Tuesday, November 25, 2025

A Most Dangerous Time

For 2025, I made a conscious decision to pare down my (some would say "massive") hex-and-counter wargame collection.  I managed to make an almost noticeable dent in the collection by moving off more than 40 games.  Since many of these games have been long out of print, I actually showed a profit on some!  Of course, some of these 40 games shifted were offset by additional game purchases but I am still in the black for the year; and by a large margin.  That success is even counting that the November and December bargain season showed its head.

Many wargame companies offer a seemingly steady stream of sales from early November through the end of the year.  This year is no exception with plenty of bargains to be had.  Not only are the manufacturers offering up great deals but ebay bargains are popping up with regular and increasing frequency.  Now, is this plethora of bargains seasonal or a gauge of the state of the economy?  I will not dive into that topic... 

What I do know is that this approach to year-end is a most dangerous time for the shopper and especially me.  

What caught my eye so far in this run up to year-end bargain hunting?

Starting with MMP Games' Veteran's Day Sale, I picked up
From ebay, I snatched up
The selection of ebay-sourced games is an interesting lot.  In each case, the offering either had a very low minimum bid requirement or a Make Offer option.  I won all four by either a having a low opening bid or a ridiculously low offer.  All games are in new condition.

I suppose that I really only effectively managed to swap some inventory in the game closet.  Fortunately, many more games departed than arrived in 2025.

Also, an inexpensive snag on ebay were three more of Brad Butkovich's useful ACW scenario books. Great to be able to add three more titles to my collection.

Cannot overlook this week's Helion Flash Sale of
Of course, this does not account for the year-end sales that many of the figure manufacturers hold.  19th Century Miniatures and Lancashire Games have their year-end sales underway, and Eureka's annual December sale is only about one week away.  Luckily, I only "need" to pick up a few things this year.  Well, let's see how long I can resist.

17 comments:

  1. Some cracking looking books, Jon. Every Bullet, book is fab!

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    1. I will enjoy reading Hilton's book. I know from your recent video that you are a big fan of his works.

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  2. I shall be interested to hear what you think about "Every bullet". I've been tempted but not bitten.

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    1. Well, it is not a period I have played but always on the lookout for interesting ideas. Perhaps this will spawn a new collection?

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    2. Well, I would assume that is the purpose behind Mr Hilton writing it, Jon!

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  3. Yes, I have to avoid ebay and luckily don't do boardgames, but I am spending a lot of times looking at sales which isn't good but alright if I don't buy anything! Nice looking games!
    Best Iain

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  4. The peril of "the bargain"!☺
    I'm sure they will all come in useful!
    Neil

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    1. They will be useful, for sure. I look at many wargames as I do with books. That is, as reference material and inspiration even if the game is not played much.

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  5. Some great finds there Jonathan! I really do like the ACW scenario books and have several, but of course I need to have them all!:-)

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    1. Yes, you need to have them all! They are great inspiration.

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  6. I have never bought anything on eBay and rarely look at it, but I did recently find a 3d printing company in Australia with all his products at literally half price, so a few more WW2 Russians are en route as I type, plus the already ridiculously cheap Temu have had Black Friday going for three weeks, so another $35 of 3d terrain is on its way from them!

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    1. Bargains can still be found on eBay if one is diligent. You have really dived into 3D printed pieces with both feet. Two pieces also arriving within the last couple of days here are some buildings for Star Wars Legion. I think I am actually getting close to trying a game.

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  7. Nice buys and wins Jon, the Helion book is a cracker, very nicely done. I am tempted and I mean seriously tempted by Jim at Fife and Drum having a Black Friday sale, so more lead coul well be making it's way across the pond!!

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    1. Donnie, you should take Jim up on his offer! He may have a boat payment to make or at least put aside for travel to his next con.

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  8. Some very nice purchases, Jonathan. I suspect the last one mentioned may lead to an order of miniatures to kick start a project. Let's see how you pass this test of willpower.

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