10 pro tips to boost your second-hand sales

So, we’re not going to dwell on it, but I think we all know times have been better. With that in mind, more and more folks are turning to the second-hand market to earn a few Euros. If you’re in the same boat or you’re thinking about grabbing an oar, then we have some change-changing hacks to up your pre-owned game.

1. Earn some green by coming clean

It might sound obvious, because it is, but as it’s often the simplest things we forget, we thought now would be a good time to remind you that no-one wants your skanky trainers. It won’t come as a shock that clean and well-presented items sell faster and command higher prices than shall we say, less kempt versions. It’s also important to know how to clean things, a quick shrub with some soapy water won’t cut it. For the best effect, clothes should be washed with decent detergent and stain removers and fabric conditioner where appropriate. Next, take the time to iron or press them before folding them neatly. For electronics and gadgets like smartphones try applying isopropyl alcohol with a microfiber cloth. You can also find dedicated screen cleaning sprays at most supermarkets these days. When it comes to furniture make sure you thoroughly clean with an appropriate surface cleaner and then take the time to add a layer of polish. Lemon oil is particularly good for wood, but you can always just use a bit of Pledge or Mr Sheen or whatever’s popular near you.

2. Honesty is the best policy

When making your listings, remember to picture them as a would-be buyer. Try to imagine how you would feel if you had to compare your item to the listing you posted. It’s tempting when posting ads to overstate features, or suggest an item is perhaps nicer than it really is in order to get the most for it. However, if you’re not wholly honest, it can and likely will come back to bite you. Almost all the online platforms and digital marketplaces score sellers on feedback from buyers and developing a poor reputation is a metric tonne easier than repairing one. It’s best to be humble and understate things like condition. That way you’ll stand a far better chance of getting good reviews and positive feedback. In short, when in doubt undersell rather than oversell.

3. Pictures are worth a thousand words

It’s a cliché, but it’s earned it. Taking good pictures could be the easiest way to elevate your listings above others. Obviously, a good camera helps, but even the most vanilla smartphones these days are capable of capturing epic shots. Natural daylight is always best, so try to take pictures during the day, but avoid leaving big shadows or taking pictures into the light. Try to frame your object in the centre of the shot and aim as close as you can without cutting anything out. Take multiple images from varying angles and try to ensure you capture any important details or smaller features. In some fields, there are standard and expected photography protocols and it’s always worth Googling or searching for tutorials and ‘how to guides’. As an example, here’s one on photographing violins and another on shooting fine watches.

4. Forewarned is forearmed

Don’t leave pricing your goods to chance. The internet is brimming with data and insights about the going rate for pretty much anything. Taking the time to research how much similar items have sold for in your area is essential if you want to improve your chances of making a sale. You can use your Riloop account to search for listing of items like those you intend to sell on various sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Then it’s easy to find sold listings and compare the prices. Take care to check that items are the same model or in a similar condition and ignore outliers. Remember, you’re looking for the average price, every now and then someone is bound to snap up a bargain and on the flip side, there will always be someone the seller saw coming.

5. Set your price according to your aim

If you need a quick sale, set your price low, if you have the luxury of time, set it on the higher side. Remember, your goods are worth what someone will pay for them and don’t let anyone tell you how much you should charge.

6. Choose the right platform

Not all online marketplaces are the same. Some suit clothes better while others are better for collectibles. These metrics can shift over time too so keep your eye for changes in habit. Right now, for example, it seems like Vinted has taken eBay’s vintage clothing crown, but for how long who can say? BTW, did you know we’ve added Vinted to the Riloop system? Yep, it’s true, if you’re looking for killer deals on killer heels you can get ahead of the crowd by using your Riloop profile to search all the best online marketplaces. As we said, online marketplaces are pretty fluid, but for now, Vinted is best for vintage clothes, CashConverters & CEX might be the best for smartphones, and Reverb.com is the best place to sell your musical instruments.

7. Staying safe

Selling second-hand stuff can be a solid earner, but if you’re not careful it can be more hassle than side hustle. Some marketplaces are better than others when it comes to protecting their users and it’s a good idea to choose one that’s got your back. On top, you’ll find sites like eBay, who have decades of experience in balancing both sides of the equation, whereas at the bottom of the ladder sites like Facebook/Meta still operate under frontier law. Basically, if a deal goes south on Facebook, you’re going home empty handed.

8. Timing is everything

We are creatures of habit and our habits are easy to track. In summer, we like to go outdoors and do stuff, while in winter we’re more inclined to cosy up by the fire. So, don’t sell your convertible under the spring sunshine and don’t expect much for your electric blanket in June.

9. Reading the room

Like timing, the state of the market matters too. Learning to spot trends and fads is a real skill that anyone can pick up. Social media is the best indicator of current and pending trends and if you want to get in on the next big craze you need to know who to follow and how to #hashtag.

10. In it to win it

The most important thing to remember about your second-hand side hustle is where to draw the line. You may be content with the occasional bout of wheeling a dealing, but at some point, you may find the line between professional and part time player blurs. If you do opt to take a more active role in buying and selling, then at some point you’ll need to sit down and have a word with yourself about what that involves. There are legal implications regarding buying and selling stuff and most governments have the tax status of side hustlers firmly on their radar. Of course, you may never need to concern yourself with any of this, if you’re happy with a happy-go-lucky position, but if you do cross that line, then remember there are consequences.

So, there we have it folks, ten top tips for budding buyers and sellers everywhere. Remember, a lot of what we discussed can be achieved using a free or a paid Riloop account. Set up your profile now to boost your super powers. Meanwhile, what did you think? Did we miss anything? Please let us know if you have any secret sauce you’d like to share. And speaking of sharing, a like, click or punt out across your social media will go a long way to securing your mansion in the afterlife of your choice. Thanks for listening and ciao until next time.