Top 18 Apps to Sell Stuff Locally: Your Ultimate Guide to Local Selling Apps

With the right platform, you’ll not only sell faster but also increase your chances of getting top dollar for your items.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best apps for selling stuff locally. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with all the info you need to make the most out of your local selling experience.

Benefits of Using Apps to Sell Locally

The internet has made selling our unwanted stuff so much easier—no more standing around at yard sales all day hoping to sell your stuff!

Selling items locally through apps comes with some pretty awesome benefits.

Here’s why more and more people are choosing to go this route.

Convenience and Accessibility

Selling things online can be a hassle, but not when you’re using a local selling app!

You can sell your stuff right from your home, anytime you want. You don’t have to go through the hassle of setting up a garage sale and dealing with people who want to haggle for mere pennies!

Using free selling apps, all you need to do is snap a few photos, write a description, set your price, and you’re done. It’s that simple!

This flexibility makes it easier for anyone to sell items quickly without leaving their couch.

Reaching More Potential Buyers

With the traditional ways of selling used stuff, like through a yard sale, you are limited to only the people who see your yard sale signs or know about your sale. But when you use a local selling app, you get access to a huge group of potential buyers in your area.

These apps make it easy for buyers to search for items nearby, so you’re more likely to get your items sold fast. You’re not just limited to your neighbors, family, or friends—you can reach thousands of people, all looking for exactly what you’re offering.

Safety and Security Features

We all know about creepy Craigslist buyers and all the horror stories of sellers getting robbed or having something terrible happen to them while meeting a potential buyer.

While you still have to be cautious when meeting potential buyers you meet through these apps, some of these apps have built-in safety features. Many of these local selling apps let you chat with buyers without sharing your phone number or personal details. Plus, they offer ways to verify users, so you know you’re dealing with real people. This makes selling items much safer and more secure than traditional methods.

No Shipping!

The biggest benefit of using local selling apps?

No shipping!

Shipping costs can eat into your profits, whether you pay for it or pass it on to the buyer. Adding shipping fees can discourage potential buyers, while paying them yourself reduces your earnings. Plus, arranging shipping is a hassle for both you and the buyer.

Selling locally solves all these problems. No shipping fees, no delivery hassles, and no worrying about getting large items like furniture or appliances to the buyer. It’s a win-win for both parties.

Top Apps to Sell Stuff Locally

Selling locally has never been easier with so many apps available at your fingertips.

Here’s a list of the top apps that can help you sell your stuff quickly and efficiently.

1. OfferUp

• Key Features: OfferUp provides user profiles, secure in-app messaging, and safe transaction options, ensuring a smooth selling experience.
• Availability: Available on both iOS and Android.

OfferUp is the biggest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers, and it’s also been touted as a more tech-savvy version of Craigslist.

Using the app, you can sell almost anything, whether it’s furniture, electronics, cars, jewelry, or something else you no longer need.

This app is quick and convenient to use, so you can post your listing in under a minute.

OfferUp ensures safety, as it allows every user to build their reputation with their unique seller profile page. That means users always know who they are dealing with.

You can communicate with potential buyers through the app’s secure messaging system.

Transactions are handled in person.

2. Facebook Marketplace

• Key Features: It has a massive user base, quick and easy listing process, and direct communication with buyers.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Facebook Marketplace is seamlessly integrated into Facebook, offering an easy way to buy and sell within your local community.

You can sell items from a multitude of different categories to people in your local community on Facebook Marketplace.

With Facebook Marketplace, you can sell from your desktop PC through the website or right from the Facebook app.

When you create your listing, Facebook Marketplace will let you know what similar items are selling for in your local area. This is a really handy feature, as it helps you set the right price for your items.

It’s a great app for selling stuff in your neighborhood.

3. 5miles

• Key Features: It includes in-app payments, user ratings, and the ability to list services.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

5miles helps you buy and sell items within a 5-mile radius, although you can change that to include other areas. It’s an app designed for quick and easy local transactions.

5miles is perfect for selling stuff locally, as it doesn’t charge you a commission!

This means that you can keep 100% of the profits when your item sells. However, you do need to pay a fee to list your stuff for sale on 5miles.

If you choose to use the 5miles Wallet for transactions, a service fee of 4.9% applies when you request a bank deposit. Additionally, if you opt to sell items through 5miles Bid, a 10% service fee is charged after an item sells.

The app is super easy to navigate, as is the website.

4. Nextdoor

• Key Features: It’s built around community trust, making transactions feel safer and more reliable.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Nextdoor is a free, private social network that helps neighbors connect and share information about their community. But you can also use it to buy and sell stuff locally.

