How to sell

[gossamer]

I have read the TOtal Money Makeover and several other books about budgeting, paying off debt and saving. They all mention selling items you don't need in your house. My question is, how do you sell these things? Ihave had several yard sales, but still wind up with several boxes of stuff that didn't sell. Should I try e-bay? Consignment? FOr example, I have a couple of original european oil paingings that i know are worth a couple fo thousand dollars, but nobody will pay that at a garage sale, e-bay sellers have told me they're not well enough known artists, and consignment shops would take 50 - 60 percent of what it sells for. I have several things like this. SO where do I sell my stuff?
Gossamer

[CityChic]

For items worth a lot of money but not ebay worthy I would try Craigslist and the local pennysaver/newspaper. Good luck!

[texmati]

Also, you may have to adjust your expectations on how much things will sell for, yk?

[1growingsprout]

Originally Posted by gossamer

I have read the TOtal Money Makeover and several other books about budgeting, paying off debt and saving. They all mention selling items you don't need in your house. My question is, how do you sell these things? Ihave had several yard sales, but still wind up with several boxes of stuff that didn't sell. Should I try e-bay? Consignment? FOr example, I have a couple of original european oil paingings that i know are worth a couple fo thousand dollars, but nobody will pay that at a garage sale, e-bay sellers have told me they're not well enough known artists, and consignment shops would take 50 - 60 percent of what it sells for. I have several things like this. SO where do I sell my stuff?
Gossamer

Things are only worth what they sell for. Have you tried to call a local art shop and see what they 'quote' you. I am a beliver of 'cosigning' from the viewpoint, that i no longer want.need the item so whatever $$ i get is a bonus. Taking it down a couple levels, my kids have TONS of clothes, gymboree, gap, baby lulu, that stuff isnt cheap and while it may be worth $50 outfit, i may get $4 at the resale shoppe. I gladly take my $4 and move on. the stuff is gone, i have a few dollars and all is well. I would never try to expect my $50 or even $20 back.

I also dont spend alot of time looking for a buyer. You can try craigslist, try some local art shops but if the cosignment place is willing to take it, you can bet id have it over there asap.

Selling things usually doesnt bring in 'alot' of money but IMO every little bit helps. YK?

[greenluv]

In my area there is a website that is essentially a consignment store online. You upload your pics and description like on ebay and set your price. I would check and see if there is something like this in your area.

[SeekingJoy]

Originally Posted by gossamer

I have read the TOtal Money Makeover and several other books about budgeting, paying off debt and saving. They all mention selling items you don't need in your house. My question is, how do you sell these things? Ihave had several yard sales, but still wind up with several boxes of stuff that didn't sell. Should I try e-bay? Consignment? FOr example, I have a couple of original european oil paingings that i know are worth a couple fo thousand dollars, but nobody will pay that at a garage sale, e-bay sellers have told me they're not well enough known artists, and consignment shops would take 50 - 60 percent of what it sells for. I have several things like this. SO where do I sell my stuff?
Gossamer

Things don't sell either because the price is too high or the right buyers weren't there. For collectibles with a smaller pool of buyers, I would e-bay. For the art, what about a local auction house? For kids clothes, a resale shop and then yard sale what they won't take. For larger household items, appliances, furniture, etc go with craigslist.

Sometimes things are only worth the tax right off for a donation.

[KariM]

For the art, the highest price would probably be either a gallery or an auction house that specializes in art.

For other items, it really depends upon the item. Some collectibles sell well on eBay and others would do better at a specialized collectibles auction in a large market.

Generally the more specialized the market place and the larger number of buyers it attracts, the higher the price.

[angelcollector1]

You could always try ebay with a reserve price so that if it doesn't meet the minimum you will accept, you won't have to sell it. It's worth a shot.. you never know. Ebay is global so as long as you are willing to sell to any buyer, you might find someone from across the world who will pay what you are looking to sell for.

[HydeParkB]

I don't know about the art, but I just sold a pack-n-play on Craigslist. It's free, except for a few categories.