Toy Stores

How do I get my toy in stores?

I invented a word game, and have had a few thousand of them manufactured. How can I get them into stores?

There are people who charge $150/hour to answer that question.

Assuming that your game was extensively play tested with people who aren’t family & friends (People close to you are rarely objective enough to give you good feedback during play testing), here’s a short list of things to consider.

1. Check out www.toyassociation.org. They run the annual Toy Fair in NYC. Their site has some helpful info. Buying a booth for Toy Fair is a good way to be seen by small stores, chains, manufacturer reps, distributors, etc.

2. Identify your market. Is it a children’s game? Is it a mass-market game, or is it meant for ‘core’ gamers? This will tell you which type of stores you should approach.

3. Know your competition. Scrabble is a perennial, but the hot game right now is Bananagrams. Coming in on the heels of another word game might work against you. Or it might help. If I knew which , I could charge you $150/hr for my advice. Instead, it’s free.

4. You may want to look at getting a toy manufacturer’s rep to help break the ice with mass-market retailers. The cost of this will take your breath away.

5. Send demo copies to game reviewers. There are several sites that have board game reviews, such as boardgamegeek.com. Spend some time reading reviews there, and find the most prominent reviewers there. If the game is good, they’ll let people know. Unfortunately, they’ll also let people knwo if your game is awful.

6. Don’t quit your day job. Full-time board game designers are few and far between. Most games are lucky to sell 5000 copies, and 10,000 copies would be a success. Sales of 100,000 copies are exceptional.

7. Good luck!

Toy Stores in Hong Kong Part I: Causeway Bay Toy Store Tour

15″ Disney Store Winnie the Pooh Plush Piglet Stuffed Animal Lovey Toy EUC $18.99

10″ Disney Store Winnie the Pooh Plush Tigger Stuffed Animal Lovey Toy EUC $16.99

10″ Authentic Disney Store Winnie the Pooh Plush Roo Stuffed Kangaroo Lovey Toy $24.99

Sweet Romance Toys R’ US Store Exclusive Doll $35.00

STORE DISPLAY 14×10 inch IDEAL toys logo 70s or 80s vintage $19.99

DISNEY STORE DOPEY PLUSH SNOW WHITE SEVEN DWARFS LARGE 14″ BABY LOVEY CLOTH TOY $29.99

Toy Store 3 Barbie Loves Jessie doll – BRAND NEW $21.99

Toy Store 3 Barbie Loves Woody doll – BRAND NEW $19.99

Toy Store 3 Barbie Loves Buzz doll – BRAND NEW $19.99

NIB BARBIE DOLL 1998 TOY STORE PLAYSET SHOPPING $81.89

Vintage Dime Store Toy Dolls Food Premier Doll Accessories Lot Of 3 NIP $4.99

1999 Barbie “Toy Store” NIB **RARE & HARD TO FIND** $69.95

POLLY POCKET Toy Store Accessories Shelves Stand Mini Chairs Princess Play Car $0.99

Toy Store Special Mix’em Up Fashions Barbie NRFB $39.99

STEIFF MANSCHILI Lying PANDA 9 inch Soft Plush Toy Store NEW $44.00

3 PIGLETS-MATTELL POOH 9″ ARCO TOYS-DISNEY STORE PIRATE 8″-FISHER PRICE 10″-41 $19.99

Target Stores Sitting Chocolate Brown Bear Plush Toy Wears Knit Scarf 13″ Lovey $34.99

Rare BARBIE Toys R Us Store Exclusive “GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY” Mint in Box $49.99

Barbie Toy Store Playset (2002) NIB $200.00

NEW Disney Store Brave Movie Toddler Princess Merida 16″ Toy Doll NIB $42.50

STEIFF Anno The Toy Store 35 cm Tan Mohair Jointed 50 Years Medal Teddy Bear $159.00

Sweet FAO Schwarz Toy Store African American Black 14″ Baby Doll New In Box $19.95

Disney Toy Story 3 Doll Barbie Loves Buzz Lightyear Loose Lot Store Sale $4.99

HAMLEYS London TOY Store TEDDY BEAR wearing knitted ENGLAND FLAG jumper CUTE ! $1.56