Listing items is simple, and you can communicate directly with potential buyers through the app. Plus, it’s a trusted space, so you can feel confident about selling within your community.

5. VarageSale

• Key Features: It features real identity verification and community moderation for added safety.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

VarageSale is a virtual garage sale app designed to help you sell items to people in your community.

The app’s admins review all members who request to join groups to make sure that they are who they say they are and that they are local. This means that buyers can easily find items within five miles of their location.

Users will also need to connect their VarageSale account with their Facebook account.

You can get your item up for sale quickly on VarageSale, and chat with prospective buyers from within the app. The actual sale, however, is completed offline.

6. Poshmark

• Key Features: In-app shipping labels and a social community aspect make Poshmark a popular choice for fashion lovers.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

While Poshmark originally started as an app focused on selling clothing items locally, it has since morphed into an app for selling more than just fashion. You can now buy and sell home decor, beauty, shoes, select electronics, and more.

Listing your items for sale on Poshmark is simple, and you can set your own prices. What I really like about using Poshmark to sell stuff locally is that it handles the payment process and gives you a prepaid shipping label, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.

7. Depop

• Key Features: It has a user-friendly interface and social features that make it fun to use.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Depop is a fashion marketplace app that’s especially popular among younger audiences.

Depop is a fun selling platform that allows you to open your own little shop from your phone.

It’s an image-focused virtual flea market that combines elements of eBay and Instagram.

The app focuses on vintage fashion, clothing, books, illustrations, art, and records.

With it, you can create beautiful listings for your items, and you can even apply in-app filters to your images.

All sales through the site are covered by PayPal’s Buyer Protection too.

8. Mercari

• Key Features: “Smart Pricing,” which automatically adjusts the price over time until your item sells!
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Mercari is a user-friendly app for selling a wide range of items, from clothes to electronics. It allows you to list items quickly and reach buyers nationwide.

With Mercari, you can set your price and ship items easily using prepaid labels. The app also provides buyer protection, making it a safe platform for both sellers and buyers.

One of the best things about selling with Mercari that is unique is their “Smart Pricing” feature. This is great for those of us who aren’t sure how to price an item or whether an item isn’t selling because of the price. With this feature, the app automatically adjusts your price over time until it sells, making it easy and less stressful for you.

9. Shpock

• Key Features: The app offers a user-friendly design and location-based listings, which make it super convenient for sellers.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

If you love flea markets, yard sales, vintage stores, or car boot sales, then Shpock is the app for you.

This unusually named app, which refers to the fact it acts as a “SHop in your POCKet,” allows you to sell all kinds of used, secondhand, and vintage items to people in your local area.

On Shpock, you can post a listing in less than thirty seconds. All you need to do is snap a photograph, add a title and a description, state your price, and your listing is complete.

The app is entirely free, and there are no fees or charges involved either.

The app also takes a number of steps to make the platform safe and ensure the trustworthiness of other users.

10. Carousell

• Key Features: Can be used in a few different countries!
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Since most selling apps only operate in a select few western countries like the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, I thought it would be appropriate to include one that serves people in other countries. The best app I have found is Carousell.

Carousell is a Singapore-based app for buying and selling new and secondhand goods locally in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Using the app, you can sell almost anything, from beauty products to cars.

To sell an item on Carousell, all you need to do is take a few photos and post a listing. This can be done within 30 seconds, and it’s free too.

You can include up to four photos per listing, and you can use in-app editing features to enhance them.

The app also gives you the ability to quickly share listings via social media.

Unlike other selling and classifieds apps, with Carousell, payments are not made within the app. Instead, the app is designed to bring buyers and sellers together so they can meet up offline and make payments using another service, like PayPal. This makes Carousell a much more flexible option, as you can decide how to take payment.

11. Vinted

• Key Features: With no selling fees and secure payments, Vinted offers a great platform for fashion sellers.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Vinted is focused on second-hand fashion items, providing an easy way to sell clothes, shoes, and accessories.

With the Vinted app, you can sell and swap fashion items like clothing and shoes.

So, if you’re looking to clear out your closet a little, then Vinted is the app for you.

All you need to do is take a few photos, state your price, and add a short description, and you’ll be ready to sell.

This app offers a plethora of useful features, like tracking capabilities for packages, and flexible payment options like PayPal and bank transfers.

All payments are processed within the app.

By the way, as a seller, you never pay a fee. All fees are paid by the buyer!

12. Wallapop

• Key Features: It uses geo-localized listings and in-app chat to make transactions smooth and easy.
• Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

Wallapop is a classifieds app designed for buying and selling locally.

