7 Best Platforms to Sell Your Used Items

Looking to declutter your space and make some extra cash? 

You're in the right place! In today's digital age, countless platforms are available to sell your used items. Whether you're downsizing, upgrading, or just looking to make extra money, selling your used items has never been easier. The best part? You can reach a broad audience and find the perfect buyer without leaving your home's comfort. Platforms are available for selling anything from clothing and accessories to electronics, furniture, and more. With the right strategy and platform, you can quickly turn your pre-loved belongings into cold, hard cash. This blog will explore seven top platforms for selling your used items, each offering unique benefits and features.

No matter what you're selling, these platforms provide the perfect opportunity to make extra money while giving your items a new home. So, if you're ready to clear out your closets, declutter your living space, and earn additional income, buckle up and explore the best platforms for selling your used items. 

It's time to turn your clutter into cash!

1. Depop

Depop is a mobile app and site that sells unique fashion items. It focuses on vintage and trendy clothing, accessories, and lifestyle goods.

How Depop Works:

Here's how it works:

• Sign Up: To sign up for Depop, simply download the app and build an account using your email or social media.

• Create Listings: After signing up, sellers can start listing their items for sale. Depop encourages users to create visually appealing listings by uploading clear photos of the item from different angles and writing detailed descriptions. Sellers can also add hashtags to their listings to increase visibility.

• Followers and Social Features: Depop has a social aspect similar to Instagram, where users can follow each other, like items, and leave comments. This social interaction helps increase exposure for listings and builds a community around buying and selling.

• Direct Messaging: Buyers and sellers can communicate with each other through Depop's direct messaging feature. This allows for negotiation, asking questions about the item, arranging payment and shipping details, and providing feedback.

• Payment Processing:  Depop facilitates transactions through its built-in payment system. When a buyer purchases something, the app securely processes the payment. Depop takes a 10% commission fee on each sale, including shipping costs.

• Feedback and Reviews: After a transaction, buyers and sellers can leave feedback and reviews for each other. Positive feedback assists in building trust and credibility within the Depop community.

• Explore and Discover: Depop features a browse and search function that lets users discover new items based on their interests, trending styles, and brands they follow. The platform also curates collections and promotes featured sellers to showcase unique and popular listings.

What Items Can Be Sold on Depop:

On Depop, you can sell a variety of fashion-related items, including:

• Clothing: New or gently used clothing items for men, women, and children, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and activewear.

• Shoes: Sneakers, boots, sandals, heels, and other footwear for various occasions and styles.

• Accessories: Jewelry, watches, hats, scarves, belts, sunglasses, bags, backpacks, and other accessories to complement outfits.

• Vintage and Retro Fashion: Unique and one-of-a-kind vintage clothing pieces, accessories, and collectibles from different eras.

• Streetwear: Trendy and fashionable streetwear brands, including graphic tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets.

• Designer Brands: High-end and luxury fashion items, such as handbags, wallets, clothing, and accessories, from designer brands.

• Custom and Handmade Items: Handmade jewelry, customized clothing, DIY fashion creations, and artisanal accessories.

• Beauty and Cosmetics: Limited edition makeup products, skincare items, beauty tools, and cosmetics accessories.

• Thrifted Finds Unique thrift and vintage discoveries, including clothing, accessories, and retro items with a nostalgic vibe.

• Limited Edition and Collaborations: Exclusive fashion releases, limited edition merchandise, and collaborative collections from brands and designers.

How to Get Started with Depop:

• Download the App: Download the Depop app for free from Google Play.

• Sign Up: Upon opening the app, click "Sign Up" to create your account.

• Account Details: Enter your desired username, password, and country of residence.

• Connect PayPal: Link your Depop account to your PayPal address for seamless transactions.

• Verification: During the signup process, you'll be prompted to provide your phone number for verification. Depop will send a six-digit code to verify your account.

