If our renovation was to done tomorrow and we could move back in, this is basically what we would have for stuff. Why you might ask?! It's because I have successfully sold nearly all of our furniture, appliances, and some household items online. I actually sold ALL of my living room furniture in 15 minutes. Yay for making way for new things!!
My husband's friends have actually called with concern that he might be for sale next (not happening).
All of the items I've posted for sale, with the exception of my Pottery Barn rug which sold on Craigs List, were sold through a Facebook group called For Sale or Swap in West Central Iowa. If you aren't part of a Facebook group like this, definitely join one. I'm pretty confident you will be able to find one in your area. What I like about this Facebook group it is that people are logged into Facebook nearly all day or checking their Facebook account from their phone continually.
Since I've definitely had some success with online selling, here my top 5 tips for selling your things online.
1| Take good pictures.
A cell phone picture doesn't always cut it. This is especially true for big-ticket items like furniture. Take pictures of the items you want to sell in good lighting and from the best angle possible. People like to see the whole item before they are willing to make an offer. If the site only allows you one picture, offer to send more through email or a personal message.
2| Write a good description.
Stick to "what it is and what it does." This includes the following: item size, age, condition, and if your home is smoke free and pet free (SF/PF). Don't include descriptive words like "beautiful" or "gorgeous" to describe your lamp or your couch. I am always disappointed when I open up the posting to view it because its generally not beautiful or gorgeous. I guess the seller did get me to look... Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :)
3| Price it right.
Price your items to sell, but price them fairly. When posting online, people are looking for a good buy. Know what your bottom dollar is before you post the item for sale in case people would like to negotiate with you and don't go below that price. Unless you absolutely need to get rid of it...
4| Manage offers.
Managing offers is somewhat stressful. If you are selling a hot item like appliances or furniture be ready to manage a lot of offers in a short amount of time. On Facebook some people will post "interested" in the comments. That does not mean sold. I only respond to people who say "I'll take it" or those that make me an offer. Some people like you to hold onto your item until they talk to their significant other or friend. I don't hold my items. Generally, whoever offers me my asking price first get the item!
5| Know the best time to post.
The best times to post your items for sale are Friday or Saturday mornings. People are ready to have a distraction from work and are more willing to pick up an item over the week.
If your item doesn't sell, it's ok. Just re-post it a few days or weeks later.
Top Items People Search For Online:
Appliances
Some electronics - iPhones, iPads, laptops
Baby stuff
Furniture
Light fixtures
Rugs
I hope you find these tips helpful! Good luck with your selling!!
Great post, this is really helpful! I'm off to go look for a group in my area :)
ReplyDeleteSuper helpful, thanks for sharing! Xx.
ReplyDeletedarn! I would have loved to snatch some of your goods up! I should join that group!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I will add to be sure to know the rules for the group you are participating in. Around here, the first person to comment on the post gets first dibs. "Interested" means you'll take it. If you sell to someone further down the line without honoring that, you get ousted from the group. I'm sure it's different everywhere, so I suggest "stalking" the group for a while to learn the protocol. Excited to see the big reveal when the remodel is done!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, Beth! It’s hard to start an online business, and tips from those who’ve had their success on this field would be really helpful. I hope your readers will use your tips for their online shops too. Are you still selling things online? Would you like to share the link to your website? Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteAdam Ithiel
It really is basic. At the end of the day, it's all about maintaining a good impression. And the best way to go at this is by simply putting yourself out there through your website or account, and at any social media possible. It's only after that point when stuff starts to happen; that is, clients and profits. :)
ReplyDeletePDG World Marketing
Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing them! Selling online can be difficult, especially if you don’t post splendid shots of your items. When your possible customers inquire about your product, you should communicate to them properly and learn to handle their bids. Oh well, what’s most important is that you are able to gain income and maintain a great relationship with your customers. All the best! :)
ReplyDeleteRussell Beck @ 5 Star Brand