Are you looking for some the best apps to sell stuff locally?
Well, you’re not alone!
One in four Americans admit to having a clutter problem.
NBC News reports that the average American household has 300,000 items!
Whether you’d like to get rid of an old sofa, or just make some extra space in your closet, there are now many apps and sites for selling your used stuff that you no longer want/need, quickly and easily.
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These apps allow you to post listings quickly, and make the whole process of selling items much easier.
But what if you have heavy items that you don’t want to have to ship it across the country, and would rather sell to someone local who can come pick it up and give you cash right there and then?
Table of Contents
Selling Stuff Locally Online: Why it’s so beneficial
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!
With apps and websites, you can list your stuff for sale within minutes.
And, your listing can appear in front of thousands or even millions of users.
This really increases the chance of your item selling.
But while selling online and through apps has made it easier to make a profit from your unwanted items, there is one downside:
Shipping!
Why Sell Things Locally?
The cost of shipping can be high. The options are to either to eat the cost of shipping yourself, and lessen the profit you make, or charge the customer the shipping fee. Both options aren’t ideal.
If you add the shipping costs on top of the cost of the item, it can be a big deterrent for potential buyers.
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And, if you pay shipping fees, then you won’t make as much money from the sale.
Also, the effort and hassle it actually takes to arrange the shipping of the item is also another downside.
You have to arrange the shipping and the customer has to make sure they’re home to accept the delivery.
This is why selling things locally is such a good idea.
When you sell things locally, you don’t have to worry about the cost of shipping.
This is beneficial to both you and the buyer.
No one has to pay any shipping fees, and no one has the hassle of arranging shipping either.
Also, for large items like furniture or appliances in particular, shipping items just isn’t practical – or cost-effective.
Websites & Apps to Sell Stuff in Your Neighborhood
While Letgo & Offerup selling apps are the most well-known ones, there are many more apps and sites out there and it’s important to keep in mind that each place has its own fees.
Some places will charge you to list items.
You’ll find that most websites and apps allow you to list your items for sale for free, but they will charge you a commission fee when your item does sell.
So for example, an app may charge you 20%, meaning that you’ll keep 80% of your profits.
Many items though allow you to not only list for free, but they also don’t charge you any commission when your stuff does sell.
Below, we’ll let you know which websites charge commission and which don’t and let you know those platforms where you can list stuff for free as well.
We’ve included a few types of platforms where you can sell stuff locally.
Local Selling Apps
Below, we’ve included lots of different selling apps where you can list your stuff for sale.
With these apps, you list your item, and customers can view your listing.
With some of these apps, you can sell pretty much anything from furniture to electronics.
Other apps are catered more for items from specific categories, such as:
- Clothing
- Music gear
- Fitness equipment
- Books
Selling websites
We’ve also included websites where you can sell stuff nearby. On these websites, you can make a profit from stuff in a wide range of categories. Some of these websites also have apps.
Used, Resale and Consignment Stores
Finally, in the list below, we’ve included stores where you can actually take your stuff in and sell it for cash.
With most of these stores, you’ll take your stuff in and get cash for it on the spot.
Some, however, sell your stuff on consignment just like consignment shops near you do.
This means that the store takes your items, puts them up for sale for you and then gives you a percentage of the profits when the items sell.
Now that you know the type of places where you can sell stuff, let’s take a look at the list.
Best Selling Apps
Here are the best buy and sell apps for selling your stuff to local buyers through the internet.
1. Carousell
Carousell is a fairly new selling app that acts as a community marketplace.
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 it.
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 that 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.
Where to download the app:
2. LetGo
This is one of the few apps that I have seen do ads 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 of its members, making it a much safer platform.
You can post listings within less than a minute and chat privately, within the app.
Where to download the app:
3. Instagram
When you think about Instagram, you probably don’t see it as a selling platform.
But, Instagram is not just for photos of cats and food.
Many people also use it to sell items.
All, you need to do is take some quality photographs of the item you want to sell, and then simply write a small description of it, state your price, and then use some hashtags, like “for sale”, and you’ll soon have potential buyers viewing it.
Where to download the app:
4. SocialSell
From books to beauty products, you can 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.
Where to download the app:
5. OfferUp
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 is 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 apps secure messaging system.
Transactions are handled in person.
