Best 20 Tips and Tricks for Selling Your Goods Online

Many people want to sell the stuff they no longer use or never used in the hopes of earning a little extra money when it comes time to declutter. Selling your stuff online safely is now easier than ever thanks to websites like eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark.

Are you looking to sell your old baseball cards or dresses from the previous season to earn some extra cash? You’ll make the most money possible and the process will be much simpler with these 20 tips and tricks.

1. Determine the true value of it

Finding out as much information as you can about an old TV or rare book you inherited is the best course of action when you decide to sell it. For guidance on how items similar to yours have sold recently, check websites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Adjust your price accordingly. It could be worthwhile to get in touch with an antique appraiser or local expert if you can’t find anything on the internet and you believe it to be valuable.

2. Ascertain the state of your item

Internet sellers use a few descriptors to indicate the state of their products. One option is “new with tags,” which is quite self-explanatory, and another is “new without tags,” which indicates that the item is brand-new but not in its original packaging.
Goods in “excellent used condition” are still fully operational, whereas goods that are “sold as is” might require some maintenance from the new owner.

3. Choose a location for your products’ sale

Depending on what your item is actually, you may use a different platform to sell it. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are the best local options if it’s something bulky like furniture. If it’s collectible, eBay could be the best place to look. Sale websites like Mercari and Poshmark are great for clothing.

4. Verify that it is tidy and in the state you stated

This really should go without saying, but every year a lot of people buy used items only to find them to be completely broken or dirty when they arrive. Before listing your items for sale, give them a thorough cleaning and make sure you haven’t overlooked any minor details like cracks in the expensive vase you’re trying to sell or unseen holes in the sweater sleeve.

5. Be prepared to bargain

To allow for haggling, it usually makes sense to list an item online for slightly more than you’re willing to accept. The majority of buyers of used goods are looking to get a good deal, so they will typically make offers that are less than what you are asking for. Later on, you can always lower the price if the item doesn’t sell.

6. Take high-quality pictures

High-quality photos are essential when people are shopping on websites like Poshmark and Mercari. If you have a lot of clothing to sell, consider purchasing a cheap mannequin. Make use of natural lighting and arrange your items with complimentary accessories. To avoid shocking customers with the actual color or condition of their purchase when it arrives, make sure the lighting is accurate.

7….many wonderful pictures

Having lots of pictures can help avoid misunderstandings because buyers really want to be sure the item they’re buying is as wonderful as it seems. When buyers ask for them, provide the images you took, making sure to capture all the angles and any flaws.

8. Watch out for scams

On the internet, scammers can be found everywhere, and eBay and Poshmark are no different. Make sure you’re only using the platform’s official channels for transactions, and when making purchases, make use of secure payment options like PayPal. As a general guideline, an offer is most likely legitimate if it seems too good to be true.

9. Determine the method for shipping (or delivering) the item

Proper packaging is essential when selling products online, particularly for delicate items like electronics. Make sure your item is safely enclosed in a sturdy cardboard box using bubble wrap and paper. Tightly tape the item to minimize the possibility of accidents occurring during transportation.

10. Consider buying shipping insurance

Now and then a package gets misplaced in the mail. In the unlikely event that your package is lost, you won’t have to pay the full cost of your item plus the cost of a refund to your disgruntled customer if you pay a little extra for shipping insurance on the package.

11. Provide prompt shipping for items

Building a positive relationship with customers is crucial when selling online, particularly on sites like eBay where a negative review can make or break future sales. The best way to build that relationship is with prompt shipping. As soon as you can properly package your item, ship it out, and give the customer a tracking number so they will know when to expect it.

12. Be ready for a gazillion inquiries

It’s challenging for customers to fully inspect the things they’re interested in when making an online purchase, and this is particularly true for used goods. Potential customers will likely ask you a lot of questions, so be ready to respond to them quickly. Be truthful if you don’t know the answer!

13. Provide thorough explanations that include as much detail as you can

Be as detailed as you can when listing your stuff on websites such as Mercari and Poshmark. Include a maker’s biography, the item’s manufacturing date, the time you bought it, and a detailed description of any defects.

14. Locate collectors who share your interests

If your products are highly collectible, such as antique Tiffany lamps or Hummel figurines, look for Facebook groups and other online selling venues where most people will be interested in buying. These groups’ enthusiasts are well-informed about what they want and are willing to pay for a glimpse into their ideals.

15. Think about charging for platforms that handle the work for you.

It takes a lot of work to take pictures and write endless descriptions, particularly if you want to unload a lot of stuff. Through platforms, sellers can send their goods straight to a warehouse for free, where they are photographed and put up for sale. Although the platform receives a portion of the sales, it is well worth it to avoid making multiple post office trips.

16. Take measurements of everything

There are no disputing measurements, even though sizing is subjective (what is “large” to you may be “medium” to someone else). Measure the items’ dimensions precisely with a tape measure and include the results in the description. This is particularly useful when selling clothing, as sizes can differ significantly between brands.

17. Remember to search for the undiscovered moneymakers in your house

Have an old cell phone collection or a dead laptop? Rather than letting it end up in a landfill, send it in for cash via an electronics recycling service.

18. Promote your sales on social media platforms

You likely have a friend who shares your interests if you’re organizing your closet or decluttering your furniture. Promote the things you’re trying to get rid of on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. When possible, offer to meet the buyer in person to avoid paying shipping or other costs.

19. Do not hesitate to lower the price

It’s perfectly acceptable when an item isn’t as appealing as you had anticipated. It may be an indication that your price is a little too high for buyers if something has been sitting in your Poshmark closet or Mercari listings for longer than a few weeks. Reduce it by at least ten percent, and watch the purchases come in.

20. Recognize when to donate or throw away an item

There are moments when the things you need to part with just won’t sell. It could be time to think about donating those items to a nearby nonprofit after a few weeks or months, depending on how much you want to declutter. For your most treasured possessions, the trash may be the best place if they’re genuinely not in marketable condition.