Getting Started with Selling Things Online

If you're staring at your kid's wardrobe again, where half the clothes don't fit anymore, and that expensive jacket you bought last winter has been worn maybe three times, you know it’s time. It's time to turn that clutter into cash. If you're drowning in outgrown clothes, unused toys, and random household items, there is only one way out.

Selling online isn't as hard as it sounds, but it does require some know-how. Parents everywhere are making decent money on platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Some are clearing out closets for pocket money. Others are funding family holidays. The beauty is that you can start small and see where it takes you.

Photography That Actually Works

Forget fancy equipment. Your phone camera works fine. What matters is decent lighting and honesty. Take photos by a window during the day. Artificial lighting makes everything look yellow or harsh. If you're selling clothes, lay them flat on a clean surface or hang them up. Show the front, back, and any interesting details like pockets or buttons. An AI background remover can help if your backdrop isn't great, but honestly, a clean white sheet or your kitchen table works fine. Don't overthink it.

For flaws, photograph them clearly. That tiny stain on the sleeve? Show it. Buyers hate surprises, and transparency builds trust. And sellers have lost their minds over returns that could've been avoided with one honest photo.

Picking Your Platform Wisely

Next, choose your platform. You wouldn't sell a vintage handbag the same way you'd sell a broken PlayStation, right? Each platform has its sweet spot.

Vinted loves clothes. Designer kids' wear, that barely-worn Zara dress, school uniforms your child outgrew in a term. Vinted buyers snap these up. The app feels like a giant digital car boot sale, but classier. Buyers expect good quality at reasonable prices.

eBay works for pretty much everything else. Got an old iPhone gathering dust? List it on eBay. Do you have collectible toys, electronics, books, kitchen gadgets? eBay's your friend. You can auction items or set fixed prices. Sometimes bidding wars happen, which is quite exciting when it's your item causing the fuss.

Facebook Marketplace shines for bulky stuff. That highchair taking up half your kitchen, or the trampoline your kids have abandoned is perfect for Facebook. Local pickup makes these sales painless. Plus, you can check out buyers' profiles before meeting them.

Writing Descriptions People Trust

Keep it simple but thorough. Start with the obvious stuff: brand, size, color. Then get specific about condition. "Good condition" means nothing. "Worn a few times, small mark on the hem" tells a story.

Measurements help, especially for kids' clothes. Brands size differently, and parents know this. If you're selling a "12-18 months" outfit, mention the actual measurements too.

Be chatty but not rambling. "Lovely winter coat from Next, size 4-5 years. My daughter wore it for one winter, mainly for school pickup. Small scuff on the left cuff but otherwise excellent condition." That works better than "GORGEOUS COAT!!! MUST GO!!!"

Pricing without Shooting Yourself in the Foot

Check what similar items sold for, not what they're listed for. There’s a big difference. Completed sales tell you what people actually pay.

Price slightly under comparable items if you want quick sales. Match the going rate if you're patient. Factor in platform fees and postage costs. There’s nothing worse than realizing you've made £2 profit on something that took you twenty minutes to photograph and list.

Popular brands hold value better. That Joules raincoat will sell faster than a supermarket equivalent. Limited edition or discontinued items can command premium prices, but don't get greedy.

Running Your Mini Business

Reply to messages quickly. Buyers appreciate fast responses, and platforms often reward active sellers with better visibility. Pack items properly. Nobody wants to receive a soggy envelope with their "excellent condition" top inside.

Set realistic postage timescales and stick to them. If you say you'll post within two days, do it. Your reputation depends on reliability more than perfect photography.

Keep basic records if you're selling regularly. Which items sell fastest? What pricing works? This helps you get better over time.

Making It Work for You

Start with five items and see how you get on. Learn the ropes before diving in with fifty listings. Each platform has quirks you'll discover through experience.

Selling online turns your unwanted stuff into someone else's treasures while putting money in your pocket. Your clutter becomes their find, and everyone wins.