Home > Articles > Intensive Guidelines For Selling Toys Online | Latest Update

Intensive Guidelines For Selling Toys Online | Latest Update

November 30, 2023
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

This article delves into selling toys and unlocks the complete guideline to thrive online toy business. From establishing your unique brand identity to crafting compelling product descriptions, we reveal the essential steps to master selling toys online.

Key Takeaways

  • Create your own online toy store: Launching your own online store offers independence from the algorithms of significant platforms, granting greater control over your business and allowing for unique branding and direct communication with customers.
  • Take advantage of Shopify: Use Shopify’s platform to establish your online toy store through customized themes, detailed product pages, strategic app integration, and secure payment gateways.
  • Second-Hand Success: Explore alternative avenues for selling second-hand toys, such as Swap.com, Facebook, Craigslist, and eBay, leveraging their user bases and features to connect with interested buyers.

Selling Toys Online: Creating An Online Store

Why launch your own online store?

If you’re new to online commerce, the optimal choice is opening a new store using popular website builder platforms like Amazon or eBay. However, there are some major advantages of launching your own online store that you should consider, including:

  • Independence: When you have your own website, you’re not dependent on big internet companies’ algorithms. This lets you have more control over your business.
  • Branding: Making your own online store makes it much easier to create a unique brand. This helps you stand out in the market.
  • Direct Communication: Having an email list becomes easier when you have your own website. This lets you communicate directly and personally with your customers.

5 Main Steps To Start Selling Toys Online With Shopify

If you want to launch your online store for selling toys, Shopify is an intelligent choice. Follow these 5 steps to create a successful site using Shopify:

selling toy

Step 1: Create an online store

In the first step, you need to sign up for Shopify free trial, enter your store name, and you are good to go. Since the free trial last for 3 days only, you will need to choose a Shopify subscription plan to continue using your store. 

Next, you will need to select a customized theme – which can be taken from the Shopify theme market – to design the layouts and storefronts of your store.

Step 2: Set up the products

You need to craft compelling and informative product pages that showcase the essence of each toy. Moreover, don’t forget to Infuse detailed descriptions highlighting features, benefits, and age-appropriate details. Later, you can enrich these pages with high-resolution images that offer a comprehensive view of the toys. Last, but not least, remember to set accurate pricing that reflects the value you provide.

Here is how you can add new products to your Shopify store:

  • From your Shopify admin dashboard, click Products from your left sidebar.
  • Click Add Your Products to start adding your products.

If you want to create the product collection, here is how:

  • Go to Products from your Shopify admin dashboard
  • Select Collections from the list > Create Collections

Step 3: Pick the apps & sales channels

In the next step, you can boost your store’s functionality by integrating strategic apps from the Shopify app store. These useful Shopify apps improve inventory control, improve customer interactions, and make the payment process smoother. Moreover, you should link your store to diverse sales channels, such as social media platforms, to amplify your visibility to potential buyers and expand your reach.

Step 4: Select the payment gateway

You must ensure seamless transactions by choosing a secure payment gateway tailored to your audience. You should offer various payment options, including credit cards and digital wallets, adapting to your customer’s preferences. In short, you must ensure your buyers feel secure by focusing on data safety and offering a smooth checkout process.

selling toy

Step 5: Implement marketing for the store

As a business owner, you can create a diverse marketing plan that boosts attention to your store. Plan and launch lively social media ads showing off your toys and engaging people with interactive content. One of the most valuable tips is to use personal emails to inform customers about new products, deals, and special offers. 

Besides, you should work with influential people in the toy industry to get more people to know about your brand. Using paid ads to target specific groups and make your customer group bigger is a good idea. You need to monitor how well your website is doing, how many people buy things, and how engaged they are. Use this info to improve your marketing strategies and help your business grow steadily.

