Why People Buy Used Plush on eBay

Some people think it is just....gross. Selling a used teddy bear or Disney plush. Why on earth would someone buy a used snuggly plush for their child? 

An eBay seller sent me an email sharing this message from an eBay buyer:

Here is a screen shot of the sold listing:

This seller paid 90 cents for the Pottery Barn plush at a thrift store. It only took a few months to sell.

Total profit of $33.59.  In fact, here are the numbers:

If you aren't selling plush on eBay, here are some FREE resources to get you started:

Selling Plush on eBay YouTube Playlist

Plush Memories Lost Toy Search Service (Facebook group - learn what people are looking for)

Happy hunting and happy selling!

Selling on eBay Isn't Always About the Money

Sandy B. in Ohio sent in this story:

"Just want to offer a tip. I like vintage and it tends to sell cheap because people think it is just old junk. Any time I find something packed in newspaper, I look for the date on the newspaper and that gives a clue as to the age of the item. I've always done this.

I had an extraordinary find this week. I found a very small box of military buttons, a belt buckle, 2 badges, and a spent lead bullet. There were a few newspaper clippings in the 2 inch by 6 inch box. I asked her what she wanted for the old buttons and she said just take them.

I got home and the newspaper clippings were the obituary and family information that confirm these were from the Civil War. I am awaiting the evaluation from a contact of mine. Because of the documentation (the newspaper clippings), I'm expecting a minimum of $800, hopefully higher.

I drove 40 miles back to the place I bought from to hand them $200. I couldn't in good faith not do something. They cried and hugged me. It's not always about the money, sometimes it's about doing what's right. It's about sleeping at night because you know you did what's right.

I haven't sold on eBay in a few years because I have been a caregiver to all and lost mom, 2 brothers, sister in law, and husband in the last 3 years. June is a good month in Ohio, it gets hot in July and sales slow down so I'm on my buying spree now. I retired at the end of January so my selling will resume in the fall. Another tip - living close to a body of water (I'm on Lake Erie), I've done well with vintage marine items. Anything boating or fishing is plentiful and profitable."

Wow. Thank you so much Sandy for sharing this. You are right, sometimes it isn't about the money.

Bless you for being a caregiver for so many my condolences for the losses you have suffered. So much loss in such a short period of time. That is a lot to deal with. Thank you for sending in this story and I wish you great success with your sales when you re-start eBay in the fall.

Have an interesting eBay story? I'd love to post it! Send me an email at suzanne @ suzanneawells.com and let's talk about it.


Related Articles:

A Small Miracle on eBay

A Heart Warming Christmas Story on eBay

Snowbird eBay Seller Takes Business on the Road

Find Great eBay Inventory in a College Town Near You!

Thanks to reader and Facebook Group member Kate in San Francisco for posting this:

"Hey y'all, I haven't posted here before, but I wanted to pass along a tip/reminder to others who primarily resell clothes.

Over the next few weeks, thrift stores in EVERY town with a college or university will have some amazing loot. Students heading home for the summer donate piles of barely used, brand name clothes, just to avoid the hassle of shipping it all home. Some universities even arrange for a local thrift store to come collect the giant piles from each dorm.

This could be useful for some of you who live in areas where quality inventory is scarce - if there's a college an hour or so away, it's worth the trip. A lot of liberal arts schools are in smaller towns and rural areas, and the budgets of those students are wildly disproportionate to the local economy.

Just remember to brush up on your Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters sub-brands ahead of time!"

Also, if you have access to a college campus, like my friend Nancy whose husband was a math professor, just wander around the campus during and immediately following exam time. Nancy found discarded text books lying around campus, on top of trash cans, and on building steps where students left them. Some text books can sell for insane prices on both eBay and Amazon.

Also check around the dumpsters. Students may throw away sellable items as they avoid the hassle of moving back home.

Happy hunting!

Related Resources:

Anthropologie Brand to Sell - Leifsdottir

Anthropologie Brand to Sell - Tabitha

Don't Leave Money on the Table When Selling on eBay