Are you looking at a shelf overflowing with “for sale board game” candidates, wondering how to turn those dusty boxes into cold, hard cash. Perhaps you’ve Marie Kondo’d your collection and discovered games that no longer spark joy, or perhaps you simply want to make room for the next Kickstarter craze. Selling board games can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can successfully offload your unwanted titles and put some money back in your pocket. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the best strategies, platforms, and guidelines for selling your for sale board games effectively and efficiently within the American market.
Why Sell Your Board Games?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” There are several compelling reasons to consider selling your board game collection:
- Decluttering: Board game collections have a tendency to grow exponentially. Selling games you no longer play is a great way to declutter your house and create more space.
- Funding New Acquisitions: The board game hobby can be expensive. Selling older games allows you to reinvest in new releases, expansions, or those elusive grail games you’ve been eyeing.
- Recouping Investment: Sometimes, a game just doesn’t click. Selling it is a way to recoup some of your initial investment and minimize losses.
- Sharing the Love: A game sitting on your shelf unplayed is a game wasted. Selling it allows someone else to discover and enjoy it.
Assessing Your Collection: What Makes a Board Game Sellable?
Not all board games are created equal when it comes to resale value. Several factors impact whether a game will sell fast and for a good price.
Condition Matters
The condition of your board game is paramount. A game in pristine, like-new condition will fetch a far higher price than one that’s been heavily played and shows signs of wear and tear. Carefully inspect each game and genuinely assess its condition.
- Components: Are all the pieces present? Are any pieces damaged or missing? Missing components significantly lower the value of a game.
- Box: Is the box in top condition? Are there any dents, scratches, or tears? The box is the first thing potential buyers see, so its condition is crucial.
- Rulebook: Is the rulebook present and in good condition? A missing or damaged rulebook can make learning and playing the game difficult, impacting its value.
Rarity and Demand
Rarity and demand play a significant role in a board game’s value. Limited edition games, out-of-print titles, and games with a strong cult following tend to be highly sought after and command higher prices. Check online boards and marketplaces to gauge the current market value of your games.
- Out-of-Print (OOP): Games that are no longer being produced by the publisher often increase in value due to their limited availability.
- Limited Editions: Games with special packaging, unique components, or limited production runs are highly desirable to collectors.
- Cult Classics: Games with a dedicated fan base and a strong reputation in the board game community often maintain their value over time.
Market Trends
The board game market is constantly evolving. New releases, popular themes, and trending mechanics can all impact the demand for specific titles. Stay informed about the latest trends to identify games that are currently in high demand.
- Hot Games: New releases that are receiving positive reviews and generating buzz often sell quickly.
- Trending Themes: Games with popular themes, such as zombies, fantasy, or historical settings, tend to be in demand.
- Rising Mechanics: Games that incorporate innovative or trending game mechanics, such as deck-building, worker placement, or legacy systems, can attract buyers.
Choosing the Right Platform: Where to Sell Your “For Sale” Board Game
Several platforms cater to the buying and selling of board games, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
BoardGameGeek (BGG) Marketplace
BoardGameGeek (BGG) is the largest and most comprehensive online resource for board game enthusiasts. Its marketplace is a popular destination for buying and selling used board games.
- Pros: Large user base, dedicated board game community, robust search filters, integrated feedback system.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for new users, requires familiarity with board game terminology, shipping can be complex.
EBay
eBay is a global online marketplace with a vast reach. It offers a simple and straightforward platform for selling board games.
- Pros: Large user base, wide exposure, auction and fixed-price options, buyer protection.
- Cons: Higher fees compared to other platforms, competition from professional sellers, potential for scams.
Facebook Marketplace and Local Groups
Facebook Marketplace and local board game groups offer a convenient way to sell games locally.
- Pros: No fees, direct communication with buyers, convenient for local pickup, potential for building relationships with other gamers.
- Cons: Limited reach, requires arranging meetups, potential for no-shows, safety concerns.
OfferUp and Craigslist
OfferUp and Craigslist are online classifieds platforms that allow you to sell items locally.
- Pros: No fees, easy and simple to use, convenient for local pickup.
- Cons: Limited reach, potential for scams, safety concerns.
Local Game Stores
Some local game stores offer consignment programs or buy used board games outright.
- Pros: Convenient, hassle-free, supports local businesses.
- Cons: Lower prices compared to selling directly to consumers, limited control over pricing.
Pricing Your Games: Finding the Sweet Spot
Pricing your games correctly is crucial for attracting buyers and maximizing your income. Research the current market value of your games and consider the following factors:
- Condition: Adjust the price based on the condition of the game. Pristine games can command higher prices, while games with wear and tear should be priced accordingly.
