Where to Buy

To start off, I’m sure everyone knows the benefits of online shopping. Cheaper, less stress, wider selection, the list goes on. However, I want to come out and say the importance of supporting your local game store or other boardgame enthusiasts. Boardgames at the end of the day are a niche hobby and local boardgame stores provide a safe haven events or people to learn more about it when they are just getting started. Local boardgame players are often selling their games (or trading!) which is a great way to catch some deals while meeting like-minded people.

Local Game Stores

Depending on your city size you may have one, multiple or none! Do a quick google search of “boardgame store” followed by your city and you should be populated with many different options. Many “boardgame stores” are actually tailored more specifically for trading card games (Yugioh, Pokemon, Magic, etc.) however, will include usually a selection of boardgames as well. Some stores (like my home store Funagain Games) Sell primarily boardgames along with hosting weekly event nights to play boardgame nights usually in a parlor. Local game stores are the backbone for this hobby, so even spending the researching online to find your particular boardgame only to go into the store to purchase it really helps the entire scene and gives money back to those who are passionate as well.

Used & Trades

On a variety of websites (some a bit more reputable than others), you can find people selling their boardgames. These games could be used or even brand new — I’ve been a victim of buying boardgames only for them to sit on the shelf! If you are buying from other boardgame enthusiasts, its likely the boardgame was kept in nice condition and may even include extra bonuses that the previous owner added to the game! When I sold one of my games, I left on all the card sleeves so the next person could use them.

Websites

We’ve all done it, ordered something from Amazon because it was easier then going to the store to look for it. Buying games on websites is a fantastic way to get the game in whatever condition you want (with some level of security) usually at a great price as well. I don’t have any advice other than supporting your local game store when you can, however a rule of thumb is I at least try buy directly from the company’s website when I can, that way I know all the money is going directly to the company of the game I purchased.