Joining the circular economy

If you have items you no longer need or use, you can make a bit of extra cash by selling them online — or make someone’s day by giving them away! Whether it’s furniture, handbags or your old wifi box, it’s surprising just how quick and easy it is to list and rehome your stuff. While you watch your bank account grow, you can also feel great about helping the environment. Giving your items a second life is much better than sending them to landfill. Before you start, these handy hints will help you get your unwanted items out the door in a flash.

FIND THE RIGHT PLATFORM

There’s plenty of free platforms to sell your stuff but it’s hard to look past Facebook, where users are spoilt for choice. You can list items on Facebook Marketplace, which provides a simple form to fill out and connects you with buyers in your area. It’s free to list but you have the option to boost your ad for a small fee. You can also hide your listings from your friends. This is a great option to sneakily resell unwanted gifts.

Facebook has many swap and sell groups. It also has buy-nothing groups where you can offer your things to the local community. After you join the group, it’s as simple as creating a Facebook post and responding to comments.

If you’re not on Facebook, online marketplaces like Gumtree and eBay may be your best bet. Freecycle is great for giving things away. You’ll need to register for an account before creating a listing on all these platforms.

PRICE IT RIGHT

Do a little research before you list your item. See what price other similar items are going for nearby. Price it just under the average and be willing to negotiate to sell it quickly. If you just want it out of your sight as soon as possible, offer it free. You’ll be surprised what people will take.

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

People will want to know what size your item is, especially furniture. Don’t forget to give width, height and depth dimensions. Putting these in your listing will save you time answering questions later.

POST MORE THAN ONE PHOTO

If a picture’s worth 1,000 words, five good pictures will make your listing pop. So, get out your phone, put on the flash, and take photos of your item from different angles. Bend down so your item is at eye level and takes up most of the frame. Make sure there’s no clutter in the background. If it’s clothing or jewellery, a photo of you wearing it will help potential buyers visualise it on themselves. Take closeups of any damage to the item so your buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

BE HONEST ABOUT ITS CONDITION

If your item has seen better days, it’s best to declare that up front. Detail any stains, cracks, holes or broken bits so

there are no nasty surprises for your customer. Some people seek out fixeruppers to flex their repair skills and grab a bargain. Likewise, if it’s new, or never been used, you may be able to ask for a higher price.

TELL A STORY

Everyone loves a good origin story. Sharing some history about your item may spark interest and reassure shoppers. When did you buy it? Which brand is it? How has it been used? Why are you now parting with it? Items you’re giving up reluctantly are much more desirable. Like that big designer lounge that doesn’t fit into your new apartment. Or the treadmill you don’t use because you now go for walks with your new puppy. SELL DONATE BE SAFE Most platforms have a messaging system you can use. There’s no need to communicate by text or WhatsApp and share your personal phone number; in fact, Gumtree warns against it on its homepage! Don’t give away your bank details. Cash is the most secure payment method if you meet in person. Online marketplaces, such as eBay, often have online payment systems for a small fee. If your item is being picked up from your home, have a friend or family member with you, just to be safe.

STILL NO TAKERS?

If you’ve done all the steps above and you still don’t have any offers, you can avoid putting it in landfill by donating to a charity, Reverse Garbage, Bower Reuse and Repair Centre or Pyrmont Cares. n Courtesy City of Sydney