FAQ
FAQ
THE Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 11-1-2025)
Q. Who are we?
We’re Matt & Emily in Las Vegas, NV.
Boarding School Games launched in mid-2019 with a retail space focused on in-store play and teaching new games. We hosted free play nights, learn-to-play sessions, costume parties, trivia, and more—aimed at date nights, families, cooperative play, and low-intensity competition.
During the COVID shutdowns we pivoted to counter service, local delivery, and building out the site you’re on now. We’re currently operating from a new warehouse space; in-person gaming is on pause while we look for a permanent spot that fits. Locals—keep an eye out for pop-up events.
Q. What sets us apart?
Steep discounts, unique services, and customer-first policies.
Between our backgrounds in marketing, SEO, online sales, and a whole lot of love for board games, we built BSG to fix the parts of game shopping we didn’t enjoy—online or in-person. Locals get fair delivery options; online customers get sharp prices, fast shipping, and straight-talk service. Our Special Order program (below) is a big reason folks stick with us.
Q. How do you sell with such steep discounts?
Because we choose to.
Board games are often marked up 100% at MSRP—wild, right? We’d rather make it easier for more people to get into the hobby. Games belong on tables, not wish lists.
ZBag FAQ
What is ZBag?
ZBag (“Zipper Bag”) is our store-credit system. You can buy ZBag directly or earn it from eligible promos/rebates. Purchased ZBag credits are added to your account immediately. Special Orders must be paid with ZBag. Preorders placed as Special Orders follow the same rule.
How do I spend ZBag?
Open the on-site ZBag widget at checkout to apply your balance. ZBag is applied as a discount to merchandise. Shipping is charged separately and cannot be covered by ZBag.
In what order is ZBag spent?
ZBag may come from two sources: (a) purchased ZBag (paid store credit) and (b) earned/promotional ZBag (rebates, goodwill credits, or other no-cash-value promotions). When ZBag is spent, purchased ZBag is applied first and earned/promotional ZBag is applied last, unless a specific promo or product states otherwise.
Do I earn rebates when I pay with ZBag?
Yes. Qualifying purchases earn a rebate (typically posted 7 days after the order). From time to time we may run additional promos (e.g., a NiceList rebate). Any promo details or exclusions will be shown on product pages or at checkout.
Does ZBag expire or have fees?
No. ZBag does not expire and has no dormancy or service fees.
What happens if my ZBag balance is inactive?
If a ZBag balance has no activity for 12 consecutive months, we may convert the remaining balance to a Boarding School Games digital gift card and email it to the address on file. Conversion does not reduce value. Gift cards have no fees and no expiration and are redeemable only at Boarding School Games.
What if you switch platforms or change the ZBag program?
We reserve the right to convert any ZBag balance to a Boarding School Games digital gift card if we change ecommerce platforms, discontinue the ZBag program, or close a customer account. Conversion does not reduce value and the gift card will be delivered digitally to the email address on file (no fees, no expiration). Please keep your contact info current.
Can I use ZBag to purchase gift cards?
Yes. You may use ZBag to purchase Boarding School Games gift cards.
Note: Gift cards cannot be used to purchase ZBag.
Is ZBag required for Special Orders or Preorders?
Yes for Special Orders. Load ZBag funds in a separate order first; then place your Special Order. Credit cards are not accepted for Special Orders.
Preorders placed as Special Orders follow the same rule.
When do rebates post?
Eligible rebates post 7 days after the qualifying transaction.
What can’t ZBag pay for?
ZBag cannot be used to pay shipping.
How are refunds handled with ZBag?
Refunds may be issued to ZBag only if:
- (a) the original purchase was paid with ZBag, or
- (b) the customer authorizes a refund to ZBag.
Otherwise, refunds follow the method and terms stated for that product/payment.
Can earned ZBag be forfeited?
Yes. If an account is suspended or closed for bannable misconduct—such as harassment or threats toward staff, fraud, chargeback abuse, or returns/discount exploitation—all earned/promotional ZBag is forfeited and void, including pending rebates or goodwill credits. Purchased ZBag (if any remains) is handled per our Terms of Service and applicable law.
Who do I contact for help?
Questions about balances, rebates, forfeiture, or conversions? Contact us and we’ll help right away.
SPECIAL ORDERS
Q. What does it mean?
Special Orders let you pre-purchase out-of-stock items so you don’t have to chase reprints or marketplace swings. Sometimes the item exists at distribution and we translate your order into incoming product right away; sometimes it’s awaiting a reprint and simply isn’t available yet. Your orders help set our backorder quantities—our customers guide the inventory we chase.
Q. What does “Rush processing not available… Minimum 3–5 business day additional handling expected.” mean?
It means there’s an internal transfer first. Once you order, we initiate a transfer between facilities and ship as items land. Expect a minimum of 3–5 business days of additional handling. The system’s good—but not perfect—and we keep refining it.
