Shoppers rush to score op shop gem that could be worth $1,000: 'They're investment properties'
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If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of your local op shop, scanning the shelves for a hidden gem, you might want to pay extra attention to the kids’ media section next time.
Believe it or not, some of those dusty old DVDs and VHS tapes—yes, the ones you thought nobody wanted anymore—are being snapped up by collectors for eye-watering sums.
In fact, a complete set of the original Wiggles TV show can fetch as much as $1,000 online!
It sounds almost too good to be true, but according to Mat Carpenter, a seasoned thrifter and the brains behind Flip Weekly (a newsletter and podcast dedicated to helping Aussies make money from undervalued op shop finds), this is one of the easiest ways to turn a tidy profit.
Mat’s advice? 'If you want to make money from op shops, you need to know what you’re looking for—and kids’ media is a home run.'
Why are these old tapes and discs suddenly so valuable? Mat reckons it’s a mix of nostalgia and practicality.
'No one under 25 owns a DVD or VHS player,' he laughed, 'but older generations are snapping them up like they’re investment properties.'
There’s also the fact that, in today’s world of streaming, classic shows are often split across different platforms—or not available at all—making physical copies even more desirable.
Mat’s own experience is proof of the pudding. 'Earlier this month, I bought a huge box of old VHS tapes that contained 12 copies of The Wiggles,' he said.
'The resale value of those 12 was over $700, and just one tape alone sold for $200.' Not bad for a morning’s rummage!
And it’s not just The Wiggles. Mat has seen similar success with other nostalgic children’s shows.
Complete seasons of The Amanda Show on DVD have sold for over $1,000, Barney & Friends box sets can fetch $500, and even individual Teletubbies seasons can go for $50 a pop.
'When I posted my Wiggles video, we had a lot of comments from people who owned the valuable DVDs but just didn’t know about it. I suspect that’s the case for a lot of these shows too,' he added.
So, why the sudden gold rush for old kids’ shows? For many, it’s about reliving fond memories with their own children or grandchildren.
For others, it’s the comfort of using technology they’re familiar with—after all, not everyone wants to navigate the ever-changing world of streaming services.
And let’s not forget the thrill of the hunt: there’s something deeply satisfying about unearthing a forgotten treasure and giving it a new lease on life.
If you’re keen to try your luck, Mat suggests starting with charity shops, garage sales, and even Facebook Marketplace.
'They’re easy enough to come by,' he said, 'and you never know what you’ll find.' Just remember to check for complete sets and good condition—collectors are willing to pay top dollar, but only for quality items.
Credit: TikTok
Have you ever found a valuable treasure at your local op shop? Or maybe you’ve got a stash of old DVDs and tapes gathering dust at home? We’d love to hear your stories and tips. Feel free to share them in the comments below.
Read more: Shoppers express fury over $60 basket discovered at charity store
Believe it or not, some of those dusty old DVDs and VHS tapes—yes, the ones you thought nobody wanted anymore—are being snapped up by collectors for eye-watering sums.
In fact, a complete set of the original Wiggles TV show can fetch as much as $1,000 online!
It sounds almost too good to be true, but according to Mat Carpenter, a seasoned thrifter and the brains behind Flip Weekly (a newsletter and podcast dedicated to helping Aussies make money from undervalued op shop finds), this is one of the easiest ways to turn a tidy profit.
Mat’s advice? 'If you want to make money from op shops, you need to know what you’re looking for—and kids’ media is a home run.'
Some collectors are shelling out as much as $1,000 for full sets of classic kids’ shows, with old DVDs and VHS tapes from op shops in especially high demand. Credit: TikTok
Why are these old tapes and discs suddenly so valuable? Mat reckons it’s a mix of nostalgia and practicality.
'No one under 25 owns a DVD or VHS player,' he laughed, 'but older generations are snapping them up like they’re investment properties.'
There’s also the fact that, in today’s world of streaming, classic shows are often split across different platforms—or not available at all—making physical copies even more desirable.
Mat’s own experience is proof of the pudding. 'Earlier this month, I bought a huge box of old VHS tapes that contained 12 copies of The Wiggles,' he said.
'The resale value of those 12 was over $700, and just one tape alone sold for $200.' Not bad for a morning’s rummage!
And it’s not just The Wiggles. Mat has seen similar success with other nostalgic children’s shows.
Complete seasons of The Amanda Show on DVD have sold for over $1,000, Barney & Friends box sets can fetch $500, and even individual Teletubbies seasons can go for $50 a pop.
'When I posted my Wiggles video, we had a lot of comments from people who owned the valuable DVDs but just didn’t know about it. I suspect that’s the case for a lot of these shows too,' he added.
For others, it’s the comfort of using technology they’re familiar with—after all, not everyone wants to navigate the ever-changing world of streaming services.
And let’s not forget the thrill of the hunt: there’s something deeply satisfying about unearthing a forgotten treasure and giving it a new lease on life.
If you’re keen to try your luck, Mat suggests starting with charity shops, garage sales, and even Facebook Marketplace.
'They’re easy enough to come by,' he said, 'and you never know what you’ll find.' Just remember to check for complete sets and good condition—collectors are willing to pay top dollar, but only for quality items.
Credit: TikTok
Read more: Shoppers express fury over $60 basket discovered at charity store
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