How to Sell Used Sex Toys: A Guide for the Savvy Seller

A lot of us have never even considered that there is a secondary market for used sex toys, but why wouldn’t there be? Sex toys are often expensive, and most retailers don’t want to take back used toys that they can’t resell (this is perfectly logical!), so what should we do with perfectly good toys that were used once or twice?

Why not turn them around, put some money back in your wallet, and let someone else get a good toy at a good price? Read on to learn how to do this safely.

Understanding the Market

The secondary sex toy market is a fairly small one (at this point), so there aren’t a lot of algorithms out there to help you determine prices. The rule of thumb is that a new car loses at least 10% of its value the minute that you drive it off the lot, and we think this probably applies to sex toys as well. And then you need to consider how many miles you have put on the engine, and whether you have all charging cords and accessories, and whether it looks and feels like it’s well-used or “like new.”

You should only resell or purchase previously owned sex toys that can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This means materials like stainless steel, borosilicate glass (which, by the way, is the original PYREX in your grandmother’s cabinets), and medical-grade silicone. Soft jelly toys cannot be safely or thoroughly cleaned and are not good candidates for the secondary market.

Kink gear may also be of interest to sex toy shoppers. And if you can put together a bundle of toys and accessories that go well together, like a wand vibrator with a couple of sleeves, it will probably get a somewhat higher price as a bundle than each piece would on its own. Demand is also a factor here — some folks would probably pay even higher than original retail for dupes of their favorite toys from the dearly departed Fun Factory, for instance.

Bottom line? If you have a Sybian or a drawer full of barely touched sex toys from higher-end manufacturers like LELO or Lovense, you could probably see some cash in your pocket. But a basic battery-operated bullet vibrator probably is not worth the effort; just dispose of it safely.

Cleaning 101

Anyone who sells or buys used sex toys needs to be very conscientious about cleanliness. This is one of buyers’ biggest concerns, so as a seller, you need to be able to assure potential buyers that you have thoroughly cleaned the toys according to the manufacturer’s instructions (and our own recommendations).

• First, check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website to make sure that the sex toy in question is waterproof (either splashproof or submersible).
• Then disconnect all charging cables or remove the battery.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust, debris, or lint.
• Wash it in warm water with mild fragrance-free soap or specialized sex toy cleaner.
• Rinse completely until all suds are gone and the water runs clear.
• Pat dry with a soft towel and let air-dry thoroughly.
• (Optional) Put the toy in a UV disinfectant bag according to the bag manufacturer’s instructions.

After you have cleaned the toy, seal it up in a plastic bag or shrink-wrap if you have that capability. Detail the cleaning process, including the date, in a note to the buyer.

So, Where to Sell?

Lots of people sell their sex toys on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. We’re not going to tell you not to do this because it happens successfully every day, but we will tell you that these platforms have rules and policies against selling these items. Proceed at your own risk.

There are marketplaces that are set up for the sale of used sex toys. The reach is smaller, but the tradeoff is that the people who frequent these sites are there specifically to buy pre-loved sex toys.

• Reddit: The subreddit r/UsedSexToys is exactly what you would expect it to be. This is, obviously, a market for selling and buying used sex toys. There are no character limits for your descriptions, and potential buyers can very easily reach out to ask questions. One downside is that this is not a true e-commerce platform so it will be up to you and your buyer to negotiate the payment process and shipping details.
• PantyDeal: As the name indicates, PantyDeal is primarily a place where people sell their used underwear, but there is a section for sex toys as well. Note that many of the listings here include photos, videos, and other content along with the toys. It is certainly up to you whether you want to offer that kind of value-add, but you should not be surprised if it is suggested.
• UsedSexToysOnly: UsedSexToysOnly is another online marketplace for used sex toys. It has sections for vulvas and for penises, and there is a separate section for content associated with the products that you may be selling. All sellers must be verified, and there are guidelines for sanitizing the toys before sale. A Premium Seller membership allows you to list as many toys as you want and communicate directly with potential buyers. This site and their sister sites have their own currency, KinkCoins, which is tailored to the needs of the adult community.
• Kinkie: Kinkie is another UK-based site for people to sell used underwear, hosiery, and sex toys. Most sellers on this site do seem to include content (or at least vivid descriptions) along with their used sex toys, but again, this is not a requirement and it is entirely up to you how much you feel comfortable sharing about your toys and how you used them.

Packaging and Shipping

If you sell pre-owned sex toys, it is on you to get them safely to your buyer. You can include shipping prices in your listings, either as a separate line item or built into your selling price. Do not underestimate what it will cost you to ship a sturdy box halfway across the country or even the world — shipping prices are high these days!

You will need to pack the sex toys securely with bubble wrap or some other packing materials, and ship them in a well-sealed durable box. Make sure that your address and the buyer’s address are clear and easy to read.

We recommend purchasing shipping insurance (included in some shipping services like Priority Mail) or delivery confirmation at the very least, since as the seller, it is your obligation to make sure that the package gets to the buyer. We don’t just mean this in the moral sense; if the buyer claims loss or files a chargeback, you will need to prove that you shipped the package.

If you are shipping across borders, you will need to be aware of customs and tariffs. At the time of this writing, this is a constantly changing landscape. The only guidance that we can offer is to do your own research because you don’t want either you or your buyer to be charged extra or have the package returned.

Final Thoughts

The secondary sex toy market is a small niche but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t jump in if you have the time, energy, and toys. It’s a great way to find new homes for perfectly good products that just didn’t float your boat for one reason or another, and it helps you fund the purchase of toys that you might like better — and we are here to help with that!

Happy vibing!

Sandra

Sandra Larson founded My Sex Toy Guide in 2016 with her husband, Tim. She has been instrumental in building our website into one of the largest sexual wellness sites on the Internet, and she has tested well over 100 products over the years.
Medium | Reddit

Latest posts by Sandra Larson (see all)