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TIPS: Selling furniture and homewares online

I am often changing things around in my home. I don’t like to hoard, so instead of storing things for “maybe I’ll use that again” (or maybe I won’t!), I just sell it. Nothing better than a good clean out and some extra cash in my purse for the week.

My favourite place to sell is via our local Facebook pages. There are a couple of Buy, Swap, Sell Groups with lots of members so it has a bustling and busy audience.

Don’t sell everything at once

If you have a garage full of junk, or a bursting linen cupboard, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to list and sell everything all at once. A few things at a time is better to handle.

There are no seasons

There is no right time to sell furniture or homewares. You just need to start. There is always someone looking around to purchase a bargain.

Pricing

Be realistic. It gets my goat when I see people selling old furniture way over what it’s worth. You cannot (and I can’t stress this enough!) worry about what you paid for it originally. That’s gone, you’ve used it, and it’s over. For example, you may have paid $800 for that dining table, but you can now buy a new one from Fantastic Furniture for $300, so you need to be waaaayyyy under this to even be considered! If you’re not getting likes, comments or offers, then it will always be because you’re comparing what you want for it with what you paid for it years ago.

Turn the filters off

Don’t put filters or lighten/darker your photos. Take photos of the item in natural light and leave them as is. Take lots of photos too. Different angles and measurements will show the buyer you’re keen to get rid of it. If the furniture has any little marks or scratches then be fair and add those photos to the listing. If it needs a new coat of paint, or a sand back then offer this information up in the listing.

Never sell grubby stuff

Don’t sell throw cushions, blankets, dusty furniture that’s dirty. Wash it, clean it, give it a bit of love. After all, you’re asking for someone to give you money for it so it’s best to present the item in good faith.

Keep an eye on your listing

Always watch the listing. Check for comments and messages. Answer as soon as you can because you might jag that sale quicker. Get the buyer to come and pick the item up asap. I like that to happen within 24 hours. I won’t hold things for people. I like to make it quick and move on to selling something else. 🙂

Negotiate

Be prepared to take a lesser offer if you’re keen to get rid of it. Better to have a few extra $$ and the item gone than stuck with it. You’ll have more time to move on to the next item to sell!

♥ KC.

15 comments

  • Tania Celi

    I seen a local instagrammer here made up another Insta page and just added market place to that name. She then sells off what she no longer needs. This seems to have worked very well and fairly. She offers local pickup and postage as well.

    Check out @clarebarnesmarketplace

  • Lydia Valeriano

    Great advice. Hate it when people post grubby items. I have got some great buys for little ones on BSS but it really annoys me when people say ‘needs a good soak/iron’. Ummmm how ’bout you give it a good soak/iron and then post it?!

    • Katrina Chambers

      Yes, same! A good wash and clean makes it easier to sell.

  • Gai Ford

    Hi Katrina we have sold our home but prior to listing it I de cluttered some small pieces of furniture on local Trash and Treasure sites.I had most success on sites of the smaller communities surrounding Dubbo..When they came to collect on most occasions I showed more items I was selling and they bought more.I have met some very interesting folk and have spread the word that I will be having garage sale to clear it all and most are attending.A new home coming so starting over with furniture.

    • Katrina Chambers

      Such a good idea! And easy too. You’re staying in Dubbo?

    • Gai Ford

      Yes Katrina.We are building a bit smaller home on a much smaller block in a new area closer to kristi and family.I am looking forward to choosing all new furniture.The girls have said “Sell it all and start again”.Very exciting.

  • Ange McThiso

    Facebook and gumtree but selling anything on the internet can be so painful! I find you get more $$ selling things this way than in bulk at a garage sale.

  • Nicole Gray

    I’ve sold over a couple of thousand dollars worth of stuff on Facebook and gumtree over the last few weeks. Facebook marketplace has been more successful than gumtree.
    I always add a little wiggle room to my prices but most people haven’t even tried to negotiate!

  • Donna Wilson

    FB marketplace…. nice to see some spare cash for things just sitting around too.

    • Anita Lane

      I bought it cos of your post. OMG it’s a pain sorting out super and power bills

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