Where and How to Sell Used Board Games

If you’ve ever looked at your board game collection and thought, “Wow. I have too many games,” you’re not alone. While, obviously, we all love board games around here, we do recognize that sometimes, you’ve got to purge the closet. Maybe you need to make room for new games or maybe you’re moving to a new home and it’s just time.

Whatever your reason for saying your goodbyes, there are some fantastic ways to sell your used board games without a lot of effort. Of course, you’ll have to choose wisely and do a little bit of work to assess and price your games, but once you do, it’s fairly smooth sailing.

Below, you’ll find the needed steps to prepare your games for resale, as well as several recommendations on where to sell your used board games locally or online.

How to Sell Used Board Games

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A few key steps must be taken to prepare your games for resale. From pricing to decision-making, they’re not that challenging, but they will make all the difference in finding success.

Step 1: Assessing Your Game(s)

Once you’ve decided which games you’re going to sell, you’ll want to check their condition, value, and a few other things to best determine how to price them.

The condition is based on several factors:

• New – Brand-new, never used, unopened, undamaged, and in the original packaging.

• Like New – Shrink wrap removed, no wear and tear, all pieces intact.

• Very Good – Minimal wear and tear, all pieces intact.

• Good – Minor damage to the box or contents, all pieces present.

• Acceptable – Minor to moderate damage to the box, but all or nearly all pieces intact. No crucial pieces missing. Instructions may be missing or items may be slightly scuffed.

• Unacceptable – Major damage to packaging and/or parts. Some missing pieces that are crucial. Broken. DO NOT SELL.

For most board games, it’s crucial to ensure that all pieces are included, as missing components can significantly affect the game’s value.

If your game ranks between new and acceptable, you should be good to go for selling it. However, the condition will impact the price you can charge.

The only exceptions to selling an “unacceptable” quality game are if it is an extremely rare game that people may want, even in its partial state, or if you’re selling an out-of-print game that people may want to cannibalize for parts. If either of these is the case, be sure to clearly mark the condition and include info in the ad as to why you’re selling it.

If you’re not totally sure of the condition of your game, assume the lowest option. It’s better to under promise and over deliver on the quality.

Step 2: Preparing Your Used Board Games for Sale

Preparing your used board games for sale is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Here are some tips to help you get your games ready for the market:

1. Clean and Inspect the Game: Before listing your game for sale, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Dust off the box, wipe down the components, and ensure everything looks presentable. Inspect the game for any damage or missing pieces, as this will help you accurately determine its condition and price it accordingly.

2. Gather All Components: Make sure to gather all the components of the game, including the box, instructions, and any additional accessories. This will help you ensure that the game is complete and ready for sale. Missing pieces can significantly reduce the value of your game, so double-check that everything is included.

3. Check for Rarity and Condition: Research the game’s rarity and condition to determine its value. You can use online marketplaces like eBay and BoardGameGeek to see what similar games are selling for. Knowing the market value will help you set a competitive price.

4. Take High-Quality Photos: Take high-quality photos of the game from multiple angles to showcase its condition and components. Good lighting and a clean background can make a big difference. This will help potential buyers get a clear idea of what they’re buying and increase the likelihood of a sale.

5. Write a Detailed Description: Write a detailed description of the game, including its condition, components, and any flaws or damage. Be honest and transparent to build trust with potential buyers. A well-written description can help buyers make an informed decision and feel confident in their purchase.

Step 2: Decision Making – To Ship or Not Ship

Before you continue the process, you should determine if you’re willing to go through the hassle of shipping your game(s) or not. This adds some extra steps and raises the overall price of the game you’re selling. If it’s worth it for you, go for it! But don’t feel like shipping it will be the only way you’ll ever sell it. There are many local marketplaces where you can sell the game instead.

When shipping modern board games, it’s important to select appropriate box sizes and consider using USPS boxes for cost-effective shipping.

Step 3: Determining Your Price

Your listing price is critical. If the price is too high, people won’t buy. If it’s too low, it may not be worth your time and effort to sell it. The best way to figure out the right pricing is by going online and reviewing the same game for sale on resale sites. Ensure the game you’re looking at is in the same condition as your own (this affects the price people are willing to pay!).

For many vintage games, understanding the game’s condition and product code is essential when listing them on marketplaces like eBay and Amazon.

