If your basement is full of Beanie Babies or your loft is packed with LEGO, you might make money by selling them. It’s not easy, but it can be worth it. This guide will show you how to figure out what your toys are worth, where to sell them, and how to make the most money.
We all had a favorite toy when we were kids. For me, it was my Transformers action figures. I spent hours playing with them, dreaming of battles between Autobots and Decepticons. I had no idea those toys would be worth a lot later. Even common toys can bring in good money when sold1
Key Takeaways
- Old toys, even if not collectibles, can still be valuable when sold.
- The condition of your toys greatly affects their resale value.
- Online places like eBay, Craigslist, and Mercari are good for selling used toys.
- Toy shows and auctions are perfect for selling rare or valuable items.
- Good marketing and photos are key to attracting buyers.
Determine the Condition of Your Old Toys Before Selling
Before selling your old toys, it’s key to know their true value. Sentimental value doesn’t count, so you must research each toy’s details. This includes its identity, condition, and rarity to set a fair price2.
Learn Each Toy’s Identity
Examine your toys closely. Look for the name, batch number, color, and release year. These details help you find similar items and set a good price2.
Assess Your Toy’s Condition
The better your toy’s condition, the more you can sell it for. Toys in mint condition with original packaging sell for the most. Check for any wear or damage, as it affects the price2.
Check for Similar Models
Some toys have different series or models with varying values. Small differences in color, material, or features can make some versions more valuable. Research the specific model’s rarity and demand to price it right2.
Find Toy Valuators
If you’re unsure about your toy’s value, especially rare ones, get help from toy valuators. Companies like Weiss Auctions, Skinner, Sotheby’s, and Heritage Auctions have experts for accurate appraisals2.
| Toy Condition | Percentage of Retail Value |
|---|---|
| Mint/Like New with Original Packaging | 60-70% |
| Relatively New or In-Demand | 50% |
| Worn or Less Sought-After | 20-30% |
“Selling toys one by one can be time-consuming, requiring knowledge of toy values, photography skills, listing items, managing sales, and shipping orders.”2
By carefully checking your toys’ condition and identity, you can price them right. Working with toy valuators can also help you get the best price for your vintage items2.
Where to Sell Old Toys
You have many ways to sell your old toys. You can try local consignment stores, e-commerce sites, or toy shows. Each place has its own benefits and challenges. Let’s look at the best places to sell your vintage toys.
Local Consignment Stores
Selling toys at local consignment stores is easy. But, you might not make as much money as elsewhere. These stores might take common or damaged toys. They also take a cut of the sale price3.
E-commerce Websites
Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and Mercari let you reach many buyers. They offer a chance to sell to people all over the country or even worldwide4.
Toy Shows
Toy shows are great for selling rare toys. They draw lots of toy fans looking for special items. But, you’ll need to pay for a table or booth to sell there5.
Auction Websites
Auction sites like LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and Bertoia Auctions help you find buyers interested in toys. You can list your toy with details and photos. The auction sets the price. Remember, these sites charge fees5.
Toy-Collector Clubs
Joining toy-collector clubs is a smart move. Members know a lot about toys and are eager to buy. Groups like the Antique Toy Collectors of America and the Fisher-Price Collectors Club are good places to start5.
Before you sell, research the market and know your toy’s condition. Price it right to sell it well. By trying different places, you can find the best way to sell your toys and make some extra money.
How to Market Your Old Toys
When selling old toys, good marketing is key. You need high-quality photos that show off your toy’s condition5. Also, write detailed descriptions that point out the toy’s best features and its value. Use keywords like “how to sell old toys,” “toy reselling,” and “online toy auctions” to help people find your item6.
Don’t forget to use social media to get the word out and find buyers. It’s a great way to build excitement around your vintage toys.
Before you start selling, learn about the market and what your toys might be worth6. For example, a rare 1967 GI Joe female nurse could sell for up to $7005. A retired Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer LEGO set might fetch over $6005. Knowing this can help you price your toys right and attract the right buyers.
Think about getting your valuable toys graded by a professional5. The Action Figure Authority charges $32 to grade a figure in 60 to 80 days. If your toy is worth over $200, it might be worth the cost5. This can make buyers more confident in your item’s authenticity and condition, which could lead to higher prices.
By using smart marketing, understanding the toy market, and showing off your items well, you can make more money from your old toys56.
Conclusion
Selling old toys can be a great way to clear out your home and make some extra money. By figuring out what your toys are worth, their condition, and how rare they are, we can make the most money from them7. This way, we can turn our old toys into a profitable side job or a one-time cash boost.
Whether you have vintage toys from the ’80s and ’90s, which are now in high demand7, or newer toys and games, there are many ways to sell them8. You can start an online business, use auction sites, or join toy-collector clubs. These options can help us turn our old toys into cash.
To sell our vintage toys well, we need to know what makes them valuable7. This includes their iconic status, the era they represent, their condition, and if they’re real8. Also, keeping up with trends in the toy industry, like the rise in adult party game sales and the need for good inventory control8, can help us make smart choices and earn more.
FAQ
How can I determine the value of my old toys before selling them?
What factors impact the resale value of my used toys?
Where can I sell my old toys for the best price?
How can I effectively market my old toys to maximize profits?
Source Links
- What Are the Best Ways to Sell Old Toys for Cash? – https://www.askmoney.com/budgeting/best-ways-sell-old-toys-cash
- How to sell your old toys FAST! – https://emeraldcitycomics.com/pages/how-to-sell-your-old-toys-fast?srsltid=AfmBOopETlzrnrfcqmWWaHq-oKJegFI919RuOBrn3daUqThETiqEEBxs
- How to sell your old toys FAST! – https://emeraldcitycomics.com/pages/how-to-sell-your-old-toys-fast?srsltid=AfmBOorHiX9P-hRqqskmgsrpJGSqgiBNeOXbughCwP5BNOlpWHevh74c
- Best place to resell kids’ toys? – https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412094
- Here’s How to Turn Your Old Fisher Price Sets, LEGOS and GI Joes Into Cash – https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/quick-money/sell-vintage-toys/
- How Much is My Vintage Toy Worth? – https://retrogeektoys.com/articles/how-to-sell-vintage-toys-the-ultimate-guide-pricing-shops-and-tips/
- How To Sell Toys [101 ways-Ultimate Guide] – Dylan Universe Comics – https://www.dylanuniversecomics.com/how-to-sell-toys/
- What you need to know about selling toys and games in 2023 – https://www.linnworks.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-selling-toys-and-games/