The market for board games has been thriving in recent years, with both new releases and pre-owned games filling shelves and online marketplaces. Many people find themselves with games they no longer play—whether it’s because their interests have shifted, or they simply have too many games in their collection. Selling these games offers an excellent solution for those looking to declutter their homes and make some extra money.

The process of selling used board games can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a great way to repurpose items that no longer bring you joy while helping others build their own collections. Moreover, selling board games doesn’t just benefit the seller; it also provides an opportunity for buyers to find new games at a lower cost. Whether you’re looking to make room for new additions to your collection or simply want to get rid of unused games, selling can be a win-win situation.

Knowing where to sell board games is the first step in maximizing your selling experience. While there are several options for selling used games, each platform has its own set of benefits and challenges. From online marketplaces to local game stores, choosing the right place to sell your games depends on your preferences for ease, speed, and potential earnings.

In this article, we’ll explore different platforms and stores where you can sell your board games, including online marketplaces, local stores, and even direct sales opportunities. With the right approach, you can find a suitable buyer and earn money for your unused games.

Online Marketplaces: Expanding Your Reach

Online marketplaces provide a wide-reaching platform for selling board games, offering the chance to connect with buyers far beyond your local area. Selling online allows you to reach a broader audience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to sell games that are more niche or rare. Additionally, the ease of listing games from the comfort of your home makes these platforms a convenient option for sellers.

When considering where to sell board games, several popular online platforms come to mind:

• eBay: One of the most well-known platforms for buying and selling items, eBay allows you to auction or set a fixed price for your games. The platform’s extensive reach means you can potentially sell to buyers around the world.
• Facebook Marketplace: This platform lets you list items for sale locally, making it ideal for quick sales without having to deal with shipping. It also allows you to communicate directly with buyers.
• BoardGameGeek Marketplace: BoardGameGeek is a dedicated board game community where users can buy, sell, and trade games. It is specifically tailored to board game enthusiasts, so it’s a great place for more collectible or niche games.

Each of these online platforms has its own advantages. For example, eBay offers a vast global audience, but it does come with fees, and the auction format can mean a longer wait for a sale. On the other hand, Facebook Marketplace allows for a more direct transaction with no fees, but it’s typically more localized, limiting your reach to nearby buyers. BoardGameGeek Marketplace is perfect for those looking to target serious board game collectors, but the audience is smaller than the general market.

When choosing the right online platform, it’s important to consider the type of game you’re selling, your desired selling price, and how much effort you want to put into managing the sale.

Local Game Stores: Supporting Community Businesses

Selling your board games to local game stores is another excellent option for those who want a quick and hassle-free transaction. Local stores often purchase used board games to resell them to customers, making it a great way to support small businesses while getting immediate compensation for your games.

One of the main advantages of selling to a local game store is the immediacy of the transaction. Unlike online platforms, which may involve waiting for buyers and shipping the games, selling to a local store allows you to receive payment or store credit on the spot. If you’re a regular customer, store credit can also be a great way to reinvest in new games you’re interested in purchasing.

Additionally, by selling to a local game store, you’re contributing to the growth of the community gaming scene. Many small game stores offer a space for gamers to meet, play, and engage with each other, making them hubs for local board game communities. Supporting these stores helps sustain their business and fosters a space for board game enthusiasts to connect.

However, selling to local stores does have its limitations. Not all stores will buy every game, and the prices they offer can be lower than what you might receive online. Local stores usually look for games in good condition, preferably with all the original pieces, and may have limited space, meaning they might only accept certain popular titles or in-demand games.

To get the most from selling to a local store, call ahead to ask about their buying policies and ensure that they accept the games you wish to sell. It’s also important to bring your games in clean, presentable condition, as stores are more likely to purchase games that appear well cared for.

Selling board games to local stores is a great option for those who prefer quick, straightforward transactions. Whether you choose to accept cash or store credit, it’s an efficient way to part with your games and support the local business community.

Online Board Game Retailers: Specialized Buying Services

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to sell your board games and don’t mind shipping them, specialized online retailers are another great option. Websites like BoardGameCo and Noble Knight Games specialize in buying used games and reselling them to collectors, enthusiasts, and gamers.

These retailers make it easy to sell your games by providing clear instructions on how to request a quote, send in your games, and get paid. They typically offer competitive prices, but these will depend on the condition of your games and their demand in the market. For example, if you have rare or out-of-print games, these retailers may offer you a higher price than a general platform like eBay.

One of the biggest advantages of selling to specialized retailers is the streamlined process. After submitting your games online, they will usually provide a quote based on the condition and demand of the items. Once you agree to the offer, you send the games in, and once they are processed, you will receive payment, often via check or PayPal.

