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 (such as having a screw securing the battery cover) and set a realistic price of between 30% and 50% of their new commercial value. Selling directly online saves you up to the 35% commission that consignment stores usually charge.

If you are a parent in Colombia, you know very well how toys multiply around the house. Children grow fast and many items are practically brand new. The good news is that other families are looking for more affordable options, which lets you recover part of that investment. If you already have mastered the art of selling used strollers, cribs and baby car seats in Colombia, the logical next step is clearing out the playroom.

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

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

Resolution 686 of 2018 is the technical safety regulation for toys that are manufactured, imported and sold in Colombia. It does not establish an explicit exemption for occasional second-hand sales between individuals; therefore, as a seller, it is 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 small child from accessing the batteries and swallowing them.
• Small parts: If the toy is for children under 3 years old, make sure it has no loose parts that pose a choking hazard.
• Physical condition: Discard any item with broken plastic, sharp edges or paint that is peeling off.

2. How to clean and disinfect toys according to material

A spotless toy sells faster and for a better price. However, not all of them handle the same treatment. Here is the right 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 make sure to rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
• Wood: Never submerge them in water because they swell and get damaged. Wipe with a damp cloth using a mild solution of diluted white vinegar to disinfect, and dry them immediately.
• Plush and fabric: Check the label. If it allows, put them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle inside a mesh bag. It is vital that they dry completely (ideally in the sun or in a dryer on low heat) to avoid bad odors or mold.
• Electronics: Remove the batteries before starting. Clean only the surface with a slightly damp cloth and disinfectant, taking care that moisture does not get into the ports, buttons or battery terminals.

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

3. How to set the price of second-hand toys

The most common mistake when selling children's things is letting sentimental value guide you. For an item to sell quickly, the golden rule is to set the price between 30% and 50% of its current new commercial value, depending on its condition.

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

The "lot" trick: If you have many small toys, loose figures or generic blocks, group them together. Selling a "lot of 20 toy cars" or putting together bundles is much more attractive to buyers and saves you the logistics of making ten separate deliveries. This same strategy works wonderfully 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 shops usually charge a commission of between 30% and 35% of the final price, and they also make you wait between 30 and 45 days to pay you your money.

Selling online lets you skip the middleman, but it is key 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 such as cribs and children's clothing, and only 1 in strollers and baby car seats.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Is it legal to sell used toys in Colombia?

Resolution 686 of 2018 does not contain an explicit exemption declaring occasional resale between individuals fully permitted. This regulation governs the safety of toys manufactured, imported and sold in Colombia. As a precaution, do not sell broken toys, toys recalled from the market, toys with missing parts or toys unsuitable for the recommended age.

❓ How much do toy consignment stores charge in Colombia?

They usually charge between 30% and 35% commission on the final sale price. Besides this high deduction, they often require items to be spotless and may take weeks to make the payment.

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

Check that it has no loose small parts (especially if it is for children under 3 years old), sharp edges or broken plastic. It is essential to verify that the battery compartment closes perfectly with its corresponding screw.

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

You must never do this. Mixing bleach and vinegar produces 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 set the price between 30% and 50% of its current new commercial value. Overpricing due to sentimental attachment is the most common mistake that causes second-hand items to sit unsold for months.