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Where To Sell Action Figures Fast? All You Need To Know

Sell Your Action Figures at Sell Your Toys Now

Selling your old action figures can be a great way to make some extra cash or clear out the clutter. But with so many options out there for selling action figures online, how do you know where to start? This comprehensive guide covers all the key factors to consider when deciding where to sell your action figures.

 

Where to Sell Your Action Figures

Best Recommendation – Sell at SellYourToysNow.com

 The best option is selling directly to toy and collectible buyers like us at SellYourToysNow.com. We purchase a wide selection of new, in the package action figures for top dollar. We will purchase used action figures, but only if they are rare, highly sought after collectibles that are in very good, gently used condition. Benefits of selling to us directly include:

 

  • Free valuation and prepaid shipping – We provide quotes and provide shipping labels for free.

  • Speed and convenience – Our team handles photography, listings, and sales so you can cash out fast.

  • Competitive payouts – We pay highly competitive rates based on condition and demand. Rare and vintage figures pay the most.

  • Direct payouts – Once we receive your action figures, payouts are issued quickly, avoiding marketplace payment holds.

 

By streamlining the entire selling process, you can conveniently liquidate your action figure collection for cash with minimal effort.

Sell Action Figures Online at Sell Your Toys Now

At Sell Your Toys Now, we remove the complication from selling your action figures. If you have a vintage toy collection in good condition, and you want to earn money from that investment, reach out to our team today.

How To Sell Your Action Figures Fast With Us

 

Step 1: CONNECT: Let us know what action figures you have.

We have many options. You can call, email, use our app, submit photos, submit a list, or use our toy pricer. This will give us a better idea of what you’re selling. 

 

Step 2: GET A QUOTE: Receive a quote from Sell Your Toys Now.

Within two business days, our staff will evaluate your collection and respond to you with an offer to buy your toy collection.

 

Step 3: SEND & GET PAID: Ship your collection to receive payment.

If you are satisfied with our quote, you can accept the offer. We will then send you detailed instructions on how to package and ship your items. We pay for the shipping and provide shipping labels. Once your items are checked in at our warehouse, you should receive payment within 48 hours. We pay via check, Venmo, or PayPal.

 

Now that we have discussed the easiest way to sell your action figures, let’s discuss some more difficult options. Warning: a headache is guaranteed!

Pricing Your Action Figures

Setting the right asking price is key to selling your action figures quickly and getting the most money possible. When deciding how to price figures, consider these key factors:

Age and Condition

Older, vintage action figures tend to command higher prices, especially if still sealed in the original packaging. Likewise, figures in pristine condition fetch higher prices than loose, damaged items. Inspect your figures closely and research prices for specific characters and versions.

Completeness

Incomplete action figures – missing key accessories or parts – see significantly lower prices than 100% complete sets. Double check that accessories, weapons, clothing etc are still present before listing.

Rarity

Limited edition, short run, promotional, and hard-to-find figures aimed at serious collectors have the highest potential resale value. Research how many units were produced and current availability when pricing rare finds.

Branding and Character

Figures from iconic brands like Star Wars, Marvel, and DC tend to sell better than generic or obscure characters. Likewise, key heroes and villains command higher prices than minor sidekicks and background characters.

Original Packaging

Mint figures still sealed in original boxes or blister packs gain a considerable premium over loose figures, sometimes more than doubling potential sale prices.

Demand and Trends

Consider current hype cycles around brands, characters, and even artists/designers. Trending franchises or nostalgic fads can impact prices in the short term.

Using recent sold listings for the exact item on eBay and other marketplaces gives the best sense of current fair market value. You can then adjust up or down slightly based on the uniqueness and condition of your particular figures.

 
GI Joe

eBay

With over 182 million active buyers, eBay is one of the largest and most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling just about anything, including action figures.

 

Here are some of the key benefits of selling action figures on eBay:

 

  • Massive reach: With buyers all over the world, eBay provides access to the largest audience of collectors and enthusiasts looking for specific action figures. This gives you the best chance for getting top dollar.

  • Established marketplace: eBay has been around since 1995, so it’s a well-known and trusted site for buyers and sellers alike. This can help provide peace of mind for first-time sellers.

  • Specialist categories: eBay has dedicated categories just for action figures, statues, and collectibles. This makes it easy for interested buyers to find your listings.

  • Listings get promoted: eBay promotes newly listed action figures across its platform to attract bids. Higher demand can lead to higher selling prices.

  • Flexible pricing: You can set a fixed price for Buy It Now listings or open your action figures up to bids via auction-style listings.

