SALTZMAN: The best way to sell your unwanted stuff online

As the holiday season comes to an end, many Canadians are left feeling anxious as they face their post-holiday credit card statements. But fear not, as there are ways to make some extra cash by spring cleaning your home and selling items you no longer want or need.

Free classifieds sites and peer-to-peer marketplace apps such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, and Karrot are excellent platforms to sell your items. These sites make it easy to post a short description and photo of what you have to offer, and you can meet up with a nearby buyer for the transaction.

If you’re new to selling online or need some tips on how to maximize your profits, here are a few strategies to consider:

Headlines and photos matter: Make your post stand out by using eye-catching words in your headline and taking high-quality photos of your items. Detailed and honest descriptions: Be as descriptive as possible about the product you’re selling and make sure to accurately represent its condition to avoid any issues during the sale.

Price it just right: Research the going rate for your item and price it competitively. Consider padding your selling price a bit to allow for negotiation, but don’t give in to lowball offers.

Post more than once and/or to different neighborhoods: Maximize your reach by posting multiple listings for the same product in different categories or in different neighborhoods to increase visibility.

Never hold an item for someone: Adopt a “first come, first served” approach and don’t hold items for potential buyers who may not follow through.

Safety tips when you meet up: Always meet in a public place and only accept cash for the transaction. Consider bringing a friend along for added safety.

Ask for a good review: Building a good reputation on these platforms is essential for gaining trust from potential buyers. Ask for a good review from satisfied customers and be willing to reciprocate.

By following these tips and utilizing online classifieds sites and marketplace apps, you can easily declutter your home and make some extra cash in the process. So, whether you’re looking to sell that unopened Fitbit or that old couch, now is the perfect time to start spring cleaning and cashing in on your unwanted items.