Spring cleaning not only clears clutter from your home, but can put cash in your wallet!
If you have some nice unwanted items and have a little time to spare, one of these many online selling sites might be perfect for you.
The basics are the same regardless of which platform you want to sell on.
1. Take good pictures and make sure you shoot every side and angle of your product.
2. Provide an accurate description.
3. Research what it sells for. Some sites like Cash4Books has a free phone application that scans your book for instant price quotes.
4. Invest in a postal scale or be prepared to go to the post office to weigh items prior to listing an item.
5. Save boxes and packing material. (USPS offers some free shipping supplies)
6. Find a secure, public area If you plan on using sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace where you have to meet your customer tin person.
For first time sellers, you might want to start with an inexpensive item. This way if you won't be out a lot of money if you make some mistakes.
Your initial goal is to make a sale and get a good review.
Try a few sites before deciding which site you want to focus on.
Amazon, eBay and Craig’s List are three of the biggest and well known platforms for online selling. However, there are many more online selling sites that are smaller and might target potential customers better.
While sifting through your choices you will face variables such as: commission amount, listing fees, fixed price verse auction, shipping incentives, consignment arrangements, ease of posting listings and pictures, payment choices and probably the most important for a new online seller is the platform’s customer service.
This article doesn’t go into depth over these choices, but will list online sites for both ‘marketplace sites’ which allow you to sell a variety of items on them and ‘niche’ sites targeting specific products such as handmade products, mobile devices, books and fashion.
ONLINE MARKETPLACES
VARIETY OF PRODUCTS OFFERED
“Global trade starts here”
“…to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online."
“Find everything but the ordinary”
“Your marketplace for local deals”
“Buy and sell cheap CD's, books, antiques, fashion, fancy dress, electrical and collectables at CQout.com - one of the largest online auctions.”
“Local classifieds and forums - community moderated, and largely free”
“The world’s online marketplace”
“Buy something, sell something, new or second hand in our online auction and fixed price global marketplace.”
“Premier online estate sale company”
"Facebook Marketplace lets you discover, buy and sell items in your community."
“Make money selling what you don't need and find great deals nearby.”
“The simpler way to buy and sell locally.”
“Oodle is a search engine for online classifieds for cars, jobs, homes, tickets, pets and millions of free classified ads.”
“Merchant advertising and e-commerce solutions”
“The safe way to buy and sell locally”
“Deal with local sellers, pick up in person, or have it shipped. Your choice.”
NICHES
HANDMADE, ONE-OF-A-KIND PRODUCTS
“Give the gift of handmade.”
“It is an online marketplace bringing together buyers and sellers from all over the world.”
“Shop for everything from creative people everywhere.”
“Products with love.”
MOBILE DEVICES
“The best payouts for your old phones.”
“Giving new life to used smartphones & other devices”
“Marketplace for gently used mobile tech.”
BOOKS, CDs, DVDs & GAMES
“Sell your textbooks for the most money.”
“Send us your used books. Get fast CASH back. Shipping is Free!”
“Sell books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays & games for cash.”
“Online or in stores, we make it easy to turn your books into cash.”
“Your online campus bookstore.”
“Get more cash from your old textbooks.”
“Get cash for your Books. Sell your Books, CDs, DVDs and Games.”
FASHION
We love fashion as much as you do.”
“Customers sell their in-style, on-trend clothing and accessories for cash or trade credit…”
“Buy, sell & consign authentic used designer handbags and other accessories online.”
“Grailed is a community marketplace for men’s clothing.”
“The new way to buy & sell fashion”
"The leader in luxury consignment”
“Authenticated luxury consignment up to 90% off”
"Your favorite brands up to 90% off!"
“Buy & sell designer bags, shoes & clothes”
FINE ART
"The world's largest online art marketplace. Join. Upload. Sell."
"Exceptional items from trusted auction houses"
FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
“Where design lovers buy & sell”
“The local furniture exchange”
“The interior design marketplace”
