Rent due? Weekend spending getting a little out of control? One too many trips to the mall this month? It’s getting easier and easier to spend money these days, with things like online shopping, mobile app payments, Venmo, endless credit card offers, and so many tempting subscription services. Keeping up on bills and rent can be tough if you don’t keep a close eye on spending. But today, we’re not here to talk about budgeting, saving, or monitoring spending. Nope. We’re here to talk about how you can make some extra cash without picking up a second job.
We sat down with 3 people who have experience selling their clothes and other items to uncover the best tips and tricks of the trade. Find out how you can take that old outfit in your closet and turn it into this month’s utility bill or weekend fund.
The inside Scoop
What’s your name and age?
Brya, 25
What’s your job?
Senior Project Manager
Do you primarily sell clothes/accessories/shoes or other items like furniture or electronics?
All kinds of clothing (shoes, jewelry, all clothing)
How often do you post things to sell?
Every couple weeks.
Do you usually sell everything you post or are there some items that you post that don’t ever sell?
There are a few items that I have posted that never sold and I ended up donating them after about a year.
How much have you made in total from your sales so far?
I have made about $5k since I began in late 2015.
Why did you start selling?
Make a little side money.
What is the worst part about selling?
Shipping the items can be a pain but I have learned that USPS will ship you envelopes for free which has helped quite a bit.
What’s your name and age?
Lucas, 33
Do you primarily sell clothes/accessories/shoes or other items like furniture or electronics?
Mainly sneakers, sometimes streetwear like hoodies.
How do you negotiate prices with potential buyers?
It's like analyzing a stock market, I keep looking into websites, apps, twitter and Ebay to check the average price that they're charging for the same product I have in hands. Then I come up with my own price, sometimes even a little lower than the resell market price.
Do you have any tips for selling a really expensive item?
You either sell fast, like on the same day, or wait. The prices tend to go really high before the release, then gets a small drop... and then goes really low.... but if the product is very rare, the prices will eventually go up again... could take month.
What is your best piece of advice for selling?
Be patient. There's always someone willing to pay for the price you're willing to sell.
What’s your name and age?
Jessica, 34
Do you usually sell everything you post or are there some items that you post that don’t ever sell?
I probably sell about 80% of what I get rid of.
How much have you made in total from your sales so far?
Over the years I’ve probably made close to $2-3K selling clothes, shoes, accessories. Probably another $1-2K from furniture or other items.
Do you have any tips for selling a really expensive item?
Pictures are key! Along with original boxes or anything that helps illustrate the item and brand.
Do you sell in order to buy more clothes/shoes, etc. or do you save the money you make from sales?
I save the money I make from sales. Usually I put it toward my student loan payment.
What's it Worth?
Tips and Tricks
Selling your stuff online can be tricky, but we’ve got your back. Here are a few examples of best practices when it comes to letting go of your items.
Tip #1
Share your own items and others’ items so they’ll share yours.
Tip #2
Turn your notifications on so you can respond to inquiries and questions as fast as possible. People lose interest quickly, so keep them on the hook by answering their offers and questions quickly and with enthusiasm.
Tip #3
Make sure you have shipping supplies on hand so you can quickly ship your item if it sells. Many buyers will cancel if you take too long to ship, and you won’t get paid until they receive the item.
Tip #4
Remember to check on how the post appears because you want to make sure you are viewed as legitimate. Add a profile picture and a short bio so people know you’re real and not a scam.
Prepping your item
Listing your item
Shipping your item
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