Is Selling on Ebay worth it?

Is Selling on Ebay worth it?
Main Channel
/ @toyfederation
Our Toy Show
www.retro-toycon.com
Producer Channel
www.youtube.com/ @ToyAttics
🚀 Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast - your ultimate destination for all things toys, collectibles, and nostalgia! Join us on an exciting journey as we delve into the world of toy culture, sharing our experiences, insights, and stories that make our passion for toys come alive.
In this episode, we're thrilled to share with you the exciting news of our expansion into a bigger toy store! It's been an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, but through dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of our amazing community, we've reached this significant milestone.
Joining us are some of the passionate staff members of Toy Federation, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Together, we'll take you behind the scenes and explore the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into a larger space, from the initial planning stages to the grand opening day.
One of the key topics we'll be discussing is how we handle selling items and toys that wouldn't necessarily fly off the shelves in our physical store. As avid toy enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of giving every toy a chance to find its forever home. That's why we've embraced the power of online platforms like eBay to reach a wider audience and connect with fellow collectors from around the globe.
But selling online isn't just about listing products - it's about storytelling, engaging with customers, and creating memorable experiences. We'll share some of our favorite success stories and memorable moments from our eBay adventures, highlighting the unique treasures we've discovered along the way.
Moreover, we'll dive into the secrets behind our store's growth and success, exploring how adaptability has been the cornerstone of our journey. From staying ahead of industry trends to listening to customer feedback, we'll reveal the strategies and tactics that have helped us thrive in an ever-evolving market.
But our journey is far from over - in fact, it's just getting started! As we look to the future, we're filled with excitement and anticipation for what's to come. From expanding our product offerings to exploring new avenues for growth, the sky's the limit for Toy Federation, and we can't wait to bring you along for the ride.
So whether you're a seasoned collector, a nostalgic enthusiast, or simply someone who shares our love for all things toys, join us for an unforgettable adventure on the Toy Federation Podcast. Hit that subscribe button, buckle up, and get ready to embark on a journey that's bound to ignite your imagination and reignite your passion for play. Let's make some memories together! 🎮🎉
0:00 Cold Open
0:55 Intro Shenanigans
1:47 How we made Whatnot Better
4:15 The old store
12:06 Store Expansion
12:50 How we handle trades
15:34 Our eBay side
19:04 Rare Super Mario Figure
22:14 How the store works
27:05 Shout out to Screaming Soup

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Suggestions?

[@truth8495]

Q&A with the fans? I have a million questions about your backgrounds, knowledge of toy lines, what you do out of the store, etc.

[@scottk8244]

Back up from the mic when you're not speaking, so there's not the constant loud breathing, (blue shirt guy) that's kind of annoying, other than that both the show and pod are great.

[@ericfromphoenix3566]

Talk about how you keep track of what you have in items to know what you need to get out of it when you sell it. Some of these toys take a while to complete and would be challenging to remember your expenses.

[@artrogue4150]

Talk about worldwide toy collectors or have some guests! Recently watched a collector from Amsterdam visit Texas and saw that store in Dallas. They let them shop back of store. I cant remember the store name or warehouse..but it is in Dallas and it is huge !! Full time employees doing nothing but reassembling the vintage broken and missing toys.

[@Jakob101st]

Some work on mics may be needed. I was getting a lot of echo/reverb. Sensitivity was picking up the smacking/breathing/moisture sounds from mouth. Supress some of the high end maybe. Not sure who is responsible for the being the sound/tech guy but may need some work. Funny I didn't notice on previous videos.

[@michaelholiday9508]

I absolutely love your shows !! Watching these the last few months has totally resparked my obsession for vintage toys...I love the feeling of nostalgia all of this gives me. Thank you for everything you guys do. The podcast is so good 😎🌴

[@AngelStitchMusic-wi3zr]

I really appreciate the love, professional attitude and honesty you all have at Toy Federation!

[@peterbtrekfan]

To me, whatnot is auction+social media. It’s fun but at same time it’s fun to drive to your place!❤

[@joewestcoast2565]

Another great episode. My Saturday morning ate not cartoons anymore but it's filled with toy talk. Love it. YO JOE

[@giltucker2007]

I totally respect the idea of keeping the stuff in the store rather than putting it on eBay for a monetary quick value. This is what makes a mom and pop store good nowadays when you can walk into the store and find something really good and not all brand new merchandise like most stores are nowadays

[@tonykhayatofficial]

it's all about the exprience, same as going to a movie theater, we can always watch the movie on netflix at home, but it's the experience that counts ..the same goes for action figures

[@mjanovec]

I’m not a toy collector but am a record collector instead. (Records were my “toys” growing up.) I saw some of my favorite record stores start selling on EBay and it ruined the shopping experience at the store. You went into the store and knew that all of the collectible and rare stuff wasn’t on the shelves any longer… since it was all on EBay. And if they did put a collectible record on the shelves, it was given “EBay prices,” based on what some collector in Japan might pay for it. I don’t fault the stores that did this, as they often struggled just to keep the lights on. (And some still went under.) But it totally sucked the joy out of shopping at those stores. If you can be successful without resorting to EBay sales for your rare and vintage items, stick with it!

