Most likely if you are a video game collector, you are going to end up dealing with other collectors with a similar interest. A lot of times some monetary amount will come into the mix, but trading is also a great means to make both you and your fellow hobbyist happy. You can’t just trade off precious bits of your collection, though — that’s where trade bait comes in.
Trade bait is basically stuff that people might take in exchange for some other game or video games related item. It’s great to have once you start becoming more involved in collecting, because you can usually save money by trading instead of seeking it out on E-Bay.
The key to trade bait is having something that’s worthwhile that you received for cheaper than the normal asking price. The best way to find out if something is “worthwhile” is to check out collectors’ wanted lists, on message boards such as the ones at Digital Press, and just get accustomed to what games are uncommon and rare (R5s-R10s on Digital Press’ guides). Of course, be wary about obtaining common items to trade; they will be harder to get rid of.
Now that you know what systems are highly sought out by fellow collectors, do you just go buying everything you can to trade later? NO! The key part about trade bait is that it’s stuff that is cheap that you are able to find and have no use for. When buying the trade bait, make sure it’s within your budget, and that it’s cheaper than listed normally. For the most part, you can at least find one or two people who are willing to trade. The safest place to trade without fear of being ripped off is the Digital Press forums. I myself have done a few trades and business transactions for video games there, and I have had it work out nicely each time.
The only thing I suggest is to get trade material when it’s financially within your means, just in case you are stuck with an extra Army Men game, or five PlayStations. Until next time, game on, my brothas and sistas.
