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November 2021 - How To Sell Online

Christmas is just around the corner, so it makes sense to look around your home to see what you can sell — to make some extra cash AND declutter your home at the same time.

Plus, some of those items might make perfect gifts or charitable donations next month.

FOR STARTERS, LOOK in your cabinets and storage areas to see what items you are no longer using. Then, do a little research and see if they are worth anything online.

Websites such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist and Amazon are great places to start. People get confused on eBay with the different headings showing what the items are listed at and what items have sold for.

You should look under both headings to get the best idea for what your item is worth and what people are willing to pay. What good is listing something at $49.99 when the last similar item sold for $5.99? You’ve wasted your selling time — and time is money.

Research is the key to help you maximize your efforts. The website UsedPrice.com may help you price your items. Some experts suggest that whatever your hoped-for price is, ask 15% to 20% more, so you have a little wiggle room to negotiate downward.

PUT THE ITEMS in a specific area (maybe a shelving unit or cabinet) so that everything is together. Then you won’t forget where those items are. Then, schedule the time on your calendar to do this pricing and clean-up project.

It’s best to create your sales account when you aren’t under pressure. Choose the website you wish to use, and spend some time getting a feel for how it works. Ask around to see if a friend is familiar with these sites, so perhaps they can guide you. Also, YouTube videos can walk you through creating online sales accounts.

Now, you’re ready to create your account. It may take you an hour or two to list your first item to sell, but once you get the hang of it, each listing will probably only take 15 or so minutes.

YOU CAN ALSO look for items that might now be considered collectible – perhaps old board games, gifts that you have received in the past that haven’t been opened, electronics such as cell phones lying around the house, or series of DVDs or books.

If you’re selling electronics, always back-up whatever contacts / information the item contains, and then delete all that data. If you have a cell phone, wiping it clean might be as simple as removing the SIM card. If you are trying to sell a computer or tablet, check out YouTube videos for some guidance, to be sure your data has been erased.

This past spring, my husband listed his 30-year-old receiver and turntable on Facebook Marketplace. He was surprised when he got $250 for the receiver, because vinyl records are making a comeback and his turntable sold for $80.
Again he did the research to estimate the value of his item, and to determine if there was a market for it. He priced it right and it sold. There are music stores throughout the state that specialize in vinyl records, if you want details. I found Flipside out of Clawson, The Record Lounge in Lansing, and Vinyl Village in Warren.

Some site for clothing and other sales include:

— Poshmark
— RealtoReal
— ThredUp
— MarketPlace
— Craigslist
— Letgo
— Offerup

Why not look through all your closets? Besides selling unneeded clothes, why not look for jewelry, shoes and purses?

Remember when listing each item, clean it carefully. If it’s not 100% perfect, make sure the damage is detailed plus add pictures so the buyer is aware of it before they purchase it. Otherwise, you will get a bad review. Bad reviews lead to no future sales.

When getting ready to take pictures, use a well-lit, uncluttered area so you can showcase your item. A little practice will help you improve the photo quality.

IF YOU ARE selling jewelry, take a picture of it against a solid background. If you have the jewelry’s appraisal, include it here. You should block whatever personal information you have on the appraisal for your protection / privacy.

When listing an item, use general and descriptive terms to attract the most views and potential buyers. You should also let the person know if this item has been never used or is still in the original, sealed box. Honesty is always the best policy.

When shipping an item, package it well and look for the smallest shipping box or envelope to keep costs down. You can always print the label at home and then just drop off at USPS or The UPS Store for convenience. Try not to use mailing places from 4 to 5 pm, since that’s usually their busiest period.

DON’T STOP AT your house closets, shelves and attic. Look in your garage for items to sell. Are there tools around that you have never used? Are there other items you’ve bought but never or lightly used? It might be just what others are looking for.

Some experts would also suggest that you create a separate email account just for online sales. It shouldn’t show your entire name for privacy. But, remember to check that email address often if you have items listed.

When agreeing to a price, choose a payment service that is protected such as Paypal, Venmo or cash.

IF YOU ARE handling the sale locally and in person, please do it in a public place! Several police and sheriff departments have a place exactly for these transactions, keeping both parties safe. If you are a woman, you may even want to bring another person with you.

If selling online seems overwhelming to you, consider your local consignment stores. You will likely be paid less, and only when your item sells. But this involves much less personal effort. A little money is better than no money — and passing along items is better than having them stay on your shelves, taking up valuable space!

I’ve also used Encore eBay Consignment of Ann Arbor over the past several years. You can visit their website for more information. Like many places, they usually don’t list items for under $75.

Happy Organizing and Happy Hunting as the Holiday Season is calling!

Your local professional organizer,

Betty Huotari

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