Selling Vintage Toys is a struggle. Why we stopped.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ม.ค. 2024
- Selling Vintage Toys is a struggle. Why we stopped.
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Unveiling Rare Vintage Toys and Exclusive Collectibles at Retro-Toy Con! | Toy Federation Behind the Scenes
🚀 Welcome back to the Toy Federation TH-cam channel, where we embark on an epic adventure into the heart of vintage toy collecting! In this special episode, join Ryan and the Toy Federation crew as they prepare for the highly anticipated annual event, Retro-Toy Con! 🎉
🧸 Packing Up Memories:
Watch as Ryan, Travis, and Andy delve into the nostalgic depths of the Toy Federation storage room, surrounded by iconic treasures from decades past. The G.I. Joe Terrordrome, Thundercats Cat's Lair, and the Sectaur's Hive playset are just a glimpse into the incredible collection they're preparing for Retro-Toy Con. Marvel at the rare WWF action figures and graded G1 Transformers carefully selected for this momentous occasion. Stay tuned for a trip down memory lane with some of the rarest Rambo toys you've ever laid eyes on!
🤖 Pixel Dan's Surprise Visit:
Just when things couldn't get any more exciting, Pixel Dan makes a surprise appearance at Toy Federation! Join the conversation as he and Ryan explore the depths of the toy store, with a special focus on the Sectaur's Hive playset. The camaraderie between Pixel Dan and Ryan is a true testament to the passion these collectors share for these vintage gems.
🗡️ Eternia Dreams Collides with Toy Federation:
Hold onto your action figures as Allan from Eternia Dreams, accompanied by his crew, steps into the Toy Federation realm! Ryan unveils a trove of rare He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toys and memorabilia in his office. Dive deep into the nostalgia with Allan as they discuss the intricacies of these timeless classics. And of course, there's a surprise revelation of knockoff Street Sharks that you won't want to miss!
🔍 Behind the Scenes: The eBay Dilemma:
As the trio - Ryan, Pixel Dan, and Allan - gather in the back room of Toy Federation, the conversation takes a serious turn. Ryan opens up about the challenges and advantages of selling vintage toys online, sharing his experiences with eBay. Discover the pitfalls and the reasons why Ryan eventually stepped back from online selling. Gain valuable insights into the dynamics of the online marketplace and the importance of loyalty in the vintage toy community.
🛍️ Toy Federation's Retro-Toy Con Exclusive:
Get ready for Retro-Toy Con, where Toy Federation promises an exclusive experience for fellow collectors and enthusiasts! With a curated selection of vintage toys, exclusive finds, and the chance to meet iconic collectors like Pixel Dan and Allan from Eternia Dreams, this convention is a must-attend event for every vintage toy aficionado.
👥 Connect with Toy Federation:
Don't miss a moment of the action! Connect with us on social media for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a sneak peek into the world of vintage toy collecting. Join the Toy Federation community as we celebrate the passion, nostalgia, and camaraderie that makes collecting toys an enduring and thrilling adventure!
#ToyFederation #RetroToyCon #VintageToys #ToyCollecting #NostalgiaTrip #BehindTheScenes #ToyCommunity #PixelDan #EterniaDreams #ToyConventions
Do you watch Eternia Dreams or Pixel Dan?
Love Pixel Dan. Tried ED and found it to be not for me... not sure why.
You should give it another chance. Big things coming over there
Love Eternia Dreams but Pixel Dan isn't for me just don't enjoy the content
Eternia Dreams store is literally about 5 miles from my front door. Probably the only store keeping an old mall alive these days which is impressive to me. There are other stores there but he has so much space and is always doing new things there.
I watch both. It’s fun to see the business and nostalgia side with ED, plus he seems pretty cool. As far as dan’s channel, i think he does the best comprehensive reviews and his toy show walk arounds are just fun. Plus, he’s just a good dude. Easy to support all 3 of you guys
See in an age where brick and mortar loses to internet sales regularly what you’ve done is made your store the attraction. It’s the “I’ll spend money to travel to the store to see all the nostalgia and potentially discuss those old toys with people who have as much if not more knowledge about them then me.” The fact that people also buy is effectively the Disney park effect, they came for the experience and they buy something on the way out to remember it
Exactly this. Ive said to the guys before that when its finacially available that travelling from england just to buy and hang out at the store is one of my only appeals to travelling to america.
