7 Places to Sell Used or Unused Stuff for Cash

Kat Tretina

Updated On: November 4, 2021  •  3 Minute Read

Financial Tips

Whether you’re short on cash and need money to pay rent or just want to boost your savings, your home can be a great source of income. According to a study by eBay, the average American household has over 50 unused items worth $3,100 on average. By selling these items, you can earn extra cash while clearing out clutter at the same time.

Although sites like Craigslist and OfferUp can be good places to sell, it’s wise to compare prices on other selling sites to ensure you get the best deal. These are the top seven places to sell your used or unused stuff online:

1. Facebook

While you might use Facebook to post photos and catch up with friends and family, Facebook’s Marketplace is a powerful selling tool. You can post any item for sale, including sports equipment, toys, or kitchen appliances. However, it’s best for large pieces that are hard to ship, such as furniture or mattresses.

With the Marketplace, you can post your ads to specific zip codes and request that people pick up large items. That way, you don’t have to worry about packaging and shipping.

2. Gazelle

If you have an old computer or tablet lying around, stop using it as a paperweight and turn it into cash with Gazelle. You can get an offer for your items in under a minute, and shipping the stuff to the company is free. You can get paid through gift cards, PayPal, or a check.

3. Poshmark

If you have a closet full of clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories, you can sell those items via Poshmark. Unlike some other clothing resale sites, Poshmark allows you to set the price for your items, giving you more control. You can create a shop with your items, share them on social media, and even build a following of people just waiting to buy your stuff.

4. Bonanza

Bonanza is an eBay alternative that is growing fast due its low fees and the high number of buyers relative to sellers. You can sell just about anything on this site, including artwork, collectibles, makeup, and clothes. You can set up a store and create professional-looking photos using Bonanza’s editing tools to increase your chances of making a sale.

5. Flipsy

If you upgraded to a new smartphone, hold off on trading in your old phone with your carrier. You could get far more by selling it on Flipsy. The company says the offers you’ll receive through the site are typically 30 percent higher than what you’d get with a carrier trade-in program.

If you’re phone is scratched or broken, don’t just toss it away! You can still sell damaged items on Flipsy; there are many buyers looking for old phones for parts.

When you request a quote for your phone, you’ll get several offers. Those offers are valid for up to seven days and buyers will pay for shipping.

6. Bookscouter

If you still have college textbooks laying around, consider selling them on BookScouter rather than letting them continue to gather dust. Depending on your books’ subjects and the year they were published, you could get hundreds of dollars. One semester’s worth of books could net you enough to pay your rent or car payment.

Bookscouter connects you with over 30 potential buyers who submit offers for your book. That way, it’s easier to compare prices and make sure you get the price you deserve.

7. Gift Card Spread

If you have gift cards to restaurants or stores you never go to stuffed in a drawer, you’re not alone. Over $1 billion in gift cards goes unused each year.

Rather than letting them go to waste, you can sell those cards for up to 90 percent of their value. If you have a $100 gift card, that means you can get $90 in cash.

You can sell unused gift cards on Gift Card Spread. The company accepts cards from thousands of stores, including Starbucks, McDonalds, and iTunes.

Earning extra money

If you need to earn extra money quickly to pay your bills or make a purchase, don’t panic. Your unused items, even small things like makeup or wine glasses, can sell for cash. Even if you’re in good financial shape, taking the time to sell those items can be worthwhile. You can use the extra money to pay down debt, build up your emergency fund, or even fund your next vacation.

For more ideas on how to make money, check out these five side hustles that pay $20 per hour or more.