So you’ve Marie Kondoed your apartment. Now what? Maybe you’ve just had an epic spring clean and are looking to get rid of all the stuff as quickly as possible. Or maybe you want to get the best price possible to earn some money. Whatever you’re here for, these tips on how to sell used products online will help you get there with minimal fuss.

Choose where to sell used products online

eBay and Craigslist are no longer the only marketplaces in the village. There are now plenty of less-crowded marketplaces to sell your wares. Here is a list of alternative websites to sell used products online.

The following websites allow you to sell your items locally so that you can arrange local pickup and save on delivery.

The following websites specialize in second-hand clothes and accessories

  • Depop – popular with influencers and their Instagram followers.
  • Poshmark – currently available in the US, Canada, and Australia.

If you’re looking to sell your items as quickly as possible, here are a couple of websites that bulk buy your items cheaply.

Take beautiful but accurate pictures

Bad lighting and a messy background will detract from the perceived value of your products. It’s definitely worth spending a little extra time setting up a photoshoot.

We’re not suggesting you spend any money though, natural lighting works best, and most smartphone cameras take high-resolution photos these days.

Don’t forget to clean up your product beforehand to make it look its best. If you have original labels and packaging, include them in one of the shots.

Take photos from several angles. If your product has a slight fault (a scratch or a dent, for example) take a close-up photo so that the buyer can assess the damage and decide whether or not to buy it.

Write a detailed description

People are wary of scams. If a deal looks too-good-to-be-true, serious buyers will scroll on by. If you’re selling at a bargain price, explain why.

For clothing, it’s particularly important to include size details, care details, what material it’s made from. Be as detailed as you can.

Other things to consider:

  • Is it true to size?
  • How many times has it been used?
  • What noticeable faults are there?
  • Can they be fixed?
  • Is the color in the photos true to life?

Be honest

It might seem counterintuitive to show and describe faults in the product. However, potential buyers will appreciate the transparency and it will save you from bad reviews, and the hassle of dealing with an unhappy buyer.

Buyers of second-hand products aren’t looking for perfection, so it’s not worth the risk.

What buyers want most of all is to be safe in the knowledge they’re getting a real bargain, and that they’re not being scammed. The more information you can provide, the more you will alleviate their concerns.

Upload items seasonally

You’re unlikely to shift an artificial Christmas tree in March. Your vintage summer dresses won’t sell in October (in the Northern hemisphere, that is.) If you were in charge of stocking a brick-and-mortar shop, you’d sell products seasonally, selling your used items online is no different.

Leverage the seasons to boost interest, and boost the going rate of your used products.

Set a realistic price

Research the price of similar used products online, and don’t forget to factor in postage and packaging.

If your product is potentially very valuable, get it valued by a professional.

If you’re just trying to get rid of your products as quickly as possible, you can, of course, price them very cheaply. This might work, but it also might be perceived as a scam. As mentioned above, make sure you explain why the item is so being offered at such a low price.

Decide: delivery or pickup?

Some of the websites mentioned in tip #1 require you to chat to your potential buyers to navigate delivery or local pickup.

Many people prefer local pickup to save the time and energy required to package the product and arrange delivery. For the eco-conscious, it’s also most likely the greener option. However, you have to be comfortable with the idea of buyers showing up at your door.

If you deliver, make sure your item is packaged safely and securely so as not to be damaged in transit, and send it by recorded delivery to avoid getting scammed.

We hope these 7 tips help you to sell your used products smoothly and efficiently online.