The recent Barbie movie has done more than just entertain; it answered the question, “Is toy selling a good business?” What Barbie did was tap into the power of nostalgia in marketing to ignite a 25% surge in toy sales.
And we have seen this over and over again. From “Star Wars” to “Frozen,” movies have a unique power to breathe life into toy sales.
While many were engrossed in the cinematic experience, a few savvy individuals were watching their profits skyrocket in what could be one of the easiest online business models to start…
Here, we will dive into this booming market trend and explore whether toy selling is a good business, how to benefit from movies like Barbie, and how you can capitalize on it.
What You'll Learn...
Is Toy Selling A Good Business?
If you’re currently asking the question Is toy selling a good business? Certain movies do more than just tell stories, Movies like “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Cars,” “Barbie,” and “Toy Story” are prime examples of this.
While they are undoubtedly cinematic masterpieces, celebrated for their storytelling, animation, and character development, their influence extends far beyond the silver screen in the toy market.
Take “Star Wars,” for instance. Beyond its epic space battles and memorable characters, it’s a good answer to the burning question people have, is toy selling a good business?
And it has played a pivotal role in turning it into a merchandise empire ranging from action figures to video games.
The iconic lightsabers, the detailed replicas of the Millennium Falcon, and even character-themed apparel are testament to the franchise’s vast commercial appeal.
Similarly, “Frozen,” with its catchy tunes and relatable characters, didn’t just captivate audiences in theaters. It led to a surge in Elsa dresses, Olaf plush toys, and themed birthday parties.
“Cars” and “Toy Story” have their own tales of merchandise success.
The anthropomorphic vehicles from Radiator Springs and the heartwarming toys from Andy’s room have found their way into children’s playrooms around the world.
These toys aren’t just playthings; they’re tangible connections to the stories and characters.
But here’s the best part: the commercial success of these franchises isn’t limited to the big corporations.
The ripple effect of their popularity has created opportunities for everyday individuals. Entrepreneurs, collectors, and even casual fans have found ways to tap into this. From selling vintage “Star Wars” collectibles at a premium to crafting handmade “Frozen” accessories.
How To Find Profitable Toys To Sell
Stay Ahead of the Curve
One of the primary ways to ensure success in this movie-driven toy and merchandise sales is to always be one step ahead.
By monitoring upcoming movie releases, especially those that are nostalgic reboots, you position yourself to anticipate the next big trend.
These movies often come with a wave of nostalgia, making their associated merchandise particularly sought after.
Platforms like IMDb are not just for movie buffs; they can be a treasure trove of information for entrepreneurs.
Regularly checking release calendars, reading reviews, and even following movie-related news can provide insights into which movies are likely to become hits and, by extension, which toys might become the next big sellers.
Engage with the Fans
The heart of any movie or franchise lies in its fanbase.
These are the individuals who will queue up for midnight releases, discuss plot theories online, and most importantly for our purposes, buy merchandise.
Engaging directly with these fans can provide invaluable insights.
Dive deep into fan forums, where passionate discussions can reveal what specific merchandise or characters are most anticipated.
Social media platforms, with their hashtags and trending topics, can also be a goldmine of information.
Follow movie-related hashtags or join fan groups, and you can gauge the buzz around certain movies. This not only helps in understanding which toys might be in demand but also in tailoring your marketing strategies to what fans truly want.
The Gold is in the Old
While new releases drive a significant portion of sales, there’s an undeniable charm associated with classic old toys.
These toys often carry with them memories of childhood, making them particularly appealing to both collectors and those looking to relive their past.
Sourcing these older toys can be a bit like a treasure hunt. Thrift stores, often overlooked, can sometimes have rare finds that are sold for a fraction of their potential market value. Garage sales, too, can be unpredictable but rewarding.
People often sell old toys without realizing their worth, especially if they’re from classic franchises.
Online platforms like eBay are also essential, allowing you to both source and gauge the current market value of toys.
How To Start a Toy Business Online
Choose Your Platform
To effectively leverage nostalgia in marketing, selecting the right platform to sell your merchandise is crucial. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, etc.
Etsy caters to a more artisanal, handcrafted audience, making it perfect for vintage or unique toy collections.
Shopify, on the other hand, offers more customization and scalability, ideal for those looking to build a brand and possibly expand into other merchandise categories in the future.
If you’re tech-savvy and want full control over your customer’s experience, setting up your own website might be the way to go.
Embrace Nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, often evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and a longing for the past.
Finally, you can understand is toy selling a good business to enter by tapping into the nostalgia associated with toys and movies, you can create a deep emotional connection with your audience.
Don’t just sell a toy; sell the memory associated with it.
Share captivating stories of how a particular toy came into existence, fun trivia that even hardcore fans might not know, or perhaps a unique anecdote about a toy’s role in a particular movie scene.
This not only enriches the buying experience but also positions your shop as a treasure full of memories and stories.
Best Marketing Strategies For Selling Toys
For people who still doubt or still want the answer to the question is toy selling a good business? These are the best marketing strategies to increase toy sales:
SEO & PPC
Visibility is paramount if you’re trying to make sales online. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can organically rank your products on search engines like Google.
By optimizing your website’s content, and meta descriptions, and using relevant keywords, you can increase the chances of your products being discovered by potential customers. You can check out our article on how to install RankMath (Best SEO Plugin
This organic growth not only drives traffic but also establishes long-term credibility.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for immediate visibility, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is the way to go.
Unlike SEO, which requires time to show results, PPC ensures your products appear at the top of search results instantly.
While you do pay for each click, the immediate visibility can lead to quick sales, especially if you’re targeting the right audience or you’re promoting toys or merchandise associated with a trending movie.
Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing is one of the fastest ways to establish credibility and trust around your product and, most importantly, make sales.
With platforms like TikTok and Instagram boasting billions of users, partnering with influencers can catapult your products into the limelight.
These influencers have built trust and rapport with their followers, and a recommendation from them can be incredibly valuable.
Educate Your Audience
To make sales online, trust is a currency. One of the most effective ways to build this trust is by educating your audience.
By creating content that delves deep into the history, trivia, and unique attributes of the toys you’re selling, you build familiarity and trust with your audience, which likely leads to sales.
Whether it’s blog posts or YouTube videos talking about what made the toy special and showing a scene from the movies to ignite emotions, or infographics highlighting fun facts, this content serves a dual purpose.
Firstly, it educates potential customers and maybe calls their attention to what they might have missed in the movie.
And it also establishes your brand as a trusted authority in that space, which means that customers think of you first when they’re looking to buy.
Affiliate Marketing: A Beginner’s Goldmine
One of the easiest ways to start is by becoming an affiliate.
If you can’t create these toys and merchandise by yourself, you can promote products from established businesses and earn a commission for every sale.
This eliminates the need to handle transactions or stock, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers.
If you’re interested in learning more about affiliate marketing, check out my free affiliate marketing training.
Final Thoughts on “Is Toy Selling A Good Business?”
With the ever-changing world of e-commerce and entertainment, staying ahead of the curve is paramount.
And to answer your question is toy selling a good business? My answer is “YES”
Movies have continually presented opportunities for marketers and entrepreneurs.
Whether it’s tapping into the nostalgia of classic franchises or leveraging the buzz around new releases, there’s a huge potential for you to profit.
The recent surge in Barbie toy sales confirms this.
If this article has shed light on the potential of nostalgia in marketing for you, please join the conversation in the comments.
Are there any film releases on the horizon that you believe hold potential? I’d love to hear your thoughts and predictions!
