By now, you have probably realized that those little pastel ponies that were so very popular in the 1980’s have since become big deal collectibles. Before you try your hand at selling these popular toys, better familiarize yourself with these top 10 things that My Little Pony collectors look for before buying. Familiarizing yourself with this list will help you to get the maximum value for your figures and will definitely earn you the appreciation and repeat business of collectors. If you are a beginner collector, you may also want to take note so you can make sure you are getting a good deal. 

1. A picture is worth a thousand words.
   As with any collectible, collectors are more willing to dole out the cash if they get to see the item before purchasing. A good, clear picture will always help your item, especially if you are honest about any flaws the item has. Including extra close up photos as well as pictures of the figure’s opposite side are the biggest thing collectors look for.
2. A rose by any other name.
   Buyers can’t bid on your item if they cannot find it! Invest in some research time online or purchase a My Little Pony guide book to help you identify the ponies you have by name. Many collectors who are after a certain pony to complete their collection will only search for it by name so having the correct name in the title will make a big difference. Also make sure to include common misspellings of the name in the item title if there is room (such as Bowtie and Bow Tie/Applejack and Apple Jack).
3. Does it have its accessories?
   For many pony items, the pony is only half the value and draw. In many cases, having the brush, comb, outfit, hat, bushwollie or other accessory that came with the pony is what the collectors are really after. When researching the pony names, take note of what accessories go with which pony and make sure to include them in the auctions with the right pony. (You may want to use the My Little Pony Collector’s Inventory for this)
4. No hair, no service.
   Though some buyers are after ponies as “custom bait” (ponies that have heavy damage or wear that collectors will repaint, re-hair and otherwise customize) most are looking for their ponies to be in good to near mint condition. If your pony has any of the following problems, you will need to fully disclose them and might be better off listing it as custom bait unless the pony is very rare. Haircuts of any kind are a big turn off, as well as damage to their symbols, though a skilled collector can sometimes repair these.
   So-Soft Ponies (the ones with flocking) with any balding are not reparable and any holes, chew marks, or cuts in the pony’s body are impossible to repair. Flutter Ponies (the ones with the shell shaped button on their backs) that are missing their wings will sell without them (ones with wings are worth a good deal more) but Windy Wing and Summer Wing ponies without wings are worth next to nothing since their wings cannot be replaced.
   Also, give your pony a good shake. If you hear something loose inside, you must disclose this as well. This means that the pony has had his/her tail removed and that the washer is now loose inside the body.
5. Does the seller have more ponies?
   Whenever you are listing MLP online, make sure you are listing several at once. Ponies are small and, as long as your shipping costs are reasonable, collectors will happily purchase additional ponies from you if they know they can get a discount on shipping for buying several. It will not only get you additional bids, but will also give buyers an incentive to look at your other listings and make them more likely to buy that Baby Gusty from you then the other seller since they get a discount from you. Make sure to mention your discount and your other pony auctions in all your other listings.

Oh and one more thing. Here’s a little hint most pony collectors would prefer you didn’t know. When you list all your ponies in one big lot, collectors love it because they get the ponies for a fraction of their value each. I buy lots of ponies all the time just to resell for a profit. I know why you do it, it's just easier than listing each individual pony, but that little bit of laziness costs you profit in the long run. Selling them individually may take a little longer, but you will more than make the time up in profit.
 
Best of luck with your My Little Pony auctions!
 
Hillary DePiano, author of The My Little Pony Collector’s Inventory: a complete checklist of all US ponies, playsets and accessories from 1981 to 1992 (ISBN: 1411621654)

My Little Pony items on eBay!