Best Places to Sell Retro Games: Marketplace Comparison

Selling retro games requires choosing the right marketplace. This comprehensive comparison covers fees, authentication, seller protection, and platform features.

Marketplace Comparison

MainMarket.com

Best for: Authenticated games, collector-focused Pros:

• All games authenticated
• Collector community
• Secure escrow
• Lower fees
• Expert support

Cons:

• Smaller audience
• Authentication required

Fees: Competitive rates, lower than major platforms

eBay

Best for: Largest audience, auctions Pros:

• Massive audience
• Auction format
• Established platform
• International reach

Cons:

• Higher fees (10-15%)
• Risk of returns
• Competition
• Payment holds

Fees: 10-15% final value fee

Amazon Marketplace

Best for: Convenience, Prime shipping Pros:

• Large audience
• Prime shipping
• Easy listing
• Trusted platform

Cons:

• High fees (15%+)
• Strict policies
• Less collector-focused
• Competition

Fees: 15%+ referral fee

Selling Tips

Preparation

Before listing:

• Clean games - Professional appearance
• Test thoroughly - Verify functionality
• Take quality photos - Multiple angles
• Write detailed descriptions - Honest condition
• Research prices - Competitive pricing

Pricing Strategy

Consider:

• Market values
• Condition factors
• Completeness
• Rarity
• Demand

Listing Optimization

Effective listings include:

• Clear titles with keywords
• Detailed condition descriptions
• Multiple quality photos
• Honest condition assessment
• Competitive pricing

Seller Protection

Best Practices

Protect yourself:

• Use platform payment methods
• Document condition thoroughly
• Communicate clearly
• Ship with tracking
• Insure valuable items

Common Issues

Avoid problems:

• Returns and refunds
• Buyer disputes
• Shipping damage
• Payment holds
• Account restrictions

Detailed Fee Comparison

Fee Structures

MainMarket.com:

• Lower fees than major platforms
• Authentication included in fees
• No hidden costs
• Competitive rates for collectors

eBay:

• 10-15% final value fee
• Additional PayPal/processing fees
• Listing fees for some categories
• International fees extra

Amazon Marketplace:

• 15%+ referral fee
• Additional fulfillment fees (if using FBA)
• Storage fees for FBA
• Higher overall costs

Mercari:

• 10% selling fee
• Payment processing included
• Simpler fee structure
• Lower than eBay

Total Cost Analysis

For a $100 game:

• MainMarket.com: Lower fees, authentication included
• eBay: $10-15 + payment processing (~$3-5) = $13-20 total
• Amazon: $15+ + fulfillment fees (if FBA) = $20+ total
• Mercari: $10 total

Consider:

• Authentication value (MainMarket.com)
• Audience size (eBay, Amazon)
• Convenience (Amazon FBA)
• Total costs vs. net profit

Choosing the Right Marketplace

For High-Value Games ($100+)

Best Options:

• MainMarket.com - Authentication adds value, collector audience
• eBay - Large audience, auction format for rare games
• Specialized retro stores - Expert buyers, fair prices

Considerations:

• Authentication increases buyer confidence
• Collector-focused platforms command higher prices
• Security and protection important for valuable items

For Common Games ($20-$100)

Best Options:

• eBay - Largest audience, quick sales
• Mercari - Lower fees, mobile-friendly
• Facebook Marketplace - No fees, local sales
• MainMarket.com - Still good for authenticated common games

Considerations:

• Volume matters more than individual value
• Quick turnover important
• Lower fees help profitability

For Bulk Sales

Best Options:

• eBay - Bundle listings, large audience
• Local game stores - Quick cash, no shipping
• Facebook Marketplace - No fees, local pickup
• Retro gaming conventions - Direct sales, negotiation

Considerations:

• Convenience vs. profit
• Shipping costs for online sales
• Time investment for local sales

Seller Protection and Best Practices

Documentation

Essential Records:

• Photos before shipping (all angles)
• Condition descriptions
• Communication records
• Shipping documentation
• Tracking numbers
• Insurance receipts

Why Documentation Matters:

• Protects against false claims
• Proves condition at time of sale
• Supports dispute resolution
• Required for insurance claims

Shipping Best Practices

Packaging:

• Use appropriate box sizes
• Bubble wrap for protection
• Fill empty space
• Secure packaging tape
• "Fragile" labels for valuable items

Shipping Options:

• USPS Priority Mail - Good balance of speed and cost
• USPS First Class - Cheapest for lightweight items
• UPS/FedEx - Better tracking and insurance
• Signature confirmation - Recommended for items over $100

Insurance:

• Always insure items over $100
• Document package contents
• Keep receipts and tracking
• Understand claim process

Communication

Best Practices:

• Respond quickly to inquiries
• Be honest about condition
• Provide detailed descriptions
• Answer questions thoroughly
• Set clear expectations

What to Communicate:

• Exact condition and any issues
• Shipping timeframes
• Packaging methods
• Return policies
• Any special considerations

Common Selling Challenges

Returns and Refunds

Preventing Returns:

• Accurate condition descriptions
• Quality photos showing all angles
• Honest about any issues
• Clear communication
• Proper packaging

Handling Returns:

• Understand platform policies
• Document original condition
• Communicate professionally
• Process promptly
• Learn from experience

Buyer Disputes

Avoiding Disputes:

• Accurate listings
• Clear communication
• Proper packaging
• Timely shipping
• Professional service

Resolving Disputes:

• Stay professional
• Provide documentation
• Work with platform support
• Be willing to compromise
• Learn from issues

Payment Issues

Common Problems:

• Payment holds (eBay, Amazon)
• Delayed payments
• Chargebacks
• Payment method restrictions

Solutions:

• Build seller reputation
• Ship promptly
• Communicate clearly
• Use platform payment methods
• Understand policies

Maximizing Your Sales

Listing Optimization

Effective Titles:

• Include game name and console
• Mention condition (CIB, loose, sealed)
• Add key details (rare, complete)
• Use relevant keywords
• Keep concise but descriptive

Quality Photos:

• Multiple angles (front, back, sides)
• Close-ups of condition issues
• Good lighting
• Clear focus
• Show completeness (box, manual, inserts)

Detailed Descriptions:

• Accurate condition assessment
• List all included items
• Mention any issues honestly
• Include relevant details
• Use proper formatting

Pricing Strategy

Research First:

• Check recent sold listings
• Compare across platforms
• Factor in condition
• Consider completeness
• Account for fees

Pricing Approaches:

• Competitive pricing - Match or slightly below market
• Auction format - Let market determine price
• Best offer - Allow negotiation
• Bundle pricing - Discount for multiple items

Timing:

• Holiday seasons (higher demand)
• Avoid slow periods
• Consider market trends
• Factor in your timeline

Conclusion

Choosing the right marketplace for selling retro games depends on your priorities: value, audience size, fees, convenience, and protection. MainMarket.com excels for authenticated, high-value games with its collector-focused community and lower fees. eBay offers the largest audience and auction format for rare games. Amazon provides convenience but higher fees.

Regardless of platform, success comes from accurate listings, quality photos, honest descriptions, proper packaging, and professional communication. Focus on building your seller reputation, protecting yourself with documentation, and providing excellent service.

Remember: The best marketplace is the one that matches your priorities and helps you achieve your selling goals. Whether that's maximum profit, quick sales, convenience, or collector focus, choose platforms that align with your needs.

Start selling your retro games on MainMarket.com, where authentication and seller protection ensure smooth transactions. For more selling guidance, check out our complete guide to selling retro games.