[@retromario6130]

It depends on the item. Nobody would buy a vintage t-shirt in my city, yet on eBay it sold for $400!

[@bradleycoe6972]

love the podcast,what are the future plans for the store are you going to need to expand again,how much more foot traffic have you got since the youtube channel.

[@wwinnjr]

I went to walmart with my friend , he started trying to haggle with the sales associate for the price of a tv. I thought he was crazy.. it was an opened box item, he got a 600$ tv for 350$ ! I was shocked.

[@TheDarkmoon55]

The store would loose it's magic if it was all on Ebay.

[@simonlee498]

How ?

[@TheDarkmoon55]

@simonlee498 less in the case if it's all selling on Ebay. Not as much too see when you go inside the store.

[@George-de6hd]

@@simonlee498he acts like he has all this stuff that you can find at any other vintage toy shop(or with a quick Google search ) …..I like Ryan and toy federation but he’s a little arrogant about his store he acts like he’s the only place you can get this kind of stuff…….really just think he has no problem selling the stuff and doesn’t want to pay a couple people to list and sell stuff for him (and that’s basically what he said in a long winded round about way)

[@cerd6292]

Magic? What do you mean? And for who? Only a few people that can travel there?

[@cerd6292]

@@George-de6hdwell if he is making money and his business model is working then he is smart not to hire extra people (cost). So if his products are moving he gains nothing by spending more the sell the same stuff. He understands business… this is not a hobby for him.

[@Stevieboy7]

Whats wrong with the main mic? There sounds like its being doubled up/ not being sourced correctly. Pretty difficult to list to.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@TheBackroomCollective]

I swear id work for free!!! The amount of knowledge that's in these brains and then they seem like laid back funny guys. I guess I'm weird but I fucking love this store the concept, his story. He's living the dream!!!

[@marineboy1964]

Thank you for the insight I find all this just fascinating Thank you and maybe one day I will get to the store from England UK

[@RussianNightmare]

Gents I get your pain points when it comes to customers and their questions / asks, but you do have to realize that there are places that will accommodate requests that give you a thorn in the side. Also, you can't blame people for not knowing all the ins and outs / rules you guys go by. The best way to learn is to ask and therefore they do.

[@nickn8682]

I was visiting my brother in Georgia a couple months ago. Made sure we drove to your store while I was there. I am from Oregon and loved the experience.

[@itsme-notyou]

Can barely make money on ebay. The fees are a killer for both buyer and seller.

[@mikemulligan5731]

It's cheaper than driving to a shop that's hours away, though. The seller can recoup their fees with shipping, the buyer finds something that isn't in their local area, and both are protected by e-bay. It's nice to actually get something you want instead of taking your chances at shops/ flea markets, too.

[@3hirdtimesacharm]

Claire and I were happy to finally meet you guys! Worth the drive from Clearwater, Florida. Thanks for taking in my handful of Halo figures. Claire loves her 2000 Barbie doll as well! 🎉😅

[@johnnygamecock1249]

I like this format, I can listen while i list, on the other show I have to stop and see what they are buying, LOL :) Went to the shop for the first time a few months ago, very cool experience, and well worth the trip, thank you for not selling it all through Ebay!

[@frankvelez691]

You should have some toys on the table

[@melvinsmiley5295]

Yes! Maybe even a Mascot

[@clownman9859]

the Hat twins remind me of the Twin babies 👶 in the movie " Nothing but Trouble " with Chevy Chase n Dan.. cool fellas,, over heaaaa.. 🫵👍💪

[@C_Har]

I mentioned it on another video but when I watch your videos I try to price along side you and see if I am in the same ball park as you. I'm getting better at it.

[@jeffreys4417]

The groceries example is a poor example. You need pork chops and water to survive. No one needs these toys to survive. You won’t die of starvation or thirst if you don’t get that g1 transformer

[@mikemulligan5731]

But the price of a pack of pork chops at Wal-mart is non-negotiable, it's posted on the product, just like their toys. You don't need pork chops to live, either.

