money as you benefit from their knowledge.

Our Mentorship Questionnaire is designed to quickly establish a profile of your store (without obtaining financial information which you can discuss with your Mentor privately at a later date if it is appropriate) and matches you with a Mentor with experience in your specific areas. Importantly, this Mentor will be outside your immediate market to alleviate any potential conflicts of interest. Retailers who are interested in this program should fill out the Questionnaire online by clicking the link below. Upon receiving your application, you will be paired with a mentor, who will be available to answer questions and offer advice by e-mail and/or phone.

GAMA encourages all experienced retailers to sign up to be a mentor. Not only do you get the satisfaction of helping someone else, you will actually help improve the industry by helping create stronger retailers. If you are an experienced retailer or someone else in the gaming industry with strong retail knowledge and would like to be a mentor, you can register quickly by completing the same Questionnaire below, and clicking on the “Applying to be a Mentor” box. Mentors will be paired up regionally but, of course, not too close to cause worry with local competition. For more information about the Mentor Program, contact GAMA's Program Manager, at programs(at)gama.org or by phone at 614-255-4500 x103.

Apply Now

It's easy to join the Retail Mentorship program.

Just download the form below and send it in to us.

Retail Mentorship Form (pdf)

or you can fill out our NEW Online Mentorship Form.

And remember, we need mentors too - all the information is available on the form!