Not Moving Everything? How to Sell Your Stuff Online
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
If you don't have time or the resources to host a garage sale, then selling your things online might just be the way to go. Everything from clothes to appliances to kids toys and more can all be sold with just the click of a mouse - it's that easy.
Decide What to Sell and How to Sell It
To start, gather everything you don't want to move into one room and place it into categories, such as clothing, baby gear, books, glass and pottery.
Now, you need to look at all the items you have and think about how to sell it. Use these tips to create descriptive keywords that will convey what it is that you're selling:
· Include any brand names or easily recognizable artists/designers.
· For a title, describe exactly what the item is. Avoid descriptive words in your title as that's not what buyers will use to search items.
· When describing the item, include the material, when it was purchased or made, who made it and what kind of condition it is in. Be honest. You don't want to have the item returned for false advertising.
· Is the item still under warranty? Is the item used, new or gently-used?
· Include any background information that makes the item interesting, such as its history, what it has meant to you and what it is you like about it. How has the item served you and your family?
· Add any special features that make it stand out from other similar items, including why someone might want to buy it.
· Include photos from various angles, including close-ups and any flaws or damage. If it helps, show clothing modeled or if selling something useful, take a picture of it being used.
Where to Start
There are a lot of online auction sites that are pretty similar in their approach. Of course, the most famous site is still eBay.com and one that has been around long enough for you to trust how it works and that it does work. Plus, because it's the most well-used online auction site, the target audience is much bigger and wider than other websites.
So, how exactly do online auction sites work?
· First step is to decide on a starting bid. Try to think about the minimum price you would accept and set that as the opening price.
· Next, decide on how much the price can increase, or what is called the bidding increments. For smaller items, the increments are quite small, such as $.25 or $1.00.
· Decide on a timeline - how long the item should be up for bid. For tips, check out similar items for sale to get an idea of price, increments and bidding time lengths.
· You'll also be asked if you want to set a "reserve price". This means that the item cannot be sold below this pre-set price. If no bids come in above the reserve price, the item will not be sold.
· Decide how the item will be shipped. Most people will use a flat-rate shipping fee. Do some research to find out how much it will cost to ship the item to the furthest destination within the US and Canada (if you're considering another country).
· Decide if you'll allow a "buy now" option. This means that someone can simply purchase the item immediately at a price that you've determined without the item going to auction.
What Happens When Someone Buys Your Item?
Most online auction sites will insist on buyers and sellers having a Paypal account. This will secure the transaction and allow you to be paid safely, easily and quickly. No need to wait for a check to clear before shipping the items. To open an account on Paypal is easy and free, and if in future you want to purchase online, it's a great idea to have an account available anyway.
If you're using an online auction site that does not use Paypal, find out how their payment system works. You'll want to make sure you get paid before you ship the items sold.
In addition, you'll need to find out if the auction service has a fee or takes a percentage of the sale. Do this before you sign up to ensure you're not surprised when your sale goes through. Also check out your rights and responsibilities with the website to ensure you know how you're covered against a fraudulent buyer.
So, gather those items and get selling. Maybe you can make enough to pay for part of your move or dinner out or the cost of the rental van. It's that easy!
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