In a previous article, we covered how to price your items. In this article, we’ll look at where to sell your items.
There are several ways you can sell your items, many of which you already know. For instance, having a garage sale is a common way to sell items we no longer need, use or want. It does take work but it will garner a few bucks for your used items.
There are alternatives to garage sales as well. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about what would be best for you and your family:
1. Sell at Auction: Higher quality items could be sold at auction. We often refer our clients to a local auction house with whom we have established a long-term relationship.
Selling at auction has its risks in that you do not set the selling price. The auctioneer will set the starting price and what the item is sold for is what you will receive less the auction house’s established commission rate.
When selling at auction, you can have the items picked up by the auction house for a fee or you can deliver them yourself. You don’t pay storage fees and the cheque is mailed direclty to you once the item has sold.
2. Sell online: This is probably one of the most popular choices available and there are several online platforms to choose from, including but not limited to Ebay, Kijiji, Craigslist and other locally owned and managed selling platforms.
There are also other platforms specific to the type of item you are selling. For example Etsy caters to handcrafted art pieces, while Ruby Lane caters to antiques, vintage jewellery and collectibles.
You will require a photo which you can easily upload to the website. Give a complete description of the item and price it realistically. Items that are overpriced will not sell.
Once a party is interested, they will call you to come see the item. Always have someone with you and only accept cash as payment. Be prepared to negotiate therefore set your original price with some wiggle room.
Be sure to leverage your social media platforms too! Use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media tools to get the word out!
3. Sell as an estate sale: If you have a house full of items to sell, this may be the most efficient way to go. It does require careful planning and getting the word out but it’s a viable and cost effective way of selling many items on one day to several potential buyers.
We have a few interviews with a professional estate sale specialist and her recordings are available by clicking on these links:
Estate Sale 101
DIY Estate/Tag Sale
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Having an Estate/Tag Sale
Estate Sale Success Stories
4. Sell At Consignment: Do an online search for local consignment stores and you’ll find many just a short drive away from your home. Many will restrict the items they are willing to take and pricing structures vary therefore call several to find out if this is a viable option for you and your family.
Selling your items will take some grunt work and some research. Do your due dilligence to ensure you are pricing items properly and let them go. Be open to negotiating and accepting less than what you think your items are worth. Remember, you are creating space for the new opportunities coming your way.
NOTE: If you feel you have items that have high value, have them appraised. It is worth the time and the money to ensure items are properly assessed for their value. Once they are appraised, one more recommendation – have them individually insured before you sell them. It is worth protecting your valuable assets.
