Choose the Right Platform
Listing items on the right platform is key to how to sell online.
Websites and apps like that dictate the selling price and take a larger commission.
Remember, you’ll need to store those things until they sell.
Credit: Illustration by Ramona Iurato
Here are some of the best places to sell furniture, apparel, and decor online.
These sites also help you navigate getting the goods to or from your house.
Chairish
To start selling atChairish, create an online listing and submit it for review.
Credit: Brian Anderson
Chairish will optimize it for search results, edit the lead image, and post it.
In return, the site gets a 30% commission.
Buyers can search by category or brand.
Credit: Courtesy of OfferUp
Listings are easy to create, and AptDeco enhances your photos before posting.
Its cut is 19 to 38%.
Full-Service Fashion
Ship your items directly to these sites with a free, prepaid label.
They inspect, photograph, price, and list your items.
Prices are typically highest for the first 30 days, then TRR starts discounting.
(We’ve seen $250 threads reduced to $25).
Depending on an item’s value, fees range from a 15 to 60% cut.
You’ll earn more by opting for store credit.
ThredUp
Be it Gap or Gucci, every label has a buyer atThredUp.
The online payout estimator gives sellers a sense of earning potential.
ThredUp sends a bag to fill and pays as items sell.
It recycles the rest.
Buyers can save searches, and the site will ping them when a matching item comes up for sale.
Tradesy offers a free image-cleaning service that removes distracting backgrounds from pictures, setting you up for faster sales.
Its pricing suggestions reflect brand, condition, and category.
Tradesy’s cut is $7.50 on items under $50 and 19.8% on anything over that.
A full-service option is also available in select states.
Kidizen’s cut is 12% plus a 50-cent fee on each order after it sells.
Sell or search for anything: clothing, decor, electronics, memorabilia, and more.
Buyers sift through over a billion listings at any given time.
Creating a listing is user-friendly.
Category exceptions may apply.
There is also a 5% transaction fee on the sale price.
The site takes 10% on sales, and there’s never a listing fee.
Continue with the rest of your items if the process goes smoothly.
Otherwise, consider switching to a different site.
Clean or Repair the Item As Needed
Before listing something online, complete any necessary cleaning or touch-ups.
Clear off any dust or cobwebs, andtreat stains on rugsandupholstered items.
Afresh coat of paintor a new wood finish can also help make the item look new.
Additionally, be honest about thepiece’s conditionand make note of any dents, scratches, ordamaged areas.
“You will also want to consider listing delivery and/or pickup arrangements within the description,” Mings says.
When deciding on a fair price, consider the item’s age, level of wear, and brand.
In anticipation of haggling, consider setting the price slightly higher than the lowest you’re willing to go.
First, read the seller’s profile before you buy.
Be wary if they have poor (or no) ratings or reviews from previous sales.
Only communicate with the buyer through your chosen resale platform so you could easily report issues if they arise.
Don’t give out personal information including your phone number, email address, passwords, or banking information.
When paying online, use the platform’s integrated payment methods only.
If possible, move the item to your garage or driveway to avoid having the buyer input your home.
Have a buddy with you or inform someone else of your plans.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, contact-free approaches are a good idea where possible.
If the item is small or not easily breakable, shipping might be your safest option.
With these best practices, selling your stuff online can be simple.
Now all you have to do is clear out that clutter!
