How to Collect Tonka Trucks

Study the time period and genre of Tonka Trucks you want to collect. The cabs, grills, decals and other parts are specific styles. Tonka Toys' Tonka Truck Identification Guide can help you get started. In 1968, Tiny Tonkas also came onto the market, and those also make good collectibles.

Insist on seeing pictures of any trucks you might want to purchase. You want to buy legitimate Tonka Trucks made in the right years. Check any ratings for sellers on auction sites and get signed, written statements that describe your purchases and their value before you pay for them. The condition guides C1-C10 and Poor, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Near Mint and Mint can also help.

Choose a safe means of payment that can be traced and record each step of the transaction. Using a credit card or a Paypal transaction means you can dispute charges or funds if you do not receive the products. You also want to be sure that you have records of all of your correspondence and proof of everything that is promised.

Buy the specific items you want. Be careful of scams. Pricing is established by supply and demand, but find out what similar items go for before you buy anything.

Restore any seriously damaged trucks you buy. Some collectors do not mind mild wear and tear from play on their collectibles, but any serious scraping, chips or damage you may want to restore. Many parts are replaceable, and some need to be stripped and repainted.

Sell or trade any trucks you want to sell. Include shipping insurance in your shipping price so you have signatures from buyers. This way you can be sure they receive the products and they cannot dispute that.