7 Best Selling Apps to Get Fast Cash for Your Items

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Discover the top apps for selling clothes, collectibles, and more. These platforms offer ease of use, low fees, and quick cash for your items.

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Whether you’re clearing out your closet or looking to make some quick cash from forgotten tech, selling your stuff online has never been easier. After personally selling over a million dollars worth of items across multiple platforms, I’ve learned firsthand what works — and what doesn’t — when turning clutter into cash.

This guide breaks down the top apps for selling everything from clothes to cars, based on my real-world experience, so you can confidently choose the best platform and start making money.

Top Selling Apps by Category

Best Apps for General Items

For sellers looking to offload a wide range of everyday items, from household goods to electronics, these platforms offer the flexibility and audience reach needed to quickly sell everyday items.

Top App: eBay 🏆

~15% of sale Fees Plus $0.30 per order
DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
250 Promotion Free listings

eBay connects sellers to over 180 million buyers worldwide, making it one of the largest online marketplaces. Its flexible listing options and simplified shipping tools make it a top choice for selling everything from everyday items to rare collectibles.

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Why We Rated eBay 4.5/5

  • Audience Reach (5/5): Unmatched with over 180 million global buyers.
  • Ease of Use (4.5/5): Simple listing process with auto-filled item details, optional AI-generated descriptions, and robust shipping support.
  • Fees (3.8/5): Up to 15% final value fee plus $0.30 per order; competitive but cuts into margins.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.2/5): Strong protections but buyer-leaning returns policy.
  • Competition (3.9/5): High seller competition requires effort to stand out.

When it comes to selling nearly anything online, eBay still stands head and shoulders above the rest. From used gadgets to rare collectibles, the platform connects sellers with a vast global audience. Its versatility is what truly sets it apart—you can list everything from an old phone to a vintage baseball card collection.

During my experience flipping Pokémon cards, eBay’s “Recently Sold” filters helped me track market trends and set competitive prices. One of my biggest flips involved selling a Sabrina’s Gengar card for $6,000, which I had purchased for just over $300.

Screenshots from the seller section of my eBay profile

As a Top Rated Seller with over 1,700 sales, I enjoy perks like higher search visibility, reduced fees, and protections against false claims. While new sellers won’t reach Top Rated status right away, eBay offers excellent tools for sellers at every level.

The listing process is straightforward, and eBay provides discounted shipping labels through partnerships with major carriers, which helps manage shipping costs. That said, eBay’s marketplace is highly competitive, and it can take some time to stand out. We’ve found that using high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and competitive pricing are key to gaining traction.

  What We Like:  

  • Massive global audience means your listings get visibility quickly.
  • Auction and Buy It Now options give you control over how fast you sell.
  • Wide variety of product categories — from everyday items to hard-to-find collectibles — allow you to list just about anything.
  • Top Rated Seller perks include higher search ranking, return shipping protection, and up to 50% refund deduction for damaged returns.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Fees add up. eBay takes ~15% of your final sale price, which eats into profit.
  • High competition makes it hard to get noticed without great photos and pricing.
  • Customer returns policy is heavily skewed toward buyers, which can sometimes lead to extra costs or hassles for sellers.

Best for: Sellers looking to reach a global audience and sell a wide variety of items, from everyday products to high-value collectibles, with some of the most comprehensive seller protections of any app (although some risk does still exist).

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Facebook Marketplace. If you’re looking to sell large, bulky items like furniture or appliances that aren’t easy to ship, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent option. With no listing fees and direct access to local buyers, it’s perfect for quick, straightforward sales. The one thing to keep in mind, though, is that most transactions happen in person, so be prepared for a bit more interaction compared to platforms like eBay, where shipping is built-in. Rating: 4.0/5
  • Mercari. If you’re looking to sell smaller items — like clothes or household goods — Mercari makes things pretty easy. What sets them apart is that they recently dropped their seller fees, so you get to keep all of your earnings. Plus, they too make shipping a breeze by offering prepaid labels. The only catch? Mercari’s audience isn’t quite as large as eBay’s, so items might take a bit longer to sell depending on what you’re listing. Rating 4.4/5

Related: Mercari Review: What I’ve Learned After $30,000 in Sales

Best Apps for Fashion & Clothing

If you’re looking to sell clothes, accessories, or beauty, these platforms specialize in connecting sellers with buyers specifically searching for fashion-forward pieces.

