Will there be a shortage this year? The Toy Question on Every Seller’s Mind.
It’s a fair question thats popping up more and more as sellers weigh their seasonal inventory plans. With sourcing timelines shifting, consumer demand rising, and whispers of warehouse overstock from last year, no one’s quite sure what the shelves will look like when holiday shopping kicks in.
And even if you don’t sell toys, the category could be a leading indicator for how other inventory flows might behave in the months ahead.
Why Toys Are a Bigger Signal Than They Seem
The conversation around toys is about bigger patterns:
- Many toys are imported from regions now facing stricter trade policies
- Retailers ordered early in 2024, leaving warehouses stocked (for now)
- Inventory cycles are tightening as sellers try to predict pricing pressure
- Holiday demand will still surge, but restocks could come at a premium
So will there be a true shortage in 2025? Possibly not. Most retailers have stock ready to go. But 2026? That’s when we might really feel the gap between new import costs and what’s already sitting on shelves.
What’s the Deal With the Secondhand Buzz?
You may have heard that secondhand toys are gaining traction. As shoppers grow more price-conscious and sustainability-minded, marketplaces like eBay are seeing increased demand for pre-loved items.
It’s an interesting trend, and while it leans more toward collectors and casual resellers, it still signals a shift in consumer behavior. Buyers are looking for value, flexibility, and fast fulfillment.
For established merchants, the real opportunity might be in adapting your strategy. Whether that’s offering bundles, experimenting with refurbished SKUs, or even exploring platforms you don’t usually sell on. When shopping habits shift, sometimes it pays to go where the buyers are.
What Sellers Should Be Doing Right Now
If the toy category is a canary in the coal mine, consider this your cue to tighten up your inventory game. Here’s what makes sense right now:
- Review your product categories – are any high-risk from a sourcing or margin standpoint
- Double-check lead times – order early if you need wiggle room
- Track your bestsellers – know which SKUs need priority restocking
- Plan for profitability – not just volume
This is about being proactive.
Stay Flexible, Stay Competitive
No one can predict exactly what the rest of 2025 will bring. But we can tell you this. Sellers who keep their operations nimble always come out stronger.
With Ordoro, you can sync inventory, track costs, and adjust your fulfillment strategy as the market moves. Whether it’s toys, tools, or trending seasonal products, you’ll be ready to respond with a setup that flexes when you need it to.
Want help building smarter systems for whatever’s next? Talk to an Ordoro expert and let’s make sure you’re set up to scale.