 

The downsides of eBay include having to pay both listing fees and final value fees. This means a chunk of your selling price goes to eBay. You’ll also need to put effort into writing compelling listings and shipping items yourself.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace allows you to sell locally to people in your area. Here are some key perks:

 

  • No selling fees: Facebook does not charge any fees or commissions for items sold via Marketplace. You keep 100% of your profits.

  • Leverage existing network: You can promote action figure listings to your existing friends, family, and broader Facebook connections.

  • List, sell, and ship in one place: Listings have a simple title and description. And checkout is handled directly between buyers and sellers via Facebook’s payment system.

  • Local pickup: Listings default to local pickup from sellers. This avoids shipping costs and damaged goods claims.

 

Downsides of Facebook Marketplace include its focus on individual buyers rather than large collectors or enthusiasts. You also have to manage meetups and safety when exchanging in person.

Specialist Action Figure Marketplaces

There are also several online marketplaces dedicated specifically to buying, selling, and trading action figures and collectibles. 

 

Some options include:

 

  • eBid: This auction site features dedicated collectibles categories including action figures, vintage toys, and trading cards. Listing fees start at just $0.05.

  • Mercari: Both vintage and new action figures can be sold via the Mercari app. Sellers keep 80% of each sale. Figures ship directly between buyers and sellers.

  • Collectorz.com: This hobbyist community has forums, price guides, and a marketplace for action figures and other collectibles. Membership starts at $29/year.

  • FigureRealm: Specializing in action figures, this site lets you list via photo galleries and auctions. Memberships start at $39/year.

 

The advantage of these niche marketplaces is connecting with engaged collectors who may pay premium prices for rare and coveted figures. Just be aware that their audiences are much smaller than mega marketplaces such as Amazon. The time and effort you put in may not pay off in the end.

Local Comic and Collectible Shops

Another option is to sell directly to local comic shops or collectible stores. Benefits include:

 

  • No fees or commissions: You keep all the profits when you sell to a store. Just agree on a fair cash price upfront.

  • Immediate payment: Get paid on the spot rather than waiting days or weeks to get paid by an online buyer.

  • Trade-in opportunities: Comic shops may offer store credit or the option to trade your figures for others.

  • Access knowledgeable buyers: Shop owners are often collectors themselves and may make strong offers for rare or niche figures.

Action Figure Conventions and Shows

Attending local or regional collectible conventions and toy shows can also be a great place to sell off parts of your action figure collection. Benefits include:

 

  • Engaged buyers: Attendees are often passionate collectors seeking new additions for their collections.

  • Rare finds: Collectors may be willing to pay top dollar for hard-to-find action figures in excellent condition.

  • Networking opportunities Connect with fellow enthusiasts who may be interested in buying select figures or trading.

  • On-site sales: Many conventions allow vendors to purchase booth space or tabletops to showcase their figures for sale on the spot.

 

Just keep in mind that securing a vendor spot and transporting your inventory requires extra time and effort. And sales may be unpredictable.

GI Joe 2

Pricing Your Action Figures

Setting the right asking price is key to selling your action figures quickly and getting the most money possible. When deciding how to price figures, consider these key factors:

Age and Condition

Older, vintage action figures tend to command higher prices, especially if still sealed in the original packaging. Likewise, figures in pristine condition fetch higher prices than loose, damaged items. Inspect your figures closely and research prices for specific characters and versions.

Completeness

Incomplete action figures – missing key accessories or parts – see significantly lower prices than 100% complete sets. Double check that accessories, weapons, clothing etc are still present before listing.

Rarity

Limited edition, short run, promotional, and hard-to-find figures aimed at serious collectors have the highest potential resale value. Research how many units were produced and current availability when pricing rare finds.

Branding and Character

Figures from iconic brands like Star Wars, Marvel, and DC tend to sell better than generic or obscure characters. Likewise, key heroes and villains command higher prices than minor sidekicks and background characters.

Original Packaging

Mint figures still sealed in original boxes or blister packs gain a considerable premium over loose figures, sometimes more than doubling potential sale prices.

Demand and Trends

Consider current hype cycles around brands, characters, and even artists/designers. Trending franchises or nostalgic fads can impact prices in the short term.

Using recent sold listings for the exact item on eBay and other marketplaces gives the best sense of current fair market value. You can then adjust up or down slightly based on the uniqueness and condition of your particular figures.

Preparing Your Action Figures for Sale

To attract buyers and maximize sale prices, it’s important to properly prep and present your action figures. Here are some tips:

Cleaning

Carefully clean figures to remove any dust, grime, and stains using mild soap, water, and microfiber cloths. Avoid submerging in water if possible.

