by Mel L.

Created on: December 20, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

Folks sell online for a few different reasons. They want something new, they’re moving, etc. The story varies but there’s one unifying factor, they want it out.

Here are eleven steps on how to successfully sell your unwanted household items for free online.

1). Identify your item - You want it out of your life… now. Whether it be an old dining set you can’t stand or a nice couch that doesn’t fit your style.

2). Pricing - Often times people who buy through free selling venues like to bargain and haggle a price. So, when pricing your item, it is best to price it a bit higher than what you’d like. So if you “appraise” your item for five hundred, give the listing price as five-fifty or six hundred.  You’ll be able to use this as bargaining room too. If your buyer mentions they don’t like a scratch or a tear instead of going for the direct haggling approach, knock the price down fifty. They’ll feel good about their purchase, and you’ll get the amount you wanted or perhaps a bit more.

3). Take really good pictures - This is a make it or break it point for your potential buyer. They’re not there in person to see it and touch it; so it is important to bring them a quality, thorough, visual experience. You can have what you’d like in a verbal description, but a picture speaks a thousand words. Typically what your buyer sees will often determine whether or not you are contacted.

4). Refine - Brighten up your picture and make sure it’s turned the right way. The end buyer wants an easy shopping experience; the easier for them the sooner the item is out of your life. However, this does not mean using blemish features or darkening or brightening the image to hide flaws. The last thing you want is a stranger coming to your home and getting angry about misrepresentation. Keep it honest to keep it safe and straightforward.

5). Write Up - Make it clear, informational, and professional. List positive and negative attributes of the item. Use proper grammar and punctuation; it might seem nitpicky, but oftentimes people get turned off by lazy writing when it comes to ads.

*Note* Save your pricing info, pictures, and write up in one folder. It makes reposting a breeze.

6). Post! - You’ve got your item, price, write up, and pictures. Now, post to a local selling venue

craigslist.org - The most commonly known of local search oriented classifieds. You’ll have the best of luck

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