Where to download the app:
6. Vinted
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.
When pricing your items, it’s important to keep in mind that the app does take a 19% commission fee.
Where to download the app:
7. Wallapop
Wallapop is a fairly new app that boasts more than 13 million users.
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.
Where to download the app:
8. Depop
Depop is a fun selling platform, which 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, illustration, art, books 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.
Where to download the app:
9. VarageSale
On VarageSale, users join groups that include people from their local area.
The apps admins review all members that 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.
Where to download the app:
10. Shpock
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 a plethora of used, second hand, 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 to ensure the trustworthiness of other users.
To register for the app, you either have to sign in through FaceBook, which aids the Shpock in ensuring that you aren’t a spammer or scammer, or you can register using your email, and you’ll be asked for SMS confirmation.
Where to download the app:
11. Trove
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, then they come to pick up the item.
All payments are processed within the app.
Where to download the app:
12. Swaptions
Swaptions is a fun platform that allows you to both sell and swap items with people in your local area.
So, if you want to earn some money from things you no longer need or get some new items in return for your old ones, then Swaptions is the platform for you.
You can post a listing and get your item up for sale in just 30 seconds.
The app is free to use and has a handy rating system.
You can chat privately to potential buyers within the app too.
Where to download the app:
- Swaptions for iOS
- Swaptions is not available for Android
13. Close5
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.
Where to download the app:
14. Boxes
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.
Where to download the app:
- Boxes for iOS
- Boxes is not available for Android
15. Tradyo
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.
Where to download the app:
17. 5Miles
5Miles is perfect for selling stuff locally, as it doesn’t charge you commission!
This means that you can keep 100% of the profits when your item does sell. However, you do need to pay a fee to list your stuff for sale on 5Miles.
The app is super easy to navigate, as is the website.
Where to download the app:
20. Facebook Marketplace
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 to set the right price for your items.
It’s a great app for selling stuff in your neighborhood.
Where to download the app:
21. Chairish
Chairish is a great app for selling furniture locally.
With Chairish, you can list items, including vintage and used furniture, décor and art for sale. It’s free to list an item for sale on the platform.
You can sell through the website, or through the app, which is available for iOS devices.
When your item sells, you keep at least 80% of the profits.
While many Chairish sales involve shipping, sellers do have the option to offer free local pickup.
So, the buyer doesn’t have to pay shipping costs, and can also inspect the item before they pay you.
Learn more about selling on Chairish locally here.
Websites to Sell Stuff Locally
Don’t like the idea of using an app to sell things? Would rather use a website?
Here are some of the best platforms for selling things to local people.
16. Craigslist
Craigslist is still one of the best options out there for selling your stuff. It might be a little no frill 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!
- Official website: https://craigslist.org/
18. eBay
A lot of people think of eBay as a website where you can sell stuff to anyone and ship it worldwide.
While eBay certainly is a great platform for selling stuff to customers who don’t live nearby, including international buyers, it’s also a great website to sell stuff locally as well.
Just start creating a listing on eBay, as you normally would.
Then, when creating your listing in the Shipping Details section, just select the “No shipping: Local pickup only” option from the dropdown menu.
You’ll need to make sure that you have entered your ZIP code in the Item Location, as buyers will be able to see it on your listing.
Finally, in the “Payment Options” section, choose the “Pay on pickup” option, and any other payment methods that you’d accept, like PayPal, for example.
It’s important to note that with local pickup, you need to provide buyers with at least one of the approved electronic payment options, such as PayPal.
Learn more about how to sell locally on eBay here.
eBay actually has a classifieds website too, called eBayClassifieds.com.
On there, you can sell stuff to people in your local area.
So, that’s another option if you’d like to sell through eBay.
Since eBay is such a popular website, lots of customers will see your listing, meaning you’re likely to sell your stuff fast.
The only downside to eBay is that it does charge some listing and commission fees, depending on what items you’re selling.
- Sell in eBay: https://www.ebay.com
19. Etsy
Etsy is designed more for shipping items to buyers, rather than for local pickup.
But, a lot of people wonder, how do you do local pickup on Etsy?
It is possible to sell stuff locally on Etsy.
However, Etsy doesn’t have an option for pickup/delivery only.
This means that on your listing, you need to state that your item is only available for local pickup.
