How to Sell Video Games on Amazon -A Comprehensive Selling Guide

Syed Usama Bin Sajid
November 4, 2024
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Table of Contents

The Power of Selling Video Games on Amazon in 2024

In July 2024, total video games sales in the United States amounted to 4.35 billion U.S. dollars, representing a ten percent year-over-year increase. In general, the video game industry has its most important months in November and December as video game software and hardware make very popular. More people are gaming than ever before, including casual and dedicated players, which means there’s a high demand for new and used games.

Amazon remains one of the most popular online marketplaces, making it a strong platform for sellers. Millions of people in the U.S. shop on Amazon daily, and the site’s global reach helps sellers tap into a wide audience. The convenience of Amazon’s marketplace, its trusted brand, and fulfillment services like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allow sellers to easily ship their games to customers, improving delivery speed and customer satisfaction.

Additionally, Amazon’s tools for sellers, such as detailed sales data and customer insights, help sellers price their video games competitively. Amazon also allows the sale of pre-owned games, which are highly sought after by gamers looking for affordable options.

Sources like Statista, reliable data on the U.S. gaming market’s growth and Amazon’s dominance in online retail. This platform reveals how both new and pre-owned games are consistently in demand, making it an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to sell video games in 2024.

Types of Video Games You Can Sell on Amazon

Here’s an explanation of five different types of video games you can sell on Amazon

New Release AAA Games

These are high-budget, popular games that are newly released for consoles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. They attract a large audience upon release. Selling these as a new or used copy can fetch a good price, especially shortly after launch. New games tend to hold their value for a few months.

Cost Price: $50 to $70

Profit: $10 to $20 (depending on condition and demand)

Example: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (PS5) – New copy sells for $69.99

Indie Games

Indie games are independently developed, often available on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or PC. These games are lower in price but have a loyal fan base. They are ideal for selling digitally or in physical form, with some rare editions increasing in value.

Cost Price: $10 to $30

Profit: $5 to $15

Example: Hades (Nintendo Switch) – New copy sells for $24.99

Collector’s Edition Games

These are special edition games that come with extra content like art books, figurines, or bonus in-game items. They are often limited in quantity and appeal to collectors, which can make them sell for much higher prices over time.

Cost Price: $100 to $150

Profit: $30 to $50 (depending on demand)

Example: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition (Switch) – New copy sells for $129.99

Sports Games

Sports games like FIFA, NBA, and Madden are released annually and have a steady market. While their value drops quickly due to yearly updates, used versions can still be profitable, especially if sold soon after release.

Cost Price: $40 to $60

Profit: $5 to $15 (if sold early in the release cycle)

Example: FIFA 24 (Xbox Series X) – New copy sells for $59.99

VR Games

Virtual reality (VR) games are becoming increasingly popular, especially for platforms like Oculus or PlayStation VR. These games offer immersive experiences, and there’s a growing market for both new and used VR games. They can often sell for a premium due to the unique experience they provide.

Cost Price: $30 to $50

Profit: $10 to $20

Example: Beat Saber (Oculus Quest) – New copy sells for $29.99

Understanding Amazon’s Video Games Selling Policies

Understanding Amazon’s video games selling policies is crucial for successful selling. Amazon allows sellers to list new and used video games, but they must meet specific criteria. For new games, they should be in unopened condition and include all original packaging. Used games must be in good condition, free from damage, and include any essential materials, like manuals.

Additionally, sellers are required to provide accurate descriptions and images of their products. It’s essential to avoid selling counterfeit or pirated games, as this can lead to account suspension. Amazon also has restrictions on certain products, including some digital games and specific console titles that may not be allowed due to licensing agreements.

Sellers should familiarize themselves with Amazon’s performance metrics, which include order defect rates, late shipment rates, and customer feedback. Maintaining good performance can lead to better visibility and sales. For complete details on the selling policies for video games, sellers can refer to Amazon’s official guidelines.

How to Find the Best Sourcing Platforms for Video Games

Finding the best sourcing platforms for video games is crucial for sellers looking to stock their inventory effectively. Here are some key steps to consider:

Research Popular Platforms: Start by researching popular sourcing platforms. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great for finding used video games at lower prices. Wholesale suppliers and online marketplaces such as Alibaba can provide new games in bulk.

Check Reviews and Ratings: When selecting a platform, look for reviews and ratings from other sellers. Websites that have positive feedback are usually more reliable. Consider joining gaming forums or communities where sellers share their experiences.

Evaluate Pricing and Fees: Compare the prices of video games across different platforms. Also, check for any additional fees associated with purchasing, such as shipping costs or membership fees. This helps ensure you are getting the best deal.

Look for Special Promotions: Some platforms offer discounts, promotions, or sales events. Keeping an eye on these can help you buy games at a lower cost.

Quality Control: Make sure the platform you choose has good quality control measures. This ensures that the games you purchase are in good condition, especially if you are buying used titles.

