How To Sell & Ship Video Games On eBay (Full Guide!)

Sell Video Games on Ebay
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Ever wondered how to sell and ship video games on eBay?

You may be surprised to know that there’s a market for used video games.

In fact, many people are willing to pay top dollar for popular games that they can’t find in stores.

If you have some old games gathering dust on your shelf, why not sell them on eBay?

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the process and provide a full guide on how to do it.

Why eBay?

eBay is a popular online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell a variety of items. One of the most popular categories on eBay is video games.

Video games are something, that people of all ages and backgrounds love playing.

eBay is a great platform for selling it gives you access to a huge audience of active buyers.

There’s demand for both new and retro games across various consoles and platforms.

Retro Video Games

But you need to take the proper steps to research about in-demand video games, set up your seller profile, write compelling listings, ship items securely, and provide great service to buyers.

Listing items on eBay is quick and easy, and you can reach a global audience with your listings.

With millions of active buyers, chances are good that you will find a buyer for your old video games.

How Much Can You Make Selling Video Games On Ebay?

Selling video games on eBay can generate some nice extra income if you go about it strategically.

The amount you can make will depend on factors like the games or consoles you’re selling, quantities, condition, and your selling practices.

For example, a common Xbox One title like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 will go for around $7-15 used on eBay.

Call Of Duty Black Ops 3

On the other hand, a rare game cartridge like Mighty Final Fight for NES will easily sell for more than $300.

Mighty Final FIght

So as you can see the more in-demand retro and vintage games can bring much higher prices.

Similarly, retro consoles like the Nintendo NES, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation 1 are hard to find and therefor can easily go for prices on eBay.

Prices vary widely based on console condition, included components (controllers, cables, etc.), and if the original box is present.

Here are some typical selling prices:

Item NameUsual Price on eBay
NES Bundle (with some games)$100-$200
Nintendo 64$80-$150
Sega Genesis$100-$200
Sony PS 1$70 -$120
Sony PS 2$140 to $200
Sony PS3Around $200
Average Selling PRices Of DIfferent Concoles on eBay

Other accessories like console cables, memory cards, and strategy guides can sell for $5 to $20 each depending on the item and condition.

Let’s walk through some realistic math to demonstrate a monthly earnings potential of over $2,000:

  • Sell 25 used PS4, Xbox One, and Switch games at an average sale price of $20. After 10% eBay fees and 3% PayPal fees, the net profit on each is ~$17.
    25 games x $17 profit = $425
  • Sell 5 retro console bundles – NES, SNES, N64, PS1, Xbox 360. Include controllers, cables, some games. Average bundle price $150. With fees, net around $130 profit on each.
    5 bundles x $130 profit = $650
  • Sell assorted controllers, cables, memory cards in lots of 5-10 items. Estimate average lot sells for $40. Net profit after fees ~$35 per lot.
    Sell 10 accessory lots = 10 x $35 = $350
  • Sell 15 rare retro games individually (Zelda, Mario, Donkey Kong, etc). Average price $60. Net profit around $50 each after fees.
    15 games x $50 profit = $750

Total monthly profit = $425 + $650 + $350 + $750 = $2,175

This is an achievable scenario selling a mix of around 100 items, watch the below video by Adrian Adler where he shows how he has earned over $4,000 in 1 week just by selling video games on eBay.

Here are 5 key takeaways from the video:

  • Adrian made over $2,300 in profit after fees and shipping from $4,700 in sales
  • He sold a variety of retro games like N64, PS2, GameCube
  • He bought an Oculus Rift for $100 and quickly resold it for $190-$200
  • Some consoles like DS and PS1 he got for free and resold
  • He doubled up profit on Nintendo Switch games by buying at $25 and selling at $45-$50

The Do’s Of Selling Video Games On eBay

When it comes to selling video games on eBay, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to get the most out of it.

