Tips for Buying Video Games

Check the Feedback

100% positive feedback is the best.  If you can't get that then 95% to 99.9% is acceptable.  I wouldn't buy from any seller with less than 95% positive feedback.  Even if the seller has 99.9% positive feedback check the one negative or neutral that he or she got.  I saw one seller with 99.9% who got one neutral which stated that he used feedback extortion to get more money out of the buyer.  I didn't buy from him.

Look at the Picture

Many sellers use stock pictures of video games when they sell them, which is fine, but original pictures are better.  Buy games with instruction booklets so you're not missing any important details when you play.  A picture of an open box with the instruction booklet is great.

Ask Questions

If you're not sure whether a game comes with a box and instruction booklet or not, ask.

Don't Pay Too Much

Know how much the game costs at your local store in both new and used condition before you bid.  Most used games cost $10 to $20 and new games are $60.  However, if you really want to win, bidding just $2 above retail usually does it.  Don't forget to add in the cost of shipping.  Enter your maximum bid when you bid, that way you don't have to keep bidding when you're outbid and it's harder for you to be outbid at the last second.

When to Expect Your Game

Some games come within two to three days, but it usually takes longer than that.  Two weeks should be the longest, but I would wait a month before leaving negative feedback.  Only leave negative feedback if you never receive the game, or the game doesn't work and the seller won't refund your money.