Best Time to Sell Toys & Games: Seasonal Selling Guide

Seasonal Guide to Selling Toys & Games

As a veteran seller in the Toys & Games category, timing is everything. The right purchase and listing strategy can make all the difference in your profit margins. Let's dive into when to buy, list, and capitalize on your inventory.

Monthly Breakdown: Buying and Selling Trends

Month	Best for Sourcing	Peak Selling	Expected Price Ranges
January	Clearance sales at major retailers start post-holidays.	Slow; focus on stocking up.	Common toys: $5-10, Vintage toys: up to $100.
February	Clearance continues; check charity shops for undervalued vintage toys.	Low demand; prep listings.	LEGO sets (sealed): $25-150.
March	Garage sales start; great for bulk buys.	Inventory buildup phase.	Board games: $15-30.
April	Spring cleaning: thrift stores get new stock.	Tax refund season; slight demand increase.	Vintage action figures: $15-40.
May	Consistent garage sales and charity shop finds.	Slow; focus on sourcing.	Common toys: $5-10.
June	Family sales; buy toys in bulk for summer.	Moderate as summer break starts.	LEGO sets: up to $100.
July	Continue sourcing from garage sales.	Maintain listings for sporadic sales.	Board games: $20-35.
August	Back-to-school sales can offer deals.	Low; prepare for upcoming peak.	Vintage toys: $50-150.
September	Begin tracking hot toys for holiday season.	Start listing high-demand items.	LEGO sets: $50-150.
October	Ramp up purchases for holiday sales.	Demand increases; Halloween themes.	Common toys: $10-15.
November	Black Friday deals; stock up aggressively.	Peak season begins; list daily.	Board games (sealed): $25-40.
December	Focus on listing rather than sourcing.	Peak demand; prices peak.	Vintage toys: $100-500.

Strategic Sourcing Tips

Buying low and selling high is the name of the game. Post-holiday clearance at major retailers like Target and Walmart is a goldmine. Look for discounts of 50-75% on LEGO sets and board games. Charity shops often undervalue vintage toys, making them an excellent source year-round. Garage sales are perfect for bulk buys; parents often sell LEGO or Pokémon cards by the box, not realizing their resale potential.

Platform-Specific Timing

eBay: Given its massive audience, eBay is ideal for year-round sales, but demand peaks from Black Friday through Christmas. The best days to list are Thursday and Sunday evenings when buyer activity spikes.

Mercari: This platform sees increased activity during tax refund season and the holiday rush. List items on weekends to maximize visibility.

Are Toys & Games Evergreen?

Toys and games are somewhat seasonal, with significant spikes during the holiday season and steady interest during tax refund periods. However, specific collectibles like vintage action figures and sealed LEGO sets maintain demand year-round.

Using ListingGenie for Seasonal Listings

Leverage ListingGenie to craft listings that resonate with seasonal buyer intent. Highlight features that align with current events or holidays to capture more interest.

FAQs on Timing Toys & Games Sales

• When is the best time to source toys? Post-holiday sales from January to March offer the best discounts.
• How do holiday seasons affect toy sales? Demand peaks from November to December, especially around Black Friday and Christmas.
• What platform is best for selling vintage toys? eBay, due to its global reach and large collector audience.
• Are there specific days to list toys? Thursday and Sunday evenings on eBay are optimal.
• Is it worth stocking up on toys year-round? Absolutely, especially for trending or vintage items that maintain value.