Nintendo WII

Here are some best practices that you should follow when selling video games on eBay:

  • Do thoroughly test games before listing and note any defects. Be fully transparent about condition issues.
  • Do include high-quality photos showing the actual item from multiple angles. Avoid stock images.
  • Do price competitively based on market value and condition. Check completed listings for pricing guidance.
  • Do ship fast with tracking and delivery confirmation. Quick shipping and communication gets positive feedback.
  • Do offer returns and partial refunds if reasonable. This can resolve issues before negative reviews.

The Don’ts Of Selling Video Games On eBay

Here are the things that you should never do on eBay as a video game seller:

Nintendo Wii console
  • Don’t exaggerate or lie about the condition. Disappointed buyers can open claims or leave bad feedback.
  • Don’t use misleading or overly promotional language in listings. Stick to factual descriptions.
  • Don’t sell pirated copies or untested games. eBay strictly prohibits counterfeits.
  • Don’t ship without tracking information. You’ll have no delivery proof if a buyer claims it’s lost.
  • Don’t leave negative feedback for buyers unless absolutely warranted. Retaliation feedback can hurt ratings.

How To Sell Video Games On eBay (Step By Step)

Here are some steps that you can follow to start selling video games online on eBay.

1. Create your eBay Seller Account

The first step is an easy one: create an eBay account if you don’t already have one. It’s completely free to sign up for a basic seller account.

Sell on eBay

This allows you to list items, sell to buyers, track sales, and withdraw earnings.

You’ll also need to connect a PayPal account to receive payments. When an item sells, the buyer will pay through PayPal, which keeps financial info secure.

Pro tip

Use a dedicated PayPal just for online sales – keep everything separate for taxes!

Once your accounts are good to go, it’s time to set up a little workspace…

2. Setup Workspace/Studio (For Taking Pics)

To sell items online, you need visually appealing photos, especially in competitive categories like video games.

You can set up a simple photo workspace at home using a white poster board background attached to a wall.

This provides a clean, consistent look for all your game photos. Any well-lit, clutter-free area will work.

Here are some product photography tips that will come handy:

  • Take photos of the front, back, and inside of the case. Show the game consoles, discs, original boxes, and manuals if included.
  • Multiple angles give a comprehensive view. Take more pics rather than fewer.
  • Show any wear, defects or damage. Don’t hide anything to avoid returns.
  • For special editions, photograph everything in the box – discs, maps, extras. This builds value.
  • Use natural lighting and avoid shadows or blur. Get close and focus.
  • Edit brightness/contrast on eBay to pure white background. This makes the colors pop!

Clear, well-composed photos build buyer trust and confidence. Skimping here can really hurt sales.

Now let’s move on to the fun part – getting your games eBay ready!

3. Creating the Best Video Game Listing

Listing title and description is your best friend when it comes to promoting your listings organically on eBay.

A compelling title and description will improve your SEO, increase your reach and attract eager buyers.

Perfect Video Game Listing on eBay
A Perfectly Created Game Listing By an eBay Seller

How to Write Attractive eBay Listing Title

The listing title especially is your first chance to catch buyers’ eyes. Include key details:

  • Full game name and platform – Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch, etc.
  • Regional compatibility – North American version, Japanese import, etc.
  • For rare games, add “Rare” or “Hard to Find.”

You have just 55 characters for the title, so be concise. The goal is getting found in buyer searches!

How to Write Attractive eBay Listing Description

The listing description fleshes out all the item details. Be sure to include:

  • Condition – specify if used/pre-owned and any defects. Never exaggerate here!
  • What’s included – game, case, manual, etc. Note if anything’s missing or damaged.
  • Tested and working? This gives buyers confidence to purchase.
  • Shipping and return policy – highlight conveniences like free shipping or hassle-free returns.
  • Payment and shipping timeline – when payment is expected and estimated delivery.

Treat it like a sales page, focusing on info important to buyers. Now let’s talk pricing…

4: Pricing Your Games Correctly

Now how much should you charge for your games?

