Selling Items Online: A Comprehensive Guide
In the digital age, selling items online has become the norm. Whether you’re decluttering your home or looking to start a business, there are numerous platforms that allow you to sell your items online.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the various marketplace options, fees and requirements, and safety tips for in-person pickups.
Marketplace Options
When it comes to selling items online, there are several marketplace options available. Here are some of the most popular ones:
eBay: Established in 1995, eBay is one of the oldest and largest online marketplaces.
It offers a wide range of products, from vintage items to electronics. eBay requires a seller account, but anyone can sign up as a casual seller.
Amazon: Founded in 1994, Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer. It has a vast selection of products, from books to groceries.
Amazon requires a professional seller account to sell more than 40 items per month. Etsy: Founded in 2005, Etsy is a platform for handmade, vintage, and unique items.
It has a strong community of sellers and buyers who appreciate one-of-a-kind finds. Etsy requires a seller account.
Poshmark: Founded in 2011, Poshmark is a social marketplace for fashion. It’s an app-based platform that allows users to buy and sell clothing and accessories.
Poshmark requires a seller account. Bonanza: Founded in 2007, Bonanza is a shopping destination for everything from home decor to fashion.
It’s known for its low selling fees compared to other platforms. Bonanza requires a seller account.
Chairish: Founded in 2013, Chairish is an online marketplace for vintage and pre-owned home decor. It’s a great platform for those looking to sell unique furniture and accessories.
Chairish requires a seller account. Facebook Marketplace: Launched in 2016, Facebook Marketplace is a platform for buying and selling goods within your local community.
It’s a great option for selling items quickly and easily. You’ll need a Facebook account to use Marketplace.
Craigslist: Founded in 1995, Craigslist is a classified ads platform that’s been around for over two decades. It’s a popular option for selling items locally and quickly.
Craigslist doesn’t require an account, but you’ll need to create a post for your item listing.
Fees and Requirements
Each online marketplace has different fees and requirements to sell items. Here’s a breakdown:
eBay: eBay charges an insertion fee (for listing items) and a final value fee (for selling items).
Insertion fees are free for the first 50 listings per month, and 35 cents for each additional listing. Final value fees are 10% of the final sale price, up to $750.
eBay also offers different seller plans, including a basic and premium plan. Premium plans offer more perks, such as lower fees and access to more data.
Amazon: Amazon charges a professional seller account fee of $39.99 per month, plus a referral fee (calculated as a percentage of the sale price) and a variable closing fee (for media products). Referral fees range from 6% to 45%, while closing fees range from $0.45 to $1.35.
There are also additional fees for certain categories, such as jewelry and watches. Etsy: Etsy charges a transaction fee (5% of the total sale price, including shipping costs) and a payment processing fee (3% + $0.25 per transaction).
It also charges a $0.20 listing fee per item. Etsy also requires sellers to comply with laws and intellectual property rights.
Poshmark: Poshmark charges a flat commission fee of $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% commission for sales over $15. There are no listing fees for standard sales, but Poshmark does offer paid features such as promoting your items to more users.
Bonanza: Bonanza charges a final value fee based on the item’s selling price, ranging from 3.5% to 5%. There are also fees for using certain payment methods and listing tool plugins.
Chairish: Chairish charges a commission fee of 20% for items sold for $2,500 or less and 10% for items sold for more than $2,500. It also charges a $1 listing fee per item.
Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is free to use, with no listing or transaction fees. However, be cautious of scams and only accept payments through safe methods like PayPal.
Craigslist: Craigslist is free to use, but it’s important to practice safety measures during in-person exchanges.
Safety Tips for In-person Pickups
When selling items online, in-person pickups may be necessary. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
– Meet in a public place: It’s best to arrange to meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop or a police station parking lot.
Avoid meeting in secluded areas or at your home. – Don’t sell high-value items: If possible, avoid selling high-value items like jewelry or electronics in person.
It’s best to ship them instead. – Take your cellphone: Make sure you have a fully charged cellphone with you in case of an emergency.
– Bring a friend: Consider bringing a friend or family member with you to the pickup. This can help deter any potential dangers or scams.