GeekMarket is a great place to do this. Search for your game and review copies on the site (even if you’re selling locally). Filter for the same country in which you live, as prices vary from place to place. Review the conditions and prices and compare them to your game and the value of your effort in selling it. Be sure to match the game precisely if there are other games with similar names. The easiest way to do this is by checking the image on the listing. Also, be sure that the items you’re reviewing are the game itself, not accessories or parts.

If no copies of your game are currently available, look in the Price History on the listing to see what the game sold for most recently. Again, verify it’s the actual game and not parts or accessories.

You’ll also want to review the retail price at the store for the item in brand-new condition. Even if your game has never been opened, it’s still technically “less valuable” than if someone bought it from the store. Knock off a bit of the price to be competitive.

Step 4: Taking Photos

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While technically you can sell games without taking photos, they are more likely to sell quickly with them. There are a few tricks to this, though, particularly for used (opened) games.

• Place your game and/or components on a solid-colored surface that contrasts with the packaging or pieces.

• Light up the area clearly.

• Experiment with the photos to avoid getting that “shine” of a flash on glossy pieces.

• If the game has not been opened, a few photos that show the condition of the packaging can help bring in the highest price, particularly if the shrink wrap is visibly intact.

• If the game has been opened, carefully remove the parts and set it up for play.

• Show off any cards, game pieces, dice, meeples, and other components to show the condition of the pieces.

• Show all the components. This helps buyers know that nothing is missing. If you have the instructions, include those in the photos as well.

Selling Your Used Board Games

Once you’ve done all your assessments, taken photos, and made decisions about pricing and shipping, you’re ready to get out there and sell. Of course, knowing where to sell is always tricky! Below, we’ve listed the best sites and in-person options long-time board gamers recommend for this. Selling board games can be a lucrative niche, with the potential for high returns on investment, especially for rare or in-demand titles.

Where to Sell Used Board Games

There are three main types of places to sell used board games: in-person shops and swaps, online resale sites for locals, and online sales sites that require shipping. The quickest sales are probably going to be done through local online sales, but the others can be quite lucrative and fast, as well. It just depends on what game(s) you’ve got for sale, how rare they are, and what kind of price you’re looking for. There are numerous platforms and methods to sell board games, from popular online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon to local game stores and community-driven solutions like BoardGameGeek.

In-Person Resells

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Local Board Game Stores

Many local board game stores will buy used board games. Some may also have consignment sections, meaning they have the games available for sale, take a small fee for their trouble, and give you the rest of the profit from the sale.

Board Game Conventions – Flea Market

Many local board game conventions will hold a flea market for exactly this purpose. Be sure to prep your games thoroughly to have them sale-ready before you go. Bring everything with you and be prepared to haggle. Folks like to pay less at flea markets, so consider starting your price higher than you really want to get out of it (but not ridiculously so!) and barter your way down to something reasonable for you and the buyer.

Yard Sale

You can sell your board games at a yard sale or rummage sale of your own or at a church or somewhere similar. Be aware, however, that most folks will want to pay less here than they would in other venues. If your goal is to just get rid of the game and get a little bit of something out of it, this can work for you. Otherwise, look to game stores, convention markets, or go online.

Online Resale Sites

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There are loads of basic online sites that are designed for folks reselling things from clothing to furniture. Board games successfully sell on these regularly as well. A lot of gamers have noted these are the best sites that bring you buyers locally. This means you won’t need to ship anything – just choose a place to meet up for the exchange.

Specialized marketplaces like GeekMarket are excellent for selling vintage games, as they cater to niche collectors looking for unique and rare items.

When you list your games online, be sure to carefully mark the condition the game is in, note how often it’s been played (if at all), and, if appropriate, note why you’re selling the game. This may help folks tentatively interested understand that the game isn’t a bomb, but rather that you’re just making room for newer games after loads of play on this older one.

These sites aren’t exclusively for board games, but they focus on local shoppers only, meaning they’re going to be some of the fastest options for off-loading your used board games.

• 5Miles – Find buyers within roughly 5 miles of your place. No need to travel far to sell those games!

• OfferUp – Set your location firmly and let potential buyers know if you’re willing to ship or not. Many folks will find you locally, though, looking for sellers within a given radius of their home address.

• Swap Things Co – Sales may be local or long-distance. Determine ahead if you’re willing to ship or only willing to meet up for a sale.

• Facebook Marketplace – Easily mark “meetup” or “pick up only” and skip the hassles of folks requesting shipping.

