We all love to get some extra cash for our discarded items and selling your unwanted homewares on free online marketplaces such as website Gumtree is a great way to make sure your furniture, homewares, kitchenware and brick-a-brack are reused if possible, rather than have them ending up in landfill.
Home Beautiful magazine’s resident decluttering whizz Tilly Roberts is a seasoned social media seller and shows us how to Gumtree like a pro!
The first impression is crucial
Good pictures of the item are your key to success.
- make sure you take them in plenty of natural light
- remove any items from around your sale item
- ensure your pictures focus sharply on the item for sale
- present your item at its best chance with a clear view of what it is, it’s colour, texture and from all angles
- if there is minor cosmetic damage to your item, consider a closeup to show potential buyers upfront
Write a clear description
Include measurements, fabric type and any knocks, bumps or signs of wear etc. Is it in perfect condition? Good condition? Include these details too.
This avoids time consuming back and forth questions with buyers once your ad is posted - especially when it’s to multiple people!
Set your price
Either set a price or state that you’re negotiable. Generally Gumtree encourages bargaining and people will try and get the best deal they can. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want for your item so you can be firm when bargaining. Tilly suggests including the price of the item when it was bought, together with an explanation of its level of use and the condition it is in now.
Set a clear meeting time and place
As soon as the person has agreed to purchase your item, mark it as sold on Gumtree and set a firm time to transact with your buyer. Arrange a time (saying “2pm sharp!” works well) and give them your address, with clear instructions so you’re not left at home for hours waiting for them!
Have fun with it!
Before you throw something out consider putting it on Gumtree or similar to reduce unwanted landfill! You never know what somebody is looking for and if your loved items can go to another home, everybody wins.
As they say, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure!”
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