Sell collectibles online to collectors who check every detail

1. 01

   Pick your lane

   Figures, die-cast, coins, stamps, sports memorabilia: collectors trust specialists. A clear focus tells you which terms your buyers search for and which events and groups to show up in.

2. 02

   Describe condition in collector terms

   Loose or boxed, box condition, complete or missing accessories, paint wear, sun fading. Use the grading words your hobby already uses, and photograph every flaw you mention.

3. 03

   Back up authenticity

   For signed items and high-value pieces, show the certificate or third-party authentication and say who issued it. Don’t list anything you can’t vouch for.

4. 04

   Use stock for multiples, one-offs for the rare

   Several copies of a new release can share one product with stock. Each vintage or graded piece gets its own product, its own photos and a stock of one.

5. 05

   Take preorders for new releases

   Switch on “sell when out of stock” for an announced figure, put the expected release month in the description, and update it if the maker’s date moves.

6. 06

   Keep want lists

   Add a request form for the pieces collectors are hunting. Each request lands in your Inbox, and you can write back when one comes in.

• Don’t sell on future value

  Avoid promising that a piece will rise in value or calling it an investment. Describe what it is and its condition, and let collectors decide what it’s worth to them.

• Label replicas and customs

  Sell genuine licensed products, and label reproductions, replicas and custom pieces clearly. Selling fakes or unlicensed character merchandise can lead to takedowns and legal claims.

General information to help you get started, not legal advice. Rules differ by country, state and product, so check the ones that apply to you.