• Start Selling: Once your account is set up, you can use the platform to list and sell your items.

Depop Fees:

Depop charges sellers fees for using its platform to list and sell items. These fees are relatively straightforward compared to some other online marketplaces. Here's an overview of Depop's fee structure:

• Transaction Fee: Depop charges a flat 10% transaction fee on the total sale price, including all the shipping costs. This fee is deducted automatically from the seller's earnings when a sale is completed.

• Payment Processing Fee: When a sale is made, Depop uses PayPal to process payments. PayPal charges a standard payment processing fee, typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Sellers need to account for this additional fee when calculating their earnings.

Other Ways to Make Money on Depop: 

Depop primarily focuses on selling clothes, shoes, and various items. While there aren't alternative methods for earning money on the platform, here are some tips to maximize your sales:

• Craft compelling item descriptions.

• Identify and engage with your target audience.

• Utilize the Depop community for support and advice.

• Maintain a friendly and reliable presence.

• Offer excellent customer service.

• Ensure the quality of the items you sell.

• Capture clear, attractive images of your items.

• Provide comprehensive details about each item listed.

Redeeming Money with Depop: 

Depop will transfer funds to your linked PayPal account upon sale. You can leave the funds in PayPal or transfer them to your bank.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict:

Depop offers a reliable platform for buying and selling items. To safeguard against potential scams, conducting all transactions within the app is advisable. Despite occasional complaints about customer service, Depop presents an opportunity to make extra income online, with transactions made within the app securely protected.

2.eBay

eBay is a global platform connecting buyers and sellers to purchase and sell products. It is known for its auction-style listings, where sellers set starting prices and buyers bid on items, and fixed-price listings, where items are sold at a set price. eBay provides a platform for new and used goods, allowing sellers to reach a global audience and buyers to find unique items and deals. eBay facilitates transactions and offers tools and services for sellers to manage their listings, handle payments, and arrange to ship.

How eBay Works:

eBay is an expansive online shopping platform renowned for its auction-style listings. It allows individuals worldwide to sell diverse items, including new and used goods.

• Creating Listings: Sellers can create listings for their items on eBay, incorporating product descriptions, images, pricing, and specifying payment and shipping preferences.

• Direct Selling: When selling on eBay, sellers engage directly with customers, eliminating intermediary parties. This grants sellers full responsibility for all aspects of the selling process.

• Pricing Management: Sellers are tasked with determining the pricing for their items, managing customer interactions, and independently handling shipping logistics.

What Items Can Be Sold on eBay?

On eBay, you can sell a vast array of items, including but not limited to:

• Electronics: Such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, and gaming consoles.

• Fashion and Clothing: Including new and used clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry.

• Collectibles: Such as coins, stamps, trading cards, and memorabilia.

• Home and Garden: Furniture, appliances, decor, and gardening tools.

• Toys and Games: Including action figures, board games, puzzles, and outdoor toys.

• Automotive Parts and Accessories include car parts, accessories, and tools.

• Health and Beauty Products: Containing cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and supplements.

• Sports Equipment and Gear: Fitness equipment, bicycles, and sports memorabilia.

• Books, Movies, and Music: Including books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and musical instruments.

• Crafts and DIY Supplies: Art supplies, sewing materials, and crafting tools.

• Home Appliances: Including kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, and air purifiers.

• Antiques and Vintage Items: Such as antique furniture, vintage clothing, and retro decor.

• Pet Supplies: Pet food, toys, grooming tools, and accessories.

• Business and Industrial Equipment: Restaurant equipment, office supplies, and manufacturing tools.

• Real Estate and Land: Properties such as houses, condos, land plots, and commercial buildings.

How to Get Started with eBay:

Choose Your Product: Selecting the right product to sell is the initial and crucial step in starting your online selling journey. Careful consideration is essential, whether it's an item you own or plan to source.

