7 tips to sell your used items online – safely and without the hassle

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 5 Minutes

Have you finally decided to sell the snowsuit, the New Year’s dress or your ceramic collection that’s been gathering dust in the closet? Great! When you sell your used items online, you tidy up while making money and at the same time you contribute to the circular economy. That’s a triple win!

But how do you get started without the hassle and endless messages back and forth? We’ll walk you through 7 practical tips for selling your used items that make it easier to succeed.

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1. Create attention-grabbing photos

You scroll past things within seconds and so do your potential buyers.

Great photos stop the scrolling. Poor photos get ignored.

Prepare the item before you take pictures. Remove dust, wash or iron clothing, and make sure the item looks its absolute best. A bit like fixing your hair before someone takes a picture.

Take photos in good light (preferably daylight), from multiple angles, and show both the full item and the details. Does the item have a flaw? Show it. Honesty builds trust and means fewer unhappy messages later.

Choose the strongest photo as your main image. It’s the one that grabs attention when potential buyers scroll through listings.

Bonus tip: Natural light and a neutral background work wonders. A window and a plain wall are often all you need.

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2. Write descriptions that answer questions before they’re asked

Think about what you would want to know if you were buying a used item. The more precise your description is, the easier it becomes to sell your used things and the fewer messages you’ll have to reply to.

Make sure to include:
- size and measurements
- colour
- material
- brand
- condition
- any flaws
- whether you offer shipping

Use relevant keywords that buyers typically search for. Instead of just “brown leather jacket,” you could write: “Brown vintage leather jacket in genuine leather, size M, with button fastening, perfect for autumn.”

This makes it easier for the right buyers to find your listing.

Bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to add a bit of personality to your descriptions. An honest, human tone makes you appear more trustworthy and more pleasant to buy from.

 
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3. Set the right price

Price plays a big role when you’re selling used items online. If your price is too high, you might scare potential buyers away. If it’s too low, you risk losing out on money.

Check what similar items are selling for on the platform, and adjust your price based on condition, brand and demand. A realistic price attracts serious buyers faster.

Bonus tip: Set your price slightly higher than your minimum, so there’s room for negotiation.

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4. Provide great service with clear and quick communication

You have a potential buyer in your inbox. Now it is time to keep them engaged with good customer service.

Respond quickly to inquiries, be friendly, and give them any additional information they might need. Remember that online selling is about building trust. Good communication can set you apart from other sellers and make buyers feel more confident about buying from you.

Bonus tip: Think ahead. Answer the most common follow up questions in your first reply. It saves you time and reduces unnecessary back and forth messages.

 
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5. Pack the item securely

Congratulations, you have sold your item. Now it needs to be packed correctly so it arrives safely at its destination.

Use cardboard boxes for hard items and shipping bags for soft items. Remember to fill any empty spaces in the box with things like bubble wrap, newspapers or packing paper so the item does not move during transport.

Recycling is perfectly fine as long as the packaging still protects the item.

Read more about safe packing in our packing guide .

Bonus tip: Include a personal note inside the parcel. It creates a positive experience and can lead to an even better review.

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6. Send the parcel easily, quickly and safely

The item is packed and you are ready to send it. Now you just need to purchase the shipping.

Choose a carrier that makes it easy and safe to send a parcel. Look at things like shipping prices, ParcelShops near you, delivery times and the option to use a printing free label.

In the GLS app and on send.gls.dk you can send your parcel from 43 kroner with next day delivery. You receive your label as a QR code, so you do not need to use a printer. Just bring the parcel and your phone to one of our more than 1,800 ParcelShops. They scan the code, print your label and send the parcel safely on its way. It is easy.

Bonus tip: Download the GLS app and make it even easier to send and receive your parcel.

 
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7. Avoid getting scammed by fake buyers

Unfortunately, there are also scammers in the second hand market. There are many examples of people pretending to be interested buyers who want to send a so called courier to your home to pick up and pay for the item. They may also claim that they will pay for the shipping and then send you a link where you are asked to enter your personal information. You can see prior examples of fraudulent messages here .

You should never agree to this. Only send the item with a reliable carrier, and always pay for the shipping yourself.

The good news is that many resale platforms have strong security features in the app, which helps protect you from scams.

Bonus tip: Check the buyer’s profile. Very few photos, limited information, few or no friends or a newly created account can be a warning sign.

You are now ready to start selling used items online. Whether you are selling children’s clothing, electronics, furniture or home accessories, the same principles apply: Make it easy for the buyer and create a sense of security from the listing to the delivery.

The best advice is to start with one item. Once you have sold something for the first time and experienced how easy it is to send a package and receive the payment, it usually becomes easier and a bit more fun the next time.