10 Tips for Selling Your Used Board Games

Board games can provide endless hours of entertainment, but over time, you might find that your collection has grown too large or that you no longer have interest in some of the games you own. If you're looking to sell your used board games, it's important to approach the task with a clear strategy to maximize your return and ensure a smooth transaction. Whether you're downsizing your collection, decluttering your space, or simply looking to make some extra cash, the process of selling used board games can be both rewarding and profitable.

In this article, we'll share 10 practical tips for successfully selling your used board games, helping you attract buyers and get the best value for your games.

Assess the Condition of Your Games

Before listing any board game for sale, it's important to assess its condition. Buyers are more likely to purchase games that are in good or excellent condition, so you'll want to make sure your games are free of damage, missing pieces, or major signs of wear. Here's a checklist to help you evaluate each game:

• Box: Ensure that the box is intact, with no major tears or dents. A pristine box adds value, while a damaged box can reduce the price.
• Game Pieces: Make sure all pieces (cards, tokens, boards, dice, etc.) are present. If any pieces are missing, try to replace them or disclose it in your listing.
• Rules and Instructions: Check if the rulebook or instruction manual is included. Some buyers specifically seek out games with their original manuals, which can increase the game's appeal.
• Board: Inspect the game board for any creases, folds, or stains. A clean, flat board can greatly increase a game's perceived value.

The better the condition of your game, the higher the price you can set.

Clean and Organize Your Games

Before listing your used board games, take the time to clean and organize them. A clean game is much more appealing to potential buyers and will increase the chances of a quick sale.

• Dust off the box and game pieces: Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove any dust or dirt from the box and game components.
• Organize the pieces: Make sure that everything is organized and ready for play. You can use small plastic bags or zip-lock bags to group smaller pieces together, making the game easier for the buyer to use.
• Fix minor damage: If there are minor tears or scuffs on the box, you can attempt to repair them using tape or other methods. Be honest about the condition in your listing, but repairing small imperfections can make a big difference in how the game is perceived.

Presentation matters, and a well-organized game will likely sell faster and for a better price.

Research the Market Value

Before setting a price for your used board game, it's important to research how much similar games are selling for. Check online marketplaces, board game groups, and even local stores to get an idea of the current market value for the game. The following tools and platforms can help you with your research:

• eBay: Search for sold listings of the game to see how much it has recently sold for.
• BoardGameGeek: This is an excellent resource for tracking the value of a game. You can look up the game's page, check its rank, and see if there is a marketplace for buying or selling it.
• Facebook Marketplace: Search for the same or similar games on local selling platforms to see how they are priced.
• Amazon: Sometimes you can find used games for sale on Amazon, which can give you an idea of what your game is worth in the second-hand market.

Price your game competitively, but don't undervalue it either. You want to strike a balance between attracting buyers and receiving a fair price.

Take High-Quality Photos

Photos are one of the most important aspects of selling used board games. Clear, high-quality photos help convey the game's condition and make it more likely that a potential buyer will consider your listing. Here are some tips for taking great photos:

• Good lighting: Take your photos in well-lit areas to avoid shadows or glare. Natural light is ideal, but if you are taking photos indoors, use a bright lamp to illuminate the game.
• Multiple angles: Show the game from multiple angles---top, sides, and bottom. This helps buyers get a full view of the game and allows them to assess the condition more accurately.
• Close-ups of important details: Take close-up shots of any damage or imperfections, such as worn edges, bent corners, or missing pieces. Transparency is key, and showing buyers the details can help avoid misunderstandings later.
• Include all components: If the game has special pieces or parts, make sure to include photos of these as well. This shows that the game is complete and can help justify your asking price.

Remember, the better your photos, the more likely you are to sell your game.

Be Honest About Condition and Missing Pieces

Honesty is crucial when selling used board games. If there are any missing pieces or damage, be upfront about it in your listing. Buyers appreciate transparency, and being honest about the condition of the game will build trust and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.

If pieces are missing, try to find replacements. There are websites and forums where board game enthusiasts trade or sell individual game pieces. If replacements are not possible, mention the missing items in the listing, along with the impact on gameplay.

Use Multiple Sales Channels

To maximize your chances of selling your used board games, consider using multiple platforms. Each platform has its own audience, and diversifying your selling efforts can increase the visibility of your games. Here are some popular options:

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent platforms for reaching a broad audience of buyers. Each has its own advantages: eBay allows for auction-style listings, while Facebook Marketplace enables local selling.
• Board Game Groups: Join Facebook groups or forums dedicated to board games. Many groups have buy/sell/trade sections where enthusiasts gather to sell used games.
• Local Retailers or Game Stores: Some brick-and-mortar stores that specialize in board games may buy used games or offer consignment services. This is an option worth considering if you want to sell quickly.
• Flea Markets or Yard Sales: If you prefer selling in person, consider hosting a yard sale or visiting a local flea market. You can engage with buyers directly, which can sometimes lead to quicker sales.

Each platform has its own selling process, so make sure to follow the guidelines and understand any associated fees.

Offer Bundle Deals

If you have several board games you no longer want, consider selling them as a bundle. Bundling games together can make them more appealing to buyers, as it offers a better value than purchasing them individually.

For example, you could sell several family-friendly games as a bundle or offer a collection of strategy games for a discount. Bundle deals are particularly attractive to buyers who are looking to build or expand their game collection.

Make sure to price the bundle competitively while taking into account the total value of the games in the collection. Be clear in your listing about what's included in the bundle and the condition of each game.

Set Realistic Shipping Expectations

When selling online, shipping is an important consideration. Buyers will appreciate clear and realistic shipping expectations. Be sure to specify who pays for shipping (you or the buyer) and how much it will cost.

• Flat-rate shipping: Consider using flat-rate shipping options from services like USPS. This can make the process more predictable and transparent for both you and the buyer.
• Offer local pickup: If you're using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, consider offering local pickup. This eliminates shipping costs and can make the transaction easier for both parties.
• Protect the game: When shipping games, package them carefully to ensure that the game components don't get damaged in transit. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect the game box and pieces.

Clear shipping policies can help set expectations and reduce friction during the sales process.

Highlight Popular or Rare Games

Certain games are more popular or valuable than others due to their rarity, demand, or cult status. If you have any sought-after or rare board games, be sure to highlight these aspects in your listing.

Games from well-known publishers like Fantasy Flight Games, Asmodee, or Ravensburger are often in high demand, as are classic or limited-edition games. If your game is out of print or a collector's item, make sure to mention that in your description.

By positioning these games as valuable or rare, you can increase the likelihood of a higher sale price.

Be Responsive and Professional

Finally, be responsive and professional throughout the selling process. Respond to inquiries promptly, and be polite when communicating with potential buyers. If a buyer expresses interest, try to negotiate or answer any questions they may have.

Maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism will enhance your reputation as a seller, leading to better reviews and more sales in the future.

Conclusion

Selling used board games can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires attention to detail and a well-thought-out strategy. By assessing the condition of your games, setting a fair price, and using multiple sales platforms, you can increase your chances of success. Be transparent about the game's condition, take great photos, and communicate professionally with buyers to create a smooth transaction process.

With these 10 tips, you'll be well on your way to selling your used board games quickly and effectively, making space for new games and putting some extra cash in your pocket.

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