Create Your Listing: Once you have your product ready, it's time to create a listing on eBay. The process is straightforward:

• Head to eBay.com/sell to begin crafting your listing.

• Whether opting for an auction or fixed-price sale, provide detailed descriptions and upload clear images of your item.

• Don't forget to specify shipping costs and estimated delivery times within your listing.
  

Shipping Your Item: Upon receiving an order, promptly prepare your item for shipment. Follow these steps:

• Safely pack your item using appropriate packaging materials to protect it during transit.

• Access discounted shipping labels through your eBay account and print them for convenience.

• When shipping, you can either hand the package straight to the mail carrier or drop it off at the post office.
  

Receive Payment: eBay holds funds in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt. Once delivery is confirmed by either the shipping company or the buyer, eBay releases the funds to you.

This systematic approach ensures a smooth selling experience on eBay, from listing creation to payment receipt.

eBay Selling Formats:

eBay facilitates both fixed-price and auction-style selling formats. Fixed-price listings allow sellers to set a specific price for their items, offering immediate purchase options. Alternatively, auction-style listings enable bidding among buyers within a specified timeframe, particularly suitable for unique or collectible items.

eBay Fees:

eBay charges sellers fees for utilizing its platform to list and sell items. These fees vary relying on the listing type, selling format, and item category. There are primarily two types of fees associated with eBay listings:

• Insertion Fee: When you build a listing on eBay, you will be charged a fee. You will be charged a fee when you create a listing on eBay."It is based on the starting or reserve price set for an auction-style or fixed price set for a fixed-price listing. eBay usually offers a certain number of free listings per month, and additional listings beyond this limit may incur an insertion fee. However, some categories may have different insertion fee structures.

• Final Value Fee: This fee is charged when your item sells on eBay. It is calculated as a percentage of the total sale price, including the item price plus any shipping costs (if applicable). eBay's standard final value fee is around 10% of the total sale price, which may vary depending on the item's category. Specific categories may also have a maximum cap on the final value fee.
  

Additionally, eBay may offer optional listing upgrades or promotional features with additional fees. These upgrades include adding subtitles, scheduling, or promoting listings to increase visibility.

Sellers should carefully review eBay's fee structure and policies to comprehend the costs associated with selling on the platform and maximize their profitability.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict:

eBay is a reputable eCommerce platform suitable for small-scale sellers. It offers flexible selling formats, including fixed-price and auction-style listings. Despite certain limitations and occasional challenges, eBay remains a viable avenue for generating income online.

3. Craigslist

Craigslist is a website for classified advertisements. It has sections for jobs, housing, personals, items wanted, services, community, gigs, resumes, and discussion forums. In the "for sale" section, users can list various items they want to sell, ranging from furniture to electronics to vehicles and everything in between.

How Craigslist Works:

Here's how it typically works:

• Create a Listing: To sell an item on Craigslist, you create a listing by providing details, including a description, price, location, and photos. You can also include contact information like an email address or phone number.

• Choose a Category: Craigslist has numerous categories, making finding the correct section for your item easy. Common categories include furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, vehicles, and sporting goods.

• Post Your Listing: Once you've filled out all the necessary information, you can post your listing to the appropriate category. Your listing will then be visible to users browsing Craigslist in your area.

• Communicate with Potential Buyers: Interested buyers will contact you directly through Craigslist's messaging system or using the contact information you provided in your listing. You can examine and agree on the price with the seller and then arrange a meeting to finalize the sale.

• Meet in Person: When selling items on Craigslist, it is common practice for buyers and sellers to meet in person to inspect the item and exchange payment. It is essential to pick a safe location, like a public place like a coffee shop or shopping center, and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

What Items Can Be Sold on Craigslist?

Craigslist accommodates a wide array of items across various categories:

• Antiques: Furniture, lamps, vases, etc.

• Appliances: Large appliances, kitchen appliances.

• Auto: Auto parts, wheels, tires, ATVs, snowmobiles.