- Rarity: Rare or out-of-print games can be priced higher than readily available titles.
- Demand: Adjust the price based on the current demand for the game. Popular games may sell fast at a higher price, while less popular games may require a lower price to attract customers.
- Shipping Costs: Factor in shipping costs when setting your price. Consider offering free shipping to attract more buyers, but make sure to account for the cost in your price.
Researching Market Value
Use online resources such as BoardGameGeek, eBay, and PriceCharting to research the current market value of your games. Look for recent sales of similar games in similar condition to get an accurate estimate.
Competitive Pricing
Compare your prices to those of other sellers on the same platform. Offer competitive prices to attract buyers, but don’t undercut yourself.
Negotiation Room
Consider adding a small buffer to your price to allow for negotiation. Many buyers will try to negotiate a lower price, so it’s helpful to have some wiggle room.
Creating a Compelling Listing: Attract Buyers with Words and Pictures
Your listing is your opportunity to showcase your board game and convince potential buyers to make a purchase.
High-Quality Photos
Include clear, high-quality photos of your board game, including the box, components, and rulebook. Good photos are essential for attracting buyers and showcasing the condition of the game.
Detailed Description
Write a detailed description of your board game, including its condition, components, and any notable features. Be honest and transparent about any flaws or damage.
Accurate Title
Use an accurate and descriptive title that includes the game’s name, edition, and any relevant keywords.
Keywords
Include relevant keywords in your description to improve search visibility. Use terms that buyers are likely to search for, such as “used board game,” “rare,” “out-of-print,” and the game’s theme or mechanics.
Shipping and Handling: Getting Your Game to Its New Home
Proper shipping and handling are essential for ensuring that your board game arrives at its destination in good condition.
Packaging
Use a sturdy box and plenty of packing material to protect your board game during shipping. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and crumpled paper are all effective options.
Shipping Carrier
Choose a reputable shipping carrier, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Compare rates and services to find the best option for your needs.
Tracking and Insurance
Purchase tracking and insurance to protect yourself against loss or damage during shipping.
Shipping Costs
Accurately calculate shipping costs and factor them into your price. Consider offering free shipping to attract more buyers.
Dealing with Buyers: Communication and Customer Service
Communication and customer service are essential for creating a positive buying experience.
Respond Promptly
Respond promptly to inquiries from potential buyers. Answer their questions thoroughly and honestly.
Copyright
Respect copyright laws and avoid selling counterfeit or pirated games.
Sales Tax
Comply with all applicable sales tax regulations.
Expert Insights on Selling Board Games
To gain additional insights on selling board games, we consulted with Suzanne Dingwall, a seasoned board game collector and reseller.
“Honesty and transparency are key when selling board games. Accurately describe the condition of your games, provide clear photos, and respond directly to buyer inquiries. Building trust is essential for creating a successful buying and selling experience.” –
Suzanne Dingwall
Suzanne’s expertise underscores the importance of honesty and transparency when selling board games. Building trust with buyers is crucial for establishing a successful and authentic selling presence.
From Reddit: Tips and Tricks from the Community
Diving into the depths of Reddit, especially subreddits like r/boardgameexchange and r/boardgames, offers a treasure trove of advice from experienced board game sellers. Users often share their personal strategies, highlighting what works and what doesn’t.
One common tip from Reddit is to price your games competitively but realistically. “Don’t expect to get full retail price for a used game, even if it’s in excellent condition,” advises one user. “Do your research and price it fairly to attract buyers.”
Another recurring theme is the importance of detailed photos. “Take photos of everything – the box, the components, the rulebook,” suggests another Redditor. “The more information you provide, the more confident buyers will be.“
Furthermore, many Reddit users recommend using BoardGameGeek’s marketplace for selling higher-value games. “BGG is where the serious collectors are,” explains one user. “You’re more likely to find a buyer who appreciates the value of a rare or out-of-print game there.“
However, some users also caution against overpricing games. “If your game isn’t selling, don’t be afraid to lower the price,” advises one Redditor. “It’s better to get something for it than to have it sit on your shelf collecting dust.”
Conclusion: Turning Your Games into Gold
Selling “for sale” board game candidates doesn’t have to be a chore. By understanding the factors that impact a game’s value, choosing the right platform, pricing your games appropriately, and providing excellent customer service, you can successfully offload your unwanted titles and generate some extra income. Remember to be honest, transparent, and responsive in your dealings with buyers, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful board game seller. So, get those games listed and start turning your collection into cash!
