Where to Buy and Sell Used Items Online

The major platforms for used goods fall into a few categories: general marketplaces that handle almost anything, category-specific sites for particular items, and local pickup services. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the largest general platforms in the United States; both let you list items free and connect with local buyers or sellers. eBay charges a listing fee (usually $0.30 per item) and takes a percentage of the sale price, but ships nationwide and has a formal dispute process. Poshmark specializes in clothing, shoes, and accessories; Decluttr buys used books, media, and electronics outright for a set price. Letgo and Offerup are mobile-first apps focused on local sales. Reverb handles musical instruments. Mercari works like eBay but with lower fees and a younger user base.

Each platform has different fee structures, shipping options, and buyer protections. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist take no commission but offer no dispute resolution if a transaction goes wrong. eBay and Mercari both hold payment until the buyer confirms receipt, which protects both sides. Poshmark charges 20% of the sale price on items over $15 and handles shipping through their label system. Decluttr pays you within two business days of receiving your items but offers a lower price than you might get selling privately. Choose based on what you are selling, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer local pickup or shipping.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are free to list on and best for local sales, but offer no buyer or seller protection if a deal goes wrong.
  • eBay and Mercari charge fees but hold payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the item arrived, which protects both parties.
  • Specialized platforms like Poshmark (clothing), Reverb (instruments), and Decluttr (books and media) often have higher prices or faster payouts because they focus on one category.
  • Always meet local buyers in a public place, bring a phone with a charged battery, and tell someone where you are going.
  • Take clear photos from multiple angles, describe damage honestly, and ship items in sturdy boxes with tracking to avoid disputes.

How to Price Items Competitively

Start by searching the same item on the platform where you plan to sell it. Look at completed listings (on eBay, filter by "sold" listings) to see what people actually paid, not just what sellers are asking. Price 10 to 20 percent below the lowest active listing if you want to sell quickly; price at the average if you are willing to wait. Condition matters enormously: an item in original packaging sells for 40 to 60 percent of the new price, while one with visible wear sells for 20 to 40 percent.

Factor in the platform's fees when you set your price. On Poshmark, if you want to net $20 from a sale, you need to list it at $25 because Poshmark takes $5. On eBay, a $50 item costs you roughly $8 in fees (listing fee plus final value fee), so you net $42. On Facebook Marketplace, you keep everything but have no protection if the buyer disputes the sale. Check recent sales of the exact brand and model, not just the category. A used iPhone 12 sells for much more than a used iPhone 8, and a designer handbag sells for more than a generic one even if both are the same age.

Taking Photos and Writing Descriptions That Sell

Photograph the item in natural light from at least three angles: front, back, and detail shots of any damage, stains, or wear. If it is clothing, show it laid flat and on a hanger. If it is electronics, photograph the screen, the back, and any ports or buttons. Include a photo of the serial number or model number if you have one. Avoid filters or heavy editing; buyers want to see what they are actually getting. A blurry photo or one taken in dim light will cost you sales even if the item is in good condition.

Write a title that includes the brand, size or model, and condition in the first line. "Levi's 501 jeans, 32x32, excellent condition" tells a buyer more than "Nice jeans." In the description, list the condition honestly: note any stains, tears, pilling, fading, or missing parts. Say whether original tags or packaging are included. If the item is electronics, state the storage capacity, color, whether the battery holds a charge, and whether all original accessories are included. Buyers will ask these questions anyway; answering them upfront saves time and builds trust. Mention the reason you are selling ("downsizing," "no longer fits," "upgraded") because it reassures buyers the item is not defective.

Staying Safe During Transactions

For local sales, meet in a public place during daylight: a coffee shop, a busy parking lot, or a police station parking lot (many departments allow this). Bring a charged phone, tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to return, and bring only the cash or payment method you need. Do not invite buyers to your home unless you have sold to them before and feel comfortable. If you are buying, bring someone with you, inspect the item carefully before handing over money, and test electronics before you leave.

For shipped sales, use the platform's built-in payment system, never a wire transfer or gift card. Wire transfers and gift cards cannot be reversed if the seller disappears or sends the wrong item. On eBay and Mercari, the platform holds your payment until you confirm the item arrived and is as described. On Facebook Marketplace, you have no protection, so consider meeting locally instead. If you ship an item, use a tracked service (USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx) and require a signature for high-value items. Keep the tracking number and photos of the item before you ship it; if a buyer claims it never arrived or was damaged, you will need proof.

