Complete Guide to Reselling Toys & Games Online

Is Reselling Toys & Games Profitable?

Reselling Toys & Games can indeed be a lucrative venture if approached strategically. For casual resellers who dedicate weekends to sourcing and listing, you might expect to make around $300-$500 a month. However, for those who go all-in—tracking trends, sourcing daily, and optimizing listings—you could potentially bring in $1,000 to $2,000 monthly.

The key to profitability lies in sourcing items at the right price, understanding the market demand, and choosing the best platforms for each type of item.

Sourcing Toys & Games: Where and What to Look For

Effective sourcing is the backbone of a successful reselling business. Here are some proven methods:

• Clearance Sections: Retail giants like Target, Walmart, and TK Maxx are treasure troves post-holiday season. LEGO sets, board games, and action figures often see discounts of 50-75%. Timing is crucial—visit these stores a few days after major holidays for the best deals.
• Charity Shops: Vintage toys from the 80s and 90s are often underpriced in charity shops. Keep an eye out for action figures, original Game Boys, and Tamagotchis. The staff usually don’t realize the value of these nostalgia-inducing items.
• Garage/Car Boot Sales: Parents frequently sell toys their kids have outgrown. Offer to buy entire boxes of LEGO, Hot Wheels, or Pokémon cards. This bulk purchase tactic often nets you a lower per-item cost.
• Retail Arbitrage: Platforms like Amazon and eBay can show you which toys are becoming scarce. Monitor trends on forums like Reddit's r/ToyCollectors to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on price spikes.

Best Platforms for Selling Toys & Games

Choosing the right platform impacts your success. Here’s how to decide:

• eBay: Ideal for rare finds over $100. With a massive global audience, it’s perfect for high-value collectibles where you want the most visibility. The 13% fee is justified by the potential for higher sales.
• Mercari: Best for everyday items priced under $30. The platform’s 10% seller fee plus 2% payment processing is competitive, and its broad US audience ensures quick turnover for common toys.
• Facebook Marketplace: Great for local sales, especially bulky items that are expensive to ship. No fees mean more profit, but the audience is more limited.

Pricing Strategies with Real Examples

Pricing is about balancing demand with condition. Here are some examples:

• Common Toys (Used, No Box): Items like basic action figures and Barbie dolls usually fetch $5-$15.
• Board Games (Sealed): Prices range from $15-$40 depending on popularity and rarity. A sealed Monopoly might get $30, while a lesser-known game could be closer to $15.
• LEGO Sets (Sealed): These can be anywhere from $30 to over $200. A retired, sealed set of the Millennium Falcon could go for hundreds.
• Vintage Action Figures (Loose): Depending on rarity and condition, these sell for $10-$50. A loose G.I. Joe figure from the 80s typically sells around $20.

Photography and Listing Optimization

Photos and keywords play a crucial role in attracting buyers. Here’s how to optimize:

• Photography: Show both sides of the packaging for sealed items. For loose figures, layout all accessories with the figure. Photograph any damage or missing parts clearly.
• Keywords: Use keywords like "sealed," "vintage," "limited edition," or "complete set" to attract collectors. Tools like ListingGenie can help generate optimized listings to improve visibility.

FAQs about Reselling Toys & Games

• Q: How do you determine the condition of vintage toys?
  A: Check for missing parts, battery corrosion, and sticker condition. For LEGO, count pieces or weigh the set.
• Q: What’s the best way to ship fragile or collectible toys?
  A: Use plenty of bubble wrap, appropriately sized boxes, and corner protectors for sealed items.
• Q: How can I track trending toys?
  A: Follow forums like Reddit’s r/ToyCollectors, and use retail platforms to monitor scarcity and price changes.
• Q: What’s the difference in selling fees between eBay and Mercari?
  A: eBay charges around 13%, while Mercari’s fees total 12%. Consider the audience reach when choosing.