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.
Places to Sell
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.