Storing

Place loose figures and accessories in fresh polybags or cellophane wraps to protect them until sale. Leave vintage figures sealed if possible.

Photographing

Take clear, well-lit photos showing the front, back, sides, and any key details of figures and packaging. Add tags, logos, or watermarks to discourage unauthorized use.

Describing

Write accurate, detailed descriptions noting articulation points, accessories, wear and defects, original packaging, etc. Be transparent about condition and completeness.

Grading Condition

Use common condition terms like “new”, “mint”, “very good”, “good”, “fair”, etc so buyers know what to expect. Note any flaws.

Packing Securely

Pack figures with care to avoid damage using bubble wrap, tissue paper, etc. Padded mailers or boxes keep them protected in shipping.

Taking the time to make figures look their best goes a long way toward commanding fair prices from buyers.

Shipping Action Figures Safely

For online sales, proper packaging and shipping protection are musts when sending action figures to buyers. Here are some top tips:

Sturdy Boxes

Use new, sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes with padding to avoid crushing and withstand shipping handling.

Bubble Wrap

Wrap figures and accessories individually in bubble wrap to avoid scratches, chips, and rubs during transit.

Tissue Paper

Use tissue paper to pad and cushion figures inside boxes and prevent sliding around.

Do Not Overbox

Don’t use oversized boxes which can collapse. Opt for snug fit.

Tape Securely

Seal boxes thoroughly with packing tape so flaps don’t open during shipping.

Address Clearly

Print addresses and affix shipping labels securely to prevent delivery issues.

Declare Value

Be sure to accurately declare full value to get compensation for any shipping damage or losses.

Taking time to professionally pack figures helps avoid damage claims that hurt profits.

Action Figure Sales Tips

Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you successfully sell off your action figures:

 

  • Break up valuable collections, and sell rare pieces individually to maximize profits.

  • Consider bundling smaller, affordable figures as kids’ party favors or “grab bags” for easy sales.

  • Time listings around new movie releases or character trends to capitalize on demand spikes for related figures.

  • Be open to best offers and negotiate to turn over stagnant inventory. Some money is better than none.

  • Provide fast, top-rated customer service to build a positive seller reputation, and attract repeat buyers.

  • Reinvest a portion of profits into new action figure inventory if interested in buying and selling long term.

 

The action figure secondary market provides opportunities for casual sellers to clear some clutter as well as dedicated enthusiasts to enjoy a side income fueled by their passion.

 

Following these tips helps ensure you find success selling off pieces from your own collection.

Authenticating and Verifying Rare Action Figures

When dealing with potentially valuable, rare, or expensive action figures, it becomes crucial to authenticate them before listing for sale. Here are some tips to verify legitimacy and avoid selling counterfeits:

 

  • Check for an official licensing seal or hologram sticker from the manufacturer on the packaging. Be wary of pieces missing official markings. Examine the quality and materials of the packaging. Low quality reproductions often use inferior printing/materials and lack fine details of the original.

  • Inspect the manufacturing date stamps, copyright information, logos, and other mold markings on the actual figure and accessories under good lighting. Fake figures often omit critical branded markings.

  • Research the product ID information and use collector forums to ask about verifying any suspicions of pieces being counterfeit. There should be production records validating very limited releases.

  • Compare paint application details on the figure closely with official photos or your own loose examples of the genuine product. Fakes tend to have noticeably inferior quality paint work.

  • Examine articulation quality and engineering. Copies and knock-offs frequently have poorly engineered joints leading to looseness or improper poses.

  • Weight and balance of a figure can be tip offs. Fakes tend to feel lighter and unbalanced due to cheaper plastics and inferior assembly workmanship.

  • Consult with experienced collectors of a particular franchise or character. They can often notice subtle “tells” that distinguish official products from skilled counterfeits.

  • Getting copies certified or graded by reputable comic book grading services provides buyers more confidence in authenticity and condition when spending big money.

 

While counterfeit figures do popup, following these authentication tips carefully helps avoid selling fakes and protects your reputation as an ethical seller. Do due diligence before listing rarities.

Marketing Your Action Figures Listings

Creating compelling marketing copy and eye-catching visual content for your action figure listings improves your chances of attracting interested buyers and driving upselling prices.

 

  • Write detailed yet scannable descriptions highlighting unique characteristics, background info, condition details, special features, and other selling points of your particular figures.

  • Capture multiple crisp, bright, high-resolution photos showing the figure from all angles plus any notable close up details. Image quality directly impacts buyer confidence.

  • If selling boxes and packaging, take photos showing all sides/labels along with a look inside at the figure and inserts too.

