Listing your items takes time and effort — here ’s how to know when you ’re likely to make a profit .
BHG / Meg MacDonald
Doing aspring clean outdeclutters your household and mind — and can even earn you a little extra cash if you desire to put in the crusade . near news : The secondhand market is hot than ever .

Credit:BHG / Meg MacDonald
“ The resale market place is explode vis a vis traditional retail , which is lagging , " say Sally Schwartz , founder ofRandolph Market , a large old geezer and vintage market in Chicago . " Thrifting is a big word amongst the youthful multiplication . They enjoy shopping this direction . ”
But while wandering throughthrift storeslooking for hidden gems can be fun , selling can feel intimidating for most citizenry . From trying to figure out what and where to deal and how to price your items , there are a lot of logistics to cover . Schwartz has years of experience with the resale grocery store , and she share some of her best tips on which items get a astonishingly good price and precisely how to go about making the most of selling .
If you ’re quick to turn some of your unused trinkets into a trivial treasure , record on for a step - by - step guide to on what to sell once you ’re done with your spring cleanup .
What items are worth selling second hand?
Not too amazingly , designer fashion and purse and timeless hardwood furniture can make you a niceprofit on the resale market(provided they ’re in good condition , of course ) . You should also consider listing jewellery ( particularly vintage ) and big - just the ticket item like newer TVs or video game consoles .
But it ’s not justantiquesor gamy - remnant item that are guaranteed marketer : Schwartz says tools , pocket-sized tables , leather goods , fabric bolts , pairs of lamp and collectible items tend to have time value . Well - kept memorabilia , like mint - shape coffee table books , and ephemeron such as show program , old boob tube guides , sport tickets , movie posters , and comic book are democratic with collector .
Another surprising place you’re able to take care to make a bit of money , according to Schwartz : your detritus draftsman !
“ The change in your junk drawer and former letters in envelopes with stamp stamps may have gatherer appeal , " she says .
How should you price your items?
To get start with an item of which you ’re shy of the economic value , Schwartz suggests you " go to eBay , put in the item verbal description , and wait for recent sales price for similar or same token . "
Also remember that item matter — the more specific you’re able to be with your itemisation , the better you’re able to price your belongings .
“ count for signature on art glass and ceramic , " Schwartz says . " Some point may storm you — they can look like a routine vase but have aRookwood Pottery stampon the bottom . ”
A small online research can tell you if you have something average or extraordinary . But while the internet can provide a riches of entropy , there are multiplication when you should consider bringing in an expert .
“ When you have what you think are authoritative workplace of art , jewelry , or article of furniture , an appraiser is well deserving their hourly charge per unit if you remember you have items of value , " Schwartz suppose . " They also can valuate what is actual versus fakes . ”
Where’s the best place to sell your items?
Once you ’ve figured out the near time value for your items , the final step ismaking the cut-rate sale . The number of choice for where to sell can sense overwhelming , and there is n’t only one right topographic point .
“ I will always urge for onsite merchandising at an ex market like Randolph or at a well - make out antique store , " Schwartz say . " For lesser - price items , I ’d suggest selling through Facebook Marketplace . "
But there ’s one popular channel she ’d give notice you to deflect — and it ’s a bit surprising .
“ Selling on eBay demand proficient savvy to bang how to get maximal visibility via meta tags and the most descriptive , attractive speech , " she says . Also , most users on eBay are looking for sellers with an all-inclusive track record and high vendor ratings — so unless that ’s you , you may require to leave it to the pros .