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 then reserve the item for the buyer.
Check out this article from Etsy on how to sell locally.
On Etsy, you can sell items in categories, like:
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Vintage items
- Home décor
- Clothing
- Wedding items
You need to pay $0.20 to list an item on Etsy. And, when your item sells, you’ll be charged a 5% transaction fee and 3% plus $0.25 for payment processing.
- Sell on Etsy: here
22. Guitar Center
Are you wondering, “where can I sell music gear near me?”
If so, then check out Guitar Center.
You can sell used and vintage music gear to Guitar Center.
It’s a chain of music stores, with more than 200 locations around the country.
So, you’re sure to find a store near you to sell your used music equipment locally.
All you need to do is fill out this form, and then if Guitar Center wants to buy your stuff, then it will contact you.
- Find your nearest store here.
23. Reverb
Reverb is a music website where you can make a profit from your old music gear.
You can sell used, vintage and new music gear to the company.
While it is a website for online sales where orders are shipped, you can sell your stuff locally too. You can arrange with the buyer to have the order picked up locally.
Once you have arranged a local pickup, the buyer can proceed with submitting payment on the website as usual.
It’s free to list an item for sale on the website.
Once your stuff sells though, you have to pay a commission fee. Fortunately, this commission fee is only 3.5%., which is pretty reasonable, compared to the 20% plus fee that’s charged by many other companies.
- Official website: https://reverb.com/
24. Buffalo Exchange
Sell your used and vintage clothing and accessories to Buffalo Exchange. The company has store locations in 20 states.
Just take your stuff into your nearest Buffalo Exchange store, and you can earn a commission. You get paid between 30% and 50% of the selling price in cash.
If you’re looking to sell clothes locally, then it’s definitely worth checking out Buffalo Exchange.
25. Crossroads Trading
Make a profit from your unwanted clothing at Crossroads Trading. It has a chain of stores, where you can sell your stuff. You’ll get between 30% and 70% commission when your stuff sells.
26. Plato’s Closet
With locations in the Northeast, Plato’s Closet is a great place to sell your clothes locally if you live in the area. You can sell used clothing for teens and twenty-somethings. It’s another good store to check out.
- Find your nearest store: here.
27. The Wasteland
The Wasteland is a clothing store with locations in Californian cities, such as Santa Monica, San Francisco and Los Angeles. At the store, you can sell shoes and clothing.
- Find your nearest store: here.
28. Style Encore
Make money from your unwanted clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories at Style Encore.
Just bring your stuff into your nearest Style Encore store, and you’ll receive an offer. If you accept the store’s offer, you’ll be paid in cash.
- Find your nearest store: here.
29. YardSales.Net
If you’re looking for websites to sell stuff locally, then check out YardSales.net.
Yard sales are one of those things that, even in an ever-increasing digital world, just won’t seem to disappear!
One of the main reasons for their staying power is the fact that some people actually just like to go to local yard sales to see what they can pick up.
When they visit a yard sale, potential buyers can see stuff in person and don’t want the hassle of arranging shipping or a local pickup when they want to purchase something.
So yard sales should still definitely be a contender for anyone who’s looking to sell locally.
Now, the problem is actually getting people to turn up to your yard sale.
Handily enough, there’s a website called YardSales.net that you can use to advertise your yard sale.
On there, you can advertise your yard sale to thousands of local buyers, and get feedback beforehand about the items you plan to sell.
What’s great about YardSales.net is that it’s free to post your sale on there. You can add up to 50 photos, your address with a map, dates, times, and a description.
So it’s a really great tool for advertising yard sales.
- Sell on YardSales.net: here.
30. Half Price Books
Are you wondering “where can I sell books near me?”
If so, then check out Half Price Books. It’s a company where you can sell used books and textbooks.
All you need to do is take your books to your local Half Price Books store, and you’ll get an offer for them. If the store is interested in your books, then it will make you an offer. When you accept the offer, you get paid in cash.
- Find your nearest HPB store: here.
31. Powell’s Books
Another place to offload your unwanted books is at Powell’s Books. Its stores are located in the Portland area.
Just take your books to the used book counter at your nearest Powell’s Books store, and if the store decides to buy your books, they’ll pay you cash or store credit for them.
- Sell on Powell’s: here.