Top App: Poshmark 🏆

$1, $2, or $3 Fees Plus 5.99% of sale
DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
$10 Credit Promotion Using referral link

Poshmark connects over 80 million users, specializing in fashion and lifestyle products. With its nationwide reach, simple listing process, and prepaid shipping labels, it's ideal for selling trendy clothes, accessories, and home goods.

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Why We Rated Poshmark 4.5/5

  • Audience Reach (4.8/5): A large, fashion-focused community with a nationwide reach.
  • Ease of Use (4.6/5): Simple to list items and ship, with prepaid labels generated after sales. The platform is user-friendly but can get overwhelming with the need to actively share listings.
  • Fees (4.3/5): The 1-2-3 fee structure allows sellers to keep more earnings, especially on higher-priced items. However, fees can still add up for smaller sales.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.4/5): Strong protections, though buyer-oriented, which can lead to disputes leaning in favor of buyers.
  • Competition (4.2/5): High competition, which requires engaging with the platform regularly to stand out.

When it comes to selling fashion, Poshmark is our top pick, especially if you’re dealing with niche or higher-end fashion items. My wife has had great success selling maternity wear, nursing clothes, cloth diapers, and beauty accessories on Poshmark. While she also enjoys using Facebook Marketplace for local clothing sales, she consistently got higher prices on Poshmark because of its nationwide audience.

This broader reach made it much easier to sell niche items like pregnancy wear for top dollar compared to the more localized audience on Marketplace. Furthermore, if you’re looking to sell used clothes online, Poshmark is particularly appealing thanks to its recently introduced, seller-friendly fee structure.

Screenshots from my Poshmark seller profile

Instead of the old 20% commission, the platform now uses a 1-2-3 fee system where seller fees are $1, $2, or $3 depending on the order price, plus an additional 5.99% of the total sale (including shipping and taxes). This new structure allows sellers to keep a larger share of their earnings, especially on higher-priced items, making Poshmark a stronger option for maximizing profits.

  What We Like:  

  • Fashion-focused platform with an audience looking for clothes and accessories.
  • Prepaid shipping labels make sending items easy.
  • Higher prices for niche or premium fashion items due to the broader audience.
  • New fee structure means you keep more of your earnings on higher-priced sales.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Even with the updated fee structure, they still add up, especially for smaller sales.
  • Listings can get lost in a sea of other fashion sellers if you don’t actively share your items or engage with the community.

Best for: Sellers with brand-name or niche fashion items looking to connect with a nationwide audience.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Depop. If you’re into vintage or trendy fashion, Depop is a solid alternative to Poshmark. Depop has a social, Instagram-like vibe, and many sellers use it to curate unique, retro collections. What’s nice about Depop is that it’s especially popular with younger buyers who are looking for standout pieces. One thing to note: while Depop offers lower fees (10%), it’s also highly competitive in terms of visibility. You’ll need great photos and an engaging profile to stand out. Rating: 4.3/5
  • ThredUp. For those who want to sell their clothes with minimal effort, ThredUp is another strong contender. It’s a consignment-style platform where you send in your clothes, and ThredUp handles the rest — from photography to listing to shipping. It’s perfect if you don’t have the time to manage listings yourself. That said, because ThredUp does most of the work, the payout can be quite low (as little as 5% for cheaper items). Rating: 4.2/5

Best Apps for Collectibles

When it comes to selling rare, valuable, or highly sought-after items, it’s important to find a platform that caters to both niche sellers and high-volume transactions. These apps are designed to help you move collectibles efficiently and securely.

