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Offloading your used items can do you good on a couple of fronts. You can declutter your home, help fight waste (since you’re not just throwing things out), and make some extra money all by selling your still-useful stuff.

Whether you are looking to sell unwanted items like clothing, shoes, bags, furniture, housewares, books, electronics, or anything else, you can probably find a platform to help you get the job done. Some ways to sell are online, others aren’t, but all can do their part to connect your items with buyers — and get some additional cash flowing your way.

Here’s a guide on where to sell stuff, with dozens of places that can help you turn your unwanted items into cash.

20 Places to Sell Stuff Online

If you have items you no longer want or need, and you’re looking to make some extra money, exploring online platforms to sell used items can be highly beneficial. Whether you’re decluttering regularly to keep your space tidy or need a financial boost, online resale apps and sites offer convenient ways to reach a wide audience. Many of these platforms are free to list but they may take a small percentage of your profits once you sell.

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1. Craigslist

One of the original online marketplaces, Craigslist is still around and remains a popular platform for local classifieds. You can list all sorts of things, from tools to toys to DVDs to antiques (and much more) for free.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to sell items in your local area. It’s free to create a listing that can be seen by anyone on and off Facebook. You can also choose to post your listings to any “Buy and Sell” Groups you’re a member of.

However, a word of caution: Facebook Marketplace and other similar platforms can be used for bank account scams. Read up on common ploys and proceed with caution when selling this way.

3. Amazon

While you may think that Amazon is where you can buy new things, there are also a lot of opportunities to list used items. The site typically charges $0.99 per sale. You can also sign up for a professional selling plan which costs $39.99 per month no matter how many items you sell. Amazon may also charge others fees, including referral fees.

4. eBay

The original selling platform, eBay can still be a good way to sell your stuff, especially if you want to reach buyers from around the world who are looking to save money. Or it can be a huge help if you’re looking to unload an unusual item (there is almost nothing you can’t potentially sell on eBay). But you may want to keep an eye out for selling fees, which may include a listing fee, a percentage of the sales prices, and possibly other fees.

5. OfferUp

Developed as a locally-driven platform, OfferUp can be another good bet for selling used things. It allows you to sell to someone local, or ship an item to a buyer who lives anywhere in the U.S. The platform doesn’t charge fees or take a commission from your in-person transactions, but fees may be charged for shipping, promoting your items, and listings that go beyond the free allotment for the month.

6. Poshmark

Primarily a site for selling used clothing, Poshmark also lets you list home decor, jewelry, and beauty products. For sales you make under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95. If you make a sale that’s worth $15 or more, it takes 20%.^[3]

7. Etsy

Etsy may be best known as a platform for artists to sell their handmade goods and launch a low-cost side hustle. But the site also allows you to list some used goods. However, you can only resell in the “Vintage” and “Craft Supplies” categories. There is a listing fee of 20 cents per item, and, when you sell an item, there’s a transaction fee of 6.5% of the price. You may also need to pay a fee to open your Etsy shop.^[4]

8. thredUP

An online consignment and thrift store, thredUP sells thousands of major brands. You can send your gently used clothing directly to the service. If they accept (and sell) your clothing, you can earn ThredUp credit, which you can convert into cash. If your item sells in its listing window, you’ll earn a percentage of the selling price. This can be anywhere from 3% to 80%, depending on the item’s sales price.

9. eBid

Like eBay, you can sell just about anything on eBid, either for auction or at a fixed price. eBid is organized into three tiers of selling, with different membership costs and selling fees. eBid may or may not wind up costing you less than other selling platforms, depending on how much you will sell and at what price.

10. Bookoo

Bookoo is an online platform that serves as a local community marketplace for buying and selling items. It essentially functions like an online yard sale, facilitating in-person transactions between neighbors, and does not charge any listing or transaction fees.

11. Vinted

If you have a lot of gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories to sell, you may want to check out Vinted, a peer-to-peer online marketplace that focuses on vintage and second-hand fashion. And, for sellers, it’s free. Buyers pay a “protection fee,” typically 5% of the purchase price plus 70 cents.

