An 18-year-old college student, Jamie Bell, has disclosed that he has successfully sold £300,000 worth of Lego figures on eBay over the past year. Initially, Bell began selling toys he had outgrown at the age of 13, eventually realizing the profit potential of Lego pieces. Operating under the business name JTB Collectables, he sources plastic toys in bulk both online and through personal connections, catering to collectors and individual sellers.
In a recent notable transaction on May 2, Bell auctioned off a 95kg collection of Lego Star Wars figurines, claiming it to be the largest mini-figure lot ever listed on eBay globally. The bidding, starting at £1, culminated in a sale price of £22,428 after 65 bids. Bell’s business generated total revenues of £300,000 in the last tax year, with a net profit of approximately £50,000 after expenses.
Recognizing the rapid growth of his earnings, Bell and his father enlisted the services of an accountant when he was just 16 years old. Currently, he sells around 100kg of Lego monthly through a combination of bulk sales and individual figure auctions online. Despite his thriving side business, Bell intends to prioritize his studies in History at university in the coming year, affirming that he does not plan to transition his entrepreneurial venture into a full-time occupation.
Reflecting on his auction experiences, Bell noted the excitement of witnessing last-minute bidding surges that significantly elevate prices. He indicated that a significant portion of buyers are avid collectors with substantial disposable incomes, while others are resellers who may take extended periods to sell individual pieces.
While Bell acknowledges the potential to turn his Lego resale venture into a full-time career, he remains committed to pursuing a stable profession alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits. Emphasizing financial prudence, he aims to save a majority of his earnings for future investments, including his first home and contributions to an ISA account.
Bell’s entrepreneurial journey began with selling his own toys for a modest profit at the age of 14, gradually expanding into larger-scale resale operations. Notably, he tripled his revenue from the 24/25 tax year to the 25/26 tax year. Despite his success as a Lego reseller, Bell maintains a personal interest in collecting high-value figures for his own collection, distinguishing between items for personal enjoyment and those intended for resale.
Additional listings on Bell’s eBay account showcase the sale of other substantial Lego bundles, including a £4,458 transaction and the sale of two Lego Batman figures for £751. His business operations have garnered significant attention and profitability, underscoring his entrepreneurial acumen and strategic approach to Lego resale.