• Baby: Clothing, nursery accessories, toys.

• Clothing: Men's, women's, and children's clothing and accessories.

• Photography: Video recorders, digital cameras, SLR cameras, accessories.

• Musical Instruments: Acoustic and electronic instruments.

• Toys and Games: Traditional toys, video games, etc.

How to Get Started with Craigslist:

Selling on Craigslist involves several essential steps for a successful transaction. Here's how to navigate the process:

Visit Your Local Site:

• Open the Craigslist website in your browser, and you'll be automatically directed to your local site. If needed, navigate to a different location by selecting from the available Craigslist locations listed on the right side of the webpage.

• Simply click on your desired city or explore the towns and states at the bottom of the list.
  

Creating Your Listing:

• When you're ready to create your listing, click on the "Create a Posting" button on the left side of the page.

• Fine-tune your location preferences to ensure your listing matches the appropriate sub-boards for your chosen city.

• Choose the "For Sale by Owner" option when prompted with "What type of posting is this?"

• Pick the category that best suits your item, ensuring it complies with Craigslist's guidelines regarding prohibited items such as firearms, tobacco, and alcohol.

• Fill out the form page with detailed information about your item, including the price and a comprehensive description. Provide your email address in the "Contact info" section; rest assured, it won't be published with the posting. Consider avoiding sharing your phone number to prioritize security and privacy.

• Once you've completed the form, click the "Continue" button.

Optimize to Find Buyers:

• Enhance your listing's visibility by providing additional location details, such as a nearby cross street, to help potential buyers determine if they're in your area.

• Fine-tune your location on the map to attract local buyers.
  

Add Photos:

• Increase the appeal of your listing by including high-quality photos taken from various angles with good lighting.

• Click the "Add images" button to upload photos to your post. Arrange them as desired by dragging them into position, then click "Done with images" to continue.
  

Complete Your Listing:

• Review your ad to confirm accuracy and completeness.

• If satisfied, click the "Publish" button to finalize your listing.

• Upon completion, you'll receive an email from Craigslist within 1-2 minutes, prompting you to confirm your request to publish your posting. Click on the confirmation link delivered in the email.

• Your Craigslist ad will be posted within 15 minutes. Keep the confirmation email for future management.

Safety Precautions on Craigslist:

To ensure safe transactions on Craigslist, it's vital to take precautions:

• Local Transactions: Conduct transactions locally, as Craigslist is designed for face-to-face dealings.

• Prioritize Safety: Meet buyers in public places and consider bringing a friend for added security.

• Understand Terms: Familiarize yourself with Craigslist's terms and conditions to avoid violations or misunderstandings.

• Beware of Scams: Exercise caution, especially with electronic payments, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Avoiding Scams on Craigslist:

To mitigate the risk of scams on Craigslist, follow these precautions:

• Use Craigslist Email: Utilize Craigslist's provided email rather than your own to shield yourself from potential scams.

• Public Meetings: Always meet buyers in public places and avoid private or risky locations.

• Bring a Companion: Bring a friend along during transactions for added safety.

• Secure Payment Methods: Prefer cash payments during in-person transactions or opt for secure electronic transfer services like PayPal or Venmo.

Craigslist Fee:

Typically, individual sellers can list their items on Craigslist without incurring fees. However, there are exceptions, particularly for high-value items.

Listing Type Price Per Listing:

• Most Listings $0 

• Commercial, Heavy Equipment, Most Vehicles $3 to $5 

• Trucks and Cars $5 

• Service Ads $5 

• Real Estate Listings $5

Craigslist Requirements: 

To use Craigslist, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

• Items for Sale: Have items you wish to sell.

• Content Guidelines: Ensure your listings adhere to Craigslist's policies by refraining from posting fake, fraudulent, illegal substances like drugs or alcohol and avoiding hateful or pornographic content.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict: 

Craigslist offers a reliable platform for selling various items, albeit with some risks. While it's essential to exercise caution, the absence of seller fees makes it an attractive option for many.

