Thoughts on whole-collection auctions with modded consoles

[HeseiG]

So, as the title suggests, I'm curious about your thoughts on "wholesale lots" of videogames on eBay.

For example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380331515986
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261025847801
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251061934535
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160798844257
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221020871344

Why, you ask? Well, I'm thinking of selling my own collection. It's not so complete as some of the stuff I see, and it's not really littered with rare items. I just have to make money, and I am not enjoying these games like I once did. They've been in storage for the better part of my time out of college (3 years).
I'm a collector of other things as well, and one of the things I always say is that your collection should be enjoyed. Don't sequester it to a single room that you have no reason to enter on a daily basis. Obviously, games are a bit different, but if you play every so often, I think you're good.

Behold, the other half of my "crazy."
http://bit.ly/KiOoMY

So I'm taking my own advice, and sending the games off to be appreciated... I hope.
It's not like I'll leave it altogether. I still have my PC, and modern consoles let you download retro games - either originals or updates.

But I wanted to get some input from this board first. I used to check the front page religiously for the latest hidden gems article, or the Game Rooms (damn, I love those), and I used to be a member here. Not sure if I ever contributed, or if I was just a lurker. So I couldn't remember the password or the email I used to register and blah blah blah...

I wanted some ideas just in general about whole-collection auctions, but also am really concerned about modded consoles and the like.

For instance, I bought a Saturn chip from this very site way back in the day, and was able to enjoy imports and backups of games I'd never normally get the chance to play. But is it okay to sell that? I mean, I would not sell backups or anything, but the modded consoles would definitely go.
Would it be better just to not say anything at all?

I was thinking that I just wouldn't list any backups I had, and just include them in the box with a note or something. I wouldn't try and take them into account on the expected value or anything, but I would want someone to enjoy them instead of being thrown out.

I have two Panasonic Q's - the second came with the special GBA Player. One of these has been modded to play regions free DVDs (I think) and import (US) games. Also has the English menu. Now, these were and still are sold like this, so I'd think it would be okay, just really not sure.

And finally, what do you all think about putting a reserve on an auction like this? I usually just do a Buy-It-Now or best offer for whatever I sell, and get it done quickly. But this is an entire collection, here. I can't force a BIN, but there are definitely prices I won't settle for.


Sorry to be asking on a first post, but I'm hoping the topic is interesting enough to give me a pass.

Actually, I do have another question. Anyone here do something like this? If so, any regret over time, or do you feel good about it?

[BoringSupreez]

Several of our members have done this sort of thing. Typically, the ones with humongous collections don't really regret it, but those with smaller ones (guys who actually play their games) do. Sometimes badly.

You look more like a dinosaur collector than a gamer to me, BTW.

Edit: also, how fast the collection was accumulated seems to be a factor as well. A collection that was built slowly over a decade or more, full of memories and sentimental value, is far more likely to be missed than one that was acquired in one month with lottery winnings.

[HeseiG]

Well, Godzilla, but yeah. I have always been a Godzilla fan, but it has gotten crazier now that I'm out of college. I have two jobs and was taking extra courses for a while, so I have not had time for games.

I will still take a weekend to play through the latest Nintendo game, and have played Portal 1 and 2 countless times, but the classic consoles are too much to have out... with all the Godzilla crap in the way.

In college, and as a kid, though, I was a gamer through and through. I played through most of my collection a second time in college... while on a recumbent bike - hey, I lost 20 lbs!


Happy to know that the big collectors feel good about it. I know there will be a bit of regret, but I have to be honest and say that I do not truly appreciate these games, especially with downloadable versions available.

EDIT: not happy with your edit! Much of this was built up since childhood. There are plenty of things that were purchased as a collector, but most of the stuff has sentimental value... getting worried.

[sevin0seven]

nice Godzilla collections. i remember when my dad bought me a huge godzilla toy when i was a kid. man i was all over it. rarrwrr

[Bikeage]

Unless you need the money for a kidnapping ransom or something urgent, break it up and sell it over time. Maybe group together some common games or a system package with the console and a few games if you want to just start getting rid of stuff, but my eyes just gloss over those expensive, large collection auctions. Plus, there's the whole hassle of shipping a large package and the possibility of a dispute over a large amount of money.

And you should totally disclose if your Saturn or anything else is modded. If anything it's a reason to ask more for it.

[Hobie-wan]

As stated, it depends. Some sell and regret, some sell and feel great relief. If you have memories of certain things, you might hold onto a few. Doing one huge lot is usually a pain and doesn't net as much money. Need to break into manageable chunks that more people can afford. if you decide to sell. On the modded ones, Just need to be careful the way you state them if selling on ebay. Saying modded with a 2000 or later console is likely to get it yanked as that mostly means it is for pirating. Now if you just say that a system can play US and J games, that should convey without irking ebay if you're going that route.

As for backups, ask any buyer if they want them included for free. Just remember it will increase shipping costs because of the weight and means you spend more time packing them. Give the buyer the choice.

You look more like a dinosaur collector than a gamer to me, BTW.

Dinosaur? DINOSAUR?!?

[retrosportsgamer]

Thanks for signing up in the forums - good first post.

[BoringSupreez]

You look more like a dinosaur collector than a gamer to me, BTW.

Dinosaur? DINOSAUR?!?

I did that just to tweak you Godzilla fans.

[HeseiG]

Interesting. Thanks for the input. I guess I'll do console-by-console lots, then. I'll be sure to note them as being capable of playing US and Japanese games.
Just need to pull all the systems, cables, and controllers out, now. Took out all the games and there are towers throughout the place, now. Set aside a few that I definitely will keep, those with the most sentimental value.

Despite dropping collecting, I hope to stick around on the boards. I really appreciate the welcome and the help!

[mjmjr25]

Stick around 2 weeks and try to sell 'em here first