As an experienced Vinted seller who began using the platform years ago during a move, I've always found it a straightforward way to declutter and earn extra cash. The app allows users to post photos, set prices, and ship items once sold, similar to eBay but often more user-friendly. While primarily for second-hand goods, occasional audacious buyers or sellers are just part of the experience.
A Surprising Discovery in the Loft
After my grandmother handed me a carrier bag filled with my childhood toys from the 1990s—yes, I'm 40—I held onto them for months before realising they were merely taking up space. That's when I launched the Vinted app. You often hear whispers about potential treasures hidden in lofts, especially with vintage toys, but I've only ever partially believed those stories.
The Polly Pocket Phenomenon
Polly Pockets first hit shelves through British toy manufacturer BlueBird Toys in 1989, following an early prototype made from an old cosmetics compact. After Mattel acquired the brand and revamped it, the original BlueBird Toys versions remain the most coveted. My well-loved Polly Pockets from the 90s had certainly seen better days. Without internet access at seven years old, I spent countless hours crafting elaborate soap operas with them, leaving the playsets less than pristine and with several missing pieces—those originals were incredibly tiny.
However, my concerns proved unfounded. The stories about vintage Polly Pockets are absolutely true, and even the most worn examples disappeared within minutes. I'd never witnessed anything like it 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."
Overwhelming Demand and Smart Pricing
The demand overwhelmed me. While I'd researched online listings showing some Polly Pockets priced at well over £100 each in pristine condition, that seemed absurd, so I kept prices reasonable. I offered a collection of eight for £40 and a large farm for £30. I also sold 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. That might be accurate, but 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 while 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.
Transparency and Packaging Tips
I didn't want to risk selling 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 is to 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 while 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.
