if not eBay, where?

**mauimagic** · 03-28-2009, 02:22 PM

In reading through old posts, it seems as if eBay may not be the best place to try to sells things. What other avenues are available? We have lots of things from personal collections or from businesses that we've had that we would like to sell other than at yard sales.

What have you found that works?

**Linus** · 03-28-2009, 02:24 PM

What about Craigslist to sell things and then something like FreeCycle for those things you cannot sell but want a good home for?

**monkeywrangler71** · 03-28-2009, 02:59 PM

I use Kijiji. I tried Craigslist but didn't like it. Kijiji is much easier to use, and not so full of scammers.
www.kijiji.com in the States
www.kijiji.ca in Canada

We also have a yahoo group here similar to freecycle but you can sell things as well. I found it by looking in the 'to' field of the freecycle emails of people who were crossposting to multiple lists.

**mauimagic** · 03-28-2009, 03:31 PM

Mahalo for the ideas, shall check them out!!

**C@rol** · 03-28-2009, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

I use Kijiji. I tried Craigslist but didn't like it. Kijiji is much easier to use, and not so full of scammers.
www.kijiji.com in the States
www.kijiji.ca in Canada

Which is also owned by ebay. Next time you visit ebay check the bottom of the page and you'll see this site listed. I use it for advertising also.

Still hanging in there with ebay and others. For exposure you just can't be it though the fee's kill you.

Good luck.

**lvngwell** · 03-28-2009, 11:27 PM

OK - for "vintage" items (Which can mean JUST PLAIN OLD) and handmade crafts etsy.com is the best thing going. I am a powerseller on ebay but I find that there are not as many people there these days. They are not friendly towards sellers, and the place is just not what it used to be "back in the days." I sell there as advertisment for my stand alone site so I consider the fees an advertising expense and well worth it.

I have found that selling my items locally in a consignment shop has worked better for me than ebay with some items. I sell a bit more cheaply but then again I dont pay any fees, just for my space, so I can cram in as much as I want all for the same price.

I have never liked craigs list. I have never had any luck on it and the idea of strangers from an unmoderated list coming to my home - or even meeting me somwhere - is unerving. There is an upscale consignment shop here in town that caters to the rich crowd. Mostly furniture but good decorative items and collectables sell there too. Selling your items there would be an excellent alternative. We live in a small town in central texas and I have still heard people say things go very quickly there. That would be a good option I think if I had collectables to sell.

However, I think for collectables I would still at least try ebay though. The exposure is nationwide - so those few people who still have disposable cash can be found. You may not get as much as you would have way back when - but you can still get a decent price - and it would most likely sell faster than a consignment shop - but if price is more of an issue than time - try consignment.

I still say you cant beat a well planned carefully executed garage sale twice a year. Mine are always smashing succeses and even valuable collecables sell there if properly advertised and protected. If most of your items are upscale call it an estate sale - that will attract a whole different level of buyers - ones with cash looking for good items at great prices. Hold it in a place that is safe (i.e. not in your home) so you dont get people casing the joint and then coming back later to rob you.

Oh another thought - I have a friend who is very into fenton glass and he has antique dealers who will sell pieces for him in their shop on consignment. Even storekeepers who dont normally do consignment are interested theese days - they dont have to sink thier money into stock that may not sell but still get fresh stuff for their customers to look at. Even in my small town we have one good antique co-op that is always bustling.

There are plently of places to sell items aside from ebay - who seems to be disowning the very "junk dealers" who made them what they are today. Once you start looking for them you realize there are plently of them there and they were there all the time!

**mamamia** · 03-29-2009, 01:22 AM

http://auctions.overstock.com/

I've been looking around at this place for a little while. I've never used it, but seems to be alot like EBay. Also, I need to look at my faves, because if I remember right, there's a site similar that's run by the Salvation Army.

Theresa

**LucyOctopus** · 03-31-2009, 05:52 PM

bonanzle.com -- I've had luck selling designer bags on here. I sell miscellaneous on eBay (or as I like to call FEEbay), but I don't as much anymore. The fees and horrid customer service are killing me.

**heartofmine** · 04-01-2009, 01:37 PM

Check to see if you have some type of local sales in your area. We don't have a Craig's List but do have a local sales site that surrounds several counties. I've sold several items on there lately. I also just found out about another one so I'm checking it out too.

Ebay has been a dud of late and by the time I pay fees I'd be better off having a yard sale...which I am going to do in the next few weeks.

**mombottoo** · 04-01-2009, 03:18 PM

Personally, I have had good luck with craigslist and a few years back I used http://www.ioffer.com/ and had pretty good luck with it.

**mauimagic** · 04-01-2009, 03:27 PM

I really appreciate all of the answers and advice. I wish that I could sell things here, but the market is really limited for things that would be better appreciated on the mainland. I'll post back with my selling experiences. In the meantime - keep those ideas coming!!