MINIATURE, TOY STORE, RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY DOLLS, 1 1/2 INCH TALL $8.00

MINIATURE, TOY STORE CABBAGE PATCH DOLL, ABOUT 1 1/8 INCH TALL $4.00

MINIATURE, TOY STORE BABY DOLL, 1 1/8 INCH TALL $4.00

8” disney store SEVEN DWARFS & SNOW WHITE PLUSH TOYS DOLL set of 8PC CHILD GIFT $49.00

Vintage Dolly Pops – Toy Store $7.99

Girl’s Toys: Mattel Vintage 1966 Barbie Doll With Disney Store Princess Dress $3.95

FAMILY ESTATE – TOY Black Victorian style CAST METAL General Country Store SCALE $19.99

NEW: BEANBAG TEDDY BEAR by Re-Creation – CLOSED TOY STORE STOCK – 15″ TALL $1.99

Disney Store Exclusive Animators’ Collection MULAN Doll Designer Princess TOY $44.23

Disney Store Exclusive Animators’ Collection AURORA Doll Designer Princess TOY $44.23

Disney Store Exclusive Bunnytown 12″ Plush Bunny Toy NE $14.99

1983 Coleco Cabbage Patch pin up Susie Caryn & her toy store in box nice $25.00

NEW Hong Kong Disney Store Minnie Mouse Plush Stuffed 18″ Doll Toy Pink Dress $0.01

VTG 1960 MINIATURE DIME STORE NOVELTY TOY DOLL/DOLLY CLOTHESPIN LINE SET, MIP $19.95

Barbie® & Friends’™ Toy Store -Rare Set! -MIB -$REDUCED$ *Please Buy* $62.99

Barbie Toy Store Playset By Mattel New MISB Rare $217.55

Large Disney Store Exclusive Eeyore Winnie the Pooh Stuffed Plush Toy Doll $11.04

American Girl Catalog Winter Christmas 2008 Doll Products Toys Historical Store $12.75

Vintage 1960’s Dime Store Toy Doll Accessories & Play Food Lot $5.99

Disney store baby sleeping beauty aurora laughing giggling plush soft toy doll $12.99

【59toys】Re-ment miniatures open store full of 10 super rare $199.00

【59toys】Re-ment miniatures department store full 9 set $239.99

Vintage Tin Toy Watch Childs Girls Dolls 1950s Dime Store-”Sweetheart” Watch $11.89

Disney Store Tangled Princess Rapunzel 17″ Singing Barbie Doll Toy New In Box $37.95

BARBIE BATIK PRINCESS MATTEL TOY STORE SPECIAL ED. $39.99

Tara Toy Barbie Store It All Pink New Accessories Dolls Games Toys NIB NWT $38.72

Cabbage Patch Kids Pin-Ups Susie Caryn + Toy Store $19.99

2010 BARBIE / CHELSEA DOLL WITH TOY BUNNY SOLD OUT IN STORES $15.99

Trickster #3 – Lion King Plush Toy / Beanbag – BNWT – Disney Store Exclusive!! $10.39

Disney Store Exclusive Winnie Pooh Plush Bear Cozy Toy $22.98

Disney Store Young Toddler Tween Jasmine vinyl/plush soft doll toy 14″ & outfit $24.99

Disney Store Lotso Huggin Bear 15″ Plush Toy Story 3 Strawberry Scent US Ship $64.99

Barbie Kelly Doll House Baby Nursery Happy Family Toy Store – Pink Truck $6.00

Sanrio Hello Kitty Miniature Toy “CONVENIENCE STORE” Fridge Cashier Drinks Food $18.99

Vintage 50´s Doll Toy Store German #BY $499.99

Orig 1937 Grocery Store to Set Up Mechanical Paper Model TOY Doll Children Play $420.75

2003 HAPPY FAMILY BABY STORE PLAYSET BARBIE TOY MIDGE DOLL NEW NRFB $151.99

(NEW) Barbie Store It All by Tara Toys $41.41

Disney Store Winnie The Pooh Plush Toy Baby Shower Gift $15.99

DISNEY Store Princess MULAN MOVIE Plush Chinese Rag Stuffed Doll Kimono Toy NWT $19.90