[@DECEPTICONUK]

The magic is in the store. I get loads of my stuff online but when I visit a vintage shop It's like an event to me. 1 day I will be in your shop.

[@tonykhayatofficial]

great motivational talk about stepping out of your comfort zone to improve

[@gerardovillela3546]

Loving the talking on the ebay. Maybe more like that on talking more on a specific line. (TMNT, Star Wars, MOTU, GI Joe, etc). Maybe what’s the hot flavor of the month. Just some suggestions.

[@herbbot8241]

Will visit the store someday!

[@johnbolen9770]

Kinda going back to what Ryan side about getting out of your comfort zone and what he said about buying the store. Captain Witwicky said “No sacrifice, No victory” I think that’s a quote toy federation represents everyday.

[@wlnorris75]

Apparently you didn't grow up with my parents. We did go into K-Mart and Wal-Mart and haggle with the manager... and often times got a discount. My dad was a master of it.

[@ronin9288]

Everyone hated your parents.

[@ItsJGonzo]

I wish the toy store near me had the same values and principles as these gentlemen. The store I live by charges a ridiculous amount for everything.

[@mightymuzrub]

Highlight a figure, playset, or genre for a 20-30 minute chat but also include your regular podcast. For example, what to look for good/bad and just plain history. Love it❤ from us in Australia 🇦🇺 BTW do u guys do old school models?

[@ADAM_COLLECTS]

ebay, in australia at least, does not have obligatory payments, which is their biggest flaw.. for such a large enterprise which charges a large percentage i’m shocked that they can’t force payment. whatnot can do it.. come on ebay, lift your game or drop your sale percentage

[@donaldleblanc2162]

Some day I will be coming to your store miss toy stores so much live in Mass hopefully this winter. Wish you best of luck with the store.

[@wiseinvestments5134]

You have a bit of reverb on your mic, Ryan. Good show

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@wiseinvestments5134]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel no worries, I’m going to write my congressman about this. Maybe they can get KZbin to fix upload issues.

[@Tanaus]

Every week you should feature a different unique toy / have them in the middle of the table throughout

[@prestigejapanbb]

Another great episode. if you get a rare item that 30 people might want would it be better to auction it off? That gives everyone that wants it a chance and would probably generate more money for you guys.

[@ericfromphoenix3566]

Another great watch! Just confirmed with my wife that your shop and Retro Toy Con are officially on our bucket list. Can’t wait to visit! I’ve been trying to complete my Marvel Star Wars comic set and only buy at shows. I could’ve completed several years ago on EBay but I love the hunt. That’s where the fun is at!

[@marc_andreroy]

I definitely understand where you guys are coming from with your mentality about eBay and the physical store. A lot of people won’t or will choose to not understand because they don’t understand your business model. Yes ok sure, if you put stuff on eBay, you’d probably see a 4-5x increase in profits because of the massive increase in reach and availability .. but the reason why people want you guys to be on eBay is because what they see at the store in stuff like these KZbin videos.. it’s what the store has that makes you interested.. so if you post stuff on eBay, the demand will be so great that you almost need to post everything on eBay.. then your store is virtually empty and then the entire intrigue is gone. And yes, you could just sell online and make tons of money, but it’s easy to see that money isn’t the absolute most important thing with you guys. It’s the experience. It’s seeing someone come in and get the same feeling that you get when you look at all the toys that come in for sale or trade that you had when you were a kid. It’s seeing someone come in and their eyes light up and you smile because you know what they’re feeling, and that’s what’s so awesome about toys and toy collecting. You want that wonder that’s been lost these days when it comes to toys. That means something to you guys and is as valuable, and in some ways more valuable than just profits. Plus I’m sure the store doesn’t have a hard time making profits.. these guys always make an effort to keep it as full as possible with cool goodies, so if something that someone is looking to find is in the store when they come in, it’s gonna sell. At the end of the day, it’s a business.. that’s the unfortunate part of things. We all gotta pay our bills lol. But you guys are doing something you love and you want others to love it too. There aren’t many real toy stores around anymore, so it’s important to keep something like this around. This is half the reason that people love toys. The experience around finding/buying them. Is it upsetting for me? Sure, cause idk if I’ll ever be able to visit the store. I hope i can some day. But then again, i hope to visit Disney some day. And DisneyWorld doesn’t come to you.

[@WraithMace]

Love this guys thank you!

[@hobbs9264]

Great show,guys!❤

[@CarbiesChronicles]

ebay is a good source for finding anything. if the prices seem high, dont buy from them? its that simple... sooner or later the prices will drop, or you will find a good sale...

