As a minimalist, I declutter often. What do I do with all that stuff? I sell it online or donate it. I am a big fan of selling larger and more expensive items online. In this post, I’m sharing some useful tips to help sell your stuff online.
Selling items you no longer want is a great way to add some money to the budget or help pay down debt. It’s a win-win situation; I come out with extra cash and get rid of things I no longer want. Plus I don’t have to haul it to the local thrift shop myself.
With Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark, OfferUp, and many other options it’s never been easier to sell your stuff online. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you post your items for sale.
BE CLEAR AND CONCISE IN YOUR AD TO SELL YOUR STUFF ONLINE FASTER
Your ad needs to be descriptive enough that people know exactly what you’re offering for sale. Take advantage of the options to add dimensions and check the condition of the item to avoid unnecessary questions.
It’s different if your post is for a yard sale, but if you only have a few items, list them individually. Describe them well so your inbox isn’t full of questions that could’ve been prevented. Even worse, you could miss buyers who simply move on to the next ad that better describes what they want.
INCLUDE PICTURES THAT SHOW THE ITEM(S) FOR SALE
And don’t take said pictures from across the block; take close-up pictures and show some detail. Your main photo should show the entire item/lot for sale. Follow up with more detailed pictures of any blemishes worth noting, special detail on the item, the tag or serial number on any designer or collectible pieces, manufacturer information on furniture, etc.
Be sure to photograph any special features on a piece. I recently sold a play table on Facebook Marketplace that took a bit longer to sell. Once I admitted that my original post wasn’t working, I deleted the listing. Then I took new pictures showcasing special features of the piece, and it sold rather quickly after that!
Here are the pictures I took of two items that helped sell them faster. It sold rather quickly after not getting any genuine interest for local pickup in over a month.
If you’re selling a car be sure to show pictures of the whole car, interior, under the hood, etc. This leads me to my next tip…
BE HONEST ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE SELLING AND ITS CONDITION
It’s better to show exactly what you’re selling. This prevents wasting your and potential buyers’ time when they show up and realize the goods aren’t as good as they looked online.
When I post an item I am sure to point out anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. It just prevents further questioning from interested buyers and reduces the chances of a potential buyer walking away disappointed.
I have yet to have anyone show up and not buy the item listed and I strongly believe this is part of the reason; they knew exactly what they were showing up to get.
BE SAFE AND SMART ABOUT MEETING UP WITH STRANGERS
Never meet up in a place that doesn’t feel safe; if meeting up be sure to pick public, well-lit locations. And make sure someone knows where you’re going, when, and why.
If someone is showing up at your house to pick up items make sure you’re not alone. When I sell furniture items I make sure I am not home alone, especially with the kids. I make sure to set a time I know my husband will be home or I ask my neighbor (ie my dad) to come over.
On the flip side, if you’re picking up at a stranger’s house, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Avoid going into a stranger’s home by yourself, especially if no one knows where you are. It’s just inviting trouble. Coincidentally, this leads perfectly to my next tip.
IF PICKUP IS NECESSARY, HAVE THE ITEM FOR SALE OUTSIDE IF POSSIBLE
I don’t invite strangers into my home. I’m not comfortable with it, they might not be comfortable with it, and chances are it’s a trip hazard with the kids’ stuff anyway. We make sure to take all furniture items to the front porch when expecting a potential buyer to come over.
It’s also easier on the buyer, as they have less ground to cover getting the item(s) to their cars. We once set up a PC in our garage so the buyer could check it out without coming inside. He was satisfied it was in working order and out the already raised garage door with his purchase within minutes.
BE FLEXIBLE ON PRICE, BUT FIRM ON OTHER TERMS
Don’t take half price from the first person who replies the day you posted, but do be flexible on the price. If you’re not willing to be flexible on the price, make sure the ad states that the price is FIRM. A lot of people shop with negotiating in mind; by stating your price is set you save everyone the time trying to negotiate.
If you aren’t willing to offer to ship or accept any form of payment but cash, you need to make it clear in the ad. I’ve learned to add cash only, and local pickup only to every ad I post. It saves everyone the hassle of asking if I’ll deliver, ship, or accept Venmo or check. If the answer is no then it’s better to make that clear in the ad.
It’s also best to mention they’re responsible for loading the item(s). This limits your liability in the transaction considerably; if the item is damaged after money exchanges hands it’s on them and not you.
RENEW YOUR LISTING AS OFTEN AS ALLOWED IN ORDER TO SELL YOUR STUFF ONLINE
You need to renew the post often to keep it from getting lost underneath newer listings. It’s always a good idea to consider editing the description, and pictures and reevaluating the price at the same time you renew. It’s just more efficient.
Remember, you’re less likely to sell your item if no one can see it. Go ahead and double-check the post for typos at the same time.
CHECK UP ON THE POTENTIAL BUYER WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Some social media platforms make it too easy for scammers and bots. I learned the hard way with the first item I posted that the auto-responses provided by social media platforms make it all too easy for bots.
I recommend checking the potential buyer’s profile, specifically when they joined the social media platform, where they say they’re located, and if they actually post anything.
If you pull up an empty profile with no information in the about section, no pictures or posts, and it says they’ve been a member since last month, it’s safe to say it’s a dummy account and not worth your time or response. I will note that some people set up the bare minimum information just so they can buy or sell, but you should at least be able to tell they’ve been active and are local.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET DECLUTTERING AND SELL YOUR STUFF ONLINE
Don’t forget to follow the tips outlined above to get those decluttered items out your door and a few extra bucks in your pocket.
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Until next time, stay frugal and healthy my friends. I’ll see you in the next post.