Real World Games Developer information: Harrison Larkin Rationale/ ✓ Solved

To understand the pros and cons of TCGPlayer, which is one of the only websites where someone can buy and sell collectible cards. The pros include an easy-to-use website to list collectible cards of all genres and significant traffic, which results in many buyers. However, the cons of TCGPlayer include in-exclusivity that allows numerous sellers to join, creating super competitive prices. Additionally, fees taken after each sale mean sellers lose a percentage of their earnings.

The proposed site would differ from TCGPlayer because it would be an independent store where I can direct traffic from existing customers through advertisements and word of mouth. This approach would eliminate the fees associated with TCGPlayer and reduce competitiveness. Although it would likely not have the same traffic as TCGPlayer, sellers could continue to list their inventory on TCGPlayer while also maintaining a live-linked inventory to their independent store account.

To attract customers to my site, I would implement return customer offers and promotions for new customers. By saving money from the fees on TCGPlayer, I could provide discounts that incentivize buyers to choose my store over TCGPlayer. This model also enables me to purchase inventory from individuals, a feature that TCGPlayer limits to buy lists.

The target audience for this site includes collectible card owners, traders, buyers, and collectors—essentially anyone who uses TCGPlayer.

Site outline: I own the rights to these photos. The proposed structure is as follows:

  • Real World Games Home Page

  • Search bar, sales, and new releases

  • Products

    • Yu-Gi-Oh

    • Pokemon

    • Supplies

    • Card Sleeves

    • Magic: The Gathering

    • Product (card singles)

    • Play Mats

    • Misc (dice, deck boxes)

  • Sell your cards

For selling cards, sellers would indicate what cards they are selling and their conditions. Afterward, they would send an invoice with pictures of their products so we could assess their condition and return with an offer.

Paper For Above Instructions

The evolution of online trading platforms has significantly transformed how we buy and sell collectible cards. Among these platforms, TCGPlayer has emerged as a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and high traffic, fostering a robust marketplace for card enthusiasts. However, while TCGPlayer offers numerous advantages, there are notable disadvantages that motivate the development of an independent card-selling platform: Real World Games.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of TCGPlayer

As a widely recognized marketplace, TCGPlayer simplifies the process of listing collectible cards. Sellers can easily create listings for various genres, attracting a large audience and increasing their chances of selling. This accessible platform has undeniably streamlined the trading card ecosystem.

On the downside, the lack of exclusivity on TCGPlayer leads to intense competition among sellers. As countless sellers join, pricing becomes aggressive, ultimately diminishing profit margins. Sellers are often forced to lower their prices to stay competitive, which negatively impacts their overall revenue. Furthermore, TCGPlayer deducts fees from each sale, resulting in sellers receiving only a portion of their earnings. These fee deductions can accumulate quickly, cutting into net profits and creating financial challenges for sellers.

The Vision for Real World Games

Real World Games aims to offer an alternative to TCGPlayer by establishing an independent marketplace focused on direct customer engagement. Unlike TCGPlayer, this platform would rely on targeted advertisements, promotions, and word-of-mouth marketing to attract and retain customers. This closer connection to the customer base allows for a personalized shopping experience and the potential for higher conversion rates.

By eliminating platform fees and fostering a competitive pricing model, sellers can benefit from increased earnings. Offering discounts and incentives on the independent platform can attract buyers who are searching for quality products at lower prices. This approach not only benefits customers but also helps build a loyal buyer base.

Furthermore, Real World Games plans to allow sellers to purchase inventory directly from individuals, significantly enhancing flexibility compared to TCGPlayer's restrictive buy list option. This enables sellers to expand their inventory and create more opportunities for successful transactions.

Target Audience: Engaging Card Enthusiasts

The target audience for Real World Games comprises collectible card owners, traders, buyers, and collectors, as well as anyone familiar with TCGPlayer. This demographic is already accustomed to trading and purchasing cards online, making the transition to a new platform more seamless and accessible.

By tailoring marketing efforts toward this specific audience, Real World Games can focus on developing engaging content that resonates with current trends in the trading card market. Building a community around the platform will encourage participation and increase the chances of repeat sales.

Site Structure and User Experience

The proposed site structure for Real World Games is designed with user experience in mind. It includes a simple navigation layout featuring a home page with a search bar for efficient product discovery. Key sections include:

  • Products: A well-organized catalog featuring categories such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon, supplies, card sleeves, Magic: The Gathering, singles, play mats, and miscellaneous items (such as dice and deck boxes).

  • Sell Your Cards: This dedicated section allows users to list cards for sale and provides a transparent process for sellers to offer their cards. Invoices supplemented with product images help assess condition and finalize offers.

This structured layout ensures users can quickly find the products they seek, enhancing their overall shopping experience.

Concluding Thoughts

The emergence of Real World Games as a competitive alternative to TCGPlayer highlights the changing dynamics of online trading card marketplaces. By addressing the disadvantages associated with existing platforms, such as high fees and competitive pricing, Real World Games offers a refreshing solution tailored to both sellers and buyers in the collectible card community.

Overall, this independent platform can create a thriving marketplace for trading card enthusiasts while simultaneously allowing sellers to maintain their presence on established platforms like TCGPlayer. The focus on direct customer engagement, transparent selling processes, and user-friendly design will empower Real World Games to establish itself as a premier destination for trading card transactions.

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