Setting up an online gaming server is a pretty big undertaking, so it makes sense that there are people out there who are willing to pay for quality equipment.Â
If you have a well-maintained, working gaming server setup, you can usually find buyers interested in purchasing it outright or leasing it for a set period of time.
In this article, we will discuss what you need to do before selling your online gaming server and where to sell your gaming server for maximum value.
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Table of Contents
How To Sell Your Online Gaming Server
1. Know Your Equipment
The first step in any equipment sale is knowing your equipment. In order to sell your gaming server, you will need to be able to list all of its specs and features. This includes the following:
- System specifications
- Processor type and speed
- Graphics card type and speed
- Operating system
- Network requirements
- Storage space required
- Software requirements
If you are configuring the server for sale or lease it is important to know what options are available and their corresponding prices.Â
In particular, knowing whether the server is sold with various hardware components (e.g., CPUs, memory modules) or not can save customers time on configuration; likewise, if they are purchasing a bare-bones system, there may be no additional cost for certain optional features (e.g., storage).
Additionally, when specifying pricing for an existing system, it’s helpful to understand how much weight and space the machine occupies, as this will impact shipping costs as well as potential discounts offered by third-party service providers (“server rack”).
Put together detailed specifications with this information, and make sure to include pictures of the hardware so potential buyers can understand what they’re buying.Â
After you have put down all the specifications of your game server, you need to learn how to set it up so that you can provide support for your customers. This article explains how to get the job done quickly and effectively.
2. Describe It Well and Highlight Its Benefits
Specificity is key when selling anything, and ensuring that potential buyers know exactly what you have to offer will make the process much smoother. This includes describing your server in as much detail as possible, including its features and benefits.
For example, you can highlight the fact that it can be used to host multiplayer games, providing potential buyers with a valuable use case for the machine.
You should also highlight any special features or benefits that set your gaming server apart from the competition. If for example, your server comes with additional hardware (e.g., CPUs or memory modules), make sure to mention this and how it can benefit buyers.
Once you’ve got all these details sorted, it’s time to assess your options for where exactly to sell your servers.
3. Where to Find Buyers Who Are Interested In Your Equipment
There are a variety of ways to sell servers, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some popular options include eBay, Reddit, Broker Bin, Craigslist, and IT asset disposition companies (ITADs).
eBay is a popular choice for selling used equipment, including gaming servers, because it’s a global marketplace with a large user base. However, eBay can be challenging to use because buyers and sellers can be difficult to contact.
Reddit is another great option for selling servers. It’s a highly trafficked website with a large community of interested buyers and sellers. Reddit also offers automated bidding tools, so you can easily set up bids on your server without having to spend hours online.Â
Broker Bin is similar to eBay in that it’s a global marketplace with a large user base. However, Broker Bin is designed specifically for buying and selling IT assets, such as gaming servers. This makes it an ideal choice for sellers who want to get the most money for their equipment.
Craigslist is another option for sellers who want to avoid eBay and Broker Bin. Craigslist is a local marketplace that’s popular with small businesses. However, selling a gaming equipment could be risky since the platform has no escrow to manage and mediate the transaction.
ITADs are a convenient option for sellers who want to get rid of their equipment fast. ITADs offer discounted rates on equipment disposal, and they usually have staff who are knowledgeable about gaming servers. They could be the ideal choice for sellers who want to get their equipment off their hands quickly and without any hassle. They offer quick and easy access to licensed buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for quality server equipment.Â
Even so, when a company needs to liquidate a large piece of servers, selling them off piece-by-piece on consumer platforms may not always be the most effective option. The logistics and time constraints make it a less efficient option than taking slightly less money for someone else to do all the work.
What to Consider in Choosing a Trustworthy ITAD Specialist
To find a reliable ITAD specialist, sellers should look for companies with a good reputation and customer satisfaction ratings. In addition, they should make sure the company has experience disposing of gaming servers and has access to the necessary resources.
