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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Spring Clean and Cash In!


Looking for ways to make some extra cash this spring? When was the last time that you wore that leather jacket that you've had since forever? Or used those golf clubs in the corner of your garage? You know that old couch you're dying to get rid of? Sell it!

With just a few clicks, you can make quick cash right from your smartphone or tablet by using apps such as Poshmark, Letgo, OfferUp, Gone, or Carousell. Simply create an account, take a picture of the item(s) you want to sell, and post. It's easy! Read on for more information about each app.


Poshmark

Available on: iOS and Android Devices

Cost: Free to download; takes a flat commission of $2.95 for all sales under $15, or a 20% commission for sales of $15 or more; buyers pay a flat rate of $6.49 for expedited (1 – 3 day) shipping for all orders.

Poshmark focuses on women’s clothing and accessories, but can also be used to buy and sell men’s and children’s items. Users who sign up create a virtual "closet" where they can display items they'd like to sell.
In order to create a listing, simply use your phone to snap a photo of the item you want to sell (you can add up to four photos), filter it with one of the app's photo filters, write a short description about the product, and answer a few questions (such as size, color, brand, original price, and listing price). When you make a sale on Poshmark, you're provided with a pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping label. Once your sale has been packaged, you can drop it off at a USPS mailbox or schedule a free pickup with USPS.com. You can receive money from your sales via direct deposit to your bank account or request a mailed check.

Users looking to buy items on Poshmark can search for specific items, or browse the listings of other "Poshers" they've chosen to follow. Items are sold for up to 70% off the retail price and include designers such as J. Crew, Coach, Michael Kors, Anthropologie, and Gucci. Purchases can be made using a credit card or Paypal account. Users can also pay for items using any credits that they have earned on the site from their own sales.


LetGo

Available on: iOS and Android devices

Cost: Free to download; sellers keep 100% of sale; no shipping costs, because interactions are in-person.

Letgo is designed to allow users to buy and sell items in their local area such as cars, electronics, clothing and accessories, sports memorabilia, movies, books, music, home and garden items, and more. 

Unlike similar apps, Letgo discourages sellers from shipping items to buyers. Instead, the app encourages users to interact via a private chat feature to arrange an in-person sale. Of course, you should always meet in a public, well-lit place; and use/receive cash and document each transaction. 
Listings show the approximate location (but not the exact address) of where the item was posted, so buyers can judge how far it is from their home.

To create a listing, sellers can upload up to five photos of the item, write a description, and establish a price. The app also allows you to create a commercial to advertise your listing (sellers simply choose a fun video template and the app does the rest for you).


OfferUp

Available on: iOS and Android devices

Cost: Free to download; sellers keep 100% of sale; no shipping fees because interactions are in-person

“In the race to reinvent the Craigslist experience, OfferUp has emerged as a leader.” – Forbes

Like Letgo, OfferUp does not offer shipping options. Instead, OfferUp encourages users to message each other on the app to arrange a sale and meet up in person to complete the transaction. The approximate locations of where items are being sold are shown so people can browse listings in their local area. Again, you should always meet in a public, well-lit place; and use/receive cash and document each transaction.

An additional feature of OfferUp is the optional TruYou Program, which allows users to validate their identity to help increase confidence among buyers and sellers. To take part in the program, you must verify your Facebook profile, scan your driver's license (a state-issued I.D. or U.S. passport is also valid) and take a selfie. Of course, you should always use precaution when copying and giving official documents or information to people/companies/organizations, such as your state-issued I.D. or U.S. passport, as identity theft can occur. 


Gone

Available on: iOS devices

Cost: Free to download; no commissions deducted, though Gone determines the price of your product; no shipping fees for sellers

From laptops, phones, and tablets to e-readers and smartwatches, Gone can help you receive cash for your electronic items. The best part? The app will do just about all the work for you!

With the app open, simply snap a picture or record a video of your used electronics, gadgets, or small appliances and hit upload. If Gone determines that an item can be resold, the company will make you an offer. If you accept the offer, Gone will pick up the item from your home or send you prepaid shipping materials and a printed label to drop off at any UPS location. It will also list the item and find a buyer for you, so you can just sit back and relax. As long as your item passes inspection and sells successfully, you'll receive your payment via Paypal, Debit Card, or Amazon.com Gift Card according to your preference. If your item doesn’t sell in 30 days, you'll have the option to lower the price or receive your item back at no cost.


Carousell
Available on: iOS and Android devices

Cost: Free to download

“Buy and sell with friends, people of similar interests, and communities that you care about!”

Take up to four (4) photos of what you wish to sell, list your item(s), and sell via chat room. Carousell is not involved in the payment process; therefore, you are solely responsible for sending/receiving payment and documenting those transactions. They do list options on how to give/receive payment: bank transfers, mailed payments, in-person transactions, and Paypal. They also list Singpost to help you figure out postage rates.

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