• Craigslist – Local sales are usually pretty good. Make sure your ad is straightforward, loaded with pics of the real game, and doesn’t use any scammy language.

• NextDoor – A great site for quick, easy local sales. Be sure to keep your text clear and sincere to avoid folks thinking something’s phishy in your pitch.

• Local Facebook Groups – Look for your local community pages. Search for your town name and “board games.” There are many local groups for board gaming, as well as general community groups.

Specific Board Game Sites and Channels

There are also specific websites and trading/selling channels where lots of folks find success in selling their games. The key to these is being able and willing to do shipping for the games you sell.

Thrift stores, estate sales, and auctions can be treasure troves for discovering vintage board games that collectors may have missed.

• Noble Knight – Buy, Sell, Trade – Particularly good for rare, vintage, and out-of-print games. If you’re selling here, compare prices here instead of elsewhere to ensure you’re most logically pricing for the best chance of sales.

• Board Game Geek Market – Ideal for obscure, popular, and older games folks have been hunting for. You can also sell regular games here, as well, as this really is one of the most trusted sites for board game enthusiasts anywhere in the world.

• Board Game Exchange on Facebook – Sell or trade your games here. You can localize if you need to skip shipping, but otherwise, you’ll find plenty of buyers in this long-standing group.

• Reddit – Board Game Exchange – Sell and trade through Reddit, one of the most trusted places for board game enthusiasts to gather and exchange gaming ideas.

• eBay – Easily sell your board games, both new and old, on eBay. Be sure to make your sales pitch clear, concise, and as non-scammy sounding as possible.

• Mercari – A highly trusted resell site that folks use for all kinds of sales. Be sure to carefully label games, upload photos, and make your sales pitch as appealing as possible.

Also Read: The Absolute Best Board Games of All Time

After the Sale

After the sale, it’s essential to follow up with the buyer to ensure a smooth transaction. Here are some tips to help you manage the post-sale process:

1. Respond to Buyer Inquiries: Respond promptly to any inquiries or messages from the buyer. Clear and timely communication can help resolve any issues and ensure a positive experience for both parties.

2. Provide Tracking Information: Once the game has been shipped, provide the buyer with tracking information. This allows them to monitor the shipment and know when to expect delivery. It also adds a layer of security and trust to the transaction.

3. Leave Feedback: After the transaction is complete, leave feedback for the buyer. Positive feedback can help build your reputation as a reliable seller, making future sales easier. If the buyer leaves feedback for you, be sure to thank them and address any concerns they may have raised.

Packaging and Shipping

Packaging and shipping your used board games requires care and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your game arrives safely at its destination:

1. Use a Sturdy Shipping Box: Choose a sturdy shipping box that is specifically designed for shipping board games. The box should be large enough to fit the game comfortably but not so large that it allows excessive movement.

2. Fill Empty Spaces: Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper. This will prevent the game from moving around during shipping and protect it from damage.

3. Seal the Box Securely: Use strong packing tape to seal the box securely. Make sure all seams are well-taped to prevent the box from opening during transit.

4. Use a Trackable Shipping Method: Choose a trackable shipping method like USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Providing a tracking number to the buyer ensures they can monitor the shipment and gives both parties peace of mind.

Responding to Offers and Inquiries

Responding to offers and inquiries is an essential part of selling used board games. Here are some tips to help you manage communication with potential buyers:

1. Respond Promptly: Respond to offers and inquiries as quickly as possible. Prompt communication shows buyers that you are serious and reliable, which can increase their confidence in purchasing from you.

2. Be Transparent: Be honest and transparent about the game’s condition and components. Clearly state any flaws or missing pieces to avoid misunderstandings and build trust with potential buyers.

3. Negotiate Prices: Be open to negotiating prices with potential buyers. While you want to get a fair price for your game, being flexible can help you close the sale more quickly. Consider starting with a slightly higher price to leave room for negotiation.

4. Provide Additional Information: If a buyer has questions about the game, provide detailed and accurate information. Sharing insights about the game’s rarity, condition, and playability can help buyers make an informed decision and feel more confident in their purchase.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful process when selling your used board games. Happy selling!

Conclusion

There you go. A quick breakdown of the best sites to sell used board games and how to sell them. Be sure to have some flexibility if you’re looking for fast sales, or be willing to hop to the post office to ship them off. Good luck!

FAQ: Selling Used Board Games