A Resale Pricing Guide for Maximizing Profits on Your Used Stuff: 8 Tips

In this article: Tips for pricing used items for a profitable sale. You want to get a good price for your stuff, but you also want to make sure things sell.

by Miranda Jackson

How to Price Used Items for Resale photo

Are you looking to declutter your space or get rid of some things before a move? Or perhaps you need to sell some of your stuff to make some extra cash.

Pricing used items for resale may feel like a balancing act. You want to make sure you’re getting a fair return for your belongings while also offering deals that are attractive to potential buyers. Fret not, for we’ve put together a friendly resale pricing guide to help you turn a fair profit.

1. Analyze your item’s condition.

First, take a good, hard look at the item you’re planning to sell. Is it a purse that you’ve only used once for a wedding? Or maybe it’s a bookshelf that has seen better days but still stands strong?

Understanding the condition, brand and demand for your item is crucial. If it’s in tip-top shape and from a sought-after brand, you might be able to price it higher. For items that are a bit more loved (i.e., used), consider setting a more modest price.

2. Do your research.

No matter what you’re looking to sell, the internet is teeming with similar items up for grabs. Take a little time to browse online marketplaces, such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Look for items that closely match yours in terms of condition, brand and age. This will give you a ballpark figure to start with.

Sign Up for Savings

Subscribe to get money-saving content by email that can help you stretch your dollars further.

Twice each week, you'll receive articles and tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

3. Consider the item’s original price.

The original price tag can be a helpful reference point, especially for high-ticket items, such as electronics or furniture.

A general rule of thumb is to price gently-used items at about 50-75% of their original price. Of course, this depends on the item’s condition and how long you’ve had it. For items that are more worn or have been with you for a while, aim for 20-50% of the original price.

4. Factor in sentimental value (but don’t overdo it.)

Items that hold sentimental value are often the hardest to sell since we tend to place a higher dollar value on them than they are worth. I have a treasured handpainted ceramic Chihuahua made by my grandmother that has been passed down through four generations. It holds a lot of sentimental value, but I doubt I could get more than $5 to $10 for it.

While it’s okay to factor in some sentimental worth, try to remain objective. What would you be willing to pay for it if you were the buyer?

5. Take the economy into account.

During an economic boom, people are more willing to splurge on non-essential goods, potentially allowing you to set slightly higher prices. However, during tougher economic times, buyers often become more frugal, searching for bargains on essentials and being more cautious with their discretionary spending. You may find that non-essential items become tough to sell during tough economic times.

Remember that if you’re selling items to make some extra cash because of a tough economy, potential buyers may not have as much to spend for the same reason.

6. Stay open to negotiation.

Even with careful research, sometimes you won’t know the perfect price until you see how the market reacts. It’s smart to leave a little wiggle room for negotiation. Some buyers love the thrill of haggling, and it can lead to a faster sale.

Just make sure you know your absolute minimum price so you don’t end up in a position where you’re selling at a loss.

7. Adjust pricing as needed.

Don’t be discouraged if your item doesn’t sell immediately. The used market can be fickle, and sometimes, it’s just about finding the right buyer at the right time.

If you’re not getting much interest, consider lowering your price a bit. Conversely, if you’re inundated with messages, maybe you’ve got a hot item that could fetch a higher price!

8. Stay mindful of the impact of presentation on pricing.

When it comes to listing an item for sale online, a little effort goes a long way. Clean up your item, take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, and write an honest, detailed description. A well-presented item not only attracts more buyers but can also help you justify your asking price.

Reviewed March 2024