Setting Up Your Amazon Seller Account for Video Games

Setting up your Amazon seller account is essential for selling video games effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choose the Right Account Type: When setting up your Amazon seller account for video games, choose between an Individual or Professional account. The Individual account has no monthly fee but charges $0.99 per item sold, making it suitable for casual sellers. In contrast, the Professional account costs $39.99 monthly but has no per-item fees, ideal for those selling in larger quantities.

Provide Your Business Information: During the registration process, you’ll need to provide essential information, including your business name, address, and contact details. Ensure this information is accurate to avoid any issues later.

Set Up Payment Information: Amazon requires bank account details for deposits. You’ll need to enter your bank account information so that Amazon can transfer your sales earnings directly to your account.

Create Your Seller Profile: Your seller profile is essential for building trust with buyers. Include a clear description of your business, your return policy, and shipping options. Highlight your experience with video games to attract potential customers.

List Your Video Games: After your account is set up, start listing your video games. Use clear titles, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images to draw buyers’ attention.

Designing Optimized Listings for Selling Video Games on Amazon

Designing optimized listings is key to successfully selling video games on Amazon. Here are some essential tips to create effective listings:

Use Clear Titles: Start with a concise title that includes the game name, platform, and condition (new or used). For example, “The Last of Us Part II (PS4) – Used – Excellent Condition.” This helps buyers find your listing easily.

Write Detailed Descriptions: Provide a clear and informative description of the game. Include gameplay features, genre, and any special editions. Mention the condition of the game, any included materials, and shipping details. Be honest to build trust with buyers.

High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images of the game cover, spine, and back. If it’s a used game, include images of the actual disc to show its condition. Good visuals attract buyers and can increase sales.

Select Appropriate Categories: Make sure to list your game in the correct category. This helps Amazon show your listing to the right audience. Choose the specific video game genre and platform.

Utilize Keywords: Research relevant keywords that buyers might use to search for video games. Include these keywords in your title and description without overstuffing. This improves your listing’s visibility in search results.

Taking Advantage of Amazon FBA for Video Game Sales

Using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for video game sales can significantly enhance your selling experience. FBA allows you to store your video games in Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle storage, packaging, and shipping on your behalf.

Convenience: With FBA, you don’t have to worry about managing inventory or shipping orders yourself. Amazon takes care of everything, allowing you to focus on sourcing and listing more games.

Prime Eligibility: Products fulfilled by Amazon are automatically eligible for Amazon Prime. This increases your visibility and attracts more customers who prefer fast shipping options.

Customer Service: Amazon handles all customer service and returns for FBA orders. This saves you time and effort, ensuring that customers have a smooth buying experience.

Scalability: FBA is perfect for scaling your business. As your sales grow, you can easily send more inventory to Amazon without worrying about logistics.

Increased Sales Potential: Listings that use FBA often rank higher in search results. This can lead to increased sales, as more buyers are likely to choose FBA-eligible products.

Amazon FBA Costs: While FBA offers many benefits, it’s important to consider the costs involved. Amazon charges fulfillment fees starting at $2.50 per unit for standard-size items and $3.50 for oversized items. Additionally, there are monthly storage fees of $0.75 per cubic foot from January to September and $2.40 per cubic foot from October to December.

Do Amazon Marketing or Hire An Amazon Consultant

When selling video games on Amazon, you can choose to handle your marketing yourself or hire an Amazon consultant. A well-designed storefront is crucial for attracting customers, and a consultant can help create an appealing layout that showcases your games effectively.

Additionally, running Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns can significantly boost your visibility. An expert can optimize your ads to ensure they reach the right audience and improve your return on investment. Furthermore, incorporating enhanced brand content can increase conversion rates; a consultant can assist you in creating engaging content that highlights your games.

Tracking Sales and Analyzing Performance

Tracking sales on Amazon is crucial for understanding your business. You can use Amazon’s reporting tools to see how many video games you sell each month. This data helps you know what’s working and what isn’t.

Analyzing performance goes beyond just sales numbers. Look at metrics like conversion rates, which show how many visitors buy your games. You should also monitor your return on investment for advertising to see if your marketing efforts are paying off.

Regularly checking these metrics allows you to make informed decisions. If a particular game is selling well, you might want to stock more of it. Conversely, if sales are low, you can adjust your marketing strategy or pricing. By staying on top of your sales and performance, you can optimize your Amazon store for better results.

Conclusion

Selling video games on Amazon offers a lucrative opportunity for both new and experienced sellers. By leveraging Amazon’s vast customer base, effective marketing strategies, and tools like FBA, you can enhance your sales potential. Understanding policies, optimizing listings, and analyzing performance are key to building a successful video game selling business.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of video games can I sell on Amazon?

You can sell a variety of video games, including new releases, used games, and classic titles across different platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo.