If you're trying to empty out your house in Cambridge to get it ready to sell or because it's already sold - you may want to turn to the internet to sell some of your stuff online.
There are several popular websites to consider when trying to sell your things online. What you're trying to sell will dictate which internet site makes the most sense for your possessions.
EBAY: Ebay is probably the first place people think of when considering selling their stuff online. While the site started as a place to sell vintage collectibles, ebay now sells just about everything. Unfortunately, as ebay has grown it's become a much less effective way to sell many things. Often items fail to get more than one or two bids if any. The fees have also gone up significantly. But the excitement of the auction model can lead to very good prices for some items.
Ebay works well for highly collectible items that can be described with very specific search terms. "Orange glass ashtray" is not going to get you many - or any - bids. On the other hand my "Catalina Island Pottery Matte Green Star Ashtray" sold for $500. The unique, the unusual, the highly sought after - these are the pieces that will do well on ebay.
Ebay can and should be used to research the market value of your collectibles. Spend some time on the site looking at current and recently closed auctions. Often, when you're not sure what you have, a manufacturer's name or some other identifying feature on your piece can enable you to search and discover what your item is and what it might be worth. And with higher fees you'll want to be confident that your sale price will justify the cost of selling.
When you sell on ebay you're usually responsible for shipping and packing the item. You can choose a local pickup option - often the only way to list very large items - but your customer base will be vastly reduced. It's usually easiest to only list items that can be easily packaged. Do you really think you'll get a sales price that will justify carefully wrapping and packaging every cup in that punch bowl set? Probably not.
CRAIGSLIST is a great option for local selling and less collectible items. Best yet - craigslist is free. All sorts of things can be sold through the site - furniture, housewares, appliances, garden items - you name it.
On craigslist price is key. On craigslist you set the price - it's not an auction site like ebay. Best to think of the site as something like an online garage sale. People need to perceive a bargain. You want them to call and then you want them to buy. Price it right and move it out!
The best price might be FREE. Craigslist has a very popular free section - many people check it religously throughout the day in an effort to score good stuff. You can use it as a free way to rid yourself of unwanted items.
Sometimes giving stuff away on craigslist can be a bit of a hassle. You'll get large numbers of emails and calls asking for info, measurements, pictures and more plus plenty of missed appointments. It's often easiest to place the items outside, include a caveat in your posting that you're not available for questions, and post an update when your items have been taken.
Other online sites to rid yourself of stuff:
- Amazon for selling used books
- Etsy for selling vintage artsy items
- Freecycle is another popular site for giving away your stuff
Selling online takes time and effort. However it can be the best way to get top dollar for some of your special collectibles or an inexpensive way to sell your things directly to buyers rather than dealers.
For more ways to clear out your house see:
Sell Your Stuff To Sell Your House
Appraisers, Auctions and Antique Dealers
And check back on Saturday when we look at Consignment Shops Near Cambridge.
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