Top App: eBay 🏆

~15% of sale Fees Plus $0.30 per order
DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
250 Promotion Free listings

eBay connects sellers to over 180 million buyers worldwide, making it one of the largest online marketplaces. Its flexible listing options and simplified shipping tools make it a top choice for selling everything from everyday items to rare collectibles.

Show Hide more

Why We Rated eBay 4.5/5

  • Audience Reach (5/5): Unmatched with over 180 million global buyers.
  • Ease of Use (4.5/5): Simple listing process with auto-filled item details, optional AI-generated descriptions, and robust shipping support.
  • Fees (3.8/5): Up to 15% final value fee plus $0.30 per order; competitive but cuts into margins.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.2/5): Strong protections but buyer-leaning returns policy.
  • Competition (3.9/5): High seller competition requires effort to stand out.

Whether you’re the average Joe looking to offload a baseball card collection or a seasoned collector managing high-value items, eBay offers a range of tools to streamline the selling process. Features like Promoted Listings and Automatic Counteroffers help you move items quickly, especially for niche collectibles like sports memorabilia or Pokémon cards.

For newer sellers, eBay’s seller protections are particularly valuable. If a buyer returns an item in worse condition than when it was sent, you can deduct up to 50% from the refund, which offers peace of mind when dealing with high-value items.

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, available for collectibles over $250, provides added protection for both buyers and sellers. I found this service particularly helpful during a dispute over an item valued at over $11,000. The ability to consult with experts who specialize in high-value collectibles can be critical for resolving disputes.

Additionally, eBay provides nearly 24/7 live chat support, which I’ve used to resolve smaller issues quickly. Their comprehensive reporting tools also help sellers track sales, fees, and tax documents, which is especially helpful for managing larger inventories.

Related: 21 eBay Alternatives for Sellers Looking to Increase Profits

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Goldin. If you’re looking to sell high-end sports memorabilia or rare collectibles, Goldin offers a premium auction experience. Specializing in items like sports cards and autographs, Goldin’s Elite Auctions draw serious collectors, often leading to higher final sale prices than general marketplaces like eBay. One difference from eBay is Goldin’s consignment fee structure, which typically hangs between 5% and 20%. However, for high-value items (those valued at $7,500 or more), Goldin is open to negotiation. In fact, I’ve personally been contacted by their Director of Consignment, who offered to waive the consignment fee entirely on high-value items targeted for their monthly auction. Rating: 4.4/5
  • Heritage Auctions. For sellers of fine art, coins, historical artifacts, or rare collectibles, Heritage Auctions is a trusted platform that specializes in high-value items. With a reputation for handling rare and valuable pieces, Heritage attracts a niche group of serious collectors, making it an excellent choice for sellers looking to auction museum-quality items or rare artifacts. One thing to note is that Heritage’s audience tends to be more niche compared to eBay or Goldin, which might result in slower sales for lower-value collectibles. However, for rare or high-ticket items, the platform’s targeted reach and extensive expertise can lead to significantly better results. Rating: 4.3/5

Best Apps for Books & Media

Whether you’re clearing out old books, DVDs, or video games, these apps make it easy to offload collections and get paid quickly.

Top App: Decluttr 🏆

$0 Fees Free to use
DollarSprout Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars

Decluttr provides a quick, hassle-free way to sell used books, DVDs, and tech. With instant quotes and prepaid shipping labels, it’s perfect for clearing out bulk items in one go. While the payouts might be lower compared to peer-to-peer platforms, the simplicity makes it an efficient option for offloading large collections without much effort.

Learn More: Decluttr Review 2024

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Why We Rated BookScouter 4.0/5

  • Audience Reach (3.8/5):
    Decluttr focuses on bulk media and tech sales, with a narrower audience compared to platforms like eBay. It’s effective for quickly moving lower-value items but may not attract buyers for rare or niche products.
  • Ease of Use (4.6/5):
    Decluttr excels in convenience. You scan items for an instant quote and use prepaid shipping labels — no need to deal with individual buyers or listings.
  • Fees (4.4/5):
    While there are no upfront fees, payouts are lower compared to peer-to-peer platforms, making it best for bulk sales rather than high-value items.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.0/5):
    Seller interactions are minimal since Decluttr buys directly, but protections aren’t as robust as on marketplaces like eBay.
  • Competition (3.8/5):
    Decluttr’s unique focus on media and tech means less direct competition, but the fixed pricing model can limit your profits.

