Nowadays, people around the world prefer to shop for their favorite products and essentials online rather than walking into a brick-and-mortar store. 

To put this into perspective, E-Commerce sales reached $870 billion in the US in 2021. This was a 14.2% increase compared to the sales in 2020.

Yes, you can literally sell virtually anything on the web. From selling for business or if you are looking to make some quick bucks disposing of some of your items. 

The beauty is that you can simply advertise on websites to sell items online for free locally. 

Now, you are perhaps wondering which are the best sites for selling used items. Which are the best apps to sell stuff online? 

To answer this, here are the 12 best websites and apps to sell your stuff locally for easy cash, including some free selling sites.

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6 best websites to sell stuff locally (with pros and cons)

One of the fastest ways to make money today is selling products or services on popular buy and sell websites online. There are some excellent websites to sell stuff locally. You could also search for websites for selling stuff in your neighborhood. 

In other words, find those that allow local residents to sell second-hand items and handmade crafts from the comfort of their homes. 

You can leverage these sites to earn some quick cash in case of an emergency. Many of these websites have some good features allowing you to showcase your products/services online in a way that willing buyers can easily locate you and buy!

Ready? 

Here are the 6 best websites you could use to sell or find local items for sale: 

1. Craigslist 

Craigslist was founded by Craig Newman back in 1995 as an email distribution list. In 1996, he converted the site into a web-based service and added more categories so that buyers could easily find what they are looking for. Today, Craigslist is now one of the biggest and most renowned websites to sell stuff locally.

Think about this:

This website also boasts up to 20 billion page views per month and is available in more than 70 countries! 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Craigslist:

Pros

• Craigslist is well-known and has a certain allure, even though it still looks like a site from the 90s. 
• You don't have to pay transactional fees or a monthly subscription to use Craigslist.  
• Due to the high population that uses or visits the site, you have a high chance of finding a buyer. 

Cons

• Craigslist is a hub for scammers and fraudsters. 
• This website is not ideal if you need to manage multiple listings. 
• There are plenty of other sellers who also use Craigslist to advertise their products. Therefore, to keep your ad at the top, you might need to keep reposting it. 

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2. Listia

Listia is a marketplace with a unique concept. You are awarded points when you sell your products on Listia. You can then use these points to buy other items listed on sale by another buyer. 

Though this site might not be as popular as Facebook or Craigslist, users have exchanged over 100 million products. Listia also uses geolocation to show you sellers who are near you. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of using Listia.

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Listia:

Pros

• Listia is an excellent option if you want to get rid of your stuff rather than sell them. 

• You will receive free incentives to create an account and sell your products. 

Cons

• Listia is not ideal if you have high-valued items. 
• You cannot redeem your Listia points for cash.

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3. Facebook marketplace 

Facebook Marketplace has cropped up thanks to the number of active accounts on Facebook. Facebook is more than a social media site. It is now one of the top websites to buy and sell items. 

Just remember to check out Facebook's Commerce policy to find out what you can and can't sell. For instance, you can't advertise pets for adoption or services such as pet walking. 

You are also not allowed to sell alcohol or adult toys. Here are some of the pros and cons of selling your stuff on the Facebook marketplace. 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Facebook Marketplace:

Pros

• Buyers and sellers require an account to operate on Facebook, making it easier to maintain safety and accountability. Each seller has a rating that helps buyers determine whether they are worth checking out. 
• You don't need to disclose your phone number as you can easily communicate with buyers via Facebook messenger. 
• Facebook marketplace is a convenient website to use as you can easily take pictures and videos of your products and create an ad. 

Cons

• Scammers can steal other people's photos to create fake accounts. They could also create anonymous accounts with no photos or personal information that can help you determine their identity. 

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4. Swappa

Swappa is another wonderful local marketplace site dedicated to tech gadgets. You can trade in the likes of cameras, laptops, speakers, and smart appliances; you name it!

What’s the catch?

Swappa will charge you a flat rate for items over $50 paid via PayPal. 

Just make sure you peruse through their full fee schedule to see how much they will charge you, depending on your selling price. Here are some of the pros and cons of Swappa.  

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Swap-pa:

Pros

• Swappa doesn't allow buyers to sell faulty items, meaning you will be entering a clean marketplace. 
• If you use Swappa Local, you will receive a list of pre-approved safe spots to meet with sellers known as Swap Spots. 
• The fees are relatively low and simple. 
• Swappa is known for its safety and high levels of accountability. 

Cons

• You can only use Swappa Local if you are in the US. 
• Swappa limits the number of potential buyers because they can only access the site from an Android device. You can't also use the site if you have an IOS device.

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5. eBay

eBay would be the best pick if you have hard-to-find collectibles in your stash you would like to get rid of. The first step to selling your items on eBay is registering an account and completing the verification process. 

You can then click on the "Sell" tab at the top to create a listing. You can't sell items such as adult toys, live animals, or anything that authorities would consider illegal. 

However…

You could sell wine if you are an approved seller. Here are some of the pros and cons of using eBay to sell your stuff locally. 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using eBay:

Pros

• eBay is one of the most trusted websites for buying and selling products. Vendors have to go through a rigorous verification process before having access to an active account. 
• There are about 180 million users on eBay. Therefore, you have a high chance of finding an interested buyer for your products. 

Cons

• eBay will charge you a final value fee that is a percentage of the total selling price. In most categories, you can expect a final value fee of between 10 and 20%. Fortunately, you will not have to pay a fee for clothing if the selling price is above $100. 
• Expect to find lots of competitors on eBay than on other platforms. Therefore, you will need to work to stand out in the crowded market. 

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6. Vinted 

Vinted is another excellent website with roots in Lithuania, where you can sell second-hand clothing. This website has garnered a community of over 45 million users over the years, meaning there are plenty of potential buyers. 

A buyer will express interest in your product, they will pay Vinted, and a purchase amount will be reflected on your account in an escrow. 

If the buyer clicks "Everything's OK," the site will transfer your funds to your Vinted Wallet. 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Vinted:

Pros

• Vinted is a relatively inexpensive platform that allows you to post free listings.
• The in-app payment system promotes buyer and seller safety. 

Cons

• Some users report that site administrators have failed to handle disputes appropriately in the past.
• Vinted doesn't assign designated pickup points to interact with the buyer directly. 

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6 apps to sell stuff locally (with pros and cons)

Apart from the best websites to sell stuff locally, you could also download tailored apps dedicated to helping local sellers find buyers for their products. As we have already seen, you can sell stuff online for cash. 

It can help you stay ahead financially, save money to invest in the future, or keep you afloat before you find a new steady job. Selling your stuff locally is also an excellent way to declutter if your house is filled with some nice items you no longer need. 

Wondering about apps that give you access to local marketplace online or where to sell stuff?

We got you covered:

Let’s take a look at the 6 best apps to sell stuff locally: 

1. OneRoof 

OneRoof is a nice platform that allows you to make new friends with your neighbors fast! Well, not many can say they have a nice relationship with their neighbors, especially in an era where socializing is getting difficult. 

If you’re struggling to create that spark, then it is high time you downloaded the one app. Additionally, this app helps you make new friends and engage in interesting conversations.

But that’s not all:

OneRoof is also a fun way to buy and sell items to people near you!

Since the seller is probably a floor away from your apartment, shipping the parcel will not be a problem for you!

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using OneRoof app:

Pros

• The app creates several interest-based group chats where you can chat with neighbors who share similar interests as you. 
• The developers of the app respond promptly to your queries. 
• You could join the super neighbor program and organize an event where you could advertise your products and find willing buyers. 

Cons

• OneRoof is currently not available in many countries, although it is expanding
• If you need to attach a picture, you will need to scroll past the numerous old pictures in your gallery before getting to the newer ones.

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2. Decluttr

Decluttr is an app based in Kennesaw, Georgia, which allows you to find new homes for your old technological devices. 

Since the company launched in 2014, it has helped up to 2 million Americans declutter their homes by selling old laptops, phones, and tablets. 

Below are some of the pros and cons of using Decluttr.

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Decluttr app:

Pros

• If the customer is unhappy with their purchase, Decluttr will send the parcel back to you at no extra cost.
• Decluttr will buy your broken electronics and your old Legos too!

Cons

• The company quotes you a price rather than have you set your own selling price. 

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3. Facebook

Facebook app is one of the largest and most popular apps to sell stuff locally. 

All you need to do to sell the item on Facebook is snap a high-quality photo, add a short description and price and post it to your feed, a relevant Facebook group, or marketplace.

But here's the kicker:

It makes a big difference if you indicate the category and location of the products you’re selling. 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using FB Marketplace app:

Pros

• Facebook will not charge you to create a listing. 
• The app is convenient if you want to make a quick sale. 
• You have a high chance of finding willing buyers. 

Cons

• The app charges a 5% selling fee if you need to ship your items from the marketplace. 
• You have to be careful with con artists. 

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4. OfferUp

OfferUp was founded by Nick Huzar and Arean van Veelen in 2011 in a bid to provide a more versatile and mobile-friendly way to connect buyers and sellers.

Judging by the reviews, the founders seemed to have succeeded in their mission.

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using OfferUp app:

Pros

• The app provides designated community meetup places that promote your safety. 
• Local sales on the app are free. 
• OfferUp oversees the entire shipping process from start to finish. 

Cons

• There are no provisions for in-app payments. 
• OfferUp charges a service fee on long-distance shipping transactions. 

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5. 5Miles

5Miles was founded in 2014 to help sellers find new homes for their old furniture and other big-ticket items. 

