I recently moved, rented out my house, and joined homes with J. This means that we have two of pretty much everything. With a wedding to pay for, and student loans always on my back, I knew I wanted to sell what I could and donate the rest. This meant I spent a decent amount of time at Half Priced Books and Runway Fashion Exchange. For the bigger items, I listed them on Offer Up. Any money I received went into our wedding bank account.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
I learned a few important lessons about selling on Offer Up, and wanted to share them with you today.
1) Be Patient
One thing I noticed about Offer Up that is different than Craigslist is that your post lives on for a lot longer. On Craigslist, after a certain period of time, your post disappears. It’s important to refresh your post or post more frequently. However, on Offer Up, your post from 6 months ago could show up on someone’s search. When I didn’t get an immediate response on some of my items, I became disappointed.
I donated or gave away some of the items, and moved the rest. I didn’t realize I’d need to remove the listing on Offer Up. Weeks after moving, I was still receiving offers and questions about items I’d posted. It was a little disappointing to know that I could have still sold that kitchen cart for $30, or that desk chair for $10. But at the same time, I’m glad I learned that patience pays off for anything I list in the future.
2) Answer Questions Promptly
People don’t want to wait around. They’re on the hunt for the perfect item, and it’s important that they find out the answers to their questions right away, or they may buy from someone else.
3) Be Flexible and Expect Cancellations
Everyone else has a life too. And if they’re on Offer Up (or Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace) looking for a deal on a new dresser, they’re probably looking to maximize their savings just as much as you’re looking to maximize your profit. People will make plans and then need to reschedule. People will make plans and then cancel entirely. Just be glad you didn’t waste time getting stood up, and move on with your day. See #1.
4) Clean and Spruce Up Your Items
Your dusty end tables won’t earn you as much side income as your freshly wiped-down end table. And if there’s an outdated drawer pull on it, expect to settle. However, a quick wipe down, and maybe even an inexpensive new drawer pull will increase the value of your item and put more money in your pocket!
5) Sell in Lots
One of the most surprising “quick seller” items I had was a lot of Christian music CDs. I sold about 30 Christian music CDs that I’d been moving for the last 5-15 years with me. They’re all in my iTunes, and even if my iTunes crashed one day, I’m sure I wouldn’t sit around re-loading them because my computer doesn’t even have a disc drive! Plus, I pay for Spotify premium ($9.99/month) and pretty much the only time I listen to my own music is when I’m on a road trip through a rural area.
A man responded to my posting who was headed on a missions trip and received a last minute request for popular Christian music in English. I tried giving him the CDs for free, but he insisted on paying. It felt really amazing to know that those CDs I’ve lugged around for a long time would bless people across the globe, AND added $15 to our wedding fund.
Have you had luck selling your stuff on Offer Up? Do you have any additional tips to share? What was your best sale/find on a second-hand site?!
19 Comments
Brianna Mace
September 5, 2017 at 3:51 pmGreat advice! I have also used Offer Up to sell a few things.
Brianna Mace recently posted…My review on Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things
Brittany
September 5, 2017 at 10:00 pmAwesome! Do you have any more tips than these?
Kori Evans
September 5, 2017 at 5:11 pmGreat tips! I tried out the app a few months ago, but didn’t have much luck. I think I will try it out again :).
Brittany
September 5, 2017 at 9:59 pmGood luck, Kori! I’d love to hear how it goes!
Magaly
September 5, 2017 at 9:33 pmGreat tips. Sometimes it’s the small simple stuff that can help us reach our goals- and the stuff we tend to forget:)
Brittany
September 5, 2017 at 9:59 pmSo true! It’s easy to forget how much every tiny step in the right direction adds up!
jessica
September 6, 2017 at 4:25 ami haven’t heard of offer up before but i have a habit of selling my stuff every so often and these are great tips for the resale world…will be checking out offer up too, thanks!
Brittany
September 6, 2017 at 7:40 amI hope you find good luck with it!
Marissa
September 6, 2017 at 7:24 amThese are good to know! I’ve never used that app before, but know people love it.
Marissa recently posted…What to Do in Panama’s Charming Casco Viejo
Brittany
September 6, 2017 at 7:41 amIt’s a lot different than Craigslist, which surprised me! When I heard about it, I expected the same items, interface, experience, etc. They’re each good for different things.
Rachel Teodoro
September 6, 2017 at 9:22 amGreat tips !I love selling on offer up. I have much better luck with people actually showing up rather than on Craigslist.
Terumi
September 6, 2017 at 9:57 amI’ve been thinking about trying Offer Up. You have great tips!
Kendra
September 6, 2017 at 10:11 amI have a ton of stuff in my garage to sell. Maybe I’ll try offer up!
Brianne
September 6, 2017 at 10:27 amI’ve never tried Offer Up, but I definitely should! It seems better than Craigslist. Lol.
Bianca Smith
September 6, 2017 at 8:28 pmI considered a similar post with my last move. Even the last minute giving away on Craigslist was very educational.
Ushmana Rai
November 29, 2017 at 7:36 amI really like how honest and simple you are about your experiences, no bragging o sulking. You just put things there so simply. These pieces of advice are great! Thanks for posting, all the love from Nepal xoxo
Ushmana Rai recently posted…Best Shaved Ice Machine For Home: Snow Cone Maker
Kira Edorra
March 16, 2018 at 11:17 pmHmm, most of the tips on your post are things I would expect. But, your tip about selling in lots is interesting! I wonder if there is some psychology behind receiving “more stuff” vs. “less stuff” that helps guide such buying decisions.
Kira Edorra recently posted…Trundle Beds – A Comprehensive Guide
Brittany
March 17, 2018 at 12:50 pmYea and perhaps it makes the drive worth it to meet someone!
Amanda
April 16, 2018 at 8:15 amGreat tips. I never used offer up, I will give it a try. I have some stuff I want to sell.