For selling used books, DVDs, or tech, Decluttr is a straightforward, no-fuss platform. I’ve used Decluttr to sell a stack of old DVDs and video games that I hadn’t touched in years. The process was easy — just scan the barcodes, get an instant price quote, and ship everything using their prepaid shipping label. One thing that stood out was how quickly everything moved. For a box of old games, I was offered $70, which was convenient since I didn’t have to deal with individual listings or buyers.

a preview of the decluttr app

While Decluttr’s prices might not match what you’d get selling directly to a buyer on platforms like eBay, it’s great for anyone looking to quickly offload a lot of items at once without the hassle. Payment was prompt, and the app made it simple to track the entire process.

  What We Like:  

  • Instant price quotes simplify the process, making it easy to know what you’ll earn.
  • Prepaid shipping labels save on shipping costs.
  • Great for selling large quantities of lower-value media quickly.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Payouts can be lower compared to peer-to-peer platforms, especially for rarer or more valuable items.
  • Not ideal for specialized or rare editions that could fetch more through auctions.

Best for: Sellers looking for a fast, convenient way to sell bulk media without managing individual listings.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • BookScouter. If you’re selling textbooks, BookScouter is a solid alternative. I’ve used BookScouter to compare offers when selling a few old college textbooks, and it’s a helpful tool for getting the best deal without much effort. The platform lets you scan or enter your ISBN, and it quickly pulls prices from various book buyback vendors. For example, I managed to get $55 for a textbook that I wouldn’t have expected much for, simply by comparing buyback prices. BookScouter works best for academic books, so if you’re trying to sell general fiction or media, other platforms may be more suitable. However, for textbook sellers, it’s an excellent way to maximize profit by getting real-time comparisons from multiple buyers. Rating: 4.0/5

Related:

Best Apps for Automobiles & Parts

Selling vehicles or parts online requires platforms that offer a mix of local visibility, detailed listings, and minimal hassle for both sellers and buyers. These apps provide the right tools to make selling your car or parts easier.

Top App: Cars.com 🏆

$0 Fees Free to list
DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cars.com connects vehicle sellers to a large nationwide audience, offering tools for detailed listings, pricing comparisons, and vehicle history reports. With its professional infrastructure, it’s ideal for sellers who want a streamlined process for selling both new and used vehicles.

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Why We Rated Cars.com 4.5/5

  • Audience Reach (4.7/5):
    Nationwide audience ideal for high-value cars, though less effective for low-cost, local sales.
  • Ease of Use (4.2/5):
    Comprehensive listing tools like pricing comparisons and vehicle reports, but more complex than local apps.
  • Fees (4.0/5):
    Listing fees apply based on optional enhanced listing packages, offering extra visibility — worth it for pricier vehicles.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.5/5):
    No direct protections, but tools like buyer verification and vehicle history reports ensure safer transactions.
  • Competition (4.3/5):
    Large user base means high competition, but detailed listings help sellers stand out.

Cars.com is an excellent platform for both new and used vehicle sales, offering nationwide exposure that’s perfect for reaching buyers beyond your local area. Its detailed listing tools allow sellers to create comprehensive profiles, including specs, pricing, condition, and vehicle history reports, which help build buyer trust. With its robust pricing comparison tools, you can easily estimate your car’s value based on similar listings. While some features come with listing fees, Cars.com’s professional infrastructure and expansive reach make it ideal for selling high-value vehicles to a broad audience.

my cars.com app preview

Cars.com also integrates tools to promote your vehicle, like listing upgrades that increase visibility to more potential buyers. This is particularly useful for sellers targeting high-demand markets or those selling vehicles that may not be in demand locally.

  What We Like:  

  • Nationwide audience and established reputation for auto sales.
  • Comprehensive listing tools, including vehicle history reports.
  • Access to pricing tools and comparisons with similar vehicles.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Listing fees can apply depending on your package.
  • May take longer to sell compared to local-only platforms.

Best for: Sellers looking to reach a wide audience and who want detailed, professional listings.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Facebook Marketplace. If you prefer a local sale, Facebook Marketplace is a great alternative. A few years back I used Marketplace to sell my 2011 BMW 335i with M Sport Package and loaded interior in just a few days. It’s free to list, and all you need to do is upload photos, add details, and provide contact info. Since the sales are local, buyers typically come to you, eliminating the need to worry about shipping costs or long-distance meetups. The downside is you may have to deal with buyers who aren’t serious or no-show altogether, which can make the process a bit frustrating. Also, meeting people in person means following safety protocols — always meet in public places and let someone know your plans beforehand. Rating: 4.0/5
  • Peddle. For those looking to quickly sell junk cars, Peddle offers a no-hassle solution. You get an instant offer after entering your car’s details, and Peddle handles the rest. They arrange pickup and offer cash on the spot, which makes it perfect for sellers who want a quick, stress-free experience. While it’s great for junk or non-working cars, it’s not the best option for those trying to sell valuable or higher-end vehicles. Rating: 4.0/5

Best Apps for Crafts & Handmade Goods

For creators and artisans looking to sell handmade, custom, or one-of-a-kind products, these platforms offer the best options for reaching high-intent buyers.

Top App: Etsy 🏆

6.5% of sale Fees Plus $0.20 listing fee
DollarSprout Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
40 Promotion Free listings (using referral link)

Etsy is the top platform for selling handmade, vintage, and custom goods. With a large global audience, it helps creators connect with buyers seeking unique products. The platform is user-friendly, providing tools for managing listings and orders. Though there are fees for listing and transactions, Etsy remains ideal for artisans aiming to scale a craft or handmade business.

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Why We Rated Etsy 4.5/5

  • Audience Reach (4.7/5): Large global audience specifically looking for handmade, vintage, and custom goods.
  • Ease of Use (4.5/5): The platform is user-friendly, offering easy listing tools, product variations, and communication features for custom orders.
  • Fees (4.3/5): Fees include a $0.20 listing fee and 6.5% transaction fee, lower than eBay but still adding up.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protections (4.2/5): Etsy offers protections but favors buyers in disputes.
  • Competition (4.4/5): High competition, but niche products can thrive with targeted promotion.

For selling handmade or custom goods, Etsy remains the top platform. With its large, dedicated audience for handcrafted, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items, Etsy provides the perfect space for artisans and creators to reach buyers. Back in college, I helped my girlfriend at the time launch an Etsy shop where we sold over 1,100 custom no-sew blankets for everything from NFL and NBA teams to Disney-themed throws. Etsy made it incredibly easy to list product variations and take custom orders through its messaging system, which helped us offer tailored products and keep customers engaged.

My Etsy app seller dashboard

Etsy’s fee structure is also more affordable than that of platforms like eBay. Sellers pay a $0.20 listing fee per item, a 6.5% transaction fee, and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee. This makes Etsy a cost-effective option, particularly for sellers who focus on handcrafted or personalized products, as it doesn’t cut into your profits as much as other marketplaces.

Related: How One Woman Makes $2,500/Month Selling Pet ID Tags

  What We Like:  

  • Targeted audience for handmade and custom goods.
  • Easy tools for managing product variations and custom orders through the messaging system.
  • Global reach for expanding your customer base beyond local buyers.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Fees can still add up, especially when using marketing or advertising features.
  • High competition means you’ll need to promote your shop to stand out.

Best for: Artisans and creators selling handmade, vintage, or custom goods who want to reach a broad, international audience at a lower cost compared to eBay.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Shopify. If you want complete control over your own branded online store, Shopify is a top choice. It gives you the freedom to create a custom website to showcase your handmade goods without competing directly with others like you would on Etsy. Jeff Proctor, co-founder of DollarSprout, shared how he used Shopify to launch Club 504 Candle Co. with no prior experience in e-commerce. He found Shopify’s features, like easy product listings and automated marketing tools, invaluable as he built his brand from scratch. With a $1 first-month trial and a $29/month fee after that, Shopify is perfect for those wanting to grow a real business. That said, if you’re just trying to sell a few things here and there, it might be overkill. For artisans looking to scale their shop, Shopify’s full control over branding and customer experience makes it a powerful tool for success. Rating: 4.5/5

Related: How One Recent Grad Started a $2,000/Month Shopify Side Gig

Best Apps for Technology & Electronics

Whether you’re selling smartphones, gaming consoles, or other gadgets, these platforms can help you get your tech in front of the right buyers.

Gazelle 🏆

$0 Fees No hidden fees
DollarSpout Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars
$5 Promotion First trade-in bonus

Gazelle offers a quick, hassle-free way to sell used tech with instant quotes and prepaid shipping. While payouts may be lower than peer-to-peer platforms, its simplicity makes it ideal for those who want a fast payout without negotiating with buyers.

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Why We Rated Gazelle 4.0/5

  • User Experience (4.8/5): Gazelle shines in ease of use, offering a streamlined process with instant quotes and prepaid shipping, making it simple for sellers of all experience levels.
  • Payout Value (3.0/5): The downside to Gazelle is its lower payouts compared to peer-to-peer platforms like Swappa. Sellers may not get top dollar but benefit from a hassle-free process.
  • Convenience (5/5): The platform’s biggest strength is convenience. Sellers can ship items easily and avoid interacting with buyers directly.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protection (4.2/5): Gazelle’s built-in inspection and payment process offers a secure, predictable experience for sellers.
  • Platform Support (4.0/5): Gazelle’s customer support is reliable, offering smooth assistance through every step of the transaction.

Gazelle is perfect for those who value convenience over getting the highest payouts. You simply send in your device, Gazelle evaluates it, and you receive payment without needing to interact with buyers or manage negotiations. While the trade-off is lower payouts compared to platforms like Swappa, the ease and speed of the process make Gazelle ideal for sellers wanting a quick, hassle-free sale.

tech you can sell on gazelle

For example, I sold an old iPhone 6s I forgot I had lying in my closet through Gazelle for a respectable $72. Though perhaps not top dollar at the time, the instant quote and prepaid shipping made the transaction incredibly straightforward.

  What We Like:  

  • Instant quotes and prepaid shipping simplify the selling process.
  • No need for direct buyer interaction, which saves time.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Lower payouts compared to more hands-on platforms like Swappa.
  • Limited range of electronics (mainly phones and tablets).

Best for: Sellers looking for a fast and easy process without much effort.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Decluttr is another solid option for selling tech and media. When I flipped a $75 phone to review the platform for DollarSprout, I received a $40 payout — lower than what I might have gotten elsewhere, but Decluttr’s free shipping and fast payment make it a viable option. It’s an easy, no-frills platform for offloading tech quickly, especially for people who prefer a more streamlined process over getting the absolute highest payout. Rating: 4.0/5
  • Swappa. If maximizing your earnings is your priority, Swappa is the way to go. The platform doesn’t charge seller fees, which helps with getting the best price. I sold an iPhone 7 Plus on Swappa, and after lowering the price by $25, it sold within a day. Swappa’s peer-to-peer model can be more involved, but the higher payouts make it worthwhile for those willing to invest a bit more time. Rating: 4.5/5

Best Apps for Local Sales

When it comes to selling items locally — especially large, bulky things that are tough or expensive to ship — these platforms connect you with nearby buyers and let you keep 100% of your profits.

