|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 27, 2022 12:29:53 GMT -5
I opened an electronics box in my garage. No question I should get rid of this stuff--a DVD collection with about 100 discs, probably 15 special editions. A PS3 w/ 3-4 controllers and games. None of this touched in at least 3 years probably more. But--how do I decide SELL vs DONATE? Seems like a used PS3 sells for $140 on Amazon, $60 on eBay, $11 on Decluttr, and $0.01 at Gamestop. I worry about bogging myself down with listing and selling items. I remember spending 3-4 hours selling a laptop on eBay when the buyer requesting shipping updates and then had technical difficulties he wanted resolved or would return it. I also worry about discarding hundreds of dollars in value when I could really use the extra income. Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 27, 2022 13:10:39 GMT -5
I think I will just list everything worth $25+ on Facebook Marketplace as I put them in my donate boxes and review the results on Sunday.
If selling doesn't go anywhere, everything is already in my donate boxes and ready to go on Monday!
|
|
|
|
Post by outfromundah on Dec 27, 2022 13:20:28 GMT -5
I sell on eBay. From what I understand and to some extent have experienced, DVDs can sell there, but they can take a long time. As for your PS3, I don't know anything about video games and their systems, but apparently it's a high-scam category on eBay. According to resellers on Reddit, there are a lot of unscrupulous buyers who will claim the seller sent a broken PS-whatever and send back their own broken game thingie, get a refund, and keep what was sent. I think that, with video games/systems, the best bet is to sell in person for CASH ONLY - no Venmo or Cashapp - and make sure the money is in your hands before giving it to them. Scammers and thieves are on FBMP also. Of course, I say all this not knowing how PS3 compares to other versions in value. The more valuable, more coveted games and systems are more appealing to scammers.
|
|
|
|
Post by def6 on Dec 27, 2022 13:40:10 GMT -5
I'm not sure if it is better to sell or donate. The only experience I have is donating or throwing away. I want to try selling though -this year. It would give me another way to get things out. We have donated and taken the tax deduction before so it is helpful to keep those receipts.
|
|
|
|
Post by desposito on Dec 27, 2022 13:43:53 GMT -5
I think it's very wise of you to give it a deadline. If you can easily sell the items, that's great. But from the number of posts here from people who have had piles of things they're planning to sell cluttering up their house for YEARS because they just never get around to actually doing it, it's a common problem to not be able to let things go when you imagine you could get money for them, even if selling them is too much work. It sounds like you have a good plan.
Diane
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 27, 2022 14:54:04 GMT -5
I think that, with video games/systems, the best bet is to sell in person for CASH ONLY - no Venmo or Cashapp - and make sure the money is in your hands before giving it to them. Scammers and thieves are on FBMP also. Thanks! I've now posted a few items (local-only!) and 2 of the first 4 people to respond are likely scammers--0 friends, 0 posts, and wanted my phone number. :/ Which does mean I also have at least two legit "bites", and I may add shipping options to the non-electronic items like shoes after I get everything up!
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 27, 2022 14:54:39 GMT -5
I'm not sure if it is better to sell or donate. The only experience I have is donating or throwing away. I want to try selling though -this year. It would give me another way to get things out. We have donated and taken the tax deduction before so it is helpful to keep those receipts. I'll report back on how Facebook Marketplace works out!
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 27, 2022 14:57:11 GMT -5
I think it's very wise of you to give it a deadline. If you can easily sell the items, that's great.
Diane
Thanks, and I can relate! Especially as many of these items I planned to sell last year. And the year before. Apparently, electronics do not go up in value as the years tick by.  My life coach was also more excited by the DEADLINE than the idea to try to sell them.
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Dec 29, 2022 14:26:08 GMT -5
I just sold my Playstation 3 and four games for $95! Facebook Marketplace is exciting--fast sales in cash and swaps at a local Starbucks. You do have to deal with people trying to tug on your heartstrings, "I only have $40. I know it's a lowball, but I'm on a fixed income, and I'd love to give this to my daughter." It's true others sold their for $125. It's also true Gamestop only offered $0.10 and it's a pile of clutter we haven't touched in 3-4 years that was gone within 48 hours!
Google "scams" anytime someone wants to do something more unusual than hand you cash for your merchandise at a public place, especially if you're not sharp about such things (e.g., ever had any account "hacked"). If you accept any form of payment except cash be sure it's non-reversible and when you log into your bank it shows as cleared before you hand over merchandise. Login to your bank to verify. E-mails have always been easy to forge. I'm using Starbucks for <= $100 and a police station for safety for higher amounts. Be wary sharing your phone or e-mail. The built-in messaging service is safer. Remember these are strangers and Facebook profiles can be fake.
|
|
|
|
Post by outfromundah on Dec 29, 2022 18:02:46 GMT -5
Yay! That was fast. Good for you!
|
|
|
|
Post by ohblondie on Dec 30, 2022 14:27:46 GMT -5
Wow - that was quick! And they are GONE!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by jollyoutdoorsman on Jan 4, 2023 13:21:52 GMT -5
It's a week later, and I sold half of what was going into my DONATE pile For $250. Facebook Marketplace seems great for connecting with normal, local people and selling utilitarian items for 80% of their value. Rewarding to meet the kids getting the items, too! I highly encourage anyone who wants to let go of things "but it's so much to waste!" to post your items. You get coin or learn it's not worth what you believed and either way items are walking out your door to the local Starbucks or Police Station as-is with no returns to deal with.
(The vetting of Facebook means there are still scammers but fewer lowballers or timewasters as on CraigsList or Offerup.)
Am I ready to let go of the other half?
Hiking GPS - I couldn't sell it for $25 so I admit it's worthless and will donate. Sales <$25 aren't worth my time.
150 DVD Collection - Seems like what used to be prized isn't worth even $75--3 VIEWs and no bites. :/ Will re-list at $40 and donate if no bites.
Shoes - Listed for $50. Time to accept one of the $40 bids.
Collectibles - I have an interesting category of items worth $1125 but originally purchased for $550. I'm getting "Wow! It's like a time capsule" comments and bids for $750 on Marketplace. I'm guessing for collectibles worth $75+ it's probably worth the time and hassle to list on eBay to get that extra coin. I'll do that TONIGHT. I don't want a long-term "eBay Pile".
|
|
|
|
Post by mylittlescholar on Jan 4, 2023 19:42:38 GMT -5
Excellent results! Congratulations, and thanks for the update about what you learned. I spent so much money getting people to take my late DH's stuff away last year! Ironically, I made fast friends with my helpers and they might even visit me this spring.
|
|