– Trust your instincts: If something seems off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and don’t proceed with the sale.
Conclusion
Selling items online can be a great way to declutter your home or start a business. By understanding the numerous marketplace options, fees and requirements, and safety tips for in-person pickups, you can successfully sell your items online.
Always remember to prioritize safety when conducting in-person exchanges. Happy selling!
3) Amazon
With over 300 million active users, Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer. It provides sellers with a unique and extensive customer base, along with an efficient and reliable fulfillment system.
In this section, we’ll discuss the account options, item restrictions, and fees associated with selling on Amazon.
Account Options
Amazon offers two types of seller accounts: individual and professional. Individual Account: If you’re planning to sell only a few items per month, an individual account may be the best option for you.
There’s no monthly fee, but you’ll need to pay a 99 cent per-item fee for each item sold. You’ll also have access to limited selling tools and features.
Professional Account: If you’re looking to sell more than 40 items per month, a professional account may be more suitable for you. It costs $39.99 per month, and you’ll have access to advanced selling tools such as inventory management and custom shipping rates.
Professional accounts also allow you to sell in multiple categories and offer volume discounts.
Item Restrictions
Amazon.com has strict policies regarding the types of products that can be sold on its platform. It’s important for sellers to familiarize themselves with these policies to avoid any penalties or suspension of their accounts.
Restricted items include:
– Weapons: Guns, knives, and other weapons are prohibited on Amazon. – Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia: This includes items like drug testing kits and bongs.
– Hazardous materials: Items like gasoline and cleaning products cannot be sold on Amazon. – Alcohol: Sellers need special permission from Amazon to sell alcohol on the platform.
There are also specific guidelines for selling items like food, electronics, and toys. It’s crucial for sellers to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Amazon’s customers.
Fees
Amazon charges various fees for selling on its platform, including:
– Per-item fee: If you’re using an individual account, you’ll need to pay a 99 cent per-item fee for each item sold. Professional accounts don’t have a per-item fee, but they have a monthly subscription fee of $39.99.
– Referral fee: Amazon charges a referral fee for each item sold, which is a percentage of the sale price. Referral fees vary by category but typically range from 6% to 45%.
– Additional selling fees: Depending on the type of item being sold, other fees may apply. For example, media products like books and DVDs have a variable closing fee, while jewelry has a per-item fee.
– Advanced selling tools: Professional accounts offer advanced selling tools such as custom shipping rates and inventory management for an additional monthly fee.
4) Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. It’s a great platform for crafty individuals or those looking to sell vintage goods.
In this section, we’ll discuss selling handmade and vintage items on Etsy, as well as the fees associated with using the platform.
Selling Handmade and Vintage Items
If you’re selling handmade items on Etsy, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
– All items must be made by you, the seller. This includes both the design and production of the item.
– Items must be unique and not mass-produced. – You must accurately represent your items in your listing descriptions and photos.
If you’re selling vintage items on Etsy, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
– Items must be at least 20 years old. – Items must be accurately described in your listing, including any flaws or wear and tear.
– You cannot sell items that have been reproduced, such as vintage-inspired clothing or accessories.
Fees
Etsy charges two primary fees for selling on its platform:
– Listing Fee: The basic listing fee is 20 cents per item and lasts for four months. This means that you’ll need to renew your listing after four months if the item hasn’t sold.
– Transaction Fee: When an item sells, Etsy charges a transaction fee of 5% of the sale price, which includes the cost of shipping. If you’re using Etsy Payments, there’s an additional payment processing fee of 3% + $0.25 per transaction.
Etsy also offers additional features and services, such as advertising and promoted listings, for an additional fee.
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon and Etsy can be a great way to reach a large audience and turn a profit from your handmade or vintage items. By understanding the account options, item restrictions, and fees associated with each platform, you can make informed decisions about which platform is best for you.
5) Poshmark
Poshmark is a social marketplace that provides users with an easy and fun way to buy and sell clothing items. With millions of active users and a focus on fashion, Poshmark is a great platform for those looking to sell their gently used clothes and accessories.