@@neon_necromundanot a fan of freedom, sir?
eCommerce/digital sales are feeling it too. look at dorkside and a few others. Collectibles right now are facing a tough time :\
@@arowdygatorno such thing as freedom. Just privileges
@arowdygator Can the bravado. Did you forget that the UK is virtually the same as the US? Are you spending so much time embroided in US political propaganda that you think the world revolves around your microcosmic ideals? Get outside, enjoy some clean air, or go to your favorite toy shop, and freaking relax!
Of all the people I follow on TH-cam, I so want you to succeed most in all of your endeavours. It's quite clear from watching and observing you that you're passionate about what you do, You also have integrity sir. You're not out to gouge anyone - simply give your customers the best and fairest deal that you can. That's why the people who watch your channel want to buy from you. Keep pushing forward. You've got this 👍
Much rather buy in person. I like finding the item. I like seeing other items and looking around as well. Department stores may go away but antique shops and toy stores will remain. They offer something department stores selling only new products can’t…nostalgia.
The Truth is, with this channel people can see you and your team are good folks who want to do right by your customers while being able to keep the lights on. That goes a long way with folks, and makes them want to throw support around a physical location they can actually come to and be nostalgic about. But more importantly, so many places "say" they are customer oriented but it's all just a fine veneer for making cash. We literally see you and the fellas have a passion for the same things we love.
Glad that you persevered through the tough years. You’ve certainly made a name for yourself and we’re all appreciative of you and your shop.
The concept that "Disney World does not come to you" is fascinating. If you have something unique and special, people will want it - applies to so many different thing in life. Another great video!
If you build it, they will come
100% it has to me more than the item, the experience is key!
I don't see what's unique or special about it...there are vintage toy stores like this everywhere and they're usually priced higher than ebay
cool to see two shopowners exchanging experiences. It shows how good a community it can be.
I'm glad the it was clickbait. I thought you guys were going out of business and then you were packinging the truck up... I assume just to take to a convention? From where I live to your shop is 9 hours maybe without traffic but one day I'm going to come down maybe over a weekend. And I just saw that the toy convention this November is on my birthday so maybe I could just do that two birds with one stone. Another good video to start my Saturday morning.
You are an amazing guy! I really appreciate you and your character. It is hard to live for honest people. I wish you good luck and keep on moving!
This is the absolute best commentary that I have ever heard regarding the discussion of eBay, running a store, selling at toy shows, understanding the different customers, etc.
It's the ebay customer that's ruined ebay along with ebay policy's.
None of what you said is in this video.
Thanks again for taking us behind the curtain. The last 4 minutes of this episode might be my favorite segment you have ever done. You won my loyalty by the experience you offer and people like me wanting you to win because you come off as so genuine and knowledgeable yet humble. Love the message today and previous message you shared about not putting out a line until you have enough to create a great display (like how tv commercials used to sell you) and having the awareness that it takes someone with Travis’ talent to put the display together at times the best way. Keep crushing it.
Some toys are not shipping-friendly due to size or fragility, I agree I would not want to ship a Flagg, Eternia etc.
Really wish I lived closer to your store Ryan, in all these vids you always do what's right for your customers and the integrity of the toys. Best of luck with whatever the future brings!
So cool to see you and him together he’s TH-cam channel is awesome too ❤ but you had me with the click bait lol 😂 I was like noooooo your closing 😂
I love buying from shops I'm just so far away from any. If it wasn't for eBay I wouldn't have the collection I have. I know a lot of people hate it. I enjoy looking for a deal on what I'm looking for. I wish I didn't live in the sticks sometimes cause in shop buying is a much better experience.
That small backroom talk had so much insight on how and why your business model grew and changed. So cool.
