I'm a furloughed west coast fed. How can I sell stuff?

January 14, 2019 1:46 AM

I'm a furloughed federal employee with rent to pay and dog food and ramen to buy (not necessarily in that order). I've been trying to sell furniture and antiques on Craigslist to raise cash but haven't gotten any nibbles. Any suggestions on how to best sell things locally? I have a pickup and can deliver and have some (seemingly desirable) furniture items. I don't have anything that a pawn shop would be interested in. Unfortunately I'm "excepted" so I'm not available to look for work (or eligible for unemployment).
posted by anonymous to Grab Bag (15 answers total)

Not sure if this is helpful, but when I’ve used craigslist, I usually have much better luck by comparing what similar items are going for and knocking a few dollars off of my asking price. People are generally eager for a bargain, which can be tough if you’re tight, but I usually felt some money for the thing I don’t need is better than no money.

Alrernately, would you be able to do some work under the table? Babysitting, dog walking, etc?
posted by stillmoving at 2:26 AM on January 14, 2019

The timing is unfortunate because I think the time of year is when more people are trying to clean out and the market may be flooded and there are less buyers than usual. Have you tried selling on other platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook? You might have more luck advertising on Nextdoor to do small tasks like yard clean up or dog walking like mentioned above. Mention your situation to friends and see if you can get some gigs through word of mouth. I hope the shutdown ends soon with backpay, I’m sorry you’re in this situation.
posted by cakebatter at 2:34 AM on January 14, 2019 [4 favorites]

Where I live Craigslist is nearly dead. Facebook marketplace is where it is at. Also as others said try Nextdoor and neighborhood Facebook groups.
posted by k8t at 3:12 AM on January 14, 2019 [10 favorites]

Yeah, my understanding is that Facebook Marketplace is much better for this these days.

Also, put a bowl of fruit on it.
posted by Rock Steady at 4:18 AM on January 14, 2019 [9 favorites]

Came to say what Rock Steady said. Facebook, and put a bowl of fruit on it.
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:52 AM on January 14, 2019 [2 favorites]

I would include in the description that you are a federal employee who is trying to get by. I and everyone I know are sorry this is happening to you, if I was on the edge about a purchase or thinking of waiting a while, knowing that would make my mind right up.
posted by InkaLomax at 6:16 AM on January 14, 2019 [26 favorites]

This article has a bunch of suggestions on places to sell stuff.
posted by leslies at 6:16 AM on January 14, 2019

There's an antiques flea market in Sacramento on the 4th Sunday (?). You might look into getting a table there.
posted by slidell at 6:30 AM on January 14, 2019

This is not answering your question, but if you're in a fairly urban area, as a person with a pickup, you might find that you can make significant money delivering other people's stuff, moreso than selling your own. Consider throwing up a listing offering your services as a person who can move larger items.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:47 AM on January 14, 2019 [26 favorites]

Another place to try is Nextdoor (you could even post something sharing your situation in the main section, rather than just posting the items in the classifieds, if you're comfortable with that). If you're selling a small loveseat/sofa and in the Bay Area, Memail me...I don't have a way to pick up furniture and haven't been having luck on Craigslist.
posted by pinochiette at 8:20 AM on January 14, 2019

People are also selling stuff on OfferUp. If you have clothes to sell, Mercari and Poshmark are a couple of options. You might be able to put your truck to use through Dolly.
posted by purple_bird at 11:24 AM on January 14, 2019

Um, this is not a direct answer to your question, but Task Rabbit doesn't send out 1099s until you've made over $20,000 in a year or have had over 200 transactions. If you have a truck you will be in high demand.
posted by ananci at 11:56 AM on January 14, 2019 [2 favorites]

Nthing FB Marketplace.
posted by turbid dahlia at 5:01 PM on January 14, 2019

I've sold things locally using LetGo, and OfferUp. They worked essentially as promised.
posted by whisk(e)y neat at 6:54 PM on January 14, 2019 [1 favorite]

The problem with the whole selling-things-to-deal-with-the-shutdown concept is this:

Almost all of the people who buy used items are lower income.

Low-income people, right now, are understandably concerned about their safety nets disappearing in the near future. Therefore, people aren't buying.

People who are comfortable spending money right now are NOT those that tend to purchase used.
posted by stormyteal at 8:14 PM on January 14, 2019