Using the app, you can sell items, from vintage clothing to books, to people in your local area.

It’s available in a wide range of major cities, like NYC and Los Angeles.

Wallapop acts as a virtual garage sale and flea market.

To get your item up for sale, all you need to do is snap a few photos, create a short description, and set your price.

There are no delivery charges with the app, and it’s completely free to use.

The app keeps your exact address private and only displays your current location within a one-mile radius – making it one of the safer location-specific selling apps.

13. eBay Classifieds (Kijiji)

• Key Features: You can pay for promoted ads to get more visibility and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
• Availability: Web-based and mobile apps.

A lot of people think of eBay as a website where you can sell stuff to anyone and ship it worldwide, but eBay also has a local classified feature known as Kijiji that lets you buy and sell stuff locally.

One unique feature of Kijiji is its integrated messaging system, making it easy to negotiate and communicate with potential buyers directly. Plus, Kijiji’s large, active user base increases your chances of finding local buyers quickly, helping you sell your items faster.

14. Craigslist

• Key Features: It offers a wide range of categories for selling, from furniture to electronics, and boasts a massive user base.
• Availability: Web-based and mobile apps.

Craigslist is one of the oldest and most well-known platforms for local classifieds that is still one of the best options out there for selling your stuff locally.

It might be a little no-frills in terms of appearance and features, especially when compared with more modern-looking platforms, like OfferUp, but it’s still one of the cheapest options out there.

Charging no fees to list or sell your item, you can keep 100% of your profits when you sell used stuff on Craigslist.

Plus, you can sell pretty much anything on there – whether it is your old tablet or your used refrigerator.

Finally, since Craigslist has a section for pretty much every big city across the country, it makes selling stuff in your neighborhood a whole lot easier!

15. Swappa Marketplace

• Key Features: Sellers can list items for free, and buyers pay a small fee. Swappa verifies listings to ensure quality and safety, and in-app messaging makes communication simple.
• Availability: Available on both iOS and Android.

Swappa is an app more focused on selling electronics locally and online. You can sell phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, and much more.

16. Instagram

• Key Features: Reach local buyers by adding location tags and popular hashtags like #forsale and #yourcityname.
• Availability: Available on both iOS and Android.

Instagram isn’t just for sharing photos—it’s a powerful platform for selling locally. With its visual focus, Instagram lets you showcase items in a way that grabs attention and connects with nearby buyers.

All you need to do is take some quality photographs of the item you want to sell, then simply write a small description of it, state your price, and use some hashtags like “for sale.” Soon, you’ll have potential buyers viewing it.

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated account for your sales to keep things organized and professional.

17. Chairish

• Key Features: Free listings, sellers keep at least 80% of the profits, and the option for free local pickup, allowing buyers to inspect items in person before purchase.
• Availability: Available on both iOS and Android.

Chairish is a fantastic platform for selling furniture, décor, and art locally, with a special focus on vintage and used items.

Whether you prefer using the website or the app (available for both Android and iOS), Chairish makes listing your items simple and hassle-free. Plus, you get to keep at least 80% of your profits.

While many sales on Chairish involve shipping, sellers also have the option to offer free local pickup. This not only saves buyers shipping costs but also allows them to inspect the item in person before completing the purchase.

18. Etsy

• Key Features: Local pickup options, customizable listings, large audience with local filtering, and an easy-to-use app for managing your shop.
• Availability: Available on both iOS and Android.

Etsy is well-known for being a global marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items, but did you know it can also be a great platform for selling locally?

Yes, you can indeed sell stuff locally on Etsy.

While Etsy doesn’t have an option for pickup/delivery only in listings, you can get around that by mentioning that you will do local delivery or offer pickup in your actual listing.

A few people on Reddit suggest offering free shipping on the item so that when your customer comes to pick up the item, they aren’t charged a shipping fee.

Etsy suggests chatting with buyers to discuss the shipping option, and then, if you both agree to a local pickup, you can remove the shipping charges on the listing and reserve the item for the buyer.

Etsy has a few different kinds of fees that the seller is responsible for. I suggest familiarizing yourself with Etsy fees before listing your items. You don’t want to sell something for $5 and end up paying $6 in fees, lol!

How to Choose the Right App for Selling Locally

Choosing the right app for selling locally can make all the difference in your success.

Here’s what to look for:

User Base and Reach

A large, active user community ensures more buyers see your listings. The bigger the audience, the better your chances of a quick sale.