[@BetoMSea]

Some of your guys mics are giving feedback

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@BetoMSea]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel ahh that's a bummer hopefully it doesn't persist

[@derrickbarnett8851]

Just got started watching ur show love it.

[@jime6688]

Business question. Fan of the videos and store selection(really hope to visit someday). I’m just wondering, are you buying product all the time or do you have to limit your days because you might have a slow period and nothing is selling? Additionally, I assume you have to carry a lot of things you don’t like or necessarily have expertise in to make sure you’re serving ALL clientele. How do you do that when you have little to no interest in it, like say, Funko Pops.

[@Jonsvintagetoycave]

Really enjoying the podcast guys! Love the other channel too!🤘🏼

[@RonaldIvey-tw9yh]

Are you guys open on Monday Memorial Day? I was wanting to stop by if you are open.

[@melvinsmiley5295]

There is an echo on some of the mics this time 🙀…still loved it!

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@melvinsmiley5295]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel oh weird….hopefully just a one time thing. Stuff happens

[@shannonwilliams1941]

Why even have a store front if you’re selling everything on eBay. There’s no real reason to front all that money for such a place if it’s an online biz!

[@CbassMajor]

Also not to mention the eBay fees

[@BetoMSea]

Love to see it

[@WOOKMEISTA]

Amazing episode 👌

[@ericheinke2865]

Great talk, making a a soon

[@TaraGraphic93]

theres some feedback on the mic...gotta make it crispier

[@WiiNESticles]

Playing devils advocate here and ofcourse it may not be the case but Instagram posts don’t always show up to a follower in chronological order, so inquiries late could be just because it’s the first time they saw it in the feed. I still believe first come first serve in store is more than fair.

[@mainelyretro]

As strange as it sounds I buy on eBay however will never sell on eBay again. The service charges and shipping inflate the cost. I typically like to offer at a reasonable cost but it’s hard. I consider reasonable, more than I bought it for but lower than the going rate, or sold for. I understand eBay is a business. Now I deal with local shops I found in my area which in the long run has been better, buying wise.

[@sned1011]

Some Strip clubs in AZ have bathroom attendants.still a thing believe it or not

[@Dwight.Schrute69]

Christie's Cabaret! lol

[@shrentheorc7766]

dat nose whistle go woo woo

[@eggplantcomics8336]

Whatnot is a great place to sell. The social aspect of it is a lot of fun. Like anything else you just need to use common sense bc there are some shady sellers.

[@artrogue4150]

Depending on what the commodity is, If there is more product coming in than you can even purchase. That would stand to reason that the product is not rare. Maybe many of these products that the public thinks are rare..such as original Star Wars toys are actually more available. Just makes sense. They are probably overpriced. My collection is from my childhood. Im 63. So it is full of original GI joe and Original Star Wars. But ive never thought of selling or even talked to anyone local about what i have. They must not be very rare. Mostly i am sitting on my comics but i guess my collection eventually will age out as these following 3 generations dont care. Collectible items and commodities are very interesting to discuss.

[@alioninthejungle]

Is everyone here in trouble so many sleeves?

[@adam_allday9470]

New episode Saturday!!!🤘

[@AlexSmith-ql2gk]

ebay=toy federation junk drawer! lol thanks for staying late on a friday to bring a saturday morning cartoon replacement!

[@megatronxmatt]

Another fantastic podcast guys! Did anyone else have problems with the sound when the guys talked? It sounded different then all the other podcasts. It just sounded kind of echoish

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

KZbin messed it up on upload

[@KirkLee1983]

I cant stand Ebay but I have to use it as I have no choice lately Sellers on Ebay are getting worse and worse!. And Ebays Customer Service is all foreign it seems lately as well I can barely understand them!.

[@brianrvd]

Anybody remember Arnold's Rug store?

[@KirkLee1983]

I need to try what not I have never tried it.

[@moeabertolucci]

They have them in France. Towels w/ attendant and they charge Euros to use the toilet. However, you wouldn’t know until you’re done doing the deed…😅😂🎉😮

[@thoughtprovoking4417]

Hello - I’m in Rhode Island. Do you all have a GI Joe Astronaut and the lunar module? Thanks…

[@johnkallday]

How stoned is Travis in this?

[@alioninthejungle]

Lil sleeveless wonder

[@AjSeabern-hk6yp]

❤

[@markm.9968]

Something with the audio has changed with this episode. Reminds me of a MLB announcer.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@markm.9968]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel It's the worst when it's out of your control. Still an awesome episode. 🤙

[@Gengarextreme]

Ebay is my only option since I live I Portugal 😔

[@toomuchnewtoys]

Is the sleeveless hoodie for sale?

