I’ve written a lot on this blog about decluttering and what to do with any items you want to eliminate.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some tips for selling old toys online.
Have you had a big declutter recently?
If so, you may have some old toys that you want to sell online but are unsure where to get started.
Selling old toys online can be a great way to make some extra cash – whether it’s on behalf of your children so they can buy some new toys or to add some money to the pot for home renovations.
10 Tips For Selling Old Toys Online
1. Do Your Research
Before selling your old toys, it’s worth doing some research to see how much they might be worth.
For example, some rare Lego sets and figures can fetch quite a high price when sold online, as can some Pokemon cards and old game consoles.
This will of course depend on several factors such as condition, how rare the item is and whether or not it works how it should.
Even if you don’t have rare items to sell, there is still a huge market out there for secondhand everyday toys such as Barbies, Squishmallows, Happy Land and anything Harry Potter.
2. Choose The Right Selling Platform To Sell Old Toys Online
When it comes to selling your old toys online, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right platform for your needs.
Vinted – Great for selling everyday toys with the added bonus of no fees for sellers.
You can sell toys in bundles or individually with a discount when sellers create their own bundles.
Prices need to be realistic and fairly low if you want to make lots of sales.
Related – How To Sell Homeware On Vinted
eBay – Best for toys that might be worth a bit more, the auction format lets buyers fight it out.
However, there are selling fees to consider.
Facebook Marketplace – Perfect for larger toys that would be awkward to post as buyers will usually collect.
It offers little protection for sellers, so be careful and be aware of scams. There are no selling fees, and people usually pay in cash.
Auction House – For very rare toys that you think might be extremely valuable, you may want to consider selling them via an auction house.
While the house will take a cut of your profits, it’s a good way to get your item in front of collectors who might end up in a bidding war.
3. Take Good Photographs In Bright Light
When selling any item it’s important to take good clear photographs in bright light. I find slightly overcast days are best for this as too much sunlight in the photos can sometimes distort the colours.
Finally, you should avoid using any filters on your photographs.
4. Be Honest About Any Defects
If toys have been used and played they might not be in perfect condition. It’s still fine to sell them as long as you are honest about any defects.
You’ll also want to mention whether the toy is still working properly – again some toys will sell even if not working but you need to be clear about this in your listing.
5. Consider Your Pricing Strategy When Selling Old Toys Online
There are lots of different ways to price items when selling online.
Cheaper items are more likely to sell, but of course, you’ll make less money. However, if you want items gone quickly, this might be the best way to go.
More valuable items might take longer to sell, but at least you know you’ll be getting what they’re worth and they’ll more than likely being going to someone who will cherish them if they’re a collector.
6. Choose A Suitable Shipping Method
When it comes to selling old toys online, you’ll also want to choose the right shipping method, as getting this wrong could leave you out of pocket.
For small items on eBay and Vinted my preferred shipping method is Evri or Inpost.
I had issues with Yodel Parcel shop not taking larger items despite them being smaller than Yodel’s maximum parcel size, so would avoid especially if selling in bulk.
For any valuable toys, using a courier with a signed for delivery might be the best option.
7. Make Sure Your Toys Are Well Wrapped
When it comes to shipping, the onus is on the seller to ensure the items are well-wrapped to prevent damage.
As I sell often on Vinted, I am now in the habit of keeping any and all packaging ready for packaging items when I sell.
This includes bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, padded envelopes and mailing bags. Reusing packaging in this way is great for the environment and means the cost of packing materials won’t eat into your profits.
8. Consider Selling In Bulk/Bundles
Selling in bulk might mean you make less money, but it can also mean a lot less work too; less packaging up individual items and fewer trips to post your items will save you time.
9. Communication Is Key
When selling toys online, I always like to send the buyer a message to let them know their item is on the way.
If you’re selling on a platform such as Vinted or eBay, you might get buyers asking questions about your items and it’s best to answer these as quickly as you can.
10. Ensure Selling Old Toys Is Worth Your Time
I really enjoy selling old toys online, even if I only make a small amount of money.
However, sometimes it can feel like a hassle, if items aren’t selling or if buyers are being difficult.
When it comes to selling anything online, you’ll want to make sure that the amount of money your making is worth the time it’s taking you to photograph, list and post your items.
If it isn’t, you might want to think about donating your old toys instead.
