Whether you’ve struck gold at the antique mall, discovered a hidden talent as a crafter, or just have a closetful of unwanted goods to offload, online marketplaces are a great way to
make some much-needed extra money.
Not sure how to sell stuff online to turn your luck (or clutter) into cash? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best platforms, plus tips and tricks to maximize your profits.
How to get started with online selling
If you have some items to sell online, do yourself (and your bank account) a favor and read through these tips before rushing to sell products online — being strategic could mean those vintage Nike sneakers you’re listing
put an extra $500 in your bank account instead of $50.
Gather your items
First things first: Round up everything you want to sell. It could be clothes, electronics, collectibles, furniture, handmade crafts, or anything else you think buyers might be interested in.
Take high-quality photos
Clear, well-lit photos are the key to attracting buyers. Natural light is best, but you can also use a well-lit room or a lightbox. Take pictures from multiple angles to give buyers a complete view, and zoom in on any unique features, flaws, or important details. For clothing, shoes, and other items with sizes, make sure you include a picture of the tag, too.
Write compelling descriptions
Use a friendly, informative tone and write a description that spells out the item's condition, dimensions, materials, and any details that make the item special or desirable.
Don’t forget to use keywords in your title and description. Think about what buyers might search for and include those terms to help search engines lead them to what you’re selling.
Set fair and competitive prices
Check what comparable items are selling for on different platforms. If what you’re selling is in better or worse condition than the competition, adjust the price accordingly. And be sure to factor in shipping costs, plus any selling fees charged by the platform you're using.
If you’ve ever shopped online, selling sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Etsy, and Poshmark are probably already on your radar. Now’s the time to pick one, but we’ll walk you through the options in more detail in just a minute.
Be careful about listing an item on multiple marketplaces. If you aren’t careful, two people might try to buy it at once. That’s great for you, but could be really frustrating for whichever buyer doesn’t get the item.
Choose a sales method
Will you be selling through auctions, fixed prices, or allowing buyers to make offers? Look at the sales methods offered by the marketplace you’ve chosen and choose the one that best suits your items and preferences.
Handle payments and shipping efficiently
Use trusted payment gateways like PayPal or Venmo to protect yourself and your buyers.
Calculate shipping costs accurately and clearly display them to buyers before selling, when you can, and make sure you pack items securely to prevent damage during transit.
You know the basics. Now it’s time to decide where you want to sell your stuff online.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular options.
1. eBay
Founded in 1995, this massive online marketplace has a global reach. It’s possible to sell almost anything on eBay, from antiques and collectibles to electronics and clothing. You can also choose between auction-style and fixed-price listings.
Best for
General sellers with a wide variety of items
People looking to reach a large audience
Sellers comfortable with managing shipping and handling
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook got its start connecting college students with others at their school, and Facebook Marketplace has a similar community focus, allowing you to list items visible to your connections and prospective buyers in your area. Because it caters to local customers and likely doesn’t require you to ship goods, selling on Facebook Marketplace is a
great way to make money fast.
Best for
3. Amazon
As the world’s
largest online retailer, Amazon’s massive customer base can’t be beat. Once you set up an account (either Individual or Professional), you can list new or used items in a wide range of categories.
Best for
New or used items in good condition, especially if you have more than one of the same thing
Items valuable enough to make the fees worthwhile
4. Etsy
Buyers looking for art, antiques, collectibles, and handmade goods often turn to Etsy first because of the platform’s reputation as a curated marketplace full of items you won’t find in stores.
Best for
Artists, crafters, and collectors
Unique, handmade, or vintage goods
4. Poshmark
Part of Poshmark’s appeal is its community focus. The platform calls itself a “social marketplace,” and it’s the first place many buyers turn to for stylish secondhand goods.
Best for
Clothes, shoes, and accessories
Sellers with a good sense of style
6. Craigslist
In the internet’s early days, craigslist quickly became the go-to digital classified section for web-savvy buyers and sellers who knew newspapers were going out of style. Since many craigslist transactions are completed in person, this platform can be a good option if you
need cash quickly.
Best for
7. Bonanza
While some of the platforms on this list are well-suited for one-time sales, Bonanza is an online marketplace that aims to bring repeat customers to entrepreneurial sellers. The site offers a variety of listing options and tools to help you promote and sell things online.
Best for
8. Decluttr
The Decluttr platform is specifically designed for selling used CDs, DVDs, games, books, and tech devices like phones or tablets. Decluttr offers free shipping, instant valuations, and next-day payments.
Best for
8. Mercari
Mercari got its start in Japan, where it’s the biggest community-powered marketplace. But since the Mercari app first launched in 2013, this user-friendly platform has become one of the best ways to sell things online for people all around the globe.
Best for
How to choose the best website to sell your stuff
With so many great options available, deciding where to list your items might feel impossible. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Fees
Most platforms charge transaction fees so they can walk away with a percentage of what you sell. While that’s just the cost of doing business, learning the different websites’ fees can
save you a lot of money on your sales.
Some charge a fee just to list your items, while others only take a commission when you actually sell products. If it’s relevant, you’ll also want to factor in payment-processing fees, which might be charged through the platform itself or through a third-party provider.
Audience
Think about who you're trying to reach. Does the platform cater to your ideal customer? For example, Etsy is perfect for handmade or vintage items, while Poshmark is geared toward fashionistas and secondhand clothes. If you’re planning to become a regular seller, setting up shop on a platform with an active community of passionate buyers and sellers might be worthwhile, but a site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace could work just as well if you’re trying to make a one-time sale.
Ease of use
Consider how user-friendly the selling platform is. How easy is it to create a listing? Can you quickly figure out how to manage your inventory and respond to questions? A smooth, intuitive interface and helpful customer support can make your selling experience much more enjoyable (and profitable!).
Shipping options
Unless you're selling locally, shipping should carry a lot of weight in your decision. Does the platform offer various shipping methods to cater to different buyers' needs and budgets? Can you easily purchase and print shipping labels directly on the site? A shipping cost calculator can also be a huge help in setting accurate prices.
Tips for becoming a successful online seller
Before you dive headfirst into the online marketplace, keep these important tips in mind.
Avoid scams. Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than your asking price, request unusual payment methods, or ask for personal information that's not necessary for the transaction. Stick to secure payment platforms and trust your instincts. If something seems fishy, it probably is.
Manage customer expectations. Provide clear, accurate descriptions of your items, including any flaws or imperfections. Respond to questions promptly and honestly. Setting realistic expectations upfront avoids misunderstandings and negative reviews down the road.
Make a plan for returns and refunds. Decide whether you'll accept returns and under what circumstances, then clearly state your return policy in the listing. Offering a reasonable return policy will help you build trust with buyers and increase your sales.
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