Selling someting in the US

[Arragonis]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

We have some friends in the US who are looking to sell a load of stuff - everything from furniture to a house - and would like some ideas on how to get this online. They don't know tech other than email and bit of gentle surfing.

You know the kind of thing, some kind of website which allows you to post ads maybe with some pictures to which people can respond.

I've heard of Craigslist but obviously being outside the US I haven't seen it or ever used it - it doesn't reach outside the "sea to shining sea" area. Are there other options out there people would recommend and/or is there a decent intro on how to use CL ?

Many thanks.

A.

[Patrick]

Craigslist or Ebay.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

is there a decent intro on how to use CL ?

craigslist | about > help

[slowmover]

Much depends on where they live. Many will not buy without having the item in hand. Those who do can balk at shipping costs. So a big metro region around a major city is easiest. Same for living east of Cleveland and north of Washington, D.C. About 100-million Americans in the "Northeast". Same with the Pacific Coast. Lots folks spread in a thin line from San Diego, CA to Vancouver, B.C.

In those areas are specialists for many items of "living". Antique stores, re-sale shops, consignment operations and the rest. Buyers already know to use them.
Auction houses are another. These types either buy outright or attach a percentage fee to the end buyer.

The advantage of this is the sheer number of calls one may receive. Having moved an entire household five times in five years, there is much to be said for getting the item sold & gone over the last dollar of value.

There are also charitable and non-profit operations that will remove items conferring a tax deduction. Not always considered is that getting rid of an old, out-of-tune piano to one of these is a life-saver (weight, size, bulk). Sometimes one can arrange that a three-way deal is made for cash to one, and items to another, and the move of the "problem" done between those two.

Etc.

.

[mcrews]

I have recently sold 10+ items over ebay.
Ebay works best with smaller, easily shipped items.
us post has priority boxes in 4 prepriced sizes.
Ebay & paypal will print a shipping label WITH the postage paid.
Never have to leave your living room.
(pick up the boxes at any post office ahead of time) (their free)

[Arragonis]

I think ebay may fry their brains - near retired couple with little PC skills other than email - apparently, and only 56k tin can string connection. CL looks a little more like a newspaper ad with a broader audience.

Thanks to all for the suggestions, I have a CL account - in Scotland

[mcrews]

If they just take pics, then anyone can post the items on Ebay.
But with turtle speed, pics may be hard to do.

Craigs list, (imho) invites more fraud and scams than ebay.

[herrylothar]

Its not too difficult to sell out anything in US. Its routine matter to sale something via telemarketing. We get better response via it beside anyother way

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by herrylothar

Its not too difficult to sell out anything in US. Its routine matter to sale something via telemarketing. We get better response via it beside anyother way

>>>>>?????????????????

[Arragonis]

I thought spam too, in any case its unlikely an aged couple selling up their house will ring round the area telemarketer style...