3 minutes reading time (535 words)

3 Tips to Successfully Sell Used Video Games Online

One of the major mistakes people make when they sell used video games is that they don’t see the forest for the trees. Most of the time folks are happy pocketing a quick couple of bucks on a sale, yet they don’t realize that the market for retro games is one that rakes in over $200 million per year.

And trust me, that cash isn’t coming in with only one and two-dollar transactions. There’s big money out there, but few amateur sellers actually know how to avoid being taken advantage of. The trick is knowledge, patience and fortitude. So with that in mind, here are some specifics ways to successfully sell used video games online.

Go for store credit as opposed to cold hard cash

On the one hand, cash in hand for a retro game is ideal—just not when it comes to selling to the big chains. Those who are selling their used discs or cartridges to Gamespot, for example, will always want to take store credit. This is for the simple reason that these bigger venues will often give you more in store credit than they will in cash. There’s also a way to finesse the process, and it involves waiting for any trade-in specials. These usually come on the heels of a next-gen console release. So keep your eye out—the next time Gamestop releases a new system, they’ll also likely be offering great deals on store credit in exchange for used games.

Consider Amazon

Selling used video games through Amazon.com isn’t going to net you much more than Gamestop (in fact, their prices are comparable). However this is the best option for those who want to unload video games without any hassles or headaches and who want an expedited process. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the house to sell video games through Amazon.com. Simply visit the homepage and go to the “trade-in” section of the site (you will need to be logged into your account in order to sell used games). Then search for the game you would like to sell, select it and print out the postage. Amazon.com offers free postage to those who are selling games online. Also, for every trade-in they add points to your account. So this is a nice solution for those who do a lot of shopping on Amazon.

Go private whenever possible

There are plenty of private buyers, as well as independent businesses like The Old School Game Vault, that are in the retro game-buying market. The alternative they offer to selling to the big chains is worth considering. Large corporations have firm profit margins they need to adhere to, and if they can get away with underpaying for a used game, they certainly will. For example, it’s not likely that the Gamespots of the world will give a seller $600 for a pristine copy of “Panzer Dragoon Saga.” However, a rabid retro game collector, or independent business proprietor, is more likely to recognize the value of such games and pay accordingly.

These are just a few ways to buy and sell used video games online successfully. By following the above guidelines, it’s possible to net hundreds or even thousands of dollars.