When you are making decisions about what to donate to charity versus what to throw in the trash, there are 3 questions you can ask yourself to make the decisions easier.
Want to know the 3 question to ask when deciding what to donate to charity? read on...#1 Am I donating this because I know it will help someone else, or because I just don’t want to throw it away?
Please, don’t “donate” your garbage.
If an item is in great condition and someone will benefit from receiving it, by all means, donate it to a local charity. But if something is in need of repair, has outdated safety standards (like many baby items), or can be recycled instead, don’t burden a charity with it. Always throw away:
#2 Does this item need repairs or upgrades that are easy to solve?
Some charities have workshops for small repairs, but most do not. When charities without the ability to make repairs receive broken items, it costs them time and money to dispose of it properly.
For example, Goodwill has this policy: “It’s hard to say “no thank you” to a donation. However, there are some items we simply can’t accept because they are excessively soiled or broken, too costly to dispose of, or have been recalled due to product safety issues.” Be sure that what you donate is in great condition or needs only minor repairs (like one missing button on a shirt). Always Throw Out/ Recycle:
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Just for our readers, we’ve created this nifty How to Sell Your Items Online Cheat Sheet. Download and enjoy!
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Step One: Google “How to Sell xxx Online”
You want to list your item on the site that has the biggest audience of potential buyers. For instance, if you were selling a set of golf clubs online, Ebay may be the best bet. But if you were selling custom hand-embroidered tea towels, Etsy is where you want to be. Selling antiques and collectibles often is easier on sites dedicated to those items.
The Big Guys: Ebay and Amazon
Both platforms have incredibly large audiences, thereby increasing your chances of selling your item quickly. There are fees associated with using both services, so be sure you are aware of what you are agreeing to before listing your items.
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Lesser Known: Ebid, Bonanza, Etsy, Collectors.com
Ebid is a site that is similar to Ebay, but doesn’t have the same amount of traffic. If you’re selling on Ebid, you’ll want to market your items elsewhere, too. On the plus side, however, EBid has lower fees than the big guys.
Bonanza is a great option for selling more unique and quirky items. Bonanza has a large audience, has no listing fee, and a low commission percentage compared to Ebay.
Collectors.com is a great option to sell your collectibles online.
Local Options: Craigslist or Facebook Groups
If you live in an area that has an active Craigslist community, try listing your item there. Photos are key to selling your items. Use common sense and caution when meeting with buyers: only accept cash and meet in public places.
If you live in a community without a lot of Craiglist action, selling your stuff in Facebook Groups is a great option. Find local Facebook groups to list your items and be sure to follow all the rules. You’ll keep all the profits of selling via Facebook
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Apps to Consider: Letgo, Offerup, Etc.
Apps like LetGo, OfferUp, and 5Miles, etc. are certainly options, however, many users complain about spammers, failure to show up to buy, etc. Be sure to read reviews from users before signing up for an app.
You Can Sell Your Stuff Online!
Leave a comment to let us know how your sale went!
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Download your free How to Sell Items Online Cheat Sheet here.
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