Do you want to sell old but no longer needed items second-hand? Then you've come to the right place! Whether books, electronics, clothing or vintage furniture - it really has never been easier to get rid of second-hand goods quickly, efficiently and in an extremely environmentally friendly way. Private sales on the Internet make it possible. But to be really successful, there are a few tips and tricks that you should bear in mind.
In this article, I'll show you how you can easily find happy buyers for your second-hand items and any old stuff. Use the ideas and advice, for example, to create natural Conserving resources in everyday life and to fill up your wallet a little. Let's go!
Advantages: Why should you sell old things second-hand online?
The Second-hand sales offer countless advantages - and not just at the flea market, but especially on the Internet! For the decisive portion of motivation, superfluous objects not simple disappear forever in the attic or in some drawer I have briefly listed some of them for you here.
These are the most important reasons for offering used items for sale online:
- Protect the environment: By reselling used items, you are conserving the earth's resources, avoiding waste and energy-intensive transportation. In this way, you are making a valuable contribution to climate and environmental protection.
- Earn money: Selling things you no longer need online can be an additional source of income for you. This is a good example of how you can Save money with sustainable behavior or can take.
- Create space: Getting rid of unnecessary possessions is a minimalist way of thinking that frees up a lot of new space at home. Space that makes for a tidier and more pleasant living atmosphere.
- Avoid new purchases: By selling used goods, you promote sustainable consumption habits in our society - and help someone else to avoid buying new, cheaply produced alternatives. At the same time, you extend the life of the item in question and save it from the garbage can.
- Inspire people: When selling used items online, you may also reach people who don't have the financial means to buy new items. That old coffee chair may not be that important to you, but it may mean a lot more to someone else. Knowing that your old things will find a new home where they will be appreciated and used will ultimately boost your personal satisfaction.
10 tips: How can you sell used things quickly?
Whether for the environment, our society or your wallet: it's worth selling used items online! What can you do nowso that they find a buyer as quickly as possible?
Before I serve you the answer right away, one more important one, precautionary tip For my part: It is best to make sure when buying any new goods that they can be sold again at a later date. For example, the Resale value for children's clothing a major role, because it countless cheap brands there are short-lived Fast Fashion in - only at first glance - appealing designs.
Now, as promised, I would like to show you my best advice for an effective, profitable and quick private sale used items on the Internet.
1. know the best second-hand marketplaces and online flea markets
Experienced second-hand sellers already know the quickest way to get rid of their old items! Popular marketplaces for second-hand goods, with the highest possible number of buyers, such as eBay, eBay Classifieds, Vinted, reBuy or also local Facebook groupsoffer a wide range and specific categories for a wide variety of items. If appropriate, you can also upload your advertisement directly to several markets.
If you want to sell rare or not exactly everyday second-hand items, it could also be worthwhile for you to look around for special niche platforms that specialize in specific product groups (e.g. Medimops for books or Kleiderkreisel for clothes) specialize. This will increase your chances immensely.
2. select the right items
Not everything that is old sells well second-hand. The However, sales opportunities increasewhen you advertise items that experience has shown to quickly end up on the digital store counter.
Which things sell very well on the Internet? For example used Books, decorative items, Game actables, cupboards and Chairs, watches, notebooks and Cell phones, porcelain, car parts, collectibles or also Vintage clothing.
In principle, the items offered should well preserved, fashionable (e.g. a specific branded product) or rare and not too expensive be - and be Ship as simply and cheaply as possible leave. So check the condition of the item and make sure that it works and is clean.
3. for meaningful Provide photos
Click or no click, that is the question! A A great product photo and a few additional pictures increase the probability ensure that potential buyers take a closer look at your item for sale in the first place. The photos are therefore responsible for the most important step of your private marketing campaign before the details are added.
Fortunately, nowadays products can also be skillfully staged using a smartphone. It's best to use Natural light and a neutral backgroundto highlight the item in question. Photograph it from different perspectives and also include Pictures of labels or signs of use a. The more comprehensive and precise, the more trustworthy.
You should also show clothes on your bodyso that interested buyers can better recognize what they are buying. I would advise you not to upload (only) the original product photos (of the new goods). Unfortunately, this always smells a bit like fraud and does not exactly inspire confidence.
4. create a self-explanatory product description
If you want to sell something second-hand online, the title and description text should be answer as many questions as possible about the item on offer. Here you can write exactly what the photos do not yet show. Therefore, include all information about the brand, model, condition, size, color and any special features of the product.
