Got clutter lying around that could turn into cash? Whether you’re cleaning out your closet, upgrading your electronics, or just trying to make some extra money, there’s a huge market for secondhand goods — and thanks to online platforms, it’s easier than ever to find a buyer.
But not every platform is created equal. Some are great for local sales, others shine for niche items like vintage sneakers or gaming gear. This guide breaks down the best places to sell your stuff online in 2025, with real pros and cons so you know exactly where to list and why.
1. Facebook Marketplace
Best for: Local sales, furniture, electronics, home goods
Pros:
- No selling fees
- Fast communication through Messenger
- Huge local reach (everyone’s already on Facebook)
Cons:
- Buyers can be flaky or ghost after showing interest
- No built-in payment or shipping protection
- Safety risks if not meeting in a public place
Pro Tip: Always meet in a safe, public location and bring someone with you if you’re selling high-ticket items.
2. OfferUp
Best for: Local selling, small electronics, tools, furniture
Pros:
- User-friendly app interface
- Ratings and reviews help weed out sketchy buyers
- Promotes listings to nearby users
Cons:
- Popular in some regions more than others
- Limited seller protection
- Buyers can negotiate hard or lowball
Pro Tip: Use the “Promote” feature for high-demand items and always vet buyer profiles.
3. eBay
Best for: Collectibles, tech, fashion, refurbished goods
Pros:
- Global audience
- Built-in shipping calculator and label printing
- Auction or “Buy It Now” formats
Cons:
- Seller fees can add up (approx. 13% + PayPal or shipping)
- Handling returns can be a pain
- Competitive pricing means lower profits
Pro Tip: Offer free shipping and clear return policies to increase buyer trust and boost rankings.
4. Poshmark
Best for: Clothing, shoes, accessories (especially brand name)
Pros:
- Trendy, fashion-focused audience
- Prepaid shipping labels included
- Community-oriented (followers, shares)
Cons:
- 20% fee on sales over $15
- Not ideal for non-fashion items
- Requires more engagement (sharing, commenting) to boost visibility
Pro Tip: Take clear, styled photos and use popular hashtags to get featured.
5. Mercari
Best for: Gadgets, toys, games, clothing
Pros:
- Simple listing process
- Built-in shipping label options
- Can reach a national audience
Cons:
- 10% seller fee
- Less brand recognition than eBay or Facebook
- Slower customer support response times
Pro Tip: Respond to questions quickly and offer bundle deals to increase order size.
6. Craigslist
Best for: Local, larger items like furniture, bikes, and appliances
Pros:
- No listing or selling fees
- No accounts or logins needed
- Simple and fast
Cons:
- Outdated design
- No buyer/seller protections
- Potential for scams
Pro Tip: Include your general location (not address), and never accept checks or wire transfers.
7. Amazon (as a third-party seller)
Best for: Books, electronics, new or lightly used items
Pros:
- Trusted brand with millions of shoppers
- Prime shipping options (if eligible)
- Good for bulk or repeat selling
Cons:
- Complex seller setup
- Fees can be high for small sellers
- Strict rules and performance metrics
Pro Tip: Use Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) only if you plan to scale; casual sellers may do better elsewhere.
8. Reddit (e.g., r/GameSale, r/AVexchange)
Best for: Niche products, like tech gear, vintage games, or rare books
Pros:
- Very targeted buyer communities
- No selling fees
- Trust-based trading (usually great users)
Cons:
- Must follow subreddit rules closely
- Requires some karma to post
- No built-in payment or protection
Pro Tip: Use PayPal Goods & Services for protection and always confirm buyer reviews or trade history.
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Best For | Fees | Local/National | Protection |
| Furniture, electronics | None | Local | Minimal | |
| eBay | Collectibles, tech | ~13% | National | Strong |
| Poshmark | Fashion | 20% | National | Moderate |
| Mercari | General goods | 10% | National | Moderate |
| Craigslist | Big items, tools | None | Local | None |
| OfferUp | Household goods | None (mostly) | Local | Moderate |
| Amazon | Books, new items | Varies | National | Strong |
| Niche goods | None | National | Low (user-based) |
How to Pick the Right Selling Platform
Ask yourself:
- What am I selling? Is it clothing, electronics, something rare?
- How fast do I need to sell it? Auctions take time; local can be instant.
- Am I okay with shipping? Local platforms like Facebook or OfferUp skip shipping.
- Do I want to avoid fees? Craigslist and Reddit are fee-free, while eBay and Poshmark aren’t.
Tips to Sell Faster
- Use natural lighting for photos
- Write clear, honest descriptions (include condition and flaws)
- Cross-list items on multiple platforms
- Be responsive to questions and polite in messages
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on This?
Short answer: Maybe.
If you’re selling your own used personal items for less than you paid, generally you don’t owe taxes. But if you’re flipping items for profit or running a side hustle, the IRS may consider it taxable income — especially if you earn over $600 and get a 1099-K from platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or eBay.
👉 Want help with reporting online income? ezTaxReturn makes it easy, even for side hustlers and part-time sellers. Check out our guide to taxes and online selling or sign up for email tips.
Final Thoughts
There’s never been a better time to turn your clutter into cash. Whether you want to clear out your closet, downsize before a move, or start a full-on side hustle, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
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