4. Amazon

Amazon is a top online marketplace that sells various products, such as electronics, clothing, home goods, books, and more. Established in 1994, Amazon has grown into a multinational conglomerate encompassing e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and AI services.

How Amazon Works:

Amazon operates as a platform where individual sellers and businesses can list and market their products to customers worldwide.

Here's a simplified overview of how it works:

• Listing Products: Sellers create product listings on the Amazon platform, providing detailed descriptions, images, and pricing information.

• Product Discovery: Customers browse Amazon's vast catalog using search filters, categories, and recommendations to find products of interest.

• Purchase and Checkout: Customers select the products they wish to purchase, add them to their cart, and proceed to checkout. They can select from various payment options and shipping methods.

• Order Fulfillment: Sellers fulfill orders either by shipping products directly to customers or by utilizing Amazon's fulfillment services (Fulfillment by Amazon, or FBA), where Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping on behalf of sellers.

• Delivery and Customer Service: Amazon manages the delivery process, ensuring timely shipment and providing customer support for inquiries or issues.

What Items Can Be Sold on Amazon:

• Electronics

• Clothing and accessories

• Home and kitchen appliances

• Books and media

• Beauty and personal care products

• Toys and games

• Automotive parts and accessories

• Health and wellness items

How to Get Started With Amazon:

Selling on Amazon involves several essential steps for a successful transaction. Here's how to navigate the process:

Sign Up as a Seller:

• Visit the Amazon Seller Central website and sign up for a seller account. Provide the required information and verify your identity.

Choose Your Selling Plan:

• Select the selling plan that best suits your needs. Amazon offers two options: individual and Professional selling plans.

• When choosing, consider factors such as the volume of items you plan to sell and associated fees.

List Your Items:

• Access your Seller Central account dashboard and navigate to the "Inventory" tab. Select "Add a Product" to create a new listing.

• Enter detailed information about your item, including its title, description, price, and condition. Pick the appropriate category and subcategory for your product.

• Upload high-quality images of your item to enhance its appeal to potential buyers.

• Set up shipping options and fulfillment preferences. You can pick to fulfill orders yourself (Fulfillment by Merchant) or utilize Amazon's fulfillment services (Fulfillment by Amazon).

• Review and confirm your listing details before publishing.

Optimize Your Listings:

• Optimize keywords in your listings' titles, descriptions, and bullet points to enhance visibility. Utilize relevant keywords that potential buyers are likely to search for.

• Utilize Amazon's advertising tools, such as Sponsored Products, to increase exposure for your listings.
  

Manage Your Inventory:

• Monitor your inventory levels regularly to ensure items are in stock and available for purchase.

• Set up automatic inventory replenishment or reorder alerts to avoid stockouts.
  

Fulfill Orders:

• When a customer places an order, fulfill it promptly to maintain high seller ratings and customer satisfaction.

• If you're fulfilling orders, package items securely and ship them to customers within the specified timeframe.

• If using Fulfillment by Amazon, send your inventory to Amazon's fulfillment centers, and they'll handle shipping and customer service on your behalf.
  

Provide Excellent Customer Service:

• Respond promptly to consumer inquiries and address any issues or concerns they may have.

• Maintain open communication with buyers throughout the transaction process.
  

Monitor Performance Metrics:

• Track your seller's performance metrics, including order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer feedback.

• Strive to maintain high-performance standards to avoid account suspension or other penalties.

