Where to Source Toys & Games to Resell for Profit

Mastering the Art of Sourcing Toys & Games for Resale

If you're looking to break into the reselling game, Toys & Games offer a lucrative niche with enormous potential. From the latest LEGO sets to vintage action figures, there's a wide array of products that collectors and parents alike are eager to buy. Below, I've compiled a comprehensive guide on where to find Toys & Games to resell, how much to expect to pay, and the potential profits you can achieve.

1. Clearance Sections at Major Retailers

Typical Cost Per Item: $5-$50

Expected Condition: New, often sealed

Retailers like Target, Walmart, and TK Maxx are gold mines for discounted toys, especially after major holidays when they clear out stock to make room for new lines. You'll often find LEGO sets, board games, and action figures marked down by 50-75%.

• Pros: New items often come sealed, maximizing resale value.
• Cons: Competition can be fierce, especially during known clearance events.
• Profit Margin: Resell LEGO sets for $30-$200+, sealed board games for $15-$40.

2. Charity Shops

Typical Cost Per Item: $1-$15

Expected Condition: Used, varying conditions

Charity shops are treasure troves for vintage toys that staff often undervalue due to lack of knowledge. Look out for 80s/90s action figures, original Game Boys, and Tamagotchis.

• Pros: Extremely low prices and potential for high markups.
• Cons: Items may be damaged or missing parts.
• Profit Margin: Vintage action figures can sell for $10-$50, vintage toys boxed/sealed for $50-$500+.

3. Garage/Car Boot Sales

Typical Cost Per Item: Bulk buys at $10-$50

Expected Condition: Used, often mixed

Parents often sell bulk toys their children have outgrown at garage or car boot sales. Offer to buy entire boxes of LEGO, Hot Wheels, or Pokémon cards for a flat price.

• Pros: Potential to negotiate bulk discounts.
• Cons: Time-consuming to sift through and check conditions.
• Profit Margin: LEGO sets and action figures can see substantial markups.

4. Retail Arbitrage on Amazon/eBay

Typical Cost Per Item: Varies widely

Expected Condition: Both new and used

Track trending toys each holiday season using forums like Reddit's r/ToyCollectors. Some toys become scarce and spike in price.

• Pros: High demand can lead to quick sales at premium prices.
• Cons: Prices fluctuate, requiring quick decision-making.
• Profit Margin: Depends on toy rarity; potential high returns.

5. Online Liquidation Sites

Typical Cost Per Item: Varies, often $100+ for lots

Expected Condition: New, often in bulk

Websites like Liquidation.com offer pallets of overstock toys. This can be a great way to acquire new items in bulk.

• Pros: High volume of new items available.
• Cons: Requires a significant upfront investment and storage space.
• Profit Margin: High potential if sourced smartly and sold individually.

6. Wholesale Suppliers

Typical Cost Per Item: Wholesale rates, usually lower per unit

Expected Condition: New

Sourcing directly from toy manufacturers or distributors at wholesale prices can ensure a steady supply of goods.

• Pros: Direct access to new products and potential exclusive deals.
• Cons: Requires business licenses and larger capital.
• Profit Margin: Consistent, often lower but stable profits.

7. Facebook Buy/Sell Groups

Typical Cost Per Item: $5-$30

Expected Condition: Used

Join local Facebook buy/sell groups where parents frequently sell toys their kids no longer use.

• Pros: Local pick-up eliminates shipping costs.
• Cons: Must sift through posts to find deals; some may be overpriced.
• Profit Margin: Moderately high, especially for rare or in-demand items.

8. Estate Sales

Typical Cost Per Item: $5-$50

Expected Condition: Varies, often vintage

Estate sales can be excellent places to find vintage toys. Look for boxed sets and toys in good condition.

• Pros: Opportunity to find older, valuable items.
• Cons: Prices can be higher, and competition may be significant.
• Profit Margin: High for rare, collectible items.

What to Look For

Focus on specific brands and characteristics that signal value:

• Brand-new LEGO sets, especially limited editions
• Vintage action figures from the 80s and 90s, especially if they're boxed
• Classic board games still sealed in their original packaging
• Items with complete accessories and minimal wear
• Electronic toys without battery corrosion

Red Flags

• Avoid fakes and counterfeits, which are more common with popular brands like LEGO and Pokémon.
• Steer clear of toys with major damage or missing critical parts.
• Low resale demand items, which might sit in your inventory for too long.

Seasonal Sourcing Tips

The best time to source Toys & Games is typically right after major holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, when stores are clearing inventory. Conversely, selling is most profitable before the holiday rush, when parents and collectors are actively seeking gifts and additions to their collections.

Startup Budget

You can start sourcing Toys & Games with as little as $100, focusing on clearance deals and garage sales to maximize your initial investment.

Boost Your Listings

When listing your finds, consider using tools like ListingGenie to craft detailed and appealing listings that help maximize your profits. High-quality photos and thorough descriptions can significantly impact your items' selling price.

FAQ

• How do I verify the authenticity of a vintage toy?
  Research online to compare with authenticated examples and look for original manufacturer markings.
• What if a toy I bought has missing parts?
  You can often find replacement parts on eBay or forums dedicated to toy collectors.
• How should I store my sourced toys?
  Keep them in a cool, dry place, and use airtight containers for loose items to avoid dust and deterioration.
• Can I sell internationally?
  Yes, platforms like eBay allow for international shipping, which can significantly broaden your market.