If you’re retiring, downsizing, or moving your parents to a senior living community, you probably have a lot of items to get rid of.
Selling unwanted items such as furniture, appliances, tools, and home décor is a great way to declutter and make extra cash. Ditch the garage sale and sell your items on popular online platforms.
In this simple guide, you’ll learn how to list, price, and safely sell items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor.
Facebook Marketplace
Although Facebook is best known as a social networking platform where people can connect with friends and family, it’s also an excellent resource for seniors looking to buy or sell unwanted or unused items.
Marketplace, a feature within Facebook, connects users with potential buyers. Setting up an account on Marketplace is free, and its extensive audience helps you quickly reach thousands of local buyers.
Setting up Your Listing
Before selling items on Facebook Marketplace, you need to create a new listing. Make sure to review their commerce policies before creating an account.
- From your Feed, click Marketplace in the left menu bar
- Click + Create new listing (you can also create multiple listings)
- Choose the type of listing
- Click Add photos to upload a picture of your item from your computer. You can also add a video if you prefer
- Enter a title, price, category, condition, and item description. To mark an item as Free, enter 0 as the price
- Click Next. If next is grayed out, make sure you’ve entered the required information
- Click Publish.Congrats, you’ve created your Marketplace listing
Tips for Selling on Facebook
- Take clear, bright photos, including angles, damages, and imperfections
- Include dimensions in your listings
- Price your items competitively based on your location
- Make sure to respond to messages and questions in a timely manner
- Accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, Cash App, PayPal, and Zelle
Craigslist
Craigslist is an online platform where people can post and browse classified ads for various items and services. These ads may include jobs, furniture, appliances, vehicles, and other bulky items. Listing items is free, and users can access an extensive local audience.
Creating a Craigslist Posting
Craigslist is organized by city, allowing you to reach nearby buyers. Creating a post is simple with the following steps:
- Go to craigslist.org, select your location, and click Post an ad in the top left corner of the page
- Select the type of posting
- Choose the appropriate category
- Enter the information for your posting, such as title, price, description, and zip code. Required fields are highlighted in green. Click “Continue” at the bottom of the screen.
- Confirm that the map correctly displays your zip code and address
- Add photos to your posting
- Review and post your ad
Tips for Selling on Craigslist
- Create a clear, concise, informative title and a detailed description of your item
- Take multiple clear, high-quality photos in a well-lit area
- Research the best-selling items on Craigslist to determine a fair price
- Make sure to include your contact information
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social media platform where neighbors can connect and share information. With over 88 million users, Nextdoor is a great place for seniors to buy, sell, or give away items to their neighbors.
Setting up Your Listing
Before creating a listing, review Nextdoor’s community guidelines and policies. Follow these steps to create your listing:
- Go to your Nextdoor home page, click Post, and choose Sell or give away
- Click Add photos
- Enter a title, description, price, choose a category, and click Next
- Select your privacy settings to choose if your listing will be visible to everyone in nearby neighborhoods or just your own.
- Click Post
Tips for Selling on Nextdoor
- Use Nextdoor’s AI assistant to create a title and description
- Upload multiple photos
- Create a detailed title and description
- Specify a pick-up location using your Nextdoor map
Staying Safe While Selling Online
When selling items on platforms like Facebook, Craigslist, or Nextdoor, ensuring your safety is critical, especially for seniors. Here are some important tips to keep you safe:
- Choose a public, well-lit location with high foot traffic or designated exchange zones to meet potential buyers
- Ask a friend or family member to go with you during meetings
- Avoid sharing personal information
- Only communicate with buyers through the online platform you’re using
- Watch for red flags like requests to ship items before payment is confirmed
- Never invite buyers to your home
- Don’t click on unknown links, and never give your credit card number or other identifying information
- Cash is advised. Avoid accepting cashiers, personal checks, and wire transfers, and be cautious of buyers asking you to ship items
Experience the Support of Allegro Communities
We know moving from the comfort and familiarity of your home to a senior living community is a significant undertaking. This guide will make it easier to quickly and safely sell money on popular online platforms. We invite you to download our free Downsizing Guide, a helpful resource filled with practical tips and heartfelt insights designed to make your move feel less like a task and more like a fresh start.
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