Wrebbit Puzz 3D - The puzzle that climbs (in value!)

Wrebbit Puzz 3D's are a highly collectible toy. Websites devoted to collecting these puzzles are everywhere. The puzzles satisfy two of the criteria of producing value for re-sale. They are unique and they are discontinued, perfect for selling on ebay. You can make money, when there is scarcity. And when toys are produced as a series, like 3D puzzles of varying buildings, and subsequently discontinued, rarity is created. You just need to determine which ones are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Wrebbit was the company, based in Quebec, Canada, that originally designed and manufactured 3D puzzles, starting in 1991. Wrebbit was bought by Hasbro in 2005 and by the end of 2006, no more puzzles were being produced. Perhaps they weren't making any money on these things anymore, but for someone that makes money thrifting,  the discontinuation of 3D puzles can be a gold mine.

Puzz 3D's break one rule of thrift reselling. They are LARGE. And a real hassle to ship. However, some can be worth it. Although the size is a deterent, the weight makes up for it. Since they are made of foam, the shipping cost isn't phenomenal. People will pay the postage for the high valued puzzles.

And what are the most sought after ones? Well, the New York puzzle is arguably one of the popular ones. At over 3000 pieces, a complete puzzle can fetch over $150 on ebay. Even an incomplete one will go for 50 or 60 dollars. I found one of these and resold it for $50 without checking for completeness. The reason it goes for so much is because it depicts the World Trade Center towers before 9/11.

There are a fw puzzles that will sell for between 50 and 100 dollars, including Sydney Opera House, Taj Mahal and St Peter's Basilica. Keep in mind, you have to check for completeness, so counting the pieces is a necessary evil. You can still make money without guaranteeing completeness, but the return is a tenth of what the complete puzzle would go for.

Keep an eye out for any that are in shrink. These are an automatic buy for me, since the resale is easy and completeness guaranteed. These are good items to sell on ebay.

Lots of info on puzz 3d's can be found here: 
 http://www.puzz3d.org/

A blog detailing the building of the New York Puzz 3D can be found here (includes pictures in various stages!):
http://joshmadison.com/article/puzz-3d-nyc/

Here's an example of what's on Amazon today: