For me personally I have more tech and hardware stuff but also just general items. I used Craigslist back in the day but that site now seems even worse. Am I correct or do I just need to rethink how I post? It’s never been good but it’s seemed like it’s never gotten better. I’m aware of Facebook market place but I really want to stay away from anything meta if possible.

I’m scared of getting scammed selling online. With all the nonsense sellers can say, the fees to eBay or whoever, shipping costs and hassle, online and shipped is the last resort for me unless it’s something small and simple.

Do I have to take my stuff to the flea market, set up everything in my trunk, and hustle?

  • i_stole_ur_taco@lemmy.ca
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    9 months ago

    If FB marketplace is the only game left in your town, create a fake Facebook account solely for using marketplace and you’ll probably have the easiest time selling stuff. It’s less convenient to chat with people if you don’t install their awful apps on your phone, but it’s less invasive.

    Craigslist isn’t the king anymore but it’s still very active. There’s also Craigslist clones of various types in various cities that might be active for you - just try a local search for selling stuff and odds are the sponsored results will be big enough players in your area that they bother to advertise.

    Or just throw up a sign with your phone number or email and stick it up on a community notice board, apartment building mail room, etc. For types of items that are pretty universal you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a buyer.

    In all cases, set a high bar for scammers and idiots. Clearly post in your ad that it’s for pickup only and price is firm. If you get a message from someone saying anything but “is it still available? I can come over tomorrow”, just delete it. I’ve gotten tons of stupid messages like “call me 555-5555” or “I’ll give you 30% of asking price in cash”. Don’t waste your time with those fuckers. They’re either lazy or dishonest and you don’t have time for them.

    I wouldn’t go to the trouble of setting up a table at a flea market unless you have a lot of valuable stuff to sell and have a strong stomach for dealing with hagglers.