Looking to declutter your home and make some extra cash? Selling used items online is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to earn money from home. Whether youre a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking for a simple side hustle, there are plenty of platforms that make it easy to turn your unwanted stuff into real money. In this guide, Ill walk you through the best places to sell used items online, what to expect, and how to get started—even if youve never done it before.
Table of Contents
- How Selling Used Items Online Works
- Top Places to Sell Used Items Online
- Platform Comparison
- Beginner Tips for Selling Used Items
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary & Next Steps
How Selling Used Items Online Works
Selling used items online is simple: you take photos of things you no longer need, list them on a website or app, and connect with buyers who pay you directly. Most platforms let you sell almost anything—clothes, electronics, books, furniture, and more. Some focus on local sales, while others ship items nationwide.
Heres a quick overview of the process:
- Pick a platform that fits what you want to sell.
- Take clear photos and write honest descriptions.
- Set a fair price (do a little research first).
- Communicate with buyers and arrange payment/shipping or pickup.
- Get paid—usually via PayPal, direct deposit, or cash (for local sales).
Its a flexible way to earn money, with no special skills required. Plus, you can work at your own pace and start with items you already own.
Top Places to Sell Used Items Online
1. Facebook Marketplace
How it works: Facebook Marketplace is a free platform where you can list items for sale to people in your local area. Its built into the Facebook app, so you dont need to download anything new.
Earning expectations: You set your own prices. Most items sell for 50“80% of their original value, depending on condition and demand.
Time commitment: Listing an item takes about 5“10 minutes. Local sales can be quick, sometimes within hours, but some items may take days or weeks to sell.
Requirements & startup costs: You need a Facebook account. There are no listing fees or startup costs.
- Pros:
- No fees for most sales
- Fast, local transactions
- Easy to use for beginners
- Cons:
- Meetups required for most sales
- Potential for no-shows or haggling
- Scams do happen—always meet in public places
Real-world example: I once sold a used coffee table on Facebook Marketplace. I listed it in the morning and had three offers by lunchtime. The buyer picked it up that evening and paid in cash—super easy!
2. eBay
How it works: eBay lets you sell almost anything to buyers nationwide (or even worldwide). You can list items as auctions or at fixed prices.
Earning expectations: Prices vary widely. Collectibles, electronics, and brand-name items often fetch higher prices than on local apps.
Time commitment: Listing takes 10“15 minutes. Youll need to package and ship sold items, which takes extra time.
Requirements & startup costs: You need an eBay account and a PayPal (or linked bank) account. eBay charges a small fee (usually around 10“13% of the sale price).
- Pros:
- Huge audience—higher chance of selling rare or valuable items
- Built-in shipping options
- Seller protections
- Cons:
- Fees eat into profits
- Shipping can be a hassle
- More competition
Real-world example: A friend of mine sold a vintage video game console on eBay for twice what local buyers offered. The buyer paid instantly, and shipping was straightforward using eBays label system.
3. Mercari
How it works: Mercari is an app for selling used items nationwide. You list, ship, and get paid through the app. Mercari provides prepaid shipping labels, making it easy for beginners.
Earning expectations: Similar to eBay, but with a focus on everyday items like clothes, toys, and gadgets. Mercari charges a 10% selling fee.
Time commitment: Listings take 5“10 minutes. Shipping is required for most sales.
Requirements & startup costs: Free to join. Youll need packing materials for shipping.
- Pros:
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Prepaid shipping labels
- Good for decluttering household items
- Cons:
- 10% fee on sales
- Shipping required
- Payouts can take a few days
Real-world scenario: I used Mercari to sell my old headphones. The app guided me through every step, and I shipped them out the next day using a prepaid label. Payment arrived within a week.
4. Poshmark
How it works: Poshmark specializes in clothing, shoes, and accessories. You list items, share them with the community, and ship with prepaid labels when they sell.
Earning expectations: Designer and brand-name items do best. Poshmark takes a $2.95 fee for sales under $15 and 20% for sales over $15.
Time commitment: Listing and sharing items takes more time, but active sellers often see faster sales.
Requirements & startup costs: Free to join. Shipping supplies needed.
- Pros:
- Great for fashion items
- Supportive community
- Easy shipping process
- Cons:
- High fees for bigger sales
- Requires regular activity to boost sales
- Limited to fashion and accessories
Real-world scenario: My cousin sold her gently used designer purse on Poshmark for $70. She shipped it with the provided label and received her payout a few days after delivery.
5. OfferUp
How it works: OfferUp is a local selling app similar to Facebook Marketplace. You list items and arrange meetups with buyers nearby. Theres also an option to ship items for a fee.
Earning expectations: Local sales mean no shipping fees, and you keep more of your earnings. Prices are similar to other local apps.
Time commitment: Quick listings, but youll need to coordinate meetups.
Requirements & startup costs: Free to use. No fees for local sales; shipping fees apply if you choose that option.
- Pros:
- No fees for local sales
- Simple, user-friendly app
- Good for bulky items
- Cons:
- Meetups required
- Potential for unreliable buyers
- Scams can occur—meet in safe locations
Real-world example: I sold a set of garden tools on OfferUp. The buyer met me at a local grocery store parking lot and paid in cash—quick and easy!
Platform Comparison
- Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp: Best for fast, local sales and larger items. No shipping, but youll need to meet buyers in person.
- eBay & Mercari: Better for shipping items to a wider audience. Good for collectibles, electronics, and smaller items.
- Poshmark: Top choice for fashion and accessories. Active community, but higher fees.
Choose the platform that matches your items and your comfort level with shipping or meeting buyers.
Beginner Tips for Selling Used Items
- Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
- Write honest, detailed descriptions—mention any flaws.
- Research prices for similar items before listing.
- Be responsive to messages from buyers.
- For local sales, always meet in public, well-lit places—some police stations offer safe exchange zones.
- Keep receipts or proof of transaction, especially for higher-value items.
Start small with a few items to learn the process. As you gain confidence, you can list more and even turn it into a regular side hustle!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to sell used items online?
Yes, but always use caution. For local meetups, choose public places and bring a friend if possible. For shipped items, use platforms with seller protections like eBay and Mercari. - How do I get paid?
Most platforms pay via PayPal, direct deposit, or in cash for local sales. Always confirm payment before handing over your item. - Are there any startup costs?
Most platforms are free to join. You may need packing materials for shipping. Some sites charge a fee only when your item sells. - What items sell best online?
Electronics, brand-name clothing, collectibles, and gently used household goods tend to sell quickly. Bulky items do best on local apps. - Can I sell broken or damaged items?
Sometimes! Just be honest about the condition. Some buyers look for parts or fixer-uppers, especially on eBay.
Summary & Next Steps
Selling used items online is a simple, realistic way to make extra money from home. With the right platform and a little effort, you can turn clutter into cash—even as a complete beginner. Start with one or two items, follow the safety tips, and see how easy it can be.
Ready to explore more ways to earn? Check out other guides and tips on Survey Soda to discover even more opportunities to boost your income from home!