The question I get when friends and family are ready to move on from their cluttered life: can I sell my stuff? This is where my heart starts beating a little faster and my mouth can’t keep up with my brain. This is where I shine!
I have much experience selling items and getting them out of the house. For the first time, I’m putting my advice into a very comprehensive overview. It may not be perfect for everyone but it works for me. Let’s go.
Check out different platforms
Where do you start? The fast and easy options are Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Offerup. I’ve had most of my success on Facebook Marketplace but as I’ll explain below, each region, state, and city will respond differently to these sites.
If you have high-end items and a little time and patience, consider eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark. I have friends who use these platforms to sell find special items. It just takes a little extra work but the return is mostly worth it.
Do some research
We moved from the Bay Area to the mountains a few years ago, and the people looking for stuff on these platforms behave very differently. Facebook Marketplace was a hot spot in the Bay Area but is a sleepy little space here. So adjusting is a necessity.
Depending on what I’m selling, I’ll go on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor to see if there are similar items. Sometimes both. Give yourself a trial and error period to see what works for you and your buyers.
Make it look good
If you’re buying something online, the pictures sell it. This is not much different. Take a few pictures and consider adding a video. Here are some ideas to elevate your pictures:
- The lighting should be good and ensure that the picture (mostly) only includes your item. Make it stand out. And adjust the picture so that it’s in the right direction.
- Take pictures of every angle and if you are selling an item as a specific branded piece, take a picture of the logo.
- If there are chips, rips, or scratches on your items, disclose that. Take a picture of it and add it to the description.
- If you’re selling clothes, hang them up or lay them in a way that shows the shape.
- Items in their original boxes should have pictures of the description, measurements, and still in the packaging. Add a link to the original item online for more details.
Price it right
Don’t get greedy here. You are on a public forum selling stuff that you don’t want. Unless you’re way under price, you won’t have too many people begging you for it. Some advice on pricing:
- Do research and see what similar items go for on the platform. If you have a kid’s Patagonia jacket to sell, search “kids patagonia jacket” and see what’s out there. Price similar or below price.
- Always price in a way that is easy for someone to bring you cash. For instance, price at $20 versus $25 because dropping off a $20 bill is easier than $20 and $5 bills. But not impossible!
- Once you start your selling journey, you’ll learn if your local buyers are going to negotiate lower prices. If that’s the case, price it a little higher with the expectation that someone will always offer less to move it.
- If you are posting items for free, expect a big response. When I posted an IKEA dresser for free, I received at least 50 messages and people were begging me for it. Do your research and be prepared to weed out the lazy messengers.
“Is this still available?”
How do you decide if you have a creep wanting to meet you in a dark parking lot? Here are some tips for spotting a fake:
- Check their profile account. With Facebook, it’s easy to check out their profile and decide if they’re local or an international spy with five friends.
- They may ask for a lower price or questions about the item, and that’s normal. But if they disrespect you or start getting scary, block them and walk away.
- Trust your gut. If you think they are not trustworthy or they’re giving you a bad feeling, it’s good to pass it up.
To meet or not to meet
I do a lot of PPU (porch pick-up) because I feel like I do a good job of filtering out the creeps. But I do have a few rules when it comes to deciding on how to exchange an item.
- Low-cost items like a $20 mechanical Santa is a good PPU item. I am very clear about where it will be and where to place the cash.
- Expensive items get in-person meet-ups at my local grocery store parking lot. Leaving an expensive camera on my porch and hoping they leave $250 is not a good idea.
- I never give my home address unless they are fully committed to picking up and only on the day they’re picking up. For instance, if Dana says she’ll pick up on Tuesday and it’s Sunday, I’ll message her on Tuesday morning, confirm she is still interested, and when she confirms, and only if she confirms, I share my home address for PPU.
It might take a while
Don’t always expect a quick sell. Hopefully, this post inspires you, but that precious platter you’ve been holding on to for 10 years might not be as wonderful as you think. Sometimes, it does take a while and you should accept that.
One of the biggest lessons I learned when moving out of my home of 13 years – don’t hold on to stuff you don’t want and start selling when you can. I had a lot of stuff that I sold for pennies or donated and kicked myself for not thinking about the sale sooner. If you’re not in a hurry, put it out there and be patient.
Seller beware
If you haven’t seen my disclaimer* at the bottom of this post, read it now and then take the following into consideration.
- The higher the price, the more likely they’re going to ask for financial information to make a transaction.
- Don’t ever ever (ever) give anyone your bank account information or personal details.
- I never share my phone number. There’s a reason why I’m selling online and I’m not here to be the victim of your texting scheme.
- If you accept Venmo or Zelle, be careful that they pay you before picking up or while you’re both face-to-face.
The recipe for a good listing
Every listing should include the following:
- Pictures and videos (see above).
- A title that really attracts a reader.
- Describe the item as much as possible: brand new, used, condition, size, color, wear, anything else you would want to know.
- Measurements. Don’t make me ask you for the measurements.
- Clarify if you want to sell your stuff in its entirety or if you’re willing to break it up into smaller pieces and what the price would be. For instance, if you’re selling two lamps, make it clear that you are not willing to sell just one.
- Payment options: cash only, Venmo or Velle, etc.
- Directions for pick up (PPU or meet locally).
- Add a little search optimization with search words at the bottom of your posting. For instance, if you’re selling a kid’s Patagonia jacket, add “kid, children, puffer, winter, ski.” Think: what would other people search for if they were looking for a jacket.
One last thought: I hate no-shows and unless they are stuck in a storm, I’m ruthless with a block and no second chances. I learned through this process how people can’t keep commitments and communicate properly, and how disrespectful they are with my time and effort. You’ll face the same lesson. But don’t quit.
Disclaimer: be safe out there. This is only advice based on my personal experience selling stuff on public forums. Please take all precautions when selling, talking to, and meeting anyone from public forums. I am not held responsible if you decide to leave an expensive camera on your porch for porch pick-up.