Facebook Marketplace 🏆

$0 Fees No fees for local sales
DollarSprout Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars
Set Budget Feature Boost listings for faster sales

Facebook Marketplace is ideal for selling large items locally with no listing fees, allowing sellers to keep 100% of their profits. The platform is great for items like furniture, appliances, and electronics. While sales happen quickly, organizing in-person meetups and dealing with buyers can sometimes be a hassle.

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Why We Rated Marketplace 4.0/5

  • User Experience (4.5/5): Listing items is intuitive, with a simple interface for uploading photos, descriptions, and quick messaging with buyers.
  • Payout Value (5/5): With no fees for local sales, sellers keep 100% of their earnings, making it one of the best platforms for maximizing profits on big-ticket items.
  • Convenience (4.0/5): While in-person transactions avoid shipping hassles, coordinating meetups and dealing with unreliable buyers can be frustrating.

 
 
 

  • Seller Protection (3.0/5): Facebook lacks structured seller protections or dispute resolution, so trust is largely based on communication and user ratings.
  • Platform Support (3.0/5): Support is minimal compared to other platforms, offering limited resources for conflict resolution.

Facebook Marketplace stands out for local sales thanks to its zero-fee structure. Whether you’re selling furniture, appliances, baby gear, or even electronics, it’s a great option for anything you don’t want to ship. Recently, I sold a patio furniture set and a living room set, and both were picked up within hours. The local pickup feature saves time and eliminates shipping fees, making it a top choice for selling bigger items that would otherwise eat into your profits.

Items I've sold within the Facebook Marketplace app

It’s also incredibly versatile for smaller items, like clothes, tech gadgets, or kitchen appliances. If an item isn’t moving as fast, offering delivery could help close the sale, but the convenience of buyers coming directly to you is a huge perk.

  What We Like:  

  • No listing fees for local sales, which helps you maximize profit.
  • Fast sales for almost anything, from big furniture to smaller household items.
  • Easy listing and large user base ensure fast turnarounds.

  What Could Be Better:  

  • Buyer reliability can be hit or miss, and in-person meetups can be inconvenient.
  • Limited seller protections compared to platforms like eBay.

Best for: Sellers looking to quickly sell anything from large furniture to household items, without worrying about fees or shipping.

Other Apps Worth Considering

  • Craigslist remains a reliable platform for local sales with no fees and a wide reach. It’s particularly good for selling larger items like furniture, vehicles, or appliances. While Craigslist’s interface is a bit outdated and lacks modern features like built-in messaging or buyer reviews, it still has a dedicated user base that makes it effective for quick sales. Rating: 4.0/5
  • OfferUp combines the convenience of local sales with added features like user reviews and in-app messaging, making it a more secure option. It also offers nationwide shipping for those looking to reach beyond their local area, though shipped items incur a 12.9% fee. One standout feature is TruYou, an optional identity verification system that adds a layer of trust between buyers and sellers. I’ve used OfferUp for the past 4 years and appreciate how this feature adds security, especially for in-person transactions. With 56 million active users and no fees for local sales, OfferUp is a strong alternative. Rating: 4.2/5

How to Choose the Right App for Your Needs

After years of selling across platforms, we’ve learned that choosing the right app is key to maximizing your success. Here’s what to consider:

