A simple guide on how to make money from unwanted gifts

In this current state of the countries finances, we are all looking at different ways to earn a few extra pennies from things that you have around the house. That may be from unwanted gifts or any items that you no longer use. Remember, what you feel might be junk, someone else may that its treasure, and be willing to pay you for it. Even if you get a couple of quid for something that’s just been lying around, it’s better than nothing and you’d be surprised how quickly it all adds up. Below are two of the quickest and most simple ways to make money from selling things from around the house.

eBay

This is the most popular way of earning extra money as you can selling anything from clothes to computer games, baby stuff to a box of pens. As long as it’s not alive or illegal, you can pretty much sell it on eBay. Before listing anything on eBay, its worth doing a bit of research to see what you have that sells well, as you don’t want to waste time listing items that won’t go. From personal experience, branded clothes sell well, such as Next, TopShop and various sportswear brands. Before listing any items here a few tips to help you :

• Make sure that you select an appropriate category, I normally do a search to see what other buyers have listed similar items as.
• Write a clear descriptive title – Always make sure that you include brand, size, colour and condition (if the item is new with the original tag, list it as BNWT)
• Photo – Always add a clear photo so that people know what they are bidding on, take a few images so the buyer can see different views of the item.
• Description – Make sure that you are honest with the buyer. If there are a few marks on the top, state it so they know before bidding. This will help late in case of any misunderstandings. Also add more detailed information such as brand, age, condition, etc.
• Starting price – Every month eBay offer free listing for private sellers of 100 items. I always start the item at what I am willing to sell it for, you don’t want to be left disappointment selling a computer game for £0.99 when its worth a lot more. The lower the starting bid normally encourages the buyer to bid as they think they are getting a bargain. So its essential you start the auction as low as you are willing to go.
• Give accurate postage and payment information – Buyers want a safe and easy way to pay so consider accepting an online payment system such as PayPal. I always weigh my items to make sure that I am giving correct postage cost so you not left out-of-pocket for under charging on this, and eBay now cracks down on people who overcharge on postage.
• Messages – Always answer eBay messages as quickly as possible and certainly within 24 hours so that the buyer knows you are reliable and trustworthy. You don’t want to miss out on a potential bidder by being lazy with replying.

Further guidance on selling on eBay

How to get started with PayPal

Royal Mail postage costs

Car boot sales

Another way of making money fast and easy is to do a car boot, this way you will get rid of all of your junk in one day. I usually try to sell as much as I can on eBay, and then anything that is left over or that won’t sell on there, I will do a car boot sale with. Here are a few tips to help you make your car boot a success.

Things to do before the car boot

• Make sure you have at least two pasting tables, a couple of plastic sheets in case of rain, and any other display items such as a clothes rack
• Enlist a friend or family member to help you. It’s a one day doing a car boot and can be very hard work doing one yourself (especially when its time for the loo)
• Make sure you have everything ready and packed the night before. It’s usually a very early start so the last thing you want to be doing is packing your stock
• Go through any clothes you are selling and make sure you have emptied any pockets. Last thing you want is someone buying a pair of jeans for £3 and finding a £10 note in the back pocket
• Have plenty of small change for a float, carrier bags for the customers and a chair to sit on
• If you are selling clothes, take a clothes rail or something that can substitute. Clothes sell a lot better when they are hung up

Morning of the car boot and setting up

• Arrive at the car boot nice and early as this will allow you to choose a good pitch. If the weather is forecast for rain, try to get under shelter or inside. But if the weather is supposed to be nice, aim for a pitch that will be in the sun for the majority of the day
• Displaying you items well can be the difference between a good day and a quiet day, so make sure you take care to make your stall nice and bright
• When you first start to unload, watch out for traders trying to buy things off you before you have even started. Whatever they are offering you, they will feel they can sell it for more so try to avoid selling anything to them
• Make sure your items that are likely to sell can be seen and touched by the buyer
• Don’t over price your items as you have to remember this is a car boot and you aren’t likely to sell things for a massive price
• Set your prices out clearly to the buyer. I normally reduce them later in the morning because you don’t want to be left taking items home at the end of the day
• Charm you customers with some friendly banter. This works a treat and is not to be underestimated.
• At the end of day, you could take any unsold items to the charity shop rather than throw them away

www.carbootjunction.com –  shows where different car boots are being held within the UK

There are many other ways of making money from home, but I have found these to be the most easy and successful. Good luck, I hope you have found my tips helpful and please let me know how you get on in the comments section below.