Spring has sprung and it’s time to get rid of all the useless crap taking up space in your home. Yes, people, it’s time for that age-old, anxiety-releasing spring tradition: Spring Cleaning. While you’re digging through full closets, toy rooms and old boxes, you might stumble across some treasures that you may no longer need, but someone else might.
So, maybe instead of donating those once-loved possessions, you could make a buck or two off of them.
Whether you’ve tried to sell old belongings online with little-to-no success or if you’re a novice, here are the hard and fast rules to make sure you get the most out of your online selling experience.
- Decide what’s sale-worthy and what’s not: In my experience, I’ve had great and swift success selling baby items (strollers, larger toys like exersaucers, train tables, walkers, activity tables,name-brand novelty toys and designer clothes in good condition), furniture, home items and electronics. Typically, clothes don’t sell too well–I would say don’t waste your time and just donate garments to those in need.
- Take good photos, be honest: Using the best spot inside your home (or outside if you can), take photos of all angles of the item in natural light. Show off any imperfections, scratches, stains, etc. If it’s an electronic, it wouldn’t hurt to take a photo of the device while it’s on to show that it indeed works. Don’t mislead a potential buyer because sister, that karma will find you fast.
- Write accurate descriptions: Please refrain from overusing the exclamation point. Be straightforward and informative. Include the item’s brand, condition (again, be honest about any imperfections), original retail price and any other pertinent information. Nobody needs to know why you’re getting rid of it (if someone asks you directly, it’s up to you if you want to answer). One rule of thumb I always include on my listings: If your home is pet- and smoke-free, people usually like to know what that situation is if they’re buying something that has fabric included.
- Post to multiple platforms: My favorite selling platforms are Facebook Marketplace, LetGo, and Mercari. Craigslist’s interface is too old and clunky and the clientele can be unreliable. Ebay requires shipping and you have to pay a portion of your earnings to them. Facebook, LetGo and Mercari are all location based, so you can connect to people near you quickly, thus, complete a successful transaction with few headaches.
- Price fairly: My rule of thumb is: If something is used but in good condition, it should be listed for ⅓ the price I paid for it retail. If it’s in better than good condition, you can attempt to collect half of what it goes for retail. If something is priced way too low, people might not trust that it’s in the condition you say it is. If something is priced too high, people would probably rather just go out and buy it retail.
- Respond to inquiries fast: As offers roll in, people want to solidify a purchase before they move on. If you let too much time lapse, you will risk losing the buyer. Negotiate based on your need to get rid of the item and the response it’s getting from potential buyers. If you have an item that nobody has inquired about, and then you get a message from someone asking you to knock $10 off the price, I would absolutely negotiate. But a potential buyer’s open negotiation is typically intended for you to come back and set the terms. My go-to is “How about we meet in the middle at $5 off?” That usually elicits a positive response. You can also price your items with the idea that someone will negotiate a few dollars off.
- Make a plan to meet and be safe: If someone messages you with “I’m interested” it’s always best to say “Great! When can you meet?” Don’t waste time making small talk. Make a plan with the buyer and get it done. And in terms of meeting places–always opt to meet in the parking lot of your or a nearby police station for safety purposes.
If online selling in your area isn’t popular, or you live in a small town with a low population, you might want to consider selling old kids toys, clothes and materials to secondhand shops like Once Upon a Child or Plato’s Closet for teen/young adult casual wear.
Selling online can be way better than organizing a garage sale. You’re able to connect directly with buyers who are seeking the types of items you’re getting rid of, and the financial gain is exponentially better than, say, a traditional garage sale. Plus, it’s much less work.
Happy selling!