What's the bottom line?

In our opinion, if the item will cost you more to ship than it is worth, you’re better off using 5Miles.

This app currently boasts over 14 million downloads since it was launched.

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using 5Miles app:

Pros

• 5Miles prioritizes your safety by limiting the personal information you can share. 
• The app offers a location finder so that you can agree on a neutral meetup spot.
• There are in-app translation tools.  

Cons

• The desktop version is relatively out of date. 

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6. Poshmark 

Poshmark is a popular app where you can buy and sell used clothes in the United States, Canada, and Australia. 

Poshmark is a selling app and a social network based in California where you can try your luck at finding willing buyers for your items. 

Below is a list of pros and cons of using Poshmark to sell clothes. 

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Here are some of the pros and cons of using Poshmark app:

Pros

• Poshmark is responsible for handling shipping and tracking. 
• Potential buyers can follow your virtual closet and comment on items that tickle their fancy. 
• In-app payments guarantee the safety of your funds. 

Cons

• Poshmark charges you a flat rate of roughly 20% on all sales. 

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What can you sell on these apps and websites? 

Now that you know the best websites to sell stuff locally or apps to sell stuff, it’s now time to get to work! There are many things you can sell.

If you consider yourself artsy and creative, you can list some handmade items on local marketplaces online. 

But that’s not all:

If you are not so crafty, you could still make easy cash online in many other ways. Here are some of the things you can sell on the apps and websites mentioned above. 

• Personalized gifts
  ‍You could make fast cash online by personalizing gifts such as mugs, notebooks, stickers, and t-shirts for sale. 

• Vintage items
  ‍One of the most common things people sell online is vintage items such as clothes and old furniture. 

• Artwork
  ‍Art injects life into any home or office space. If you create traditional or digital art, you could sell your products online for easy cash. 

• Wedding products
  ‍With so many couples getting hitched each year, the market for wedding products has never been larger. 

• Jewelry
  ‍People love to look good and always look for unique statement pieces to complement their wardrobe. 

• Bath and beauty products
  ‍As long as your beauty products are safe for human consumption and won't cause allergies, they will sell like hotcakes. 

• Craft supplies
  ‍DIY projects are an excellent way to pass the time, and you could make a bank selling craft supplies to willing buyers. 

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How to sell stuff online safely 

You ought to know that not everyone who responds to your ad is genuinely interested in buying your stuff. Some "buyers" might be violent robbers or sexual predators who want to steal your valuables and cause you bodily harm. 

Others might try to scam you by presenting fake checks or lying that they haven't received their parcel yet. You should try to stay safe as you shop or sell items locally for free. 

Wondering how?

Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the Internet. 

1. Avoid disclosing personal information 

It would help if you limited the personal information you post on the Internet. In our opinion, emails are safer than phone calls. 

Ensure you create a disposable email account that doesn't give off any of your personal details to reduce instances of harassment. 

Take advantage of in-app messages to eliminate the need to provide your number or email. 

If you want the added convenience of receiving phone calls from prospective buyers, using a disposable phone number would be wise. 

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2. Ensure the ads you create are safe

As you create your ad, it would help if you looked hard at the photo to ascertain you don't give off personal information such as your address or license plate number. 

You never know who lurks behind their laptop screen or mobile phone waiting to scam you. 

Heads up!

Before you snap that picture, look for a neutral spot to take photos of your items or crop out anything that could identify you personally.

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3. Meet with buyers in a public place

Imagine inviting a stranger to your home to view your products only to find out they want to rob you or inflict bodily harm. 

Once a buyer expresses interest in your products, arrange to meet them in a public space during broad daylight. 

If the client wants to schedule a second meeting, please don't be careless and follow the same procedure to ensure your safety. For non-transferable products, ensure you show as little of your home as possible. 

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4. Beware of fake checks

The best payment method for items over $100 would be online services such as PayPal or a cashier's check. You are also less likely to come across a buyer who pays using counterfeit cash. 

However, personal checks could be tricky because you have no way of knowing whether their account has funds or whether they used a stolen identity to print the check. 

The check could also be fake, for all we know. 

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5. Consider positive tracking

Some scammers will swear on their life that they never received the parcel you sent. Even with the delivery confirmation, it will be their word against yours.

Such negative reviews could damage your rating system and cause buyers to shy away from your ads. The customer could also be genuine in their claim because the parcel could be on the wrong doorstep.

To prevent this from happening in the future, we suggest positive tracking, where you ask the seller to provide a signature upon receiving your parcel.

Summary

Bottom line:

Selling items online is one way to earn extra bucks. You could even do it as a full-time business! There are many wonderful sites and apps that let you sell stuff online for cash.

Find a good local marketplace online and get started. That said, it would be wise to be careful whenever you use the Internet lest you become a victim of a scam or other forms of malice.

Have fun selling from the comfort of your home!

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