[@adam_allday9470]

I seriously want one, and I’ll even pay up to $100 for it lol. Needs to be quality materials though

[@michaelbritt3137]

Take it sleavey

[@sned1011]

I think you wanted to say... You only fail if you give up?

[@adams.1404]

Borderline unlistenable with headphones. Don't know what's wrong, but it feels very staticky with a lot of pops

[@EgaTehPro]

What's the purpose of clapper? Lol

[@randalsspinkle]

It's a way to sync up audio to video. The space to write makes it easier for an editor to keep track of what scene/shot/camera you're on.

[@salookie8000]

Talking to toys doesn’t help resolve problems ….Blow away with truth?

[@wlnorris75]

It's painful to listen because of the poor sound quality. Hopefully you can get Ryan out of the barrel...

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

The sound was messed up in the upload by youtube. Sounds fine in editing suite.

[@wlnorris75]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel I thought maybe it was a technical issue. At the start of the video, when it is really bad, there is no blue light on Ryan's mic. At the end of the video, it sounds better, and then the blue light on his mic was on. I thought maybe this was a couple of different sessions spliced together, and for one of them his mic wasn't on (no light) and he was being picked up through a secondary mic, or audio boosted for him from what was picked up on the other two mics (which could make a stereo effect and being in a barrel sound).

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

That’s just an accent light and has nothing to do with sound

[@apertoy]

Who's the camera man? Suggestion for consideration: Running the cables under the table and have them come up from the mic base for a better cable management/display. You can Whatnot/ebay something at the end. Perhaps end the podcast and then do a separate "stream sale" for the item.

[@johnkallday]

It really doesn't matter at all.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Not an option.

[@retrolifestyle2542]

Omggg y was soooo much related to elevator music or stuck in a library with noooooo personality 😂😂😂😂toooo many silent moments...like please next time make fun because we r talking about toys n not about a funeral

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Thanks for watching

[@hitman-ls1lo]

Bring a small toy to play with your hands to keep busy and you'll probably sell a hundred by weeks end.

[@MaximumCarter]

I think Whatnot is kind of cool. Edit: I wish you guys were in Northeast Ohio 😢😅

[@Quietstorm3333]

If those other 3 rooftop units have trouble I also am certified hvac ,plumbing for that bathroom lol ,oh I also have collected and sold and ebay for over 20 ,also comics for that long ,love seeing your progression Im 48,retired 2 1/2 hours away and bored….Ryan if you read I got my start in 2004 selling to two brothers at a little place called Brians drove to Wisconsin with 12 moving boxes full of vintage star wars

[@MrChristopoop]

@quietstorm, I am about an hour and 10 southwest of TF, great place. Where did you get a hold of 12 moving boxes full of vintage SW figs??? Also is that Toy store you sold em to the eventual Brian’s Toys or something else. Just curious, sometimes the comments bring up some neat stories and other nostalgia (which is why I collect stuff still, at age 49).

[@Mr_OEM_Toys]

They are losing so much business not selling online. It's only a matter of time before they do. It's inevitable 🙌🏼

[@jaypeeztabernac851]

No they are avoiding major headaches of selling online. The only inevitable is death and taxes.

[@abtradeboss]

Honestly if i had the chance to set up a local store and be succesful i would rather have the store and completely shut down online. It all has pros and cons but online eats up a lot of profit too with fees and shipping and at their rate they would need additional personell to handle the volume. From what ive seen they are doing super fine and still growing so i don't see why they would need to go online.

[@apertoy]

Let's talk about packaging and art. Which container do you guys prefer? Windowed Box vs card/bubble? Keep the box or toss it?

[@imperialjake114]

Don’t do EBay in my opinion!

[@George-de6hd]

Bathroom attendant…..I’ve seen them at nice high end strip clubs 🤷🏻😂

[@RussianNightmare]

Why is the two dudes with the hat always laughing at things that are not even funny? Head scratcher...

[@KnifeGuy_]

These guys act like they're better than the customers. Like they've never been a customer and made the same mistakes. "If you put someone on a pedastal.......

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

We don’t act that way at all. Not sure how you got that assumption

[@ggary04]

I've been binging for the last two months. I don't get that from these guys at all.

[@RussianNightmare]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel This particular episode did come off that way.

[@snoochpounder]

Comparing a little toy store to Disney land must be some kind of joke. The only you’re hurting here is yourself. Why bother building a strong online following if the vast majority of viewers can’t purchase anything from the store? Sounds like a wasted opportunity to actually take the store to the next level.

[@theayatollahofrockandrolla]

What are some things that have come in and didn't leave? Certainly having a store helps in being able to cure that itch..Besides the GI Joe collection that is.