It’s that time of year again.
Spring cleaning.
Purging.
Everyone who got guilt trips from Marie Kondo’s Netflix series.
My kids are growing up and outgrowing toys and homeschool curriculum.
We donate most of our used stuff to thrift stores. One year, we had a huge yard sale. Now, I try to sell nice items online for a little extra cash.
Typically, these online yard sale transactions are done in a public space with cash in hand. Big furniture items are usually viewed in home. I like to have someone with me for exchanges. Always be safe!
Occasionally, items are shipped with shipping extra. Money can be exchanged through Facebook or Paypal. I seldom go this route because it’s extra stressful to pack and ship and I haven’t received the money twice.
Some items are banned for resale, such as firearms, mattresses, car seats, baby formula.
Some groups or sites don’t allow handmade items.
Also, these online sale sites are not the place to promote your personal MLM or home business. I’m tired of all the clutter and ads for actual and online stores now.
Online Yard Sale Tips
Know the lingo. Be kind. Be on time.
Be the seller/buyer you would want to work with.
Online Yard Sale Terms
P/U = Pick-Up. This is usually followed by the location and/or time to meet to sell an item.
PPU = Pending Pick-Up. The item has been agreed to a time and place for pick-up. This may change if someone cancels, changes their mind, or doesn’t show.
Cross-Posted = lets potential buyers know that the item has been posted in more than one place
Bump = Sellers use this term to comment in their own listing and “bump” the item back up to the top of the feed, to give it more exposure. There is usually a rule about how often an item can be “bumped” – typically once a day.
ISO = In Search Of. People often ask for specific items in groups.
OBO = Or Best Offer. The buyer would consider other reasonable offers.
Next = People use this to let the seller know they are interested in the item if someone has already shown interest before them.
NWT = The item is new with tags.
NWOT = The item is new without tags.
Interested = What potential buyers typically write in the comments of your post if they want to buy your item.
Sending PM = Sending Private Message. This is how a potential buyer communicates with you as a seller. Typically, since these people will not be your actual Facebook friends, any messages from them will be filtered into your “other folder.” This is found at the top of your Facebook website, under your message folder. You can make adjustments in your privacy settings to view new messages immediately. This is helpful.
Porch pick-up = Usually, the seller leaves the item on their porch and the buyer places the money in an envelope in a hidden spot. Or vice versa. I don’t like doing this! What happens if they money gets lost or stolen?
Online Yard Sale Etiquette
Know the group or page rules. Follow the rules.
Lately, people don’t even comment on the post, but immediately private message to “get in line.” It sometimes becomes difficult to keep track of message order on a popular item. I often just reply to messages with a number to help keep things straight. I’ve had some people get frustrated with this, but it only seems fair. Occasionally, I have someone who wants to rush the process and claims they will pick up the item right this second.
It’s important to post if you have pets, smoke, or have other circumstances that could cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Be prompt in communication. Answer questions in a timely manner or you’ll lose the item to the next commenter or messenger!
Please don’t ask stupid questions and waste everyone’s time. If you’re not familiar with a product, do your own research. Don’t ask the seller to give you the rundown on the item’s pop culture, history, or random trivia.
Unless it’s a big furniture item or a pricey collectible or antique, you just have to take your chances. Don’t ask to come “see the item” without bringing money or intending to purchase. It’s just rude.
Park in an area that’s not very crowded for meet-ups. Tell the color and make of your vehicle in a message so the seller can find you.
Show up on time to purchase or sell an item. My son will never let me live it down that we once waited 45 minutes for a buyer who never showed. He kept messaging that he was stuck in traffic, but apparently, he was just a troll who never wanted the item anyway.
Have exact amount of money that is requested.
Posting Items for Sale
When posting your item for sale, be honest about its history and the condition.
Be prompt replying to messages.
Be available to meet up to sell.
Include:
- good images, with proper lighting and all angles
- condition of item
- dimensions, if relevant
- reasonable price
I am continually amazed by how many items people try to sell that are very damaged, really dirty, or otherwise a poor product to resell. Some of these items I wouldn’t even donate and these people are setting high prices on items that are just rubbish!
Great tips, Jennifer. My kids are so much better at this sort of thing. I don’t know why but I get a little intimidated by it all.
I think maybe a lot of people are intimidated or overwhelmed with online sales. It’s certainly a new experience for many of us. There are unspoken, unwritten rules. I think we should just be kind and offer grace during all business transactions. It’s a great opportunity to make a little side cash or get a great deal!
This is so great – especially the breakdown of terms! I’m obsessed with browsing (and sometimes selling) on online sale sites!
Love this! I don’t know all the lingo–but we did sell a lot online a few years back.
I love the close-knit meetups that have formed from them.
We took advantage of our first warm day here–and purged like nobody’s business.
I am excited to get rid of more since I am not a packrat, but even knowing I am not–I am like how does this stuff collect so quick??? Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer, I have some items I’d like to sell because they are nicer than what I usually take to thrift stores, but I’ve been a little intimidated by the online process. They are heavy and would require help to move them, and I don’t like the idea of strangers coming to my house to view them. Your tips and lingo explanations are very helpful.
These are great tips! The lingo is especially helpful to be able to reference!
http://www.paperandvine.com
Thank you for this great advice. Hubby and I are in the midst of downsizing and have a bunch of stuff that we could sell. I am going to save this post for future reference. Loved it!