An event that’s similar to the popular Antiques Roadshow television program is underway in Waterloo. But, instead of including all antiques — the show focuses only on toys. Jeff Parsons, the president of the International Toy Collectors Association organized the event. Parsons says people search through the attic or closet and come in and register for the “Toy Roadshow.” He says once your number is called, you bring your toy to one or more experts who tell you when your toy was made and what the toy is worth in today’s market.
Parsons says they also will match you up with a buyer who’s interested in your toy.He says collecting is “a meeting of the minds,” what someone is willing to give for an item and what you’re willing to accept for it. Parsons says there are different levels of collectors — some who will spend more and want “mint condition” toys — and others who aren’t as discerning. He says you could have the exact same toy in mint condition in the box that might sell for one thousand dollars, and one that’s been played with that’s worth 100 dollars. Parsons says the vast majority of toys they see are played with.
Parsons advises that you don’t try to clean up the toy before you bring it in. Parsons says if you put the toy in the sink and start scrubbing the dirt off of it, you could do serious damage to it. He says bring it in and get it evaluate and the end user will clean it up. Parsons says it’s free to sell your toy.
Parsons says they do cash offers on the spot and there are no fees. He says if someone offers 500 dollars for your toy, that’s what you get for the toy. The show opened Tuesday and Parsons says there’s no admission charge. The show runs from nine A.M. until seven P.M. through Thursday at the Starlight Village Hotel in Waterloo.