There are more specific factors to consider when selecting an ITAD:Â
Data Erasing: Can the ITAD specialist erase all data from the equipment before or when it’s sold? This is important for buyers who want to keep their information confidential, as they won’t be able to trace the equipment back to them.Â
Accreditation is another factor to consider. Some ITADs have been accredited by organizations such as the International Data Corporation (IDC) or Gartner. This shows that they have the knowledge and resources needed to handle gaming servers safely and securely.Â
Environmentally-conscious ITADs often recycle or repurpose equipment, making it more environmentally friendly. They may also have a policy of providing hardware credit for customers who recycle their old hardware.Â
Once you’ve determined which platform is best suited for your needs, it’s time to start marketing your servers in earnest. The key thing to remember is that marketing your server should be done professionally, so make sure you take care when creating marketing materials (including social media posts and ads). For example, you can decide to use a project management tool such as Myphoner to handle cold calling and all the tasks of a sales team. Â
It is affordable and can be used by online game sellers who do not have the budget to get expensive enterprise software like Hubspot.
Selling Your Online Gaming Server: FAQs Answered
So, you’ve decided to part ways with your online gaming server. Here are 6 FAQs to guide you through the selling process effectively:
What factors affect the value of my online gaming server?
- Game and Community: The popularity of the game you host and the size/engagement of your established player community significantly impact your server’s value.
- Server Specifications: Hardware specs like CPU, RAM, storage capacity, and internet bandwidth influence performance and attractiveness to potential buyers.
- Server Age and Condition: A newer server with a good maintenance history will fetch a higher price compared to an older one.
- Customization and Features: Unique configurations, mods, plugins, or custom maps can add value, especially for niche gaming communities.
- Reputation and Reviews: A server with a positive reputation within the gaming community can attract more buyers and potentially command a premium price.
Where can I sell my online gaming server?
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like PlayerAuctions, OwnedCore, or specific game forums might have sections for selling gaming servers.
- Gaming Communities: Advertise your server for sale within the community you built. Loyal players might be interested in taking over the reins.
- Social Media: Gaming communities and groups on platforms like Discord or Facebook can be good avenues to reach potential buyers.
How should I price my server?
- Research similar listings: Look for servers of comparable games, player base size, and specs to understand the current market value.
- Consider your server’s unique features: Factor in the value of any customizations, mods, or established reputation when setting your price.
- Start slightly high with negotiation room: Leave room for potential buyers to negotiate while ensuring you get a fair price.
What information should I include in my server listing?
- Game and Server Name: Clearly state the game and the name of your server.
- Detailed Server Specs: List hardware specifications like CPU, RAM, storage, and internet bandwidth.
- Player Base Statistics: Provide insights into the size and activity level of your player community. (e.g., average daily players, peak hours)
- Unique Features and Customization: Highlight any mods, plugins, custom maps, or other features that set your server apart.
- Reason for Selling: Be transparent about why you’re selling the server (e.g., lack of time, moving to a different game).
- Asking Price: Clearly state your asking price and be open to negotiation within reason.
- Contact Information: Provide a way for interested buyers to contact you for further details or inquiries.
Are there any legal considerations when selling a gaming server?
- Game Terms of Service (TOS): Ensure selling your server doesn’t violate the game’s TOS. Some games might restrict server transfers or sales.
- Data Transfer: Clearly outline how you’ll handle player data transfer to the new owner, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations (if applicable).
- Payment Methods: Choose secure payment methods like PayPal or escrow services to protect yourself from fraud.
What additional tips can help me sell my server faster?
- High-Quality Screenshots and Videos: Showcase your server’s environment and features with attractive visuals.
- Highlight Community Activity: Demonstrate a thriving community through positive testimonials or in-game screenshots.
- Be Responsive and Professional: Respond promptly to inquiries and maintain a professional demeanor during communication with potential buyers.
Conclusion
There are a few reasons why you may want to sell your online gaming server equipment. Maybe you’ve decided that now is an excellent time to move on from the hardware and want to recoup some of your investment.
Maybe you no longer have the time or resources to maintain and manage the servers yourself and would like to offload the responsibility to someone else. Or maybe you don’t use the servers as much now and would like to get something back in return for all of the effort put into setting them up.
Whatever your reason may be, selling an online gaming server can be a lot of work, but if done correctly, it can result in a considerable profit for you. By following the steps described above, you should be able to successfully sell your equipment and make some extra money in the process!
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
