As I clear the slate, I need to do something with the things I no longer use or need. I want to find them a good home. I also wanted to reclaim some of the money I spent them. So I decided to have a virtual garage sale.
My dad would not allow me to set up a garage sale at home so I went online. There are many places to put your items up for sale. Some niche web communities have their marketplaces. You can post your items on the online stalwarts like eBay and Craig’s List. During this round, I decided to go with Craig’s List.
Before posting each item on the internet, I took photographs of each item and did a bit of research. Photos are a good tool to help a potential buyer wrap their heads around the item they are buying. It makes it more concrete. The photos should show the best and worst of the product so the buyer knows what they are getting into.
I researched all my items to see how much I can earn from each transaction and the features of the product. Who knew there was a collectible market for Air Jordan shoes? I didn’t until I researched it. I linked much of my research in the posting so they can verify the source of my claims. It gives the potential buyer more info about the product and what kind of deal they are getting. For example, I sold a car stereo that retails for $335.00, Crutchfield sells it for $299.99, and I sold it on Craig’s List for $150.00.
Take extra care writing the description of your item. Give them as much detail as you can without overburdening yourself. It paints a picture of what you are selling. I write in the description what it is, its features, and why I’m selling it. If it has never been used, write that in the description. You used it only three times and there is a small tear in the clothing? Put it in the description. Also, put contact information that you are comfortable putting online. I usually put only my email address online and then give the buyer my phone number when we are about to do the transaction. I had my phone number in an item description and I the flood of calls was barely manageable for me.
The transaction can take place in any location but I try to pick places away from my home and relatively safe and familiar. I usually pick Chase Bank locations since there are cameras and I can deposit my money ASAP. People picked up items from my parents home only when the items were awkward or big.
I reclaimed $200.00 in the past week. The reclaimed money goes towards paying off my bad debt with the credit card company. Yeah, it’s pretty boring thing to do with the money. I need to get the credit card monkey off my back!