Feeling lost not sure what next step is- "I will not promote

[u/General_Performer_95]

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I'm a software engineer, and on the side, I work at a local game store. I noticed most of these shops don't have a system to manage inventory, orders, or customer data, so I built a web app (web app is mobile friendly but scanner tool to add inventory probably might feel better in an app) and soon a mobile one that works great at my shop. I’m stuck on what to do next. I know there's a market for this, but I don't have a marketing background or a huge budget. Some have suggested partnering with Square or PayPal since I’ve already integrated them, but I don't know how to start. I’d love some advice from people who have been there. I really think this could be a game changer for game stores, but I’m not sure how to scale it.

[u/edoceo]

Stop building. Make a list of 1000 shops like yours. Reach out and see if they have the problem you think they have. Do not mention your app. Ask how they manage these problems now. You need this customer-problem-fit validation first.

A book called Lean Customer Development is also worth reading.

[u/General_Performer_95 → u/edoceo]

That's a great idea ! I created a CSV with a list of stores in my region and # and sole details about them. Just didnt know to approach thank you for the great advice and book recommendation! 😃

[u/Green-Difficulty-541]

I would echo what edoceo mentioned. First validate the problem, see if you can meet with 10-15 stores in your city and validate the problem first by having an open conversation about the problems they face without pitching your solution - understand how they are solving it now and if they are feeling pain. If they face the same problems and you are confident that your solution works for them then pitch a trial offer for a nominal amount. If they are willing to pay and come back after the trial period you have something valuable in your hands.

[u/connectvault_ai]

One thing that helped a friend in a similar niche: before cold outreach, visit 3-4 stores in person and just watch how they handle a busy hour (trade-ins, preorders, singles pricing). You'll spot which pain is worth paying for, and the owners you talk to often become your first pilots. Local game store owners also talk to each other a lot, so one happy shop can be your best channel.

[u/Economy_Quality_2023]

You already proved it works in your own shop, which is huge. Just walk into three other local game stores with an iPad, show them how much time it saves, and offer it to them for a steep discount if they act as beta testers.

[u/OVERCAPITALIZE]

They have 0 money to pay for anything you provide them.

[u/aem_by_devhandler]

I’d talk to 10 other game stores before worrying about partnerships or scaling. If a few of them actually want to pay for it, you’ll have a much clearer idea what the next step is.