Is Ebay worth it for quick cash?

[Cloth4Colin]

We are desperately in need of money for groceries this month. One of our medical bill payments was processed earlier than we asked (: ) and now we are in the red. Is selling on Ebay worth it to get some quick cash?

[EarthyMamaofDaisy]

Have you tried Craigslist.org? With ebay you have to wait for the auction to end, plus you don't always get what you want for $$, plus you have to give them a percent and then have to ship it. With Craigslist you can post a photo give your phone # and have the person come pick it up. And it's all free!

What about your local newspaper? Ours has a section called "best bargains" where you can put a free ad for anything that you are selling for less than $200.

[imaqtmama]

I always think about putting stuff on ebay when I am tight for money. But then I start thinking about how long it will take and not getting what I would like for something. So when I am tight on money and need it right away I have posted stuff on mama boards. I also turned three paper bags full of kid clothes into a consignment shop and made about 20 on it. Not much but it was something, and I didn't have to pay shipping on it either.

[oneKnight]

It takes a week or more on ebay and you have to pay them whether or not your stuff sells. I sell books on amazon and I've gotten the listing notification and sales notification in the same afternoon! They only charge you if your item sells.
Of course this only works during textbook buying times of the year (supposing you have extra textbooks lying around! )

We tend to sell computer games, CDs, books, and the like on amazon because they don't charge you unless it sells. Still, it's not guaranteed to be "quick" cash either.

[SleeplessMommy]

I have done very good on craigslist... especially furniture. If you have "rare stuff" or highly desirable collectibles, I would go with eBAY. But plan ahead on this ... you get the best price (probably) if your auction ends around Sunday 9pm EST.

Always check the "completed auctions" to see if your item is in demand.

-sleeplessMommy

[HydeParkB]

I sell some books on half.com (mostly to support my thrift store habit), and they pay once or twice a month. I guess that wouldn't solve the "groceries this month" issue.

You might try asking for groceries on freecycle. Or see if there is an Angel Food Ministries drop-off site near you and see if they have any extra/unclaimed orders.

[Annikate]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

I have done very good on craigslist... especially furniture. If you have "rare stuff" or highly desirable collectibles, I would go with eBAY. But plan ahead on this ... you get the best price (probably) if your auction ends around Sunday 9pm EST.

Always check the "completed auctions" to see if your item is in demand.

-sleeplessMommy

Wow! That's very interesting and a good tip. Thanks.

I also wouldn't use eBay for quick cash. Sometimes it can take a long time no matter when you say you'd like payment. I do it for the Paypal but then just end up spending it again as soon as I get it.