Is the price negotiable? Is it sold with original packaging? Do you only offer collection or also shipping - and what type of shipping is involved? Such transparent information make communication easier for you and save time. To prevent dissatisfaction and bad reviews, you should always provide honest information - including any defects.
Tip: Second-hand platforms are also only Search engines! It is therefore advisable to enter exactly the search terms and keywords that best describe the article and that potential interested parties enter in exactly the same way, especially in the headline.
5. the right Time of sale know
Timing plays a major role in the second-hand trade! That's why you should make sure that you buy seasonal items (e.g. summer hats, inflatable boats or ice skates) in good time. advertise in the appropriate season. Ultimately, the circle of potential customers is all the larger. You should also always keep an eye on current trends.
Furthermore, the elected Date of publication of your ad influences the purchase decision. Since most people receive their salary at the end of the month, the Start of the month for example, is a promising time. Consumers also have the Weekend more time for the Sustainable online shopping.
6. set realistic prices and be flexible
If you want to sell used items, it is usually advisable to do a little research, the price at which similar second-hand items (or the corresponding new goods) are offered on the market. Use this as a guide. This will ensure that your asking price is realistic and is quickly accepted.
If it is a Rarity or jewelryyou should have the actual value assessed by a professional.
Also be always ready to negotiate. This is because many interested parties will try to push the price down a little. You can also speed up the sales process by offering potential buyers Discounts or give them a Special offer (e.g. selling as a bundle with several items).
7. prevent cheap attempts at fraud
Unfortunately, the Internet also offers enough Room for fraud. Away from devastating consequences, such as a Identity theftthere are always classic cases. For example, that you have the send goods without ever seeing a single cent for them.
Therefore, pay particular attention to typical scams, such as Forged payment confirmations - and in general also to unusual behavior. Serious buyers, for example, would never ask for your ID card details or account data.
Always send the respective items onlyafter the payment has been credited to your account. And bid only secure payment methods (e.g. bank transfer or PayPal with buyer protection). This also creates trust among potential buyers and increases your sales probability. It is also advisable, only use the chat function of the sales platformin order to always be able to prove possible attempts at fraud.
And if a fraudster is nevertheless successful, you must complain about the sale to the platform, the Report fraud and him report it to the police.
Tip: I was affected once myself. Like you Prevent identity theftI can therefore tell you from my own reliable source. So if your online security is important to you, take a look at the linked article.
8. maintain good communication with interested parties
In addition to good second-hand products and a reasonable price, fast and friendly communication is definitely the most important factor in private online sales. The key to success. Experience has shown that it will litter your profile with good ratings and give you an edge over other sellers.
Answer questions from interested parties as promptly and professionally as possible. It is also best to Push messages in the respective app of the sales platform so that you can always react quickly, even when you're on the move. So to sell old items quickly on the internet, you need to be quick yourself 🙂
9. share advertisements on social media
There is always someone who knows you, who knows you - and so on! The great advantage of social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram is that your posts are seen by thousands or even millions of people within a few minutes. These Attention you should use to advertise your listings and sell used items more quickly.
Share your ads for example in local groups, in your status or via stories on your own profileto increase visibility. Personal recommendations increase trust and credibility, arouse emotions and ultimately ensure that you find new, happy owners as quickly as possible.
Important: This is where Facebook & Co have their big advantage. But actually, I'm not really interested in Dangers no longer a fan of social media. I would like to explain what makes them so dangerous for us and our society in another blog article.
10. be patient
I'm also a friend of offering old treasures online so as not to accumulate too many possessions. But I also know, that it sometimes takes time for interested parties to get in touch. In such cases, you have to be patient, update the ads from time to time and, if necessary, put them online a little longer or even a second time.
There is a person out there for every causewho would be delighted to receive it. At some point, those for whom your second-hand sweater, your old desk or your dusty books are destined will also approach you.
Sell used items online and make more than just yourself happy
So when you clear out your bookshelf and closet, sort out electrical items, get furniture from the attic and sell it online, you're making yourself, but also makes a hundred other people happy. And in my opinion, there is no better and more beautiful way to get rid of old things than to give them into the hands of those who are happy about them with all their soul.
"To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose. To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful."
Marie Kondō (more at Minimalism Quotes)
I really hope that the practical tips in this article have motivated and inspired you to sell a few old things online. Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences with selling second-hand items that you would like to share? Then feel free to write me a comment.
Stay sustainable,
PS: Also about the Second hand purchase I have compiled detailed information for you in a separate blog post. So take a look there next!
