How to sell your retro game collection in Ontario
List it free, price each game off recent sold prices, and decide per item whether to meet locally for cash or ship with escrow protection. Complete-in-box and sealed copies are worth notably more than loose carts or discs, so it pays to sort and photograph them properly before you list.
The steps
1. Price off sold, not asking
eBay's "sold items" filter shows what a title actually went for — the fastest, most honest read on value. Price-guide sites like PriceCharting are handy for a ballpark too. Asking prices tell you what people hope to get, not what things sell for.
2. Grade condition honestly — it's most of the value
Loose (just the cart or disc) is the floor; complete-in-box — game, box and manual — is worth meaningfully more; sealed is its own collector tier. Say exactly what's included; vague listings sell for less and cause disputes.
3. Photograph the real item
Use real photos of the actual copy, including any flaws. Honest photos build trust, sell faster, and cut "not as described" problems before they start.
4. Decide local vs shipped, per item
Local pickup is free and instant and lets the buyer inspect — great for common titles. Shipping widens your pool of buyers, which matters for rarer stuff. If you ship, pack well and use escrow so a lost or denied package doesn't fall on you. More on this in buying & selling safely.
5. Got a whole collection? Don't add them one at a time
You can paste a full list of games in at once instead of entering each by hand. Lead with your best and most complete pieces — those move first and build your seller reputation.
Questions
What's my old game collection worth?
Check recent sold prices for each title, and mind condition — complete-in-box and sealed copies are worth far more than loose. The exact title and variant matter too, so match yours precisely before pricing.
Is it worth shipping games, or should I just sell locally?
Local is free, instant and lets buyers inspect — ideal for common titles. Shipping reaches far more buyers, which is worth it for rarer or higher-value games. Use escrow on shipped sales so you're covered.
Where can I sell a collection in Northern Ontario?
List free on Vidsmark to reach local buyers in Greater Sudbury and, via escrow-protected shipping, buyers across Canada. Listing and local pickup are free; escrow sales carry a small seller fee.