1995 BARBIE HANLEY’S TOY STORE W.E. England RARE $99.00

Tara Toy Barbie Store It All – Pink $33.91

Disney Store Toy Story 10″ Jessie Doll Our Family Tree Christmas Collector excl $34.95

Gund 2003 DREAM Teddy WISH BEAR 13″ Plush Doll Figure Toy w/Tag MAY Dept Stores $8.50

Mattel Barbie Doll Toy Store Pieces Lot $10.99

Disney Store Animators Collection POCAHONTAS Doll Princess Toddler Toy of Year $39.99

Lady & the Tramp Plush Disney Store Puppy Dog Stuffed Animal Doll Toy 16″ $29.99

DOLL FURNITURE TABLES – CHAIRS – TOY STORE – VINTAGE $89.29

Disney Store Animators Collection MULAN Doll Princess Toddler Toy of the Year $39.99

Disney Store Animators Collection ARIEL Doll Princess Toddler Toy of the Year $39.99

SYLVANIAN FAMILIES Store THE SF TOY SHOP 30+ Pieces Mini Furniture & Houses NEW $62.20

Barbie Toy Store Playset Barbie Kelly Gap Store Giftset $83.99

LA2/226NP * BEAUTIFUL DOLLHOUSE TOY GROCERIES STORE * ANTIQUE GERMAN 1950´S $439.00

Beaniture couch bean bag plush toy Warner Bros Studio Stores new with tags $10.00

Unique Disney Store Toga Mickey Mouse Plush Toy LOOK $16.15

【59toys】Re-ment miniatures convenient store full 10 set small boxes never open $125.99

【59toys】Re-ment miniatures convenient store full 10 set small boxes never open $109.99

【59toys】Re-ment miniatures drug store full 5 set $88.88

Dollhouse Mini Working Violet Neon Wire Toys Store Sign $44.95

BRATZ DOLLS WINTERTIME WONDERLAND SNOWBOARD FOR DOLL TOY CHECK OUT OUR STORE! $3.59

BRATZ DOLLS WINTERTIME WONDERLAND SNOWBOARD FOR DOLL TOY CHECK OUT OUR STORE! $3.69

Barbie Store It All Tara Toy Pink Storage Case for Barbies Clothing for Girls $38.19

1993 Bluebird Polly Pocket Toy Store neighborhood $24.99

Miller’s Barbie Collector – Spring 1995 – Toy Fair – Hot New Store Exclusives $2.99

New Vintage Drug Store Doll Vinyl Plastic Spain Poseable Toy Figure Original $24.99

Vintage New Doll Set 5 Small Ornament Poseable Head AD Sutton Kents Store Toy $32.99

CREATE A STUFFED ANIMAL-TOY STORE & BOUTIQUE (BEAR) $12.97

GUND B ALTMAN DEPTARTMENT STORE VTG TOY TEDDY BEAR THEODORE ROOSEVELT LTD 1980s $19.99

NRFB Hamley’s Toy Store West End Barbie Foreign Issued $48.00

BARBIE Boutique Vtg Shoe Dress Store Toy Doll Playset $249.95

New Vintage Drug Store Doll Vinyl Plastic Poseable Toy Figure Silver Hair TG&Y $24.99

New Vintage Drug Store Rainy Day Doll Vinyl Plastic Poseable Toy Figure Raincoat $22.99

DUMBO Elephant flying ears Disney store white green soft plush toy movie cartoon $24.99

DISNEY STORE Cinderella FAIRY GODMOTHER Plush Toy Doll $8.99

disney DISNEYS STORE cinderella giggling PLUSH doll TOY PRETTY GOWN OUTFIT $40.00

VGU12 * DOLLHOUSE GROCERIES STORE ACCESSORIES VINTAGE GERMAN TOY $14.97

The Original RedNek Wine Glass $4.55 Whether you’re swigging Moonshine or fine wine these ‘Redneck Wine Glasses’ are a fantastic way to have fun with your drinks! Also known as Mason Jar Wine Glasses these unique vessels will hold generous pours of your favorite beverage. Enjoy the party redneck style. Hand wash. Made in USA of lead-free glass….

