Steps To Follow:

1. Decide on Items and Gather Information
2. Price each Item and Determine Sale Location
3. Post Each Item Plus a Duplicate Here
4. Collect Payment for Items
5. Document the Sale

Gather Details

The first step in this process is to decide what you are selling and what you aren’t. This seems obvious, but it could lead to some dilemmas when it comes to documentation. There are checklists below that will help, but we will offer some things to think about first, then help you gather what is needed to get rid of the item in question.

Considerations for Selling, Donating, or Keeping an Item

• Is it used (applies unless it’s still sealed in the package), or created by you as new?
• If used, are you prepared to be reasonably transparent to potential buyers about the item and its condition and/or history?
• If it’s used, do you have all parts and/or documentation if applicable?
• If it’s used, and not collectable, are you prepared to sell it at a 50%-75% discount off of whatever you paid for it?
• Do you know where you want ot offer the item for sale? If not, we have suggestions below.
• Do you have a large quantity of items that you would be better off having an Estate Sale for or calling 1-800-GOT-JUNK and removing it for a fee?

If The Item is New

• Will it be sold as new? (you may consider setting up a sole propriator business to handle this)
• Is it homemade? (if it’s homemade but still used, you will need to sell it as a used item)
• Is it a service or do you plan to offer in quantity? (If so, then a small business is definitely for you and it’s easy to set up

If Your Item Is Collectable

• [Obvious Question] How do you knnow your item is collectable?
• Are you connected to resources that can prove its value given its condition?
• Is there anything you can do to increase its value?

Should The Item Be Donated?

• Is it usable as is, or easily repairable, or is it just junk?
• Have you researched an organization that would accept your donation(s)? Are they accepting donations?
• Does the organization have any requirements for donation and do you meet them?
• Do you have some reasonable idea of the value of your donation (really) so that it doesn’t draw unwanted IRS attention?

Where To Post An Item

• Facebook Marketplace – Ideal for most items. Designed to be local within about 60 miles of you. Must have an account on Facebook in good standing.
• eBay – Ideal for collectable items or those that need a national reach. Requires an account in good standing with Seller credentials.
• OfferUp or similar website – Similar to FB Marketplace. Best for an alternative if Facebook doesn’t work for you.
• Etsy – Best for “homemade” or “created” items that are new.
• TikTok Shop – Best for new or specialty items shown on video.
• Google/Amazon – Best for new items only produced in larger quantities.

Now that’s settled, let’s detail the information that you need to gather to catalog your item. Then on the next page we will get into pricing with some research help.