How to sell your unwanted stuff for some quick Christmas cash

Australians can build their Christmas kitty by having a quick browse through their home. Here’s how to cash in on the rising popularity of second-hand gift giving.

Want to give yourself a quick cash boost before Christmas?

Consider a snap sale of unwanted household items from your shed, storage area, wardrobes or cupboards to a growing group of willing buyers.

Free online marketplace Gumtree has noticed a spike in people browsing on its site in recent weeks, and expects an increase in second-hand gift giving this year because of COVID financial stresses.

New research by Gumtree has found 62 per cent of Australians are more open this year to receiving second-hand presents. And its latest Second Hand Economy Report found households have an average of 19 unused household items that could earn them about $5800.

Before you try to sell stuff for cash, it’s wise to know what people want.

Gumtree spokeswoman Eleni Gavalas says the most searched items include Lego, outdoor furniture, dining tables, fridges, kayaks and surfboards.

“We know there’s a lot of money to be made by selling second hand,” she says.

“Make sure it’s clean, and if you don’t have a full set be honest in the details you include in the description.”

Gavalas says people should think about the sorts of items people will want over summer, and for some items a fresh coat of paint or polish might help you sell it faster.

“Think like a buyer – if you were looking for the item what would you be searching for?”

Jess Britten has used Gumtree to sell and buy second-hand items. Picture: Toby Zerna

Jess Britten, 34, has been both a second-hand goods seller and buyer, and last year purchased a trampoline listed on Gumtree for her children for Christmas.

“It was brand new, hardly ever used, and the kids loved it,” she says.

“I thrive on getting a good second-hand deal.”

Britten says she will look to sell more items in the coming weeks including clothes, toys and a coffee machine.

“Leading up to Christmas is such an expensive time – I have three kids and a family of five,” she says.

“We have sold lots of kids’ toys and furniture in the past.”

Author and finance specialist Melissa Browne says now is a good time to sell as people prepare for Christmas and perhaps need extra household items to accommodate interstate guests.

She says people should “find the right marketplace to sell your stuff”.

Local buyers and sellers can use a garage sale, Gumtree or Facebook, Browne says, but for designer dresses a platform such as AirRobe may be suitable.

“Make sure the marketplace you are using will maximise the amount you receive,” she says.

Browne says another option is to rent your stuff when you’re not using it through a growing range of online platforms.

“You can rent out your caravan, your car spot, your swimming pool, your clothes, tools – quite literally everything,” she says.

Glen James from the My Millennial Money podcast says a sentimental gift can be more valuable to the recipient plus save you money.

“There is no reason why we always need to buy brand new gifts,” he says.

“Even if they’re second hand, sentimental gifts mean so much more and often save you money when gift giving. Some small businesses offer affordable and local yoga or cooking classes as gifts.”

@keanemoney

MOST SEARCHED ITEMS

Home and garden

• Fridges

• Ride on mower

• Dining table

• Lounge

• Desk

Computers and electronics

• iPhone

• Gaming consoles incl. PS5, PS4, Nintendo switch

• Speakers

• Laptop

• iPad

Sport and fitness

• Mountain bike

• Surfboard

• Treadmill

• Golf clubs

• Electric bike

Baby and maternity

• Lego

• Cubby house

• Trampoline

• Monkey bars

• Swing set

Source: Gumtree