The prospect of going into Toy Federation feels more exciting than going into Toys R Us as a kid. I was enthralled with the prospect of seeing the shop in person last spring after that Dragonfly episode popped up in my TH-cam feed. Got real excited when I found out our house in the south was relatively close by (would have been really close if we had purchased one we looked at in Greer last spring). When I got the chance to go in, we were sort of rushed for time, had my youngest daughter with me who is now out of toys and into sports (but not above appreciating seeing the selection there). I was hoping to find Joe tactical battle platform you got in on a video before but who knows how old that was before it was posted. As we had finally went there, I picked up some black series I would not normally buy, but I wanted the chance to give back a little to the store for the enjoyment of the videos. Plus those figures actually were pretty nice versions OT Star Wars characters. There are some things I might not be able to bring myself to buy from toy federation, but there is wayyy more in that place that you cannot find anywhere as easily not be able to see it in hand before purchase without looking at a bunch of pics online and zooming in for flaws. I did that in the early oughts for GI Joe, but stuff was much cheaper than it is now, and was more plentiful in decent condition for decent prices. Gone are the days of big figure and or vehicle lots for a nice price. Now they are parting weapons etc out. Might as well go in to buy that stuff in person from a shop that shows it’s dedication to acquiring non repro items (or at least identifying when something is not legit). I personally would not have a problem with some of that stuff to make a figure complete, but I sure as hell would not want to be paying full price for some rare weapon or part only to find out it was 3D printed or some other type of repro.
The title scared me a bit. Toy Federation is an institution for us here in the Upstate. It’s basically a dopamine factory. Thank you guys for giving the community the gift of your store and it’s no surprise that it’s become an attraction for people across the country. The dudes that run it are legit and truly care about what they’re doing and their customers. 🤘🏻
Morning Everyone
Morning
Been waiting for this. My new Saturday morning "cartoon" 😂
Same here! :)
Two of my favourite stores on TH-cam - Toy Federation & Eternia Dreams 👏👏
Facts
The video title scared me for a minute. 😂 You guys feel like family and your store is my favorite retail store of any kind. I’m an hour and half from ya’ll and get down there as often as possible. Keep doing what ya’ll are doing. You deserve nothing but success.
P.S. Just ordered a Toy Federation sweatshirt on Tee Public. It’s my 5th Toy Federation article of clothing. 😊
selling collectibles is tough. Stuff like retro games and vintage toys compete to sell to a fairly small pool of customers, because the persons willing to pay a premium for those collectibles are the persons that grew up with them and are nostalgic to have them back. As time goes on, these customers satiate their collecting desires and exit the market and aren't easily replaced. There used to be a bunch of vintage toy train shops in America, they are nearly extinct. The customers in that market are either dead or bought all the items they desired long ago.
First time I watch this show is when i saw it first at froggy flips, I thought what a cool store, then i tried watching one of toy federation epsisodes then i got hooked, its like i'm visiting the store itself and going to the toy conventions right there, that i wish i could go and see personally but its way too far here. I am very glad i discovered toy convention. More power and godbless you guys.
Your passion in the hobby got me into it. Love the style of videos and learning so much about all the old school toys.
But I just found TF! I’m sorry to hear this! I genuinely appreciated your personality and demeanor dealing with your customers. Thank you for sharing with us!
I only collect Digimon & I still tune in to watch every video y'all put out.
Love the TH-cam channel you have. Enjoy all the stories and the toys that you have. You're bringing so much nostalgia to everyone.
Gotta say that you guys are doing one hell of a job and I genuinely appreciate all you do. I am not a real collector but I REALLY love this channel and want to come visit your shop. I may live way up north but i would absolutely love to come down and see the shop and buy something to remember the epic adventure. I would also venture to say a toy museum is an absolutely AMAZING idea 💡 and I think that would be something that really would draw in more customers as well as more people who were parting with their collection of vintage toys. Just saying...some day a toy museum would be a great addition to the mall of toy fame you have going on ❤ Much respect for you all
IMO, the interest is still there for so many but it comes down to accessibility to stores like this and cost of living has increased so much over the last few years. People want to support but can’t afford to.
