Written by Zach “Does Anyone Want a Toaster?” Dalton
Well, the time is upon us. The end of the semester. For some it means a nice summer at home with your parents. After about three months you’ll come back to your new (or same) dorm room with plans to create the ultimate workspace/ living area. For others, like myself, the end of the semester means a whole new world to move into, maybe a full apartment, and a lot of junk I don’t need. Luckily, thanks to the modern-aged Internet, selling your unwanted items has never been easier! Here are some quick tips on how to sell online.
1.) “A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words.” If you’re planning on selling an item online, be sure to include pictures with a variety of angles showcasing the whole item. I would suggest no more than five photos, but if it’s a large item more can be used. The picture will be the first impression of the item outside of your title.
2.) “Hook ’em and Reel ’em.” Speaking of title, it is important to have a catchy title on your posting to entice a buyer. What grabs your attention more: “Toaster For Sale,” or “Toaster with Ideal Heat For Sale.” The latter one, right? Get creative with your titles!
3.) “Show, Don’t Tell.” Descriptions are very important once the buyer clicks on your post. You don’t have to overdo it, but definitely be sure to mention the item’s condition, abilities, and even size. These simple describers go a long way.
4.) “Network, network, network.” Be available to talk to a potential buyer. When someone does reach out, be sure you respond as soon as you can and be readily available to answer questions. After all, if you’re selling multiple things they might come back to you.
5.) “Key Word: OBO.” Also known as “or best offer” and this phrase will be sure to bring in some more potential buyers. One of the largest draws to buying online is haggling. Everyone loves to haggle over price, so in order to seem more receptive to haggling, tag your price with “OBO.”
Happy selling, Maroons!