Amazon Fees: 

Sellers on Amazon incur various fees depending on their selling plan, fulfillment method, and product category. These fees may include:

• Subscription fees for Professional selling plans

• Referral fees, a percentage of the item's selling price

• Fulfillment fees for using Amazon's FBA service

• Variable closing fees for certain media products

• High-volume listing fees for some categories

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict: 

Overall, Amazon offers significant possibilities for sellers to reach a vast potential audience and grow their businesses. While it comes with challenges such as fees and competition, the benefits of access to a global marketplace and fulfillment services often outweigh the drawbacks. Success on Amazon requires careful planning, optimization, and adherence to best practices to navigate its complex ecosystem effectively.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is an online forum integrated into the social media network that lets users buy, sell, and trade various items locally. It enables people and businesses to connect with potential buyers or sellers within their community, facilitating transactions for a broad range of products and services.

How Facebook Marketplace Works:

Here's a basic overview of how it works:

• Listing Items: Users can create listings for items they wish to sell by uploading photos, providing descriptions, setting prices, and specifying their location.

• Discovery: Buyers can browse Marketplace listings using search filters and categories or scrolling through the feed to discover items of interest.

• Communication: Interested buyers can message sellers through Facebook Messenger to inquire about listings, negotiate prices, or arrange pick-up or delivery.

• Transaction: After reaching an agreement, buyers and sellers can arrange to satisfy in person for the transaction, with payment made in cash or other methods at their discretion.

• Feedback and Reviews: After the transaction, buyers and sellers can leave feedback or reviews based on their experience, helping build community trust.

What Items Can be Sold on  Facebook Marketplace:

• Electronics

• Furniture and home goods

• Vehicles and parts

• Baby and kids' items

• Books, movies, and music

• Services and rentals

• Clothing

How to Get Started With Facebook Marketplace:

Creating Facebook Marketplace listings involves several steps. Here's a simplified guide to assist you through the process:

Log In:

• Access your Facebook account on either a Mac or PC and navigate to your homepage.

• Locate the "Marketplace" icon in the menu settings on the left side of the screen and click on it. Alternatively, you can visit the Marketplace directly using this link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace.
  

Create Your Listing:

• In the Marketplace screen, find the "+Sell Something" blue button on the left side and click on it.

• A pop-up window will appear, letting you pick your listing category. Numerous categories, such as vehicles and homes for sale, are available.

• Select the "Items for Sale" option to proceed to the listing screen. Here, you can specify the selling category, set the price, upload images, and provide additional details about the item. At least one image is required, but adding multiple photos can enhance your listing's appeal.

• After entering all the necessary details and images, click the "Next" button at the bottom right of the window.

• When you post an article for sale on Facebook Marketplace, you will be asked to confirm the groups where you want to share it. By default, Facebook Marketplace will be selected, but you can choose additional groups to increase the visibility of your post. Be sure you are a member of all the groups you select for posting.

• You can optionally cross-post your listing to multiple groups by clicking the circle next to each group's name.

• Once you've selected the groups, click the "Post" button to finalize your listing. Your item will then be live and available for sale. Potential buyers can contact you via Facebook Messenger to initiate a purchase.

Facebook Marketplace Fees: 

While Facebook Marketplace generally does not impose fees for listing items, there are specific transaction fees associated with certain types of transactions:

• Listing Fees: Unlike many other e-commerce platforms, you can list items, offer services, or post job openings for free on Facebook Marketplace.

• Seller Fees: For sellers utilizing the marketplace checkout feature from a "shop," Facebook charges 5% per shipment or $0.40 for items priced at $8.00 or less.

Facebook Marketplace Requirements: 

To qualify for Facebook Marketplace, users must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Possess a smartphone or computer with stable internet access.

• Reside in one of the supported countries, including the USA and Canada.

• Have items available for sale.

• Maintain an active Facebook account.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict: 

Facebook Marketplace offers a suitable and accessible platform for local buying and selling, leveraging the extensive user base of the Facebook network. While it provides a straightforward way to connect with potential buyers or sellers, users should exercise caution and diligence when conducting transactions to mitigate risks associated with peer-to-peer commerce. Overall, Marketplace can be a worthwhile tool for those looking to purchase or sell items within their community, provided they adhere to best practices for safety and security.