I live in a town with 6 stores selling liquor and cigs and lotto tickets, 3 stores selling adult use cannab*s, and an off track betting parlor. Oh, and there's a massive casino 20 miles away. Yet, I keep hearing about no one having any money for anything but food, water, and their kid's heart medication. Oddly enough, none of these places I mention above seem to be struggling. They're lit up, staffed, clean, and advertising. I wonder, just a little tiny bit, maybe, just maybe, if its not so much about lack of money as it is lack of priorities?
Agreed, there are a couple of stores in my area and their prices are just way to expensive. So ebay wins if I can get it cheaper.
When you were taking about a toy museum it reminded me of the planetarium in Greenville years ago they had a huge vintage star wars exhibit. Not sure if they still do but it was impressive.
I sell on ebay and my house looked like your shop. It got to the point i had so much stuff i would forget to list stuff and of course i kept buying. In other words I had stuff just taken up space so i started selling huge lots of stuff and it helped alot. Seeing all that product reminded me of that.
Great video like always.
This may have been my favorite episode yet. I love your thoughts on how the business has evolved negatively and positively. You can hear the passion in your voice for the business. I love it.
Idk about everyone else but i still buy 90% of my stuff in person. I hate the whole process of not being able to inspect, buying, and waiting for an item to come in (if it does make it)
I love toy federation it feels like I’m watching your casual Saturday morning tv show like a combination of pawn stars and figure collectors making content love it 💯🔥🔥🔥🔥
I truly enjoy coming to this amazing toy store when I visit family. Always a pleasure and very nice people 😊
This show makes me so happy to watch on Saturday mornings. Thank you!
I live in canada and i love watching your youtube shows i get to see my childhood again and people who love everything about it ...keep up the great vids brothers
Ryan…..it finally hit me…I am a fan of your haircut…….keep it up…love watching you kids
Just found your channel, it’s awesome! So much nostalgia, so interesting. love from Australia. 🤘
Cant get enough of toy federation.been watching TH-cam videos of people going to ur store . Like 3 years ago before u where mega famous.
Much respect to you and toy store
I hope its not the end of your journey
But i do truly pray for your next journey
God bless you guys
Never stop what your doing. Wishing you, the business, your employees and family the best and success. Love the videos and after I retire might move States to be close enough to visit the store.
I can vouch that brick and mortar is the way to go... IF, and it is a HUGE IF, they have the love and support of a team that cares about what they sell. I used to work in small retail card/hobby stores. I have about 10 years between 3 stores. 2 of those stores reminded me of Toy Federation, 1 had no heart. The 1 that had no heart is now basically a Pawn Store. The other two unfortunately closed. One the owner passed and the family decided to liquidate everything, rather than try and let someone buy out the business and run it, the other had an owner that had to close down to move out of state due to a spouse getting a much better job. Thank you to all involved with brining Toy Federation to YT. It does my heart good to see this stuff every weekend.
you can't be any more wrong
Ah yes, very insightful and you bring your some valid points in your 6 word response. 🙄
It’s fine to have a differing opinion, but that’s exactly what it is an opinion. You can’t simply state my opinion is wrong. You can say you don’t agree with it, it’s even better to provide examples and facts ti try and persuade others to change their opinions to more align with your own.
But simply replying with 6 words comes off as ignorant, lazy, or a dangerous mixture of both.
Greetings from Ireland. Love your show. We have no shops like yours here. Apparently there's no market for action figures
I wish I lived closer to this store! ....would love to trade and sell my collection with him! Truly an honest businessman
Im confused in the video he talks about expanding but the title says stopped
Vintage is just a phase, it comes and goes like a trending phase, this whole market is drying out fast, especially with how expensive everything is now everyone is choosing necessities and less wants, look at how much stuff comes out then goes to Ross and Ollie's on clearance
Vintage SW, the 77-85 line has been collectible/hot since the 1990's. The original 12 inch GI Joes from the 60's caught fire about that same time. Passing phase?
@@jimjones308 New Kids of today want switch, ps5, phones and fortnite and only us old collectors want these kind of figures after us it's over
@@Csthedirector I'm in my early 40's. I'd like to think I've got 30-40 more years of enjoying my stuff. That's not tomorrow.
