The success of small business owners in the toy and game industry is often dependent on staying abreast of toy and game distributors and wholesalers news and trends. By doing so, a business owner can offer the most fashionable and current product on the market.

There are many resources available to small business owners for updated news and trends, but most business owners are strapped for research time. Therefore, it is essential and smart to get the most current and detailed information from the least amount of resources. The best methods for keeping business owners informed are associations, publications and web resources. When staying up-to-date with the latest in toy distributors, you should remember the following:

1. Many associations, publications, and websites offer subscription and member benefits that are often worth taking advantage of before you purchase from distributors of toys.

2. You should also consider attending industry events so you can keep abreast of the latest trends in the toy and game business.

3. Perform regular searches for the launch of newer associations, publications, or websites; this way you will always be current in your knowledge of the toy and game industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join an association for up-to-date news on distributors of games

The right organization opens the door to a wealth of current industry news and trends. You will be exposed to many networking opportunities, information and resources. Additionally, an organization may also provide invaluable services, like new products, education opportunities and a full schedule of events and conferences for current product news.

I recommend: The Toy Industry Association includes toy safety news and industry events, in addition to a research section that provides information on the latest trends and industry statistics. The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) offers a profit report, among its many other industry tools and resources.

Subscribe to publications for news on bulk toy distribution

Publications can enhance your knowledge and keep you informed of the latest and greatest in your industry. Some magazines offer free trial subscriptions so you can better determine whether the publication is for you. Many magazines also feature a website with current articles and blogs.

I recommend: Toy Report is a weekly newsletter that offers industry news. Playthings is a toy magazine; its site also provides a newsletter, a research store and an industry blog where professionals share industry news.

Learn from online reviews about what to purchase from your game and toy wholesaler

Websites are a great resource for current news and trends. Online resources may also offer additional advantages such as newsletters, blogs and online forums. Just make sure that you pick websites that are updated regularly.

I recommend: Dr. Toy and Chiff.com both provide detailed reviews on the latest and greatest toys and games.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Forums can often be useful for determining which toy wholesalers are reputable.

Independent gift or toy store owners have many options for ordering from online toy distributors and toy wholesalers. Even eBusiness owners can utilize the same toy wholesalers when ordering toys and games for their websites. Whether you're interested in educational electronic toys, language flashcards, cuddly stuffed animals, or enjoyable board games, you're sure to find what you need from online toy distributors.

The following are just some of the items you can find from online distributors of games and distributors of toys:

1. Both contemporary board games and classic board games.
2. Timeless classics and nostalgic wooden toys.
3. Plush stuffed animals.
4. Educational toys and games, including multilingual toys.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the toys you need by contacting toy and game distributors and wholesalers

Before finding online wholesalers of games and toys, determine how many of each type of toy you need. Minimum order requirements vary depending on the bulk toy distribution company you choose, and greater discounts are usually given when larger quantities are ordered.

I recommend: Dasaq Wholesale offers bulk toy distribution. They carry a variety of dolls and stuffed toys including plush Peanuts characters and other popular characters. They also sell electronic educational toys. If you'd like to get back to the basics, try Wholesale Wooden Toys for classic infant and toddler wooden toys. Order high-end educational toys from Mudpuppy.

Don't rely solely on distributors and wholesalers of toys and games for product safety information

Stay updated on current safety regulations and developments in the industry. Seek out more information from other sources in addition to distributors of games and distributors of toys.

I recommend: Read more about product safety at the Toy Industry Association, Inc. website. Join the Toy Industry Association, Inc. and potentially consider attending their annual toy fair.

Determine store layout

If you're completely new to the retail toy industry, you need to design your store layout in addition to determining your inventory. Maximize every square inch if space is at a premium.

I recommend: Download a demo of SmartDraw software to try out several store layout options. For those interested in toy retail without starting from scratch, consider franchising. Learning Express Toys offers retail toy franchising, so you won't have to deal directly with wholesale toy distributors and game wholesalers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep in mind that the retail toy industry is seasonal. As a toy store owner, you'll experience a high volume of sales in December.
• •  Consider maintaining a customer database to inform customers of toy recalls. Consumers can't readily access recall information directly from toy distributors or toy wholesalers, and they'll certainly appreciate your assistance in keeping them informed.
• •  Keep customers informed about new product offerings and promotions by creating a monthly newsletter.
• •  If you're overly concerned about liability, franchising might not be the right option for you.

