The Resolver Guide to Second-Hand Selling

Second-hand selling is booming.

While sites like eBay have been around since the nineties, smartphones and social media sites have led to a multitude of new websites and apps that make selling second-hand clothes, gadgets, tools, homeware and other goods easy and efficient.

These second-hand selling platforms don’t just allow you to cash in on de-cluttering your homes. They also offer a more sustainable option for buyers who want new items without contributing to the vast amounts of consumer waste produced by fast fashion and other industries.

In addition to the appeal of a more circular economy, the cost-of-living crisis has further incentivised selling rather than chucking old or unwanted items. But where do you start?

We have received many enquiries from people who have run into trouble while selling goods on sites like Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace. So we’ve created this guide to success on second-hand selling platforms. Read on to find out how to choose the right platform, make the perfect listing and avoid any disputes.

How to Choose the Right Platform

If you are looking to sell an item, the first thing to consider is the best platform for it. While sites like eBay were specifically designed to host as wide a variety of goods as possible, these days many apps are more specialised for particular kinds of items.

They also have different fee structures – with some being aimed at people who want to make second-hand selling a proper side hustle, rather than occasionally using them when doing a clear out.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the process for disputes varies significantly. If you are selling something worth a lot of money, you should definitely consider whether you will be protected by the site’s terms and conditions.

Vinted

This is currently the most popular second-hand selling platform around and is aimed specifically for those looking to sell or buy clothing, accessories, and fashion items. There are no seller fees and there is minimum help available if a dispute between a buyer and seller arises.

Depop

A subsidiary of Etsy, Depop is designed specifically for people buying and selling branded clothing and accessories as well as some home decor. Aimed at those looking to buy higher quality brands, and sellers who use second-hand selling as an income stream, they have fees. These entitle you to Depop Protection – so the platform will step in when a dispute occurs and refund anyone who if left out of pocket.

Facebook Marketplace

Since 2016, this buying-selling platform has operated within the Facebook website and app. It’s completely free and you can sell almost anything, from electronics and furniture to clothes and tickets. Local pickups are common, meaning you won’t have to faff around with postage. Critically, there is no in-built process for transactions. Rather, you have to arrange payment with the buyer directly. Because of the lack of oversight when it comes to disputes there are many scammers operating – so be very careful.

eBay

Good old eBay has been around since 1999 and remains one of the most popular sites, with both occasional and professional sellers. Listings can be made fixed price – ‘Buy it now’ – or auction-style. While listings are usually free there are selling fees on most goods – 30p per order plus 12.8% of the total sale, including postage and taxes. However, as of 2024, these have been abolished for second-hand clothing. They have a robust system for dispute resolution and offer protection for both buyers and sellers. But if you are found responsible for a dispute you’ll be charged – usually around £16.

Gumtree

Also a golden oldie, you can sell pretty much anything on this listing site – and it’s especially popular for selling furniture or second hand cars and vans. It is free to place an ad, but any add-ons like website links usually require a small fee. Like Facebook Marketplace you have to arrange payment with the buyer directly, using something like Paypal.

Amazon Marketplace

While Amazon generally leans more towards businesses than private sellers, it is possible to sell second hand books, music, DVDs, video games, automotive parts, and toys (as long as they pass safety regulations). You can also sell tech, such as small home appliances, if they are certified as refurbished by the manufacturer and come with a one year warranty. They have a “Fulfilled by Amazon” option, which allows you to send your items to a warehouse to be packed and posted, but this carries extra fees and requires you to offer buyers a right to return.

Nextdoor

This site is designed to help people trade within their local community and is exclusively aimed at private sellers rather than businesses. It’s free to make an ad but it is up to you to arrange collection and use a secure method of payment – they do not get involved in disputes.

Olio

While not a site for selling, Olio is a platform that helps people list items they need to get rid of fast for free to people in your local area. So if you just need something gone, including unwanted food or other perishables, it is worth seeing if someone in your neighbourhood can come and take it off your hands.

How to Create a Good Listing

They key to selling an item quickly and getting a fair price is a strong listing that will attract buyers and make them confident to go ahead with the transaction.

When it comes to creating your listing you should take the time to make it as good as possible:

Take High-Quality Photos

Use natural lighting and a clean, neutral background so that the item looks its best. Make sure that you take photos from multiple angles, including the front, back and any special details. It’s also important that you show any scratches, stains or other signs of wear and tear for transparency.

There is never a good reason to hide any imperfections – buyers on second-hand sites are going to be ok with some signs of use, as long as they are fully informed. Any attempt to deceive buyers about the condition of an item will only result in a dispute later on.

Write Clear and Honest Descriptions

Your listing should describe the item clearly and succinctly so that the buyer is fully informed about what they are purchasing. Make sure you include the size and/or measurements, the item condition – whether it is “unworn with tags”, “like new,” “gently used,” “worn with small defects” –, the make and model, and any other relevant details.

To build trust you could also mention the reason you are selling the item – if it no longer fits, or you are moving home.

Price your Item Fairly

Do some research on similar listings so that you can be sure you are pricing competitively. When setting your price make sure you take into account the item’s condition, original price, and demand.

Many sites like Vinted and eBay will allow prospective buyers to make offers: it’s worth being open to these but you should set a minimum acceptable price.

How to Communicate Professionally

Second-hand selling platforms are designed to facilitate a smooth selling process. However, disputes do arise. You are ultimately the one responsible for answering further questions about items and, in some cases, communicating with buyers to sort out the payment, pick-up or delivery.

To avoid any disputes make sure you respond promptly to inquiries – if you have active listings, login to the website or app regularly to see if you have any messages. When communicating with a prospective buyer, always be polite. You can avoid any confusions, misunderstandings, disappointments or complaints by setting expectations – be up front and state as clearly as you can the items availability, price, payment and delivery/collection options.

How to Choose Delivery or Collection Options

Different platforms will have different ways for you to post your item. For instance, Vinted provide sellers with shipping labels, whereas eBay relies on you to arrange the delivery yourself.

When arranging the delivery yourself try to ship it in a timely fashion and choose a tracked or signed-for delivery option to ensure that you have a record of it reaching the recipient. This will protect you in the case that the buyer complains about an item not arriving.

Always package the item as securely as you can – especially if it is fragile.

If you are having an item collected you may want to agree on a safe public meeting spot in your local area rather than your home address.

How to Stay Safe

On all of these sites you should be careful of sharing personal information, such as your home address or phone number, publicly. Especially on Facebook Marketplace be vigilant about unusual requests and falling for scams.

Most importantly of all, always make sure you confirm payment before shipping or handing over the item. And if there is no in-built payment process within the app or website, make sure you use secure payment platforms like Paypal.

How to Maintain a Good Seller Reputation

Beyond creating clear listings, communicating well with prospective buyers and sending items promptly and carefully packaged, you can enhance your chances of future selling success by maintaining a good reputation: encourage anyone who purchases something from you to leave a positive review.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any other consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch with us at support@resolver.co.uk.