Q. How do I purchase Special Order products?
First, load your ZBag (wallet funds) in a separate order with enough to cover the entire merchandise subtotal. All Special Orders must be paid with ZBag and will be declined if not paid entirely with ZBag. Credit cards are not accepted for Special Orders.
Our policies protect a program built on patience and weekly effort on your behalf. This is not a straight product sale; you’re hiring us to secure a game when it becomes available. Splitting the process—first funding ZBag, then placing the Special Order—confirms you understand the terms for both.
Q. When will my Special Order arrive?
We fill Special Orders from oldest to newest as product arrives. We usually can’t give dates—even for specific titles—because reprint/Restock timelines are out of our hands. Think of it like a Kickstarter vibe: you stake your claim now to avoid paying more later; when it hits our dock, it ships to you.
Q. I placed an order with both Special Order and faster-turnaround items—what now?
We automatically split for what can go now vs. what must wait.
- In-stock items will wait briefly for transfer items we expect within ~2 weeks.
- Anything still not here by then will move to a separate order.
When items arrive, you’ll get options:
- Start a new order and we’ll send the arrived items at no extra charge (same shipping priority as your original), or
- Pay a $6.19 shipping origination charge to originate an economy shipment that pairs with your already-paid portion.
We hold arrived-but-unclaimed items for about 6 months from first notice, then ping you again. If we don’t hear back within 2 weeks of that second notice, we may return the item to general stock and issue store credit less 15% to cover storage and potential equity loss.
Q. Can I cancel Special Orders that haven’t come in yet?
24-hour grace (all orders): Any transaction can be canceled for a full refund to the original payment method within 24 hours of purchase, provided it has not already been fulfilled or redeemed as store credit within that window.
After 24 hours: In-stock product is non-refundable. We may grant store-credit exceptions at our sole discretion. Payment-source cancellations requested after the 24-hour window and before shipment may incur a 15% processing fee (see Refund Policy).
For Special Orders: If the item has not been invoiced to us by our supplier, we can restore your ZBag so you can choose something else. Once invoiced/committed, the order is treated as in-stock and is not cancelable. Email dean@boardingschoolgames.com to request.
PREORDERS
Q. How do I place a preorder?
Preorders follow the same process as Special Orders.
Q. When will my preorder arrive?
We ship to land around the street date, but we don’t guarantee on-or-before delivery. Publishers control street dates and sometimes don’t get product to us in time to ship early. Typical arrival is within 1–2 days of release; when possible, we ship up to 2 days prior for distant addresses.
Q. Will you get enough of product X?
We forecast and place preorders early, and we work with every US distributor (and a few international) to maximize allocations. Shortfalls can still happen. Preorders are filled before we release product to general sale. For tight allocations, preorder early for the best odds. If limits become clear, we’ll close the window; otherwise, we treat preorders like Special Orders and fill as product appears. Preorder cancellations follow the Special Order policy.
SHIPPING
Q. Why don’t you offer free shipping?
Because “free” shipping isn’t free. We’d rather discount games and charge at-cost shipping. That keeps locals from subsidizing cross-country boxes and helps us pack pristinely. If a carrier does the ol’ steamroller routine, we offer white-glove help with claims.
Q. Can I combine with an older order or add to my order?
Yes. Place the additional order and we’ll automatically combine in-stock items when we can. We ship as soon as possible after payment (typically same day or next business day). If both orders are in stock—or we expect them to be soon—we’ll hold briefly for short-term Special Order items, combine, and refund any excess shipping. If Special Orders are involved, see the “held up by Special Order products” answer above.
PRODUCT SPECIFICS
Q. What’s the deal with CCG preorders?
Highly allocated and high demand (think Magic, Pokémon). We currently do not accept preorders for these lines because allocations are often unknown or short until near release. We list them when they’re in hand so we can fulfill accurately.
For large purchases, we may internally allocate to spread product fairly; anything beyond our internal allocation may be converted to a Special Order and filled with later waves. The more we sell over time, the better our allocations get—consistent supporters generally see better outcomes.
USED PRODUCTS
Q. When will my used product purchase arrive?
Used titles are certified when they come in and re-certified before shipping to you. That work takes time, so used orders can’t be rushed and we don’t quote exact ship dates. RUSH orders take priority. Please purchase with a little patience in mind.
Q. What does “certified” mean for used products?
We check completeness against the manual (or best available source). Minor wear is normal; major tears that risk losing components are not. We guarantee 100% playability at ship time.
Consumables (markers, pads, etc.) aren’t guaranteed. For legacy/reveal content, we guarantee presence, not state. If multiple printings share the exact same title but vary internally, we treat those as equivalent unless “Revised/2nd Edition,” etc., is explicitly stated on the listing. Components are often consolidated into bags (or the organizer if it makes sense). Because of fraud risk and variability, all used sales are final and sold as-is. If that’s not your vibe, new product is the safer pick.