Shipped on Board: Navigating the Booming Board Game Industry

The Resurgence of Board Games: A Market Overview

Board games have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with the pandemic acting as a catalyst for this growth. Hasbro, the company behind classics like Monopoly and Clue, reported a 20% increase in sales during this period. The card and board game market is projected to reach an impressive $5 billion by 2025, highlighting the industry's robust growth trajectory.

Crowdfunding platforms have played a significant role in this revival, with campaigns like Exploding Kittens Verbal, Soul Art, and Iconiq Studios emerging as some of the biggest successes in the crowdfunding world. These trends underscore the fact that the board game industry remains a lucrative business opportunity for entrepreneurs and established companies alike.

Understanding the Logistics: Shipping Board Games in the US

For those considering entering the board game market, understanding the logistics of shipping is crucial. The average board game weighs around 2 pounds, with smaller card games weighing even less. However, several factors influence shipping costs:

• Courier services
• Delivery speed
• Package weight
• Shipping distance
• Package dimensions

To illustrate, let's consider shipping a 3-pound board game from New York to Los Angeles using major courier services:

USPS Options:

• Priority Mail 2-Day: $21.20 (1-3 business days)
• Retail Ground: $17.90 (2-9 business days)

FedEx Options:

• Express Saver: $63.43 (3 business days)
• Home Delivery: $20.25 (1-5 business days)

UPS Options:

• 3 Day Select: $50.69 (2-3 business days)
• Ground: $20.88 (1-5 business days)

These prices represent retail rates, but significant savings can be achieved through shipping platforms like FreightAmigo. Our Digital Logistics Platform offers discounts of up to 89% off major courier rates, providing a cost-effective solution for board game shipping.

International Board Game Shipping: Navigating Global Markets

As the board game industry continues to grow globally, understanding international shipping becomes crucial. When shipping overseas, additional factors come into play:

• Duties and taxes
• Shipping insurance
• Customs documentation

Let's consider shipping our 3-pound board game from New York to London:

USPS Options:

• Priority Mail International: $70.70 (6-10 business days)
• First-Class Package International: $42.25 (1-4 weeks)

FedEx Options:

• International Priority: $216.43 (1-3 business days)
• International Economy: $204.21 (4-6 business days)

UPS Options:

• Saver: $212.37 (2 business days)
• Worldwide Expedited: $194.35 (3-4 business days)

It's important to note that international shipping comes with additional considerations. For instance, while there are no duties for shipping to the UK, there is a VAT fee of 20% of the product price. FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform can help navigate these complexities, offering tools to calculate duties and taxes accurately.

The Advantages of Board Game Shipping

Entering the board game industry offers several advantages for eCommerce merchants and crowdfunding campaigns:

1. Low Entry Barrier

The board game industry is ideal for sellers with a limited budget. With a modest investment in inventory, you can purchase inexpensive products and sell them for profit on platforms like Amazon and eBay.

2. Crowdfunding Success

Board games represent one of the largest verticals in the crowdfunding realm. In 2021 alone, board games raised over $146 million on platforms like Kickstarter, with over 1,800 tabletop games successfully funded by backers.

3. High Return on Investment

Board games are relatively cheap to produce but can command premium prices, especially for rare or sought-after games. The emotional attachment many people have to certain games can drive higher profit margins.

5 Essential Tips for Shipping Board Games

Whether you're shipping domestically or internationally, consider these tips to ensure your board games arrive safely:

1. Choose the Right Shipping Box

Select a box slightly larger than the board game to allow room for cushioning materials. Many courier services offer free boxes, helping to reduce shipping costs.

2. Use Ample Packaging Materials

Minimize movement during transit by filling empty spaces with packaging materials like bubble wrap and plastic wrapping.

3. Opt for Shipping Insurance

Protect your shipments against loss, theft, or damage with shipping insurance. FreightAmigo offers up to $10,000 of shipping insurance for domestic and international shipments.

4. Research International Duties and Taxes

When shipping internationally, be aware of the specific duties and taxes for each country. FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform provides country-specific information to help you navigate these complexities.

5. Ensure Proper Documentation

For international shipments, ensure all necessary documents are accurately completed to avoid customs delays. This includes customs declarations, packing lists, and bills of lading.

FreightAmigo: Your Partner in Board Game Shipping

As the board game industry continues to thrive, efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions become increasingly important. FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline your shipping process:

• Access to discounted rates from major couriers
• Instant quotes and delivery lead times
• Global fulfillment capabilities
• Specialized tools for crowdfunding campaigns
• Duties and taxes calculators

By leveraging FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Solution, you can focus on growing your board game business or crowdfunding campaign while we handle the complexities of shipping and logistics.

Conclusion: Setting Sail in the Board Game Industry

The board game industry presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. With its low entry barriers, high return on investment, and growing market demand, it's an attractive sector for those looking to expand their eCommerce offerings or launch a crowdfunding campaign.

However, success in this industry relies heavily on efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions. By partnering with FreightAmigo, you can navigate the complexities of domestic and international shipping, ensuring your board games reach customers quickly and safely.

As you embark on your journey in the board game industry, remember that the right logistics partner can make all the difference. With FreightAmigo's comprehensive Digital Logistics Platform, you'll have the tools and support you need to succeed in this exciting and growing market.