12. Vestiaire Collective

If you have luxury items you want to sell, you may want to try Vestiaire Collective, a resale website where you can buy and sell high-end clothing, handbags, and accessories. Listing your items is free; once you make a sale, a selling fee of 10% will be deducted from the final price of your sale.

13. TheRealReal

TheRealReal is a luxury consignment site where you can drop off or ship designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry, as well as fine art and upscale home decor. They sell your items for you in exchange for a percentage of the profit.

Recommended: Ways to Make Money Online

14. Rebag

If you have a designer bag that you no longer want, you might consider selling it on Rebag, a site that’s focused on buying, selling, and trading luxury handbags and other accessories. The site offers three ways of selling — consign, trade, and buyout, giving you control over how you sell, what you earn, and how quickly you’re paid.

15. Bag Borrow or Steal

Another site for selling luxury handbags is Bag Borrow or Steal. You can sell directly to the site (and get paid right away), or you can consign and receive 70% of the sales price after it’s sold.

16. PreOwned Wedding Dresses

If you aren’t sentimental about keeping your wedding dress, bridal party gown, or accessories, then you might list it on Nearly Newlywed (PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com), with a $25 listing fee and an 80% payout of the sale price when someone buys it.

17. BookScouter

If you’re looking to sell textbooks, you may want to check out BookScouter. The platform simplifies the process by searching sites that buy used textbooks, then displaying the prices from those sites, so you can compare and decide where to sell your books.

18. GoTextbooks

GoTextbooks also allows you to sell your college textbooks and hopefully recoup some of the money you spent on them. When you let the site (sellback.gotextbooks.com/) know about what you have for sale, they will give you an instant quote. You can then ship your books for free and receive your money.

19. Gazelle

You may be able to turn your old cell phone into some quick cash at Gazelle. The site will give you an instant quote. If you like the numbers, you can ship the phone to them for free, and get paid via Amazon Gift Card, PayPal, or check.

20. Instagram

If you have a fair number of followers on Instagram, you might consider listing items you’re looking to sell there. As with Facebook groups, you simply need to snap a photo, write a brief description, and name your price. Or, you can go the more professional route and integrate Instagram’s shopping tools.

15 Places to Sell Stuff In Person

For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, selling items in person can be equally rewarding. If you have items cluttering your home and you need quick cash, local stores, markets, and community sales can provide great opportunities to sell your goods directly. Whether you choose to consign your items or sell them outright for cash, these in-person places can offer immediate results and personal interactions with buyers.

1. Garage Sales

If your goal is to unload a large amount of stuff all at once, hosting a garage sale can be a good way to go. You could even get some neighbors together and hold a community garage sale to attract more people.

Just be sure to double-check local laws first to see if a permit is required.

2. Flea Markets

Community flea markets can be a great way to sell unwanted things. The owner and operator of the flea market will likely charge you a fee for a booth. If you live in a big city, you may have to register early to get a spot.

3. Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is a vintage and used clothing store with locations throughout the U.S. If one of their stores is convenient to you, you can make an appointment to meet with a buyer. If they like your stuff, they will pay 25% of their selling price in cash or 50% in store credit. (Using that store credit could prove to be a good way to save money on clothes.)

4. Crossroads Trading

Crossroads Trading is a second-hand clothing store with brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. If you visit a store, you may be able to receive cash for your clothing on the spot. For higher-end pieces, you can opt to consign. Crossroads also offers mail-in service.

5. Plato’s Closet

You can bring your gently used brand-name clothing and accessories to a Plato’s Closet near you. They’ll review your items and, if accepted, you’ll get paid on the spot.

6. Style Encore

A women’s resale store, you can bring in stylish, gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories to one of Style Encore’s retail locations. If the store likes your items, you will get paid right away in cash.

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7. Once Upon a Child

If you have gently used children’s clothing and shoes, toys, and/or baby gear lying around, you may want to cart it over to Once Upon a Child, which has locations throughout the U.S. An employee will check out your goods and, if they think they sell them, will give you cash in return.

Recommended: Weird Ways to Make Money

8. Play It Again Sports

If you live near Play it Again Sports, you may want to consider bringing in all the no-longer-used sports equipment in your garage. You’ll clear out the space, and may get a nice amount of cash in return.

