January 2, 2023

How to sell electronics online

Karol D via Pexels

Selling electronics online has become a popular way to earn extra income, but it can be challenging.

Creating a compelling listing and securing a buyer can be complicated, especially if you're new to online marketplaces. The good news is several platforms can help you reach potential buyers if you want to sell electronics online.

This article will provide an overview of best practices and sites to sell your electronic items. So, whether you're selling an old phone, tablet, laptop, or game console, we've got you covered.

Things To Consider Before Selling

If you want to sell electronics online, it's essential to consider a few things before listing your product.

First, be sure to consider the condition of the item, its demand, and market value. Taking clear, well-lit photographs of the item will help you accurately represent the product and avoid any negative feedback from buyers.

It is also essential to be honest about any issues with the item and provide exact details in the product description. Fuzzy language can confuse and alienate customers, so use clear, concise language when describing your products. This will protect you from any valid claims arising after the sale.

Additionally, resetting electronic items back to factory settings before selling them is essential to protect any previous data.

When pricing your product, research similar products on the same or other marketplaces and set a competitive price for your item. Be mindful of any fees involved in the selling process, such as shipping and handling costs, as these can add up quickly.

Finally, consider building a positive reputation on your chosen platform by providing excellent customer service, responding to queries promptly, and having a good feedback rating. Doing so will help you stand out from other sellers and increase your chances of successful sales.

Best Places To Sell Your Electronics Online

There are many places to sell electronics online. Here's a list of some of the most popular options:

eBay

To sell on eBay, you'll need to create a listing. Once you've done that, tell eBay what you're selling by providing titles and specifying the category of your item.

Then, add photos and videos of your item to give potential buyers an idea of what they're looking at. You can also add item variations and specifics to make it easier for buyers to find your product. Additionally, provide a detailed description of your product and specify its condition.

After that, choose the format and make sure to price your item accordingly. Set up the shipping details so buyers know how much it will cost them to get their purchase delivered.

You can also reach more buyers by setting up charity options or offering discounts on multiple items purchased together.

Finally, check all the information you provided is correct before listing your item. One great benefit of selling on eBay is its fees calculator, which lets you quickly calculate your profits.

  • QUICK TIP: eBay allows sellers to create promotional offers such as discounts or free shipping

Craigslist

The process of selling electronics on Craigslist starts by selecting the state where you're located. This will ensure that your ad reaches the right local audience. 

Once you've chosen the right location, click the "post to classifieds" button and select "electronics" under the sales category. It's important to make sure that you specify the type of product you're selling in the post title so buyers can easily find it.

After providing all the necessary specifications and details, such as model, condition, and price, upload quality images of the product, including any accessories, to maximize buyer interest.

Finally, before posting it publicly, review the post carefully to ensure it is accurate and reflects what's being offered. From there, your listing is live and ready for potential buyers to make a purchase.

  • QUICK TIP: Craigslist allows sellers to post ads in multiple cities to help them expand their reach.

Offerup

To start with Offerup, open the app and tap "Post" to list your electronic item.

Next, select whether to take a new photo or choose an existing photo from your gallery to showcase your item, and then enter a detailed title.

Be sure to fully describe the product, including specifications such as dimensions, color, and other important details. 

Then, choose your item's correct category and sub-category and set its condition. Once you've done this, determine if you'd like to sell the product through an in-person meetup or nationwide shipping via the app.

The latter option involves paying a minimum service fee of $1.99 plus 12.9% of the item's asking price.

Finally, set a fair price for your product and add your location information before posting it.

  • QUICK TIP: Offerup has a "featured listings" section that highlights top-selling items

Mercari

Mercari requires that you create an account by providing your personal information, which includes your name, address, date of birth, social security number or tax identification number, and some form of government-issued identification.

Once you set up your account, find the electronic item you want to sell. You can set a fair price by checking out other similar listings and using Mercari's Smart Pricing option.

After determining the price, take clear and attractive photos of your item from various angles and write a detailed description highlighting the item's features and overall condition.

Once you finish these steps, list your item on Mercari. If you respond quickly to messages and inquiries from potential buyers, Mercari rewards you with a "fast responder" badge, boosting your credibility on the platform.

Choose a shipping option for your item and note that Mercari will take 10% of the sale price plus 2.9% + $0.50 as their fee for facilitating the transaction.

Finally, once your item is sold, rate your buyer so other sellers can make informed decisions when dealing with them in the future.

  • QUICK TIP: Check out Mercari's “Promote” feature, which helps sellers get more exposure.

Facebook Marketplace

To sell an electronic item on the Facebook Marketplace, first, log into your Facebook account from a desktop and click "Marketplace" on the left-hand side of the screen.

Then, click on the "Create New Listing" option to list your first product. Provide detailed listing information such as photos, a listing title, and price.

Choose a relevant category from the drop-down list, and select the condition of the item you’re selling to potential customers. Be sure to add relevant product tags, your location, and whether you're shipping the item or providing local pick-up.

Once you've completed all these steps, click “Publish,” and your listing will go live.

When you've found a potential buyer for your electronic item, simply communicate with them via messenger about all your product details. Be sure to edit your listing or mark it as sold once you've closed the sale.

Note that when you make a sale on Facebook Marketplace, the selling fee is 5% of the total amount your buyer pays, including shipping costs. For sales that are $8.00 or less, there is a flat fee of $0.40. Facebook automatically takes their fee from the payout you receive.

  • QUICK TIP: Facebook Marketplace allows sellers to target specific audiences with ads

Sell electronics online with ease.

Selling electronics online can be overwhelming, with many options and considerations to remember. However, we hope this article has armed you with the knowledge & confidence to go into the venture knowing it doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right practices and platforms, selling electronics online can be an empowering experience that gives you space to make a great income.

And if you're looking for an even easier way to sell electronics online without the time commitment or hassle - check out Sella's platform, which makes selling electronics hassle-free.