  • Clean up any background clutter in images to keep focus on just the figure being sold. Simple, solid color backgrounds work best.

  • Utilize the listing title to optimize for target keywords buyers are searching like character names, brands, toy lines, years, conventions, etc.

  • Add relevant hashtags and keywords throughout longform listing descriptions as well to help get discovered.

  • Highlight particularly rare or sought-after figures by calling them out in titles/headers using power words like “grail”, “super rare”, “holy grail” etc.

 

By taking the time to create compelling listings with great visual content, you attract more interested buyers, establish trust, and command higher prices selling your figures.

Safely Buying and Reselling Action Figures

If you plan to buy and resell action figures for profit, there are steps to take when acquiring inventory in order to avoid expensive fakes and scams:

 

  • Stick to legit, established sellers with long operating histories and many reviews/sales instead of deals from random, private parties.

  • Ask sellers to provide high resolution photos showing identifying marks, copyrights, seals etc. to confirm authenticity before purchasing.

  • Quiz sellers about origins, production info, sourcing details to assess their product knowledge and legitimacy.

  • Reverse image search any stock photos to check for use elsewhere which can indicate scams.

  • Check user feedback carefully for any red flags like customers receiving fakes or empty boxes.

  • Avoid “too good to be true” bargain pricing which is a red flag for potential counterfeits and bootlegs.

  • Inspect figures IMMEDIATELY upon receipt before providing feedback. Know the return policy of sellers in case of issues.

  • Learn to recognize reseals, repacks, and tampered packaging designed to conceal fakes swapped into real boxes.

  • Consider paying for professional authentication if spending big money on rare, expensive figures. The cost is worth it for added peace of mind when reselling.

 

Following these tips helps avoid acquiring worthless counterfeits or scam listings. Take time to vet both figures and sellers thoroughly.

Storage and Organization for Action Figure Selling

Properly storing and organizing your action figure selling inventory saves time, preserves condition, and helps sales move quicker. Some tips:

 

  • Categorize – Group figures by brand, franchise, character types, etc to simplify finding specific pieces fast.

  • Label – Use stickers, tags, or a catalog to ID what’s inside boxes without unpacking everything during searches.

  • Display – Keep some figures out of the package displayed neatly to show off paint, articulation, etc.

  • Shelve – Use fixed shelves, stackable plastic bins, or storage cubes to neatly arrange figures.

  • Rotate – Swap displayed figures periodically to avoid light damage and refresh appeals.

  • Inventory – Maintain a detailed log of your inventory including locations and key details.

  • Clean – Dust displayed figures and boxes regularly using soft microfiber cloths.

  • Control Climate – Keep humidity and temp stable to avoid paint fading, warping, mold etc.

  • Lighting – Avoid direct sun exposure that can fade colors. Use indirect daylight or interior lighting.

 

By taking time to thoughtfully organize your action figure selling stock, you’ll save hours down the road trying to find specific items and preserve the condition of your inventory.

Action Figure Sales FAQs

What are the most valuable action figures to sell?

Some of the most valuable and sought-after action figures include vintage Star Wars, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Masters of the Universe pieces still sealed in original packaging.  Rare superhero figures and limited convention exclusives also command high prices.

How can you tell if an action figure is rare?

Key signs of a rare action figure include very limited production runs, being a prototype/test shot, early production variants and errors, short-lived TV/movie tie-ins, giveaways and contest prizes, and convention or event exclusives.

 

Do you need the original packaging to sell an action figure?

No, you can still sell loose action figures. But original boxes, cards, and blister packs greatly increase value for vintage items. Modern figures are less impacted. Always disclose if the figure is loose or missing packaging.

What defects most hurt action figure values?

Missing pieces, broken parts, paint wear, scratches, discoloration, and improperly repaired/replaced components are top condition defects that lower action figure prices. Disclose any issues upfront.

Is it better to sell action figures in bulk or separately?

For most profit, sell rarer and high-demand figures individually at maximum prices. Bundle background characters, cheap figures, or “junk” lots to clear stock faster.

How do you ship loose action figures?

Wrap each loose figure and accessories separately in tissue paper, then bubble wrap for protection. Place inside boxes with extra padding fillers to prevent sliding and cushion from impacts.

 

What’s the best marketplace to sell new, unopened action figures?

eBay and specialist auction/collector sites tend to work best for getting top dollar on mint, sealed action figures especially if they are vintage, limited edition, or rare. Open figures sell well across broader platforms.

 

Selling off old action figures is a great way to free up space and earn some extra money in the process. Just make sure to research prices thoroughly, clean/prep your figures, and package them securely. With a little time and effort, you can turn your childhood toys into cash.