Update on SaySwap

I wasn't sure what to expect when I originally signed up for video game trading service SaySwap a couple of months ago.  I worried a little that I would be sending off a bunch of games and getting nothing back, but it seemed worth the risk, considering that there were a lot of games in my library that I never planned on playing again.

Well, to my surprise, SaySwap has really been a good experience for me so far.

I've been able to fill someone else's game request every two or three weeks, and have gotten several of my own requested titles in at an even faster pace.  There are definitely still some bugs in their system, so the site can give you fits at random, but the actual game trading goes smoothly when not impeded by the technical errors.

In the short time I've been a member, I've sent away the following games:

• Frequency
• SSX
• Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
• PaRappa the Rapper 2
• Silent Hill 2

And I've received the following games:

• X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse
• SSX 3
• Tekken 5
• Resident Evil 4

Not a bad trade, huh?

I've had people bite on Herdy Gerdy and Def Jam: Fight for NY, two of my worst games, but the interested parties canceled before I could unload the games on them.

In fact, that's the biggest flaw with the system, so far: That people can cancel the trade before you ever respond to their original trade request email.  I found myself often following an email to the site only to find that there wasn't really a trade waiting for me.  The user had canceled, but I got no update telling me as much.

Also, although SaySwap pays for domestic shipping, since you can't see a user's address until AFTER you accept a trade with them, it's impossible to know whether or not there's a fee involved until you're legally bound to send the person a game.

Beyond that stuff, however, I'm finding SaySwap to be a good investment.  I've put less than twenty dollars in so far, and have gotten four decent games in return.  I still have a trading token remaining, and some points to spend, so I plan on getting at least one more game under this initial investment.  I count that as a success.

If you're interested in trying out SaySwap, let me know.  I'll invite you so that I can get credit if you become a member.  :)  Of course, your mileage may vary.  I think I had such success with the site because I'm asking for old-gen games.  With everyone getting a Wii, Xbox 360 or PS3, people are probably more willing to give old PS2 games away.  But if you join with the intent to get next-gen games, you may find yourself waiting by the mailbox.