Yahoo News How to make the most of selling unwanted items online with these expert tips
Online marketplaces have grown in popularity in recent years for a number of different reasons.
It's often far cheaper buying second hand clothing and products than it is brand new from a retailer, and you can find some fantastic deals on fashion, technology, furniture and much more.
On the flip side, the platforms also make it incredibly easy to sell things that you no longer need, whether that be cleaning up your wardrobe or getting rid of bulky kitchen appliances after an upgrade. But there are a number of things that people should look out for when using online selling platforms - not only to get the best bargains, but also to stay safe from scams.
Online marketplace jog it on have put together a list of top tips when it comes to finding just what you’re looking for, and making the most of online marketplaces.
Buying online
When it comes to finding the things you want, jog it on say that people should try a variety of search terms to narrow down items. Use the item's colour, size, manufacturer and other features in combinations to see what shows in the search. The experts also advise entering bids which aren't a round number - as many will simply round up to the nearest £1 or 50p.
When it comes to looking for scammers, you should always try to complete a deal on the platform you're using. Scammers may try to divert negotiations to a different place to remove buyer protection which some sites boast - while others could be trying to harvest personal information through other messaging services.
If you see fake goods, then you should also check the terms and conditions of the platform and report them, as most sites do not allow this. It could make the difference in saving another person from falling victim to an elaborate plot. Jog it on also encourage shoppers to consider second-hand goods as they can often come just as good as new for a fraction of their retail.
Selling your stuff
When it comes to selling, the firm advise that people take good photos of their items from different angles and ensure that they are well lit. Sellers are also advised to protect items from shipping damages by using small containers where possible to avoid movement. Alternatively, you could use void materials in packaging to secure fragile items from breaking.
Top tips for all
Jog it on said that people who use online marketplaces should always research how much items are selling for before listing - as it's in your best interests to get the most from your product. On the flip side, you won't want to overpay for something you can get cheaper elsewhere.
The firm also advise that people leave fair feedback on pages that people that they have interacted with, as platforms rely on trust and there's no better way to build it than having authentic, positive reviews.
Richard Howarth, commercial director at jog it on said: "We’ve put together these hints and tips to help shoppers get the most out of online marketplaces. At jog it on, we’re very passionate about giving items a second lease of life by selling them on second-hand, so we wanted to give people some words of advice about getting into buying preloved and vintage.
"If you see something online you’d like to buy, but you don’t know if it’s in the condition you’d like, don’t feel shy about politely reaching out to the seller and asking!"
