The Vintage Sony Walkman

by Tristen OBrien on July 11, 2012

This brings back good memories. Walking down the street, listening to the latest MC Hammer cassette tape. I thought I was really cool! I remember when I bought my first Sony Walkman. It was the latest and greatest technology, and I could either listen to FM radio or whatever tape I could carry. When I was done listening to the first side I simply flipped it over to side B. Technology sure has advanced since then, but the Sony Walkman is still in high demand!

Sure there are “newer” digital versions of a Sony Walkman that allow you to play MP3′s, but those are not the ones that sell well on eBay. The vintage Sony Walkman (from the 80′s) is what’s HOT! There are a few reasons why people want these beautiful electronics again, and it may not be why you’d think. I have sold many of these on eBay before, and just out of curiosity, I asked the buyer why they wanted an old Sony Walkman. Here is what they said:

Battery Life: A couple of buyers stated that they only wanted it for the FM radio, and that the Sony Walkman has the best battery life.
Collectors: I had some buyer tell me that they are just a fan of older technology, and they wanted to add it to their collection.
Party: One other buyer told me that they are going to an 80′s party and wanted it as an accessory.

I’m sure there are other reasons why people want these, but whatever the reason is, I am happy to sell it to them! Lets take a look at some completed listings:

As you can see, the Vintage Sony Walkman is worth some good money! So where do you find these? The answer is, EVERYWHERE! A lot of people really don’t understand the value of the Walkman, so they sell them for $1 at garage sales or $2 at thrift stores. Even some people on eBay will do a buy it now for under $5.

Make sure you are paying attention to the model of the Walkman, and utilize the Completed Listings feature. Not all Walkman’s are worth the same amount, and of course, the older the better. Try to stay away from any cassette Walkman’s that have a digital display. Those are too new. Lastly, make sure it works. You may have to buy a cassette tape from Goodwill for $.50, but it will be worth it. The last thing you want is to have an angry buyer!

On a side note, The Ebay Entrepreneur Mentor Program will be open for anyone to sign up starting this Friday. There won’t be too many openings, so if you are interested, keep an eye out

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Tagged as: Ebay, make money on ebay, Sony Walkman, Vintage Sony Walkman

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Linda July 11, 2012 at 10:47 am

Cool! I alway pick up old electronics at garage sales if they are only a couple of dollars, even if I don’t know what they are. Often it turns out well!

Nancy July 11, 2012 at 12:16 pm

I literally read this post this morning, and remembered that i had an old Walkman. I listed it three hours ago, and it just sold! I would have never of even thought to list this. Thanks for the great tip, Tristen! You have noidea how bad i needed this money

Tristen OBrien July 11, 2012 at 1:55 pm: Thats great!

Reply

Angela Steward July 11, 2012 at 11:49 pm

Hm I have one listed for $60 with no bites but I just noticed I don’t have WALKMAN in the title. I’ll have to change that and maybe up the price in looking at these listings. I have two others I got for $1 that I haven’t listed yet since the first didn’t sell. I’ll have to get on that ASAP!

Angela Steward July 11, 2012 at 11:51 pm

Just looked and the one I have is a recorder so doesn’t have am/fm. I’ll still check the keywords and such. The other ones I have waiting in the wind have am/fm.

Steve Rampton July 13, 2012 at 6:53 pm

I recently brought a yellow sony sports walkman with the original headphones for £1 from a car boot sale and sold it for £30 on eBay. It must of been a great collectors walkman.

laura July 14, 2012 at 8:31 pm