Fees and Commissions

Some platforms charge fees or take a commission from your sales. Understand the cost structure of each app to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Ease of Use

Look for an app with a user-friendly interface and a straightforward listing process. A smooth, easy-to-navigate platform will save you time and effort.

Safety Features

Check for security features like identity verification, in-app messaging, and payment protection. These tools help protect you and your buyers from potential fraud.

Shipping vs. Local Pickup

Some apps offer the option for buyers to pick up locally, while others require shipping. Decide which option works best for you based on the size of the item and your preferences.

How to Maximize Your Sales Using Local Selling Apps

Now that you know what apps to use, use these tips to boost your sales using local selling apps and local marketplace apps:

Make your Headline Stand Out

Nowadays, millions of people are selling their stuff online, so if you really want to ensure your item sells, then you’ll need to make your heading stand out.

The heading should include important details about your item while also highlighting any great features.

If you just put something like “used refrigerator for sale,” your listing will likely get lost among the tons of others featured on the platform.

Instead, include the model and the color of the refrigerator.

Anything you can add to the headline to make it more specific is also ideal.

Use Your Own High-Quality Photos

While it might be tempting to use stock photos, buyers want to see the actual item they’re buying. Take clear, well-lit photos of the item you’re selling. If there are any marks or damage, make sure to photograph those too—honesty builds trust with potential buyers.

Let People Know Why You’re Selling Your Stuff

A lot of people want to know an item’s history and why it is up for sale. For example, if you’re only selling your sofa because it won’t fit in your new place, then let potential buyers know. They’ll be more likely to buy from you.

Price Your Items Correctly

Set competitive prices to attract buyers quickly. Research similar items on local selling platforms to make sure your price is reasonable. Factor in condition, demand, and market trends.

Respond to Buyers Quickly

Respond to potential buyers quickly. A fast reply shows professionalism and builds trust. Be polite, clear, and helpful in your messages.

Handle Negotiations Professionally

Negotiate effectively by being flexible but firm. If a buyer wants to haggle, consider their offer and either accept or propose a price that works for you.

How to Be Safe When Selling in Person

Selling stuff locally using apps has tons of benefits, but it can also involve some risks!

People do have safety concerns—after all, you are meeting up with a complete stranger, and a financial transaction is involved. So you’re definitely right to be cautious.

There are some super easy things that you can do to ensure your safety when selling stuff locally.

Don’t Meet the Buyer Alone

Always take somebody with you. This is just basic safety, and it will definitely put your mind at ease.

Meet in a Public Place

Whether it’s outside your local grocery store or police station, a public setting is definitely the best place for a meetup.

Many police stations, such as the Hartford Police Department and the Seattle Police Department, are now encouraging people who sell items through Craigslist to meet outside their buildings.

So, that’s certainly an option to consider.

Let Someone Else Know Where You’re Going

Let someone know that you’re meeting someone to sell an item.

Give them important information, such as where you’re meeting, what time you’re meeting, the contact information for who you’re meeting, the name of the potential buyer, and finally, what time you expect to return from the meeting.

Even if you are taking someone with you to the meetup, this is still incredibly important.

Choose the Payment Method Carefully

A common question that people have about selling locally through websites like Craigslist is “What is the safest payment method?”

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams and frauds out there, and while no payment method is 100% safe, cash comes pretty close.

Getting paid in cash limits the chance of you getting ripped off or scammed.

Payment methods that you should NOT accept include:

• Money orders
• Wire transfers/Money wiring services
• Checks

Alternatives to Apps for Selling Stuff Locally

If you’re looking for alternatives to selling through apps, there are other options worth considering:

Classified Ads

Platforms like Craigslist and local community boards offer a more traditional way to sell. They let you list items for free and reach local buyers, though you may not get the same convenience as apps.

Facebook Groups

Selling in local buy-and-sell Facebook groups is another popular option. These groups allow you to connect with people in your area, offering a quick way to sell items directly to local buyers.

Garage Sales and Flea Markets

Traditional selling methods like garage sales or flea markets are still effective. They let you sell items directly to buyers without the need for shipping, and you can get instant cash. Plus, they offer the opportunity to declutter and meet your local community.

YardSales.Net

YardSales.net is a great option for selling locally if you’re hosting a yard sale. Despite the rise of digital platforms, in-person yard sales remain popular.

One of the main reasons for their staying power is that some people actually enjoy going to local yard sales to see what they can pick up.

When they visit a yard sale, potential buyers can see items in person and don’t want the hassle of arranging shipping or a local pickup when they want to purchase something.

Now, the problem is actually getting people to turn up to your yard sale.

