Whether it's fashion, music or hairstyles: many trends from the last few decades are being picked up again by the next generation. The Walkman is also making a comeback and is surprising people on the used market. This is what you should look out for when selling.
The Walkman: pure nostalgia
Only last year, more records were sold in the USA than CDs – the last time this happened was in 1987. Although it had a smaller market share, the cassette tape had a similar increase in popularity. According to a survey by Billboard, sales in England climbed from 81,000 records sold in 2015 to 440,000 in 2023.
As cassettes sell, demand for devices that can play them naturally increases. Romantics of the 80s and 90s probably know what I'm talking about. The Walkman – the flagship of the “cool kids”. It enabled a whole generation to take their music with them everywhere and enjoy it for the first time. But with the introduction of MP3 players, iPods and, at the latest, smartphones, these former status symbols were replaced.
Prices are rising rapidly
Whether it's nostalgia, irony or variety: With the renewed and increasing demand for cassettes and Walkmans, prices are also rising rapidly. According to slashgear, the original Sony Walkman from 1979 has risen from $150 to $680 today. Two models can even top that.
The retro WM-DC2 from 1984 is said to be selling for a used price of 1,099 US dollars. The price will probably be astronomical for a very special Walkman. A new copy of the Sony TPS-L2 including original accessories is said to be worth a whopping 2,850 US dollars to collectors. This is the iconic model that Peter Quill owns in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and thus heralds a whole new generation of Walkmans.
What you should consider when selling
If you are lucky enough to still have an old Walkman and want to sell it, there are a few things you should consider. First, check whether the device is still fully functional, whether all the buttons work and whether the cassette compartment is not jammed.
Visual defects can also reduce the price. But here too, a distinction must be made: some signs of wear can certainly be seen as a vintage effect and, in case of doubt, even increase the price. There is a bonus when selling for the original packaging or even original accessories.
But even if the Walkman is in poor condition, selling it can be worthwhile. Many nostalgic people need individual parts to repair their beloved devices from back then. Either way, it can be worthwhile taking a look at flea markets or online marketplaces like eBay.
Sources: slashgear, Billboard
By Dana Neumann
