A Beginner's Guide to Selling Used Products Like a Pro

There are many ways we can cut back expenses to save money, but did you know you can also earn money by selling your items that you don't use? It can be a great way to live frugally and declutter at the same time.

Do you have a few items you don't use anymore? Would you like to make money selling them?

Or maybe they're brand new, and you don't need them anymore. Maybe you're looking to declutter to make room for new items (or even existing items) but don't have time or enough items to host a garage sale right now.

Perhaps you just don't know where to start, what to sell, or are overwhelmed with the various steps involved. I'm here to tell you that posting your used items for sale can be much easier than you may think.

Selling used items can be a wonderful way to declutter and get rid of some items you don't need anymore. Most often, items that are in newer or at least in good used condition would be the best to post for sale.

In this post, I'l be sharing 4 simple steps to sharing your "for sale" items, for even the complete beginner.

Important Info

I am by no means an expert. This is simply me sharing my experience I've had in decluttering & selling used items without having to host an entire garage sale! This is just a collection of some tips and steps that I personally follow, and some resources (ex: apps) I have used and enjoyed in the past. Always be cautious with your personal information and never use a platform you personally are unsure of.

Let's get started!

1. Figure out what you want to sell

For starters, you'll want to decide on what item(s) it is you'd like to sell. This is important because it will help you determine how to complete the following steps as well, and you'll need your item ready to complete the next steps.

One way to decide on an item could be by going through older items or storage boxes that you have, sifting through any items you don't want, or having a look through any items that you don't use anymore and won't use in the foreseeable future.

Items to post for sale could include:

• clothing

• shoes & accessories (purses, scarves, etc.)

• home decor (frames, wall decor, centerpieces, collectibles, etc.)

• kitchen items (plates, mug sets, appliances, storage containers, etc.)

• organization and storage (baskets, bins, totes, bookshelves, storage units, etc.)

• household items (table linens, coasters, dvd players, planners, etc.)

• DVDs & CDs (movies, music)

• craft supplies (paint, stationary, scrapbook supplies, stencils, etc.)

• books & textbooks

• and more

2. Check out the item

So - now that you've decided on what it is you're looking to get rid of (maybe you haven't yet but you're reading ahead anyway - good for you planning ahead!) you'll need to do a little item check and note the condition of it.

Just think, if you were looking to buy a used item, wouldn't you want as much detail as possible before you buy it? This is the idea that's prompted the detailed questions below.

Here are some things you may want to take note of:

• Is it in brand new condition? I it like new? Is it in good but well used condition?

• When was it last used or when is it good until? For many items this may not matter. For others (like a printer with ink that hasn't been used in months and may not be useable or a set of craft paints that are soon expiring) there may be dates that can change whether a not a buyer would like to buy it and at what price - it is nice and fair to give them as much information as possible.

• If its clothing: the size and fit (ex: if it is a size medium but is snug fitting and may be more of a small size, this may be something you want to share)

• What would you pay for this item? This is important to note and is helpful in deciding on the price for the condition of your item.

3. Take Photos

To me, this is always the fun part - taking photos of the item! You don't need a fancy camera or a fancy setup. A few simple steps can help you make the most of the photos.

Photos are one of the first things a potential buyer will see when looking at your item - make sure they are honest & good quality!

You'll want to consider the following factors:

• the lighting & backdrop - good lighting (such as natural lighting if possible) and simple backdrops are my favorite for taking photos as they are simple and don't have distractions

• clear photos - if you don't have a fancy camera, don't worry; a phone camera should work just fine as well as long as the image is clear and the lighting is suitable

• multiple angles or sides - depending on the item, you may want to take photos of the front, back, and sides of the item (or top and bottom)

• for clothing, I like to also take photos of the tag for showing the size, material, and wash instructions just to give as much information as possible

4. Post!

Once you've chosen an item, got the important details, and taken photos, its time to post!

From personal experience, I have used both Varage Sale and Kijiji apps for buying & selling small items, but there are many apps out there. Facebook also offers a Marketplace feature now too.

You'll want to make sure any item you post is in the correct category with an accurate title and description as a part of the listing. Most platforms also have a message featuring right within the app which would save you from sharing any of you own direct contact information.

Selling & buying used items can be a great way to get rid of items you're no longer in need of, make some money, and buy used items for reasonable prices as well instead of buying new. If its something you're looking to do, now you know 4 simple steps to help you!

You can find more frugally living & money saving tips here.