I've always liked doing puzzles and I used to buy a lot of puzzles to sell until.... one day I realized that a 1000 piece puzzle does NOT necessarily have 1000 pieces. It might have 999 or 1002 so counting the puzzles' pieces did not guarantee they were all there. What!? The next puzzle I sold, I built before I sold it to guarantee it was complete. Since then my inventory of puzzles sat as I don't have the space and time to build them. Recently, before Christmas I decided to list some 'as is'. I listed the ones that were collectable thinking I could maybe still get a decent price for them. Well they haven't sold yet but it got me thinking about puzzles again and I decided to write a post and share a few things I've learned about selling puzzles.
1. Obviously the most important thing I learned is that just counting the pieces isn't enough to sell it as complete. You should build it or specify that you haven't built it and can't guarantee that it is complete. I've seen very collectable puzzles sell for a lot of money even with missing pieces.
2. Some puzzle manufacturers will replace a missing piece. Here is a contact list of companies that replace pieces.
3. Most thrifts have the puzzle boxes taped shut so it is hard to know if it is in good condition unless you undo the tape. I'm always scared someone is going to catch me and yell at me LOL but usually I pay no more than a couple of dollars.
4. Used puzzles can go for $100s even $1000s of dollars. It's worth it to learn the most desired brands and keep an eye out for them. Take a look at completed listings on ebay and sort by price.
Some good brands to look out for are. In general wooden puzzles seem to be more valuable.
- Heye Puzzles (they are usually in a triangular box). I have found three so far in my selling career. They are very collectable and can go for good money. Here is one I have listed.
- Puzz 3D 3 Dimensional Puzzles - New York seems to be particularly valuable
- Stave Wooden Puzzles - these are in a very plain box that I would probably overlook if I didn't know better
- Par Puzzles
- Liberty Puzzles
Thanks for the info, wouldn't have thought that the missing pieces could be replaced! I have a Top Cat puzzle from the 60s or 70s I thought would sell immediately but it hung around FOR YEARS. I eventually had to donate it. :\ This was before my eBay days though, it may have sold on there.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny because I just found and listed a Top Cat Christmas ornament! It looks to be pretty hard to find. I'm not familiar with the Top Cat cartoon. Are you?
DeleteThis is good info! Thank you for the list of popular brands. I will try and remember that triangle box.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine. The nice thing about the Heye puzzle box is it sticks out like a sore thumb in a pile of puzzles.
DeleteI've had good luck selling new puzzles, but I stay away from used. On average, in my opinion, they are just too much trouble for little gain.
ReplyDeleteI agree Scott. Unless I find some of the high dollar collectables I'm no longer buying used puzzles. I don't find new puzzles very often. Wish I did!
DeleteGreat info, Nancy! Thanks for sharing some of the higher end brands to look out for. I honestly can't stand putting puzzles together, so now I only sell puzzles that I find factory sealed.
ReplyDeleteI guess you won't want to help me with the 3000 piece puzzle I bought to sell. I realize I don't have anywhere big enough to build it LOL.
DeleteI have a collection of Heye puzzles and the rarest like my copy of Big Boss and Squaw by Mordillo, 750 pieces can for upwards of $200 or more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Elizabeth!
DeleteNice post!
ReplyDeleteI have a collection of Heye puzzles
http://www.ozgemtoys.com.au/jigsaw-puzzles/brand/heye.html
Nice share.
ReplyDeleteSome other new puzzle brands:
Jiggypuzzle.com
Jigsawdepot.com
Betterco.com