9. Music Go Round

Live in a musical household? Music Go Round is a resale music shop where you can bring in used instruments and sound equipment (like amps, MIDI equipment, and mixers) and get paid cash in return.

10. Local Thrift Stores

Unlike Goodwill or Salvation Army which accept donations, thrift stores — specifically ones that sell high-end or vintage clothing — might be willing to buy your clothes and other items. Look up local stores, and ask them what they buy and how much they typically pay.

11. Used Book Stores

Your local used book stores may be looking to purchase your books from you. You can call ahead, let them know what you have, and see if they are interested. You might wind up freeing up shelf space while making some extra cash.

12. Pawn Shop

You may be able to make some quick money selling your old stuff to a local pawn shop. Typically, pawn shops are only interested in things of real value, such as jewelry, collectible coins, and electronics. It can be a good idea to bring in proof of purchase so that the owner knows you aren’t trying to sell stolen goods.

13. Facebook Groups

If you’re in any local or niche Facebook groups, you may want to post items that might appeal to members of the group. You simply need to snap a picture, describe your item, set your asking price, and see what offers you get.

14. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a network of local community websites and can be a good place to post items. To sell items locally for free, you’ll need to make an account. You can then create a post from your feed by clicking the “Sell or give away” option at the bottom.

15. A “Raid My Closet” Event

Do you have friends who might be interested in checking out what you have for sale? You may want to consider inviting them over for a “raid my closet” event, or a “raid my garage” party. You can offer food and drinks, and make it a fun celebration to declutter your home.

What Are the Benefits of Selling Your Things?

Selling your things can have several benefits:

•   You can declutter or downsize by selling unwanted items.

•   You can help the environment by passing the item along versus throwing it in the garbage.

•   You can help someone who is looking for a gently used item that you have and wants to get a good deal on it.

•   You can bring in extra income.

However, there are also some potential downsides of selling your stuff. As mentioned, there is the possibility of being scammed in some direct sales. There may also be tax implications if you frequently sell things for profit (meaning you’re getting more than you paid for the items). In that scenario, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional.

The Takeaway

If you’re holding on to clothes, furniture, books, or other items you no longer want or need, you could be sitting on a way to make some extra money while decluttering.

What to do with all the extra cash that starts rolling in? You might want to bank it and earn a competitive return on those funds.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What is a good website to sell stuff on?

The right website to sell stuff on will depend on the item you are selling. If you are selling a piece of furniture or large appliance, you might try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For clothing, you might consider a site like Poshmark, ThredUp or Vinted.

How do I sell my stuff online for free?

This will depend on the kind of item you are selling. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted are some examples of platforms that typically don’t charge the seller any fees.

What is the best app for selling used items?

Among the apps to consider when selling your used items are eBay, OfferUp, and Poshmark. These can reach a large number of potential buyers, though as a seller, you will likely pay some fees.

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Zinkevych

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SOBNK-Q325-065

Options trading can appeal to traders who are interested in more advanced investment strategies and who wish to hedge against risk in their existing portfolios or attempt to benefit from different price movements and strategies. It’s important to know, however, that options trading is, in some ways, its own world, with its own jargon.

When an investor trades options, they aren’t trading individual shares of stock. Instead, they’re trading contracts to buy or sell stocks and other securities under specific conditions. Beyond this, there are a number of important options trading strategies that investors commonly use. In order to effectively deal in options, an investor should familiarize themselves with certain lingo and understand the potential risks involved in these strategies.

First, Understand What You Are Trading

Before learning the trading terms, it helps to have a firm grasp of what options trading is and what it involves. In layman’s terms, when you’re trading options, you’re investing in an option to buy or sell a stock, rather than the stock itself.

Options are a form of derivative trading, and there are many options trading strategies that traders can use, too. It’s not exactly the same as trading stocks, and is often more complicated. For that reason, investors should have a strong grasp of the various elements of options trading as well as the potential risks before they start trading options.

Options Trading Terms to Know

When beginning to learn about options trading, these are some of the most important trading terms to know.