I love it when collecting nerds get together! ☺
I visit my mother in Greenville and since discovering it ALWAYS visit toy federation. As you said, Disney world doesn’t come to you. If I see something there i want (always) I buy it there whether eBay has it cheaper or not. I like shopping in stores.
love this channel and I don't even collect any of this stuff. Seeing your genuine passion for these toys keeps me coming back. I'm sure the title is click-baity but I hope you succeed and keep posting.
Another great way to start a Saturday morning. Thanks for sharing as always Toy Federation.
I wish there was a vintage toy store near me, I love the old toys. Vintage GI Joe, Transformers, Ghostbusters and Mego figures were items I had as a kid and if I get the chance again I buy them when I can.
Ryan and crew of toy federation, just recently sub'd and your stuff is always informative and entertaining!!!! I get it family is also important!!! Keep at it, with a balance! Cheers you guys👍🏼
What an amazing, candid video Ryan! Definitely one of my favorites! Great job man!
Love the store, love the channel and I’m very proud to support you guys
I feel like you should look into setting up your own website with your own inventory management / shopping cart / payment tool (there are a bunch of them out there) instead of trying to go back to eBay or another similar site. The up front cost may be more, but over time I feel like you should be able to recoup those costs back and make more money because you don't need to deal with the fees and honestly the hassle of those platforms. You're popular enough that I think driving traffic to your website shouldn't be a problem, especially with some of the SEO tools out there.
I really like hearing about the story about your early days growing eBay. Having grown a loose figure business on eBay I'm beginning to worry will I start to lose time, should I hire, should I just open a brick and mortar, should I do both Physical Location and Online.. I'm always asking myself these questions which is why I watch both Toy Federation and Eternia Dreams. Get the "inside" experience of what it's like to have a physical location, knowledge on toys I've never see and whether going from eBay to Physical Location is worth it or not. Again, I enjoy the videos as always.
You absolutely 100% have something special there, I'm thousands of miles away but would LOVE to make a trek and come see you to pick up some M.A.S.K vehicles that I still need for my in box collection (not that many left I need), or some other rare pieces I am still looking for from other 80's/90's shows I grew up with. I hope to some day make it out there and thank you for creating something so amazing and continuing to provide an experience that is getting rarer and rarer these days. A true connection to pieces of history that people have true love and passion for. Thank you for everything you do and the knowledge you have collected to share with us.
Im actually reliving my childhood through your channel! Juat found you a couple of weeks ago. Love your videos!!!
Great commentary on what it's like dealing with Feebay and the challenges of running a store vs online in general. As someone that has done Feebay off and on for many years it has gotten ridiculous. When my son and I discovered your store last year it has been a regular stop for us ever since! We appreciate all of you at Toy Federation!
Let me ask you something, what's wrong with ebay? I've been selling there for a couple of years and I've never had any problems.
@@user-nx9qh1po1n in my opinion the fees are beyond ridiculous. They were once very reasonable. It's made selling smaller items more of a hassle to which now I try to sell locally on marketplace classifieds only using eBay on larger items. It's just not what it once was. Happy to hear you still enjoy it.
@@user-nx9qh1po1n Sure no problem. I've used Ebay for many years off and on. Both Selling and buying collectibles and such. I started around 1999 to 2000ish. While it still has its benefits, the seller fees have become ridiculous and unfair to be honest. I understand they need to make money but the high percentage has forced many sellers to pass that on to buyers and its unfortunate.
I’m one of the ones who drove 4 hours each way to check out your shop. You guys are great. Customer service is awesome selection is amazing. Definitely planning another trip in a few months hopefully your guys expansion will be done. Keep doing what your doing!
I wish San Antonio had a shop like this. Also a shop w musical instruments would be awesome.
All you guys Rock ! Keep up what your doing....I enjoy watching everyone heres content keeps the Hobby exciting 👍
Always a pleasure watching you guys from up North. Keep rockin guys, nowadays everything is a struggle but you guys have NATIONS of people who trust and respect the name. All the best you guys🔥👍
Totally agree when I buy on eBay I want to buy up somebody I watch on TH-cam❤
Discovered your channel and now I find myself binge watching.. please don't stop making videos.