Tips For Developing Your Online Toy Store

Attention to these tips will enhance your store’s user experience and boost your sales and customer satisfaction. Consider the following tips:

Engaging Visual Content

You should use high-quality images and videos that showcase your toys in action. Visual content can help potential customers better understand the product, making them more likely to purchase. Here’s how to effectively leverage engaging visual content for your online toy store:

High-Quality Images and Product Views:

  • Capture clear, vibrant, and detailed images of your toys from multiple angles to give customers a comprehensive view of each product.
  • Use high-resolution images to showcase intricate details, textures, and features, making customers more confident about purchasing.
selling toy

Lifestyle Imagery and Contextual Use:

  • You should add pictures that show kids having fun while playing with the toys. This helps customers imagine how the toy can make a child’s playtime better and more creative.
  • You must put the toys in various places or situations to show how flexible and helpful they are.
  • Another recommendation is to put in pictures that show how the toy can make kids feel good and help them grow. This creates a more vital link between the toy and the customer.

Demo Videos and Unboxing Content:

  • You can make brief demo videos that show how the toys work, how they’re put together, or how they can be used in play. These videos can help customers grasp the toy’s features and how it works.
  • Besides, you can also post unboxing videos that reveal the thrill of getting and discovering a new toy. Unboxing videos capture the excitement and happiness connected to buying toys.

Compelling Product Descriptions

selling toy

Store owners should craft detailed and persuasive product descriptions that outline features and emphasize the benefits and ways the toy can enrich a child’s life. This storytelling approach can create an emotional connection with your potential buyers. 

You must take some time to write this information down as it will help your customers understand more about the toys you are selling:

  • Features and Benefits: You can describe the toy’s features comprehensively, highlighting its unique attributes and functionalities. Emphasize how these features contribute to the overall play experience.
  • Enrichment and Learning: You should write down how the toy promotes learning, creativity, and skill development in children and explain how the toy aligns with educational goals or encourages imaginative play.
  • Emotional Appeal: One more tip is to write your descriptions more emotionally by showing how the toy can make kids happy, make them laugh, and create special memories. You should use examples that customers can relate to so they feel a connection between the toy and what they want for their kids.

Selling Toys Online: Marketing & Promotions

Marketing

In the competitive world of online toy sales, effective marketing strategies can significantly boost your visibility and sales. Here are some key tactics to consider:

  • Paid-for Online Ads: Merchants should invest in targeted online advertisements through platforms like Google Ads or social media platforms. These ads can help you reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your toy store.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): You must optimize your website’s content with relevant keywords to improve its visibility on search engines. This will make it easier for potential customers to find your online toy store when searching for related products.
  • PR Opportunities: Store owners can collaborate with bloggers, influencers, and parenting websites to feature your toys in reviews, gift guides, or articles. These positive mentions in credible sources can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract more customers.
  • Social Media Marketing: Engage with your target audience on social media platforms. Share captivating visuals, educational content about your toys, and interact with your followers to build a loyal community.
  • Encouraging Customer Reviews: Consider allowing your customers to leave reviews of your products on platforms like Google, your website, or social media profiles. These positive reviews can enhance your credibility and drive word-of-mouth recommendations.
selling toy

Promotions

Promotions can create excitement and incentivize customers to make a purchase. Here are some promotional strategies to consider:

  • Limited-Time Discounts: Offer time-sensitive discounts on select toys to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate purchases.
  • Bundle Deals: Package related toys at a discounted price, encouraging customers to buy multiple items.
  • Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers with exclusive discounts, early access to new releases, or loyalty points that can be redeemed for future purchases.
  • Flash Sales: Host short-term sales events with significant discounts to attract attention and drive quick sales.
  • Holiday and Seasonal Promotions: Create unique promotions for holidays, birthdays, or other relevant occasions to capture the festive spirit and boost sales.