However, there are some downsides to consider. While these retailers may offer better prices than a local store, they often charge for shipping costs, which can eat into your profits. Also, if you’re hoping for a quick sale or cash on the spot, this process can take several days or even weeks, depending on how quickly the retailer processes the games.

Here’s a table comparing two popular online retailers for used board games:

Retailer	Buyback Process	Payment Method	Shipping Costs	Types of Games Accepted
BoardGameCo	Submit quote request online, ship games	PayPal, check	Free shipping on orders over $50	All popular games, rare games, out-of-print games
Noble Knight Games	Send in games for evaluation, receive quote	PayPal, store credit	Buyer pays shipping	Collectible games, limited editions, card games

These specialized retailers are excellent for those who are looking to sell games they no longer need but want to avoid the complications of dealing with individual buyers. Although you may not get the highest possible price, these platforms ensure that the transaction is smooth and professional.

When deciding where to sell board games, consider the ease and security of using specialized retailers. If you have high-quality or rare games, these retailers can help you get a fair price for them.

Flea Markets and Garage Sales: Direct Sales Opportunities

If you’re looking to sell your board games locally and avoid the hassles of shipping, flea markets and garage sales are great options. These settings provide a more personal approach to selling, where you can engage directly with potential buyers. Not only do these options save you the time and expense of shipping, but they also offer flexibility in terms of pricing and negotiation.

• No Shipping Costs: You can avoid paying for shipping or dealing with shipping delays.
• Immediate Payment: Get paid on the spot, either in cash or through mobile payment systems like Venmo or PayPal.
• Negotiation Flexibility: You have the opportunity to set your price and negotiate directly with buyers, potentially increasing your earnings.
• Local Reach: You can sell games to people in your community, avoiding competition from online platforms.

The main advantage of selling board games at flea markets or garage sales is the lack of fees—both for listing your games and for taking a percentage of the sale price. However, this also means that the audience is smaller, and you might not sell every game. For garage sales, the success largely depends on the amount of foot traffic in your area and your marketing efforts (e.g., signage, online announcements).

Additionally, flea markets and garage sales allow for a more hands-on experience. You can interact with potential buyers, answer their questions, and explain the games’ features and value, which might be harder to do in an online setting.

While it may require more time and effort to organize a garage sale or set up a booth at a flea market, it can be a great way to sell games directly to buyers. Just be sure to set fair prices, have your games in good condition, and be prepared to negotiate with interested parties.

Online Classifieds: Local Selling Options

When you’re looking to sell your board games locally, online classifieds such as Craigslist and OfferUp are convenient platforms that allow you to connect directly with buyers in your area. These platforms make it easy to list your games, and the lack of shipping fees means you can avoid the hassle and expense of mailing your items.

One of the biggest advantages of using online classifieds is the local nature of the transactions. Since the buyers are nearby, you can arrange to meet in person and exchange your game directly, ensuring an immediate payment. This is perfect for sellers who are looking to make quick sales without waiting for shipments to be processed.

These platforms also allow you to set your own price, giving you more control over the sale. You can list your board games at competitive prices to attract buyers, and you can also negotiate with interested parties, which might help you close a deal faster.

However, there are some important safety precautions to consider when meeting with buyers in person. Always choose a public, well-lit location to complete the transaction, such as a coffee shop, a community center, or a local library. Many platforms, like Craigslist, also have transaction-safe zones specifically designed to facilitate in-person exchanges in public places.

In addition, make sure that you’ve clearly described the condition of your games in your listing. Be honest about any wear and tear, missing pieces, or damaged boxes, as full disclosure will help avoid misunderstandings with potential buyers.

While online classifieds may not offer the broad reach of online marketplaces like eBay, they provide the convenience of local transactions without the need for shipping. If you’re looking to sell quickly and efficiently, these platforms are an excellent choice for finding buyers who live nearby.

Conclusion

The best place to sell your board games depends on your personal preferences and goals. If you’re looking for a quick, local transaction without dealing with shipping, online classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great options. For those who want to reach a larger audience, online marketplaces like eBay provide the opportunity to connect with buyers from around the world, although shipping and fees may be involved.

Local game stores and specialized online retailers like BoardGameCo or Noble Knight Games offer streamlined processes with competitive offers, particularly for high-demand or rare games. While these options may take a bit longer than selling locally, they provide the benefit of easy transactions and a direct path to game collectors.

Flea markets and garage sales also provide an opportunity for direct sales, where you can negotiate prices and connect personally with buyers, but they require more effort in terms of setup and marketing.

Ultimately, where to sell board games depends on your priorities: whether you value convenience, immediate payment, or a larger pool of buyers. By considering the pros and cons of each option, you can choose the platform that works best for you and ensures a successful sale.