A beginner's guide to selling used items online

Selling your stuff online can seem like a scary task, but follow Angie's beginner tips to make a little less daunting!

ANGIE’S TIPS TO SHARE:

1. The title is the first impression so make sure it’s descriptive and clear. Give information that people are looking for – right away (don’t be cute).  For example, “beautiful bunk bed” versus “bunk bed – like new, oak with rails, frame and mattress”

2. Include “Key words” throughout ad.  If you are selling a car, for example, use varying words throughout the ad that are synonyms so that people searching, with different vocabularies, can still find it (for example, automobile, auto, car, Dodge, vehicle)

3. Give useful details.  Try to anticipate questions and include answers upfront.  Condition?  Dimensions?  Brand information?  Model number?  Warranty status etc.  Don’t make it look overly complicated.  Sometimes a bullet list is ideal with an image of all of the info (status, model, make etc); Feature a unique description of each product you sell – do not cut and paste the manufacturer’s copy; if buyers have unanswered questions in their mind they’re likely to move on.

4. Be generous with photos – wide shots, full size, close up of great things, close-up of wear and tear.  Be transparent with all that you can.  Buyers online are at a disadvantage because they cannot see or touch the item.  Clean, dust, polish and fluff up before taking the shots and try to use natural light.  Some people even have a room or area specifically for taking images.  Neutral, clean background (solid coloured wall) without any clutter.

5. Do your research on the seller (read reviews, google email or name just to see what comes up) and the item (read comparable ads on the site to see how others have presented them – price competitively)

6. Read all rules.  Each website or trading group has different principles and guidelines.  Some say that you cannot even comment on a product/good if you aren’t buying it.  Lots of time restrictions too so be aware.

7. “Bump” allows you to repost your ad at the top of a group.  Just don’t do it too often or it looks tacky

ONCE SOLD:

8. Meet in public (mall food court or busy coffee shop

9. If selling something larger like a vehicle or home furniture, having someone come into your home might be avoidable.  We sold a car, bunk bed and pond…all required someone coming to the home.  Make sure you’re not there alone and ideally, have someone larger and intimidating around.  Also, we try to have a few people home as well as making our

neighbours aware of the transaction too. You just never know.  Never get into a vehicle with someone wanting to test drive your car.  Ask them to leave their wallet or phone with you if they want to try out the car.  Don’t go with them. They can ask questions when they get back.

Popular online websites and apps:

Kijiji

Varage Sale

Craiglist

Used.ca

Facebook Marketplace