We tend to forget just how much objects and items we’ve hidden away in closets and drawers until we start digging into our nearly forgotten boxes buried away in the attic.
Garage sales may be outdated and not many people want to spend the little free time they have sitting outside bargaining their items away. With convenient apps, sites and virtual marketplaces, how can you decide the best way to sell your belongings?
The tips below from Rowlan Hill, founder of Blue Leaf Estate Auctions, will help you decide what platform to use and how to properly market your belongings.
Before starting, take a look at what you’ve got and think about what you paid for it. If something wasn’t very expensive, chances are you won’t get a large return when you resell it.
Create a great post: Items are more likely to sell when you include a description with specific details and updated photos. Creating a concise description should tell the buyers what it is, how long you’ve had it, any damages, how they can pick it up, the shipping fee(if there is one) and if the price is negotiable.
When taking photos, an important and common rule to go by is using natural lighting instead of a camera’s flash. You want to have pictures from all angles, and it is better to show the wear and tear upfront to any potential customers. Having poorly lit images or no photos at all can create skepticism or scare a buyer off.
Price it right: Before pricing your item, start with doing some market research to see what similar pieces have sold for most recently. If your item is in good condition, you could justify a higher price.
When you sell, use professional seller strategies. In a situation that a potential buyer is hesitant about an item, tell them that you have other people interested and they shouldn’t wait too long to decide. If someone offers you less money than you feel your item is worth, counter their offer to find a happy medium. If they keep low balling you, be polite and tell them the lowest price you are willing to accept.
Which third party to use and when: How much you sell an item for is predicated in part on where you try to sell it. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Offer Up and Facebook Marketplace are easy to use for any generic or high-end clothing, furniture or electronic items.
Yard sales are still a popular way to sell your items in exchange for cash on the spot. Although you won’t get as much money as you would selling online or with an auctioneer, you also don’t have to pay any fees.
Need to sell a house full of items but don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself? Consider using an estate auction company. Professionals come in and liquidate the entire contents of the house in a few hours, market the event and bring in the crowds to the live auction.
Rowlan Hill is the owner of Blue Leaf Estate Auctions in Arizona and has been an auctioneer for more than 30 years. For more information on their services, visit 602blue.com.
