expert proffer advice on setting prices , taking photos , and maximize net while stay safe on resale land site .
Getty Images / Svetlana Levin
Whether you’redecluttering your homeor reckon to make a few extra dollar bill , listing family items for cut-rate sale on used sites such as Facebook Marketplace , Craigslist , and OfferUp is a dandy way to make a deal without leave alone your abode . “ Pricing used items is part fine art , part skill , so some trial and error is normal , ” says Ken Murphy , senior vice president of product for OfferUp .
Credit:Getty Images / Svetlana Levin
Below , expert weigh in on how to use these platforms for the dependable result while detain safe .
Do Your Research
As you sort through framed artistry , ceramic vases , and antique furniture in your home , you ’re potential seeing buck sign . But making money off your used goods is n’t as simple as slapping a cost tag on and waitress for a buyer . For best results , you ’ll need to do some inquiry .
“ When setting a monetary value for your secondhand item , it ’s smart to start with a search for similar list , but it ’s worth plunge a small deeper , ” Murphy says . “ expend a few minutes looking at the listing details to get a sense of how various factors are affecting the pricing conclusion that other sellers make . It ’s often a good musical theme to find the original information about the detail when it was novel so that you could accurately describe key features in your listing . ”
regard , too , what you initially paid for the item . Then , take a face at the item ’s condition . “ you may estimate if something is a skilful fit or a deal for by compare it to the same or similar items on other popular site like Amazon , Walmart , or Target , ” sound out Felicia Wong , laminitis of the full - service taxation house Aventurine Planning .
Finally , look at other secondhand listingsfor products like yours to get a feel for what purchaser look to pay . “ The detail ’s condition , brand , long time , and seasonality all contribute to its perceived value . For instance , if it ’s in great condition , a year - erstwhile lounge may command a different cost than one that ’s been through decades of manipulation , ” Murphy says .
Then , price your item . think of that items that are price low will belike sell much more apace than item priced at the eminent last of the spectrum , so solitaire is key if you ’re examine to make a pretty cent .
Keep in brain , too , that seasonal items such as Christmas Tree or patio furniture wo n’t have high requirement in the off - season . Murphy say timing your sale appropriately can work to your reward .
Make Your Listing Shine
Facebook Marketplace , Craigslist , and OfferUp are extremely visual political program and that mean you ’ll require gamy - character photo of your detail if you gestate to sell them .
Be sure to take pic on a smartphone or with an actual television camera . Take multiple pictures and be sure to include and reveal picture of any damage such as scuffing of wood or chipped ceramic .
“ gamey - quality photos and detailed descriptions can be the difference of opinion between a successful and unsuccessful sale , ” Murphy order . “ Take clear photo from all angles , and do n’t skimp on the detail in your verbal description . Include everything — color , stipulation , features , mensuration , brand name — so your item practically jumps out of search resolution . Buyers love knowing on the dot what they ’re catch , and in my experience , listing details can weigh even more than the price . ”
Consider betray your item . A photo of an empty desk in your garage wo n’t look as upright as a desk in a well - dismount room of your dwelling with a few pieces of interior decoration on top . Likestaging a home , snoop your furniture will help possible buyers visualise how the particular will see in their quad .
“ If there are only far away photo of the point , the buyer may call back you ’re trying to hide something , so go for the elaborate photos that are of good quality with accurate verbal description , ” Wong adds . “ Too many people are getting rive off on these websites so always be skeptical before you get too excited about any interaction too . ”
And do n’t be afraid to make some modest mess . “ In many cases , small improvement can make a gravid divergence in how speedily your particular sells and at what Mary Leontyne Price , ” Murphy says . “ Simple DIY sense of touch - ups , like a fresh coating of blusher on a table or update hardware on a bureau , can pass off new life sentence into your item and increase its value . Even getting sure-enough or well - make out items professionally clean — likehaving a couch shampooed — can make a huge encroachment . It not only heighten the token ’s appearance but also signals to vendee that it ’s been well worry for , making it a more attractive buy . ”
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Any good shopper knows that getting an item at a discount make the deal a lilliputian sweeter . With that in mind , expect many of the potential buyers who reach you to barter .
“ It can be a good scheme to price slightly higher than the lowest amount you ’d go for ; many buyers care to negotiate , and a small wiggle room can help you get together your target price while the buyer walk aside feel good about the deal , ” Murphy says .
There is a strategy to price your particular a bit higher than you look to receive knowing you might have to come down some on Mary Leontyne Price for the right vendee . For example , pricing a twosome of destruction table at $ 75 knowing you ’re uncoerced to consent $ 50 on them can be a good scheme .
In some cases , you may stake an detail and inquire buyers to make you an fling , but prepare to receive a wide range of response . If after a few weeks you find you do n’t have much involvement in your item , it could be time to drop the price .
“ How long you wait before making a Mary Leontyne Price readjustment really depends on your goals . If your anteriority is getting the good price , you might want to expect a few week or even months before dropping it , ” Murphy says . “ But if you ’re more focussed on leaping cleaning or downsizing in grooming for an upcoming move , it might make common sense to lower your price earlier to move things along . include statements like ‘ reasonable offers welcome ’ or ‘ best offering ’ are extra ways to telegraph some pricing flexibility . ”
Stay Safe
Conducting any kind of line or group meeting with strangers on the internet has its risks . With the right caution , you’re able to ride out safe and make a good deal . begin by look at the poster ’s details through FB or OfferUp . Each allows vendee to rate vender . “ you’re able to also check out reviews and sales agreement history to get a better theme of their reputation on the program , ” Murphy sound out .
expert advocate only communicate with emptor through the political program so you have a record of communication theory . “ debar share details like your earphone phone number , email computer address , or home address — even if someone take . If a buyer or seller seems off or suspicious , trust your instincts and move on , ” Murphy adds .
Many platforms such as OfferUp include a reporting feature that will let you flag a post or item-by-item for suspicious natural process .
Next , be indisputable to meet up in a public place to replace goods . “ OfferUp provides Community MeetUp Spots , which are designated areas for exchanges . These blot are often in public locating with proficient light and 24/7 picture surveillance , making them ideal places for transactions . They can often be find near police station or other public places , so take reward of these for extra peace treaty of mind , ” Murphy say .
Wong also suggests bestow another soul with you to look at the item when bribe . “ Always use hard cash , and never send money or ask for defrayal from someone you do n’t get laid through any online app , ” she enjoin .