Handling Disputes and Returns

On eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark, a buyer can open a dispute if the item does not match the description or arrives damaged. The platform will ask you to respond within a set time (usually three to seven days). Respond quickly with photos, tracking information, or a message explaining your side. If the buyer is right—the item is damaged or not as described—offer a refund or replacement. If you believe the buyer is wrong, explain why with evidence: photos showing the item's condition before shipping, your description of the condition, or a message from the buyer acknowledging the condition.

On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, there is no formal dispute process. If a buyer claims the item is not as described after they have taken it home, you have no obligation to refund them, but you also have no protection if they claim you misrepresented it. This is why detailed photos and honest descriptions matter most on these platforms. If a local buyer wants to return an item, you can choose to accept it or refuse. Set a return window (usually 24 to 48 hours) and require the item to be in the same condition as when they bought it.

Shipping Tips to Avoid Damage and Disputes

Use a box or padded mailer that is sturdy enough for the item's weight. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper, and fill empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper so the item does not shift during transit. For clothing, use a padded mailer or small box; for books, a flat-rate box from USPS often costs less than calculating by weight. For electronics, use the original packaging if you have it; if not, wrap the item in bubble wrap and place it in a box with at least two inches of padding on all sides.

Ship with tracking and, for items over $100, require a signature. Take a photo of the packed box before you seal it and a photo of the shipping label. This protects you if the buyer claims the item arrived damaged or never arrived. USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground are usually cheaper than FedEx for items under 10 pounds. On eBay and Mercari, the platform may provide a discounted shipping label; use it because it is cheaper and the platform tracks it. Ship within the timeframe you promised (usually one to three business days after the sale); late shipments lead to negative feedback and disputes.

Red Flags and Scams to Avoid

As a buyer, watch for listings with only one photo, prices far below market value, or sellers who pressure you to pay before you see the item in person. If a seller asks you to wire money, use a gift card, or pay through an untraceable method, do not proceed. If a seller on a local platform asks you to ship payment before they ship the item, that is a scam. Legitimate sellers on eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark use the platform's payment system, which protects both sides.

As a seller, be cautious of buyers who ask you to ship before payment clears, who offer to pay extra if you ship immediately, or who ask for your personal information beyond what the platform requires. On Facebook Marketplace, some buyers will claim the item arrived damaged or never arrived after a local pickup; this is why you should photograph the item before the sale and have the buyer inspect it in front of you. If a buyer insists on paying with a wire transfer or gift card instead of the platform's system, decline the sale. Scammers often target high-value items like phones, laptops, and designer goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay taxes on items I sell online?

Tax rules vary by state and by the platform. Most states do not tax personal sales of used household items, but some states tax all online sales. Platforms like eBay and Mercari may report your sales to the IRS if you exceed a certain threshold (usually $20,000 in sales or 200 transactions in a year). Keep records of what you sold and for how much. If you are unsure, contact your state's tax authority or a tax professional.

What should I do if a buyer leaves negative feedback unfairly?

On eBay, you can respond to negative feedback publicly and ask the buyer to revise it. If the feedback is false or violates eBay's policy, you can report it to eBay for removal. On Mercari and Poshmark, you cannot remove feedback, but you can respond to it. On Facebook Marketplace, ratings are less formal and one bad review is unlikely to tank your reputation if you have many good ones. Focus on providing good service going forward.

Can I return an item I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies depend on the platform and the seller. eBay sellers set their own return policy; some allow returns within 30 days, others do not. Mercari and Poshmark have buyer protection windows (usually 72 hours) if the item does not match the description, but not for buyer's remorse. On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, there is no return policy unless the seller agrees to one. Always read the listing carefully and ask questions before you buy.

How do I know if an item is counterfeit?

For designer goods, check the stitching, logo placement, materials, and packaging against photos from the brand's official website. Counterfeit items often have uneven stitching, misspelled text, or cheap materials. Ask the seller for the receipt or proof of purchase. On eBay and Mercari, you can report a listing as counterfeit and the platform will investigate. If you receive a counterfeit item, open a dispute immediately with photos and a description of what is wrong.

What is the best platform if I want to sell items quickly?

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are fastest for local sales because you can list for free and meet a buyer the same day. Mercari and eBay are faster than Poshmark if you price competitively. Decluttr is fastest if you want cash immediately; they pay within two business days of receiving your items, but you get less money than selling privately. The trade-off is speed versus price: local sales are fastest, specialized platforms pay more, and general marketplaces are somewhere in between.