6. Mercari

Mercari is an online marketplace platform that enables users to purchase and sell a comprehensive range of new and used items. Launched in 2013, Mercari provides a user-friendly platform accessible via web browsers and phone apps, allowing people to list items for sale and connect with potential buyers easily.

How Mercari Works:

• Listing Items: Sellers create listings for their items by uploading photos, providing descriptions, setting prices, and selecting shipping options.

• Discovering Items: Buyers browse Mercari's catalog using search filters, categories, and recommendations to find items of interest.

• Making Purchases: Once a buyer finds an item they wish to buy, they can add it to their cart and proceed to checkout. Payment can be made utilizing various methods, including credit/debit cards or Mercari credits.

• Shipping: Sellers are responsible for shipping things to buyers using the shipping method selected during the listing process. Mercari provides shipping labels for easy shipment and protects buyers and sellers.

• Rating and Reviews: After the transaction, buyers and sellers can rate and give feedback on their experience. This feedback system helps ensure transparency and accountability, benefiting both parties.

What Items Can Be Sold on Mercari: 

Mercari allows the sale of a broad range of items, including but not limited to:

• Clothing and accessories

• Electronics

• Home goods and decor

• Toys and games

• Beauty and personal care products

• Collectibles and antiques

• Sports equipment

• Handmade items and crafts

How to Get Started With Mercari:

Selling on Mercari is straightforward and accessible to all users.

Follow these simple steps:

• Create a Mercari Account: Sign up and create your account on the Mercari website or mobile app.

• Verify Your Account: Use your active email address and complete your profile with the required personal and contact details.

• Set Up Your Listing: Fill out all necessary information about your item, including its name, description, clear images, and condition.

• Wait for the Buyer's Interest: Once your listing is live, wait for potential buyers to show interest and make purchases. You'll receive email notifications when buyers express interest.

• Ship Your Item: Print the shipping label provided by Mercari, carefully pack the item, and ship it within three days. You can opt for Mercari's free shipping option or handle shipping yourself.

• Customer Receives the Item: Once the buyer receives the item and guarantees its condition matches the listing, they will make payment and rate the transaction.

• Receive Payment: Your account will be credited once the buyer completes payment, completing the transaction.
  

Mercari Fees:

• Listing Fee: Mercari does not charge a fee for listing items.

• Selling Fee: Mercari charges a selling fee of 10% of the item's sale price, deducted from the seller's earnings.

Mercari Requirements:

• Users must be at least 18 years old.

• Items available for sale, mainly clothing.

• Clear photos of the items being sold.

• Willingness to negotiate prices with buyers.

• Access to a smartphone.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict: 

Is Mercari Worth It? Mercari provides a reliable platform for selling used items, including electronics, clothing, shoes, and more. If you're seeking a way to declutter your home and earn extra money, Mercari is a solid option. With robust buyer protection and reasonable seller safeguards, Mercari offers compelling features that facilitate buyer connections. In good condition, sellers can earn up to $20,000 annually by taking clear photos and listing items effectively.

7. Etsy

Etsy is an e-commerce platform established in 2005, specializing in handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It provides a marketplace where artisans, crafters, and collectors can sell their creations to a global audience. Here's an overview of Etsy, including how it works, what can be sold, fees, pros and cons, review verdict, requirements, and how to start selling:

How Etsy Works:

• Creating Listings: Sellers create listings for handmade, vintage, or unique items, including detailed descriptions, pricing, and images.

• Product Discovery: Buyers browse Etsy's extensive catalog using search filters, categories, and recommendations to discover unique and personalized items.

• Making Purchases: Once a buyer finds an item they like, they can add it to their cart and checkout. Customers can pay for purchases using credit or debit cards or Etsy gift cards.

• Shipping: Sellers are responsible for shipping things to buyers and can select domestic and international shipping options. Etsy provides shipping labels and tracking tools to streamline the process.