Call Option

A call option is an options contract that gives the purchaser of the option the right, though not the obligation, to buy shares of a stock or another security at a fixed price. This price is called the “strike price.”

When an investor buys a call option, the option is open for a set time period. While the option buyer may choose whether or not to buy the underlying asset in that time period, the seller is obligated to fulfill the terms of the contract if the buyer chooses to exercise the option.

The expiration date is the date when the call option is voided — though some options positions are automatically exercised if they are in the money. Standard options contracts often expire within a few months, though durations can vary.

Put Option

A put option gives a purchaser the right to sell shares of a stock at the strike price by a specified day. When getting to know puts and calls definitions, it’s important to remember that each one has:

•   A strike price

•   An expiration date,

•   And a premium.

Strike Price

With a call option or put option, the strike price is one of the most important trading terms to know.

In a call option, the strike price is the price at which an investor may buy the underlying stock associated with the contract. In a put option, the strike price is the price at which they may sell the underlying stock.

The gap between the strike price and the market price of a stock determines whether an option is “in the money” (ITM) or “out of the money” (OTM). More on this below.

Expiration

Every option contract comes with an expiration date, which is the last day that the contract is in effect. American options may be exercised up to and on the expiration date of an option. In contrast, European-style options can only be exercised on the expiration date.

Premium

The option premium is the current price of the option, and thus the amount that the buyer pays to the option seller for the contract. The premium is determined by intrinsic factors, including whether an option is currently in-the-money and how far, as well as extrinsic factors, including the time remaining until expiration and implied volatility.

Exercise

Exercising an option is when the buyer chooses to utilize their right to buy or sell the underlying security, depending on whether they hold a call or a put.

In the Money

When discussing stock movements, it’s typical to think in terms of whether a stock’s price is up, down, or flat. With options, on the other hand, there’s different language used to describe whether an investment may pay off or not, and it’s often described as “in the money” versus “out of the money.”

An option is in the money when the relationship between the strike price and the stock’s market price would make exercising the option financially beneficial to the buyer. Which way this movement needs to go depends on whether they have a call option or put option.

With a call option, a buyer is in the money if the strike price is below the stock’s actual price. Say, for example, you place a call option to purchase a stock at $50 per share (the strike price), but its market price is $60 per share. In this case, the option would be in the money by $10 per share.

Put options are the opposite. An option buyer is in the money with a put option if the strike price is higher than the actual stock price.

Out of the Money

Being out of the money with call or put options means the option buyer doesn’t stand to see any financial gain from exercising the option, based on the current market price. Whether a call or put option is out of the money depends on the relationship between the strike price and the actual stock price.

A call option is out of the money when the strike price is above the actual stock price. A put option is out of the money when the strike price is below the actual stock price.

At the Money

Being “at the money” is another scenario an options buyer could run into with options trading.

In an at-the-money situation, the strike price and the stock’s actual price are the same (or very nearly the same). If the buyer of the option sells the option, they could potentially make or lose money. If they exercise the option, they may lose money, since the strike price offers no financial advantage over the current market price, and they have already paid the premium.

Implied Volatility

When trading options, it’s important to understand stock volatility and how it can impact trading outcomes.

Volatility is the degree and frequency of fluctuations in an asset’s price over a given time period. In options, higher volatility typically increases the option’s premium since increased volatility may raise the likelihood that the contract becomes profitable before expiration.

Implied volatility is a way of measuring or estimating the future volatility of an option’s underlying asset. Higher implied volatility suggests that the underlying asset may see bigger price swings in the future, which in turn influences the option’s premium.

Implied Volatility Crush

An implied volatility crush, also known as an IV crush, happens when there’s a sharp decline in a stock’s implied volatility that affects an option’s value. Specifically, this means a downward trend that can reduce a call or put option’s value.

Volatility crushes tend to occur after a major announcement that affects or could affect the implied volatility of a stock’s price. For example, investors might see a volatility crush after a company releases its latest earnings report or announces a merger with a competitor. The release may reduce uncertainty surrounding the company prior to the announcement, thereby lowering both the stock’s expected volatility and the option’s premium.

