Littlest Pet Shops (LPS) might seem like simple children’s toys, but for many collectors and savvy sellers, they represent a surprisingly lucrative market. If you’re wondering “How Much Are Littlest Pet Shops worth?”, you might be surprised to discover that some of these miniature figures can fetch significant sums, especially on platforms like eBay. For those in the know, the world of LPS is more than just play – it’s a potential goldmine.
Factors Influencing Littlest Pet Shop Value
The value of Littlest Pet Shops isn’t arbitrary; it’s determined by several key factors that collectors and resellers carefully consider. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply understand the worth of their LPS collection.
Rarity and Scarcity
Like many collectibles, rarity is a primary driver of LPS value. Hasbro, the manufacturer, releases pets in limited quantities, and some are much harder to find than others. Certain pets were exclusive to specific regions, promotional events like Comic-Cons, or limited edition sets, making them incredibly scarce and highly sought after. Once these pets are no longer in production and become harder to find in stores, their value on the secondary market, like eBay, can skyrocket.
Condition
The condition of an LPS figure significantly impacts its price. Pets in mint condition, especially those still in their original packaging (new in box or NIB), command the highest prices. However, even pre-owned LPS can be valuable if they are in excellent condition – meaning free from scratches, marks, paint rubs, or other damage. For serious collectors, even minor flaws can reduce the value.
Character Popularity
Certain LPS characters are simply more popular than others. This can be due to their design, animal type, or association with specific sets or promotions. Dogs, cats, and some of the more uniquely designed pets often have a higher demand than more common or less visually appealing figures. This popularity translates directly into higher prices on the resale market.
Generation and Vintage
Littlest Pet Shops have been around since the early 1990s, going through several generations with design and style changes. The “vintage” or Generation 1 LPS, with their distinctive larger heads and rounder eyes, are particularly popular among long-time collectors. These older generations are often rarer and carry nostalgic value, contributing to their higher worth compared to more recently released pets.
Completeness (Sets & Accessories)
While individual pets can be valuable, complete sets and those with original accessories can be even more desirable. Sets that are still sealed or contain all their original pieces, including tiny accessories like hats, food bowls, or furniture, are particularly prized by collectors. The more complete and original a set is, the higher its potential value.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay or Sell LPS For?
The price range for Littlest Pet Shops is incredibly broad. Common LPS figures, readily available and not particularly sought after, might only be worth a few dollars, if that. However, at the other end of the spectrum, rare and highly desirable pets can command prices from $50 to hundreds, and in exceptional cases, even thousands of dollars.
Price Ranges: Common vs. Rare LPS
Most standard, common LPS figures, especially those from later generations and in played-with condition, typically sell for between $1 and $10. These are the pets you might find in bulk lots or at garage sales. However, the truly valuable LPS are the exceptions. Rare pets can easily fetch prices starting at $30 and going upwards. The most coveted and rarest LPS can sell for hundreds of dollars individually.
Examples of Valuable LPS
Certain LPS have become legendary in the collecting community for their high value. Here are a few examples, echoing some of the valuable pets mentioned in the original article:
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Comic Con Cat: This pet is consistently cited as one of the most expensive LPS. Due to its exclusivity to Comic-Con events, it is incredibly rare and can sell for hundreds, sometimes even approaching $1000 in pristine condition.
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LPS Dachshunds, Collies, and Cats: Within these animal types, specific numbers are particularly valuable. For example, Dachshund #909 and Collie #58 are known to be highly sought after. Certain cat variations, like white cat #410 and black cat #2249, also command strong prices.
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Great Danes and Cocker Spaniels: Generally, Great Danes and Cocker Spaniels, especially from earlier generations and in unique colors or molds, are worth keeping an eye out for.
It’s important to remember that prices on platforms like eBay are dynamic and can fluctuate based on demand, condition, and seller. Checking current listings and “sold” listings is crucial for gauging the current market value of specific LPS.
Where to Check Current LPS Prices
The best place to determine the current market value of Littlest Pet Shops is on online marketplaces, particularly:
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eBay: eBay is the go-to platform for buying and selling LPS. You can search for specific pets by name or LPS number and, importantly, filter by “sold listings” to see the actual prices items have recently sold for, not just asking prices.
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Other Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, and dedicated LPS collecting groups online can also provide insights into pricing and buying opportunities.
Tips for Buying and Selling Littlest Pet Shops
Whether you’re looking to expand your collection, invest in potentially valuable toys, or clear out old toys for profit, understanding the buying and selling landscape of LPS is essential.
Identifying Rare LPS
Identifying rare LPS can be tricky, but here are some tips:
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Learn LPS Numbers: Each LPS figure has a unique number. Researching lists of rare LPS numbers (like #58, #675, #339, #909, #410, #272, #568, #2249, #817) is a great starting point.
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Pay Attention to Details: Subtle differences in eye shape, color variations, or mold details can distinguish a common pet from a rare variant. For example, even within the same LPS number like #817 Great Dane, eye variations (circle vs. star pupils) can drastically affect value.
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Look for Generation 1 Features: Larger heads, rounder eyes, and a different overall aesthetic characterize the vintage Generation 1 LPS, which are often more valuable.
Selling Strategies on eBay
If you plan to sell LPS on eBay, consider these strategies to maximize your profits:
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Detailed Listings: Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of each pet, including its LPS number, condition, any flaws, and generation if known. High-quality photos are essential.
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Competitive Pricing: Research “sold listings” to understand the current market price for similar pets in comparable condition. Price competitively, but don’t undervalue rare items. Consider slightly higher pricing if you have excellent seller feedback.
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Offer Sets and Bundles: Selling LPS in themed sets or bundles can attract buyers looking to expand their collections quickly.
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Accessorize (Strategically): Consider adding dollhouse miniatures or custom-made LPS clothes to your listings to make them stand out. Unique accessories can increase perceived value.
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Shipping Considerations: Keep shipping costs in mind. Lightweight organza bags and bubble mailers are cost-effective for shipping individual pets. Factor shipping costs into your pricing strategy, and consider offering “free shipping” by including the shipping cost in the item price. Insure higher-value items.
Spotting Authentic LPS
With the popularity of LPS, knock-offs and counterfeit pets exist. Ensure you are dealing with authentic LPS by:
- Checking for Hasbro Markings: Authentic LPS will have Hasbro markings and copyright information on their bodies.
- Examining Quality: Genuine LPS are made with quality materials and paint. Be wary of figures with poor paint jobs, flimsy plastic, or unusual smells.
- Comparing to Known Authentic Examples: If unsure, compare the pet to images of known authentic versions online, paying attention to details like eye style, mold, and colors.
Conclusion
So, how much are Littlest Pet Shops worth? The answer is varied and depends heavily on factors like rarity, condition, and demand. While many common LPS might not be worth much, the world of rare and vintage LPS offers a fascinating and potentially profitable collecting niche. By understanding the factors that influence LPS value and employing smart buying and selling strategies, you can navigate this miniature market successfully and potentially uncover some hidden treasures within these tiny toys. Happy hunting, and may you find your own valuable Littlest Pet Shop gems!