Selling Toys Online: Channels For Selling 2nd-Hand 

If you have a collection of old toys that your kids or grandkids have outgrown, there are good alternatives to selling them beyond the traditional garage sale. Here are some solutions to turn those secondhand toys into profit:

Swap.com

First, you can choose Swap.com to sell second-hand toys, it is a smart and sustainable choice. Not only does Swap.com provide a convenient and user-friendly platform for listing your items and promotes the idea of reusing and recycling, contributing to a greener environment. By selling on Swap.com, you can connect with a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of pre-loved toys. 

selling toy

Plus, the platform offers a broader reach and potential customer base, increasing the chances of finding new homes for your toys. So, whether you’re decluttering, looking to make some extra money, or want to pass on the joy to others, Swap.com offers a hassle-free way to give your 2nd-hand toys a new purpose while positively impacting the planet.

Facebook

Secondly, you should consider Facebook for selling your secondhand toys. With its extensive user base and easy-to-use marketplace features, Facebook offers a seamless platform for connecting with local buyers interested in your toys. Selling on Facebook allows you to tap into an extensive network of potential customers, making it simpler to find the suitable homes for your items. 

Additionally, the social aspect of Facebook enables you to interact directly with buyers, fostering trust and facilitating smoother transactions. Whether you’re looking to declutter or provide affordable options for other families, Facebook provides a convenient and community-oriented avenue for giving your second-hand toys a new lease on life.

Craigslist

One more option for you is Craigslist, a platform for selling second-hand toys that offers a direct and local avenue for connecting with potential buyers. With its straightforward and no-frills approach, Craigslist allows you to quickly list your items and reach individuals in your immediate vicinity actively seeking pre-owned toys. This localized approach can lead to faster transactions and more accessible communication between buyers and sellers. 

selling toy

Moreover, Craigslist is known for its simplicity and broad user base, making it an ideal option for efficiently finding new homes for secondhand toys within your community. Keep in mind that while Craigslist can be convenient, it’s important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when arranging meetups and transactions.

eBay

Lastly, eBay is an excellent choice for selling second-hand toys due to its expansive reach and user base. This ensures that your listings will be seen by a wide range of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of successful sales. The platform’ established reputation, secure payment options, and user-friendly interface provide a reliable and convenient environment for both sellers and buyers. 

selling toy

Whether you’re offering vintage collectibles or gently used playthings, eBay’s comprehensive features make it a robust platform for efficiently connecting with interested purchasers and finding new homes for your 2nd-hand toys.

Selling Toys Online FAQs

Whether offering vintage treasures or the latest releases, launching your toy business is effortless with Shopify. Create your own Shopify store to showcase your toy collection by uploading photos, crafting detailed descriptions, and initiating sales quickly. Plus, you can connect your store to chosen third-party marketplaces seamlessly, and integrating with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram enhances your online reach.
When selling toys, a Shopify store is your optimal choice. Its user-friendly setup, mobile responsiveness, and customizable features provide an exceptional selling platform. Shopify even equips you with a built-in blog to attract organic traffic, boosting sales. Moreover, it offers versatile shipping integration options and the possibility to link your Shopify store to external marketplaces.
Absolutely! Shopify is an excellent avenue to sell toys. Its easy setup process is complemented by various customizable toy store themes that help your shop stand out. With over 100 payment gateways and shipping choices, managing transactions is a breeze. You’ll also have the convenience of inventory management, with automatic stock control, ensuring you never sell what you don’t have. Plus, Shopify’s round-the-clock customer support ensures assistance whenever you need it.
You can price your toys depending on various factors, especially for vintage and antique items. The value of these toys is influenced by factors like their rarity, age, and popularity. To understand appropriate pricing, consider researching other online sellers and comparing similar items in the market.

To sum up

To conclude, this article presents a detailed guideline for initiating a prosperous venture in the online retail of toys. By capitalizing on platforms like Shopify and executing potent marketing tactics, entrepreneurs can adeptly navigate the dynamic realm of selling toys online and realize their entrepreneurial aspirations.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.