Things We Don't Buy
You might be wondering why this is the first page.​.. We’ve found that it’s often helpful to begin by explaining what we don’t typically purchase first. This page is dedicated to the things we will have to pass on.
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Many people reach out with items like common magazines (Playboy, Penthouse, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Readers Digest, etc.), mass-produced collectibles like mass market paperbacks, romance novels, Beanie Babies or McDonalds Toys, or furniture—so by listing these upfront, we can help save time on both sides. This page is meant to clarify our focus and make the process smoother for everyone.
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Please note: The following is a general guide—while rare exceptions exist, such as the 1953 Playboy with Marilyn Monroe, limited edition Beatles Beanie Babies, signed issues with COAs, graded items, or actual early misprints, the vast majority of these types of items have little to no resale value or collector interest.​​
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Think of it this way:
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Most Beanie Babies have “errors,” which were printed in such large numbers that they’re actually just very common, not rare.
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Playboy magazines were mass produced for decades, with many issues still in circulation today, even in 'new, sealed condition'.
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If you can easily find over 200 listings for the same item on eBay—especially with low asking prices—that’s likely where the market truly stands.
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Looking at the lowest sold or listed prices is often the best way to understand current value, just as serious collectors and buyers do.​
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Please scroll though the section below to see what we are not currently purchasing.
Modern Magazines (Playboy, National Geographic, etc.)
We Do Not Purchase:
Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler, National Geographic (post-1920s), Reader’s Digest, Modern Maturity, LIFE (1970s and later), People, Us Weekly, GQ, Vogue (1990s and newer), and most fashion or celebrity magazines from the 1980s forward.
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Exceptions:
Many Pre-1960's issues, Time Magazine (1920s–1950s), early TV Guide issues with major television debuts or pop culture covers, and rare or regional first editions in excellent condition.
Beanie Babies & McDonalds Toys
We Do Not Purchase:
Most Beanie Babies, McDonald’s toys, fast food premiums, generic plush toys, Ty plush (including Princess Diana), Looney Tunes glasses, and most character-themed items from the 1990s–2000s.
Exceptions:
Early McDonald’s Changeables, Halloween buckets (1980s), and sealed, limited-run promotional items tied to major franchises.
Furniture & Large Home Goods
We Do Not Purchase:
Couches, chairs, tables, beds, mattresses, appliances, hutches, china cabinets, grandfather clocks, bookshelves, rugs, lighting fixtures, or other large household furniture and décor.
Exceptions:
High-end, new-in-box kitchen items such as premium knife sets, cookware, mixers, espresso machines, or smaller high-end countertop items.
Large Antiques (e.g., Sewing Machines)
We Do Not Purchase:
Sewing machines, pump organs, console radios, pianos, phonograph cabinets, treadle bases, large trunks, spinning wheels, and other oversized or heavy antique furniture and equipment.
Exceptions:
Select smaller or display-ready mechanical pieces, coin-operated tabletop machines, and rare early devices with strong collector interest.
Disney VHS & Cassettes
We Do Not Purchase:
Disney VHS tapes, including Black Diamond editions, Platinum series, Gold Collection, and most home video releases from the 1980s–2000s. Audio cassette tapes, books on tape, and common music genres on cassette are also not accepted.
Exceptions:
Sealed or promotional VHS tapes with misprints or extremely limited release, and rare demo or soundtrack cassettes tied to major artists or films.
Generic Vinyl Records
We Do Not Purchase:
Generic or low-demand vinyl records, including big band, polka, easy listening, marching band, gospel, Christmas compilations, and most classical releases. Records with heavy ring wear, sleeve damage, or missing covers are also not accepted.
Exceptions:
Original pressings in excellent condition from sought-after artists, sealed or promo copies, and rare albums in collectible genres like early rock, jazz, punk, blues, or soul.
Modern Comics & Trading Cards
We Do Not Purchase:
Comics from the 1980s to present, overprinted issues, Free Comic Book Day editions, and non-key modern titles. Most trading cards from the same era—including sports, Pokémon, and Magic: The Gathering—are too common unless professionally graded or limited.
Exceptions:
Graded key issues, variant covers, short-run releases, graphic novel series, and trading cards that are early, rare, or part of notable first editions.
Mass-Market Kitchenware, Décor, Fine China
We Do Not Purchase:
Mass-market kitchenware, fine china sets, department store dinnerware sets, souvenir mugs, promotional glassware, common cookware, and general home décor items from recent decades.
Exceptions:
New-in-box premium cookware, sterling silver flatware or hollowware, designer kitchen tools, or vintage barware with collector appeal or brand value.
Common Textbooks & Mass Market Books
We Do Not Purchase:
Common textbooks, book club editions, paperback novels, encyclopedias, condensed books, and mass-printed nonfiction titles.
Exceptions:
First printings, signed or inscribed copies, out-of-print niche subjects, and early editions in excellent condition.
Imitation or Unbranded Toys
We Do Not Purchase:
Modern unbranded toys, plastic figurines, dollar store items, party favors, and low-quality toys with no identifiable maker or theme. This does not include early or antique toys that happen to be unmarked—we’re referring to mass-produced, low-grade toys from recent decades.
Exceptions:
Early handmade or antique toys, metal or wooden figures, or unbranded pieces clearly from the early 1900s or earlier. Some rarities or toys may not have obvious branding so if you're not sure, feel free to ask if we're interested.
Bulk Household Electronics
We Do Not Purchase:
DVD players, VCRs, printers, fax machines, older TVs, home theater systems, alarm clocks, mass-market stereos, and other general-use electronics found in most households.
Exceptions:
High-end or sealed tech products, quality music gear (amps, guitars, pedals, keyboards) rare, vintage devices, or electronics with a known collector market (e.g., early Apple products, Sony Walkman, or 1980s or earlier gaming gear).
