Whether you’re moving home, getting rid of junk or simply looking to make a quick buck, selling household items online is a useful way of getting value out of old stuff, without donating it or throwing it away.
Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Wallapop are a great way to put your stuff into the public domain, but how do you know that you’re getting the maximum return possible? Read on for six useful tips to get the best bang for your buck.
Find the best bargains
Before we get into the selling stuff, it’s important to develop a habit for buying great value furniture in the first place – but how do we do this?
Well, first it’s important to use the site correctly. On Wallapop, for example, choose the right settings. If you have a car and don’t mind driving for your buy, then select ‘no location limits’ – many people make the mistake of not casting their net wide enough.
Then, make sure you have a maximum purchase amount – the figure is up to you, but you should make it a bit higher than your budget so you can negotiate down.
Finally, play on seller errors. Search for misspelt terms like ‘cofee table’ or ‘wadrobe’ – these are often left out of correct search terms, and you may stumble upon a great find that no one else has seen.
While this advice won’t land you a lottery jackpot style windfall, it will mean you increase your chances of getting a good deal – you may chance upon some hidden gems that are worth much more than their internet sale price.
Make your own super cleaner (that costs almost nothing)
The power of a good clean should never be underestimated. A tired-looking sofa or a shabby armchair can be given a new lease of life with a super-effective cleaning solution.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a miracle cleaning product, either – just make your own with things you should find in the kitchen, or at the local market for a few pennies.
Get together white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and a couple of your favourite essential oils – ideally lavender and rosemary. Then, grab an empty spray bottle and pour in equal parts vinegar and alcohol. Add five or six drops of the oils (be careful to use a glass bottle if using citric) and give it all a shake.
The next step is to spray the mixture onto your furniture and let it sit for two minutes, without letting it dry. Then, scrub with a sponge or towel until the stain or mark disappears.
This simple technique will add value to your item immediately, and it only takes a few minutes.
Banish pet hair
If you have a pet then you’ll know just how tricky it can be to get fur off clothes and furniture. Often it gets embedded within the seams of the seat which you can’t get off with a normal cloth.
Unfortunately, it looks messy and will also put off potential buyers for that sofa you’re trying to get rid of.
The solution? Simple. Grab a squeegee, the tool you’d use to clean windows, and a good hand vacuum. The squeegee will scrape all the hairs off into clumps, which you can then zap up with the vac.
Use light to take great photos
Of course, we need to put a photo with our listings. Products without one don’t sell anywhere near as well…but it shouldn’t be just any photo.
Lighting matters. Try and get soft white lighting, especially for large items, which you’ll most likely get in the morning or afternoon when there’s less glare from outside. Place the item near a window or door, and make sure you don’t catch any deep shadows.
Flash can work, too. It can bring out some items well, but it still might give the effect it being in a dark room, which isn’t a great look.
If you’re struggling, then there are some lights that produce white light, which does a good job of imitating daylight – and most digital cameras also have an Auto White Balance feature that creates the same effect.
Time the listing just right
You might have heard the tips on when to post on social media. Well, the it’s slightly different for product listings. Weekends are obvious sweet spots, with Saturday afternoon being peak time.
During the week, it’s a good idea to list just after people typically finish work, between 5pm and 8pm. This is when people are still in work mode and a little tired, so they’ll be more likely to want to wrap up a deal. It’s possible you even catch a little post-work bounce, too: if they’re in good spirits they’re more likely to offer more.
Don’t leave it too late, though. People often go into hibernation mode after dinner and just want to relax.
Sell before you buy (picking)
If you get really good, there’s a way to make money without even listing the product.
Picking is when you see a great item, such as antique furniture, going for cheap online – you then send the photo to a vintage store, or similar, and ask them how much they would offer for it. If there’s enough profit in it for you, then all you need to do is arrange the transport to get it from one place to another. It’s like dropshipping but even less hassle.
You need to have a good eye for valuable stuff to do this, but there are some great antique guides online that tell you what to look for if you’re unsure. Happy bargain hunting.
