Well, I love a challenge!
I started to write an article about selling stuff around your house to make extra cash, but the words seemed a little empty. Instead, I’ve decided to wade right in here … and do it with you. I’m not huge at buying or selling online, and try it only sporadically, usually when moving house and desperately wanting some other person to come and collect a fridge I no longer want. Aaaaand, I noticed Ebay’s research says the average person has $1800 worth of used goods lying around their place, and that happened to be the same amount of money as the plane ticket I need for a working holiday in NYC in May. Serendipity, right?! So, instead of telling you all about how to get $1800 this year selling household stuff you no longer need, I’m going to give it a whirl.
Mimco Necklace thing I am selling ... yes that's my neck!
The Challenge: Sell stuff I have lying around the house and no longer want/need … using EBay or any other online seller, and use the money to buy a plane ticket to New York. Eeek!
The Money: Cost of return plane ticket to New York City: Qantas, $1781
Current balance from selling ’stuff’: $0 at Jan 1, 2010.
Costs: EBay listing fees, about $1.00 per item.
Deadline: May 1, 2010.
The ‘Surplus Stuff‘: Loads of books, jewellery, clothes, and other randomness.
Can I See It?: Why Yes you can, there’s a few things on EBay already, but there is plenty more to come, I just have to photograph it all. And in the spirit of, um, selling surplus stuff, anyone else who has their stuff for sale can put it in the comments for us all to look at. Oh, and make sure you tell us what you are using the money for. I doubt it’ll be something as cool as going to New York, but give it a whirl anyway.
Righto, let the challenge begin! I’ll be back regularly with updates on how I’m going. If you want in, let me know in the comments or contact me.
ET December 31, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I think that’s a great idea… I’m going to try the exact same thing to get some extra cash… but won’t be going anywhere as cool as NYC!
Flossie January 1, 2010 at 9:01 am
Do you need any extra junk – always plenty to spare here!
jo January 1, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Ha, I might do, Flossie! I still have 7 days to go on all of the things I have up for sale right now .. will let you guys know how it is going … wonder if Ebay is the best option for online selling?
Kath January 3, 2010 at 11:43 am
You may be right, I tried selling a few things on Ebay 2009 cost me more for the fees than I made. GOOD LUCK
jo January 3, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Yeah, that’s the issue with Ebay, right? So far, I’ve got $16 or so owing in fees. But I have sold or got bids on quite a few things – don’t think I’d get as many lookers on any of the other selling sites – or does anyone have any recommendations to sell elsewhere for my next attempt? I’m still a LONG way from my airline ticket goal!!
melli January 4, 2010 at 10:23 am
Good Luck Jo! I paid for Zac’s therapy ( he has autism spectrum disorder) for three years through ebaying. Went to deceased estates and garage sales every weekend ( the trick is to get there first for the best stuff) and picked up mainly deco and collector bric a brac. His therapy was $1500 a week and ebay funded it!
Denise January 4, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I’ve sold heaps of stuff on ebay – but I sell my books on Amazon.
It only works for books or equipment you can get a decent price on because their fees are so high, but worth it if you’ve got something that is unusual or rare and can command a good price.
I’m going to sell my wedding dress, but mainly to pay off credit cards… hmmm, maybe I need a better incentive!
Denise January 5, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Ok – was inspired last night – put both my wedding dresses on ebay.
I’m also doing a clean out of clothes and going to a swishing party (clothes swapping party) on Saturday.
jo January 5, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Good one Denise! My ebay items have been going swimmingly – I just have to find the time to put all my other stuff up there. I owe about $15 in fees, and I think I have set my postage too low – but I’ll learn and do better for the next round …
jo January 8, 2010 at 8:22 am
Update: $1,732.50 to go! some stuff sold!
Denise @ Raw Brides January 15, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Yep – both wedding dresses sold (quite low amounts, but happy to get rid of them), some headphones, and about 10 books so far. Mark sold some old football shirts, so we’re up to about £260
jo January 16, 2010 at 11:22 am
260 quid!?? Good for you, you’re way ahead of me already. I’ve got a few nice pairs of (never worn!) shoes to put on and a few other things to do next week.
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Annaleise February 12, 2010 at 10:42 am
Hey Jo. I’m already doing the same thing to help get spending money for New York. I have sold three make up items in ebay!! By the way I am likeing your site. Happy ebaying!!!
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