You've probably got some stuff lying around that's just gathering dust. Maybe it's clothes you don't wear anymore, electronics you've upgraded from, or maybe even furniture that doesn't quite fit your new place. Whatever it is, chances are you've thought about selling it. This is where figuring out the best platform to sell used items comes in handy.
The online reselling market is booming, offering folks an easy way to make some extra cash while decluttering. This brings us to the heart of the matter: which is the best platform to sell used items? It all depends on what you're selling and your priorities as a seller.
Selling Those Trendy Threads
If you've got a closet bursting with clothes, online consignment shops might be your ticket. Places like ThredUp do the heavy lifting. You send in your clothes, and they handle the pricing, photographing, and selling. This might be convenient, but it comes with trade-offs.
Advantages of Online Consignment Shops
They save time, simplifying the whole selling process for selling stuff online. Online consignment shops broaden your audience, taking your goods beyond local buyers. They generally specialize in fashion, appealing to buyers specifically searching for clothing.
Disadvantages of Online Consignment Shops
You lose control over pricing. Consignment shops often take a hefty commission, sometimes as much as 15% or more. There are sometimes wait times for items to be processed and listed. This means you don't get paid right away.
Cheddar Mobile Buying Service
GetsomeCheddar.com A new service introduced in Minnesota is a Mobile Buying Service Called Cheddar. According to their website, you submit a picture and your name, email and mobile number and book an appointment. They come to your location and make you an offer and pay you on the spot. We could not find any other mobile buying service similar to this.
This is a very convenient sell unwanted items. You don't need to list each item, take a bunch of pictures or wait for replies. You don't even have to deal with strangers. The website is getsomecheddar.com. We think this is an innovative approach that offers folks a completely different option and one that respects people's time with a "come to you" service.
Local Marketplaces: The Yard Sale Goes Digital
Apps like OfferUp and Craigslist connect you directly with local buyers. You can list items to sell locally and receive payment immediately, often in cash. While they're great for getting quick cash, you handle all the details.
Pros of Local Marketplaces
Transactions are usually fast. Payment is usually in cash, providing immediate funds. This is good if you want to declutter your home. There are usually no fees, leaving more money in your pocket.
Cons of Local Marketplaces
The limited geographical reach shrinks your pool of potential buyers. You may only be able to sell large items to local buyers, depending on buyer pick-up capabilities. Local marketplaces lack the protections offered by online consignment shops or platforms like eBay, making you vulnerable to scammers.
The Auction King: eBay Rules for Rare and Unique Finds
Since it came on the scene, eBay has remained one of the best platform to sell used items, especially for anything rare, unique, or collectible. With eBay, you can list items and sell products online to a large number of users. eBay's reputation and sheer volume of buyers draw a wide range of shoppers looking for hard-to-find items.
Advantages of Selling on eBay
It's got massive reach and attracts collectors. There's an established platform with buyer and seller protections. You have a good chance of selling your item for a higher price here than on other platforms. The auction-style selling lets you maximize prices, sometimes selling well above market value.
Disadvantages of Selling on eBay
There are listing and final value fees involved. Managing listings, responding to questions, and shipping items takes time and effort.
Furniture and Decor Find a Home on AptDeco
Large and heavy items can be a pain to sell, so AptDeco focuses specifically on this market. If you are a local buyer, you could possibly find a designer dining room set or a vintage couch, sometimes for a steal.
Upsides of AptDeco
They handle the logistics. The site caters to a dedicated audience, interested specifically in furniture and decor. Their expertise in handling delicate and oversized items means you can relax. Let them manage the hassle of pick-up and delivery.
Downsides of AptDeco
The service is limited to specific areas. This might leave you out depending on where you are. AptDeco takes a commission fee on sales.
Facebook Marketplace: A Friendlier Version of Craigslist?
Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to list your items and reach a wider audience than apps like OfferUp and Craigslist, offering convenience, speed, and familiarity. You can easily sell items using your Facebook profile and list items for sale.
Pros of Facebook Marketplace
You are selling to friends and people you know. This offers built-in trust and an extra level of security. Listing items is free and fast. It is a mobile-first platform that simplifies transactions on the go.
Cons of Facebook Marketplace
Some worry about privacy on a social media platform. There is always a potential risk of low-ball offers or flaky buyers. Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for selling stuff, but it does have its downsides.
Deciding on the Best Platform To Sell Used Items: Considerations for Savvy Sellers
The world of reselling has exploded over the past few years. The industry is estimated to grow to nearly 300 billion by 2027. You need to know what you're selling, your goals as a seller, and your own comfort level to choose the best platform to sell used items. This will help you determine the ideal option. Are you selling fashion items or something else?
When deciding where to sell, remember these points:
- Fees and Commissions: Consignment shops and platforms like eBay and Poshmark take a percentage of your sale. But with Amazon, for instance, their referral fee usually ranges from 8 to 20% of the total price. Make sure to read the fine print. How much does Poshmark take? Their fees are pretty straightforward. Poshmark charges a flat rate of $2.95 for sales under $15. For sales of $15 or more, Poshmark takes a 20% commission.
- Convenience vs. Control: Platforms that manage the selling process require less effort, but you have less control over the price you set. This is similar to Cheddar's format.
- Target Audience: Choosing a platform relevant to your item can connect you with the right buyers. For example, if you're selling fashion items, Poshmark is a great platform to sell your items. If you want to sell products online to a large number of buyers, eBay might be your best bet. If you want to sell stuff online locally, Facebook Marketplace is a good choice.
- Safety: Platforms like eBay have strong buyer and seller protections, offering recourse if there's an issue. Apps for local sales lack these safeguards. Always meet in a safe public place. Be cautious when using credit cards on any of these websites, although most have fraud protection in place.
- Shipping: If you are not meeting locally, factor in shipping costs. These can eat into profits if not calculated into your pricing. Packaging and labeling correctly to avoid damage during transit is also something you must take into consideration. When you are selling stuff online and shipping it to the buyer, you will likely have to purchase a shipping label and ship items yourself.
- Effort: Consider the time needed to photograph, create listings, communicate with potential buyers, and package items. These are a few of the activities you might need to handle.
Conclusion
Choosing the best platform to sell used items depends on your needs as a seller. No matter where you land, selling online offers a chance for you to clear clutter and make extra money. By understanding each platform's pros and cons, you can maximize your sales while making it a smooth experience.
