Tips for listing and selling toys on eBay™

By Arno Lippassaar

Choosing a category:
It can be very difficult sometimes to determine where to list a certain toy on eBay™. Many toys can fit into many different categories. For example, a Fred Flintstone riding in a tin car can fit either into the Character subcategory or into the Vintage tin subcategory. A general rule is that if an item is character related, then list it in the Character subcategory. Another way to pick a category is to conduct a search for similar items and see where other people have listed theirs.

Titling your listing:
List the name of the toy, the year of it, and the maker, if possible. The title should be descriptive for the "searchers" and eye-catching for the "browsers." If you indicate that you have attached a picture, a colorful "PIC" icon will appear after your title. Many people prefer to bid on items that they can look at, so a picture can help you get more bids. For more information, see eBay's photo tutorial.

Composing your listing:
The more you can tell buyers about your toy, the better. It is helpful to include information about the toy's maker, year or period it was made, country of origin, attributes of the material, imprints or markings, and so on. Also, be as clear as you can about the condition. Note any imperfections (cracks, chips, faded, and so on). It is best to be as honest as possible, and let buyers know exactly what they're bidding on. Also include preferred payment information and shipping charges. Include information on how you would like payment (check, money order, credit card) and how much you are charging for shipping, handling, and insurance. If you post a picture with your listing, it is helpful if the picture is in focus, without a distracting background, and close enough to see some of the toy's detail. Some people include several pictures, including one of the whole toy, a close-up of one side, and another close-up of a special feature.

Completing your listing:
You can set the length of the auction (3, 5, 7 or 10 days), the minimum opening bid amount, and the reserve price (the minimum you would be willing to sell the toy for), if you want to include one. It's best to be realistic in setting the reserve price so you don't discourage bidders, but be sure to set it at an amount you are comfortable with.

Completing the transaction:
eBay will notify the seller and high bidder at the conclusion of the auction. You, the seller, will then contact the high bidder to arrange for payment and shipping of the toy. Typically, in your message, you will tell the high bidder which auction was won and request that a check or money order in the amount of the high bid plus shipping and handling be sent to your address. Once you receive payment, you ship the antique to the address the buyer provides. You may also want to look at the feedback of the buyer. The comments can influence how you handle the transaction.

There are escrow services available for a small fee if the buyer would like to see the toy and accept it before payment is released. If the toy is not accepted, the buyer must return it quickly and the escrow service returns the funds to the buyer. To ensure the buyer is satisfied, it is helpful to be honest and detailed in your auction description. See the escrow section for more details. If the buyer was prompt and courteous, give positive feedback so that other users will know this person is a good buyer to work with!

Terms for listing or buying
    (See also the "Rating Toys" section)

If there are some terms you think we should have included, email us at toysbbs@ebay.com with the term and the definition.

Baby Boomer - Usually refers to toys from the 1950s to the 1960s

Blister Pack - A clear plastic packaging used to package smaller toys. This is usually glued to cardboard.

Cast Iron - A type of metal used in producing toys from the 1800s through the 1940s

Character Toy - Refers to toys related to cartoon characters, TV personalities, or celebrities

Diecast - A manufacturing method of producing toy metal cars from the 1950s to the 1960s

Header Card - A piece of cardboard with graphics on it used to package an item attached to blister pack.

Hot Wheels™ - A manufacturer of diecast vehicles.

Matchbox™ car - A manufacturer of diecast cars. Sometimes used as a generic term for small toy cars.

Redline - Refers to a wheel type available on early Hot Wheels™ cars.

Reproduction (repro) - An item made very similar or exactly like an earlier made item.

Scale - Refers to a toy's size in reference to real-life size. (that is, 1/64th, 1/32nd)

Sealed - Never opened toy. Still in the original packaging.

Super-Fast™ - Refers to a wheel type available on Matchbox™ cars.

Vintage - Original, not a reproduction. Usually refers to the 1970s or earlier.

Vinyl - Soft plastic that yields to firm pressure.

The preceding material was written by Arno Lippassaar. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.