Books and Resources to Start Strong
Reading about reselling strategies, inventory management, and sourcing tactics will save you months of trial-and-error. These books focus on practical methods used by successful toy resellers who understand market trends, pricing, and customer psychology.
The Unofficial eBay Bible by Dennis L. Prince
This book covers the fundamentals of listing, pricing, and selling on eBay—one of the primary platforms for toy resellers. Prince breaks down how to write effective descriptions, use keywords, and manage shipping costs. If eBay becomes part of your sales strategy, this resource is worth your time.
Shop The Unofficial eBay Bible on Amazon →
Reseller’s Guide to Inventory Management by Kyle Hultin
Managing inventory efficiently determines whether your capital gets tied up in slow-moving items or flows toward hot sellers. Hultin’s book explains how to track stock levels, identify dead inventory, and balance your toy collection for maximum turnover. This directly impacts your cash flow.
Shop Reseller’s Guide to Inventory Management on Amazon →
The Art of the Start 2.0 by Guy Kawasaki
While not toy-specific, Kawasaki’s book addresses the mindset and fundamentals every reseller needs: bootstrapping on a budget, staying disciplined when revenue is unpredictable, and building systems that scale. His advice on focus and avoiding burnout is relevant for part-time and full-time resellers alike.
Shop The Art of the Start 2.0 on Amazon →
Selling on Amazon by Steve Weber
If Amazon becomes your primary sales channel, Weber explains FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), pricing strategies, and how to avoid suspension. Toy resellers often use Amazon for consistent, high-volume sales, and understanding their policies upfront saves headaches later.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need to spend thousands to start. Most successful toy resellers begin with modest equipment focused on sourcing, listing, and shipping. As your revenue grows, you can upgrade.
Sourcing and Inspection Tools
- Smartphone or camera: High-quality photos drive sales. You need clear images of toy condition, packaging, and any defects. Most smartphones have sufficient camera quality; a dedicated camera is optional but useful if you process 20+ listings daily.
- Lighting setup: Natural light works, but a simple LED ring light or softbox ensures consistent, shadow-free photos across all listings.
- Price guide access: Subscriptions to PWCC, Heritage Auctions, or Sold Listings data help you research accurate market prices. Some services cost $10–$30 monthly.
- Barcode scanner: A handheld Bluetooth scanner speeds up inventory tracking and price lookups. Optional for start-up, essential once you have 500+ items.
Shop LED ring lights on Amazon →
Shop barcode scanners on Amazon →
Storage and Organization
- Shelving units: Heavy-duty shelves hold toys, action figures, board games, and collectibles. Metal or plastic shelving rated for 100+ lbs per shelf costs $50–$150 per unit and takes up minimal space.
- Plastic bins and organizers: Clear, stackable bins help you sort by category, condition, or price tier. Label them clearly so you find items quickly when an order arrives.
- Climate-controlled storage space: Your garage, spare room, or closet works. Avoid humidity, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures—these damage toy packaging and reduce resale value.
Shop shelving units on Amazon →
Shop plastic storage bins on Amazon →
Packaging and Shipping
- Boxes in assorted sizes: USPS Priority Mail boxes are free, but you’ll need standard shipping boxes for larger items. Order bulk boxes from ULine or local suppliers at $0.30–$1 each.
- Packing tape and dispensers: Heavy-duty tape and a desktop dispenser speed up packing. Budget $20–$40 for a quality setup.
- Bubble wrap, tissue paper, and foam peanuts: These protect toys during transit and improve the unboxing experience. Recycled materials from your own purchases reduce costs.
- Thermal label printer: A 4×6 thermal printer eliminates ongoing ink costs and prints labels in seconds. Zebra and Rollo printers are industry standards at $150–$250.
- Shipping scale: An accurate digital scale ensures correct postage and prevents costly disputes. A $30–$50 scale suffices for small shipments.
Shop thermal label printers on Amazon →
Shop shipping scales on Amazon →
Software and Workspace
- Inventory management software: Tools like Sellfy, Inventory Lab, or Zoho allow you to track stock across multiple platforms (eBay, Amazon, Shopify). Many cost $20–$50 monthly but save hours weekly.
- Computer or laptop: You need reliable equipment for research, listing creation, and customer service. A $400–$800 laptop is adequate; tablets work for basic tasks.
- Internet connection: Fast, stable internet is non-negotiable. Most resellers already have this covered at home.
- Desk and workspace: A simple desk for photo editing, listing, and admin work keeps you organized. Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace often have affordable options.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean. Buy only what directly impacts your first 50 sales, then reinvest profits into better equipment.
- First month: Smartphone camera (or use what you have), LED ring light, free storage space, shipping boxes and tape, digital scale, basic inventory spreadsheet (Google Sheets is free).
- Month 2–3: Thermal label printer once you exceed 20 shipments weekly. This saves time and reduces label costs significantly.
- Month 3–6: Shelving units and storage bins once inventory grows beyond your closet or spare room. Barcode scanner when you exceed 300 items and need faster tracking.
- Month 6+: Inventory management software subscription, upgraded camera, second workspace for product photography, or expanded storage.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy most equipment used or refurbished to cut costs. Shelving units, boxes, storage bins, and even label printers hold up well secondhand. Check Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and local liquidation sales. Expect to save 30–50% versus retail prices.
Don’t cheap out on your shipping scale or barcode scanner if you buy them—inaccuracy costs money through overcharges or lost inventory. However, these items remain reliable when purchased refurbished from Amazon Warehouse or manufacturer outlets. Avoid used label printers unless you verify they work first; thermal print heads degrade with age, and replacement costs are high. A new Rollo or Zebra printer is a worthwhile single investment.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Reliable for fast delivery, returns, and consistent pricing on shelving, bins, scales, and printers.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used shelving, storage bins, desks, and label printers at 40–60% off retail. Inspect items in person before paying.
- ULine and Grainger: Bulk shipping boxes, tape, and industrial storage solutions at wholesale-adjacent pricing.
- USPS.com and Pirate Ship: Free Priority Mail boxes and discounted shipping labels when printed at home.
- Local office liquidators and auctions: Desks, filing cabinets, and shelving units often appear here as businesses downsize or close.
- Thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army): Shelving, storage bins, desks, and lamps at $5–$20 each. Requires patience and in-person browsing.
- Manufacturer refurbished outlets: Zebra and Rollo offer factory-refurbished printers with full warranties at 15–25% discounts.