Here is my expats sellers guide for eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp. Because before you become an expat, you are going to need to rid yourself of that pesky stuff! After all, stuff is just an anchor, and you have a long journey ahead! Understanding how to downsize before moving abroad is pivotal in making the transition, and my handy expat sales guide should really help you get started. EBay Craigslist Offerup all covered here, in the order you should use them.
The goal is to turn everything you don’t need into cash as quickly and efficiently as possible. eBay is one of the best ways to do that. A solid expat guide to decluttering for relocation is where I started my journey, and hopefully I can help you start yours!
Step 1: Create a Seller Account
If you don’t already have an eBay seller account, go ahead and set one up. Use a professional-sounding username—nobody wants to buy from “420xXx_WeedLover_xXx.” Link your bank account (or PayPal, if it applies), and you’re in business. If you have a friend or family-member who already has a successful eBay store, ask if you can use theirs, and offer them a commission if they are reluctant. The notoriety of an already-established eBay store is worth the commission you’ll pay. Gauge your commission based on their seller rating, somewhere between 10-20% of profit earned.
Step 2: Start Small
Before listing expensive items, sell a few smaller things first. This will help you build positive feedback, which is crucial to making real money. Buyers are hesitant to purchase from new sellers with no ratings.
Step 3: Research Before Listing
Never guess how much an item is worth. Use eBay’s “Sold Listings” filter to see what similar items have actually sold for. This will give you a realistic price range and help you avoid overpricing or underselling.
Step 4: Write a Killer Listing
Your listing title should be clear and packed with keywords. Nobody is searching for “Awesome Vintage Thingy.” Instead, write something like “Vintage Stanley No. 5 Hand Plane Woodworking Tool – Made in USA.”
For the description, keep it honest and detailed. Mention any flaws. If there’s a scratch or dent, say so. Better to disclose it upfront than deal with a return or bad feedback later.
Step 5: Take Quality Photos ***
This one is super important. Photos sell products. Use natural lighting, take multiple angles, and make sure the background is clean. Nobody wants to buy something photographed on a dirty countertop next to an old pizza box.
Step 6: Set the Right Price
If you want a fast sale, price slightly lower than the competition. If you’re okay waiting for the right buyer, price competitively and use the “Best Offer” option to encourage negotiations.
Step 7: Choose the Right Shipping Method
Always use calculated shipping so buyers pay based on their location. Be very careful when choosing your shipping methods, it’s very easy to lose a little money here. If an item is light enough, use USPS First-Class. Anything heavier, compare USPS Priority, UPS, and FedEx rates. Offer free shipping only if you’ve factored it into the price—nothing is free. And here’s a little hint: Always charge a little extra for shipping. It’s okay to make a couple extra bucks on shipping.
Step 8: List It and Wait
Once your item is live, don’t just forget about it. If something doesn’t sell after a week or two, tweak the title, adjust the price, or take better photos. The market changes constantly.
Step 9: Pack It Like You Care
When something sells, pack it securely. Use bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and plenty of tape. If an item breaks in transit, that’s on you, and eBay will side with the buyer.
Step 10: Provide Excellent Customer Service
Respond to messages quickly, ship fast, and be professional. The better your service, the more likely you’ll get repeat buyers and positive feedback.
Final Thought
Selling on eBay isn’t complicated, but it does require effort. The more you put in, the more you get out. Treat it like a business, and it’ll reward you like one. *** Remember, do not list more items than you can handle, or afford to ship at once. If you are auctioning multiple items, make sure they don’t all end at the exact same time, but have them end near each other to avoid multiple trips to the Post Office
Also, these helpful tips and tools will help you excel on eBay, and if you don’t use them, there is still some helpful information in the article:
Craigslist and OfferUp are excellent platforms for selling anything too big or heavy for eBay. Furniture, tools, appliances, bikes, even cars—these sites are where you offload the stuff that won’t fit in a box. But unlike eBay, you’re dealing with people in person, so staying safe and smart is key.
1. Take Great Photos
Just like eBay, good photos mean good sales. Take pictures in good lighting, from multiple angles. Make sure the item is clean. Show any flaws so you don’t waste time with buyers who’ll back out when they see a scratch.
2. Write a Clear Description
Be direct, be honest, and be detailed. Include brand, dimensions, condition, and any issues. If it’s heavy or requires two people to move, say so.
3. Price it Right
Check what similar items are selling for and list yours at the high end. People will try to negotiate, so build in some wiggle room. Lower the price every week until it sells.
4. Stay Safe
- Meet in a public place, like a busy parking lot or a police station exchange zone. Avoid having people come to your home if possible.
- Bring a friend if you can. If you’re alone, let someone know where you are and when you expect to be back.
- Cash only. No checks, no Venmo, no “I’ll send my cousin to pick it up.” Scammers are everywhere.
- If selling something expensive, meet at a bank and have the buyer withdraw the cash in front of you.
5. Negotiating and Closing the Deal
People will lowball you. Expect it. Counter with something reasonable. If they won’t budge and you know you can get more, walk away.
6. Finalizing the Sale
- Count the money before handing over the item. No exceptions.
- Once sold, immediately remove the listing to stop getting messages.
- For bigger items like furniture, make sure the buyer knows they’re responsible for transport.
Craigslist and OfferUp are great for making quick cash, but only if you do it right. Play it smart, stay safe, and keep that money coming in. Top selling platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp will all help you shed that extra stuff and get on the road with some extra money in your pockets. Selling household goods before becoming an expat is extra important, & expat selling tips on eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp are how I first got my fire started, because as soon as you experience that first sale, there will be no stopping you!
Here is a guide about how to use craigslist:
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Craigslist
OfferUp: