Places to Sell

How to Sell on Craigslist

Craigslist – Step by Step

Create a Craigslist account: Visit the Craigslist website (www.craigslist.org) and click on the “Create a Posting” link in the top-left corner. Follow the instructions to set up your account. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.

Select a location: Choose the specific area where you want to post your ad. Craigslist allows you to select your city or region to target local buyers.

Choose the appropriate category: Determine the most suitable category for your item. Craigslist offers various categories such as “For Sale,” “Electronics,” “Furniture,” etc. Select the one that best matches your item.

Compose your ad: Write a descriptive and compelling title for your listing. Be specific and include relevant keywords. In the ad description, provide accurate details about the item, its condition, any notable features, and the price. Include contact information (email or phone number) for potential buyers to reach you.

Set a fair price: Research similar items on Craigslist to get an idea of the market value. Consider the item’s condition, age, and any additional accessories. Set a competitive but realistic price. I price a bit high, so when they “haggle”, I can come down a bit and it’s a win-win situation.

Choose the posting type: Craigslist offers several posting options, such as “For Sale by Owner” or “Dealer.” Select the appropriate option based on your situation.

Add photos: Upload the photos you took earlier to accompany your ad. Good-quality images can attract more potential buyers. You may add up to 24 photos! I take photos from all angles as well as close-ups of any flaws and markings!

Review and publish: Double-check your ad for any errors or missing information. Ensure that your contact details are correct. Once you’re satisfied, click on the “Publish” or “Post” button to make your listing live.

Manage inquiries: Keep an eye on your email or phone for responses from interested buyers. Respond promptly and provide additional information or arrange a meeting if necessary.

Arrange a safe meeting place: If you decide to meet potential buyers in person, choose a public location such as a coffee shop or a shopping mall. Bring a friend or family member along for added safety. I personally use the corner where our local Whole Foods Market is located. It is a very public spot with lots of people all around. I have also heard of some people using the address of their local Police Department as their meeting point. That’s self-explanatory!

Complete the transaction: Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on the price, arrange the payment method and finalize the sale. For higher-priced items, consider meeting at a bank to conduct the transaction or use a secure payment platform.

Remember to exercise caution when dealing with potential buyers and trust your instincts. Be mindful of scams and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown individuals.

What to Sell on Craigslist

Here are some of the easiest items to sell on Craigslist:

Furniture
Electronics
Cars
Clothing
Toys
Sporting goods
Home appliances
Books
Musical instruments

Some Possible Pitfalls of Craigslist

There are a few pitfalls or negative things about selling on Craigslist. These include:

Scammers. Craigslist is a popular platform for scammers, so it’s important to be aware of the risks. Some common scams include:

Fake checks: The scammer will send you a check for more than the agreed-upon price, and then ask you to wire them the difference. The check will eventually bounce, and you’ll be out of the money.

Overpayment scams: The scammer will offer to pay you more than the agreed-upon price, and then ask you to send them the difference via wire transfer or gift card. Once you send the money, they’ll disappear.

In-person scams: The scammer will meet you in person to buy the item, but then they’ll either try to rob you or they’ll claim that the item is damaged and refuse to pay.

Lowball offers. It’s not uncommon to receive lowball offers on Craigslist. If you’re not willing to negotiate, you may have to pass on these offers.

Time-consuming. It can take some time to sell an item on Craigslist. You may have to post your ad multiple times and respond to a lot of inquiries before you find a buyer.

Risk of theft. If you meet a buyer in person to sell an item, there’s always a risk that they could steal the item from you. It’s important to meet in a public place and to be aware of your surroundings.

Despite these risks, Craigslist can be a great way to sell unwanted items. Just be sure to take precautions to protect yourself and your property.

Tips to Avoid Scams

Here are some tips to help you avoid scams on Craigslist:

Never wire money or send gift cards. This is a sure sign of a scam.
Meet in a public place. This will help to protect you from theft.
Bring a friend or family member with you. This will make you feel safer and it will also be a witness if anything goes wrong.
Inspect the item carefully before you hand over the cash. Make sure that the item is in the condition that was advertised.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if you feel uncomfortable. You don’t have to do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with.
If you still aren’t sure, literally copy the text or email message the potential buyer sent you and paste it into Google. It will show up as a “scam threat” if others have had a similar message. This has worked many times for me.
If they want to pay you more money than you are asking and want their movers to come to pick it up, STOP the engagement and delete, report them, and move on.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from scams on Craigslist.

Can I Make Good Money Selling on Craigslist?

Yes, it is possible to make good money by selling on Craigslist. Many people have successfully used Craigslist as a platform to sell items and generate income. However, the level of success and profitability can vary depending on various factors such as the type of items being sold, their condition, the demand for those items in your area, and your pricing strategy.

Here are a few factors that can contribute to making good money on Craigslist:

In-demand items: Selling popular or sought-after items on Craigslist can increase your chances of making good money. Items such as electronics, furniture, appliances, collectibles, and unique items tend to attract more potential buyers.
Competitive pricing: Setting a reasonable and competitive price for your items can help attract buyers and increase the likelihood of a sale. Researching similar items on Craigslist and other online marketplaces can give you an idea of the market value and help you price your items appropriately.
High-quality listings: Creating well-written, detailed, and visually appealing listings can make your items stand out and attract more potential buyers. Include clear photos from different angles and provide accurate and comprehensive descriptions of the items you are selling.
Regularly posting new listings: Consistently posting new listings on Craigslist can increase your visibility and reach a larger audience. By regularly adding fresh items to sell, you can maintain a steady flow of potential buyers and increase your chances of making sales.
Effective communication and customer service: Responding promptly to inquiries, being courteous, and providing excellent customer service can help build a positive reputation as a seller on Craigslist. Satisfied buyers may be more likely to recommend you to others or become repeat customers.

It’s important to note that success on Craigslist may vary depending on your location, competition, and specific market conditions. It’s advisable to do thorough research, experiment with different strategies, and adapt to the dynamics of your local Craigslist community to maximize your earning potential.

Can I Report Scammers Directly to Craigslist?

Yes, you can report scammers to Craigslist. Craigslist takes scams and fraudulent activities seriously and provides mechanisms for users to report such incidents. Here’s how you can report scammers on Craigslist:

Identify the scam: If you encounter a suspicious or fraudulent listing or come across a scammer while using Craigslist, gather as much information as possible about the scam. This can include the ad details, email conversations, phone numbers, or any other evidence that can help substantiate your report.
Contact Craigslist: Visit the Craigslist website and go to the “Help” or “Contact Us” section. Look for information on reporting scams or fraudulent activity. Craigslist provides guidelines and specific email addresses for reporting scams in different countries and regions.
Compose a report: Write a detailed report outlining the scam or fraudulent activity you have encountered. Provide all the relevant information you collected in Step 1, such as the scammer’s contact details, the fraudulent listing URL, or any other pertinent details. Be as specific and clear as possible in describing the scam to assist Craigslist in its investigation.
Attach evidence: If you have any supporting evidence, such as screenshots, email exchanges, or other documents, attach them to your report. This can strengthen your case and provide more context to Craigslist’s team.
Submit the report: Send the report to the appropriate email address provided by Craigslist for reporting scams. Make sure to follow any specific instructions or guidelines mentioned on the website to ensure that your report reaches the right department for investigation.
Additional steps: Depending on the severity of the scam or fraudulent activity, you may also want to consider reporting the incident to your local law enforcement authorities or other relevant consumer protection agencies. They can further investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Remember, reporting scams and fraudulent activities helps protect other users from falling victim to similar scams. By promptly reporting such incidents, you contribute to maintaining the integrity and safety of the Craigslist community.

A Well Known Craigslist Scam

Yes, there is a well-known Craigslist scam that involves the scammer offering to pay you $50 extra for their movers to come to get the item. This is a scam because the scammer will never send you the money for the movers. They will simply take your item and disappear.

Here’s how the scam works:

You post an ad on Craigslist selling an item.
A scammer contacts you and expresses interest in buying the item.
The scammer offers to pay you more than the asking price and then asks you to send the extra money to their movers.
You send the money to the movers, but the movers never show up.
The scammer disappears with your item and your money.

Here are some red flags that indicate that you’re dealing with a scam:

The scammer is offering to pay you more than the asking price.
The scammer asks you to send the extra money to their movers.
The scammer is not willing to meet in person.
The scammer’s email address or phone number is from a foreign country.

If you receive an offer like this, it’s best to just ignore it. Don’t send any money to the movers, and don’t give out your personal information.

Here are some tips to help you avoid this scam:

Never send money to someone you don’t know.
Meet in a public place.
Bring a friend or family member with you.
Inspect the item carefully before you hand over the cash.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if you feel uncomfortable.
I reply, CASH ONLY – IN PERSON deal only!

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from this scam.

How Long Does My Craigslist Post Last?

The duration of your Craigslist listing will depend on whether it is a paid or free listing and the category of the listing.

Here is a table that shows the lifespan of Craigslist listings:

History of Craigslist

Craigslist was founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark, a software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Newmark started the site as an email distribution list to friends, featuring local events in the area. The list quickly grew in popularity, and Newmark decided to make it a web-based service in 1996.

Craigslist initially focused on classified ads for jobs, housing, and events. However, it soon expanded to include a wide variety of other categories, such as for sale, services, gigs, and personals. Craigslist quickly became one of the most popular websites in the world, with millions of users every month.

In 2000, Craigslist was incorporated as a private for-profit company. However, it has remained committed to its original mission of providing a free and open platform for classified ads. Craigslist does not charge for most listings, and it does not sell user data.

Craigslist has been praised for its simplicity and its commitment to free speech. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of moderation. Craigslist has been accused of being a haven for spam, scams, and illegal activity.

Despite these criticisms, Craigslist remains one of the most popular websites in the world. It is a valuable resource for people looking for jobs, housing, and other goods and services. Craigslist has also been credited with helping to revitalize local economies.

Here are some of the key milestones in the history of Craigslist:

1995: Craigslist is founded by Craig Newmark.
1996: Craigslist becomes a web-based service.
2000: Craigslist incorporates as a private for-profit company.
2004: Craigslist expands to international markets.
2010: Craigslist launches its first mobile app.
2017: Craigslist introduces a new design for its website.

Craigslist is still going strong today, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It is a valuable resource for people all over the world, and it continues to be a pioneer in the online classifieds market.

How Does Craigslist Make Money?

Craigslist makes money through a few different methods:

Paid listings: Craigslist charges a fee for some listings, such as job postings in major cities and apartment rentals in some markets. The fees vary depending on the category and the location.
Featured listings: Craigslist also offers a paid service called “featured listings,” which allows users to have their listings displayed at the top of the search results. Featured listings are more likely to be seen by potential buyers, so they can be a good way to get your listing noticed.
AdSense: Craigslist also generates revenue through Google AdSense, which is a program that allows websites to display ads from Google. When a user clicks on an ad on Craigslist, Craigslist earns a commission.

Craigslist does not sell user data, and it does not charge for most listings. This is why Craigslist is able to offer its services for free to most users. However, the company does generate enough revenue from its paid listings and AdSense to cover its operating expenses and make a profit.

In 2021, Craigslist was estimated to have generated $500 million in revenue. This is a significant amount of money, but it is still relatively small compared to other online classifieds websites, such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

Craigslist has been criticized for its lack of moderation, which has led to the site being used for spam, scams, and illegal activity. However, the company has defended its approach, arguing that it allows for a free and open platform for classified ads.

How Many Craigs List Transactions Occur?

Craigslist is a widely used online marketplace with millions of users, and it facilitates a significant number of transactions across various categories every day. However, since Craigslist doesn’t publicly disclose its transaction data, it’s challenging to provide specific figures for daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or all-time transactions on the platform.

Common Questions About Using Craigslist

Here are some of the most common questions I get about Craigslist from my clients or people in general.

How do I create an account on Craigslist?

Users often want to know the process of setting up an account on Craigslist to start buying or selling. This question typically arises from new users who are unfamiliar with the platform.

How do I post an ad on Craigslist?

Users may need guidance on how to create a listing for an item they want to sell or how to post an advertisement for a service they provide. Understanding the process of posting an ad is essential for effective use of the platform.

How do I search for items on Craigslist?

Users frequently inquire about the search functionality on Craigslist. They want to know how to find specific items or services within their desired location and how to refine search results using filters or keywords.

Is Craigslist safe to use?

Safety concerns are common among users due to the potential for scams or fraudulent activities on online platforms. Users often ask about safety measures, best practices for meeting with buyers or sellers, and how to avoid scams on Craigslist.

How do I contact a seller or buyer on Craigslist?

Users may have questions about how to initiate contact with someone who posted an item or service on Craigslist. They seek guidance on communication methods, preferred contact information, and etiquette for negotiating or finalizing transactions.

These questions are just a few examples, and there may be other inquiries related to specific features, policies, or troubleshooting on Craigslist. It’s always recommended to refer to the official Craigslist website or seek guidance from their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding platform usage.

Show Me the Money

On Craigslist, the specific method of money exchange can vary depending on the agreement between the buyer and the seller. Here are a few common methods used for money exchange on Craigslist:

In-person cash transaction: This is the most common method of payment on Craigslist. The buyer and seller meet in person at a mutually agreed-upon location, such as a public place, and the buyer pays the seller in cash. Both parties should exercise caution and meet in a safe, public location for the transaction.
Bank transfer or electronic payment: Some buyers and sellers may choose to use electronic payment methods for transactions. This can include bank transfers, payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, or other digital payment services. The buyer sends the payment electronically to the seller’s account, and upon confirmation of the payment, the seller releases the item.
Money order or cashier’s check: In certain cases, buyers may opt to use money orders or cashier’s checks for payment. However, it’s important to exercise caution with these methods as counterfeit or fraudulent money orders and checks can be an issue. Ensure the payment is legitimate and verified before completing the transaction.

It’s worth noting that Craigslist recommends conducting transactions locally and face-to-face whenever possible. This minimizes the risk of scams or fraudulent activities. If a transaction involves shipping or long-distance arrangements, it’s important to take additional precautions and verify the credibility of the buyer or seller before proceeding.

Regardless of the payment method chosen, it’s always advisable to follow general safety guidelines, trust your instincts, and be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar individuals.

Can I Sell Infrequently on Craigslist?

Yes, you can definitely sell infrequently on Craigslist. Craigslist allows users to post listings on an as-needed basis, so there are no strict requirements or limitations on how often you can sell items on the platform.

Whether you have occasional items to sell or simply want to declutter your home from time to time, Craigslist provides a convenient platform to reach potential buyers in your local area. You can create a listing whenever you have an item or service you want to sell and remove the listing once the transaction is completed or if the item is no longer available.

Selling infrequently on Craigslist is a flexible approach that allows you to sell items at your own pace and convenience. You have the freedom to choose when and what you want to sell, depending on your personal needs or circumstances.

Just keep in mind that when you do post listings, it’s important to provide accurate and detailed information about the items, use clear and appealing photos, set a fair price, and promptly respond to inquiries from potential buyers. These practices can help maximize your chances of successful sales, even if you’re selling infrequently.

Benefits of Selling on Craigslist

Some common advantages that users often appreciate about selling and buying on Craigslist:

Benefits of selling on Craigslist:

Local reach: Craigslist focuses on local communities, allowing you to connect with buyers in your area. This can make it easier to arrange in-person transactions and avoid the complexities of shipping or long-distance logistics.
Wide user base: Craigslist has a large user base, which means there is a greater potential for finding interested buyers for your items. The platform attracts a diverse range of users, increasing the chances of selling your items quickly.
Free listings: Craigslist offers free listings for most categories, allowing you to advertise your items without incurring any upfront costs. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re selling lower-value items or if you don’t want to invest in listing fees.
Flexibility in pricing and negotiation: As a seller on Craigslist, you have the flexibility to set your own prices and negotiate with potential buyers directly. This can give you more control over the selling process and the ability to maximize your profits.

Benefits of buying on Craigslist:

Local availability: Craigslist enables you to search for items available in your local area, making it convenient to find and purchase items without the need for shipping or long wait times.
Variety of items: Craigslist offers a wide range of categories and listings, allowing you to find both new and used items at various price points. It’s a platform where you can often discover unique or hard-to-find items that may not be readily available in traditional retail stores.
Potential for cost savings: Buying items on Craigslist can sometimes offer cost savings compared to purchasing from retail stores. Used or second-hand items are often listed at lower prices, and you may have room to negotiate with sellers to secure a good deal.
Direct communication with sellers: Craigslist facilitates direct communication with sellers, allowing you to ask questions, request additional information, and negotiate the terms of the transaction. This direct interaction can provide more transparency and clarity during the buying process.

It’s important to note that experiences on Craigslist can vary, and it’s crucial to exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and use your judgment when engaging in transactions on the platform.

My Best Craiglist Sales

I’ve had a number of sales of over $500 in my long time selling on Craigslist. They include:

A knitting loom
6x cars ( not all mine, mostly for older relatives and a few friends)
Valuable artwork (very large painting from a well-known artist)
LA Laker memorabilia signed by Magic Johnson
Dining Table
Collectible Bicycles
Vintage Electronics: turntable
High-end panels for artwork display
Cameras
Wooden architecture flat files

These were all-cash sales and were picked up by the buyers locally. I was so happy to have more room at home when they moved on! It feels so good!

Can I Really Clean Out My House? Garage? Basement Using Craigslist?

Yes, and there are several advantages to selling on a local marketplace in clearing out your house. These include:

Reaching a wider audience: Local marketplaces are often used by people who are looking for specific items in their area. This means that your listing is more likely to be seen by potential buyers who are interested in what you have to sell.
Getting a better price: Local buyers are often willing to pay more for items that they can see in person and inspect before they buy. This is because they can be sure that the item is in the condition that they expect it to be in.
Convenience: Selling on a local marketplace can be more convenient than selling online. You don’t have to worry about shipping the item, and you can meet the buyer in person to make the sale.
Building relationships: Selling on a local marketplace can also help you to build relationships with other people in your community. This can be beneficial if you are looking to buy or sell other items in the future.

Other Local Marketplaces Besides Craigslist

Here are some of the most popular local marketplaces:

Craigslist: Craigslist is a well-known classifieds website that is used by millions of people all over the world. It is a great option for selling a variety of items, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and more.
Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is a free service that allows you to sell items to people in your local area. You can list items on Facebook Marketplace by creating a listing and uploading photos.
OfferUp: OfferUp is a mobile app that allows you to buy and sell items with people in your local area. You can list items on OfferUp by taking photos and describing the item.
LetGo: LetGo is another mobile app that allows you to buy and sell items with people in your local area. You can list items on LetGo by taking photos and describing the item.

If you are looking to sell items in your local area, I recommend that you try listing them on a local marketplace. These platforms can be a great way to reach a wider audience and get a better price for your items. Check this site for more info on how to sell using the marketplaces listed below Craigslist in the list above!

Good luck with your journey on Craigslist. I like it and use it, but am well aware of the risks. So trust your gut instinct and proceed with caution. There are many, many nice folks out there. You have stuff and those people may just want to buy it from you!

My Maxsold (Downsizing and Estate Sales) Review

What is Maxsold?

Maxsold is an online auction platform with a local pick-up component (no shipping involved), located all over North America. (Here is a list of the locations where Maxsold sales have been!) I have used them successfully four separate times as a reseller and have gained lots of insight of how it all works. This review will be filled with many personal experiences and a case study of my last auction, which just finished June 27, 2020.

Maxsold offers a quick turn around of about two weeks from beginning to end for those who need to downsize in a hurry or run an estate sale and have everything sell! Yes, that is true, most everything does sell!

Two Options of How it Works

You have the option of hiring a local Maxsold team (“Maxsold Managed”) to come to your house or property and sell everything you want them to! They do not “cherry pick” just the valuable stuff, so you can sell everyday household belongings too! The team will catalog and list all your items into lots: gardening stuff, office supplies, artwork, toys, dinnerware, etc. Before they come your job is to separate and take out any personal items that you don’t want to sell. The team will come to your location, take photos, create the listings, manage the pick-up day and do everything else for you too: advertising, communication, bookkeeping and payment collection. They will only need to be in your space two times: one before and one after the sale. Maxsold will then send you your earnings check (less Maxsold fees) in about fourteen days. Done! Easy peasy!

You can set up a “Seller Managed” auction, where you do the on-site work (listing, photographing and pick-up duties) while the online team runs the auction, provides the advertising, manages the buyer communication and collects the payments for you. After the online auction is completed, Maxsold sends the seller a list of buyers and which lot numbers they won, along with winning bid prices. Once the buyer has paid, they receive the exact location address where they will come to pick up their items. They can also select the time slot for pick-up! I have scheduled all my pick-up days for Saturdays, from 10am-2pm on two occasions and from 9am-4pm on the other two occasions. Once the pick-up day is completed, the seller fills out a final report and sends via email it to Maxsold. A paper check will be delivered to the seller (less Maxsold fees) within about fourteen days or so. Boom, you are done!

What Does it Cost?

My four auctions have been all “Seller Managed”. I did all the leg work (listing and pick-up) and chose to sell items from many of my consignors as well as my own inventory, since I am a long time online seller with tons of stuff! A lot of the inventory was slow moving stock from my eBay store and so the lots I created helped me “move” many hundreds of items! Last summer I helped with liquidating a huge sixty-year old estate and my Maxsold sale was made up of kitchen ware, flower arrangements, picture frames, gardening tools, books and books, sporting equipment, sewing supplies, office supplies as well as collectible figurines, artwork and so much more. There was so much stuff to sell, and about 85-90% of the items did in fact sell. I gave the remainder of the items to a local charity in my area.

Take a Look at Past Auctions

One easy way to see what a Maxsold auction looks like is to review a selection of past auctions. They are categorized by city and state location. Click on this link to see past Maxsold auctions. How do so many items sell with Maxsold? The answer is very simple: all bidding begins at $1. Yes, $1. The buyers are excited to jump into the bidding with such low minimum bids, and the sellers are hopeful that it creates lots of interest in their auction items and drive the prices upward!

SELLER WARNING: Some items/lots will indeed sell for $1! So be prepared! Most of the active bidding happens toward the end of the auction, when prices will jump depending on how many bidders are online.

Free to Register As a Bidder

Maxsold is free to register if you intend to bid on an auction. However, you will pay a buyer’s premium (18% of the total invoice) at the end of the sale, which is an accepted practice.

There is also a soft close on Maxsold auctions. A soft close prevents individuals from entering a bid at the very last second before an auction closes with the intent to prevent others from bidding higher. MaxSold has a two-minute soft close policy on each lot.

This means that if a bidder enters a bid within two minutes of the lot’s initial closing time, a two-minute extension would be added on. The lot will not close until bidding is static for two minutes. This practice is common for many auction houses.

Advertising by Maxsold

One very important feature about Maxsold is their ongoing advertising campaigns. They use Facebook, Twitter, EstateSales.net, auctionzip, Craigslist, Pinterest and other sites to advertise your auctions. If more people are reached, then more people may register, bid and win! The Maxsold search engine retrieves all the local auctions by distance, say within an 80-mile distance from the auction’s zip code. From my experience my winning bidders have traveled from as far as two-three hours away from my location in Mill Valley, CA in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“There is always good stuff in Mill Valley”, said one of my most recent bidders. “And you are always always so organized during pick-up, Anne!”

Auction Info

I try to run auctions for a length of seven to ten days (maximum). That gives potential bidders a time to respond to the advertising and to scroll through upcoming and current sales in order to find my auction, and have plenty of time to bid!

Once you have listed everything, either by computer with uploaded digital photos or with the FREE mobile Ninja app for cataloging an online Maxsold auction. There have been many improvements made to the app, which is so quick an easy to use like the ability to upload from your phone’s photo gallery and saving your work at every step.

It’s easy to upload a couple of lots one day and come back to create more the next time you login. Not all your listings have to be made at one time. My last auction took me many months, because we were in the midst of COVID and I knew no auctions were taking place anywhere. I had lot of time to formulate my listings! Click here to see my auction from June 2020!

If you are interested in becoming a seller please use my referral link: ZA7814! You will get $100 off on your fees!

Case Studies of My Maxsold Auctions

As a Top Rated eBay Seller and person who continually “Moves Things Around the Universe”, I heard about Maxsold from a guest named Craig Dawson on Jason Smith’s eBay Thrifty Business YouTube Show back in early 2019. Craig said it was quick, easy and very successful for him because he already wanted to ramp up his own auctions. He had lots of inventory and some of it hadn’t sold in a long time. He turned his frustration into a trial with Maxsold auctions. He formed over one hundred lots, of mostly antique toys and collectibles. He set the launch date, the auction ran, he supervised the pick-up and two weeks later had a nice check for his efforts.

One of my first thoughts was, “I can do that!” That perked my interest mainly because I had a lot of older slow moving inventory sitting around. I wanted to clear our space in my eBay office for new offerings, so I used his referral code and gave it a try! I spoke with Maxsold on the phone and they were very responsive. I filled out the contract and gathered information about the step by step process and within a month I had my first auction ready to roll!

Personal Background: I have been selling eBay since July 6, 1998! Yup 22 years! I’ve received over 10,000 positive feedbacks as a Top Rated Seller over that time! I have sold a ton of stuff! Most of it under $50 for each sale! I have sold on Amazon as an FBA Seller (Fulfilled by Amazon) and as a Merchant Seller (I ship my items sold on Amazon myself to buyer). I have done scores of garage sales locally in Marin County, CA (SF Bay Area). I sell on local marketplaces too including Craig’s List, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and by using old-fashioned Classified Ads back in the day. I also am a long time eBay Education Specialist (eBay’s old term and now defunct program) and have taught hundred’s of folks all about selling on eBay. Fast forward to my reaching new students by offering an online course called “The ABC’s of Selling Online Using eBay” on Udemy.

I sell my own inventory like used tennis balls (for dog owners) and sports equipment to books and movie and music memorabilia. I also sell on consignment for people that are downsizing, moving or just clearing their clutter! I try not to put all my “eggs in one basket” and for that reason I found that Maxsold could enhance my sales by filling a void in the need for inventory reduction and start fresh again with new items to sell!

The biggest benefit for me and my clients are how many individual items I can sell in a week’s time and have it all gone at the end of ten days. Plus receive payment within another fourteen days! Below you will see info about the four sales I have had with Maxsold from a year ago (May 2019) to this past week (June 2020). About half of the items were my from my own inventory and the other half from my consignors. It’s proven to be a load lightening experience. I am sharing personal information on my completed sales below.

Here is the link to my May 2019 Maxsold sale! There is quite a variety of items in this sale: men’s ties, baseball cards and artwork and way more! I sold a total of 79 lots. Here is my final take at the end of it all: $450.81. Better than most of my garage sales!

Here is the link to my August 2019 Maxsold sale! These items were primarily from a family’s estate that hadn’t sold during their estate sale. The event saw 33 registered bidders, with a gross total of approximately $526.61. 72.10% Sold. This sale was not quite as profitable, mainly because my lots were too big. If I had broken them down into smaller lots, I think I would have sold more. Lesson learned. Still, so many things were picked up that it was a win in that department! There was a coupon applied to my profit of $100 which helped as well! The “no sale” was an electric guitar that went unpaid. I relisted in my next Maxsold auction.

Here is the link to my November 2019 Maxsold sale! The weather was changing and garage sale season was coming to an end in the SF Bay Area. I had to get this in quickly because my pick-up location is out of doors and I didn’t want it to rain on my parade! Whew! It didn’t rain! This sale had 89 lots that had bids and was made of up dolls, household items and memorabilia. This time the electric guitar sold for $36 to a nice young man who was so excited to win this Decca vintage instrument! I was very happy for him! This was my least successful sale in terms on profit, but once again, I move so many things on without the shipping hassle of eBay! Another win in my book!

Fast forward to 2020 and I was ready with more inventory to move quickly, mainly to reclaim space in my eBay office. It fills up quickly with all the consignment accounts I have going. The first question to ask yourself is your sale worth at least $300, since that is the bottom line cost for running a “Seller Managed” auction. For this sale, I downloaded the Maxsold mobile app and used the login info provided by Maxsold.

I worked on it slowly in the beginning of the new year and then COVID hit, so I stopped temporarily. With some friendly email reminders and a few supportive phone calls from the Maxsold staff, I resumed my cataloging and got back to work on my latest auction.

Once things started to re-open in California and I did the Covid training for “Seller Managed” auctions about social distancing and spacing pick-up times. I am lucky to have an outdoor pick-up spot, near my eBay office as you can see from the photo below. Notice the hand sanitizer and wipes ready to go! Also, I sorted the lots by winning bidder and labels on all of them to check and double check that all the items were present. I use lots of old boxes and bags to gather the lots up, though it is suggested by Maxsold that buyers bring their own container for pick-up.

I am waiting for my final talleys on sales and fees, which I will add to this post once they are ready. You will see that I had one hundred lots sell and there were 34 winning bidders. Many bidders are successful on multiple lots! Here is the link to my June 2020 Maxsold auction.

This sale had many bags of Legos, power tools, toys, artwork and other assorted items. So many items were pick-up that didn’t go into the landfill and I made more space in my eBay for new consignments and inventory for future sales. My sale grossed a total of approximately $626.10. 83.20% Sold. I was happy even if I have yet to reach the $1000 mark in sales, which would be nice.

My June 2020 Maxsold Sale

Maxsold Buyers Are Very Nice!

One of the best part about meeting the people who win my auction items is that I find them incredibly nice. They come from far and wide: Monterrey, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco and towns in Marin County too! They are very happy to get the deals they do! AND I am so happy that they pick it up, all in one day!

With the Covid rules in place, there were specific time slots for pick-up which actually was a good thing, so I new who to expect next. Some folks arrived early, which was fine, since all the items were labeled by person and ready to go in my alley way. I enjoy asking if they were resellers or just collectors and possibly both! Many of my buyers are now repeat buyers and remember my location as being an easy one to access for pick-up.

At the end of the day, all but two items were picked up, which I reported on my end of sale report to Maxsold. I will be seeing my check in about fourteen days. It is usually delivered by DHL envelope to my front door.

New Contract

As a repeat seller, I always look ahead to the next possible window for my next Maxsold sale and will sign a new contract very soon. I hope to have it in the Fall of 2020. No doubt with all my consignor clients, I will have plenty of inventory to lot up and put into a new auction. I think that having more lots, hopefully a little higher dollar value will bring in a larger profit for me. That’s my next goal, since my first four sales were about liquidating and moving a volume of items.

I have not posted very valuable or expensive items because I am frankly worried that the $1 starting bid will not bring me top dollar necessarily. I have heard from Maxsold that people often sell cars for thousands of dollars, again with a $1 opening bid. I’m a bit more chicken!

What Sells?

The short answer: most everything. The long answer: it will depend on timing and your audience. All I can say is that with Maxsold it really is a buyer’s market. The audience, while growing, is still limited to people who scroll through the local listings and are available to be there in person for the pick-up.

Many buyers are re-sellers themselves. Others bid and purchase to help others. One of my buyers, finds all the sleeping bags and camping equipment she can and donates to some Native American groups in the West. Other buyers find deals for themselves: perhaps bulk material for sewing and arts and crafts projects, or teachers buying things for their classrooms. Check out this video about how Mari Nicolson creates beautiful art from the discarded belongings featured on the Maxsold website.

It is a mixed bag and also diverse reasons for buying. Get your creative juices flowing with the possibility of re purposing items you may find on Maxsold. Click here to watch a Maxsold video webinar with Serena Appiah from Thrift Diving and be inspired!

So if you know your market is mixed, then try to sell an assortment of items. Usual items from estate sales do just fine: mirrors and artwork and kitchen equipment and tools from the workshop. Whatever you have, it probably will sell. Usual sells as well as lots of DVD’s and CD’s! Here is a link to the Maxsold website “The 10 Weirdest Things That You Can Find at An Estate Sale”.

Don’t forget to check out their YouTube videos on everything Maxsold!

Here is the link to their page.

Maxsold Selling Points

Less than a week after my sale was completed I received an email from the Maxsold staff with a tracking number and carrier info on when my check will arrive.

Here is some info from that email that I liked a lot!

“By selling through MaxSold you have made an environmentally responsible
decision to reduce your carbon footprint by extending the useful life of
your things.

Because all our goods are bought and sold locally, you have helped eliminate
the carbon footprint associated with packing material and shipping
emissions.

A big thank you from your entire local team as well as your support for
hiring MaxSold.”

Recap

Pluses

Almost everything will sell in a Maxsold sale
Online auction rather than in person sale
All items begin with a low $1 minimum bid (good for buyers)
No shipping required – local pick-up only
So awesome for selling furniture or larger, bulky items that frankly require local pick-up! Buyers come to you!
The Maxsold team provides very good communication via email and phone, especially for sellers!
Maxsold auctions can be a great tool for huge inventory reduction!
Any profit is a good one!
The Maxsold Seller App is easy to use and upload
Maxsold website has a bunch of educational tips and tricks from the pros on their website
The auctions use a “soft close” which can extend the auction time to create more bidding and increase price (good for sellers)
The online auctions are FREE to register
Great opportunities in sourcing new inventory as a reseller! (Check out info for resellers by watching 2 Maxsold videos)
Competition with other online buyers can be low, depending on auction sites and lots available
The start to finish time is short (10 days) for Maxsold Managed Sales – and they do all the work!
Maxsold handles the advertising and you can promote in your own circles too!
Buyers are very nice!
If you have an actual storefront and use for pick-up, you may increase your customer base with return buyers!
Payment at end of process is received within 14 days of pick-up day
Maxsold really works!
Sky’s the limit on profits depending on what you are selling!
It is possible to make money as a referral seller!
Great option to create one’s own sale OR have Maxsold manage the whole process

(Here is my personal code for you to save using Maxsold!:

Referral link – ZA7814! You will get $100 off on your fees!)

Minuses

Items can actually sell for the low starting bid of $1 (not good for sellers)
The $300 or 30% fee (which ever is greater) is rather steep if you don’t have high priced items
Communication with buyers can only be done through Maxsold customer service
Setting up lots for sale is a bit hit-and-miss until a good balance is made for what to put in each lot and how big a lot!
Buyers may be stuck with some items in the lot they don’t really desire
Using the online spreadsheet is a bit more cumbersome than the mobile app for setting up a “Seller Managed” auction
A pick-up day can be a long one, unless a seller can pair down the time frame, say 10am-2pm rather than 9am-4pm
As a buyer if you aren’t able to pick-up, you may forfeit your purchase (please let Maxsold know of any issues)
Buyers are limited to geographic region only, for example SF Bay Area for me because of local pick-up only
Getting past the fear of jumping in and giving Maxsold a try
Final profits may not be as high as a seller may have hoped for
Putting lots together can take a bit of time and one must be organized to run a “Seller Managed” sale including writing fair and honest descriptions and taking in-focus photos are a must
Though typical, buyers pay an 18% Buyer’s Premium on their total invoice
Once a seller “locks in their sale”, there is a $50 fee to make changes, so be certain when submitting!

As an online seller I find using many different platforms for re-selling and possibly sourcing for items to resell in crucial in my business. I recommend using Maxsold in the mix of other sites like eBay, Poshmark, Craig’s List and others. Maxsold is unique in its concept and plan for folks to downsize, have an estate sale and do it as profitably as possible. Without having the headache of shipping and using local pick-up as the way to “move things around the universe”, I have been very happy with the four sales I’ve had and self-managed to date.

If running a sale yourself it too much, Maxsold offers the option of having them do the whole kit ‘n caboodle! Either way, there is a solution for you to get rid of unwanted items/clutter/valuables and make some money at the same time. I call using a Maxsold a win/win! Here is a link to a report filled with testimonials and other helpful insights from Maxsold customers.

On my scale of the “Z” Rating with 5 being the highest and 1 the lowest, I give Maxsold a solid 5 ZZZZZ’s for all that it offers sellers/businesses.

5 "Z" Rating from Anne Z.

Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you may have, no matter where you live or where you are in the process of wanting to sell or just plain ‘ole get rid of stuff! I hope this review has been helpful and I would love to read your thoughts and comments down below! Here is a link to Maxsold’s FAQs where you can find more selling information that may help you in the future!

If you or someone you know may be interested, please use my referral link and you will get $100 off your fees on your first completed sale.

(Here is my personal code for you to save using Maxsold!:

Referral link – ZA7814! You will get $100 off on your fees!)

eBay Tip #6 – What Should I Sell?

What should I sell is a question I get all the time from new online sellers.

Here are some ideas of how to narrow it down.

Are You Trying to De Clutter?

If so, then the items you no longer need is a great place to start. ====>

If the item can fit into an average sized box, then eBay may be your answer. You have the choice of using your own box or one that comes free from USPS.

Is the item heavy, but can fit into one of USPS’s flat rate boxes, then the shipping cost will be very easy to calculate and will ship to anywhere in the USA for the same exact cost. International rates will be higher.

The boxes are free and can be ordered online from USPS.

Small Flat Rate

There is the small flat rate box (5 3/8″ x 8 3/8″ x 1 1/4″) which will fit three stacked DVD cases and costs a reasonable $7.50. It’s perfect for jewelry or electronics or other small sized items.

Medium Flat Rate

The medium flat rate box is 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5″ and comes in a top loading or side loading style. Perfect for a lot of heavy magazines or books. One rate for delivery anywhere in the US up to seventy pounds. If you use eBay to ship, with seller discounts it will ship for $12.80 (as of today 1/6/2020).

Large Flat Rate

Large flat rate has a box that fits a large board game or what ever fits. One of USPS’s sayings “If it fits, it ships” is true for all the flat rate boxes. The large flat rate box comes in two sizes and can be ordered online: board game (23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″) or the top loading style (12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″). I personally use this size box when I ship “dead” or old, used tennis balls to buyers (for their dogs!). No matter where they get shipped the cost is predetermined ($17.60 as of 1/6/2020).

Some Selling Ideas

Items to sell in the de-clutter mode:

Clothing
Shoes
Dinnerware
DVD’s
CD’s
Record Albums
Books
Household item from the kitchen, bathroom, living room, play room, etc.
Sporting Equipment
Gardening tools
Electronics
Games
Jewelry
Toys

The list goes on and on. Do a quick search in the “search” tool bar on eBay to see if your items show up. There is a market for almost anything you can think of. Be creative. By selling on eBay you are trying to find a new home for your item and keep it out of the landfill for just a bit longer.

Flat Rate Padded Envelope

One of my favorite ways to ship many items from the list above is in a Flat Rate Padded Envelope. It provides a good value in the shipping cost area and will fit and protect many of the items you may sell. The size is generous (9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″) and costs $7.55 at present time (1/6/2020). They can not be found in most Post Office lobbies, so it’s best to order online. It’s very nice to have free supplies at your fingertips for selling online.

If you have collectibles, then eBay is one of your best bets in selling online. You can consider Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Craig’s List. Click here to see a more detailed list of available sites. I will be reviewing them in the next few weeks and months, so you can make educated decisions on where your items will sell best.

Donation?

If you are unable to sell online and still would like to de-clutter, think of local charities who accept donations. I use a couple places in my town and my primary donation site is Goodwill. It happens to be located in the parking lot of my grocery store, so I can multi-task on shopping days and help others at the same time.

Keep an eye out for more posts on this website about what to sell. With over twenty years experience of selling online, I’ve seen the trends change and cycle up and down. I will also be posting about things that don’t sell well.

Recap

Tip #6

If you want to find items to sell, look no further than your own stuff. It might be time to de-clutter or Marie Kondo it, if it no longer gives you joy!

Task: Find a couple pieces of clothing you no longer wear or doesn’t fit
Goal: Pick a marketplace to sell and give it a whirl!

If you have already been selling on eBay or other marketplaces, what have you had successes in selling? Please share and comment below.