20 tips and tricks for selling your stuff online

When you set out to sell that old TV or rare book that you inherited, the best thing to do first is to find out everything you can about it. Check sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace for a guide to how items like yours have sold recently, and price accordingly. If you're not able to find your item online and you think it's valuable, it might be worth contacting an antique appraiser or local expert for more information. 

There are a couple of descriptors that online sellers use to describe the condition of items. There's "new with tags," which is pretty self-explanatory, and "new without tags," which means that the item has never been used but lacks its original packaging. "Excellent used condition" refers to items that are still totally functional, while "sold as is" may mean that your item needs a little work from its new owner. 

The platform you use to sell your item may be different depending on what that item actually is. If it's something bulky like furniture, local options like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are best. If it's collectible, eBay might be the right fit. For clothes, sale platforms like Poshmark and Mercari are ideal. 

This really should be a no-brainer, but plenty of folks buy something second-hand each year only for the item to arrive and be totally dirty or broken. Make sure to thoroughly clean your items before selling, and inspect to make sure you haven't missed any hidden holes in the sleeve of that sweater or cracks in the pricey vase you're trying to sell. 

In most cases, it makes sense to list an item online for a little more than you're willing to accept to make room for haggling. Most secondhand shoppers are trying to score a deal and will make offers that are generally lower than your asking price. If an item doesn't sell, you can always drop the price later. 

When folks are shopping on platforms like Mercari and Poshmark, high-quality photos are key. Use natural lighting and pose your items with complementary accessories, or consider investing in a cheap mannequin if you've got lots of clothing to sell. Make sure that the lighting is accurate so that buyers aren't surprised by the true color or condition when their item arrives. 

Buyers really want to be assured that the item they're buying is as great as it seems, and having plenty of pictures can help prevent miscommunications. Take photos of all angles, especially any imperfections, and make them available upon request when buyers ask. 

Scammers lurk everywhere on the internet, and eBay and Poshmark are no exception. Make sure that you're only conducting transactions through the platform's official channels, and use protected payment methods like PayPal to complete purchases. A general rule of thumb: if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

When selling online, the right kind of packaging is key, especially when you're talking about fragile items like electronics. Use bubble wrap and paper to ensure that your item is secure in a sturdy cardboard box, and make sure it's taped securely to reduce the chance of mishaps during transit. 

Occasionally, a package gets lost in the mail. Paying a little extra for shipping insurance on the package means that you won't be out the cost of your item in the event your package is lost — plus the cost of a refund to your disappointed buyer. 

If you're selling online, it's important to establish a good rapport with buyers — especially on platforms like eBay, where a one-star review can make or break future sales. Timely shipping is the best way to establish that rapport. As soon as you can get your item packaged up well, ship it out, and provide a tracking number to the buyer so they'll know when to expect it 

When folks are buying online, it's difficult to inspect the items they're interested in as thoroughly as they could in the store, and that's especially true when buying second-hand. Be prepared to be peppered with questions by potential buyers, and answer them promptly. If you don't know the answer, be honest! 

When listing your items on platforms like Poshmark and Mercari, try to be as thorough as possible. Add information about the maker, when the item was made, when you purchased it, and thoroughly detail any flaws or imperfections. 

If you're selling something like highly collectible Hummel figurines or antique Tiffany lamps, seek out Facebook groups and other online selling platforms where your items will inspire the most interest. The enthusiasts in these groups know what they're looking for, and will be more than happy to pay for the piece of their dreams. 

Taking photos and writing countless descriptions is a lot of work, especially if you're looking to unload lots of items. Platforms like ThredUp allow sellers to ship their items (for free!) directly to a warehouse, where they're then photographed and listed for sale. The platform takes a cut of the sales, but that's totally worth it to avoid more than one trip to the post office. 

Sizing is objective — what's "large" to you is "medium" to someone else — but there are no denying measurements. Use a tape measure to accurately measure the dimensions of your items, and post them in the description. This especially comes in handy when selling clothes, which can range widely in size from brand to brand. 

Got a stash of old cell phones or a laptop that's dead? Send it in via an electronics recycling service for cash instead of letting it head to a landfill. 

If you're cleaning out your closet or decluttering furniture, chances are you've got a friend that's interested in something. Use social networks like Instagram and Facebook to promote the items you're looking to offload, and offer to meet-up in person when feasible to save both yourself and the buyer cash on shipping and other fees. 

Sometimes, an item just isn't as appealing as you think it's going to be, and that's totally okay. If you've got something that's been hanging out in your Mercari listings or Poshmark closet for more than a couple of weeks, it might be a sign that your price is a little too high for buyers. Drop it by 10 percent or more, and watch the buyers roll in. 

Sometimes, the items you need to get rid of just won't move on the market. After a couple of weeks — or months, depending on your desire to declutter — on eBay, it might be time to consider donating those items to a local nonprofit. If they're truly not in salable condition, the trash really might be the best home for your most well-loved items.