Selling old or unwanted furniture can be an easy way to declutter your space while making some extra cash. Thanks to the rise of online marketplaces, you can connect with potential buyers both near and far with just the click of a button. In this article, we delve into the best sites for selling used furniture and explain steps you should take to be safe and successful as a seller.
Best Sites and Apps for Selling Used Furniture
There are several platforms available for selling furniture online, each with its own strengths and unique appeal. It is up to you to determine which site would be the best platform to list your furniture on. Here are some popular options:
Craigslist
Craigslist is a widely-used advertisements website that helps people buy, sell, and trade various goods. If you are hoping to sell your used furniture to a member of your local community, Craigslist might be a great place to list your item. The site promotes local transactions, which means you won’t have to worry about shipping your item across the country and can instead deliver it personally to an interested buyer.
The simplicity of the platform draws in a wide range of sellers and buyers. If you have a piece of furniture to sell he site is also free and easy to use, which makes it a great option for someone who has never sold their belongings online before.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform where Facebook users can buy and sell items within their local communities. Due to the popularity of Facebook, listings are likely to reach a large number of potential buyers in your area.
When a buyer is interested in something you are selling, they may comment on your post or reach out via Facebook Messenger. Since many adults are already familiar with Facebook and regularly use Messenger for communication, selling items through Facebook Marketplace can seem convenient compared to other platforms.
eBay
eBay is a global online marketplace where you can sell furniture to buyers both locally and internationally. A unique feature of the site is that it gives sellers the ability to auction off items. You can choose how many days an auction will last, and when the auction comes to an end, the item will be sold to the highest bidder. Of course, the site also allows for items to be sold at a fixed price.
Since eBay is a global marketplace, you will likely have to ship any furniture items you sell to their respective buyers. While shipping small items may only require a quick trip to the post office, shipping larger items, like couches and tables, will require much more time and money. You will have to find a shipping carrier that offers freight or large item shipping services, such as UPS Freight or FedEx Freight.
You should think about shipping costs before you list your item. To account for the cost of shipping large items, you can create shipping rate tables for potential buyers to view, or you can include the cost of shipping in the price of the item itself. eBay also lets you specify which regions you want to offer shipping to, giving you greater control over the price of shipping fees.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile app for buying and selling items to people your area. It has a large and diverse user base, which means the odds of someone seeing and wanting to buy your item are higher than they would be on similar apps. OfferUp also has a messaging feature, which allows for seamless communication between buyers and sellers.
Etsy
Etsy is known for handmade and vintage items, including furniture. If you have unique or custom-made furniture pieces, Etsy can be a good platform to reach buyers who appreciate artisanal goods and are willing to pay a bit more for that personal touch.
Like eBay, Etsy is a global marketplace, which means buyers will likely be quite far away. Be sure to think about how much it will cost to ship items to other regions and include these shipping costs in your listing.
Assessing Your Item's Condition
If you are thinking about selling a piece of old furniture, you will first need to assess its condition to determine its value. Start by closely examining the piece for any visible signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or stains. Then, check the structural integrity of your item by applying pressure to different parts of it to ensure that it can handle regular use.
These factors will greatly impact the price of your item. A piece that looks great and is still completely functional can be sold for a higher price than one that is damaged and will need to be repaired by the buyer. When coming up with a price, ask yourself, “How much would I pay for this?”
Creating a Listing
A listing refers to an item or product that is posted for sale in a catalog or marketplace. It typically includes details about the item, such as its price, condition, location, and photos to showcase what it looks like.
When selling furniture online, you have to create a listing that will attract potential buyers while also providing a clear and honest depiction of your item’s condition. To make sure your listing garners plenty of views and quickly grabs the attention of eager buyers, follow these tips:
Take High-Quality Photos
A picture can truly be worth a thousand words. To convince someone else that your item is worth buying, take clear, well-lit photos of the furniture from multiple angles to showcase its condition and features. You should include multiple photos in a listing rather than just one, as this reassures potential buyers that
Write a Detailed Description
Write a detailed description of the furniture, including its dimensions, material, brand, and any notable features or flaws. Be honest and transparent about the item’s condition to avoid any misunderstandings with potential buyers.
Use Keywords
Use relevant keywords in your listing title and description to improve its chances of appearing among search results. Include specific details about the item, such as the type of furniture and any relevant keywords that potential buyers might use when searching.
Promote Your Listing
If you are looking to sell an item quickly, consider promoting your listing to increase its visibility. Promotion options generally include featuring the listing at the top of search results, highlighting it with a different color, or displaying it in a special section on the platform. Many platforms will charge users a fee to promote their listing
Tips for Staying Safe
Finding someone who wants to buy your item can be exciting, but if you are meeting with them in person to complete the transaction, there are some precautions that you should take to stay safe. When deciding where you will meet with a buyer, choose a well-lit, public location, like a busy parking lot. You should also bring a friend or family member along for added security, and notifying someone trustworthy about your plans.
Many sites and apps allow for buyers and sellers to message one another. Utilize these messaging features to communicate with a buyer leading up to your meeting. Finally, always trust your instincts and prioritize your safety throughout the selling process; if something seems off and you feel unsafe, you do not have to go through with performing an in-person exchange.
By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of successfully selling your used furniture online. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply looking to rehome your old furniture, online marketplaces make it easy to get those unwanted items off your hands and put some extra cash in your pocket.
If you’re looking to make money by selling your furniture, you may also want to look into ways to reduce your routine expenses. Costly phone bills and other monthly charges can be a heavy financial burden and prevent you from reaching your financial goals.
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