Would love a video of personal collection of all the guys who work there would make a great video
Agree, I’d like to see what everyone collects too.
As a record dealer I feel exactly the same way. Stopped ebay 15 years ago. Now its only irl sales. Many also make the misstake to sell all their best stuff online then wondering why the sale in their store drops.
Ya you have created something where people will come to you, that is the ultimate position to be in , especially now with so many scalpers and resellers gobbling up inventory to sell at same price they found on ebay latest sold
I don’t understand the title. What did you stop doing? The video shows you guys selling at a toy show. It doesn’t look like you stopped. I hope you don’t stop!
He stopped a lot of things and revamped his business. Like pre-orders and having a website, etcetera.
@@JT-un7dc oh wow is that what the titles referring to! That was far from clear from watching the video!
I’m so glad I found your channel!!!! Amazing content. Thank you.
I can't get enough of this channel! Great group of guys.
I don’t know you and we will likely never meet….but thank you sir. I can see your passion for the hobby and for your customers. Well done.
I'm actually stepping away from online selling of most of my collectibles and going to a more retail store based model.
Great to see independent business going from strength to strength. Keep the videos coming!!!!
You scared the shit out of me I thought I lost another TH-camr of mine since most are quiting I really enjoy your videos and it really informed me about the world of collecting toys
What a great episode! Very insightful.
I like the antique windup mechanical toys, they where a joy to watch.
Incredible run with store, many blessings in your new endeavor.
Time is the most valuable commodity in the world. The title of this video had me worried. Ryan is one of the genuine "Good Guys" and all of his success is well deserved. #toyfedrocks
I cannot stress to people enough if you collect anything and are lucky enough to have a local shop that sells what your into support them.
I'm in the UK and would love to come to your store. But unfortunately, that'll probably never happen.
I see so many of the toys I used to have as a kid in your videos. Some of which I'd completely forgotten about.
I'd definitely buy from you online if you get it up and running.
Same here. He had a Blue Thunder a few weeks ago and I want one of them so badly
You gave me a heart attack Ryan. Your title says you stopped selling vintage toys and then I see you guys packing up a U-Haul. What's going on? Jordan
Please don't close, I want to come over and visit the shop 1 day.
Toy Federation = Your Vacation Destination!!!
I guess I should feel wowed with living nearby. One day I'm finding Ryan via their website (with his basement as a warehouse), then hitting the cons and opening up a modest shop...now *running* a con with a much bigger store and a freakin' TH-cam show. My how things have progressed. Brian's Toys would be proud.
What a truly epic store!!!!
i wish we had something as awesome as this in the UK!
Guys I’m laying in bed, dying of Covid and saw this video title and the video starts off with you packing a truck and I panic thinking noooooooooo is TF closing!?!? That was messed up. You almost killed me. Glad you’re still thriving Ryan.
im wanting to come down from NC next weekend. when i saw this video title, my heart skipped a beat 😂
Great to see all the TH-cam guys together in one spot dont know if you ever tried the whatnot app but i bet with your following you would do well and it's way more personable than ebay and your totally right about buyers i feel though true collectors like me would be loyal but im not looking to resell anything you guys rock!!!
Thanks!
I think your store is amazing and what u guys do is amazing an love the channel an i hope to visit your store one day soon
Watching from Philippines. Love your channel. ❤
I flew from Mexico then drove 2 1/2 hours to the store loved it. Great owner great people great collectibles great prices. A+ overall
Running a online store is probably harder then running a brick and mortar
I want to visit yours and the Eternia Dreams store so badly! Keep up the great work and I hope to be able to support you in the shop soon.
That Rambo Pistol Bike Shield is pretty cool. I would have rocked that as a kid if I had it then.
☕️ Thanks for another fun episode. Cool to see the gang together and to hear the inside baseball! You got it all. I would love to see a few more cutaways where they address the camera directly - explain what they’re packing for really quick etc.
Probably a toy show or convention.
@@1yris1 it’s just not the same coming from you 🤪
When we plan on going to Florida and Disneyland, Toy Federation will be a place to visit.
Keep up the amazing work, I only wish we had stores like yours in Australia.