Wandering For Money - Green Brick Road

Selling used items via 5 platforms – Clean Out Your Closet & Make Money [Updated 2019]

Spring cleaning and 5 platforms to try out

Gather things you do not use, clean up, and make money. Use spring cleaning to make money selling your used items. 

Read on for platforms to for selling used items (or new ones you never used!). There are both websites and apps to help you here. Now, here is an overview of 5 of them….

5 Platforms for Selling Used Items Easily for Extra Cash

Spring flowers blooming- spring cleaning

New things can only bloom with some space! Spring cleaning is a great time to clean out your closet and for selling used items (or new that you never used).

So, in this post, here are 5 apps and websites you can use for selling your used items (or unused items).

[But, do be aware of those in need and visit Goodwill if that’s a better fit. Also, for clothes, consignment shops (which can be for a lot more types of products – just do your research first!) are a nice option.]

For now, here are some platforms for selling used items that you may uncover as you clean.

Why not generate some cash if you can?

5 Ways to Sell Unwanted Goods Or Platforms for Selling Used Items

1. eBay

Visit eBay here!

  • Sign up via my link! It’s easy and I am happy to answer questions via my contact page.
  • eBay is and true and well known. Does not need much of an explanation or introduction. Except, if you have not checked it out in some time, you should!
  • My tips: check the pricing for certain items first to see if it’s worth even trying to sell here.
    • I’d say this is more important if you have an item that fluctuates a lot in value.
    • But also pay attention to fees AND shipping. This can be costly if you do not limit to certain areas or explain upfront what it will cost and time estimates.
  • Getting good ratings may be the most important factor with this platform (next to Amazon). As a new seller, keep this in mind.
  • Payment options: this is great with eBay as it is not just credit card or gift card.
    • PayPal offers protections for both the buyer and seller here.
    • eBay does continue to expand on payment options, so keep a look-out for them.

2. Amazon

Now logistically…

  • If you find an item listed already that you own (new or used) and want to sell it.
    • That is so easy by clicking on the option via that page that asks if you have this item and want to sell it.
      • Then you add your listing to there, the price you want, condition (new, out of box, used, etc.), and shipping cost (or if you use FBA then that may not be applicable, and done!
    • This way, you have a lot of item information pre-populated and are connected up to another page.
      • For example, you may notice the “other options to buy” when shopping for items. This is where you would show up.
    • I would also advise opting for Amazon prime shipping fulfillment. It makes it easy and attracts more buyers.
  • You can also list your item on its own.
    • This option takes a little bit more legwork upfront, but is not so bad.
    • After all, you know you will get a huge audience via being on this massive platform.
    • My suggestion? Use good SEO practices and check out forums and message boards. For example, Reddit has some good ones such as r/flipping, which may help for tips on selling unwanted items.
  • It is a good idea to consider taking advantage of the Amazon FBA program.
    • Why? It handles the shipping for you. Also, it will be marked as Prime-eligible (in most cases).
  • ALSO, Amazon Prime members can list a certain number of items for sell with less fees. If you are already a member, check out your benefits. If not, check them out via a free trial here:

Used Textbooks – Sell or Save

  • Tip: I have sold textbooks from school at good prices on here. Some are worth nothing (mainly due to them being updated – and primarily with law school books). But, if you find the most recent edition and list yours with that posting, you will likely sell it.
      • If you are looking to SAVE on used textbooks, I HIGHLY recommend searching here. Buying used textbooks is a fantastic way for students to save money.
      • My experience? Many are practically new..but can be at a deep discount (up to 90%).
      • If you want some ideas, or if you want to save money by buying used textbooks, check this out:

Amazon Seller App:

3. OfferUp

  • Getting started:  This is both a website and an app.
  • Basic Premise: The idea here with this platform is to easily post and sell items locally and in a simple, seamless process.
  • Thoughts:
    • Great layout.
    • Easy to get started and communicate with potential buyers and sellers.
    • Fast transactions.
    • User friendly set up.
    • Designed for local pick-up, but includes a shipping option now as well.
  • Cons
    • Do not expect a fast response for everything.
    • Or even a great price.
    • Also, it can result in a lot of messages that lead nowhere.
  • Ultimate pro that outweighs the cons? Free to list your items.