Time Decay

Time decay, also known as theta in the options Greeks, is the decrease in an option contract’s value as its expiration date approaches. The rate of time decay tends to increase when an option is close to expiration since there is little time left for an option to potentially move into the money.

Bid/Ask Price

When trading options, it’s helpful to know how bid and ask prices work.

The bid price is the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for an option. The ask price is the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for an option. The difference between the bid price and ask price is known as the spread.

Holder and Writer

Other trading terms investors may hear associated with options are “holder” and “writer.” The person or entity buying an options contract may be referred to as the holder. The seller of an options contract can also be referred to as the writer of that contract.

It’s crucial to know when trading options that the buyer (or holder) has the right, but not the obligation, to exercise the option contract they purchased. The seller (or writer), on the other hand, is obligated to fulfill the terms of the contract, whether that involves buying or selling the underlying asset, depending on whether the option is a call or a put.


💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

Pros and Cons of Options Trading

Options trading can offer both advantages and disadvantages for investors.

Pros of Options Trading

•   Lower entry point. Unless an investor is able to purchase fractional shares, purchasing individual stock shares with higher price points can get expensive. Investing in certain options trades, on the other hand, may be more accessible for investors with a limited amount of money to put into the market. However, while option trading may amplify gains, it can also amplify losses, making them high risk.

•   Downside protection for buyers. If the stock’s price isn’t moving in the direction a buyer anticipated, they don’t have to exercise their option to buy, in which case their maximum loss is the premium they paid. Note that this is not the case for option sellers, who must fulfill the terms of the contract if exercised.

•   Greater flexibility. Options trading can offer an investor flexibility. A buyer may choose to exercise an option to buy or sell shares, or may be able to sell the option contract, depending on the market conditions and strategy. Advanced traders may implement different options trading strategies, such as spreads, to express a view on a stock’s potential movement or to manage risk.

Cons of Options Trading

Options trading can be high risk. Trading options offers leverage, or the ability to gain exposure to stocks’ price movements through relatively small premiums, but that also means options trading may amplify losses.

Options are particularly risky for sellers. While the maximum loss for an option buyer is the premium paid, the option seller could face substantial losses if the price of the underlying asset moves in an adverse direction and their trade is not protected, or covered, by owning sufficient shares of the underlying stock.

The Takeaway

Trading options may be attractive to investors who anticipate meaningful movement in an asset, or who want to offset risk from other holdings. But before an investor engages in options trading, it’s important to get familiar with put and call definitions and other options trading terms.

Knowing the specific jargon and terminology used by options traders can help investors cut through the noise and make better decisions. Of course, if you’re uneasy or unfamiliar with options terminology, you’d probably be better off learning more before starting to make trades. Options trading is typically best for experienced investors with a higher tolerance for risk.

SoFi’s options trading platform offers qualified investors the flexibility to pursue income generation, manage risk, and use advanced trading strategies. Investors may buy put and call options or sell covered calls and cash-secured puts to speculate on the price movements of stocks, all through a simple, intuitive interface.

With SoFi Invest® online options trading, there are no contract fees and no commissions. Plus, SoFi offers educational support — including in-app coaching resources, real-time pricing, and other tools to help you make informed decisions, based on your tolerance for risk.

FAQ

What are the most common options trading terms?

Some of the most common options terms include call option and put option, which are the two main types of contracts, as well as strike price (the price at which an option buyer may buy or sell an option’s underlying shares), expiration date (when the option contract expires), and premium (the price a buyer pays a seller for the option). Other common terms include exercise, in-the-money, out-of-the-money, at-the-money, time decay, and implied volatility.

What are the basics of options trading?

Options trading is a form of trading that can provide investors with leverage, meaning they can gain exposure to the price movements of the number of shares covered by the contract (typically 100) without having to buy those shares outright. While their gains may therefore be magnified, so too may their potential losses. Options traders may employ several different strategies to try to profit from stock movements and manage risk.

What’s the easiest option trade to make?

The most straightforward options trade would typically be buying a call or put option. A buyer of a call or a put may profit if the price of the underlying asset moves in their favor (above the strike price with a call or below the strike price with a put) and if gains exceed the premium paid. The most they would stand to lose is the premium they pay when they enter the trade.