[for sale] Bulk load of vintage video games

[DalekSec]

This is a 2 part post,

 

My other halfs previous partner (who sadly passed away), has left her with a room full of video games and memorabilia. Worth several thousand £££.

 

Firstly, does anyone know a quick and easy way to sell all these in one go? We are talking 6 cabinets full of games form NES to Xbox One etc. I'm not a retro gamer so unsure what it's worth and don't want her to be ripped off.

 

Secondly, if anyone is interested or knows of someone who will be feel free to DM me and I can send pictures of the collection! Willing to spilt it into chunks if needed if only want PS2 games or whatever, prefer not to do it one per game as will take forever!

[synaesthesia]

Best bet would be to auction off - retro gaming is huge these days (into it myself but as I'm broke, my collection is a few old machines and a load of SD cards full of roms). Really are best off sorting into each type though, so that way there are bidding wars over people who actually want the whole lot rather than buying bulk just because of one small section which will limit your chances.

[DalekSec]

Did think this, would eBay be the best shout? Or is there an Auctioneers that more retro game focused?

[synaesthesia]

I would avoid ebay like the plague these days. Go for a real auctioneer, there are indeed plenty that specialise in that. Our local auctioneer isn't a specialist but more often than not retro machines and games do go for a large amount, so other larger auctioneers (usually ones that have certain types of auctions on certain days) will easily get a lot more interest as people will be specifically looking for that.

[Warwick_Tech]

Hi DalekSec,

 

First up really sorry for your loss -

 

If you have any pictures I'd be happy to take a look and see if I can help seperate the wheat from the chaff (also looking for myself tbh! as my collection is 90% complete I'm only looking for oddities and gaps)

 

I think your best bet is to seperate bits out, find the key gems and then the more common items and consoles etc. can be bundled.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Edit:

 

Also remember charity shops will now setup ebay autions online, though they will take a large share of the money it might be nice depending on the charity you want to give to?

Edited September 28, 2021 by Warwick_Tech

[DalekSec]

Thanks both,

 

Will get the pictures this afternoon, all the money from the sales is going to their daughter. So just don't want to be ripped off!

 

Does anyone know of any auctioneers that might do it? Think we are set with the idea of splitting the lot up now. Definitely need to inventory them! Might have to look to see if he did inventory them himself.

[Warwick_Tech]

Thanks both,

 

Will get the pictures this afternoon, all the money from the sales is going to their daughter. So just don't want to be ripped off!

 

Does anyone know of any auctioneers that might do it? Think we are set with the idea of splitting the lot up now. Definitely need to inventory them! Might have to look to see if he did inventory them himself.

 

Agreed, the retro market is an odd one, I've found the bottom has definitely fallen out the market - Buyers want to pay peanuts, but collectors will hold onto bits for ridiculous prices.

 

Generally -

 

* Split the manufacturers/systems - Sega, Nintendo, Atari etc.

* Identify steelbooks, special editions and basic plastic

* Identify missing parts, IE instruction manuals etc - Generally cardboard sleeve games are more sought after than plastic as they are less likely to be in good condition

* Beware stickers/residue and sunlight/UV damage, you can tell by yellowing of the plastic

* Check regions carefully, not eveything is PAL

* Check models carefully, I realised recently there was a second WII model between the launch and mini that had removed Gamecube compatability

* Look for brands still going today that are for older systems - Megaman, Castlevania etc.

* Check battery backups in some cartridges still work as this makes them more sought after (pokemon, sonic 3, Mario all-stars etc.)

[synaesthesia]

Ah yes - some very good points there. Do also provide details of the year and be prepared to be asked for serial numbers - this may provide information to the buyer like what revision mainboard is inside.

And with batteries, particularly on very old stuff they can leak and literally eat through PCBs like it was nothing, so check for residue on cartridge connectors and around any machines you have.

[Dos_Box]

I would avoid ebay like the plague these days. Go for a real auctioneer, there are indeed plenty that specialise in that. Our local auctioneer isn't a specialist but more often than not retro machines and games do go for a large amount, so other larger auctioneers (usually ones that have certain types of auctions on certain days) will easily get a lot more interest as people will be specifically looking for that.

 

I'd be wary of professional auctions as I often look at a local house that streams their auctions and boxes of games do not go for very much (I see reserves of £20 - £40 for almost all) and they often don't sell for the upper limit.

My advice would be to price them up, sell the expensive ones (Facebook Marketplace is a good place to do this without incurring fees) and keep the ones that could be future classics and put them in the attic.

This lot went for a mere £30! - https://www.warrenandwignall.co.uk/catalogue/lots/1B4B4A3FAEB609659D8853F60E243C1FA8608F3E9995C609AB9D975DA8F3F835/2A29640469B1A3702BD4742F312B842A/collectors-sale-including-toys-musical-scientific-in-lot-40/?d&searchTerm=computer%20games

[Warwick_Tech]

I'd be wary of professional auctions as I often look at a local house that streams their auctions and boxes of games do not go for very much (I see reserves of £20 - £40 for almost all) and they often don't sell for the upper limit.

My advice would be to price them up, sell the expensive ones (Facebook Marketplace is a good place to do this without incurring fees) and keep the ones that could be future classics and put them in the attic.

This lot went for a mere £30! - https://www.warrenandwignall.co.uk/catalogue/lots/1B4B4A3FAEB609659D8853F60E243C1FA8608F3E9995C609AB9D975DA8F3F835/2A29640469B1A3702BD4742F312B842A/collectors-sale-including-toys-musical-scientific-in-lot-40/?d&searchTerm=computer%20games

 

To be honest the only thing worth anything there is the demo disc (ironically) and maybe the promo copy of King Kong but the rest is real shovelware

[Ditto]

I'm sure there is a local retro gaming retailer near me but I can't track it right now, but another based in Slough is https://retroexchange.co.uk/ - I dunno how near Slough is to Skaro, but I know which one is more appealing! You might not get the very best price at a local specialist, but they tend to be reasonable (better than CEX) and it might make for a bit less work if they are willing to take the lot in one go. I'm also happy to review photos if you wish to PM, but others are probably more expert than me - I'm more familiar 1981 - 1989ish era.

[round2it]

Photos for me too ,retro is really good at the moment, EG Mario party 4 and 5 on the game cube go for 25-35 each (charity shop specials) so the money can add up really guickly.

 

 

Anything Mario,Zelda,Silenthill pokemon are worth separating as they go for good money.

 

although this site is american and a little out of date you can get an idea of any little gems you have

 

http://www.racketboy.com/guide/the-rarest-and-most-valuable-video-games

[flyinghaggis]

Depends how much effort you want to go to but I'd recommend going through the games and checking the buy/sell prices on the CEX website to find out which ones are more valuable and potentially worth selling separately yourself on eBay.

 

Happy to have a look if you send me a photo.

Edited September 28, 2021 by flyinghaggis

[Dos_Box]

The Retro Gamer Magazine forums may also be a good place to ask for values if unsure and they also have a forum to sell things in - https://forum.retrogamer.net

[DalekSec]

The Retro Gamer Magazine forums may also be a good place to ask for values if unsure and they also have a forum to sell things in - https://forum.retrogamer.net

 

Oh damn, thats not a bad shout thank you!

[DalekSec]

Have emailed the editor of Retro Games magazine, we really just want a 1 off sale for the lot. As she just wants them all gone so she can change the room into her daughters room.

[LincolnE]

You don't happen to have any photos perchance? Don't worry if not!