4. Craigslist

  • It’s Craigslist so you know what it does.
    • Or if you don’t, you may be living under a rock and I am assuming you do not have much to sell! But that’s cool because it has plenty of categories so check it out – you never know.
  • Pros:
    • Fantastic site. [It can get a bad reputation, but I think most people are more familiar with it these days and know that you should take standard safety precautions (as with any platform).]
    • Has been around for a while so many know of it.
  • Cons:
    • Fees may apply as of lately.
    • A lot of scams so buyers should be weary.
  • Tips:
    • Use the email they assign when posting or responding and meet in a public place.
    • If shipping is not included, meet in a high traffic area (again because I want to emphasize this).
  • Be smart.
    • Typically I have someone come with me, especially if it’s to see furniture or something that requires a non public meeting spot – in which case I insist on at least meeting the person outside first.

App version of Craigslist:

  • CPlus for Craigslist. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

5. Letgo

  • This is another platform that is similar to OfferUp and focuses on local selling and buying.
  • Availability: go to the website letgo.com or get the app on the App Store or Google Play.
  • Idea here? Sell to people close by (so think things that probably won’t include shipping but may be something you want to be somewhat cautious about when meeting the seller or buyer). So again, sort of like OfferUp.
    • Can also offer shipping though.
  • But I like the name. Really, if you aren’t using something, it’s time to let go. If you can make some money too, why not???
  • Same issues as with OfferUp – expect a lot of messages but little responses. Or buyers not showing up.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Some of these are better than others which really depends on the product but since it’s your product, you can decide where it goes based off what it is, fees, additional add ones like prime fulfillment and shipping, and what price it’s going for now.

Be safe. PLEASE.

Check on fees – do you pay for shipping? Do they even provide shipping? What’s the cut the platform takes on products sold? Does it cost to list?

Know how quickly you have to respond and mail something or agree to a proposed deal or meet someone.

If meeting in person, friend plus crowded area may be best. Or always best. Unless it’s the lobby of your apartment or office building with a front desk or security officer.

If mailing, look into payment options for the platform to ensure you wont mail something and end up not getting paid or accused of receiving a damaged good.

And note this doesn’t cover things like photos which I touch on in other posts.

Look forward for future posts 

I will likely post more information on ways to sell other items that you create.

But for now, declutter, do some spring cleaning, clean out your closet and check out some ways to make some money by selling items you no longer need or want on some of these sites!

ALSO HERE ARE UPDATES OF OTHER RESOURCES AS OF NOVEMBER 2018

[UPDATE: November 2018]. Sites to consider for hand made items:

  • Etsy
  • Redbubble
  • Amazon Handmade Market
  • eBay

[UPDATE: 2019]. Additional platforms to sell on:

  • Listia (app)
    • This runs a bit differently as it uses a type of cryptocurrency to buy and sell.
    • Shipping is offered.
    • Not a local app so much.
  • Nextdoor – Neighborhood App (app)
    • A good local app to sell items on.
    • Also, it is good for hearing about neighborhood activity.
  • Mercari: The Selling App (app)
  • Poshmark (app and website)
    • Great for selling clothes in particular.
  • The RealReal – Buy+Sell Luxury (app and website)
    • Great for selling expensive items.
  • Gameflip – Buy & Sell Gaming Items (app)
    • Sell game related items.
  • StubHub (app and website)
    • Great for buying and selling tickets to events.
  • Chairish Buy & Sell Home Decor (app and website)
    • Great for buying and selling art & vintage items.
  • thredUP (app and website)
    • Good place for selling clothes and buying as well.
  • Swapwith (app)
    • Another way to buy or sell items near you.
  • 5miles: Buy and Sell Locally (app)
    • Buy and sell used cars locally.

Note there are other ways to sell things 

You do not have to be selling used items. One site for selling photos on items is mentioned in some of my photo posts such as my Redbubble page ; which has pictures I have posted on my posts on black and white and variations on a theme.

Mood:

Cold Little Heart – Michael Kiwanuka (also heard on the Big Little Lies intro)

via iTunes:

And via Amazon:

Find this content useful? Share it with your friends!

Leave a Reply