How to Sell Toys & Games on eBay

So you've just stumbled upon a treasure trove of old toys in your attic — perhaps a collection of 90s action figures, a few vintage board games, or even those ever-popular LEGO sets. You're thinking about parting with them and making some cash, but where to start? Selling Toys & Games on eBay can be a rewarding experience, especially given the massive marketplace and global audience. Here's how you can turn those forgotten gems into a profitable endeavor.

The eBay Advantage for Toys & Games

With over 135 million active buyers, eBay offers a diverse and extensive audience. This platform is particularly appealing for selling rare and niche items, such as collectibles and vintage toys, thanks to its strong collector community and auction features. The audience skews older, typically between 35-65 years, making it ideal for items that spark nostalgia, like 80s and 90s toys.

Why eBay Stands Out

• Global Reach: eBay’s Global Shipping Program simplifies selling to international buyers, handling customs and logistics, which can significantly expand your potential market.
• Auction Format: For collectibles, the auction format can drive up prices as competitive bidders seek rare finds.
• Promotions: eBay’s provision of discounted shipping labels and promoted listings can help boost visibility and sales.

Sourcing Toys & Games

Finding the right items to sell is half the battle. Here’s where your treasure hunt begins:

Retail Arbitrage

Check clearance sections at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and TK Maxx for LEGO sets, board games, and action figures. Post-holiday sales can offer discounts from 50-75%, which is perfect for buying and reselling at a profit. Keep an eye on trending toys each season; forums like Reddit’s r/ToyCollectors are invaluable for tracking popular items.

Charity Shops and Garage Sales

These venues can be gold mines for vintage toys. Charity shops often have undervalued items like 80s/90s action figures or electronics. Garage sales might allow you to negotiate bulk purchases on LEGO or Pokémon cards, giving you a larger inventory to work with.

Pricing and Fees: What to Expect

Understanding eBay’s fee structure is crucial for setting your prices and ensuring profitability.

Realistic Pricing

• Common Used Toys: $5-15
• Sealed Board Games: $15-40
• Sealed LEGO Sets: $30-200+
• Loose Vintage Action Figures: $10-50
• Vintage Boxed Toys: $50-500+

Calculating Fees

eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee on most categories. If you sell a board game for $40, expect eBay to take around $5.30 plus a $0.30 order fee, leaving you with about $34.40 before shipping and handling costs. Consider subscribing to an eBay Store starting at $4.95/month for reduced rates if you're a frequent seller.

Creating a Profitable Listing

Creating an effective listing is key to catching the eye of potential buyers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step-by-Step Listing Process

• Title: Use keyword-rich titles like "Vintage 1980s G.I. Joe Action Figure Loose with Accessories."
• Category: Choose the most appropriate category for your item, such as Toys & Hobbies or Action Figures.
• Item Specifics: Fill in all item specifics, like brand, year, and condition. This boosts your listing in eBay’s search results.
• Description: Write a detailed description. Use ListingGenie's eBay listing generator to optimize your text.
• Photos: Include clear images showing all angles. For loose toys, show any accessories. For sealed items, highlight box condition.
• Pricing: Choose auction for rare items or Buy It Now for more common ones. Consider a "Buy It Now" with a Best Offer option to attract more buyers.
• Shipping: Offer free shipping to stand out and boost your search rankings. Use eBay’s discounted shipping labels for savings.
• Return Policy: Opt for free returns to earn the Top Rated Plus badge, which provides a 10% discount on final value fees.

Photography Tips

Your photos are your first impression. Here's how to make them count:

• Sealed Items: Show the front and back of packaging. Collectors value box condition highly.
• Loose Items: Photograph all accessories and highlight any defects clearly.
• LEGO Sets: If possible, show the assembled model. If not, spread the pieces to demonstrate completeness.

Shipping and Handling

How you pack and ship your toys can impact your seller rating significantly. Parents expect pristine delivery for gifts.

• Packaging: Use bubble wrap generously and choose the right-sized box to prevent movement during transit.
• Protection: For valuable items, add corner protectors to help preserve box integrity.
• Weighing LEGO: Accurate weight ensures correct shipping costs. LEGO can be heavy, so weigh before listing.

FAQs

• What are eBay's best practices for selling toys?

  Utilize complete item specifics, offer free returns for fee discounts, and promote listings with free shipping and 1-day handling.

• How do I determine the value of vintage toys on eBay?

  Research completed listings to gauge market value. Use auction format to test demand for rare items.

• What fees does eBay charge for selling toys?

  eBay charges a 13.25% final value fee on most toys. Consider subscription plans for fee reductions.

• How do I ship toys sold on eBay?

  Use eBay's discounted shipping labels. Bubble wrap and correct box sizing prevent damage during transit.

• Can I sell internationally on eBay?

  Yes, use eBay’s Global Shipping Program to manage international sales and customs for you.