Tips for Building a Toy Collection
In Oronoco, MN, our pickers were tasked with finding toys to take to auction. Picker Bene Raia shares her tips on buying and collecting toys:
1. Consider condition
Condition, maker, and provenance are all key when it comes to building a toy collection. Condition is the top consideration, especially if you plan to trade up or resell, so try to collect toys in the best condition that you can afford. For each type of toy, there is typically a primary condition issue to be mindful of — for example, with tin lithograph cars look for color, scratches, and dents, while with bisque dolls, look for cracks or chips in the head, especially around the eyes.
2. Save the box/packaging
Sometimes the box is worth more than the toy it once held! The reason why is simple: boxes are usually discarded. That makes them rare and therefore valuable.