Big Mouth Toys Toilet Mug $8.00 Never a cruddy morning with the Toilet Mug! Now dogs aren’t the only ones that can drink from a toilet! This ceramic Mug offers a laugh and up to 12 ozs. of java. Actually comfortable to hold, approx. 6 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 5 1/2″h. Weighs 18 ozs. Note: hand wash only, not dishwasher safe (just, like a real toilet!) Get it now! Toilet Mug…

Wilton 2104-9008 Chocolate Pro 3-Tier Chocolate Fountain $59.99 Serve melted chocolate with style and finesse with the Chocolate Pro fountain by Wilton. Using three tiers, this electric fountain holds up to four pounds of chocolate and continuously flows down the levels, allowing you to dip your snacks and fruits. It is great for parties and gatherings, and really makes your party more distinguished….

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse Pink $14.88  With a gentle squeeze, this cuddly friend glows and plays soft music, lullabies and soothing sounds of the ocean. After five minutes the music fades, lights dim, and baby can drift off to dreamland … Recommended Ages: 0 Months & up…

Music From the Hit TV Show $7.73 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

MDNA $9.57 MADONNA MDNA (DELUXE 2 CD)…

Bambi (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) $22.50 It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: “the death of Bambi’s mother,” a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney’s 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift …

Cars 2 (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) $12.74 From the creators of CARS and TOY STORY 3 comes a new, laugh-out-loud, heartwarming adventure geared for the entire family. Star race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship on the road from Radiator Springs to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix!Product Measures: 0.5 …

Toy Story (Two-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) $17.99 Features include: •MPAA Rating: G•Format: Blu-Ray•Runtime: 80 minutes…

Contech CRO101 Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler $59.99 The Contech Electronics Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler presents an innovative, humane way to keep pets and wildlife from disturbing your yard and garden without the use of complicated traps or potentially hazardous chemicals. The sprinkler combines a surprise spray of water with unexpected motion and noise to create a safe, effective deterrent to unwanted visitors, helping keep your garden l…

Wild West Storage Bench $0 Complete your kid’s room with a Wild West storage benchBench features a nostalgic western town depicted on seat backStorage bench features sheriff’s star finials and toy store doors that open and close

ClueFinders Incredible Toy Store Adventure $5.99 maze of mystery in the ultimate toy store

Curious George Visits a Toy Store (Paperback) $3.91 A new toy store is opening and George can’t wait. Once George gets inside, the owner thinks his antics may be bad for business. It’s not long before George has her jumping through hoops to try to contain his curiosity. Will George&#821…

Curious George Around Town Boxed Set (Paperback) $9.49 A boxed set of six volumes featuring the adventures of Curious George playing with puppies, making pancakes, and visiting a toy store, aquarium, chocolate factory, and the Dinosaur Museum.

The Hollow (Paperback) $10.49 The adventures of Little Whistle, a guinea pig who lives in a toy store. Color illustrations accompany the text.

Curious George Saves His Pennies (Hardcover) $9.87 When George decides to save up for a special red train in the toy store, he doesn`t realize how long it will take or how hard he will have to work for his money. But when the time finally arrives to take his very full piggy bank to the toy store…

Where the Toys Come From (DVD) $7.99 Peepers and Zoom, two cute mechanical toys, travel back in time on a fun-filled journey of self discovery. They retrace their steps from the day they were purchased at the local toy store to their creation on an artist’s drawing board.

Christmastime Is Here! (Board) $9.89 Youngsters may lift the flaps to see what is happening as children get ready for the holiday season by decorating the tree, visiting Santa at the toy store, and playing outside in the snow as Santa prepares for his annual journey.

Bands on the Run (DVD) $2.96 This animated release for kids follows the adventures of five musically inclined rubber bands – Roxie, Daisy, Edison, Ray and Amelia, who tumble off of a truck and find themselves on a long trip to the toy store, where they can join their friends as br…

Betty Bunny Wants Everything (Hardcover) $11.43 Betty Bunny`s mother takes her and her siblings to a toy store where each is allowed to pick out one item, but Betty refuses to choose just one and throws a tantrum when she learns the alternative is to get nothing.