When video games can cost an average of $50-$60 apiece, it can definitely make it difficult to buy new games. Not surprisingly, a game’s value drops significantly the moment you open it up. It now enters the realm of the “pre-owned.” Pre-owned games usually cost a fraction of the price you would have paid for it new!
This goes for selling them back, too. You will most likely not get the amount you put into the game. However, you may get some cash back that you can put toward another game. Listed below are four great places to buy and sell used video games.
1. eStarland.com
Estarland is a Virginia-based small business that, unlike Game Stop, allows you to buy and sell both retro and modern video games. While they do have an actual store, you can still buy and sell to them from your computer.
The online trade-in process can be a bit confusing due to the website’s poor structure*, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be fine. eStarland accepts most anything. Once you get your quote, you can choose to either get a check or store credit. You can then mail the games in. Unfortunately, you do not get a prepaid shipping label. When the store receives your games, they inspect them. They sometimes have to reject some games because of their poor condition.
Due to their slight pickiness when it comes to buying games, you can be assured that any game you buy will work, and if for some reason it doesn’t, they will allow you to return it for a full refund.
2. eBay.com
Ebay being the most popular online auction website, you can sell most anything there with video games being among the most popular categories.
Depending on what you have to sell, there are many options as to how to list your items. Selling individually takes more time and effort, but in the long run, it could earn you more money. If you don’t really want to list every single game you have individually, try selling in lots. Lots are listings of similar items that have been grouped together to be sold as one. eBay can be a hit-or-miss kind of thing, because if you price your item at $5 and only get one bidder, then you’re only going to get $5. But if you have a ton of bidders, your price may even go above its worth.
When buying on eBay, keep in mind that the prices will vary from seller to seller. I’ve found many steals on games by stalking the “ending soon” search filter and staying up late to win those late-night auctions. Know two things before going in to eBay as a buyer. Bidding wars are dangerous. You could end up bidding more than you wanted to pay and more than the item is actually worth. Also, there is no guarantee that games you buy on eBay will work. Make sure that the seller has good feedback before bidding.
Don’t forget to use the ebates cash-back site and receive cash back on all of your purchases.
3. Craigslist
Craigslist is a local classified ad website that allows users to post ads for items they are selling.
Video games can be difficult to sell on Craigslist, because the buyer would have to come out to pick up the item(s) from you. If you only have one game worth $5, a buyer isn’t going to want to drive out to you when they can just purchase it online for the same price. However, buyers love buying games in lots. If you have a bunch of games, let the buyer know exactly what games you have and give them a price for the lot. Whether you decide to separate the games by request is your choice. I prefer not to because it’s a lot of work updating the listing every time you sell a game.
Be very careful when buying on Craigslist. You never know who you are going to get when you meet up with the stranger for your item. Always bring a friend with you for safety. Safety matters aside, make sure to test the item out before handing over the money, because unlike eBay, Craigslist doesn’t have a rating system, making it easier to scam buyers like you.
4. Yard Sale
Yard sales are my last resort for selling games, because this group of buyers isn’t usually the type who would pay $10 for a game disc.
I do, however, love buying games from yard sales, as I can usually get them dirt cheap. The hosts of the yard sale are usually just trying to get rid of stuff, so if you give them an offer on an item or group of items, they will usually accept or counter-offer. I’ve gotten games for $0.25 apiece before!
All in all, buying video games doesn’t have to be as expensive as many think it is. By utilizing the resources I have provided you, you can easily renew your collection without breaking the bank.
*Site has since been updated and works like a charm.
Previously published on The Dollar Stretcher.
