You’ve got a collection of old video games gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. Those might just be a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Selling your unwanted games online is easier than ever, and there’s real money to be made. This guide will show you how to sort through your stash and pick out the most valuable titles, get them cleaned up and looking their best, take great photos and write compelling descriptions, choose the right sales platforms to list them on, set fair prices, safely pack and ship your items, and provide top-notch customer service. Soon you’ll be sitting back watching your PayPal balance grow as eager retro gamers snatch up those vintage cartridges and discs. Turn your idle childhood nostalgia into cold, hard cash with just a little effort by selling video games online.
How to Get Started Selling Video Games Online
Do your research
First, you need to determine which video game marketplaces are the best for sellers. The major options are eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. Check out the fees, rules, and requirements for each to determine what works for you. You’ll also want to research the going rates for the games you want to sell so you can price them competitively.
Gather your inventory
Next, go through your collection and pull out the video games you no longer play. Make sure the discs are in good, working condition and that you have all necessary manuals, cases, and accessories. Price each item based on its condition and the current market price.
Take high-quality photos
Once you have everything gathered, take photos of each item from multiple angles. Clear, well-lit photos will make your listings much more appealing to buyers. For the best results, use a digital camera or recent smartphone.
Write engaging listings
Next, you need to write listings for each item that accurately describe the condition and contents, as well as highlight features and benefits to entice buyers. Keep your writing concise yet compelling. Mention the title, platform, rating, and genre. Close each listing with a clear call-to-action, like “Bid now!” or “Buy It Now!”.
Choose a selling format
Decide whether you want to sell items through fixed-price listings, auctions, or a combination of both. Auctions typically yield higher selling prices but fixed-price listings are more convenient. Consider your needs and the types of games you’re selling.
Market your listings
Once your listings are live, promote them on video game forums and through social media to increase views and bids. Engage with interested buyers and build their excitement to convert sales! With some patience and persistence, you’ll be making sales in no time.
Tips for Writing Compelling Listings That Sell
Focus on the Item Condition and Details
You’ll want to be upfront and honest about the condition of your games. Mention any scratches, water damage or other flaws, and take photos showing all sides of the disc or cartridge. List the game’s title, platform, and rating. For collectible games, note the edition and include photos of any manuals or other inserts.
Highlight the Fun Factor
Rather than just listing specs, convey the overall gaming experience. Mention memorable characters, levels or missions to tap into nostalgia for classic titles. For newer games, discuss immersive worlds, engaging combat systems or puzzles that challenge the player. Help the buyer visualize hours of entertainment.
Price According to the Market
Do some research on completed listings for the same game in the same condition. You want to price competitively based on the current market value. For rare, collectible games, you have more flexibility to start with a higher price, but still keep an eye on what buyers have recently paid. Be willing to accept reasonable offers, especially for common games.
Keep Your Listing Active
Bump your listing to the top of the page regularly by relisting the item before the current one expires. This keeps your game in front of buyers and encourages more bids and offers. You can also relist at a lower price if the current one isn’t generating much interest. Relisting is free, so you have nothing to lose.
Offer Free Shipping
Consider offering free shipping, especially for lower-priced games. Free shipping is appealing to buyers and allows you to charge a higher price. You’ll need to weigh the shipping costs versus the final selling price to make sure you still make a good profit. For high-value games, you can charge for shipping, but keep the fees reasonable.
With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to selling your used video games at the best prices. Happy selling!
Common Questions About Selling Video Games Online FAQ
Selling used video games online is a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash, but it can also bring up a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs from beginner sellers.
What platforms should I sell on?
The top sites for selling used video games are eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. eBay has the largest audience but charges seller fees. Craigslist is free but more risky. Facebook Marketplace is easy to use and popular but also has some risks. Consider listing on multiple platforms to maximize your reach.
How should I price the games?
Check completed listings for the same game in the same condition on your selling platform to determine a competitive price. As a general rule, price games at around 30-50% off the current retail price. Be willing to negotiate to make a sale.
Should I offer free shipping?
Offering free shipping, even if you have to adjust the price a bit, can make your listings more attractive to buyers. You’ll want to weigh the trade-off of a lower price vs. paying for shipping out of your own pocket. If you do charge for shipping, keep it as low as possible, around $3-$5.
How do I safely complete transactions?
Always meet buyers and sellers in a public place, like a coffee shop. For shipping, use a carrier that provides tracking and insurance, in case the game gets lost or damaged. Only accept secure payment methods, such as PayPal, credit cards, or wire transfers. Never complete a transaction with cash, checks, or money orders to avoid fraud.
By addressing these common questions upfront, you’ll feel more confident about selling your used video games online. Let buyers know you’re an experienced seller who takes transactions seriously. With some patience, you’ll find buyers and earn money from your old games.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to get started selling your video games online. It may seem daunting at first, but take it one step at a time. List your games, take some good photos, write solid descriptions, price competitively, and provide great customer service. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving little video game business! Remember to stay organized, communicate with buyers, and learn as you go. Selling online has its challenges but can also be extremely rewarding, both financially and as a learning experience. Approach it with passion for gaming and an excitement to engage fellow enthusiasts. With a bit of effort and patience, you’ll be on your way to video game selling success in no time!
