URGENT UPDATE: Australians are racing to charity shops, seeking classic children’s media as collectors pay up to $1,000 for complete sets. This trend is skyrocketing, with avid thrifter Mat Carpenter revealing that items like The Wiggles DVDs are now being treated like investment properties.
Carpenter, who runs Flip Weekly, a newsletter and podcast focused on flipping undervalued products, explained the phenomenon to Yahoo News. “Those looking to supplement their income need to know what they’re looking for,” he stated. “One of the easiest starting points is kids’ media, especially DVDs and VHS tapes.”
Despite the decline of physical media, Carpenter noted that older generations are eagerly purchasing these nostalgic items. “No one under 25 owns a DVD or VHS player,” he said, “but they are still snapping them up.”
A complete set of season one, two, and three of The Wiggles can easily be listed on resale platforms like eBay for $1,000. Earlier this month, Carpenter scored a treasure trove of old VHS tapes, including 12 copies of The Wiggles. “The resale value of those 12 was over $700, and just one tape sold for $200,” he added.
The surge in demand is attributed to nostalgia and the fragmented nature of modern media. Carpenter explained that older individuals are drawn to familiar technology, while younger audiences have shifted to streaming platforms. As a result, items like The Wiggles are considered gold in the resale market.
Carpenter encourages others to explore charity shops, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace for similar finds. “They’re easy to come by in charity shops,” he noted. Along with The Wiggles, he’s found success selling The Amanda Show seasons 1-3 for over $1,000, Barney & Friends complete series for $500, and individual seasons of Teletubbies for $50 each.
After posting a video about his Wiggles finds, Carpenter received numerous comments from people unaware of the value of their collections. “I suspect that’s the case for a lot of these shows too,” he said, calling attention to the hidden treasures in many homes.
As the trend continues to grow, collectors and casual thrifters alike are advised to keep an eye out for valuable children’s media. The rush for nostalgic items is not just a passing fad; it’s a lucrative opportunity that’s capturing the attention of many Australians.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and join the conversation on how thrift culture is evolving in Australia. Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest news and insights.
