Clearing out your closet? Downsizing before a move? Or maybe you've discovered flipping items is a legit side hustle. Whatever your reason, choosing where to sell makes all the difference. Honestly, I've sold everything from vintage teacups to car parts over the years, and let me tell you - picking the wrong platform can turn what should be quick cash into a massive headache.
After testing 20+ marketplaces (and making plenty of mistakes), I've narrowed down the truly best websites to sell stuff. Forget generic lists - this guide dives into exactly where you should sell specific types of items based on real-world fees, buyer traffic, and pain points most articles ignore. I'll even share my nightmare experience with an obscure platform that held my money hostage for weeks!
Super Quick Comparison: Top Platforms at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here's a snapshot of the best websites to sell stuff based on category. Bookmark this table for reference:
| Category | Best Overall | Best for Quick Cash | Lowest Fees | Best Niche Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing & Shoes | Poshmark (20% fee) | Facebook Marketplace (0% fees) | Depop (10% fee) | Grailed (designer) |
| Electronics | eBay (12.9% avg) | Gazelle (instant quote) | Swappa (seller pays fee) | Mercari (easy app) |
| Furniture & Home | Facebook Marketplace | OfferUp (local) | Craigslist (free) | Chairish (designer) |
| Collectibles | eBay (global reach) | Etsy (handmade) | Ruby Lane (vintage) | StockX (sneakers) |
| Everything Else | Mercari (user-friendly) | Decluttr (scan barcodes) | Nextdoor (hyperlocal) | Bonanza (custom stores) |
💡 Pro Tip: Always cross-reference fees! That "free listing" often hides 12-20% final value fees. I learned this hard way selling a DSLR camera where eBay took $86 unexpectedly.
Detailed Breakdown: Where to Sell Specific Items
Selling Clothes and Accessories
Last spring, I cleaned out my wardrobe and made $1,200. But success totally depended on where I sold:
Poshmark Pros
- Prepaid shipping labels ($7.45 flat rate under 5 lbs)
- Built-in offers system drives sales
- Social "sharing" feature boosts visibility
Poshmark Cons
- Steep 20% commission on sales over $15
- Requires daily engagement for best results
- Limited buyer/seller protection for luxury goods
Reality check: For that designer handbag? Use The RealReal. They authenticate everything and handle shipping, but take 40-55% commission! For fast fashion under $30, Depop's 10% fee is better. My vintage band tee sold there in 2 days.
Selling Electronics Without Getting Scammed
I avoid eBay for iPhones after a buyer falsely claimed "item not received." Took 3 weeks to get my money back! Instead:
- Swappa requires PayPal verification and IMEI checks. Fees transparent: $14-$40 flat fee + PayPal fee. Sold my iPad here in 24 hours.
- Gazelle gives instant quotes but pays 30% below market. Best for damaged items they'll still take.
- Mercari's 10% fee includes payment processing. Their prepaid labels simplify shipping.
⚠️ Critical: Always video record yourself factory resetting devices and showing serial numbers before shipping. Saved me twice during disputes!
Furniture and Heavy Items: Local is King
Trying to ship a sofa? Don't. Local marketplaces are hands-down the best websites to sell stuff that's bulky:
| Platform | Time to Sell | Safety Features | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | 1-7 days (most active) | Profile verification, meetup spots | Sold dining set in 48 hrs, zero fees |
| OfferUp | 2-14 days | Background check option | Higher scam attempts but good for appliances |
| Nextdoor | Varies by neighborhood | Neighbors-only, verified addresses | Slow but safest for expensive items |
Craigslist note: Still works well for free items, but expect 5x more spam messages than real buyers. I only use it for "curb alert" giveaways now.
Fees Comparison: What They Actually Charge
Hidden fees are where most sellers get burned. Here's the real math across popular sites:
| Platform | Listing Fee | Final Value Fee | Payment Processing | Actual Take Home on $100 Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | $0 | 12.55% + $0.30 | Included | $87.15 |
| Poshmark | $0 | 20% (<$15) / $2.95 (>$15) | Included | $80.00 |
| Mercari | $0 | 10% | 2.9% + $0.50 | $86.60 |
| Facebook Marketplace | $0 | 0% (local) / 5% (shipped) | None (cash) | $100.00 |
| Depop | $0 | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 | $86.80 |
🚨 The Fee Trap: Many "free" platforms make money through promoted listings. eBay prompts you to pay $2-5 for "visibility boosts" that are borderline mandatory for competitive items. I wasted $28 boosting a guitar before learning organic tricks.
Specialty Items Need Specialty Platforms
For anything unusual, generic marketplaces won't cut it. After failing to sell vintage perfume bottles on eBay, I discovered:
- Etsy for handmade goods (5% transaction + 3% payment fee + $0.20 listing)
- StockX for authenticated sneakers (9-14.5% seller fee)
- Ruby Lane for antiques ($0.16/day listing but only 6.5% commission)
- Reverb for musical instruments (3.5% payment + 5% selling fee)
My perfume collection finally sold on Ruby Lane at 3x my eBay asking price! Niche buyers will pay premiums if you reach them.
Safety First: Avoiding Scams and Pitfalls
Nothing ruins selling faster than getting ripped off. From personal mishaps:
"The buyer says they overpaid and wants a partial refund..."
Classic scam. Never refund outside official channels. On eBay, I had a "buyer" send fake PayPal emails claiming I needed to refund $50 "overpayment." Platform support confirmed it was fraudulent.
"They want to pay by check / Zelle / CashApp..."
Hard no. Cash for local meetups, platform payment processing only for shipped items. Zelle offers zero purchase protection.
"The tracking shows delivered but buyer claims otherwise..."
Always ship with required signature confirmation for items over $250. Saved me when a "lost" $400 camera magically appeared after I provided USPS proof.
Tax Considerations You Can't Ignore
Since 2022, platforms must report sales over $600 to the IRS (Form 1099-K). What this means:
- Keep records of original purchase receipts (especially for used items)
- Selling personal items at a loss isn't taxable - but you need documentation
- Business sellers must pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on profits
My accountant friend recommends: "Create a simple spreadsheet showing item cost basis and selling price. For clothes you bought 5 years ago? Estimate original value conservatively."
FAQs: Quick Answers to Burning Questions
What's the absolute easiest platform for beginners?
Mercari. Their app walks you through photographing, pricing, and shipping. Automatic deposit to your bank. Minimal scams compared to eBay.
I need cash tomorrow - where should I sell?
Facebook Marketplace local cash sales. List in morning with "available today" in title. OfferUp also has instant payment option.
Where can I sell used makeup or skincare?
Mercari allows sealed/new cosmetics. Poshmark permits gently used luxury (think half-full La Mer jar). Never eBay - they'll remove listings.
Which best websites to sell stuff have buyer protection?
eBay Money Back Guarantee, Poshmark's authentication for luxury, Facebook Purchase Protection for shipped items. Avoid Craigslist for payments.
Final Thoughts: Matching Your Goals to Platforms
After selling thousands of dollars worth of goods, my golden rules:
- For speed > profit: Facebook Marketplace local cash
- For maximum profit: Niche sites despite smaller audiences
- For safety: Platforms with escrow payments (eBay, Mercari)
- For convenience: All-in-one apps with shipping labels (Poshmark)
Remember that gorgeous mid-century lamp gathering dust? List it tonight - someone's searching for it right now on Chairish. Start with one platform, master it, then expand. Happy selling!
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