How to Sell Used Toys in Colombia: Cleaning, Pricing, and Safety

Quick answer: To sell used toys in Colombia quickly and without losing money, clean them according to their material, check that they meet basic safety standards (like having screws on battery covers), and set a realistic price between 30% and 50% of their new commercial value. Selling them directly online saves you up to 35% in commission that consignment stores usually charge.

If you are a dad or mom in Colombia, you know very well how toys multiply all over the house. Children grow up fast, and many items are left practically new. The good news is that other families are looking for more economical options, allowing you to recover part of that investment. If you already master the art of selling used strollers, cribs, and car seats in Colombia, the next logical step is to clear out the playroom.

1. Safety Inspection: The filter of Resolution 686 of 2018

Before taking photos of that truck or doll, you must ensure it's safe for another child. In Colombia, the national technical regulation for toy safety is governed by Resolution 686 of 2018 from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

Resolution 686 of 2018 is the technical safety regulation for toys manufactured, imported, and marketed in Colombia. It does not establish an explicit exemption for occasional second-hand sales between individuals; therefore, as a seller, it's advisable to apply a strict safety filter. Do this quick check:

• Battery compartments: Electronic toys must have the battery cover secured with a screw. This is non-negotiable to prevent a young child from accessing the batteries and swallowing them.
• Small parts: If the toy is for children under 3 years old, make sure it doesn't have loose parts that pose a choking hazard.
• Physical condition: Discard any item with broken plastic, sharp edges, or peeling paint.

2. How to clean and disinfect toys by material

An impeccable toy sells faster and at a better price. However, not all can withstand the same treatment. Here's the correct way to prepare them:

• Hard plastic: Wash them with warm water and neutral soap. You can disinfect them with a very diluted bleach solution or alcohol, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly and air dry them.
• Wood: Never submerge them in water, as they swell and get damaged. Wipe with a damp cloth with a mild solution of diluted white vinegar to disinfect, and dry them immediately.
• Plush toys and fabric: Check the label. If allowed, put them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle inside a mesh bag. It's vital that they dry completely (ideally in the sun or in a dryer on low heat) to prevent bad odors or mold.
• Electronics: Remove the batteries before starting. Clean only the surface with a slightly damp cloth and disinfectant, avoiding moisture from entering ports, buttons, or battery terminals.

⚠️ Vital safety warning: Never mix chlorine (bleach) with vinegar when cleaning. This combination releases chlorine gas, which is highly toxic. Always use them separately.

3. How to price used toys

The most common mistake when selling children's items is getting carried away by sentimental value. For an item to sell quickly, the golden rule is to price it between 30% and 50% of its current new commercial value, depending on its condition.

Certain brands and franchises can better retain their value in the Colombian second-hand market. Toys from Fisher-Price, complete Lego sets, Radio Flyer tricycles, and original Toy Story or Star Wars action figures can sell in the upper 50% range when complete and in good condition.

The "bundle" trick: If you have many small toys, loose figures, or generic blocks, group them. Selling a "bundle of 20 toy cars" or creating combos is much more attractive to buyers and saves you the logistics of making ten separate deliveries. This same strategy works wonders when selling used children's clothing in Colombia by size.

4. Where and how to post to avoid commissions

Historically, parents turned to physical consignment stores in cities like Bogotá or Medellín. The problem is that these places usually charge a commission of between 30% and 35% of the final price, and they also make you wait 30 to 45 days to get your money.

Selling online allows you to bypass the intermediary, but it's crucial to choose the right platform to know where to sell used items in Colombia without commission. According to active listings on the Colombia Move marketplace (July 2026), there are currently 0 recent active listings in categories like cribs and children's clothing, and only 1 in strollers and car seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it legal to sell used toys in Colombia?

There is no explicit exemption in Resolution 686 of 2018 that declares occasional resale between individuals fully permitted. This regulation governs the safety of toys manufactured, imported, and marketed in Colombia. As a precaution, do not sell broken toys, recalled items, those with missing parts, or those unsuitable for the recommended age.

❓ How much do toy consignment stores in Colombia charge?

They typically charge between 30% and 35% commission on the final sale price. In addition to this high retention, they usually require items to be spotless and can take weeks to make the payment.

❓ How do I know if a second-hand toy is safe to sell?

Check that it doesn't have small loose parts (especially if it's for children under 3 years old), sharp edges, or broken plastic. It's essential to verify that the battery compartment closes perfectly with its respective screw.

❓ What happens if I mix chlorine and vinegar to clean toys?

You should never do that. Mixing chlorine (bleach) and vinegar creates a chemical reaction that releases chlorine gas, which is highly toxic and dangerous to inhale. Always use these products separately and rinse thoroughly.

❓ How should I price a used toy?

The ideal is to price it between 30% and 50% of its current new commercial value. Overcharging due to sentimental attachment is the most common mistake that causes second-hand items to remain unsold for months.