3 Ways to Make Money off of Your Old Vintage Toys
Friday, September 4, 2020, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
Going through life with all its phases and milestones often leads to the accumulation of items no longer used or needed.
They may be hung onto fervently and hoarded for sentimental reasons, perhaps out of an inability to let go or a desire to pass them down to new generations of loved ones.
They may be simply stowed away somewhere and life moved on with as if they were never possessed at all.
However, others who recognize that there is a big market for things like vintage toys and technology that appreciate in value with age may opt to capitalize on this and earn some money while creating space at the same time.
The money gained can be saved or applied towards other more pressing expenses with little to no guilt, as the item is no longer needed or particularly valued by the owner.
Whatever the particular story is and whatever the reason for selling, here are three ways to make a bit of money off of old vintage toys.
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Proper Appraisal
The very first thing to do prior to selling an old vintage toy is to appraise its value. For one, its value is based on supply and demand. For example, rare items that are highly sought after online or elsewhere or no longer manufactured, for example, transformer g1 toys, are likely to be worth more than more commonplace items.
In addition, an item in mint or pristine condition that has not been removed from its original packaging, itself becoming an extension of the vintage item that is being sold, will earn more money than an item showing wear and tear.
There are websites and sellers that sell such items who can offer relevant and helpful information to most accurately assess the monetary value of the item, as well as the age and status of the item.
If nothing else, research can be used to compare and average values such as the item’s original cost as well as the bidding and ultimate selling prices of similar items online to ensure precision if not necessarily accurate to make sure you are getting the fairest deal possible at least.
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Proper Presentation
When it comes to selling items online, where there is less opportunity to see them in person, presentation is everything. Not only this, what is depicted must be accurately described so that the item received does not stray too far from expectations in terms of size and condition. Honesty is therefore key to ensure customer trust and increase the chances of new sales and customers.
Toys should be cleaned properly and preserved well, with the proper environmental conditions and cleaning materials used so as to avoid decay or wear. A professional cleaner can sometimes be the best option for this, depending on budgetary constraints and the quality of the toy’s condition.
High-quality photos of the toys in their best condition with a clear display of all relevant areas and angles in a uniform lighting and contrasting background should be taken to give the potential buyer the more accurate view possible.
When listing the item online, an accurate and thorough description containing all the needed information is a must, along with a personal note to further encourage buyers to purchase and connect with the item personally.
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Proper Platform
Last but not least, a suitable selling platform must be chosen. Many online platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy exist where vintage items can be sold. However, it’s important to see what sort of items sell best on particular platforms, as well as any hidden costs. For example, sites like Etsy tend to sell handcrafted and vintage items, whereas such items may become eclipsed by everyday items if listed on Amazon.
Furthermore, sites like Amazon charge fees for subscriptions, whereas those like eBay charge selling fees. Garage sales and other in-person venues are also options, though these put more responsibility on the seller to determine and assert the proper value of the item as well as to negotiate with the local regulations if need be.
There may be many reasons to sell vintage items and uses for the money earned. In any case, the aforementioned tips can help make it an enjoyable and profitable experience. Whether a new or veteran seller, it cannot hurt to try.
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