• Seller Performance: Sellers maintain their reputation on Etsy through positive reviews and excellent customer service, which can enhance their visibility and sales.

What Items Can Be Sold on Etsy:

Etsy allows the sale of a broad range of handmade, vintage, and unique items, including but not limited to:

• Handcrafted jewelry

• Art and crafts

• Clothing and accessories

• Home decor and furnishings

• Vintage clothing and collectibles

• Handmade toys and games

• Customized gifts and stationery

• Digital downloads (e.g., printable art, patterns)

How to Get Started With Etsy:

• Sign Up: Create an Etsy account by providing your email address and setting a password.

• Set Up Your Shop: Customize your shop name, banner, and profile to reflect your brand identity.

• List Your Items: Create listings for your handmade, vintage, or unique items, including descriptions, pricing, and images.

• Manage Your Shop: Use Etsy's seller tools to track orders, communicate with customers, and optimize your listings for better visibility.

• Promote Your Shop: Utilize Etsy's marketing features, social media, and networking opportunities to attract buyers and grow your business.

Etsy Fees:

• Listing Fee: Etsy charges $0.20 per listing for 4 months or until sale.

• Transaction Fee: Etsy charges 6.5% of the total sale price (including shipping costs) for each completed transaction.

• Payment Processing Fee: Etsy deducts a payment processing fee, typically 3% + $0.25, for processing payments made through Etsy Payments.

Requirements to Sell on Etsy:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Valid email address for account registration.

• Unique products that comply with Etsy's policies and guidelines.

Pros and Cons:

Review Verdict: 

Overall, Etsy offers a vibrant marketplace for artisans, crafters, and collectors to indicate and sell their creations to a global audience. With its specialized focus, seller tools, and community engagement, Etsy provides valuable opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. However, sellers should consider the competition and fees associated with selling on the platform.

Final Verdict

After reviewing all seven platforms—Depop, eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and Etsy—each has strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different sellers and products.

Depop shines for its focus on fashion and unique, trendy items, making it ideal for sellers targeting younger demographics. Its social media-like interface and engagement features foster a community-driven shopping experience.

eBay stands out as one of the largest and most established online marketplaces. It delivers a broad range of products and a global reach. Its auction-style listings, and robust seller tools suit casual and professional sellers.

Craigslist provides a local platform for selling items quickly and conveniently, particularly for large or bulky items. Although safety precautions are essential, its simplicity and low fees make it attractive for local transactions.

Amazon offers unmatched reach and visibility, making it a powerhouse for sellers looking to reach a broad customer base. Its fulfillment services, such as FBA, streamline the shipping process, but high competition and fees may pose challenges for new sellers.

Facebook Marketplace leverages Facebook's vast user base to facilitate local buying and selling. Its integration with Messenger and social features enhances communication and trust between buyers and sellers, but limited user vetting and platform access are drawbacks.

Mercari provides a user-friendly platform for selling used items, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use. Its reasonable fees and seller protections make it attractive for casual sellers looking to declutter and earn extra income.

Etsy is a specialized marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It fosters a creative community and attracts buyers seeking one-of-a-kind products. Its seller tools and global reach make it an excellent choice for artisans and crafters.

Recommendations

For sellers specializing in fashion and unique, trendy items, Depop is recommended. EBay is a top choice for a wide range of products and global reach. Craigslist, with necessary safety precautions, is recommended for quick and convenient local transactions. Amazon is recommended to reach a broad customer base and leverage fulfillment services, especially for experienced sellers. Facebook Marketplace is recommended for local buying and selling with social integration, with caution regarding user vetting. For selling used items with simplicity and reasonable fees, Mercari is recommended. Etsy is recommended for handmade, vintage, and unique goods with a creative community.

Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your specific products, target audience, selling goals, and preferences. Consider each platform's features, fees, and audience to determine the best fit for your selling needs.