5 Things I Learned Selling Stuff/Furniture on Offer Up

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 And if there’s an outdated drawer pull on it, expect to settle.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?!