🧸 Toy Reselling
Reseller Guide
LEGO Reselling
LEGO is one of the most consistent resale markets. Sets retire, prices rise.
Key Concepts
- Retired sets: When LEGO stops making a set, prices increase 5-20% annually
- NIB (New In Box): Sealed sets command highest premiums
- Licensed themes: Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel = best resale
- Exclusives: LEGO Store/online exclusives harder to get = higher value
Best Sets to Buy
- UCS (Ultimate Collector Series): Large display sets, always appreciate
- Modular buildings: Retire every 2-3 years, 2-4x returns
- Seasonal/holiday: Limited availability = forced scarcity
- Limited GWP: Gift With Purchase promos become valuable
💡 Pro Tip: Use BrickLink for pricing research. BrickEconomy tracks set values over time. Buy retiring sets at retail, hold 1-2 years, profit.
Funko Pop! Reselling
What Sells
- Convention exclusives: SDCC, NYCC, Funko Fair
- Store exclusives: Target, Hot Topic, Walmart, Amazon
- Vaulted Pops: Discontinued = increasing value
- Chase variants: 1 in 6 ratio, distinctive markings
- Grails: Rare older pops, some worth $1,000+
Condition Matters
- Mint box: Full price
- Minor damage: 20-40% less
- Major damage: 50%+ less
- OOB (Out of Box): 50-70% less than boxed
Use Pop Price Guide (poppriceguide.com) for current values.
Trading Cards
| Category | Key Platforms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon | eBay, TCGPlayer | Vintage (1999-2003) = gold. Modern chase cards hot. |
| Sports Cards | eBay, COMC | Rookie cards, graded cards. Market volatile. |
| Magic: The Gathering | TCGPlayer, CardKingdom | Reserved List = never reprinted = appreciating |
| Yu-Gi-Oh! | TCGPlayer, eBay | Meta cards spike with tournament play |
Grading
- PSA: Most recognized, long wait times, sports/Pokémon
- BGS (Beckett): Subgrades visible, sports focus
- CGC: Newer, faster, growing acceptance
⚠️ Warning: Card market is volatile. A $100 card today might be $30 next month if it gets reprinted or falls out of competitive play. Research before investing heavily.
Vintage Toys
Most Valuable Categories
- Star Wars (1977-1985): Original Kenner figures, especially carded
- G.I. Joe (1964-1969, 1982-1994): Original 12" and Real American Hero
- Transformers (1984-1990): G1 figures, complete with accessories
- He-Man/MOTU: Masters of the Universe figures and vehicles
- Hot Wheels: Redlines (1968-1977) most valuable
- Barbie: Vintage 1959-1966, Black Label collectibles
Condition Grading
- MIB/MOC: Mint In Box / Mint On Card - highest value
- NRFB: Never Removed From Box
- Complete: All original parts, no box
- Incomplete: Missing accessories - significant discount
Where to Source Toys
- Retail clearance: Target, Walmart circles for LEGO/toys
- Thrift stores: Vintage toys, incomplete sets for parts
- Garage sales: Parents selling kids' collections = goldmine
- Estate sales: Attics and basements hide vintage treasures
- Facebook groups: Collector groups for specific niches
- Whatnot: Live auction app, sometimes deals
- Flea markets: Negotiate, especially late in day
Selling Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | Everything, largest audience | ~13% |
| Mercari | Quick sales, lower values | 10% |
| Whatnot | Live selling, Funko, cards | 8% |
| TCGPlayer | Trading cards only | ~11% |
| BrickLink | LEGO sets and parts | 3% |
| Amazon | New/sealed toys | ~15% |
Q4 Is Your Super Bowl
Toys are THE category for Q4 (Oct-Dec). Holiday shopping drives massive demand.
- Start sourcing in September: Inventory up before demand spikes
- Price higher Oct-Dec: Desperate parents pay premiums
- Ship FAST: Need to arrive before Christmas
- Hot toys: Whatever's on the "must-have" lists goes crazy
- After Christmas: Prices drop 30-50%. Good time to BUY for next year.
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