I suggest you check completed eBay listings for the same game.

Search for the same game name on eBay

Filter the results by “Sold Listings” to see for how much the particular item has sold for recently.

Aim to price competitively based on condition.

Undercut to move items faster, or price higher for rare/sealed games.

Ending prices at $.97 looks more attractive than round dollars.

For eg: $24.97 will look more attractive than $25.00

5: Package Your Video Game Properly

When you start getting orders for your video games, you need to make sure that you pack everything properly

How to ship video games properly?

First, find a sturdy box that is the right size for the game. You don’t want the game bouncing around inside the box during shipping.

Second, wrap the game in bubble wrap or another protective material. This will help keep it safe from bumps and scratches during shipping.

Third, include any manuals or other materials that came with the game originally. These can be helpful to the new owner and add value to the sale.

Fourth, make sure you include all necessary cables and accessories with the game.

Packaging & Shipping Tips For Selling Video Games On eBay

When you’re shipping games on eBay, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure your games arrive safely and undamaged. Here are a few shipping tips for selling video games on eBay:

1. Use a Sturdy Box – You want to make sure your games are well-protected during shipping, so use a strong box that won’t easily collapse or get crushed.

2. Wrap Each Game Individually – To further protect your games, wrap each one individually in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing them in the box. This will help cushion them and prevent them from moving around too much during transit.

3. Fill Empty Space With Packing Material – Once you’ve placed all of your wrapped games in the box, fill any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent the games from shifting during shipping.

4. Choose a Safe & Fast Shipping Method – When selling video games on eBay, it is important to choose a shipping method that will get the product to the buyer quickly and safely. One option is to use a shipping service like UPS or FedEx. These companies offer reliable service and can deliver your items quickly.

Best Places to Source Video Games For Your eBay Store

The real key to making bank selling games on eBay is finding inventory at a low cost.

Here are some best places where you can get gaming consoles, discs, and accessories at a fraction of their cost (and sometimes free):

  • Facebook Marketplace – search locally every morning for new listings. Move quick on big lots and rare games.
  • Thrift stores – check frequently for hidden gems. Look for valuables mixed in with commons.
  • Garage and yard sales – early birds get the goods! Ask if they have games stashed away somewhere.
  • OfferUp and Craigslist – use alerts and instant notifications to jump on deals.
  • r/GameSale and r/GameSwap – buy, sell and trade rare finds with fellow Reddit collectors (stay away from scammers).

With these sourcing strategies, you can build a huge eBay inventory in no time!

FAQ on How To Sell Video Games on eBay

Here are some frequently asked questions on selling video games on ebay

Does eBay sell video games?

Yes, sellers on eBay sell both new and pre-owned video games.
From retro consoles like NES, Nintendo DS, and N64 to the latest consoles like PS4 pro, PS5, etc. You will find all types of gaming stuff on eBay.

How much does it cost to sell video games on eBay?

There is no initial cost of creating a seller account on eBay but you have to pay eBay fees whenever someone buys anything from your store.

According to eBay, the fees in the video games category are around 13.25% + $0.30 per order.

Can I sell pre-owned games on eBay?

Yes, you can sell pre-owned games on eBay but make sure to describe it’s condition accurately. Mention whether it is working or not, if it has any scratches, how old it is, if it has the original box or not, etc.

Final Words

Selling video games on eBay can be a great side hobby or income stream if you follow some key strategies covered in this guide.

By optimizing your seller profile, writing detailed listings, pricing competitively, shipping securely, and providing excellent service, you can build a successful eBay video game business.

The most important things are to accurately describe condition, take clear photos, respond to buyers promptly, and pack orders carefully.

Let me know if you have any other questions as you get started selling your games!

I’m always happy to provide more advice to fellow gamers.

Please leave a comment below if you found this overview helpful. And feel free to share with other game collectors looking to sell on eBay.

Happy selling!

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