Buy used board games?

Question

Where can you buy/sell used board games, not including online websites? Im looking for a store similar to Game Stop. Any suggestions..

Answer 1

I don't think there is any wide-spread retail outlet that handles buying and selling used board games. It is possible that if you have a good local game store that they may handle some used trade, but that's probably going to be the extent of it. There are many complications with buying and selling used board games, not the least of which are condition and components. If you have some hot-ticket items in good condition (such as a Dark Tower, Fireball Island, Formula De tracks, etc.) a local game shop might take them off of your hands, but "chaff" like versions of Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, Pachisi and the like aren't going to get much of any attention.

As for buying used games, I have had success with thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Disabled American Veterans and the like, but they are very hit or miss. I have found some good things in my area, but they really differ by area and region. On the community website BoardGameGeek.com, there is a weekly list where users post what they found during the week which can serve as an idealized guide of what might be found at local thrifts. (Link to the most recent thrift list for Dec 23-29 http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/27437 )

Now, despite that you stated that you did not want to buy/sell using online websites (presumably eBay).. BoardGameGeek.com does actually run a marketplace that allows users to individually post games for sale; additionally, it has trading tools that facilitate trades among users. If you are looking for something in particular that is out of print, you may have some luck looking there. The same could be said if you are looking to sell some rare or out-of-print games, as the consumer market on BoardGameGeek is tailored to them.

Answer 2

I don't think board game sales are popular enough to create a store to sell used games. Other than some flea markets and garage sales. Most games would have missing pieces and or instructions, torn boxes and boards... The people who keep their games nice don't sell them, and the ones who don't end up in the condition stated above.

I know you didn't want online sites... but I think Ebay may be your best bet.

Answer 3

I haven't sold any board games, but I have bought new and used games from various vendors. Make sure the games have all the pieces and instructions.

Garage/rummage sales.
Flea markets.
Antique stores.
Dollar stores.
Half Price Books.

Half Price Books does buy used games but I don't know what price they pay.

Answer 4

I have never heard of a store that sells used board games but most cities have flea markets that open on the weekends and lots of them have at least one vendor that sells used games. Also pawn shops sometimes sell games. Also garage sells are a good place to look for the old games. Good luck finding what you are looking for.

Answer 5

Try a local game conventiion. A game convention usually has an auction and/or a flea market for the purpose of selling and trading old games. Most big cities and college towns have at least one annual game convention.

Answer 6

I used to get them at flea markets and garage sales, but now it's pretty much all eBay. I don't think you're going to find a brick and mortar store that does that (except for Goodwill maybe - my wife has found a few there from time to time).

Answer 7

Check your area for a consignment store. They may have some. Or you could try a salvation army store (they have mostly clothes and furniture) but they have other items as well.