Looking to refresh your army without breaking the bank? These five marketplaces let you buy, sell, and trade miniatures with ease.
The Growing World of Second-Hand Miniatures
The tabletop wargaming hobby is booming, and with it, the market for pre-owned miniatures. Players are constantly looking to offload old armies or find rare, out-of-print models. This has given rise to dedicated platforms that connect buyers and sellers, offering everything from full armies to individual bits. Whether you're a veteran collector or a newcomer, these marketplaces provide a cost-effective way to expand your collection. Each platform has its own strengths, from consignment services to peer-to-peer trading. Here's a look at five that are making a mark in the US.
How We Evaluated These Marketplaces
We looked at each platform's service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit for US hobbyists. Service scope covers the range of games and models offered. Pricing clarity refers to how transparent the costs are for buying and selling. Local fit considers shipping options, US-based operations, and community engagement. We also noted the ease of use and the level of curation or vetting of items. Each platform has its own approach, and we highlight what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five marketplaces we're featuring.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| The Troll Trader | Huge selection and international shipping |
| Home | OttosConsignment | Consignment trading for store credit |
| Miniswap | Peer-to-peer trading with community ratings |
| Wizard's Alley | Local pickup and curated used models |
| Warpfire Minis | New and used Warhammer deals |
The Detailed Look at Each Marketplace
#1 The Troll Trader
A screenshot of the The Troll Trader website.
The Troll Trader is a massive second-hand wargaming retailer based in the UK, but it ships to the US with no tariffs on orders. It boasts an extensive inventory across Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, and many specialist games. You can find everything from full armies to rare out-of-print models. The site is well-organized by game system and faction, making it easy to browse. They also offer a straightforward selling service where you can get quotes for your models. If you're looking for a huge selection and reliable shipping, this is a solid choice.
#2 Home | OttosConsignment
A screenshot of the Home | OttosConsignment website.
OttosConsignment is a US-based consignment shop that turns your old miniatures into store credit. You send in your models, they list them for you, and when they sell, you get credit to buy new items. This is perfect for hobbyists who want to upgrade their armies without starting from scratch. The site emphasizes that all minis are reviewed before they go up, ensuring quality. It's a simple, personal service that focuses on the local community. If you're looking to trade in your old kits for new ones, this is a great option.
#3 Miniswap
A screenshot of the Miniswap website.
Miniswap is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can buy and sell tabletop miniatures directly with other players. It covers a wide range of games, including Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, and many more. The platform shows seller ratings and shipping costs, so you know what to expect. You can list your own items and manage sales through your account. It's a community-driven site that gives you more control over pricing. If you're comfortable with direct transactions, this is a flexible option.
#4 Wizard's Alley
A screenshot of the Wizard's Alley website.
Wizard's Alley is a geek store and gaming tavern in Wichita, Kansas, with an online shop for used tabletop miniatures. They offer a curated selection of pre-owned Warhammer models, often at bargain prices. The site is straightforward, with clear photos and descriptions for each item. They note that all used models are sold as-is, so you know what you're getting. You can pick up your order in-store or have it shipped. This is a great local option if you're in the area, but they ship nationwide too.
#5 Warpfire Minis
A screenshot of the Warpfire Minis website.
Warpfire Minis is an online store that offers both new and used Warhammer products, with a focus on deals. They have a wide range of categories, from Warhammer 40k to Age of Sigmar and even other games like Star Wars Legion. The site is easy to navigate, with filters for game system and faction. They also carry books, accessories, and terrain. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for new and used items, this is a convenient choice. Their inventory is constantly updated, so it's worth checking back often.
How to Choose the Right Marketplace for You
When picking a marketplace, think about what you need. If you want to sell your old minis quickly and get store credit, a consignment service like OttosConsignment is ideal. If you prefer to set your own prices and trade directly, Miniswap gives you that control. For a massive selection and international shipping, The Troll Trader is hard to beat. If you value local pickup and a curated selection, Wizard's Alley is a great choice. And if you want a mix of new and used items, Warpfire Minis covers both. Consider your budget, shipping needs, and whether you want to trade or buy outright.
Streamlining Your Miniature Transactions
Many of these platforms streamline the process of buying and selling. For consignment, you simply send in your models and the platform handles listing and shipping. For peer-to-peer sites, you can automate listings and track sales through your dashboard. Some platforms offer store credit systems that make it easy to upgrade your army without cash. You can also set up alerts for specific items you're looking for. This automation saves you time and effort, letting you focus on the hobby itself.
Final Thoughts
The second-hand miniature market is thriving, and these five platforms offer different ways to participate. Whether you're looking to sell, trade, or buy, there's a marketplace that fits your style. OttosConsignment stands out for its consignment model, perfect for turning old kits into new armies. The others each bring their own strengths, from vast inventories to community-driven trading. Explore them and find the one that works best for you. Happy gaming!