32. Play It Again Sports
Sell sports gear locally with Play it Again Sports. You can sell old sports and fitness equipment. Just take your stuff into your nearest Play It Again Sports store, and you could make a profit from your unwanted gym gear.
- Find your nearest store: here.
33. Route 66 Furniture
Route 66 Furniture is a company that buys used furniture.
You can sell your unwanted furniture items to the company and make money!
This company does differ from the others on the list.
Firstly, you don’t list items for sale on the Route 66 Furniture, and you don’t take it into a local store.
Instead, Route 66 Furniture will pick up your furniture from your house, and then sell it for you.
It’s super convenient!
When your item sells, you get 50% commission.
To sell your furniture with Route 66 Furniture, you need to submit some photographs of the item that you want to sell. If interested in your item, the company will contact you within one business day to ask follow up questions or to confirm pickup.
The company will send out a delivery team to collect your furniture.
- Official website: route66furniture.com/
Tips for Selling Stuff Locally
Now that you know where you can make a profit from your unwanted items, we’ve got a few tips for success!
Make your Headline Stand Out
This is our biggest tip!
Nowadays, millions of people are selling their stuff online, so if you really want to ensure your item sell, 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,” then 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.
Include Some High Quality Photos that you’ve Taken Yourself
It can be tempting to use those stock photos you find of your item online. But, this is a mistake. Buyers want to know what your item looks like, not a photo of the same item from the official website.
Instead, take some photos of the items you want to sell.
Make sure that the lighting is good.
And, if an item has any marks or damage to it, then photograph those as well; you don’t want to deceive 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.
How to be Safe When Selling in Person
Selling stuff locally has tons of benefits, and with the apps and websites above, it is super easy.
However, some 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 some 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, but 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
- Check
The Bottom Line
These apps are all easy to use and they’re a great, hassle-free way to sell the stuff you no longer want to locals around you and avoid the hassle and cost of shipping things to people all over the country.
Amazing post, this will definitively make my wife happy after I declutter the house :)
Thanks, Dave. Just make sure you have your wife’s permission before you “declutter” the house. We don’t want to get in trouble, lol!
What’s the best app for example to use if I just want to lustc and sell my unique or expensive used furniture locally
I’d go with either Trove or Carousell.
Great information! I only knew about & have used LetGo, OfferUp, & Facebook marketplaces! This is great – now maybe I can get everything sold!!
Thanks!
Yikes this is a great article with information overload! I have a lot of research to do now as I don’t want to list each item on each separate app… that will take ages. We are selling EVERYTHING in our house and moving on to a catamaran and sailing the world, so we have one of absolutely everything… I need to figure out which app will work best for which kinds of products. Some of the descriptions in your article for clothing and shoes, etc is helpful, but it’s still a ton of info. If I sound like I am complaining, I am NOT. You’ve provided a ton of info. Now I just need to sort it all out so as not to take a year to sell everything! Thanks for doing all the leg work!!!
You are welcome, Claudine. Yeah, if you have a ton of stuff to sell, it can become tedious and very time-consuming to list them one by one. But once you establish a routine and have a system in place for listing items, it can get easier. Good luck.
Great information!
On a side note:
OfferUp/Letgo is one of the worst places for selling locally in my honest opinion. As for a buyer, sure, it is convenient, fast, and extremely easy to use. For a seller, it is a nightmare, and buyers really are not held accountable for following through with transactions which in turn wastes a seller’s time so much. With that being said, the bar is set very low for the best apps on “buying/selling locally” if OfferUp made this list.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, with a lot of these apps, their policy seems to focus only on making buyers happy at all costs and sometimes that policy costs sellers even in cases where they are absolutely in the right.
Sorry, but….the few at the bottom are good but most of these are total crap. full of scammers and way over priced. I thought this site was supposedly about saving money. I feel like this was thrown together for affiliate marketing based on you percentage payout not the actual usefulness of the sites.
K, unfortunately, scammers find a way to be on every platform. It doesn’t mean the site or app is a scam. Just like how you have to be careful when dealing with people on Craigslist or in real life, you have to do the same on these platforms.
Also, we have no affiliate relation with any of these apps. We have affiliate partnerships with many sites we mention on this site, but none of these apps. So we don’t get any kickback if you use any of these apps. Hope this helps.