What Play It Again Sports Is

Play It Again Sports is a chain of stores that buy, sell, and trade used sporting equipment and apparel. You can walk in with gear you no longer use, sell it to the store, and use that credit or cash to buy secondhand equipment from their inventory. They also sell new items alongside used ones. The stores are independently owned franchises, so what they carry and their exact policies vary by location, but the basic model is the same everywhere: trade in your old equipment for cash or store credit, then shop their selection of used and new gear.

The appeal is straightforward. Used equipment costs less than new, and you can offload items taking up space in your garage or closet. If you are getting into a sport and do not want to spend full price on gear you might not stick with, or if you outgrow equipment quickly (as kids do), Play It Again Sports can be a practical option.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sell used sporting equipment to Play It Again Sports for cash or store credit, which typically pays 30 to 50 percent of the item's resale value.
  • The store accepts equipment in good condition across most sports — bicycles, skis, baseball gloves, hockey gear, golf clubs, and similar items — but rejects anything damaged, stained, or unsafe.
  • Store inventory and buyback prices vary by location because each franchise operates independently, so calling ahead about specific items saves a trip.
  • You can browse used and new equipment in the same store, and used items are typically 30 to 60 percent cheaper than new versions of the same product.
  • The buying process is quick — staff inspect your item on the spot and offer a price within minutes — but they may decline items that do not meet their condition standards.

How to Sell Equipment to Play It Again Sports

Bring the item to your nearest Play It Again Sports location during business hours. Staff will inspect it for damage, wear, stains, and function. They check things like whether zippers work, whether padding is intact, whether frames are bent, and whether the item is clean. If it passes inspection, they offer you a price on the spot — usually cash or store credit, and you can choose which. The whole process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes.

What they will and will not buy depends on condition and demand. They generally accept bicycles, skis, snowboards, ice skates, roller skates, baseball gloves, hockey sticks, golf clubs, tennis rackets, lacrosse gear, football equipment, and similar items. They decline anything with cracks, deep dents, broken zippers, stains that will not come out, missing parts, or safety concerns. A bicycle with a bent rim or a hockey stick with a split blade will be rejected. A glove with a small stain or a racket with light cosmetic wear might be accepted at a lower price.

The price they offer is typically 30 to 50 percent of what they will resell it for, which means you get roughly 15 to 25 percent of the original retail price for used equipment in good shape. A $100 baseball glove you bought five years ago might sell for $30 to $40 at Play It Again Sports. Prices vary by location and current demand, so the same item might fetch different amounts at different stores.

What to Expect When Buying Used Equipment

Used equipment at Play It Again Sports is organized by sport and type. Bicycles are in one section, skis and snowboards in another, and so on. Each item is tagged with its price and condition notes. Used items are typically 30 to 60 percent cheaper than new versions of the same product, though the discount depends on age and wear. A used bicycle that cost $400 new might be priced at $150 to $250 used.

Condition varies. Some used items look nearly new — perhaps someone bought them, used them once, and decided the sport was not for them. Others show clear signs of use: scuffs, fading, worn padding. The store does not sell anything unsafe or severely damaged, but you should inspect items before buying. Check that zippers work, that frames are straight, that padding is intact, and that all parts are present. Staff can answer questions about an item's history or condition, but they do not typically offer returns on used merchandise, so look carefully before you buy.

New equipment is also available in most Play It Again Sports locations, usually at prices comparable to other sporting goods retailers. If you find a used item you like but want the assurance of new, you can often buy the new version in the same store.

Store Location and Inventory Differences

Play It Again Sports locations are franchises, meaning each store is independently owned and operated. This matters because inventory, prices, and policies are not uniform across all stores. One location might have a large selection of bicycles and skis but limited hockey gear. Another might specialize in baseball and softball equipment. Buyback prices for the same item can differ between stores based on local demand and what the store already has in stock.

Before making a trip, call or visit the store's website to confirm they carry what you are looking for or that they buy the items you want to sell. Many locations have websites or social media pages listing current inventory or recent arrivals. Some stores are busier than others, so calling ahead also tells you whether staff will have time to inspect your items without a long wait.

Selling Store Credit Versus Cash

When you sell equipment to Play It Again Sports, you can choose to receive cash or store credit. Store credit is typically worth slightly more than the cash offer — for example, if they offer $25 in cash, store credit might be worth $27 or $30. The trade-off is that you must spend the credit at that location, while cash can go anywhere.

Store credit makes sense if you plan to shop there anyway or if you are selling one item and buying another in the same visit. Cash is more flexible if you are unsure whether you will return or if you want to shop around before deciding what to buy next. Ask the staff what the credit value is before you decide, so you know the difference.

Condition Standards and What Gets Rejected

Play It Again Sports has clear standards for what they will buy. Equipment must be functional, safe, and reasonably clean. A bicycle with a bent frame, a ski with a crack, or a glove with a broken zipper will be rejected. Stains, odors, mold, or rust that cannot be cleaned are also grounds for rejection. Anything missing parts — a bicycle without pedals, a hockey stick without a blade, skates without laces — will not be accepted.

Minor wear is acceptable. Scuffs, fading, and light scratches do not disqualify an item. The staff member inspecting your gear will let you know when ready if there is a problem. If an item is rejected, you can ask why and whether cleaning or a small repair might change the outcome, though staff cannot may provide acceptance after repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my receipt or proof of purchase?

No. Play It Again Sports buys based on the item's current condition and resale value, not on your original receipt. You do not need to prove you own it or what you paid for it. Just bring the item in good condition.

Can I sell items that are still under warranty?

Yes. Warranties do not transfer to the store or the next buyer, but that does not prevent you from selling the item. The store will price it based on its condition and age, not on warranty status. Let staff know if the item is new or nearly new, as that may increase the offer.

What if I want to return something I bought used?

Most Play It Again Sports locations do not accept returns on used merchandise. Some may have a short return window (a few days) or a store-specific policy, so ask at the register when you buy. New items may have different return policies than used ones. Check before you leave the store if you are unsure.

How often does the used inventory change?

Inventory changes constantly as customers buy and sell items. Popular items sell quickly, and new gear arrives daily. If you are looking for something specific, call the store to ask whether they currently have it in stock rather than making a trip and finding it is gone.

Can I sell equipment online or by mail?

Play It Again Sports is primarily an in-store business. You must bring items to a physical location for inspection and sale. They do not buy equipment through mail or online submission. Find the nearest store location on their website and visit during business hours.