  • Item Type & Audience: Each platform caters to specific buyers. Poshmark is a no-brainer for fashion items, while eBay handles everything from electronics to collectibles. The right audience will speed up sales and help you get top dollar. If you’re selling niche items like vintage decor or custom goods, targeting the right app is critical.
  • Fees & Profits: Fees can cut into your profit margin quickly. For example, eBay takes up to 15%, while Facebook Marketplace lets you keep 100% for local sales. If you’re selling high-ticket items, that fee difference matters. Calculate how much you’ll actually pocket after fees to ensure it’s worth your time.
  • Local vs. Nationwide Sales: Decide if you’re targeting local buyers or are open to shipping nationwide. For bulky or fragile items, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are best for local pickups. For smaller, easier-to-ship items, apps like eBay or Mercari allow you to tap into a nationwide audience, with built-in shipping options.
  • Seller Tools & Ease of Use: Some platforms require more hands-on effort. Gazelle provides instant quotes and is very hands-off, but Swappa requires more interaction for higher payouts. If you’re pressed for time, weigh the convenience of automated tools against the potential for higher profits from platforms that involve more management.
  • Visibility & Promotion: Certain apps let you pay for more visibility. Poshmark and eBay have options for promoting your listings, which can help you sell faster, especially in crowded categories. This can be valuable if you’re dealing with high-competition items, where standing out matters. For lower-cost items, though, the advertising spend might not be worth it.
  • Seller Protections: If you’re worried about scams or disputes, consider platforms with strong seller protections like eBay or Swappa, which help mediate disputes and offer refunds for issues like damaged or undelivered items.

Tips for Successful Selling

Maximizing your sales isn’t just about listing items — it’s about presenting them the right way and managing the process efficiently. Here are some proven strategies to help you make the most of every sale:

1. Use High-Quality Photos. We’ve found that clear, well-lit photos can make a huge difference. Make sure to photograph your item from multiple angles and highlight any details or imperfections. Buyers want to know exactly what they’re getting, so quality photos help build trust.

2. Write Clear, Detailed Descriptions. It’s not just about the basics — your description should answer questions before they’re even asked. We always include things like condition, measurements, and any flaws. Transparency builds trust, and including keywords can help your listing show up in more searches.

3. Price Competitively. Pricing right is crucial. We always recommend checking sold listings on platforms like eBay to see what similar items went for. If you price competitively from the start, your items are more likely to move quickly.

4. Offer Friendly Return Policies. We’ve found that offering free returns makes buyers feel more confident. Handling returns efficiently helps maintain a high seller rating, which can lead to more sales. A smooth returns process can save you headaches and prevent negative feedback.

5. Respond Quickly. Speed matters in the selling game. Quick replies to questions or offers show professionalism and can be the deciding factor in closing a sale. Buyers appreciate fast responses, and it can help you edge out other sellers.

Related:

Ratings Methodology

To give you an objective look at how different selling apps perform, we used the following key criteria to rate each platform on a scale of 1 to 5. These ratings were based on both first-hand experience and research across user reviews and platform features:

 

Author
Ben Huber

Hi! I’m Ben, a personal finance expert and co-founder of DollarSprout. A quoted contributor for NBC News, MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, Credit Karma, and more, I’ve spent my career helping people explore gig work, launch online businesses, and grow their careers to increase their income. Since 2015, DollarSprout has helped millions of readers find practical ways to take control of their finances and build a more secure future.

4 comments
Julie
Julie

Thanks for the article, Megan!

Another up and coming marketplace is YourBlast.com which is 100% free to sell, auction anything. The theme seems to be to Blast it! which I can see becoming synonymous with ‘Sell it’, as ‘Google it’ is to search for it.

They kind of remind me of Airbnb when they were first starting out selling cereal boxes.

Ross
Ross

Thanks a lot for such a great article Megan. Teespring is another website where people can design different products (like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, etc.) and make some good money.

J
J

Hi there,

Is there an app or site that doesn’t require entering your social security number? eBay asks and so does Mercari. Other sites that I attempted to sign up for were asking for a URL or business license. I’m a yard-saler with higher-end items that start at $50. At a regular yardsale, people roll their eyes at me when I have a $400 gold ring or a Michael Jordan Graded 10 card that is $1000. I’m stuck with all this stuff and I need to liquidate fast. I have tried for over a year with the 2 sites I mentioned and it’s so very slow.

The IRS recently changed several pieces of guidance that greatly impact for-sale sites and resellers. Notably, they now require companies to issue 1099s after $600 in sales instead of the old $20,000 or 200 transactions. This means that pretty much every single site will now require you to submit a W9 with your social before you even start selling. Facebook Marketplace is about the only place with decent enough volume that doesn’t yet require one (but may soon as well).

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