- they don’t have time
- concerned about their personal security for local sales
- not sure how to price their items
- not sure if they should sell it locally or online
- it’s overwhelming
- not sure where to start
That’s why I’m writing this blog… to try to demystify the most popular selling options a bit so you can understand the differences and hopefully take the first step to turn your unwanted stuff into cash.
Local Pawn Shops: If you’re in a rush and need money ASAP, there’s probably a no better option than visiting your local pawn shop. The biggest drawback is that you’re probably going to get less money for your items but if your goal is to get rid of things quickly, then this could work for you.
Local Consignment Shops: Don’t want the hassle of selling your stuff on your own? Bring it to a consignment shop and let them do the work for you. They probably won’t accept all your items and your probably won’t make as much money as you hoped, but it’s an easier option.
Local Yard/Garage Sales & Flea Markets: You have to be ready, willing and able to invest time and energy in selling things on your own via these options. Although these may sound easier than listing each of your items individually online, they are both time and physically consuming. But if you don’t want/need to get the highest dollar and are more interested in the social experience, either of these could be the option for you.
Apps for Local Sales: Some of these may take a cut of your sales. You’re also responsible for connecting with your buyer, meeting up in person and making the exchange. My top 2 favorites based on personal experience are Facebook and Nextdoor.
- Facebook Marketplace: Sell items based on your location. This is ideal for selling larger items like furniture, etc. without having to deal with shipping . You can also spread the word to your social media community if you wish. The service shows the location of users, along with their public Facebook profiles so you can check them out in advance.
- Facebook has groups that are dedicated to items being sold/bought. If you’re a Facebook user, be sure to check these out. In addition, if you’re a crafter who has inventory you want to sell, type in the word “destash” in the Facebook search bar and look for local groups. Who knew? 🙂
- Nexdoor: a relatively new, private social media platform with an interesting twist. It’s not for individuals, but neighborhoods. I love this one but 1) you have to make sure it’s available in your area and if so, 2) you have to register your address, etc. to create a profile.
- 5 Miles
- LetGo
- OfferUp
- Craigslist
Online Sales (with a brief description of items you can sell): This is just a partial list.
- Ebay: You can sell anything from books to cars. I love that you can look to see what similar items have successfully sold for in the past to help you with pricing.
- Amazon: You can sell pretty much anything on Amazon, although they charge fees on items sold, etc. It provides a suite of features that make selling easier, like the ability to communicate with buyers, view sales ranking, list multiple products and manage your seller account.
- Cash4Books- books
- Poshmark: high-end handbags, shoes, clothing and other fashion accessories
- ThredUp: clothes, shoes and/or accessories. They determine the value of your items, take the photos and creates descriptions. The company also sends you a “Clean Out Kit” with a prepaid shipping label. Just make sure your clothes are clean and in great condition.
- Swap: your clothes are appraised and you’re given an offer based on in-vogue fashion or seasonal trends. It’s all done online and through the mail.
- Etsy: handmade arts and crafts or vintage collectibles, etc.
- Chairish: buy and sell furniture and home décor, etc.
- Decluttr: DVD’s, cell phones, textbooks, game consoles, and tablets
- Collectors: collectibles, etc.
- Statricks: collectibles, etc.
- Reverb: musical instruments and/or equipment
If you decide to use an app to sell your items online, here are some quick tips for you:
- Take good pictures of items and from different angles.
- Take measurements (height, width and depth).
- Thoroughly and accurately describe each item.
- Be honest and disclose any flaws.
- Use descriptive keywords so your item will come up in searches.
- To determine how much to ask, research to see what similar items have sold for in the past.
- Make the sale in a public place with other people (and a security camera) around.
- Don’t make the sale alone for safety reasons.
- Once you’ve sold an item, make sure you make it as “sold” on the app.
High Value Items:
If you think you may have something that is worth $1,000 or more, you should really get an appraisal. The American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, and the International Society of Appraisers can help you find qualified, local professionals.
I hope these tips have helped make the process a little less daunting. Now it’s time to get to work. Take the first step and turn your clutter into cash!
Quote: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” ~ Author Unknown ~
Brenda Tringali, Organizing & Productivity Specialist
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere (via phone/video)
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Email: Brenda@AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Web: www.AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtYourFingertipsOrganizing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendatringali/
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Life/Workplace/Residential Organizing & Productivity services to clients in the Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere via video, phone, etc. Drawing from her 30 years of Human Resources/Staffing experience, she also helps clients with HR/Staffing/Job Search needs as well. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals). She is also Chair of the NAPOCares Committee which highlights the community outreach efforts of NAPO members, NAPO Chapters, and NAPO Business Partners as they reach out to share the three “T’s” of Social Responsibility: their Time, Treasures, and Talents.