10 Tips for Selling Items Online

A great way to get rid of unwanted items is to sell them online. This ensures the item goes to someone who actually has a use for it, rather than it ending up in a landfill. Here are some tips on how to attract buyers and up the chances of making a sale.

1. Take good pictures

If you frequent buying and selling apps and websites, you've probably seen your fair share of bad pictures. Photograph your items in daylight if you can, or at least in a well-lit room. Make sure the item is fully visible in the photo and that any flaws are depicted. If you're selling clothes, it can also be a lot easier to sell them if you post photos of someone wearing them.

2. Present the item well

I often see people posting pictures of items that clearly haven't been cleaned, are wrinkly or in any other way aren't as flattering as they could be. Some people include "just needs an iron" or "will steam before posting" in the description, though they would be much more likely to sell if they did it before taking the pictures.

3. Include as many details as you can

People want to know as much as possible about an item, but they aren't likely to ask for more information. Include everything of importance about the item, which could be things such as age, colour, size, measurements or material. I often see people write "message for more information". Instead, put the info in the description so that they won't have to message you.

4. Price the items fairly

Make sure you price your items well. If you set the price too low you'll lose money, but if you set it too high no one will buy it. Search around for similar items to see what they sell for, and use that as a guide for setting your own prices. Be prepared that people will haggle. Having some leeway in your prices might make it easier to get stuff sold.

5. Respond quickly

You're not the only one selling items, and if you take too long to reply when someone shows interest, they might buy from someone else instead. I'd suggest posting items for sale when you know you have enough free time to talk to buyers, as well as being available for them to collect something or having time to go to the post office. If buyers have to wait, you risk losing the sale.

6. Give an idea of your shipping schedule

People often need the items quickly, and want to know how fast you can post. When you shop in online retail stores they usually have information on how quick their shipping process is, so including this information will probably increase your chances of selling.

7. Include the shipping cost it in the listing

People want to know exactly how much the item is going to cost them, including shipping. Figure out the cost by checking the website of the delivery company or postal service you're using, and put it in the ad.

8. Use reused or recycled packaging materials

A lot of people care about reducing their waste, and for many this is a big reason they choose to shop second hand. This means they might be more inclined to buy if you state that you use reused or recycled packaging materials for shipping out your items.

9. Posting free items can help

If you need to get rid of something you're not sure someone wants to pay money for, you can try listing it for free. This ensures that the person that gets it is definitely gonna use it. And if someone's already coming to your house to pick up an item, they might actually buy something as well!

10. Be honest and fair

It's important that people get exactly what they're paying for. Don't give anyone a bad experience by selling them damaged items or taking too long to send something. They put their trust in you, so don't disappoint them. Luckily a lot of websites and apps have reviews, so you know which buyers or sellers to steer clear of.

Good luck selling your items, and remember to always stay safe!

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