Matthew BaileyChristmas Buying Guide
As we approach the Christmas season I wanted to do a quick overview of where to buy games from over the next month or so as we approach the big day.
Buy from Smaller Publishers
Firstly I am going to go off topic and say support smaller publishers’ games (that are likely better) and less mainstream games and don’t always resort to something from Smyths Toys from Hasbro.
Careful of Counterfeits
Watch out for counterfeit games, especially if the price seems too good to be true. Check trusted retailers and look for authentic branding.
As we approach the Christmas season you regularly see people suggest to others that they can get a game cheaply off of Chinese-based apps such as Temu & Wish.
While these are legitimate marketplaces that function as middlemen (it’s a bit like eBay without the auctions) close to all of the branded products listed on Temu and Wish are counterfeit.
It is almost 100% that anything you buy off these sites will be low quality and counterfeit. Please avoid them and as always any recommendations about these sites will be removed from the group.
Amazon
Amazon is rarely the cheapest unless you are looking to purchase is something mainstream. Usually, games on Amazon are from a company such as Zatu but slightly more expensive than on Zatu’s website as they are factoring Amazon’s cut into the price.
Equally, be careful buying games from Amazon from 3rd party sellers as there are a LOT of counterfeits on Amazon. Stick to Amazon-fulfilled products or ones by known 3rd parties (but usually you might as well just order from that 3rdparty’s own website as they are factoring the Amazon fee into their price).
If you are buying from Amazon mark Everything as a gift This will ensure that they di not slap a label straight onto the box of the game.
Board Game Sites
Generally speaking, the best way to look for board games deals is to use boardgameprices.co.uk which is a price comparison website for board games.
Not all sites appear on here though so also worth cross-referencing with google.
There is a site which still appears on here called Board Game Guru. This site has had a lot of issues over the past few years and it is well known for not fulfilling orders so I would advise against using them.
Some of the more “high street” sites do not always appear on there so it is usually worth looking at GAME, HMV and John Lewis as these sometimes have deals.
Your FLGS (Friendly Local Game Shop)
Most areas will have independent board game shops and these are always worth supporting and will usually be able to provide expertise and recommendations.
Waterstones
Waterstones have made a big push in the last few years in terms of their board gamer stock, especially with companies like Ravensburger and are something a place worth considering especially if you need something last minute and cannot wait for delivery.
Second Hand
There will be lots of recommendations and sales on here over the next few weeks as well as other Facebook groups. The best UK group is Board Game Trading and Chat UK which I use regularly to both buy and sell.
The is also the UK Boardgame Exchange which others have suggested which I personally have had less luck with but is worth mentioning.
If you buy ensure you always use Paypal and use goods and services and you will be fine and protected if nothing arrives.
Consider an import
If you are looking for something a bit different I always recommend https://travel-games.co.uk/ which stock usually small box import games. They provide an amazing service and Ben Davenward who runs it is brilliant. Equally, if there is something you want they don’t have in stock send him a message and he is fantastic at sourcing it.
Official Websites
Finally, it’s always worth checking the official website of the company as while they are rarely the cheapest you can often get promos or cool extras you can’t get anywhere else if that’s your thing.
