How much is that toy worth? In the good old days, you could search on the internet for a toy and find multiple links to prior sales. But no more! Why? Worthpoint.
Back in 2007 a guy named Will Seippel created a company called Worthpoint. They went on to “partner” with multiple auction houses and online sellers such as Ebay and Etsy. And now, when you search for “Tonka” or Buddy L” or “Smith Miller” or any number of toys, you will see multiple Worthpoint links. Thankfully, some well known auction sites have not yet signed on but they are becoming fewer. When you click on any of the Worthpoint links you will then be informed that the pricing information is available to members only. And then for $24 a month or $200 per year, you can get access to the pricing.
Fair game? While this may be another example of the commercialization of what used to be open source information, I am not one to stifle initiative. However…do they have the right to use my Etsy and Ebay photos in their promotions? Therein lies the rub.
