My phone was pinging every minute with new messages and people offering to buy the lot
I’d describe myself as an experienced Vinted seller. I began flogging items on Vinted several years back when I relocated, helping me shift things I no longer wanted while pocketing some extra cash.
For those unfamiliar with Vinted, it’s an application where you post photos of stuff you’re selling, name your price and dispatch them via post once bought. Similar to eBay, though I reckon it’s more straightforward and user-friendly.
Primarily, it’s for second-hand or unwanted goods, and while occasionally I’m taken aback by the audacity of certain buyers and sellers, this happens rarely and is simply part of the experience.
After my nan handed me a carrier bag filled with my childhood playthings from the 1990s (yes, I’m 40), I kept them for several months before accepting they were merely occupying space, so I launched the Vinted app.
You catch whispers about potential treasures lurking in your loft if you’ve got a container of vintage toys, though I’ve only ever partially bought into it, reports the Express.
Polly Pockets initially hit shelves through British toy manufacturer BlueBird Toys in 1989 following Chris Wiggs creating an early prototype for his daughter using an old cosmetics compact. BlueBird kept producing Polly until Mattel acquired the brand and revamped Polly Pocket – however it’s these BlueBird Toys originals that remain most coveted.
My well-loved Polly Pockets from the 90s had certainly seen better days. Without internet access at seven years old, I’d spent countless hours crafting elaborate soap operas with my Pollys, which meant the playsets weren’t exactly pristine and several pieces had gone missing – those original Polly Pockets were incredibly tiny.
However, my concerns proved unfounded because the stories about Vintage Polly Pockets are absolutely true, and even the most worn examples disappeared within minutes.
I’d witnessed nothing comparable on Vinted before. The instant I listed my first batch of old plastic playthings, they vanished, and my inbox flooded with enquiries asking: “Do you have any more? I am interested in buying them all.”
The demand overwhelmed me. Whilst I’d researched online listings showing some Polly Pockets priced at well over £100 each in pristine condition, this seemed absurd to me, so I kept prices reasonable – offering a collection of eight for £40 and a large farm for £30.
I also shifted several light-up versions for £10 alongside various individual pieces, totalling more than £100.
One Vinted buyer even contacted me suggesting my prices were too low, as they held greater value. Whilst that might be accurate, I believe Vinted exists for bargain hunters.
It’s also my preferred platform for quick sales, rather than listing items at inflated prices and leaving them gathering dust in a wardrobe box whilst awaiting the perfect purchaser. I was also concerned about potential quality complaints, given how extensively they’d been played with – the large farm had what I dubbed “storm damage” from when I’d covered it in talcum powder as a child, creating a frozen Polly wonderland.
I didn’t want to risk flogging something for a substantial sum only to have it rejected because Polly’s features had faded after years of entertainment.
So my tip for anyone with a loft full of old toys? Have a proper rummage.
If something’s gathering dust, stick it on Vinted. But resist the temptation to Google pristine condition prices and slap an unrealistic price tag on the app.
Odds are, it’ll sit there unsold whilst continuing to hog space when you could be funding a lovely dinner or day trip.
Unless you’re a genuine Polly Pocket trader, let somebody else enjoy it and experience the excitement of snagging a bargain.
Be upfront about its condition by uploading plenty of photos and describing any imperfections. This ensures complete transparency should the purchaser have concerns.
And ensure you wrap it properly, snapping pictures before packaging and dispatching it to the buyer – just a small safeguard for yourself.
I reckon I’m going to splash my newfound windfall on a posh afternoon tea, and I’ll be lifting a teacup in tribute to my old mate Polly.