In this section, we’ll discuss selling clothing items on Poshmark, as well as the fees associated with using the platform.
Selling Clothing Items
When selling clothing items on Poshmark, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to price items according to their resale value.
While you may have paid full price for an item, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to sell it for the same amount. Consider the condition of the item, its brand, and its popularity when deciding on a price.
It’s also important to accurately describe the item in your listing and provide clear photos. This not only helps potential buyers make informed decisions about their purchase but also helps to avoid any disputes or returns.
Fees
Poshmark charges a commission fee for each item sold, which is deducted from the sale price. The fees are as follows:
– $2.95 fee for items under $15
– 20% fee for items that sell for $15 or more
Poshmark does not charge any fees for listing items, making it a convenient and low-risk platform for sellers.
However, it’s important to note that the commission fee can add up, especially for higher-priced items. It’s important to factor this into your pricing strategy.
6) Bonanza
Bonanza is a seller-centric site that describes itself as an online shopping mall. It offers a wide range of categories, from fashion to home decor, making it a great option for those looking to start an online shop.
In this section, we’ll discuss starting an online shop on Bonanza, as well as the fees associated with using the platform.
Starting an Online Shop
Starting an online shop on Bonanza is straightforward and easy. Simply sign up for a seller account, create your shop page, and start listing items.
Bonanza offers several features to help sellers optimize their shops, including search engine optimization (SEO) tools and social media integrations. One unique feature of Bonanza is its integration with other marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon.
This means that if you’re already selling on these platforms, you can easily import your listings to Bonanza.
Fees
Bonanza has a unique fee structure that sets it apart from other online marketplaces. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
– No listing or monthly store fees: Unlike other platforms, Bonanza doesn’t charge any fees for listing items or maintaining a store.
– 25-cent transaction fee: When an item sells, Bonanza charges a flat 25-cent transaction fee. This fee is waived if the buyer pays using PayPal.
– 3.5% final value fee: Bonanza charges a final value fee on each sale, which is calculated as a percentage of the sale price. The final value fee ranges from 3.5% to 5%, depending on the sale price.
– Flat 1.5% fee for items over $1,000: For items sold for over $1,000, Bonanza charges a flat 1.5% fee. Bonanza’s fee structure is designed to be simple and transparent, allowing sellers to focus on their businesses rather than complex fee calculations.
Conclusion
Selling clothing items on Poshmark and starting an online shop on Bonanza can be great ways to make money online. By understanding the best practices for selling on these platforms and the associated fees, you can maximize your profits and grow your business.
7) Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a free and convenient platform for buying and selling items locally. It allows users to browse and purchase items from their community members, as well as post their own items for sale.
In this section, we’ll discuss selling online for free on Facebook Marketplace, eligible items, and safety tips for in-person pickups.
Selling Online for Free
One of the biggest advantages of selling on Facebook Marketplace is that standard selling fees are waived, making it a free platform for sellers. Instead, Facebook charges a 5% selling fee per shipment, with a minimum fee of 40 cents for shipments totaling $8 or less.
This fee is deducted from the seller’s payout. It’s important to note that Facebook Marketplace is not designed for businesses with high-volume sales.
It’s more suitable for individuals selling items that they no longer need or want.
Eligible Items
Facebook Marketplace allows users to sell a wide variety of items, including:
– Clothing and accessories
– Furniture and home decor
– Electronics and appliances
– Vehicles and auto parts
– Sporting goods and outdoor gear
– Toys and games
– Books and media
It’s important to ensure that the items being sold meet Facebook’s policies and community standards, which prohibit the sale of items like illegal drugs, firearms, and counterfeit goods.
Safety Tips for In-person Pickups
When selling items on Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to prioritize safety during in-person pickups. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
– Meet in a public place: Arrange to meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop or a shopping center parking lot.
– Bring a friend: Consider bringing a friend or family member with you to the pickup. This can help deter any potential dangers or scams.
– Trust your instincts: If something seems off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and don’t proceed with the sale. – Cell phone: Bring a fully-charged cellphone with you in case of emergency.