Thankfully, by using a site like YardSales.net, you can advertise your yard sale and reach hundreds, or even thousands, of potential buyers who otherwise would have no way of knowing about your sale.

You can post for free, reaching thousands of local buyers. The site allows you to add up to 50 photos, your address with a map, and details like dates and times to help attract customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best app to sell stuff locally?

The best app for selling locally depends on your needs. OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace are top choices due to their large user bases, ease of use, and wide reach. If you’re selling fashion, Poshmark or Depop may be better suited for clothing and accessories.

Are there any fees for selling on local apps?

Fees vary across platforms. For example, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace charge no fees for listing items, but they may take a cut of the sale price if you opt for shipping. Apps like Poshmark charge a commission (20% on sales over $15), while some platforms are free to use.

How do I avoid scams when selling locally?

To avoid scams, meet in safe, public locations and never share sensitive information. Use in-app messaging for communication and secure payment methods like PayPal. Be wary of buyers asking for unusual payment methods or offering to pay more than your asking price. Always trust your instincts.

Defunct Apps: Where Are They Now?

Over time, several apps that were once popular for selling items locally have either shut down, merged with other platforms, or pivoted to new business models.

While they’re no longer active, we’re keeping them here for archival reasons.

SocialSell

Update: This app is no longer available!

From books to beauty products, you could use SocialSell to earn some cash from items you no longer need.

It does not have a main website, so all listings are handled via Android and iOS apps.

You can chat privately with other members from within the app.

Trove

• Update: It seems like the company has changed direction and no longer has an app for buying and selling stuff locally.

Sell used, vintage, and secondhand items on Trove.

This app has been featured in a wide range of media outlets, like US News & World Report, Apartment Therapy, Houston Pulse Magazines, and Country Living.

Whether it’s a coffee table or a bookcase, you can use Trove to make money off of stuff you no longer need.

Selling through the app is quick and easy. All you need to do is take a photo of the item and list it in the app. Then, you simply need to let buyers know when your item is available by picking your days and times of availability.

Once a buyer has made an offer you like, they will come to pick up the item.

All payments are processed within the app.

Close5

• Update: OfferUp acquired Close5, so the Close5 platform is now the same as OfferUp.

Close5 makes selling items online even easier.

One of the simplest selling apps, to put an item up for sale, all you need to do is take a few photos using the in-app camera.

And that’s it. You don’t need to include a description or a price.

After that, you can communicate with potential buyers through the app’s secure messaging system.

With Close5, transactions are not conducted through the app. After you have received an offer from a buyer, you’ll then decide on a place and date to meet.

After the sale is complete, you simply finalize it via the app.

Boxes

• Update: The Boxes app has shut down!

One of the most unique and visually appealing selling apps is Boxes. Boxes seamlessly mixes aspects of social media and eCommerce to create a platform that is excellent for buyers and sellers alike.

With Boxes, you can create collections and catalog your belongings through photos. You can then share your collection with others. Basically, the app is like Instagram for your belongings.

This adds an excellent social aspect to the app, as users can socialize with a community of like-minded people.

Payments are taken with PayPal.

Tradyo

• Update: Tradyo is no longer active!

Tradyo is a free classified app that allows you to sell goods quickly and easily to people in your community. You can post ads directly from your phone and get your items up for sale within minutes.

All you need to do is take a few photos, state your price, select a category, and write a short description, and you’re good to go.

The app’s built-in social chat feature makes it easier to connect with prospective buyers.

Tradyo only displays your approximate location, making the process safer.

Also, you can choose whether you want to be contacted by phone or just through the in-app chat.

LetGo

• Update: In 2020, OfferUp bought Letgo and combined the two marketplaces into one app.

This is one of the few apps that I have seen advertise on TV.

With Letgo, you can earn cash quickly and easily by selling items to people in your local area. It’s a safe platform that allows you to view full profiles of buyers.

The app gives you the option to register with your Facebook account, and it will connect with your account.

Letgo does this to verify the identity of all its members, making it a much safer platform.

You can post listings in less than a minute and chat privately within the app.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling locally through apps offers a convenient and efficient way to declutter, make extra money, and connect with buyers near you.

To make sure you spend less time while getting the most cash for your stuff, choose the right platform for your needs, whether you want a large user base, low fees, or a simple listing process.

Popular apps like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark offer unique features that cater to different selling preferences, while safety features help ensure secure transactions.

Whether you’re selling furniture, clothing, or electronics, there’s an app that fits your needs. Now, it’s time to get started—choose the right app or apps to sell your stuff locally, create your listings, and start selling!