10 Tips For Selling On Facebook Garage Sale Groups

I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to clean up and purge. You see, we have this walk in closet we use entirely for storage. Except, every time I try to get anything in or out of there it’s like a game of Tetris…and not in a fun way! So, in an effort to clean it out I’ve been listing things on our local Facebook garage sale groups.

Do you buy and/or sell on yours? I love it! It’s so much more reliable than Craigslist or Ebay, plus I tend to get a reasonable amount of money for my items. I’ve had a lot of luck with it and thought I’d share a few of my tips with you. If you’re in Spring cleaning/I-have-too-much-stuff mode like I am hopefully it’ll help you turn your extra stuff into extra cash. Honestly, couldn’t we all use more cash and more space?

Before You List Your Items

• Gather a handful of items at once for pictures – Make sure the area is well lit and take pictures of all your items. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy as long as the pictures are clear. I use my iPhone since it makes it easy to upload the pictures when I’m ready. If there is anything wrong (scratches, dents, etc) with an item be sure to photograph that too.

• Take measurements – Write down the measurements of furniture or any large items. Someone is bound to ask, so you might as well gather that information while the item is already out.

Listing Your Items

• Follow the rules – Make sure you understand the group’s rules for posting before you list your item. Breaking the rules can get you banned quickly.

• List your items in multiple Facebook groups – I try to list in multiple groups to reach a larger audience. If it is a kids item I’d list it in the general local group as well as the local kids items only group. Be sure to mention that your items are listed in more than one group, which is typically called cross posting (or “CP” for short).

• Group like items together – You can get rid of a number of items at once and only have to communicate with one person for pickup. This works especially well for toys and clothing.

• Decide if time or money is more important – If you want to get rid of items quickly, price them to sell! If you’re willing to wait a while, go ahead and start at your preferred selling price and knock it down if needed.

• Make each sale worth your time and gas money – Personally, I won’t sell anything for less than $5 and even then I want to meet as close by and conveniently as possible so it doesn’t eat into any profit.

• Describe any flaws the item might have – Is it missing any pieces? If it is something visible (like a scratch) go ahead and share a picture of it so buyers know what to expect.

Meeting

• Meet in high traffic areas – I prefer meeting in smaller parking lots (so it is easier to spot each other) next to a road with constant traffic. Big chain drugstores seem to work well since they’re typically well lit and at busy intersections. Many police stations are now offering their parking lots as a safer alternative too.

• Take a buddy – I know we’re adults, but I like to err on the side of caution. Take someone with you if it makes you more comfortable. If you choose to go alone, let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back.

Have you had success with buying or selling on your local Facebook garage sale groups? I’d love to hear any tips you’d like to share!