Toy and game industry business owners understand that making the most of toy and game distributors and wholesalers is essential to success. These days wholesalers don't just provide products in bulk, they should also assist you in fulfilling other needs. Picking and choosing the ideal distributor is a matter of considering your business's objective, and how potential distributors can to assist you in meeting it.

By making the most of the toy distributors you partner with, you can build strong relationships with them. Additionally you can limit the number of wholesale toy distributors you purchase from. Consider the following when selecting the toy suppliers that are right for you:

1. Partner with companies that offer a wide range of bulk toy distribution.

2. Some distributors offer on-site quality control and factory audit services that help businesses reduce risks associated with poor quality, storing, loading or transportation standards.

3. Look into refund policies and make sure you can work with them in conjunction with your own.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose wholesalers of games and toys that offer reliable customer service

The customer service offered by warehouses and distributors are essentially an extension of your customer service. Wherever they succeed or fail reflects accordingly in you and your company. Therefore, you should choose to partner with distributors that understand the significance of customer service, and who boast trained staff so you and your clients' experience from delivery to door is exceptional.

I recommend: Fiesta and ToysDropShipper.com both offer reliable and fully trained customer service representatives. The Fiesta assistants are also available to assist you with customized products.

Take advantage of special membership benefits offered by your toy wholesalers

Many warehouses and distributors offer various levels of membership benefits. These incentives may include discounts on orders, coupons on purchases within a certain time frame, or percentages off selected merchandise.

I recommend: Members of Esco Imports will receive exclusive discounts, first closeout picks, and special events announcements. DollarDays offers its Platinum members up to 20 percent off selected merchandise and up to 50 off on thousands of products, businesses and services nationally.

Pick distributors of games that provide additional support toward your business success

The success of your business plays an important role in your distributor's success. In recognizing this, many warehouses are enthusiastic about helping you grow. Some even offer tools, resources and services, such as large profit margins, quick and easy ordering, tracking capabilities, prompt delivery, and small minimum orders.

I recommend: Joissu offers an online tracking service to its members, allowing business owners to offer more efficient service. Empire Discount provides discounts on already discounted products to allow for a higher profit margin.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your distributors of toys for special promotional offers, such as small business stimulus package.

If you own a toy and game business, you need to be aware of the many rules and regulations that apply to sales to children. Some of these laws include special labeling to prevent choking. Legislation also requires testing for lead and other chemicals that could harm children. In addition, toys and games must have tracking labels.

When choosing toys or games from distributors or wholesalers, sellers should verify that the merchandise they select meets all government standards. Checking to make sure that all goods you purchase meet these requirements will help reduce the risk of recalls.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Toy-testing laboratories

Toy-testing laboratories play an important part in the manufacturing and sale of toys and games. All products need to be tested to be sure they are safe for children to use. Verifying that all the products you select from toy and game distributors and wholesalers have been tested protects you against lawsuits and recalls.

I recommend: USA TODAY describes what happens in toy-testing laboratories.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), also know as HR4040, covers consumer product safety legislation. This act has sections that cover safety requirements for toy and game manufacturers. Keeping current with these rules ensures that the products you sell meet government standards.

I recommend: The Toy Industry Association provides an overview of the legislation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a list of the most recent legislation on toy and game safety regulations.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a technique for scanning toys for lead-based paints. Because selling products that contain lead is illegal, it is important that all toys be scanned for lead before offering them for sale.

I recommend: Thermo Fisher Scientific provides information on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.

Tracking labels

All products intended for use by children ages 12 or younger must contain a tracking label. If any defects are discovered in the toy or game, this label indicates the manufacturer, country of origin, and even the batch number, making it easier to recall defective products.

I recommend: The Consumer Product Safety Commission details the rules that apply to tracking labels.

Choking hazard label

A choking hazard label must be placed on all toys or games that have small parts. This label warns parents that children under the age of three should not use the toy or game, because they might swallow the part. Manufacturers also place these labels on merchandise that is dangerous for older children to use.

I recommend: Nasco shows pictures of the various choking hazard labels and explains the regulations.

Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP)

The Toy Industry Association began the Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP) to assist its members in verifying that any toys they purchase from distributors or wholesalers comply with government safety regulations.

I recommend: The Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP) homepage describes the program and contains links to frequently asked questions and to its program.