How Much Should I Pay for a Diplomacy Set?
Somebody asked me recently what they should expect to pay when buying a Diplomacy set. Obviously, it depends on where you buy it, which version you're buying, and the condition the game is in. The location of the seller has something to do with it as well - sets are available in many countries, and in various languages. In particular, sets with plastic pieces go for much less than the other sets. Also, on eBay you have to be careful and check the shipping and handling charges - often an item will sell for less because the seller is charging a much higher S&H fee. A quick check of eBay *completed* sales (not including shipping) shows:
The Avalon Hill Bookcase version (plastic pieces) selling for between $8.50 and $77.00
The 1961 Games Research version (with wooden pieces) selling for between $32.50 and $59.00
The Avalon Hill "Deluxe Diplomacy" set (with wooden pieces) selling for $66.00
The Hasbro set (with metal pieces) selling for between $57.00 and $83.00
Colonial Diplomacy (wooden pieces, the only version released) selling for $60.99
The point I would like to make is that unless you are a stickler for condition, or unless you are buying as a collector rather than a player, there is simply no reason to pay some of these outrageous prices. If all you want is a set of Diplomacy, bid on the Avalon Hill bookcase version with plastic pieces. The one that sold for $77.00 is identical to ones which sold for much less. I guess it just had a better photo or better description. The $8.50 one had a slightly beaten-up box and was missing one Russian unit. Heck, with a small amount of work you can make your own wooden pieces and forget the ugly stars and anchors. So if you do want to buy a set, bid selectively and bid moderately. If you are patient, eventually you can find a decent copy in your price range.
Incidentally, I am lightly considering putting up a For Sale section on the web site here, specifically for Diplomacy sets (especially hard to find or non-US sets). If you're interested, let me know.
The Avalon Hill Bookcase version (plastic pieces) selling for between $8.50 and $77.00
The 1961 Games Research version (with wooden pieces) selling for between $32.50 and $59.00
The Avalon Hill "Deluxe Diplomacy" set (with wooden pieces) selling for $66.00
The Hasbro set (with metal pieces) selling for between $57.00 and $83.00
Colonial Diplomacy (wooden pieces, the only version released) selling for $60.99
The point I would like to make is that unless you are a stickler for condition, or unless you are buying as a collector rather than a player, there is simply no reason to pay some of these outrageous prices. If all you want is a set of Diplomacy, bid on the Avalon Hill bookcase version with plastic pieces. The one that sold for $77.00 is identical to ones which sold for much less. I guess it just had a better photo or better description. The $8.50 one had a slightly beaten-up box and was missing one Russian unit. Heck, with a small amount of work you can make your own wooden pieces and forget the ugly stars and anchors. So if you do want to buy a set, bid selectively and bid moderately. If you are patient, eventually you can find a decent copy in your price range.
Incidentally, I am lightly considering putting up a For Sale section on the web site here, specifically for Diplomacy sets (especially hard to find or non-US sets). If you're interested, let me know.
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