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?
Some cracking looking books, Jon. Every Bullet, book is fab!
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy reading Hilton's book. I know from your recent video that you are a big fan of his works.
DeleteI shall be interested to hear what you think about "Every bullet". I've been tempted but not bitten.
ReplyDeleteWell, it is not a period I have played but always on the lookout for interesting ideas. Perhaps this will spawn a new collection?
DeleteWell, I would assume that is the purpose behind Mr Hilton writing it, Jon!
DeleteFor my sake, I hope you are wrong!
DeleteYes, 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!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
A bargain is a hazard to our trade!
DeleteThe peril of "the bargain"!☺
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will all come in useful!
Neil
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.
DeleteSome great finds there Jonathan! I really do like the ACW scenario books and have several, but of course I need to have them all!:-)
ReplyDeleteYes, you need to have them all! They are great inspiration.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteBargains 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.
DeleteNice 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!!
ReplyDeleteDonnie, 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.
DeleteSome 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah, let’s see if I can pass this test!
DeleteForty out and a handful in is a creditable effort. That Goose Green one looks especially interesting and I'll have a look at that myself this morning.
ReplyDeleteOne of our gaming group retired several years ago and built up a collection of several hundred games and expansions including just about everything in the C&C series, in the hope that we would all have more time and play them all in retirement. We have yet to retire though so the vast majority have remained untoucheded, and he is about to downsize and has sold the lot off. I just hope he doesn't regret it in a few years when the rest of us are retired. I did think about buying the C&C games, but then felt a bit awkward especially if he does come to rue the decision and I am now holding them, or if indeed I end up moving them on at a massive profit on eBay.
I know I should start to think about offloading some of my projects, but then I never know what I might need in the future. I always thought that my WWII naval stuff would remain in their boxes until a gamer friend rang me up and asked if I would be interested in a few games of Nimitz, so you never know what the future holds and in what direction the hobby is going to take you.